The Nation June 11, 2014

Newspaper of the Year

Bomb scare rocks Abuja markets

•‘Enyeama is world’s best’ •Eagles not playing for cash, says skipper Yobo •Team gets security alert TS SPORTS •Mark is cheer leader SPOR Page 24

NEWS

Page 4

•Shutdown as police search for explosives •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 9, NO. 2874 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

EKITI 2014

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•Tinubu, APC, groups condemn attack on Fayemi •Governor leads in opinion poll •AND MORE ON PAGES 7&8 •Accord promises industries•Fayose at Aso Villa

NLC warns against media clampdown

By Joseph Jibueze, Lagos; John Ofikhenua, Abuja; Oziegbe Okoeki; James Azania, Lokoja; and Nneka Nwaneri, Lagos

W

ORKERS joined yesterday the massive condemnation of the military’s attempt to muzzle the press.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Lagos State House of Assembly and the Senior Pastor of Trinity House Ituah Ighodalo, urged Nigerians to resist any attempt to restrict the media in a democracy.

NLC, in a statement by its President Abdulwahed Omar, said the clampdown on newspapers, which began on Friday, is absolutely unacceptable and clearly out of place in any democratic society.

“We strongly believe a free press is very critical in the sustenance of democracy and any obstruction to the operations of any critical organ of our democratic process would be resisted as the recent infringements in the circulation of newspapers portend. In any case foreign media organisations seem to have more access to information on these violent groups, especially Boko Haram, than our security agents.

Continued on page 4

‘

Security has never been an excuse anywhere in the world to break the law... no segment of the society is allowed to be law unto itself, not even the military...All this is happening on the watch of President Jonathan who exults in his possession of the people’s mandate

’

SEE EDITORIAL ON PAGE 19

•The Madaki of Kano and Chairman of the four-man Kingmakers Council, Alhaji Yusuf Nabahani Cigari Ibrahim presenting to Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (second left) the Holy Qur’an, the “twin spear” (Tagwayen Masu), the sword, Emir Dabo’s hat and the ostrich plumage shoes —the instruments of his office— at the Government House...yesterday. With them are: Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and other kingmakers

Emir Sanusi gets regalia of office

PAGE 4

APC uncovers plot to split party at convention

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WHERE ARE THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15?

Pressure on aspirant, ex-governor, supporters to walk out

A

PLOT to disrupt the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) coming up in Abuja on Friday has been uncovered.

Some forces in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are said to be working on a chairmanship aspirant, a former governor and their followers

From Yusuf Alli and John Ofikhenua, Abuja

to walk out of the convention if the result does not favour the aspirant.

The PDP’s plan, it was learnt, is to disrupt the convention the way some governors and party leaders walked out of the last PDP National Conven-

tion.

The PDP elements are blaming APC for the emergence of the defunct New PDP at their convention in Abuja on August, last year.

Four candidates are interested in APC’s National Chairmanship.

They are former Edo State Governor

John Odigie-Oyegun; former Minister of Foreign Affairs Chief Tom Ikimi; former Bayelsa State Governor Timpreye Sylva, and a former PDP Deputy National Chairman Sam Jaja.

A highly-placed source said: “Intelligence reports have shown that some Continued on page 4

•LIFE P15 •SPORTS P23 •MONEY P26 •INVESTORS P37 •POLITICS P43 •FOREIGN P60

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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NEWS

Jonathan...A pr

•From left: Director, Business Segment, Etisalat Nigeria Mr. Lucas Dada, Leadership expert and Business Coach Mr. Brian Tracy, Chief Operating Officer, Brimass Mr. Stephen Ojji and Head, Business Segment, Etisalat Nigeria Mr. Bidemi Ladipo at the Remarkable Leaders' Conclave 2.0 with Brian Tracy sponsored by Etisalat Nigeria in Lagos.

The last few months, especially since the Chibok girls’ abduction, have left President Goodluck Jonathan’s image seriously battered and in need of repair, writes Financial Times

F

• From left: President/CEO, GE Power Nigeria Dr Lazarus Angbazo, Minister of Power Prof Chinedu Nebo and President/ CEO, South Sahara Africa Lorraine Bolsinger at the launch of GE Power in Lagos...yesterday.

•From left: General Manager, Readymix Nigeria Mr. Chris Lobel, General Manager, Industrial Performance, Lafarge Mr. Lanre Opakunle and Senior Vice-President, Marketing, Lafarge Paris Mr. Loren Zanin during the Lafarge work-out programme.

PHOTO:

•High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria, Muhammad Saleem (second right) receiving a business directory from the Director-General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. John Isemede during the Ambassador's visit to NACCIMA Secretariat in Lagos.

With them is Nigerian Deputy High Commissioner to Pakistan Ambassador Abiodun Oyede (right).

SOLOMON ADEOLA

EW African heads of state have experienced a drubbing at the hands of traditional and social media quite like Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan. In many African countries a degree of deference to the office of the head of state persists.

But in the 56 days since Boko Haram extremists abducted more than 250 school girls in the country's remote northeast, Nigerian commentators have seized on his government's chaotic response to portray Mr Jonathan as weak and incapable of tackling the debilitating corruption around him.

The former zoology lecturer, whose humble roots and non-combative style were welcomed when he became president in 2010, is now the butt of comedy skits. The most withering is a puppet show that caricatures him as a small-town politician, surrounded by sycophants, as poorly advised at a national level as he is clueless on the international stage.

It is a reflection of the country's politics that the evident unease - at least among elites - about Mr Jonathan's capacity as a leader will not necessarily be the deciding factor in general elections scheduled for next February.

Rather, politicians from the ruling party and the opposition are using the insurgency being waged by Boko Haram to capitalise on the historic cleavage between the country's predominantly Muslim north and mostly Christian south. This is setting the stage for what could be the most viscerally divisive contest since the end of army rule in 1999.

Ethnic and religious considerations have long been a dominant factor in Nigerian elections. Northern politicians have been clamouring for their turn back at the top ever since Mr Jonathan, a Christian from the oil-producing Niger delta, consolidated his ascent to power at 2011 elections following the death of his northern Muslim predecessor, Umaru Yar'Adua.

Despite the enormous powers vested in the presidency, Mr Jonathan has struggled to appear in charge in the face of multiplying crises. In the latest blow to his authority, Lamido Sanusi, the fiercest critic of his government's record on corruption whom he ousted as governor of the central bank, has been appointed as emir of Kano, the second highest Islamic authority in the country.

Daily protests at the government's as-yet-ineffectual efforts to free the abducted girls have united men and women from across the country, albeit in small numbers. The bombings and massacres carried out by the terrorist group have otherwise heightened religious tension and eroded public confidence in the capacity of the security forces to contain any further breakdown in law and order.

"Everyone should be mindful that

•Jonathan and Pakistani President Mahmoon Hussain....yesterday.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

Nigeria is in such a precarious position," says Hadiza Bala-Usman, an opposition activist and one of the organisers of the protest campaign "#bringbackourgirls".

In recent pronouncements, Mr Jonathan has attempted to rally the nation. General Muhammadu Buhari, a former military head of state who won much of the northern Muslim vote as a presidential candidate in 2011 polls, has also sought to rise above the fray.

"We are in a very serious situation where the country should be put first.

It is Nigeria against Boko Haram and all those on our side must make sure terrorism is defeated," he said.

Others are prepared to point fingers.

Olusegun Obasanjo, the former head of state once instrumental in Mr Jonathan's rise, is now among his strongest critics. He told the Financial Times that the president initially failed to respond to the girls' abduction because he believed it was concocted as an "attack against him personally" and was part of a broader northern political conspiracy. Many of Mr Jonathan's supporters hold similar views.

The ruling People's Democratic party has had no qualms about playing on these fears, portraying the main opposition coalition, the All Progressives Congress, as driven by a Muslim fundamentalist agenda despite its broad reach across ethnic and religious divides.

In a statement last week, Olisa Metuh, the PDP's national publicity secretary, described the APC as "bloodthirsty, religious and ethnic bigots".

"Unfortunately what the government has done is to portray everyone who questions governance as a potential sympathiser (of Boko Haram)," said Obi Ezekwisili, a Christian former education minister and World Bank's vice-president for Africa who is a vocal campaigner for the abducted girls.

The electoral battle lines are still forming with politicians shifting allegiances in anticipation of the polls.

Mr Jonathan has yet to make explicit whether he will contest the election. But several new appointments and the defection to the opposition of many of his most vocal opponents have consolidated his position ahead of primaries later this year. His command of state resources still makes him the man to beat.

APC members believe the support

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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A president boxed into tight corner

•Traders outside Wuse Market following a bomb scare in the vicinity of the market...yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Jonathan: we’re still battling to get our girls back • Nigeria, Pakistan close ranks against terrorism P RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said his administration was still battling to get the Chibok girls out of Boko Haram’s grip.

Jonathan spoke during a joint briefing with Pakistani President Mahmoon Hussain at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Hussain is on a three-day state visit to Nigeria.

Jonathan said the two countries are suffering from terror attacks.

He said: "We have just held a bilateral discussion in the course of which we examined issues of common interest. In-fact, our two ministers have already briefed. But you will agree with me that this is quite significant, because just like Nigeria is suffering from terror attack, Pakistan is also experiencing terror attack.

"Only yesterday we had a nasty incident and even today, there are still some issues, just like we are still battling to deal with how to get our young daughters out of the hands of terrorists.

"Pakistan and Nigeria have been relating extremely well from independence. Of course, Pakistan gained independence earlier than Nigeria and they participated in the struggle to ensure that African countries gain independence.

"And we are now encouraging more robust visits at the highest level, the President is here with us, I will soon go to Pakistan for ex-

they have in the most populous southwestern and northern states will make it difficult for the ruling party to win a free and fair election. But

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

change visit, we will also encourage our Trade and Investment Ministers and our Foreign Affairs Ministers, our Defence Ministers to exchange. I'm sure that they will discuss how to get over the security issues.

"And they have been training a lot of our security personnel and they continue to do this and I know that Pakistan has developed significantly in terms of defence we are also developing. These are areas that we can cooperate."

He also said the two countries have signed a number of mutual agreements at the bilateral talks to boost bilateral trade which, he said, is expected to rise from less than $100 million to at least $1 billion within the next few years.

The bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding, according to him, cover agricultural development, industrial cooperation, cultural exchanges and trade/chambers of commerce, narcotics, anti-terrorism/security, poverty reduction and human capacity development.

Thanking Pakistan for supporting Nigeria's position at several international organisations and fora, he promised that Nigeria would reciprocate such gestures.

He accepted Hussain's offer to visit Paki-

much will depend on who the coalition chooses as its presidential candidate, and whether it can maintain the loyalty of heavyweight contenders

stan at a later date.

He said: "Pakistan has been relating well with all African countries. We are members of so many bodies, such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the D8, OIC and many others, and at all international levels, Pakistan and Nigeria relate very well."

"Recently, they cooperated with us when we wanted a seat in the UN Security Council as non-permanent member, they supported us and we will also reciprocate when it is their time, because they say one good turn deserves another. So we are quite pleased to be with the President of Pakistan."

"The Pakistan President, who is on a historic visit to our country, this first ever state visit by a Pakistani President, that is why we consider this visit extremely important and historical."

Continuing, he said: "This afternoon, myself and the Pakistan leaders will go for the closing ceremony for our industrialists, that is the business, because these are two countries that have high population, the two countries that also have resources, the two countries that if they work hand in hand, we will improve the welfare of the peoples of the two countries.

"Presently, the trade relationship between Pakistan and Nigeria is extremely low, which

who are passed over.

"What there is now is a vacuum of governance the likes of which we have not seen for a long time," says a

we are committed to doubling it in the next two years, and in the next five years or so, our target is that from under $100 million to at least $1 billion.

"In the areas of agriculture which Pakistan is doing quite well, you know Nigeria too we are changing our approach to agriculture from the subsistence level of farming that is known, we are taking agriculture as a business in terms of adding values to the agricultural value chain from the farming to adding values to the processing of course to the value chain.

"Of course we discussed a number of issues and we will continue to discuss more even as we meet with the business community. So we are doing all these to make sure that we increase the trade relations between the two countries to improve from under $100 million to at least $1 billion annually, because host is our targets."

On his part, the Pakistani President underscored the need to institutionalize existing economic partnership, air services agreement and exchange of prisoners, in addition to the agreements on oil and gas, education, dairy/ agricultural and industrial development.

According to him, he would today open a Pakistan Commercial Station in Lagos to boost the cooperation efforts.

He welcomed Jonathan's acceptance of his offer to visit Pakistan at a date to be decided on through diplomatic channels.

senior western official monitoring the turmoil, who warns there is no guarantee that Nigeria's elites will close ranks and muddle through the crisis

as they have in the past.

Ms Ezekwisili puts it another way: "We need to define a new set of values that govern us," she says.

Boko Haram: FCT Minister orders stricter security in public places

T

O enhance security of lives and property, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Bala Mohammed yesterday directed the managements of public and private institutions in Abuja to develop comprehensive security plans to forestall any attack by insurgents.

Mohammed said there was the need for proactive measures by all stakeholders to avert further terror attacks in the FCT. The minister gave the directive at the end of an emergency meeting of the top management of the FCT Administration chaired by him.

Others in attendance at the meeting, which took place in the minister’s Conference Hall, Area 11, Garki Dis-

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

trict, Abuja include the FCT Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, the FCT Permanent Secretary, John Chukwu, the Chief Staff to the FCT Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Yau Gital, the Special Adviser to the Minister on Security, Coordinator of Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Mandate Secretaries, Senior Special Assistants, Special, Directors, Heads of FCT Agencies and parastatals and other top management officers of the FCT Administration.

According to a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Nosike Ogbuenyi, the meeting was

to review security situation in the FCT against the backdrop of the recent Nyanya twin bomb blasts and threat of further attacks.

The public gathering places affected by the ministerial directive include motor parks, restaurants, markets, supermarkets, shopping malls and centres, drinking joints, parks and gardens, banks, churches, mosques, hotels, viewing centres and hospitals etc.

Apart from installing separate close circuit televisions (CCTVs), they are required to liaise with appropriate security agencies and engage well trained uniformed security personnel who shall be equipped with bomb detectors. He directed that all entry and exit routes to such places must be

adequately captured by the CCTV cameras and be manned by well equipped security personnel.

The minister advised residents to shun public viewing centres especially during the forthcoming football World Cup as such places are among soft targets of terrorists.

The managements of the places of gathering are expected to strictly comply with the security requirements for the running of public places in the FCT. According to the minister, those who fail to comply with the directive would face severe sanctions, which may include sealing off of the institutions.

The minister has set up an Ad-hoc

committee to formulate comprehensive security requirements for public places in the FCT. The committee headed by the Coordinator of Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Reuben Okoya, has among its members the Special Adviser to the Minister on Security, the Director of Security, the General Counsel, the Managing Director of Abuja Markets Management Limited, the Director of Engineering of the FCDA, the Secretaries of Transportation, Area Council and Social Development Secretariats as well one representative each from the offices of the Minister of State and the Permanent Secretary of FCT.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

NEWS Plot to split APC at convention uncovered Continued from page 1

PDP elements have been meeting covertly with one of the chairmanship aspirants, a former governor and their followers to stage a walkout at the national convention.

“After the walkout, the affected stalwarts will use the scene as an excuse to defect to PDP

which they had been working for.

“The plot is to show that APC is a party which cannot put its house in order. These forces are also embarking on vengeance mission following assumptions that APC fueled the emergence of the former New PDP.

Continued on page 59

Emir Sanusi gets traditional regalia

E

MIR of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi received the traditional regalia yesterday, barely 24 hours after he got his letter of appointment and staff of office.

Madakin Kano and Chairman of the four-man kingmakers Council Alhaji Yusuf Nabahani Cigari Ibrahim present•Odua Group Managing Director/CEOMr Adewale Raji (third left), Wema Bank Managing Dire tor/CEO Mr Segun Oloketuyi (third right) with (from left) Mr Moruf Oseni, Executive Director, Wema Bank, Alhaji Nurudeen Fagbenro, Executive Director South West, Wema Bank, Dr Adebayo Jimoh, immediate past GMD, Odua and Ademola Adebise, Executive Director, Wema Bank during the visit of the Odua GMD/CEO to Wema Bank Headquarters in Lagos

NLC warns against media clampdown Continued from page 1

“The military and other security agencies must restrict themselves to the protection of our sovereignty and go after those threatening this with violent attacks that have almost disappointingly overwhelmed those paid to protect lives and property, despite huge budgetary allocations.

“The security challenges we face must not be politicised and perhaps those in authority must know they are responsible and accountable to all Nigerians no matter what class, dogma, ethnic or political dispositions, and must not see governance with political bias.

“Democracy cannot survive without the media; no democracy anywhere in the world can survive with a circumscribed media. Freedom of and access to information is what builds democracy and we must not allow any of our security agencies or military formations befuddle our collective quest for sustained democratic governance,” NLC said.

According to the workers’ body, the period of impunity associated with unaccountable military dictatorships should not be reawakened by those elected under democratic platforms, adding that this will mean an

open invitation to anarchy.

“What Nigeria and Nigerians need now is an end to the ongoing armed attacks and we believe all agencies responsible for the protection of lives and properties in Nigeria are capable of ensuring this if well motivated, better equipped and not partisan.

“In the course of disrupting newspaper circulations, not a few have been left in deeper agony and poverty since their means of livelihood have come under armed attacks by those expected to protect them.

“The war against the media should not only be stopped immediately, all those who suffer losses especially vendors and publishers must be compensated while the officers involved in the attacks must be apprehended and adequately punished as enemies of democracy.

“What we all want is a total annihilation of all gangs that threaten lives and properties in Nigeria and the media have not been proved to be part of this threat. Instead, they have helped everyone with useful information, which also encourage security consciousness among citizens.

“We all want results and the military and other security agencies involved in the battle against

the budding insurgency in Nigeria need to urgently prove their abilities and professional prowess through the safe rescue of the Chibok girls seized since almost two months, and also apprehend the violence that have engulfed our country,” NLC said.

During plenary at the Lagos Assembly, Hon. Moshood Oshun, who represents Lagos Mainland 2 Constituency, raised the matter under matter of urgent public importance.

He said the seizure of the publications was meant to kill the press, adding that this used to be the norm under the military government, but that it is wrong under a democratic government.

“If the Federal Government felt bad about any report, it should go to a court of law rather than harassing, beating and detaining newspaper vendors, who don’t even know how the reports in the newspapers were written. It is wrong for the government to seize newspaper copies at this material time in the country,” he said.

The Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji said that it was not possible to kill the press as he said that even the military could not kill the press.

“If they don’t allow the press to publish openly, they would go underground and still publish.

There is no way the Federal Government can kill the press. They should bring back our girls and fight Boko Haram instead of fighting the press,” he stated.

Others who condemned the clampdown are Hon. Rotimi Olowo (Shomolu 1); Hon. Segun Olulade (Epe 2) and Hon. Mudashiru Obasa (Agege 1).

Ighodalo at a news briefing in Lagos said the government or the army should have gone to court if they felt there was a false report in the media.

“This is a nation where there are laws. This is a nation that is meant to be a democracy, where there should be freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of interaction and freedom of association. Anybody is allowed to say what they want to say.

“If you’re not happy with what they have said, there is a law. You can recourse to the court. You can sue them. You can sue them for blasphemy.

You can sue them for infamy.

You can sue them for whatever, but the law must be allowed to follow its process.

“There must be no kind of intimidation and clampdown on the media. It’s an abuse of office.

And it’s an abuse of fundamental human rights and freedom.

Continued on page 59

Shettima accuses Maku of trivialising Boko Haram

B

ORNO State Governor Kashim Shettima yesterday lamented what he described as gross misunderstanding of the Boko Haram crisis by those who should proffer solution to it.

He also said a massive development of agriculture to engage youths could end the insurgency in the Northeast.

The governor spoke at a conference on security and human rights, organised by the Centre for Historical Documentation and Research of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

He said it is as unfortunate that Minister of Information Labaran Maku was blind to the real crisis of Boko Haram. He accused him of choosing to trivialise the insurgency.

Shettima said it was a thing of concern that the nation’s chief spokesman who once served as Supervising Minister of Defence had a shallow understanding of the Boko Haram crisis. “No one might ever know the extent he might have inflicted his understanding of the Boko Haram on the service chiefs he had to work with,” he said.

The governor lamented that the insurgents had done so much harm to Islam and killed thou-

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

sands of innocent souls in Borno state. Property worth tens of billions of naira also destroyed He however warned that if the insurgents were allowed to overrun the northeast, they would seek to extend their territory to other parts of the country. He said negligence was responsible for the state the nation had found itself.

“As humans, we depend on oxygen and crisis depends on negligence and this negligence can be in different forms. Negligence can be in form of parents or teachers failing to instil the right habits on children to keep them out of crime; it can be in form of government failing to create and provide jobs to citizens in order to make crime unattractive or government failing to work hard to get the right intelligence at a good time or refusing to act appropriately with the right wares…

“Book Haram insurgency has drenched our society in blood and systematically, it has been responsible for a creeping destruction of the harmony of communities in huge swathes of Borno state especially, but also in other states of northern Nigeria.

The insurgency threatens the order of human and civilised existence and the ability of the state to provide the security and the welfare which Nigerians constitution says is the basis for the existence of the state.

“Boko Haram slaughters, shoots and crushes innocent people, destroys communities and public establishment for the fact that citizens do not share their violent ideology of murder and destructions.

“To Boko Haram, the life of a Muslim who doesn’t share the sect’s ideology is as condemned as that of a Christian or a traditionalist.

“This group of misdirected few among us has continued to unleash horror and of course, do so much harm to the integrity of the religion of Islam. They have killed thousands of innocent souls in Borno and destroyed property worth tens of billions of naira.

“There is one form of negligence that I didn’t mention, which to is one of the major factors standing on our way of ending Boko Haram. There is a supreme negligence of understanding the Boko Haram crisis itself and this makes it stubbornly difficult to make prescrip-

tions.

“Only days ago, the Minister of Information, the Chief spokesman of the country, Labaran Maku trivialised the Boko Haram crisis by blaming it on Borno state government.

Maku is the one to educate not just Nigerians, but the entire world on what constitute Boko Haram. However, the driver happens to be blind.

“Boko Haram crisis is highly misunderstood by many people, some of who, unfortunately are in position to form part of those that will make decisions to fight it. Let us not forget that Maku is a member of the Federal Executive Council”.

He dismissed the belief in some quarters that the Boko Haram insurgency was aimed at stopping President Jonathan from succeeding in his assignment saying “there is the unfortunate saying that Boko Haram is an agenda to stop a southern President from doing his job.

“Of all the attacks by Boko Haram from 2002, their major attacks were in 2009 when Mohammed Yusuf was killed under a northern President, Umaru Musa Yar’adua. The attacks snowballed in 2011 till date. So, what are we talking about?”

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

ed the traditional apparel to Emir Sanusi at the Government House. The regalia is for the Emir’s use on the day of his official turbaning.

Also in attendance were the Makama, Alhaji Abdullahi

Continued on page 59

Bomb scare rocks Abuja markets

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BUJA’S major market was shut down yesterday for four hours following a bomb scare.

The Wuse market remained shut till 10.am.

The Garki Ultra-Modern Market was also not opened —no thanks to an intelligence report of a bombing plot.

Traders were barred from entering as security opera-

From Grace Obike, Abuja

tives swept the environment.

Policemen from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) barricaded the market in Wuse.

Abuja police spokesperson Altine Daniel said the temporary closure was due to intelligence report received by the police.

Continued on page 59

Defecting governors won’t return to PDP, says Wamakko

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OKOTO State Governor Aliyu Wamakko has said there is no going back to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by he and four of his colleagues, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said the defection of himself and Governors Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) and Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) to the APC is a forgone conclusion.

President Goodluck Jonathan last Thursday said the PDP would not miss the governors because they cannot even win ward elections.

Wamakko described the President’s comment as a

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

joke, adding: “The President knows the value of the governors in their respective states; when a man says he doesn’t need an eye, it is because he cannot afford it.

“I think you know it sounds funny because many Nigerians know that he is just joking. Many Nigerians know who we are in our respective states. I think it is just a joke he is making.

“He labours hard to bring any of us back but he cannot.

When a blind man says he doesn’t need an eye, you know he cannot get one. I don’t want to talk about Jonathan, I better talk about other issues.”

Nobody can change UNILAG’s name, says Gowon

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HE controversy over the renaming of the University of Lagos resurfaced yesterday at the institution’s 2012/2013 convocation.

Its name will not be changed, former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon assured the students.

Two years ago, President Goodluck Jonathan announced the change of name from the University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University of Lagos.

Stakeholders in the institution protested the decision.

Gen. Gowon, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the ceremony, said UNILAG’ had come to stay provided students would continue to maintain good conduct and not drag the university’s name in the mud.

The former Head of State told the 3,264 graduands: “I hope you will live up to that very good reputation and ensure that you maintain the good name of this university. Rest assured that nobody can change the name of this university from what it is; so my congratulations and I wish you well in life.

“I know that there is problem about employment but don’t you worry. I am sure effort are being made so that whatever it is you can get employment procurement from the

By Adegunle Olugbamila and Sampson Unamka

government or you can also open your own business and make a success out of it.”

Vice Chancellor Professor Rahamon Bello told the graduants comprising 36 first class honourees that they all had a responsibility to promote the good image of the university, identify with their alma mater and contribute their widow’s mite to its development.

He said the university would not compromise its hallmark of producing quality first-class graduates that could compete favourably with their counterparts in any area of the world.

“This is in line with the vision of the University of Lagos which is, to be a top class institution for the pursuit of excellence in knowledge through learning and community service. We have vigorously maintained this tradition over the years and today’s ceremony provides an opportunity to present the scorecard and the state of the university,” he said. The ceremonies continue today.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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NEWS

I’m troubled by Nigeria’s challenges, says Abdulsalami

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ORMER Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, yesterday said he is worried about the country’s challenges.

He spoke yesterday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the inauguration of the city’s renovated general hospital.

Gen. Abdulsalami said: “As someone who has watched our country triumph over a civil war and several other crises and had the privilege of supervising our country’s return to democracy, I am troubled by the challenges that currently confront our country. However, I have no doubt that our country will

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

overcome these transient challenges and take its rightful place in the league of prosperous nations.

“Indeed, acts of good governance, as demonstrated by your government’s youth development efforts and today’s opening of this beautiful edifice as well as the entrenchment of equity and justice can hold the promise of restoring our people’s faith in this country. It can strengthen our preparedness to work together to build the Nigeria we all desire and deserve.

“While congratulating the beneficiaries of this

Chidoka for South African conference

modern edifice on the joy of today, I urge you to make the best use of the facilities through effective patronage to meet your health needs.

It is only in so doing that you can justify the government’s huge investment in the scheme.

“Let me call on government at all levels to continue to implement programmes and projects that will elevate our people and provide them with sustainable standards of living.

“Your determination to put this hospital back to shape is a clear confirmation of your love for the people of Kwara State and the determination to posi-

tively affect their lives.

“Furthermore, your efforts to create Shared Prosperity in your state and that of other state governments, which have shown a commitment to improving the lives of their people, is a silver lining in the cloud hovering over our country at this time.”

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said his administration had reduced maternal and child mortality and created the need for people to better take care of themselves and their environment through simple everyday measures.

He said: “The reasons for this programmatic emphasis are obvious. First, a

functional health system ensures the welfare of our people by keeping them in good health and providing access to quality health care, when required.

“Second, it is an incontrovertible fact that we cannot improve our people’s human capital unless they enjoy optimum health and can actively participate in socio-economic development.

“At this point, it is pertinent to note that aside from the structural renovation and installation of modern medical equipment, the ultramodern general hospital boasts qualified and committed medical personnel who can compete

32 Commonwealth local govt forum holds in Nigeria nd

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HE board meeting of the 32nd Commonwealth of Local Government Forum (CLGF) will hold on June 12 and 13 in Abuja.

This is the first time the CLGF board meeting would hold in Nigeria.

This year’s meeting, with the theme: Year of Developmental Local Government, will be attended by most senior ministers and elected government leaders from Commonwealth nations.

Tied to the meeting and preceding it is a one-day conference on: Local Governance and Local Development in Nigeria: Post 2015, for key local government stakeholders. It is meant to have useful interaction and discussions on best practices policies from around the world. The conference will hold today at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

favourably anywhere in the world.

“It is appropriate to also mention that the hospital will complement health services rendered by the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Sobi Specialist Hospital and other health facilities in the state.”

Police promote Olakpe, Okudo AIG

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HE Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Osita Chidoka, is among resource persons to present papers at this year’s edition of Saphilla 2014 in South Africa.

A statement by the Deputy Corps Commander (Deputy Corps Public Education Officer) of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Bisi Kazeem, said the global event is a biennial conference for system application and products (SAP) in data processing users to connect, create and collaborate, through sharing knowledge about innovations, implementation and service delivery.

At the event, Chidoka will make a presentation on: SAP Business Intelligence in Road Management - Real Time Incident Reporting and Dashboards.

Chidoka’s presentation will also seek to accentuate the relevance of business intelligence on information technology applications to provide access to data to help enterprise users make better decisions through online analytical process, statistical analysis, query and reporting, forecasting and data mining.

•Gen. Abdulsalami

•Four officers fired From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

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•Cross section of graduating students at the 2013 convocation of the University of Lagos (UNILAG)...yesterday

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PHOTO: NAN

Defection: Senator urges Adoke to withdraw suit against Tambuwal

ENATOR Kabiru Marafa has urged the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), to withdraw the suit he filed against the House of Representatives leadership.

Marafa told reporters in Abuja yesterday that Adoke needs to withdraw the suit within two weeks to show that he is not supporting the interest of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The senator advised the AGF to join the lawmakers who defected to the PDP, if he wanted to prosecute the suit against Tambuwal.

He said: “Within the next

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

two weeks, I urge the Attorney-General of the Federation to withdraw this suit against the Speaker or join the other colleagues in the House of Representatives who also defected from other political parties to the PDP. “It is when he does so we will call him the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and not the Attorney-General of the PDP. “He should withdraw this suit within these two weeks.

“If he fails to do so, I urge my brother and Commanderin-Chief to show the AGF the way out (of the cabinet) and to assure House members

that they can investigate ministers or any other government functionary as part of their oversight responsibility, as enshrined in the Constitution.”

Marafa said his colleagues “will not hesitate, on resumption (on June 24), to invoke the necessary or relevant sections of the constitution to defend the masses, the Constitution and the National Assembly”, if the AGF fails to do the right thing.

“I think it is enough of this impunity. Nobody should stop us from doing our work.

We should be allowed to carry out our work, as enshrined in the Constitution.

Whoever feels otherwise is free to come to the National Assembly.”

The senator alleged connivance between the Judiciary and the Executive on the matter.

He said: “The Judiciary, as an institution, comprises great men and women of proven integrity.”

Marafa said there might be some “bad eggs” within the system.

The senator said he was confident that the National Judicial Council (NJC) members would do the right thing.

“I think it is time for their own leadership to call this type of judges to order,” he said.”

its spread.

He said those living with the disorder tend to indulge in self-medication, especially with pain relievers, to reduce the throes of the disease.

According to him, such practice turns them into addicts to non-prescribed drugs, leading to euphoria, drowsiness, nausea, respiratory compromise, depression, coma and, sometimes, death.

The foundation chairman noted that the only way out is for governments at all levels and individuals to have genetic counselling materials and information to warn, counsel, prevent and manage the disease among the sufferers.

Ighodalo advised that newborns, infants and intending couples should be screened to prevent the ailment associated with the disease.

Sickle cell: Nigerians urged to know their genotype

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HE Chairman of the Board of Patrons of Dabma Sickle Cell Foundation, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, has urged Nigerians to know their genotype to reduce the risks associated with sickle cell anaemia and prevent its spread.

The cleric spoke in Lagos ahead of tomorrow’s Sickle Cell Day celebration.

He said the disease is preventable, if well managed.

By Nneka Nwaneri

Ighodalo urged the media to give the disease adequate publicity as they give other major diseases, such as malaria and Human ImmunoDeficiency Virus (HIV).

The cleric also listed the activities of the foundation and its programmes for tomorrow’s celebration, aimed at creating awareness on the seriousness of the disease and the need to curtail

HE Police Service Commission (PSC) has promoted Mr. Chris Olakpe and Grace Chita Okudo from Commissioner to Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs).

Also, seven Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) were promoted to Commissioners. They are: Victor N. Ojo; Elias Okafor Wayemeru; Paul E. Okafor; Henry Adebayo Fadairo; Stella P. Udosen; Felicia O. Noelle; and Ovie Votenisky Oyokomino.

A statement yesterday by the Assistant Director (Press and Public Relations) of the PSC, Mr. Ferdinand Ekpe, said 12 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) were elevated to DCPs. Also, 21 Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) were promoted to ACPs. Twenty-seven Superintendents were promoted to Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs).

The commission also elevated 15 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) to Superintendents, while 129 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) were elevated to the rank of DSPs. Twenty Inspectors were promoted to ASPs. The commission dismissed Superintendents Nyong Enefiok and Offu Ukereke.

DSP Eteng Bassey and ASP Mohammed Usman Kashim were also dismissed.

The statement added that an ASP was compulsorily retired for offences against police disciplines.

Six officers were reduced in rank, 10 were severely reprimanded, while others were reprimanded or issued letters of advice.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

NEWS Akunyili was a dogged fighter, says Afe Babalola

By Adegunle Olugbamila

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RONTLINE lawyer, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), has said Nigeria will miss former DirectorGeneral of the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the late Prof Dora Akunyili.

Babalola said the late Akunyili would be remembered for her fighting spirit, doggedness and large heartedness.

The former Minister of Information and Communication died in an Indian hospital on Saturday. She was 59.

In a tribute, titled: Dora Akunyili: Sunset at Noon.

Babalola said their paths crossed in 2001 during her crusade against fake drugs, when she was NAFDAC’s boss.

As the agency’s lawyer then, Babalola said he noticed Akunyili’s doggedness and uprightness even in the face of an attempt on her life.

He said: “What stand this professor of Pharmacy out are her patriotism, determination, selflessness and strength of character to use her office and, indeed, her all, for the good of the majority.

“I was very close to the departed star, as the lawyer to NAFDAC during her tenure as DG. NAFDAG and I affirm that she was bold and courageous: for it is only a bold, courageous, determined, focused and selfless person that will continue a battle after she escaped death by the whiskers after the assassin’s bullet pierced her head-gear on Boxing Day in 2003.

“After the unsuccessful attempted murder, an unperturbed and unruffled Dora Akunyili quickly put that behind her and continued her crusade as if nothing has happened. What a woman of virtue!

“She pursued the case of her attempted murder with vigour and verve. As her lawyer, we prosecuted the case from the High Court to the Court of Appeal. Now, we are at the Supreme Court. Unfortunately, Dora is no more to witness the outcome of the appeal at the Supreme Court.”

Babalola said it was after Prof Akunyili mounted the saddle as NAFDAC DG that the agency was shot into the limelight.

According to him, the late Akunyili brought honour, performance and panache to her office, following meticulously every case that NAFDAC handled and ensuring offenders were duly prosecuted.

Babalola, who is also the founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), recalled how he offered Prof Akunyili the post of pioneer Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD. The frontline lawyer said she gladly accepted the offer five years ago, but later turned it down following a political appointment she got from the Federal Government.

N20b libel suit: Obasanjo picks ex-PDP National Auditor as witness

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ORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has declined to testify in a case brought against him by a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southwest, Buruji Kashamu.

He has picked PDP's former National Auditor Chief Bode Mustapha, to testify on his behalf when the hearing begins.

Kashamu sued Obasanjo for alleged defamation of character over his (Obasanjo's) claim in a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan and the

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

former PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, that Kashamu was a fugitive wanted in the United States.

The suit is before Justice Valentine Ashi of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Wuse 2, Abuja.

Obasanjo's lawyer, Gboyega Oyewole, told the court yesterday that the former President had chosen not to testify in person but to call a witness. The lawyer pointed

at Chief Mustapha, who was in court.

Oyewole said his client had filed the necessary processes, in line with the court's earlier order and withdrew the applications he filed, challenging some averments contained in one of the plaintiff's affidavits.

He sought a date for hearing of the applications, including the main suit.

The plaintiff's lawyer, Alex Iziyon (SAN), did not object to Oyewole's decision to with-

draw his application.

The lawyer also agreed that a date be fixed for hearing.

He told the court that he intended to call two witnesses for the plaintiff.

Justice Ashi, who hailed the maturity the lawyers displayed in the case, urged them to work harmoniously while still protecting the interest of their clients.

The judge adjourned till July 28 for the beginning of hearing.

•One of the new Desiel Multiple Units (DMUs) inaugurated by Vice President Sambo on Monday before it was vandalised...

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA yesterday.

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Wild protests greet new train fare regime

RATE train commuters yesterday damaged the glasses of one of the two new air-conditioned Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) locomotives inaugurated on Monday

by Vice President Namadi Sambo at the Iddo Terminus in Lagos.

The protesters were angry about the new fare regime introduced by the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) on June 2.

The NRC increased the fare for the Economy Class on the standard Mass Transit Train (MTT) from Iddo to Ijoko, an Ogun State suburb, from N150 to N230. The fare on the First Class coach was increased from N500 to N750.

The protest over the fare hike caused a major hiccup in train services yesterday.

Scores of commuters, who were just hearing of the new fares, protested the hike.

The protest spread to major train stations, especially on the Ogun State routes, forcing the NRC to hurriedly suspend operations. Most stations on the Lagos axis hurriedly shut down.

The Itoki train station was set ablaze by the protesters.

The DMU, which was on its first service, was vandalised at the station. Most of the glasses on the three coaches were shattered.

At Ijoko, the protesters also vandalised another standard coach, on its fourth shuttle from Kajola.

At Agbado, bonfires were allegedly set on the train tracks while NRC officials,

By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

including cleaners, drivers and ticketers, fled to void attacked by the protesters who overran the station.

A commuter, Mr. Lekan Adesina (aka June 12), who usually boarded the train at Agbado, said he was shocked when he met the station in turmoil .

He said: “Everyone of us was shocked that the railway corporation could increase the fare for trains by as much as 80 per cent across the Economy and First Class.

“This unilateral increase was carried out without any consideration to the fact that

this is the only means of transportation for the masses and without adequate enlightenment about the change in the price regime.”

Also, about 100 suspects were arrested yesterday in Lagos and detained at the Nigeria Railway Police Command at Ebute-Meta Junction, Alagomeji, Yaba, in connection with the case.

A police source said the detainees would be taken to court after investigation.

NRC’s Assistant Director of Public Relations Mr. David Ndakotsu condemned the commuters’ action.

He said the NRC had been charging the old fares for

about a decade.

“We told them we were offering new air-conditioned coaches. They clamoured for a change, but it is sad that when we gave them the new coaches, they destroyed them,” he said.

The public should understand that the equipment were obtained to serve them better.

“The last thing we expected was for the new rolling stocks to be vandalised. It is sad and should be strongly condemned,” Ndakotsu said.

He confirmed that some suspects had been arrested, adding that investigation had begun on the incident.

‘States’ pension laws ‘ll worsen poverty’

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HE Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) has the pension laws being passed by outgoing state governors to provide for themselves and their families funds meant for other citizens of their states.

The TMG, in a statement yesterday by its Chairman, Zikirrulahi Ibrahim, said it was worried that the laws would give legal imprimatur to what he called a greedy political elite bent on taking much more resources than is due to them from the nation’s commonwealth.

The statement said: “Painfully, these laws are being passed without due regard for the nation’s vulnerable and unstable revenue profile, as well as the debilitating impacts these money grabs will have on the nation’s fragile economy.

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

“Apart from Governor Godswill Akpabio’s offensive Pension Law, now being reviewed by the legislative institutions in Akwa Ibom State, other states, including Rivers, Edo, Kwara and Lagos, among others, have in place similar extortionate laws, which provide the leeway for former governors and their deputies to live extravagantly off the public for the rest of their lives.

“The recent Akwa Ibom State ‘Governors and Deputy Governors Pension Law 2014,’ which was hurriedly passed by the governor in cahoots with the House of Assembly, is the height of this disingenuous ploy by the Nigerian political elite to continue its mindless milking of the cow of state.

“This law, an attempt to use the valid process of legislation to rubber-stamp an apparent assault on the commonwealth of the people, will not stand.”

“The TMG considers these laws, especially the one in Akwa Ibom, which will see the governor while in retirement guzzle up to N100 million of state funds per year on medical expenses alone, among other mind-boggling allowances, as the very height of the insensitivity and the crass opportunism that have become the hallmarks of the Nigerian political elite since 1999.

“TMG frowns at attempt to use the institutions of state to create the framework for ungodly and inconsiderate personal aggrandizement in the midst of so much poverty in the land.”

Delegates differ on rule of debate on committees’ reports From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

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HE adoption of the National Conference rule on debate of committee reports stalled proceedings yesterday for over three hours.

Delegates were divided between North and South, with North’s delegates backing the Conference Chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi, who suggested outlawing debates on committee reports.

But South’s delegates kicked, insisting that the move circumvents Order 9 Rule 2 of the Conference Rule of Procedures.

Delegates, on Monday, hurriedly agreed with Justice Kutigi when he mooted the idea of outlawing debates on committee reports to save time.

Before the close of business that day, Ms Annkio Briggs raised a point of information.

She asked “whether we have adopted Chairman’s proposal that there should not be debate of committee reports”.

The delegate said conference should revisit the issue to allow her colleagues make their comments on committees’ reports.

Ms Briggs’ question prompted other delegates to take a second look at the proposal.

Southern delegates were said to have met for several hours on Monday at the close of proceedings to reconsider Justice Kutigi’s proposal.

It was at the meeting, a source said, that a resolution was taken to reopen the issue through a motion.

Southern delegates reportedly reckoned that outlawing the debates on committees’ reports would lead to glossing over some critical committee reports, such as the Report of the Committees on Devolution of Power and Forms of Government, which are still pending.

Most Northern delegates seemed to have been taken unawares by the turn of events.

Attempts by the leadership to explain that the conference needed to save time by outlawing debates on committees’ reports, were futile.

Justice Kutigi reluctantly ruled that the conference would revert to the former mode of debating committees’ reports.

The chairman called attention to the drawback of allowing every delegate to comment on each committee’s report.

He warned that if the conference was able to conclude eight reports, “we will stop and turn in the rest to the government” with a proviso that “maybe we will allow the next generation to finish the work”.

Justice Kutigi adjourned for 10 minutes, apparently to allow frayed nerves to calm down.

It appeared that the chairman’s announcement did not go down well with most Northern delegates, who convoked an emergency meeting, which some delegates said deliberated on the unfolding scenario.

After 10 minutes, Justice Kutigi attempted to call the conference to order, but Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, Labour Party (LP) representative, told the chairman that Northern delegates were not in the chamber.

Nwanyanwu urged Justice Kutigi to tarry awhile “because it will be wrong to continue deliberation without some critical stakeholders”.

After some time, the Northern delegates strolled into the chamber for the deliberation to continue.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY JUNE 11, 2014

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NEWS EKITI 2014

Lagos APC, O’odua group condemn police attack on Fayemi, others

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HE Lagos State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) and a panYoruba group, O’odua Nationalist Coalition (ONAC), have decried the attack by the police on Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and the party members during a campaign rally in AdoEkiti, the state capital, last Sunday.

The APC chapter, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, called on the Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar to “quickly bring the perpetrators of that heinous crime against the constitution and Ekiti people to immediate justice.”

It also demanded the “immediate arrest and trial of the particular police officer from Bayelsa State who was commissioned to lead this provocative attack and we call for an open enquiry to ensure that all those behind this act of treason are brought to justice.”

Condemning the provocative violence and mayhem on Senator Babafemi Ojudu and the state’s APC leadership, it also flayed the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Olisa Metuh, for attempting “to justify this clear case of brigandage by the police on the members of the APC.” It warned that the party would resist every attempt by desper-

Tinubu: attack height of political intolerance, impunity THE National Leader of the All progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has in strong terms condemned the attack on the party members during a peaceful procession and campaign in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, last Sunday.

Tinubu, in a statement by his Media Office, noted that the unprovoked attack on innocent citizens simply because they belong to another party was the height of political intolerance and heightens the doubts most Nigerians have about the ability of the Federal Government to guarantee free and fair elections in Ekiti, Osun states and in 2015.

The APC leader observed that the open boasts and direct threats by the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to “capture” or win Ekiti back at all costs were beginning to manifest.

“The impunity of the police officers in Ekiti and glaring partisanship is clearly endorsed by the power that be. We, in this instance, will demand for justice and enforcement of our fundamental human rights. I am fully with Governor Kayode Fayemi and the people of Ekiti State in confronting this rising tyranny and defeating barbaric tendencies,” Tinubu said.

He declared that he was joining many well-meaning Nigerians to put the international community on notice that the Federal Government is too desperate to be trusted to protect the fundamental rights of Nigerians and to conduct free and fair elections.

“Nigerians are confronted with a government that sanctions

By Bola Olajuwon

impunity while laying false claims to being democratic.

“What was the crime of APC members and their supporters in Ekiti that they were teargassed, shot at and killed? Is sweeping the streets and singing party songs in a peaceful procession now a crime in Jonathan’s country? If you are sure you have people to vote for you, while resort to violence means?

“Political campaigns should be a celebration of democracy not war. Why are we promoting with the barrel of the gun and giving democracy tainted with the blood of the innocent to our people?

This is not the liberty we seek or the democracy we need. What happened in Ekiti is criminal. It is unacceptable. It is a direct assault on the rights and freedom of an elected governor and his people. It must not be allowed to stand,” the party leader declared.

Tinubu said APC believes in the contest of ideas, how to create jobs, provide security, ensure health infrastructure development and provide life more abundant for millions of our people.

“APC is not about the promotion and perpetration of violence but about ideas and peaceful competition in an atmosphere that is free and fair. Our adversaries must be mindful also that nobody has the monopoly of violence. Peaceful and civilised approach to issues trumps violence. This government must rescue millions of Nigerians from their poverty rather than intimidate them with the police,” he said.

•want perpetrators sanctioned ate politicians to force themselves on Nigerians in 2015.

The party said it deemed the attack “as the height of provocation by a failed party that sees the police as its hatchet dogs in their desperate efforts to stay in power.”

It warned that Nigerians

would not sit idly by and watch the police and the PDP continue intimidating innocent Nigerians in a bid “to continue stealing the electoral mandates of Nigerians for the purpose of continuing the ruination that has crumbled the country in fifteen years of perilous PDP government of the

country.”

The statement also reads: “Nigerians remember that sometime ago, a National Leader of the APC has rightly said that the PDP is in alliance with the police and INEC and that unholy alliance has accounted why these institutions see themselves as

malleable instruments in the inordinate desire of a failed party like the PDP to continue clinging on to power. We see the action of the police as the height of provocation not only to the institution of the governor but the entire constitution, democracy, rule of law and indeed by the

entire Ekiti State and its peace loving people.

“The haste with which the hare-brained PDP Publicity Secretary rushed to approve this brigandage and direct affront on the constitution of the land proves to all that the police was employed by the PDP to unleash violence on an Executive Governor of a state.

“We are in no doubt that this ranks as the way the PDP wants to employ to retain power when it had completely ran down the country and made the country an object of ridicule before the international community. “”We see the unprovoked attack on Governor Fayemi, Senator Ojudu and members of the APC in Ekiti, coming days after the military was employed to attack some newspapers in broad daylight, as another act of gangsterism which had served the PDP well in manipulating the electoral system to its unfair benefits, even as such wholesome manipulation has left Nigeria wrecked, destroyed and prostrate.”

In a similar development, ONAC said the attack on the governor and APC members was a plot to eliminate him and a conscious assault on the hierarchy of the Yoruba leadership.

The coalition, in a statement by its Head of Public Affairs, Chief Aliu Okunola, condemned the killing of Mr. Taiwo Akinola during the APC rally.

Fayemi leads in opinion poll

By Musa Odoshimokhe

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•Scores of commercial motorcyclists on the streets of Ado-Ekiti to welcome the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi...yesterday.

‘PDP plans telecoms cut, mass attack on APC’

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has uncovered alleged plan by the national leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to breach telecommunication transmission networks in Ekiti State.

The plan, APC claimed in a statement yesterday, is aimed at disrupting communication flow among poll monitors and members of staff of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to the party, this would also hamper communication among APC members by disallowing them from responding to distress calls in the trouble spots where PDP planned to rig elections and attack members.

The statement by State Interim Chairman of APC, Chief Jide Awe, also said PDP planned “to begin unleashing mayhem in the state, killing APC members to be clad in PDP colours and

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

then blame the act on APC.” It added that the plan was to paint APC members black before Nigerians, “thus necessitating extraordinary security measures by the Federal Government that will put fears in the minds of APC members after their leaders would have been arrested for murder.”

Awe said aside planning to disrupt communication in the major telecommunication networks, two governorship candidates of PDP met and perfected “plans to start the orgy of violence, leading to the killings of APC members, covering the corpses in PDP colours and blaming it on APC leaders” with a view to arrest them for murder.

This, APC said, would scare leaders and members of the party away from the streets on the day of election.

The statement also reads: “We are aware of a meeting held at Spotless Hotel in AdoEkiti where PDP members received instruction to hit the town to unleash mayhem. They are to target APC members for attacks in their meetings and where the population of members is thick. They were assured of police protection in their violent attacks.

“We are not surprised at the desperation of PDP. We have expected it. PDP knows it cannot win any election without violence.

“They are planning to start killing our members and drape their bodies in PDP colours to appear as if APC is responsible for the killings. This will cause anger among the unsuspecting Nigerians against APC. “We had earlier alerted Nigerians on the plots by PDP to orchestrate violence in the state to create apathy among voters

on the election day. We also called the attention of Nigerians to the cloning of voter’s cards by PDP to be illegally used by mercenaries to rig election. With PDP working in cahoots with the police, APC members will now be psychologically worn out while PDP members armed with the cloned cards would storm polling centres to illegally vote for their candidate,” the party said.

The APC called world’s attention to the fact that Nigerians stood with President Goodluck Jonathan when he was disallowed by the enemies of democracy to be sworn in and recognised as the substantive President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Democratic expression by Nigerians won him that battle and today he is savouring the benefits of democratic principle. He should remember the past and act as a statesman...”

NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisation, the Civil Society Coalition for Mandate Protection (CSC-MAP), has rated Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi as the best candidate among those contesting the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State.

The Director of Project, CSC-MAP, Mr. Kehinde Adegbuyi, at a briefing in Lagos, said the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate has 85 per cent chances of winning the election while other candidates share 15 per cent.

Presenting the 60-day survey report, Adegbuyi said the 20,000 respondents, who participated in the poll, cut across all strata of the society.

Adegbuyi said: “The research is scientific, thorough and evidentbased. It took place in 132 towns, villages, farmsteads and pockets of nuclear settlement spread across the state.

“Dr. Fayemi has the advantage of incumbency which he has used thoroughly to his own advantage. Nothing seems strong enough to change this tide, except there is a grand design to impose a candidate at gun-point,” he said.

He further stated that the respondents were satisfied with his performance and wanted him to continue in office. “The respondents wish to see the continuity of the programmes of the governor built around his eight-point agenda.”

Adegbuyi maintained that Fayemi’s preference was informed by the public trust, confidence in the character of the governor and prudent management of Ekiti resources.

The public equally overwhelmingly voted for him because of his leadership, which they felt was partly influenced by his global reputation and affinity to several credible international leaders in Africa and Europe.

“Not less than 83 per cent rated him high in people’s participation in government, 92 per cent scored him high on schools renovation, 85 per cent rated him high on women empowerment, 83 per cent (health) and 88 per cent on social security etc,” the director of project said.

Accord: we ‘ll industrialise Ekiti From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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CCORD Party’s governorship candidate, Mr. Kole Ajayi has re-affirmed his promise to industrialise Ekiti State during his rally in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government yesterday.

Ajayi also emphasised his ready to establish an industry in each local government.

The governorship candidate, while paying homage to the Elesure of Esure, Eleyio of Eyio and Oniropora of Iropora Ekiti in their domains, said he would ensure that “we establish an industry in each local government within four years and these industries will be drawing their raw materials from local contents, especially from our abundant agricultural products”.

He further assured the teeming youths in the state of sustainable employment, saying the industries would provide thousands of direct and indirect jobs for them.

In his response, the Elesure of Esure, Oba Ajibola Adebanji, commended Ajayi for his courage in seeing through his ambition.

Elesure added that Ekiti people had been watching his every move and discovered that it was not only genuine, but also timely in an era where people have lost their sense of belonging.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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NEWS Health Insurance for inmates

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HE Ogun State government has finalised arrangements to enrol prison inmates in its Community Based Health Insurance Scheme (CBHIS).

Commissioner for Health Olaokun Soyinka said the government would pay the inmates’ monthly premiums.

Soyinka broke the news yesterday when he visited Oba Prison in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.

He said: “The Governor Ibikunle Amosun administration is passionate about enhancing the wellbeing of inmates. Everything necessary is now in place to provide and sustain this.”

Soyinka said the health insurance would cover preventive and curative health care, adding that equipment, drugs and other logistics would be provided.

He handed over antimalaria drugs, toiletries, mosquito nets and disinfectants to the prison authorities.

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola with winners of the 2014 Be Road Friendly competition at Alausa in Ikeja, Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO:OMOSEHIN MOSES

OOUTH health workers begin indefinite strike

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CTIVITIES at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) in Sagamu, Ogun State, were paralysed yesterday following a workers’ strike.

Members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) said an indefinite strike became necessary to compel the authorities to do the needful.

The unions - the Senior Staff Association, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, NonAcademic Staff Union and the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, are protesting “unwholesome working conditions”.

They are demanding payment of an alleged 30 months salary increase arrears and pension counterpart fund by the government.

JOHESU Chairperson Mrs. Kikelomo Enaholo said until members are paid N1.3 billion salary arrears, they would not return to work.

Speaking with reporters at OOUTH, Mrs. Enaholo said they were also demanding payment of March, 2011, salary and “accelerated promotion”.

She said: “We have exhausted all options to resolve our grievances with the government. We are not politicians. We have been pushed to the wall. We will like to

‘We have exhausted all options to resolve our grievances with the government. We are not politicians. We have been pushed to the wall.’

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

meet with the governor to discuss our grievances. We are ready to negotiate with him the condition for payment.”

Mrs. Enaholo said the hospital lacked basic amenities, such as water and electricity, and was not functioning effectively, adding: “And this is because the government is insisting that we must be self sustained through our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).”

Commissioner for Health Olaokun Soyinka said: “The government is trying to do everything to improve the situation at the hospital and that strike does not help the matter.”

Tomorrow is holiday in Ogun

HE purpose of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was to enthrone “true democracy”, has not been realised, Lagos State House of Assembly member Mr. Bisi Yusuf (Alimosho 1) said yesterday.

The election was won by the late Bashorun MKO Abiola.

Yusuf said it was sad that “those who were not part of the struggle, who murdered it, buried it and benefited from its annulment make up the government at the centre”.

He said: “They do not appreciate the day, which is why they celebrate May 29 as Democracy Day. How can this be? May 29 was the day the military junta handed over power to civilians. June 12 was the day ethnicity in Nigeria was cancelled. There was no upper, middle or lower class; it was the day a new Nigeria was born. They murdered June 12, but they cannot murder the tendency.

The struggle is still on.”

Asked if Nigeria was moving forward democratically, the politician said he would have said no, if not for what is happening in the All Progressives Congress

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HE Ogun State government has declared tomorrow work free in honour of the late Chief MKO Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.

It urged residents to spend the holiday in sober reflection and continue to pray for the state and Nigeria.

The late Abiola hailed from Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Purpose of June 12 unrealised, says lawmaker T

•The late Abiola

•‘Struggle for true democracy continues’

By Oziegbe Okoeki

(APC) states.

Yusuf described the emergence of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano as “a good development”.

He said Sanusi was born into royalty, reached the peak of his career as a banker and ascended the throne of his forefathers, adding: “As his classmate in the university, he would tell us that he is a prince. The way he talked, you would know that he would one day ascend the throne. So, the royalty is there. You cannot say he is not qualified. There is a procedure for selecting emirs in the emirate and they followed it.

What is the business of the Federal Government in the selection of a traditional ruler? The kingmakers found him worthy and I am happy for him.

“We used to call him SLS. He used to carry big novels about and he is very brilliant.

I am happy for the country

‘...those who were not part of the struggle, who murdered it, buried it and benefited from its annulment make up the government at the centre’ because he is well equipped to lead the people.”

On the alleged imposition of candidates by the APC, Yusuf said it was not true.

He said the party presents candidates who had been groomed over the years, adding: “What imposition are we talking about? You do not just make allegations that you cannot substantiate. There is no guideline for choosing people for elective posts; we follow the regulations of our party. You can channel your grievances through the party as a good party man, if you have any. Your criticism must not be hearsay;

not beer parlour talks. I urge our people to beware of people who parade themselves as party men, but who are not.

“That was what they said when Governor Babatunde Fashola was chosen as the party’s governorship candidate years back. Can you now say he is not capable to be the governor? He is the right man for the post; well groomed and excellent. A leader must be able to see far more than his members.

Let them tell us who is not capable of representing his constituency among those of us in the Assembly.”

Yusuf urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof.

Attahiru Jega, to see the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states as test cases, adding: “He should allow one man, one vote strictly and see what happens. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) might find it difficult to get 20 per cent of the votes in Ekiti State. They would not even get 10 per cent in Osun State.

I am confident that we will win both states. I hope they will allow the polls to be fair.”

Jonathan meets with Fayose, Omisore

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan met yesterday with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidates in Ekiti and Osun states Mr. Ayo Fayose and Senator Iyiola Omisore at the Presidential Villa.

The candidates, who came to the Villa separately, walked out together after the meeting.

Speaking with State House correspondents, Fayose blamed All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters for the fracas in Ado-Ekiti,

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

the Ekiti State capital, last weekend.

He alleged that APC supporters attacked his supporters, who were returning from his campaign office.

Fayose said: “What happened on Sunday was that APC supporters went about sweeping the feet of the President, who on Saturday led PDP bigwigs to a mega rally in Ado-Ekiti. I do not even have any objection to that because that is part of

politics. There are some of my supporters who sleep over in my campaign office.

These people, who were wearing my branded green T-shirts, were returning home and the APC people accosted them.

“They macheted some of my supporters and killed one of them. They were at the point of removing the deceased’s branded T-shirt and replacing it with an APC shirt when the OC MOPOL arrived on the scene.

“As he was trying to stop them, Governor Kayode Fayemi drove in to block him. It was when they wanted to mob the police officer that he shot teargas into the air.”

Fayemi on Monday briefed Inspector-General of Police Muhammed Abubakar and National Security Adviser Col. Sambo Dasuki on the fracas, saying his supporters were attacked by PDP supporters.

Omisore said he did not know Fayose was invited until he got to the Villa.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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CITYBEATS

Fire razes warehouses in Lagos

urb.

Some structures, electrical appliances, kitchen utensils and building materials worth millions of naira were destroyed in the inferno.

The fire, which was said to have started at Ranbaxy Nigeria Limited, a pharmaceutical outfit at 24, Abimbola Street, Ilasamaja, Isolo, also affected a warehouse belonging to Edo State, which serves different companies.

Other affected warehouses are Karina Nigeria Limited and Pandan Investment Limited.

Men of the Lagos State Fire Service were still busy trying to put out the fire when The Nation visited the scene about 1pm yesterday.

A store keeper, Yusuf Musa, said: “The fire started at about 7.30am before workers

By Basirat Braimah and Suliat Abodunrin

resumed for work. I really don’t know the cause of the fire, but immediately we noticed it, we contacted the fire service men.”

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pandan Investment Limited, David Chukwudum, said: “I was shocked when I got the news of the fire. I had just offloaded about four containers of kitchen utensils last Thursday. To me, it is a big loss. Only God knows the cause and the exact time it began.”

The inferno was extinguished about 3pm with the combined efforts of the fire service men, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and officials of CHI Limited, producers of CHIVITA. The Head, Isolo Fire Sta-

,

F

IRE yesterday razed some warehouses in Ilasamaja, a Lagos sub-

I was shocked when I got the news of the fire. I had just offloaded four containers of kitchen utensils last Thursday. To me, it is a big loss.

Only God knows the cause ...

,

tion, Olusanya Taiwo, told The Nation:”Immediately we got the information, we got there in time. The Fire Service Men from Isolo, Ikeja, Ilupeju, Ikotun also came with 10,000 litres of water.

People should endeavour to contact firemen immediately there is an outbreak. I thank God our efforts were not in vain.”

Shock as police chief dies in bed

A

N Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Kayode Adewoye was found dead in his bed yesterday.

The late Adewoye resided at the Police Officers’ Quarters at GRA, Ikeja in Lagos.

His body was said to have been found by some members of his family.

Neighbours claimed the police officer was found stone dead after he did not step out of his apartment at the usual time.

“Someone had gone into

By Jude Isiguzo

his room to check on him and discovered that his body was ice cold. Nobody knew what led to his death, but sources close to him said he was a diabetic patient,” a source said.

It was gathered that on Monday night, the late Adewoye took his kids out for a treat, returned and went straight to bed.

He was the Commandant in charge of the Police Training School, Iperu, Ogun

State. He joined the force as a Cadet in 1990.

The late Adewoye has worked at Ilasa, Bariga and Badagry Police stations among others as a Divisional Police Officer.

He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State. He was the chairman of University of Ilorin Kegites’ Club for the 1985/86 session.

He has three children, the eldest of whom just got admission into a university in China.

Customs intercepts N9.7m smuggled rice, oil

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PERATIVES of the Western Marine Customs (WMC) Command in Lagos have impounded smuggled rice and vegetable oil valued at N9.737 million.

The Command’s Area Comptroller, Zaka Audu, told reporters at its Apapa, Lagos headquarters that his men intercepted the goods on Sunday night at Igbede Junction along Alaba Water Way. He said the goods comprised 1,280 bags of rice valued at N4.448 million with duty payable at 100 per cent, in addition to 10 percent surcharge of N4.893 million,

By Uyoatta Eshiet

amounting to total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N9.341 million.

The Customs chief also said the operatives intercepted 93 kegs of vegetable oil valued at N396, 640 in various sizes of wooden containers.

Audu claimed that importers of the rice did not follow the right channel - through the seaport where the necessary duties should be paid into government purse.

While carrying out the operation, he said: “The miscreants attempted to seize the boat from our officers. No arrest was made because the

• The intercepted items. Inset: Audu

smugglers jumped into the water and swam away.”

On why his men often find it difficult to pursue the smugglers in water, Audu said they lack some necessary equipment, but noted that the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr Dikko Inde Abdullahi and the Customs High Command were doing something about it.

On the fears that insurgents might attempt to bring their weapons through the local water ways just as the rice smugglers, Audu assured the South Western region and indeed the whole country, that his command “is ever-ready to contain such threats.”

• Rescue operations at the scene of the incident ... yesterday

PHOTO: BASIRAT BRAIMAH

My marriage is a curse, banker tells court

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ROM the outset, my mother was against my marriage for tribal reasons, but for the love I have for my wife, I married her with the consent of her mother and my folks. But since we got married, things have not been rosy for me. I understand she has supernatural powers from the marine world.”

These were the words of David Damilare, a banker, while praying the Customary Court at Alagbado, a Lagos suburb, to dissolve his four-year-old marriage with his wife, Joy. Besides alleging that Mrs Damilare possesses supernatural powers, the banker, who was an employee of an old-generation bank in Lagos, also accused his wife

By Basirat Braimah

of adultery, constant argument, lack of respect and care.

He said: “I used to work in a reputable bank before we got married. As an efficient staff, I was rewarded at various times. I looked forward to getting married because I was comfortable enough to start a family. I was overwhelmed when I got married to my wife. But suddenly, I found it hard to feed as things went completely awry.”

Joy, however, said: “As a newly wedded couple, we lived happily because we had always wanted to live together. But when things went bad, instead of managing the situation, my husband packed out to his mother’s house, leaving our children and I. Loneliness made me go to his

mother’s place because I could not handle the children’s upkeep. My mother-in-law tried her best, but sadly, she believes I’m behind her son’s misfortunes. What will be my gain if I harm him? I am not ready for a divorce because I still love him.”

Damilare’s mother told the court that she had been warned at her church not to allow her children marry from another tribe, but added: “My son contributed to securing where I live. He was a very wealthy man before things suddenly went bad. I want my son to be freed from this bondage.”

The judges asked Damilare to deposit N10,000 each for his children’s upkeep and advised the couple to maintain peace and be law-abiding. They adjourned the case till June 23.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

NEWS

•A crowd at the rally...yesterday.

Aregbesola urges supporters to go spiritual •Governor says poll is battle between light and darkness

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SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has urged All Progressives Congress (APC) members to pray for peace and victory in the August 9 governorship poll.

He said it was necessary to go spiritual because “the exercise will be a battle between light and darkness and, therefore, should be fought with all our strength”.

Speaking in Ila-Orangun yesterday at his re-election campaign rally, Aregbesola said: “If you are a Muslim, be armed with your Holy Quran and Tira. If you are a Christian, do not forget your Bible at home. If you are a traditionalist, make sure you are with your gods and goddesses to fight the election war, which is not easy to win.”

He said the Election Day could be likened to the day an expectant mother goes into labour, adding: “Fight with all your strength on the Election Day. Prepare yourselves with everything you have. A true Yoruba person must know what to use during the exercise without making use of guns, cutlasses and other physical weapons. If they like, let them roll out their soldiers to come and kill us; they will kill as many of us as they want because we will not run away from them.

“The only thing that will please us is to allow the election to go peacefully, if not, we will resist rigging and fight with all our strength.”

The governor said the APC was not afraid of anybody or party, but was only being cautious, adding that this should

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

not be mistaken for stupidity or cowardice.

He listed some of his administration’s achievements as the construction of roads, upgrade of hospitals and supply of drugs, distribution of Opon Imo and rural electrification.

Aregbesola said: “We have completed the rural electrification in Idi-Omo, Osoro/Idoka (Boluwaduro Local Government); Alagbede and Secretariat Area (Ila Local Government); Igbajo/Oke Irun; and Sawmill Area, Ora (Ifedayo Local Government).

“The reinforcement of the Osogbo-Ila 33KVA feeder is in progress. We have repaired 200KVA transformers in Edemosi and Ila Local Government; constructed a block of three classrooms with furniture and a town hall in Faje Obalogbon and Kajola–Ajaba in Ila-Orangun; built a primary health centre and town hall with equipment in Idi-Awewe and Gaa Fulani in Ifedayo Local Government.

“We also distributed N1.8 million interest-free loans to women; repaired 45 non-functioning handpump boreholes and provided 75 hand pump boreholes in Ifedayo. We have constructed 26.12 kilometres of roads in Ila/Boluwaduro/Ifedayo Federal constituency and distributed 845 pieces of Opon Imo in 11 schools in the constituency to mention but a few.”

APC Interim National Chairman Chief Adebisi Akande described the APC as “the only genuine party” in the

•Aregbesola (second right); his wife, Sherifat (right); Mrs. Laoye-Tomori (second left); Chief Akande (third right); Adeleke (third left) and Senator Shola Adeyeye...yesterday.

country, saying “it is full of empathy, impeccable policies and implementations”.

Akande urged the electorate to re-elect Aregbesola, describing him as “an uncommon leader”.

He said he was yet to see a working government as that of Osun in recent time, adding that Aregbesola’s performance was a challenge to other governments in the country.

Akande said: “I am surprised by the way this governor works. At times, when he tells you what he wants to do, you would wonder where he would get the huge fund required for such programmes.

But he has not stopped amusing me with his stoic mien and dogged determination with which he pursues programmes he intends to do.

“I have not seen a government that combines the feeding of over 300,000 pupils with the provision of school uniform for over 750,000, provision of tablets of knowledge, building of new schools and massive road construction.

“Except a visionary leader, it is difficult to do all these in one fell swoop with the meagre resources accruing to Osun. My submission is that a government that is doing all these deserves a second term.”

Aregbesola’s deputy, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori, debunked claims by the opposition that Aregbesola would retrench workers if re-elected.

She said no administration in the country was more workers-friendly than that of Aregbesola, adding that the administration employed over 10,000 teachers and 3,500 women for the O’Meal programme.

Mrs. Laoye-Tomori said: “This government has no plan to retrench anybody. The rumour is emanating from the opposition, which did nothing when it was in power. This is a cheap lie and our people can read in between the lines that the opposition has failed. Aregbesola’s mission, passion and love for the people and the state are evident. If reelected, he has the capacity to perform even better.”

Senator Isiaka Adeleke urged the people to come out en masse to vote for Aregbesola on August 9 and protect their votes, so that they can enjoy more dividends of democracy.

The Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Adedotun, said he was surprised by the way Osun was growing under Aregbesola’s leadership.

Oba Adedotun recalled the era of “an administration that wanted to justify its poor performance by saying that bad roads reduce accidents”, adding that defective governance was erased by the Aregbesola administration through “the unprecedented upgrade of infrastructure”.

He said: “This governor has

performed creditably well.

He has upgraded our hospitals to modern standard; provided school uniforms and Opon Imo. His achievements are numerous to count. We must reciprocate this good gesture with our votes.”

The monarch saluted Adeleke, the first governor of the state, for joining the progressives.

Three thugs armed with various weapons were arrested at the rally and handed over to the police.

APC spokesman Mr. Kunle Oyatomi said APC supporters fished the thugs out of the crowd and apprehended those he said was suspected to be PDP thugs.

Police chase LASU students away from Govt House

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AGOS State University (LASU) students were yesterday chased away from Governor Babatunde Fashola’s office by policemen.

The students assembled at the entrance of the governor’s office in the afternoon, singing solidarity songs for several minutes.

Policemen attached to the Rapid Respond Squad (RRS) barricaded the entrance of the governor’s office and told the students to go home, but they were ignored.

After sometime, the police chased the students away.

They reassembled at Magodo Gate, where the Students Union President, Yusuf Nurudeen, spoke with reporters.

Nurudeen said they were at the governor’s office to know why the government had not announced a reduction in school fees after a committee set up by Fashola to look into their demands submitted its report on Monday.

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

He said: “We also learnt that the government would be meeting with the Governing Council of the school today and that was why we went there. We beat the barricade set up by the police and we were singing peacefully at the entrance of the governor’s office when policemen shot teargas at us. They pursued us from the governor’s office to Magodo Gate. We will continue to protest.”

Nurudeen said three students, who were injured, were taken to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), adding that two others were arrested.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy Aderemi Ibirogba said the State Executive Council was yet to conclude on the school fees issue.

He denied the allegation that the police used teargas on the students.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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BUSINESS NEWS Nigeria, Pakistan target $5bn in trade

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•Back row: President Jonathan (right) and his Pakistani counterpart, Mamnoon Hussain; during the Nigeria-Pakistan Business Forum, in Abuja...yesterday. With them are from left: (front row),Vice-Minister of Commerce, Pakistan, Fazal Abbas Mekan, President, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Pakistan, Saddiqu Sheikh, National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, signing the Memorandum of Understanding on trade, investment collaboratio and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Olusegun Aganga.

AMCON levy stops when N5.6tr debt is paid, says Chike-Obi

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OLLECTION of the 0.5 per cent Banking Sector Resolution Cost Fund (Sinking Fund) from banks’ total assets, will end when N5.6 trillion debt incurred in the resolution of banking crisis is fully settled, Managing Director, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mustafa Chike-obi, has said.

Chike-Obi who made this known yesterday at a media parley in Lagos, said the Corporation paid N1 trillion of the debt last year, with another N800 billion scheduled for payment by August.

He explained that by the end of this year, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which holds N3.6 trillion of the AMCON bonds, would be the only creditor to AMCON. Chike-Obi said the Sinking Fund collection is expected to end before the expiration of AMCON’s 10year operational mandate.

S

He said the levy collection has not in any way impacted on banks’ profitability as claimed by some shareholder groups, explaining that the AMCON fee is one of the nicest things that happened to the banking sector.

“I challenge any bank that was doing better before AMCON, to come up and tell me that it is making less profit because of AMCON’s levy,” he said.

The sinking fund that was created by the AMCON Act of 2010, mandated banks to contribute 0.5 per cent of their total assets to it on yearly basis. The initial contribution was 0.3 per cent, but it was raised to 0.5 per cent in August last year.

He said that although the levy is tasking on the banks,

they have to pay because it is based on the agreement establishing AMCON. He said tye earlier the bonds are repaid, the sooner it would take AMCON to wind down.

He said the ongoing amendment of the AMCON Act, that is now over 90 per cent completed, will incorporate payment of the AMCON levy remittances.

He said AMCON has brought stability to the financial services sector, adding that such a role should not be trivilised.

He said the sale of Enterprise Bank Limited and Mainstreet Bank Limited will be concluded by September, adding that Keystone Bank’s sale will commence afterwards.

“AMCON does not see the possibility of buying new non-performing loans till it winds up by 2022, as the

A

•Chike-Obi

banks are now stronger,” Chike-Obi said.

AMCON was set up in 2010 to buy bad debts from banks and save the industry from collapse, as lenders reeled in bad loans brought about by stocks’ speculators and price fluctuations experienced by fuel importers.

The agency spent N5.6 trillion in 2011 to acquire nonperforming loans and took over three of the eight banks it rescued with about N620 billion.

Banks pay N392.77m fines to CBN

IX commercial banks paid N392.77 million in fines to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last year for contravening various aspects of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA).

The penalised banks are Diamond Bank, Zenith Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and Sterling Bank.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a breakdown of the figures contained in the individual banks’ 2013 Annual Report, showed that Zenith Bank paid the highest fine of N276 million for various infractions.

The bank was fined for promoting top management staff without CBN’s approval, insufficient data

for lodgment on credit report and non-rendition of original certificate of capital importation.

Sterling Bank paid N52.97 million fine for promoting management officials without CBN’s approval and foreign exchange examination infraction, among others.

UBA was fined N43.70 million for opening a branch without prior approval of the regulator, improper reclassification of public sector deposits and appointment of staff without the apex bank’s approval, among others.

On its part, Diamond Bank paid N7.99 million fine for numerous infractions.

A breakdown showed that the lender paid N2 million fine for the delay in re-

funding a customer’s $827,223 as directed by the CBN. The leder was also fined N4 million for promoting two senior management personnel without the approval of the CBN and ordered to pay N1.99 million for withholding a customer’s funds for 26 days after the promoters of the customer had written the bank that they were no longer interested in a facility.

Similarly, FCMB Group was fined N6.1 million for delayed disbursement for 20 days to the beneficiary under Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme, among others.

Speaking on the contraventions, National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association (ISAN), Mr Sunny Nwosu, urged the management of

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja the political and diplomatic field.

“There are a number of Pakistani businesses operating in Nigeria; similarly, there are Nigerian businesses operating in Pakistan. However, the trade volume between Nigeria and Pakistan is currently below $100m. This is very low given the huge potentials that exist between the two countries.

“The governments of Nigeria and Pakistan will create the enabling environment for businessmen and the private sector of both countries to exploit the huge trade and investment opportunities to push the trade volume between Nigeria and Pakistan to at least $5billion within the next five years.

“It is the mutual desire to strengthen the bilateral relation between Nigeria and Pakistan that has made the President come to our country with a powerful trade delegation.

In August 2013, about 42 Pakistani businessmen and investors were in Nigeria for the objective of exploring the trade and investment opportunities between the two countries, he said.

Firm buys MTI stake for N4b

•N800b for repayment by August

By Simeon Ebulu and Collins Nweze

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has said that Nigeria and Pakistan will work together to increase the bilateral trade volume between them from the current $70million to $5billion within the next five years.

Jonathan spoke during the Nigeria-Pakistan Trade and Investment Forum, organised by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in Abuja, yesterday.

He said the current trade volume between Nigeria and Pakistan did not reflect the strong political and economic ties that exist between tge two countries, as both countries will work together to address the anormally.

“Nigeria and Pakistan have, over the years established a friendly and cooperative relationship, deeply anchored on a shared vision of a stable world in which all countries can grow and develop in peace,” he said.

He explained that more than ever, we are determined that our cooperation in the business and trade sector will reflect the strong and significant ties that Nigeria and Pakistan have always enjoyed in

banks to be more careful and avoid wasting shareholders’ funds.

Nwosu described commercial banks’ contraventions as unfortunate, stressing that the huge fines have robbed shareholders of enhanced dividends during the year.

ISAN Secretary, Mr Bayo Adeleke,commended the CBN for its actions to ensure that commercial banks complied with rules and regulations of engagement.

Adeleke said that such penalties should not be viewed from income generating perspective, but to enhance good corporate governance and adherence to standards.

He urged regulators to be proactive, while banks should maintain a clean slate

RELATIVELY unknown indigenous mobile-phone manufacturer Tingo Mobile yesterday, agreed to buy majority stake in Mass Telecom Innovation Nigeria Plc (MTI) for about N4billion ($25 million) to develop rural broadband as the Federal Government moves to achieve its National Broadband Plan.

Tingo will acquire 51 per cent of cable-network operator MTI, Chief Executive Officer Dozy Mmobuozi was quoted to have said in an interview in Lagos.

According to Bloomberg, the company will be rebranded and remain listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, he said.

“We’re using the acquisition to reach out to the mass market,” Mmobuozi said. Lagosbased MTI’s “assets from base stations to license and goodwill and other things, will help penetrate rural Nigeria.”

Telecommunications companies including Chinese equipment vendor, Huawei Technologies and global sys-

T

Lucas Ajanaku with agency reports

tem for mobile (GSM) communication service provider, MTN. are expanding in Nigeria to tap a growing market for mobile and data usage. Africa’s biggest economy had 169 million mobile-phone subscriptions as of March for a population of about 170 million, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

With many users owning more than one phone, subscriber numbers are expected to grow to more than 200 million in 2017, according to London-based research company Informa Telecoms & Media.

Tingo said it will start selling three smartphones in the local market, the first time its devices will be made available to the public rather than to government or corporate customers. The Tingo T5, T500 and T561 models cost N10,000 and N18,000 and are made locally, Mmobuozi said. The Abujabased company also has operations in Kenya and Malaysia.

‘Ajaokuta Steel key to industrialisation’

HE Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga has said the Ajaokuta Steel Company is key to the current administration’s industrial revolution.

The minister who along with his counterpart in the Mines and Power Ministry, Mohammed Sada, was yesterday conducted round the facility, located in Kogi State, dismissed insinuations in some quarters that the steel company had become obsolete.

He said the facilities in Ajaokuta are no different from those obtainable in other steel developed nations.

Said Aganga: “Those who are saying that the facilities in this steel company are obsolete are not saying the truth. In fact, with what I saw today, it is a great asset for the country.”

Sada on his part said the ad-

From James Azania, Lokoja

ministration of President Goodluck Jonathan is determined to revitalise the steel industry in Nigeria, stressing that the drive toward industrialisationcan could only be achieved with steel development.

He maintained that the company will begin operation soon.

He further said there will be change of strategy, through active involvement of private sector players, to speed up completion of the steel industry.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Sole Administrator of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Mr. Isah Onobere said between $5 million and $13 million will be required to complete the steel project, the government having spent N4.66 billion on its construction.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

Life

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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

Text only: 08023058761

Lokoja’s untapped treasures – SEE STORY ON PAGE 16

•Machine gun used during the war with the names of the soldiers

‘Insurgency is product of bad governance ’

– Page 17

Rally for cancer patient Sofowote

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Rich country, poor people

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Lokoja’s untapped treasures Some of the colonial monuments in Lokoja the Kogi State capital are suffering from abuses and neglect. They are begging for rebirth, writes TOSIN MAKINDE who notes that the midwife of Nigeria’s amalgamation in 1914 Lord Lugard used to live in Lokoja.

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EMEMBER those famous colonial monuments in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital? They include the late Frederick Lord Lugard’s residence and office, Iron of liberty, Mount Panti, the cenotaph, the oldest school, prison and hospital in northern Nigeria.

All these monuments make Kogi the state with the highest concentration of colonial historical relics and monuments in the country.

But, lack of interest and patronage from the people and the government are threatening to throw the glory they brought to Lokoja into the dark alley of historical obscurity.

Aside poor patronage, some of the monuments’ premises are being abused by people who have turned them into dump sites. The development is making the state to lose internal revenue that would have been generated from tourism.

But one of such monuments brings back old memories of colonial administrator’s living environment. Sitting in his colonial-styled British-made arm chair, the late Frederick Lord Lugard is spotted dressed in his highly decorated British military colonial officer uniform. Inside his pent Rest House built strategically on top of the 458 metres Mount Panti, which beholds the majestic River Niger, he consistently filled his pen with ink. That setting was perhaps the needed ambience for him to write one of the most controversial colonial books, Dual mandate in which he stated that an average African “lacks the power of organisation, and is conspicuously deficient in the management and control alike of men or business...

“Perhaps, the two traits which have impressed me as those most characterise of the African native are his lack of apprehension and ability to visualise the future”.

Callous and untenable, one might want to argue about Lugard’s view of Africa and Africans, the present realities in Lokoja where majority of Nigeria’s colonial legacies lie shows that Lugard’s views could maybe true to some extent.

How does one explain a situation where students of History and International Studies in Kogi State higher institutions cannot name nor describe the location or know the existence of those colonial monuments that define Lokoja and for which Lokoja is known?

A lecturer got a shock when he asked his students about what they know about the colonial monuments in Lokoja and none of them could tell him anything tangible about them.

It is not only the students that are showing indifference to the monuments in Lokoja.

•Old Government House

HERITAGE Some residents show same, thus, giving credence to what Lugard said in his book that Africans.

One fact is that Nigeria’s colonial history is woven around Kogi State, particularly Lokoja remain incontestable. But one worrisome fact is that the people care less about the existence or significance of these monuments, which if well maintained could fetch the state fortunes as tourists’ sites.

For Abdul, a Motor-cycle operator in Lokoja, the only thing he knows about the cenotaph, which was erected in honour of soldiers that fought in the First and Second World wars is that it is a place where soldiers converge in January every year for match past.

He does not know where the colonial cemeteries are located.

Abdul is not the only culprit in this show of ignorance. According to Mr. Samson Oyetunde, a staff in one of the universities in Lokoja, it is not that the people don’t know of these places but they know next to little about what they represent or their significance. “We know that these monuments are there but we don’t know what they stand for or what they symbolise. We don’t put them in mind” To him, it is the government that should take the initiative in creating the needed awareness about the significance of these monuments to the development of Lokoja and Kogi State in general. “If the government is proactive and comes up with initiative that aim at creating awareness for these monuments, the people will change,” he said.

However, the General Manager, Kogi State Hotels and Tourism Board, Mr. Olowolayemo Joseph thinks differently about the state of the monuments. To him, the people’s lackadaisical attitude towards the promotion and celebration of these legacies cannot be justified saying that government has put in place various programmes aimed at creating

awareness about these monuments and gearing up the interest of the people. “The attitude of the people is uncalled for, it is a sad situation that even foreigners care and show more interest in our legacies than our people do,” he lamented.

He said that among the initiatives of the government in ensuring the promotion of the significance of the legacies is a programme on youth sensitisation on the Nigerian Television Authority among others.

“NTA usually shows clips of these colonial monuments every day before reading the News. We are also planning to launch a book during this centenary period titled ‘Nigeria in the eyes of Lokoja,’ which will be available to the public and help increase the awareness,” he revealed, stressing that one cannot talk about Nigeria history without mentioning the city of Lokoja.

True. Writing Nigeria colonial history without the mention of Lokoja will only amount to half measure not with the array of first Governor-General of Nigeria, the late Sir Fredrick Lugard leftovers. It was reported that it was in Lokoja that the name of Nigeria was coined by Miss Flora Shaw later Mrs. Lugard while admiring the majestic River Niger.

Not wanting to do away with some of the colonial legacies of the city, the seat of the state government used to serve as Lord Lugard’s office and residence. It retained its original structure with minor renovations as the ambience at the entrance to Kogi State Government House speaks volume about it.

In 1900, the Charter given to the Royal Niger Company to administer Lokoja since 1866 was revoked and the protectorate of Northern Nigerian was declared with Fredrick Lugard as the High Commissioner.

The spot where that revocation took place is still standing till today and it is marked with a concrete pillar measuring about 2 ½ metres tall. The European and African Cemeteries in

World Cup: NTDC Fans’ Village to host over 5,000

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HE Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) will host a Fans’ Village in Sao Paulo during the World Cup tournament holding between June 12 and July 13 in Brazil. No fewer than 5000 people including Nigerians from home and abroad and foreigners are expected at the village.

The Naija Fans Village, which is marketed

by Agile Communications, will be in Sao Paulo, where the Eagles will be camped.

The Director-General of NTDC, Mrs Sally Mbanefo, said in a statement that the corporation would explore the opportunity of the World Cup in Brazil to sell Nigeria’s domestic tourism to Nigerians, home and abroad, and also to foreigners.

“Domestic tourism remains the best approach to promote Nigeria’s tourism and

By Ozolua Uhakheme Assistant Editor (Arts)

TOURISM create wealth for the nation and the people.

Hence, we are investing tenacious efforts on promoting domestic tourism in Nigeria to empower local government at the grass level, create jobs at local governments, reduce urban migration, to encourage integration of culture within Nigeria and to encourage unity,” Mbanefo said.

Mbanefo said the corporation was collaborating with ZA Entertainment, the sister parastatal in the Tourism and Culture Ministry, NIPC, NSC, NFF and NEPC to promote fascinating domestic tourist destinations in Nigeria, adding that if other Nigeri-

ans visit tourist sites in the local communities jobs would be created and revenue be generated for the states.

The NTDC boss stated that the corporation will also explore the opportunity provided by the football fiesta to promote the rich culture- music, ethnic fashion, Nollywood, cuisine, arts and non-oil export products in the country.

She reiterated that apart from promoting domestic and sports tourism, the event will garner support as Nigerians cheer the Super Eagles to victory at the global Mundial and positively project Nigeria’s image.

“We must tell Nigeria’s story ourselves: Nigeria is great, Nigeria is beautiful,” Mbanefo said, while charging all Nigerians to partner and support the initiative.

Lokoja are another set of colonial monuments worthy of visiting. Here Europeans and Africans missionaries and soldiers were buried in three different places within Lokoja Township- harbouring about six hundred graves.

Lokoja was also a very important town during the slave trade era especially after the abolition of the trade by British government. It was in Lokoja that slaves that were rescued from Slave Merchants ship were set free. The spot where such slaves were freed from slave merchants is marked with two pieces of iron poles referred to as ‘Iron of Liberty”, a crusade championed by the late Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, this Iron Of Liberty is located inside the compound of Crowther Holy Trinity School.

In the area of colonial education, Lokoja can boost of being in possession of acclaimed oldest school in Northern Nigeria –the Holy Trinity (Bishop Crowther) Primary School constructed in 1865 by the Church Missionaries Society (CMS) and still in use till date as the Holy Trinity (Bishop Crowther) Primary School.

Other colonial monuments that will make one wonder why the people and residents of Lokoja hardly take note of them or take interest in them are the Graveyards of deposed Northern Emirs who were deposed to Lokoja for refusing to be used as agents of colonial masters, the Lord Lugard’s senior staff quarters, which are a set of prefabricated buildings whose materials were brought from England and being used today as the office of Kogi State Hotels and Tourism Board.

Probably the most celebrated tourism treasure and rightly promoted and made use of by Lord Lugard during his time but not being used to its fullest by the government and the people in today’s tourism world is Mount Panti. Overlooking the Niger River and hemming the town westward is the towering Mount Panti standing 458.3 metres or 1,500 feet above sea level with a stretch of 15 kilometre square plateaus. This wonderful gift nature bestows on Lokoja overlooks Lokoja like a monolith making it possible to view the scenic plain that surrounds the city.

His Excellency, the late Lugard so much fell in love with this natural beauty that he built his resting house on it from where he savoured the beauty of nature outlay in Lokoja.

Other colonial monuments in Lokoja include the Oldest Hospital in Northern Nigeria, the Oldest Prison in Northern Nigeria, the Safe of the Oldest Treasury in Northern Nigeria and the Cenotaph erected in honour of the Nigerian and African soldiers who fought in World war 1 and 2.

All these monuments, no doubt turned Kogi state into one with the highest concentration of colonial historical relics and monuments than any other sates in Nigeria. But the lack of interest and patronage from the people and the government is threatening to throw the glory they have brought to Lokoja into the dark alley of historical obscurity.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

17

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

The whereabouts of the over 200 abducted Chibok schoolgirls remain unknown, 51 days after their abduction. In this chat with Senior Correspondent EVELYN OSAGIE, at a literary event in Ikenne, Ogun State, the Editorial Board Chairman, The Nation, Mr Sam Omatseye, speaks on this issue and others.

‘Insurgency is product of bad governance ’

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O you see what is happening now, especially the insurgency, as a repeat of history going by what happened before the Civil War? The insurgency is a more complicated issue. The insurgency is a product of bad governance, especially in the North, over a long period of time. It is a product of Nigerians moving into a psychology of self-help. In Nigeria, we have been helping ourselves with so many things: we have been helping ourselves with water, electricity, education, transportation, accommodation and employment. We have been in a situation where individuals have been involved in a lot of self-help. Violence is also another manifestation of self-help. They are using violence to get whatever they wanted.

And they seem to be dangerously committed to it and getting away with it.

This is what has led to the kidnap of the 276 girls at Chibok. Even at that the government’s immediate reaction did not show leadership.

The president has not inspired anyone: he is acting as though there is no emergency. He went to dance Azonto when mothers cannot find their wards that were taken by randy bigots.

We don’t have a country and we are just pretending.

It appears that the future is bleak and Nigerian youths are worried. Where do we go from here?

Nigerian youths today are very irresponsible. When we were students in the university, if this kind of abduction happens, the whole country will shut down. University students now do not act as though the kidnapped students belong to their generation. What are they doing with their time? They are involved in “yahooyahoo” and all kinds of resort to self-help and so on.

In those days, for matters that were not even as grievous as this, we’d shut down the country. We made sacrifices because we knew that the country belongs to us.

Over 200 youths are missing. The only people protesting are elders. Where are the young people? We have seen the mothers protesting across the country; what are the young people doing about the abuse of their own generation?

Youths are suffering from self-abuse. I am not saying that the youths are the only ones responsible for this problem. My generation created the problem for the present generation.

After protesting and showing the sense of responsibility when we were young, we got into position of powers and we have forgotten the values that we fought for. But the younger ones need to regenerate themselves; that was what we did when we were young. We separated ourselves from our leaders and parents and said: “we wanted a society that was better”.

Don’t you think their reaction is a result of their disillusion towards a country that seems not to care about their plight?

Then, the youth need to fight for themselves for what is right for the country and for s better tomorrow.

What do you think of the North’s positions on revenue allocation to be reduced to five per cent and on separation of power?

Reducing the oil revenue of oil producing states to five per cent does not bear relevance to the fact that the people who own the oil are supposed to have their oil. In a true federal state, those who produce should enjoy it. When you are producing 100 per cent and you are only getting 13 per cent, it is an insult to the people who are producing the oil. And still some are saying that the 13 per cent is too much. I think that such statement was very provocative and irresponsible. It does not really pursue any agenda of national unity or national sensitivity.

That the North funded the civil war was even a false claim. They created the Civil War. On what resources did they fund the war? At the time of the war, Cocoa was booming in the South-west; we had rubber and farm produce in the East and in today’s Niger-Delta, where there was already oil. We had groundnut in the

•Omatseye

INTERVIEW North then, which was just a subset of our large natural resources. But to say that the North funded the civil war is untrue.

They did not even know how to fight the civil war. The North is a vast territory with a lot of natural resources. But their leaders are building a feudal state of hunger and exploitation of resources.

Some say the conference is dead on arrival, others say its a repeat of what others, like the ‘Oputa Panel’, sought to achieve. What is your take?

The conference is just an opportunity for some to fret out emotions. There is nothing going on there that is unique. We don’t have a national conference. We don’t have a real template for what we are to do. Watch out for what is going to happen with all the discussions that happen there! As always, it is going to amount to nothing. It is just a place for people to vent emotions, arguing over resource control, devolution of powers. Do the people who are there even represent Nigerians? They were handpicked by the elite to discuss elite’s problems. Does the ordinary man have a say on who is there?

Even the journalists did not know who were there to represent them. I am a top editor in Nigeria, but I had to know much later who would be representing the Nigerian Guild of Editors. That place is not representative of anybody. It is just a group of people coming together to collect N4 million a month and then waste our time.

Sir, what advice would you give to best curb insurgencies?

We need to hold France to account.

Why France?

During the time of Charles de Gaulle, all French-speaking countries in Africa, except Guinea, went into an accord to get protection, economic co-operation and all sorts of agreements to subject themselves, even though they had Independence, under the French government. France has an overwhelming influence over the French-speaking countries in Africa. If we want Cameroun to work with us and they are unwilling, we need to hold France responsible internationally, in fact blackmail them, if the need be, internationally and make them do to Boko Haram, in those place like Cameroun and Chad, what they did in Mali to wipe out the insurgence there. They can do it if they want to; but we need a leadership that understands geopolitics to do that.

Having said that, if they say Boko Haram is outside Nigeria, and that they operate outside and run inside, when they are inside, what have we done to hold them in? It is one thing to say that a rat spoils what you have in your kitchen.

Why not block where the rat is coming from?

Even at that, you have to know how to deal with the rat when it comes to your house because that rat is already under your control.

The same logic should be applied when dealing with Boko Haram.

Imagine the scenario where men went to school and abducted over 200 students; it is not like having just a few students taken away in a private car. It was like a convoy. How did that happen in a state of emergency? It’s like vehicle after vehicle, moving through town. How did that happen in a state of emergency? Have we answered that question? Did we have to wait till the world started shouting before we could understand the brunt on our national ego or before spurring into action. We are just not serious.

Ebedi hosts professor, others

By Evelyn Osagie

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HE private literary initiative, Ebedi, which supports writers to complete ongoing works at no expense to them, has begun the May/June session.

It is hosting a professor and two writers in its May/June residency programme.

Veteran writer and university scholar, Prof Molara Ogundipe (aka Molara Ogundipe Leslie) is sharing the residence with two young women writers - Lillian Odachi Onuh and Nkemjika Christeen Okeke. Besides the provision of a weekly stipend, the residents, who would be allocated a room each, will also be provided a house keeper and a Project Manager. They would also enjoy free medical services, according to the founder and former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr Wale Okediran.

Since its inception, the residency has hosted writers within Nigeria and from Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, among other countries. In addition to the freebies the residency offers, the organisers say, arrangements have been made with a publisher to consider outstanding literary outputs from the residency for publishing.

Although the residents have come with their experience in diverse fields, they are united for their love for creative writing.

Each is unique and published.

Prof Ogundipe, who belongs to the first generation of writers, such as Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka and Mabel Segun, is a distinguished scholar, teacher, theorist, poet, and cultural activist. Apart from her numerous publications and lectures, she has been actively involved in social advocacy in national development as a public intellectual. She writes for the printmedia and is an engaging founder of activities and panel TV chair regarding national consciousness and a significant discussant on the electronic media. She is highly regarded as a leading voice in matters pertaining to feminism, women and gender issues across Africa and the globe.

After several years in the Diaspora, Prof Ogundipe has joined the English Department of the University of Port Harcourt, and would be using her six weeks duration in Ebedi to tidy up her autobiography.

Onuh is a Sociology graduate with an abiding interest in Literature. She has to her credit three published novellas and will use her time in Ebedi to complete work on a new full length novel. In addition, she will try and impart some of her multiple talents that include decoration, singing and dancing to the secondary school students in Iseyin as part of her mentoring activities while in the residence.

The third writer, Okeke is a graduate of Education with an additional certificate in Computer Science. Before coming to Ebedi, Okeke had attended the Fideity and Garden City Literature Creative Writing Workshops and has been published in several anthologies at home and abroad. She will spend her time in Ebedi to complete a collection of poetry.

•Prof Ogundipe

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

A photography exhibition held at Freedom Park, Lagos, attracted eminent Nigerians.

The fundraising event, RAYMOND MORDI writes, has rekindled hope for the continuation of the treatment of Motunlayo Adefunke Sofowote, a multi-talented philanthropist, who is recovering from cervical cancer in Germany.

Rally for Sofowote

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ROM landscapes of mountains to trees, clouds, flowers, buildings on expance of woodlands, birds in flight, sunset, and animals in action close-ups. All these were captured

by Mrs Motunlayo Adefunke Sofowote, 67, in still pictures showing interesting facets of life in the world. The photographs were put on display at a one-week exhibition that ended on Sunday May 11.

The exhibition, which took place at Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos, was put together by a group of friends of the beneficiary, Adefunke Sofowote Cancer-Fighting Fund Team. It was a subtle appeal to raise N35 million to continue the medical treatment of the ailing impulsive amateur photographer and founder/president of Glowing Channels Foundation, who is in a German hospital battling with cervical cancer.

In a terse foreword to the exhibition brochure, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka said it is the duty of all to ensure that Mrs. Sofowote’s memorable photos do not turn prematurely memorial.

His words: “That memorable photos turn prematurely memorial? This is what we are all in common duty bound to prevent.”

What is particularly interesting about the pictures is that majority of them were shot during this illness. The pictures were taken over a period of time and in different countries and continents.

According to Charles Ayo Dada, a member of the Adefunke Sofowote Cancer-Fighting Fund Team and coordinator of the exhibition, a few of the pictures are dated 2006 and 2010, but majority of them were taken in 2012 and 2013, when she was already afflicted by the ailment. Similarly, in the midst of her battle with cancer on her hospital bed in Lubeck, in the northern part of Germany, she has written a book, her fifth book, titled “His Wondrous Presence: A Peep at His Greatness.” Indeed, Mrs. Sofowote indicated in a transcript of a recording published in the exhibition brochure that no matter the severity of the pain and the agony, “I shall remain happy, I shall remain cheerful, I shall remain committed in absolute confidence, in trust, of the Love of the Almighty Father.”

With careful composition and appropriate lightening, she was able to produce a stunning record of beautiful photographs, which capture the beauty and fascination of nature in almost every conceivable guise. As AjaiLycett aptly puts it, “With this collection of photographs, Funke the naturalist, by force of will and thought, illustrates how everything in nature contains all the powers of nature, is made of one hidden stuff.” With this, Ajai-Lycett enthused, the photographer bears witness to the interconnectedness of the universe, which man as a creature is part and parcel of. “And so, here we are, at this exhibition, being entertained to a graphic realisation of the infinite abundance of the universe and how wonderful and comprehensive is the plenty of the Divine Universal Mind,” she added.

Mrs. Francesca Emanuel also noted that the title of one of the photographer’s poems, A Peep at His Greatness, is the thematic chord that runs through the entire collection. Her words: “Combining visual content with poetry, she suggests to us that we contemplate the complexity, wonder and vastness of nature, either in its detail or in gross, and realise how insignificant we may seem as part of a Greater Whole. Yet as humans with the ability to think, to contemplate these things, to consider them philosophically and spiritually, Motunlayo reminds us that therein lies a manifestation of the Almighty in the Everyday.”

In a way, the pictures at the exhibition looked very much like paintings. Dada says

•Beautiful Lagos

FUND RAISING such effect is the hallmark of a good photographer “because photography is also art when you take it to a very high level.” He noted that Mrs. Sofowote obviously has a heightened sense of beauty to be able to capture such rare moments that would have eluded a lot of people. “First and foremost, she was able to capture such rare moments through the lens of her spirit before allowing the camera lens to capture it,” he told The Nation, adding that basically that is what happens to a painter. His words: “First, a painter would visualize his subject and sees with his inner eye something worth capturing, before putting it down on canvass or some other medium. In photography, the person taking the shot must be able to recognise a unique moment and capture it for everyone to see.”

The idea of the exhibition was conceived in January by Mrs. Sofowote on her hospital bed in Lubeck, Germany. By that time, the need for a large pool of fund to finance a crucial aspect of her treatment had already become palpable. As a sensitive and considerate woman, she did not want a situation where she would be going cap in hand, begging for money without giving back anything in return. “Even though many generous donors had already latched into the idea of donating towards her treatment and her extended stay in Germany, it is more prestigious for her to give back something in return, so that there would be balance. Even if what she is giving is disproportionate, at least she has made an effort to reciprocate,” Dada noted.

But, the Adefunke Sofowote Cancer-Fighting Fund Team started planning for the exhibition mid February. The effort was succesful in spite of the fact that photography is not widely considered as a form of art yet in this part of the world. Though a group of artists such as Uche Edochie, James Iroha and photographers like Sunmi Smart-Cole have made photography very appealing, with their pioneering efforts in that regard, the idea is still novel in Nigeria. As a result, the Nigerian art collector would feel more comfortable relating with an original work of art more than he would relate with photographs as a form of art. This is perhaps

•Mrs Sofowote

due to the fact that a photograph has the potential of being replicated, so it can be argued that it is almost semi-craft.

The exhibition, which took place under the theme, ‘She Lives On!’ attracted eminent Nigerians, including the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola, Prof. J.P. Clark, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, Olusegun Ajanlekoko, Prof Duro Oni, Dr. Abayomi Aiyesimoju, the Fadesewa of Simawa, Oba Gbenga Sonuga, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett among others.

Leader of the Adefunke Sofowote CancerFighting Fund Team, Dr. Lateef Adewale Ogunbadejo said Mrs Sofowote chose the theme of the exhibition. By choosing to float the exhibition under the theme, ‘She Lives On!’, Dr Ogunbadejo, who is also the Medical Director of Aniyun Hospital, Gbagada, Lagos, noted that Mrs. Sofowote probably sees the possibility of her own experiencing being used to fight cancer for others in the future.

The ailing Sofowote has spent the last 16 years providing succour for the needy and less privileged, through her charity, entertainment and merit-recognition organisation, Glowing Channels Foundation. The 67year old woman is a bundle of talents. She is a writer, singer, motivational speaker, administrator, organiser, trainer in corporate practice and etiquette and an impresario.

‘Even though many generous donors had already latched into the idea of donating towards her treatment and her extended stay in Germany, it is more prestigious for her to give back something in return, so that there would be balance. Even if what she is giving is disproportionate, at least she has made an effort to reciprocate’

PACA at Dak’ Art biennale

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From Kryzd Ikwuemesi

ROM the earliest times, Africa was made up of a plurality of peoples and cultures. Before the dawning of colonialism, Africa’s diverse peoples and cultures were distinct but bound by the spirit and essence of some commonalities that circumscribed their traditions and life in general. When Africa was put on the imperialist dining table and sliced up like breakfast sausage at the Berlin Conference in 1888, it was necessary for the colonialists to play on difference as an important means to the sustenance of the colonial project. Thus Kwame Nkurumah’s Pan-Africanism became a wild goose chase in a continent taken by storm and ravished by colonial kite-flyers and their African accomplices as represented by some indigenous elite of that time. The aftermath of the historic rape endures and continues to manifest in the conflicts and dissonance of postcolonial times.

Yet the plurality and uniqueness of Africa persist. Their power derives from Afirca’s culture and history. The beauty and ugliness of it all are manifest Africa’s tormented-tormenting, yet promising, landscape: socio-politically fertile geography, intimidating human capital, promising economies, theatres of war, corruption poverty, and bad governance sustained by glorified oligarchies that parody democracy. In spite of the rape occasioned by colonialism and all the postcolonial travails, Africa remains redolent with prospects. Even as it is recolonised from inside by the forces of corrupt and authoritarian governments and the guile of new-fangled totalitarian religions, Africa remains the virgin continent, like a beautiful young moon hidden behind ugly tatters of cloud. One of the embodiments of Africa’s beauty, where the richness of its diversity and uniqueness is ever cultivated is its vibrant art, kept alive by generations of highly dynamic and imaginative artists living and working in the various nations that make up the continent.

It is the drive to harness Africa’s vibrant arts as a tool for advancing the cause of PanAfricanism that gave rise to the Pan African Circle of Artists (PACA) in 1991. In more than 20 years, it has pursued this vision through diverse projects in different forums in Africa.

In doing so, it has vigorously sought to use art as an alternative means of politics, that is, by playing on, and foregrounding, the creative potentials of the continent which are so lost to Africa’s bunch of fire-eating politicians. For, as PACA believes, art is part of the souls of cultures, and it has the balm and ability to heal the wounds inflicted too frequently on society by politics, especially in the postcolonial era when politics and politicians relish the tendency for arrogance and violence. In other words, when politics brings society to the precipice, art can reunite the trunk and the tale.

This conviction informs PACA’s appearance at Dak’Art since 2010. It also accounts for the choice of themes for the 2012 exhibition and the present one. Art and politics are never divorced from each other; they rather complement each other in different ways where socialization and development are addressed holistically and from a more positive and enduring standpoint. The present exhibit, thus, continues to interrogate the postcolonial conditions in Africa from where the 2012 outing stops. But it does so from a different perspective. In engaging Africa’s diversity and uniqueness, the exhibition takes a hard look at the continent’s memory and desire and, once again, underlines the potentials of a continent rich in human capital, yet still finds it difficult to master and follow its compass in the engulfing sea of globalization.

Interestingly, most of the artists in this exhibition are young in various nuances of the word. Radiating hope and energy both in their works and personality, they personify Africa yearning for a rebirth, for a new creed that would truly unite the continent and position it for the unfolding challenges of the millennium. As wars, violence and the forces of dissonance rage through the continent, its future may lie in how well it is able to draw on the diversity and commonality of its peoples. This is true for Africa as a unique continent and for the plurality of nations (with their peoples) that make up the continent. As we are aware, life is short; politics is even shorter; but art is long. What the present exhibition by PACA reaffirms, therefore, is that if Africa is truly on the road to lasting unity and meaningful development, the road map may be found on art’s undying tablet and its capacity to broker conversations between the past, the present and the future.

Ikwuemesi is Associate Professor of Fine Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

Jonathan’s military •Ominous auguries as the Federal Government deploys various arm-twisting tactics against perceived opponents, including the press

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ATTERS of the Nigerian state get curiouser each day as the Federal Government appears ready to break all bounds of law and decency to chase after perceived enemies. In a move reminiscent of the worst military regime, government has let loose the Nigerian military to chase vendors and newspaper distributors on the streets of towns and cities across the country. Well-meaning Nigerians have variously condemned the current rampancy of Nigerian soldiers on civil streets in the last couple of years. We have expressed worry at the littering of soldiers in every town of Nigeria carry out what are, at best, police duties of keeping the peace in neighbourhoods.

Today, we have descended one notch lower. We now see uniformed soldiers snatching newspapers, detaining newspaper circulation vehicles, attacking agents, beating up vendors and harassing readers. For the past four days up until yesterday, this has been going on without let, without sense and without sensibility. The initial explanation that there was intelligence report about circulation vehicles being used as a conduit for arms has turned out a ruse, or better still a hollow lie.

Nothing incriminating has been found. But apparently, nothing incriminating is being sought as newspapers are impounded and vehicles detained.

Apparently printed words, the good old culprit, the almighty printed words are the dangerous arms and ammunition the soldiers sought and found in waylaid circulation vehicles.

Today, all across the country, hundreds of troops and vehicles are deployed to disperse vendors and agents. For instance, last Saturday, about 150 soldiers were • Jonathan counted at Oke Padre, Ibadan newspaper distribution centre where they seized thousands of copies of The Nation, Vanguard and National Mirror, among others. All this in the face of the Boko Haram terrorists running rampage in the Northeast of Nigeria, killing, maiming and abducting girls and women.

Why would the Nigerian military fall for this sucker punch once again? Why would it once again deign to wage war against printed words, against information and against knowledge? Only bad leaders and bad governments quarrel with information; good leaders and good governments deploy it to great good to further the cause of society and humanity.

It is 21st century ribaldry that trained soldiers kitted in national uniform would chase paper boys on the streets in the futile bid to muzzle the press. It’s a huge

laugh apart from the fact that this silly tactics never worked. Even General Sani Abacha in all his ineptitude never debased his soldiers to the point of sending them to the streets to hunt down news vendors so brazenly. Besides, in all his exertions, he never won with the media.

On the contrary, the media, it can be said, saw Abacha out despite his brutishness.

We must state clearly that President Goodluck Jonathan, the commander-inchief of the Armed Force of the Federal Republic debases the military and does damage to the Nigerian armed forces by this new turn of event. Using the military to blatantly subvert democratic institutions is a ‘coup’ by another means against the people of Nigeria. This forceful, blatant and barbaric breach of the constitution and the inalienable right of the Nigerian people will only portend for us all, a cyclic toxic effect. The Federal

Government is rather untutored, inculcating barbarity and lawlessness into our military. Let no one be fooled; if the military feels comfortable breaching the operations of the media in the country without being called to order, it could also get emboldened enough to breach any other arm of the society in like manner.

The sustained attempt to muzzle the press by crippling the operations of some newspaper houses across the country in the guise of security and intelligence checks has been revealed for the smokescreen it is. Security has never been an excuse anywhere in the world to break the law, abridge citizens’ rights or torpedo the constitution. Even the most sensitive security operations must be carried out within the ambit of the law. It is trite that no segment of the society is allowed to be law unto itself, not even the military. To

‘We admonish that attempts to silence the Nigerian press in the past never worked. It will not work this time. It will only bring upon the Federal Government and the military local and international opprobrium...

We urge that this madness of debasing the military must stop forthwith’

take the law into one’s hands, which is what the military is doing by disrupting newspaper businesses, amounts to anomie and none is immune to the catastrophic consequences of a normless state of affairs. All this is happening on the watch of President Jonathan who exults in his possession of the people’s mandate.

It is now apparent that this sustained siege on the media is part of President Jonathan’s unfolding game plan. It seems part of an elaborate design to apply force on perceived opponents and whip them to line. Just in one week, we have witnessed how the police openly defied and almost shot at the Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi. Last Monday, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State’s chartered aircraft was impounded at the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

The governor, his host and entourage were locked in the airport. They had to break the locks to virtually escape from the place, abandoning their aircraft. The grounding of Amaechi’s plane without notice forced the governor and his team to drive by road from kano to Abuja through the night.

What Jonathan’s strong arm tactics suggest is that we have not learned anything from our recent history. We forget that power is transient and that there is always tomorrow. The media you seek to extinguish today could be your saviour tomorrow. The Olusegun Obasanjo example may prove refreshing. He considered the press as pests and treated them like vermin.

When the tide turned on him so soon and Abacha threw him in the slammer and threatened to exterminate him, it was the strident cries of the press that saved him.

Moral: never kill the press, you may need it someday.

There is no doubt that this current attempt to maul the media is rather out of character; even the military has gone beyond this manner of pettiness. The military hierarchy would ordinarily invite media chiefs for briefings to iron out sensitive issues; that has been the practice in the last one decade. Ironically, the press thrives better under even the most extreme of adversary. Historically, the press has never been cowed by guns or boots or uniforms. Mr. Dan Agbese, one of the beacons of Nigeria’s journalism who turned 70 recently in an interview over the weekend gave a perspective to the idea of a government trying to muzzle the press. He says: “The most wonderful thing that can happen to the press anywhere in the world is to have an enemy.

The press performs better under a situation of enmity.”

We admonish that attempts to silence the Nigerian press in the past never worked. It will not work this time. It will only bring upon the Federal Government and the military local and international opprobrium. And the illiteracy of it all! In this age of world-wide electronic media, who borders with the printed word anymore! We urge that this madness of debasing the military must stop forthwith.

Ebola gets worse in West Africa

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HE World Health Organization warned last Wednesday that the epidemic caused by the deadly Ebola virus in West Africa, which had seemed to be waning, has recently taken a turn for the worse. The afflicted nations and their neighbors will need to redouble their efforts to contain a virus for which there is neither a cure nor a vaccine.

The virus is thought to reside normally in fruit bats, which then spread it to other animals and, through them, to humans.

Human-to-human transmission occurs through contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of infected people or through contact with objects contaminated with those fluids. It can take up to 21 days for symptoms to develop; the victims are hit with sudden fever, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes internal and external bleeding.

In the absence of a specific treatment, patients are given intense supportive care, such as oral rehydration with electrolytes.

Most patients die — up to 90 percent of them in some outbreaks.

The W.H.O. reported that between May 29 and June 1, Guinea, which documented its first case back in December, recorded 37 new cases and 21 new deaths to bring its cumulative totals to 328 cases (193 of them laboratory-confirmed) and 208 deaths. Sierra Leone, which reported its first cases just a few weeks ago, has reached a cumulative total of 79 cases (18 confirmed), including six deaths.

The nongovernmental assistance group Médecins Sans Frontières, or Doctors Without Borders, warned last week that the outbreak was hitting previously unaffected towns in Guinea, making control more difficult than ever in that country.

Still, the group says that about 30 of the patients it has treated in Guinea since the beginning of the outbreak have survived.

It is now setting up a new clinic in Sierra Leone, at the epicenter of the epidemic there, in collaboration with the nation’s Ministry of Health.

The outbreaks will require a large educational effort to alert people to the dangers, to warn people not to eat “bush meat,” to warn mourners not to touch the victims during burial ceremonies, and to protect health care workers from unwitting contamination, among other public health measures. Ebola is a frightening virus, but it is not an inevitable death sentence if medical care is sought promptly and steps are taken to prevent transmission.

– 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 Adekunle Ade-Adeleye •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina

• Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •General Manager (Abuja Press) Kehinde Olowu •AGM (PH Press) Tunde Olasogba

•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness •Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) •Press Manager Yomi Odunuga Udensi Chikaodi •Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu •Legal Counsel John Unachukwu •Group Business Editor Simeon Ebulu • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye •Group Sports Editor Ade Ojeikere •Acting Manager (sales) •Editorial Page Editor Olaribigbe Bello Sanya Oni

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Two weeks to the governorship election in Ekiti State, some evil script is being acted in the state by the powers-that-be to thwart the electoral process.

It is not an exaggeration. One recalls that Vice President Namadi Sambo, as PDP’s campaign committee chairman for Ekiti and Osun states, had boasted that the two States would “be made war fronts” to retrieve them from those who presumably annexed them via court judgments.

Since he made the statement one has never been able to stop wondering: “Why war fronts as a phenomenon? Why the choice of words which conveyed nothing but the extreme of a struggle or fight?

Now the president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has come to Ekiti State to flag off the campaign of the PDP’s candidate in Ekiti State, on Saturday, June 7, during which there were statements made that were obviously calculated not only to intimidate but to confirm an inten-

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If only votes will count in Ekiti election tion to impose their candidate by electoral manipulations and damn the consequence.

Statements such as was later made

by Governor Godwin Akpabio of Akwa Ibom in his capacity as PDP GovernorsForum Chairman,to the effect that “the victory of Fayose would trigger a barrage of litigations” which he said PDP would fight to a logical conclusion by engaging the nation’s SANs were, to say the least, pre-empting the PDP’s disposition to rebel against democracy and the government of Ekiti State.

There, on the rostrum, at the

Olukayode Stadium, Ado Ekiti, on June 7, speaker upon speaker had indulged and incited the PDP candidate to see himself as the anointed by referring to him as the “next governor” or the “in-coming governor” which were the candidate’s own self-aggrandizement in posters and bill-boards, as if everything about Ekiti was waiting to be falsified.

Interestingly, PDP’s flag-off of campaign had gone peacefully on Saturday, despite obvious provocations targeted at the APC, such as the falsehood that the APC administration in Ekiti State was owing

Electricity: Let’s join hands to fight vandals

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IR: Recently, Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo was quoted as saying that the country has lost about 2,100 megawatts of electricity in past few months as a result of vandalism of gas pipelines. According to a press release by the ministry in February, many gas facilities were vandalised.

The Escravos-Lagos Pipeline (ELPS A), from Warri which supplies gas to Egbin Power Plant near Lagos was out for over seven months. A loss of 200 million standard cubic feet of gas and generation capacity of about 800MW was recorded.

Second, the Trans-Forcados gas line also in Warri was out with a loss of 200 million standard cubic feet of gas and generation capacity of about 800MW. The Alakiri– Onne, Gas pipeline was blasted and it has adversely impacted on gas supply to generation stations. There have been similar attacks onthe Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), Gbaran-Ubie power plant in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State which is part of the gas liquid evacuation infrastructure, critical for continued domestic power generation for Afam VI Independent power plant. The temporary shutdown of the Chevron gas plant west of the

Sombreiro River, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State on March 12, contributed to the low peak generation of 2,672MW. The draw-backs in economic and technological development in the nation could be principally attributed to this problematic electricity situation. Unfortunately it is in our character as Nigerians to regard government’s property as nobody’s property. This can be likened to the case of a goat owned by the community which eventually dies of hunger for lack of care and attention. Why should people look the other way when they see government property being destroyed, vandalised or stolen? The minister of power, security agencies or officials are not ubiquitous, thus, cannot be everywhere all the time to police these facilities.

Therefore, communities who benefit from these government facilities have a duty to jealously guard and protect them. It is amazing to see cables, copper wires, insulators, or transformer oil being stolen from a substation. While these items may not worth N 20,000, the damage caused to the entire network often throws the entire

community; sometimes states, into total darkness, and takes much time, energy and fund to fix. Vandals are not spirits, but human beings who live amongst us and continuously hide under the cover of darkness to perpetrate their heinous crime. They are unpatriotic Nigerians who chose to sabotage efforts of government in their own fatherland just for selfish purposes.

The power sector cannot give the desired result neither can it impact positively on Nigerians if vandals continue to steal installed facilities and deny gas supply to generation stations.

Government only cannot deal with this menace alone. Therefore, in the fight against vandalism of critical national infrastructure, all hands must be on deck. The public must be by educated on the negative impact of vandalism on our general wellbeing.There is nowhere in the world where societal development was achieved by government alone.

All of us as Nigerians must see to it that we jointly cooperate and support government to achieve this onerous task of stable and constant power supply in Nigeria.

Sunday Onyemaechi Eze Samaru Zaria

salaries.

The APC members kept indoors and waited till the next morning to “cleanse Ado Ekiti in a symbolical sweeping with APC brooms, an exercise which ordinarily should have passed as mere electioneering fun but for the police which decided to shoot at sweepers and killed Taiwo Akinola.

Aren’t we being forced to believe that the police was acting a script since brooms are no weapons of any sort; since the police did not go to quell a riot; since they only went to stop the harmless sweeping?

Was the ego of the police supposed to have been hurt more than that of the PDP members who had watched the APC sweep the

sweepables and the unsweepables in the past and were then not bothered by that particular sweeping fun of Sunday morning?

It is note-worthy that the police had shamelessly come up with a statement on Monday in which it accused the APC of provoking the violence (nay PDP) with its sweeping exercise on the fateful Sunday but the same police didn’t see any provocation committed against the APC by the PDP only the previous day.

This evil script may have a next scene in more intimidating killings that can send the opponents of PDP into far inside their holes while the PDP would campaign and create crowds exclusively to justify the enthronement of the PDP candidate.

The way Abuja is going about things,we may even witness a situation in which votes will not count in Ekiti 2014 and the PDP will employ all the SANs in the universe to justify it.

That is the fear and, probably, the script.

• Jide Oguntoye, Oye-Ekiti.

Crackdown on media, unwarranted IR: The three basic functions perform by the media are that of information, education and entertainment. These are the conventional social functions the media render to the public anywhere in the world.

In performing these functions, the media in Nigeria has contributed in no small measure to national development and the entrenchment, growth and sustenance of democracy, where the fundamental human rights of every citizen are guaranteed.

It is for the very crucial role of the media in the society in teaching, sensitizing and mobilizing the people via information dissemination, that the freedom of the press is guaranteed in the constitution, besides the freedom of speech enshrined as part of the basic fundamental human rights of citizens.

This is where the reported clampdown by the Nigerian military on the media, during which some newspapers were reportedly confiscated and distribution vans of media outfits impounded acting on

S

a supposed intelligence report is condemnable.

I do not think it is proper for the army to launch this kind of onslaught on the media, no matter where the directive may have come from. Rather than this needless intimidation of the media, what the Nigerian Army as a key security agency ought to do is to continue to ensure a very smooth relationship with the press. As a matter of fact, they are supposed to see themselves as partners in progress with media organizations in the fight against terrorism which is seriously hitting us in the face at the moment. The deadly activities of the Boko Haram sect have reportedly claimed about 12, 000 lives since 2009 and the terrorist group is currently holding captive about 300 innocent schoolgirls for almost two months now.

The rescue of these girls is what we should concentrate on now and not the terrorization of newspaper firms.

• Michael Jegede, Abuja

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

21

COMMENTS

‘Our Girls’; CBN Gov: ‘Up Naira, Down Interest Rates’; National Conference and party funding ‘

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UR Girls’ are still missing since April 15, though 14 have escaped.

The death toll since then from the Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen is over 1000 human beings!

What manner of country Tony will we leave for our Marinho children?

We mourn Dora Akunyili and the late Emir of Kano and all those murdered by Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen. It seems Lamido Sanusi has had his life’s ambitions fulfilled. First Bank big-shot, introduced to President Yar’Adua as a ‘Northern’ candidate by First Bank chiefs, flamboyant and queried Governor of CBN and now is it 57 th Emir of Kano.

Congratulations. What does it mean for Nigerian true federalism? We have seen the man behind the Emir’s mask.

Can the new Emir control his herdsmen?

Is the new CBN governor Emefiele, ‘just another CBN Governor’ or a ‘Great CBN Governor’? How he spends our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) money must be our concern. The number of people in poverty depends on the currency exchange rate. Devaluation forces many more people to earn ‘less than a dollar a day’. Improving the naira lifts many out of poverty. Does anyone in banking understand this equation? ‘Just another CBN Governor’ will yield to banking greed, ‘stability’, high interest rates and naira collapse.

A ‘great Nigeria-loving CBN Governor’ will see poor Nigerians engaged in struggle, working hard with self-help banking -‘esusu’ and ‘ajo’ - for rents, school fees or generators to operate business. A Great CBN Governor will strategise to ‘UP NAIRA, DOWN INTEREST RATES’ and reverse the 40 year fall of the naira, one naira a week or a month. In five years we could be back at 1981 and N1:$1 or at least Abacha’s 1997 and N88:$1 with no loss of ‘stability’.

A Great CBN Governor should force banks to make money available for the hard-working masses by reducing the interest rates to single digits. Is he going to sacrifice the naira for ‘stability’ –an excuse to devalue the naira but not appreciate the naira?

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T is most apt today for this column to open with the timeless saying “Those who the gods want to destroy, they first make mad”. Otherwise, how would someone describe the unpalatable development that has been going on since the early hours of last Friday across the country? Last Friday, the Nigerian press came under a coordinated assault by security agents who had laid ambush for the daily newspapers on the highways and distribution centres. The assault bears all the trappings of the dark days of military dictatorship as soldiers claiming “orders from above”, intercepted, seized and, in some cases, destroyed newspapers on sight.

According to reports, soldiers who laid ambush at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, confiscated copies of the The Punch, The Nation, Daily Trust and Leadership, while , in some cases, wrappers and cover pages of The Punch were damaged. In various statements issued after the early morning rampage, Leadership reported that soldiers intercepted and destroyed copies of the day’s publication at the Kaduna toll gate. The Nation too saw its vans ambushed in Abuja, Benin-Warri Road, Port Harcourt, Kaduna-Kano Road and Nasarawa-Jos Road. In Benin, Edo State, soldiers stormed the Nigerian Union of Journalists Press Centre to disrupt activities as they stopped vehicles, hunting for some national dailies. And this is still an ongoing thing.

Giving excuse for this brazen travesty, Chris Olukolade, major-general and Director of Defence Information, DDI, attributed the ugly development to a “routine” security operation. According to him, the military was acting on an “intelligence report” that “materials with grave security implications” were being moved across the country

To properly stimulate entrepreneurship and business in homes across Nigeria, access to single digit interest rates is essential but interest rates are kept high by CBN and banks which make billions quarterly. Can they be changed? All Nigerians deserve access to the low interest single digit breaks being selectively offered to the textile industry, agriculture, Nollywood, aviation and industry ‘waivers’. Strangely, there is no special interest rate for medical equipment. The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), with an annual budget of N300m could easily set up a single digit interest rate bank ‘NMA Bank’ with N100m/year-a billion in 10 years. In fact Nigeria would not need these unfair ‘favoured negotiations’ if all interest rates were 5-9%. Selective interest rates are wrong.

For all, or, for none.

Nowhere do we see the Non-Sovereign 2014 National Conference N-SNC discussing the institutionalised corrupt funding of political parties at a time when governance is increasingly ‘by extortion’ with gangster-like Internally Generated Revenue machinery. This is seen on streets, at traffic lights and in LGAs where ‘uniformed and mufti thugs’ terrorise the roads with primitive nails-in-stick barricades, often fake ID cards and outrageous demands for original receipts for luggage and radio licence etc. The police checkpoints have been smuggled back on the heels of the tinted window crackdown, the Boko Haram terror and yet we want international tourism! We are fully aware that most political parties and their agents extort with ridiculous fines and fees and rates, intimidate through uniformed agents, inflate contracts by 30-100%, sell posts, and create fictitious contracts- all corruption.

So let the N-SNC address and solve the corrupt funding of political parties as a weapon against corruption which will reduce the cost of governance by up to 30% and make the naira buy more books in schools, more kilometres on our roads, more equipment in our schools and hospitals and more sports equipment.

Until and unless Nigeria tackles funding of political parties there will be no serious reduction in government corruption.

Congratulations to Nigerians for the excellent decisions by the N-SNC to insist on cancellation of any ridiculous pension and severance pay scams or schemes for National Assembly (NASS), Governors, Commissioners and State

Assembles. Collectively we have saved billions. How greedy can a politician get? The N-SNC must ensure that LGAs also become part-time councillors. Politicians should have proper jobs as well as serve the people.

However, the ‘ONE HOUSE SOLUTION’, the second half of the people’s ‘NASS Survival Strategy’ did not scale through and it is a flagrant failure of the N-SNC delegates to heed the people’s voice for a merging and collapsing of the two houses, Senate and House of Representatives, into one smaller house was thrown out. Everyone in Nigeria except the serving and retired senators and representatives knows that Nigeria cannot afford to bleed cash to cover the cost overruns, the SAP, ‘Salaries And Perks’, and Constituency Allowances in billions demanded to be controlled by NASS members. There is nowhere else in the world where mislabelled ‘dividends of democracy’ like sewing machines are bought with the government money. It is wrong. How dare they boastfully distribute the ‘gifts’ when the money used belongs to the people?

From all parties NASS members appear greedy self-styled ‘distinguished and honourable’ people. Repeatedly they have turned out to be ‘undistinguished and dishonourable’ and far too full of senatorial and honourable importance. Nigeria has first-hand experience of NASS workings and corruption.

One NASS house is more than enough trouble for Nigeria.

‘Let the N-SNC address and solve the corrupt funding of political parties as a weapon against corruption which will reduce the cost of governance by up to 30% and make the naira buy more books in schools, more kilometres on our roads, more equipment in our schools and hospitals and more sports equipment’

The Devil’s alternative “using the channel of newsprint-related consignments”. And in spite of public outcry, the DDI has vowed that this uncivilized operation will continue until the Army is satisfied.

Satisfied that the papers are ruined?

The excuse given for this action appears not only hollow but very shallow as well. Assuming that, indeed, there was any intelligence information that incriminating materials were going to be concealed and transported by newspapers’ distribution vans across the country, the honourable thing, in my opinion, that could have been done would have been to get in touch with the managers of the newspapers and put them on notice. This, nobody did.

Instead, they chose to enact a satanic plot to throw the newspapers, their distributors, vendors and advertisers into unnecessary pandemonium leading to loss of revenue. Of course, that was uncalled for, more so, as we have not been told that anything incriminating has been found. The whole exercise is suspect.

By the nature of their job, journalists have remained faithful to the Nigerian people by sticking out their necks every day to hold government accountable to the more than 180 million descendants of Homo sapiens that, incidentally, form the largest concentration of the black race anywhere in the world.

That, indeed, is the job of any journalist worth that name. Although, like any other profession, particularly in this part of the clime, there may be some bad eggs here and there, a greater majority exist who can stand their own anywhere in the world. Basically, the press exists to serve the people, not the government or any of its agents. That is

‘Everything has been turned upside down and inside out, and now the iron boots are getting prepared to march on our collective psyche’

why when government buries its rickety skeletons, it is the duty of the press to exhume them and showcase them as exhibits before the court of the people. It is regrettable, however, that right from independence, through all the period of military interregnums and civilian rule (or misrule), journalists have always had security agents bloodying their nose for having the audacity to uncover the many evils being perpetrated against the people.

With all that have been going on in recent times in the country, what is happening now is symptomatic of the fact that, once more, the cycle of anomie is returning even in a worse dimension. Rather than face the “Axis of Evil” encapsulated by Sambissa forest and rescue our innocent young girls who have been turned into sex slaves, hewers of wood and fetchers of water, our security agents have adopted repression of the press as a deliberate policy to muscle opposition to their lethargy and misrule going on in the country at all levels. When the vocal and irrepressible journalist, Dele Giwa, was assassinated on October 26, 1986, almost 28 years ago, the nation was gripped with shock and disgust, especially because of the novel fiendishness of the device employed to silence him - the parcel bomb. That was the first clear indication that Nigeria would become a more violence-prone nation in the foreseeable future. That future is already here.

From the inglorious, locust years of the late General Sani Abacha’s tyranny, when bombs literarily planted by his security goons exploded everywhere like Christmas bangers, to the present day, it is as if it has become an accepted norm to use bombs to settle political scores in the country. What this signposts, to borrow a line from one of the lyrics of Wyclef Jeanelle Jean, the Haitian-American hip hop artist, is that Nigeria “is in trouble, really big trouble”. But unlike

Wyclef’s plaintive cry for someone to help him call 911, Nigerians have no one to call to rescue them from the brutal terror of state agents, who are always eager to go on the prowl to hunt real and imaginary enemies of the state. Consequently, the country has now been turned into one huge war zone without defined battlefronts. Whether in the North-east, North-west, North-central, Southwest, South-south, South-east or what have you, crooks, miscreants and other agents of darkness, full of demonic intent, are reaching out to everybody - man or woman, young or old. Even innocent children usually insulated from such inhuman treatments by conventions are now vulnerable.

It is as if our politicians do not appreciate the enormity of the problem confronting the nation today.

The economy is still marooned in the dead zone, and unemployment among the young educated Nigerians has reached an intolerable crescendo. When this cheerless news is combined with the many social maladies afflicting the country, you end up with this sort of prevalent dangerous situation. A young, vibrant and significant segment of the population is feeling betrayed, ignored, abandoned and very angry indeed. And violent crimes, which we now witness, provide an outlet for them to ventilate their anger, make a statement or a living as the case may be. With a decrepit security forces whose structures creak in every joint, every day brings fresh reminder that, in this country, you are simply on your own in respect of security, just as in virtually every other thing. Nobody is safe anymore, not even high officials of government who are provided with all manners of security.

It is no longer in contention that the military is in tatters, no thanks to the many years of military dictatorship and the rapacious corruption that came with that era and subsists till date. The depth and breadth

Dele Agekameh of the rot has been amply demonstrated by its lacklustre performance so far in the war on terror and terrorists now threatening to overrun the country or at least a section of it.

Nigerians are scandalised by the shallowness and cowardice of most of the officers and their amazing capacity for fibbing. Nothing explains this more than a recent submission by Mark Welsh III, a United States general and US Air Force Chief of staff, who said that the Nigerian military is becoming afraid of engaging the Boko Haram insurgents. He said this while testifying before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. According to him, “We’re now looking at a military force that is, quite frankly, becoming afraid to even engage”.

The stage seems set for the total subjugation and emasculation of the press. But come to think of it, I don’t really know what now remains of the once great country that used to be called “the Giant in the Sun”!

Everything has been turned upside down and inside out, and now the iron boots are getting prepared to march on our collective psyche. As this is going on, the blunders and plunders continue unabated while the hope of a glorious dawn continues to dim like a receding star.

Send reactions to: 08058354382 (SMS only)

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

22

COMMENTS ‘Re: Hungry for knowledge. Lack of solutions to increase in fees in the universities, leading to student unrest and ASUU/NASU strikes, stem from the university authorities, government and the students.

The FG, states provide less funds due to corruption tendencies, unreduced personal enjoyment; the university authorities have no option than to jack up the amount to make life more comfortable for students.

Rather than see reason in that, students believe that protests are common commodity as resolution. The resultant effect of fee reversal is graduates’ low quality and un-employability. From Lanre Oseni’

•Joseph Mbu For Olatunji Dare Re-MAY 29, Not yet "Democracy Day". I have been a constant fanatical reader of your weekly "At home abroad" series. You are a Prophet because majority of views has come to pass. I will refer you to the wise saying of Sir Winston Churchill “It is no use saying, 'We are doing our best, 'You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary". Ride on sir, God is your strength. From Comrade Esan Ajibola, Ayedun Ekiti.

The English essayist,Thomas Hardy,posited in his book 'Under The Greenwood Tree' that, “You do not blame others for singing a song you wrote about yourself". The President Jonathan kleptocratic Junta have sang it's own sonorous nunc demitis by using the facade of a Gestapo Police (Mr Mbu,CP-FCT) to ban rallies in Abuja over the CHIBOK GIRLS.lt is now clear that they need some tutorials on the rudiments of Democracy before they resort to more outrageously weird Idi Amin, Sani Abacha and Hastings Kamuzu Banda-like strategies in checkmating freedom of speech and liberty in Nigeria. From Chief Bobson Gbinije,Mandate Against Poverty(MAP), Warri.

Re-May 29: Not yet "Democracy Day". No matter the deficiencies, we have been able to trudge and move on, democratically.

Journalists could and have been bashing the governments and some Individuals without arrest and molestation! What all of us should do is to shun ethnicism, politicisation of writeup albeit against their non-favourites, make merits in all ramifications, Nigeria's logo.

MAY 29 or Democracy day, it is clear that we are no longer in a Military rule. Almighty God will help to 'panelbeat' our wobbles, ameen. From Lanre Oseni.

Re- 'May 29: Not yet "Democracy Day"' It is politically idiotic to ritualize the observance of "Democracy Day"... In my view, it is hot air that has gone cold, and vaporised!

The Nigerian genre of democracy beggars belief, as a huge fraud! Anonymous Democracy at l5, we progressed in corruption that is our setback in development,

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LOT of Nigerians only became aware of the name, Joseph Mbu when the man operated as the parallel governor of River State. But before he got the pink slip and was forced out of Prot Harcourt, brother Mbu was a Deputy Commissioner in Anambra State, I think, at the time when the then governor, Chris Ngige was bundled into the boot of a very small car, whisked off, and was locked away for a moment or two in an audacious Igbo-made coup. A few years later, Mbu reared his head as Police Commissioner in Oyo State. There, he led the team that sacked the palace of one Ashipa in a most humiliating manner. Mbu claimed that he was enforcing a court order in the Alaafin versus Ashipa faceoff. The Ashipa lost. To this day, the Ashipa chap has not fully recovered.

So, no, Mbu did not turn up in River State with the kind of CV that would make any state executive overjoyed. Shortly after he arrived Port Harcourt, and without any prompting, Mbu forcefully declared that he would not be pocketed. That was the first signal that the man was sent to Port Harcourt to do a hatchet job. And it didn’t take too long at all before the script unfolded, with our ubiquitous First Lady casting herself - not for the first time - in the Director’s role. The rest is unpalatable history.

But before Commissioner Mbu departed River State, Governor Rotimi Amaechi lost the rest of his hair. Mbu also ensured that the House of Assembly became an arena for inel-

despite the resource at our disposal.it is very unfortunate. From Chika Nnorom You have carefully itemised the ills of Nigeria’s democracy. June 12, to me, is the Democracy Day of Nigeria. From David-West B David, Yenagoua.

May 29, Democracy Day is in the imagination of those who are mis-ruling us.

The real Peoples' Democracy Day is June 12 and one day it will manifest. From Ola Michael, Egan Lagos No, Mooyiwa; Fani-Kayode can't possibly be broke. Rather, he is worried about the terrible dimension of the EFCC case against him, especially regarding the strong rumour that the meeting at the Villa convinced him that he might be jailed soon. How else do you explain, after saying such horrible things about Jonathan and his govt, that Fani-Kayode will suddenly make a U- turn?- Anonymous For Segun Gbadegesin John Kayode Fayemi (JKF) is a leader others will wish to be there own. The ball is on the court of the citizens of the Fountain of Knowledge to choose light or darkness. JKF is the man come June 21. From John Anya, Enugu Nigeria.

If democracy, as you were even able to observe, is like a plant that needs to be cultivated, tended and nurtured first, to be of effect for the growth of the society, then it is wrong to assert, as you did, that May 29 isn’t yet Democracy Day. The date in question is observed as the day power changed hands from khaki to civilian government, after so many years of military rule. It is not celebrated as the day Nigeria attained perfection or her destiny in democratic govanance. Which is why we still have the large army of unemployed youths, epleptic power supply, bad roads and so on in the land. And these I believe will still be phased out with time as we join hands to make the democracy what it should be, for the common good of us all.

That we can freely express our opinions about the goverment today and still sleep in our homes, or even take the governmet to court and obtain justice are good indications that democracy is already in place. From Emmanuel Egwu It would have been very wrong and quite unacceptable for anybody to have attempted to stop the protest inspired by the criminal abduction of the Chibok girls, which has atracted demonstrations from virtualy all sections of the country and beyond. The protest which, of course, should have some

logic is aimed at arousing the government to action for the release of the innocent girls.

And having achieved just that by swooping on the government to work, a continuous protest unabated in the circumstances, one should be right to think, not only will make it lose steam somewhat, but tends to constitute a big distraction to the government in its action plan. Beyond that, the situation on ground is one that some hoodlums and Boko Haram might equally cash in on to cause more harm to the people. Misleading though the goverment name-calling might be,further protest in this direction,all considerd,may not be producing the desired result if allowed to continue unrestricted –From Emmanuel Egwu.

Sir, about Ekiti elections. It would be a tragedy and a misclassification of massive proportion should for any reason Governor Fayemi should lose. It would be a great blunder by Ekiti electorate. It is unthinkable to have Ekiti return to the era of ignorance, ineptitude, chaos,thuggery, killings and misdirection. Anonymous.

We are Ondo Based-Ekiti Students across the institution in the state, we all registerd in our different Local Government in Ekiti, our Hope Still on John Kayode Fayemi.

Anonymous Just because the president came to Ekiti yesterday there is mayhem in Ado Ekiti as a result of state sponsored attacks I hope your correspondents will visit the scenes where two people has been killed already, this is food for thought. Anonymous In normal climes,going by the many beautiful things said and written about Governor Fayemi and his unprecedented transformational administration of Ekiti State for the past 3years now,even the hottest contender of his job in the state forthcoming election would have simply backed down,knowing how it would only amount to chasing an illusion going to compete with a man of such uncomon records for transfomational democracy.But then, here is Nigeria. Of course, if Jega were to live up to the man of integrity we use to know of him and his officers inspired by his examples in the conduct of the election,Fayemi winning landslide no doubt would have been a forgone conclusion.For there is no way the learned,noble and appreciative people of Ekiti State would have voted otherwise especially knowing the unimpressive antecedents of Fayose,the former governor of the state – From Emmanuel Egwu

• Jega For Adegboyega It is a pity that our leaders are frustrating young Nigerians seeking knowledge. There is nowhere in the world where knowledge seekers are frustrated and you expect development. The earlier we know our stand the better for us. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa, Lagos.

RE: Hungry for knowledge. Lack of solutions to increase in fees in the universities, leading to student unrest and ASUU/NASU strikes, stem from the university authorities, government and the students. The FG, states provide less funds due to corruption tendencies, unreduced personal enjoyment; the university authorities have no option than to jack up the amount to make life more comfortable for students. Rather than see reason in that, students believe that protests are common commodity as resolution. The resultant effect of fee reversal is graduates’ low quality and un-employability. From Lanre Oseni.

Only God knows where our education sector is going, in spite of the resources at our disposal to make education affordable for the citizenry;, it is very unfortunate that governments are not living up to their billing to make education available for the lessprivileged. Nigeria is blessed with resources but bad leadership is our major problem. We don’t know the rationale behind Wike still being in charge of the education ministry, with constant strikes in the institutions without his finding a solution to the problems.

I appeal to the Lagos State governor to reduce the school fees of LASU in the interest of the parents. From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State.

Your article in The Nation newspaper of Sunday June 8, Nigeria’s tertiary education crisis in perspective didn’t capture the ASUP strike that has been going on for about 10 months. Sir, is it a form of discrimination?

From Fabiyi Ademola, Ebonyi (ASUP FPE, Chapter).

Joseph Mbu again!

By Michael Egbejumi-David egant kerfuffle - with broken heads and broken egos thrown in for good measure. He made sure that state legislators with distended bellies laid prostrate on a well swept road at least a couple of times. And his final act was to set free the thugs that were used for these and other nefarious enterprise.

So when a couple of weeks or so ago organised thugs surfaced at Unity Square in Abuja wearing t-shirts that proclaimed “Release our Girls” and then proceeded to smash up the chairs and other logistics of legitimate peaceful protesters, with plenty of police officers at hand, grinning from ear to ear, everyone looked in the direction of the Police Commissioner. You just knew that if there was going to be unpleasantness introduced into the whole colourful, dignified, and peaceful protest in Abuja on behalf of the missing Chibok school girls, it was going to come via Joseph Mbu. That is what the man does. He appears to know no convivial or positive way to carry out his duties. For him, it’s all about malfeasance, repression and heavy-handedness.

After the all too convenient introduction of a rival protest group of hardened thugs, Mbu declared that dangerous elements were about

to hijack the protest. Then he proclaimed, “Protests on the Chibok girls are hereby banned with immediate effect. As the FCT police boss, I cannot fold my hands and watch this lawlessness.” In banning the ‘bring back our girls’ heart-warming protests, he said, “People have been protesting over a month now…when you continue to do it persistently, it becomes a nuisance to the government.

Maybe we should just tell him: Over 200 innocent school girls abducted by criminals for more than 50 days with no end in sight is more than a nuisance and is far more embarrassing to the government. Wild-eyed male thugs intimidating mainly female peaceful protesters and smashing up their chairs and equipment while the police look on with gleeful eyes in the presence of the international media is a damn sight more embarrassing for the government.

Naturally, the organisers of the protests headed to court and, thank heavens, saner voices prevailed and Mbu’s ill-advised ban was rescinded. I don’t know why some people insist in portraying Nigeria as a jungle, as an uncaring space. And I don’t know why or how Jonathan has somehow mastered the art of stealing defeat from every situation.

The other time, when things got too tight for Joseph Mbu, after he’d realised that he had

been used and was about to be dumped, he rushed off to the press and plonked down for some sophomoric and weepy salutation ads to congratulate his boss, the Inspector General of Police for being on the job for two years. Following the reversal of his haughty ‘bring back our girls’ protest ban, and realisation that he might be sidelined again, God only knows to what Mbu might resort to starve off another possible shuffle down the road. It won’t surprise me if the IGP comes home one day to find Royal Fathers from his place waiting for him in his sitting room with their game faces on – that is after he might have driven past two brand new, half nourished cows (advert space don’t come cheap) tied down in his front yard.

As Police Commissioner, Mbu ought to concentrate his effort at this time to providing effective security for Abuja rather than consolidating his reputation as government ‘go to’ guy when there’s a dirty job to be done.

In the meantime, if I were Bala Mohammed, the FCT Minister, I will start a rigorous regime of fasting and prayer, preferably on Fridays, until Mbu packs his bags and muskets and hits the road again.

• Egbejumi-David writes from Lagos

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net Stories by Taofik Salako

‘Local content ’ll address pilots’ unemployment’

By Kelvin Osakobor

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ENIOR Special Assistant to the President on Aviation Matters, Captain Shehu a Usman Iyal has described the proposed local content bill for the aviation sector by the National Assembly as one of the ways of creating jobs for unemployed indigenous pilots.

Iyal said the bill when passed into law will make it mandatory for both domestic and foreign airlines to employ a certain number of pilots and aircraft engineers.

Iyal said Nigeria would be emulating the practice in countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia where it is mandatory for airlines to employ locals on the flight deck.

Iyal spoke against the backdrop of 66 pilots and 61 aircraft engineers that have graduated from different aviation institutions organised by the presidential amnesty programme .

The pilots and aircraft engineers were trained at the Afrika Union Aviation Academy, Mafikeng, and Flight Training Services, Midrand, both in South Africa, Lufthansa Flight Training Network, Germany, Fujairah Aviation Academy, United Arab Emirates, Jetstream Aviation Academy, Greece, and Royal Jordanian Air Academy, Amman, Jordan.

He explained that the Federal Government will collaborate with aviation agencies to ensure the pilots and aircraft engineers who were trained and type rated after training from the amnesty programme would be absorbed into the aviation sector.

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25 NLNG is one of the biggest success stories in our country. From what I am told, the company has invested $13 billion so far since inception, and has become a pacesetter in terms of revenue generation for the government.

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga

SEC to enforce new capital base

HE board of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will stick to the December 31, 2014 deadline for the implementation of the new capital requirements for capital market operators.

Against the background of opposition from capital market operators, a reliable source at SEC yesterday told The Nation that the apex capital market regulator had carefully weighed all the options before deciding on the new capital requirements and the deadline.

The source said that there is no consideration for reduction in the capital requirements or extension of the deadline, stressing that SEC would enforce the new capital requirements as from January 1, 2015.

According to the source, the Commission decided on the new capital requirements in the best interest of the capital market as poor capitalization was partly responsible for the recent recession and

By Taofik Salako

cases of malpractices in the market.

“The downtrend in the past was due to laxity in the regulatory framework and operators’ malfeasance. Everyone has acclaimed the improvement in the regulatory environment, so when you strengthened the regulatory surveillance, you must have stronger operators with adequate capital and relevant competencies to ensure stable market growth,” the source said.

The source noted that inadequate capital has been undermining market growth as operators have not been able to respond to market growth initiatives being promoted by the regulators. The source cited the example of infrastructure fund, which has not generated any strong interest among operators.

SEC had announced major increases in minimum capital requirements for capital market functions under a new

minimum capital structure that is expected to take off by January 1, 2015.

The apex capital market regulator increased minimum capital base for broker/ dealer by 329 per cent from the existing N70 million to N300 million. Broker, which currently operates with capital base of N40 million, will now be required to have N200 million, representing an increase of 400 per cent. Minimum capital base for dealer increased by 233 per cent from N30 million to N100 million.

Also, issuing houses, which facilitate new issues in the primary market, will now be required to have minimum capital base of N200 million as against the current capital base of N150 million. The capital requirement for underwriter also doubled from N100 million to N200 million.

Trustees, rating agencies and portfolio and fund managers had their minimum capital base increased by 650 per cent each from N40 mil-

lion, N20 million and N20 million to N300 million, N150 million and N150 million respectively.

A Registrar will now have a minimum capital base of N150 million as against the current requirement of N50 million.

While the minimum capital base for corporate investment adviser remained unchanged at N5 million, individual investment advisers will have to increase their capital base by 300 per cent from N500,000 to N2 million.

There has been a groundswell of opposition to the new capital requirements from capital market operators, in spite of claims by SEC that it consulted the operators before deciding on the new capital structure.

Leading stockbroker and chairman of Capital Bancorp, Mr Olutola Mobolurin, said the Commission should not use arbitrary regulation to enforce consolidation noting that both the capital market regulators and operators should find a common ground

Polo Luxury, Cartier partner

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DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$117.4/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,396.9/ troy Sugar -$163/lb MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N11.4 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES

Inflation -8% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -1% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $45b FOREX CFA EUR £ $ ¥ SDR RIYAL

-0.2958 -206.9 -242.1 -156 -1.9179 -238 -40.472

to ensure a smooth consolidation process.

Mobolurin, who also chairs the NASD Plc and Custodian and Allied Plc, said consolidation should not be artificially imposed by resort to mandatory statutory capital requirements as capital alone does not make an institution viable.

According to him, capital can be adequate or not while overcapitalisation is just as bad as under-capitalisation.

Capital market operators argued that the new capital requirement structure- which retained the previous trend of fixed capital base for a designated function, failed to sufficiently address the peculiarities of the various capital market functions.

Stockbrokers under the auspices of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) had stated that the new capital requirements did not reflect the underlying structures and feelings of the market.

•From left: Operator Account Manager, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Edmund Okelue, Head of Gloworld, Brenda Akhigbe, Commercial Director of Globacom, Lorenzo Gomez and Head of Operator Business of Samsung Electronics West Africa, Ololade Shonubi admiring the Galaxy S5 Samsung device at Gloworld shop in Palms Mall, Lekki, Lagos during the in-store experiential activity on the device.

ANLCA kicks as new auto policy kicks off

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HE Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has criticised the Federal Government over implementation of the new national automotive policy which hiked the import duty on imported vehicles from 10 per cent to 35 per cent and an additional levy of 35 per cent.

The ANLCA restated its opposition to the controversial policy at a meeting held between the national leaders and chapter executives of the association in Lagos.

Sources at the meeting said, the group reviewed the auto policy and concluded that it has serious implication on their job and the interest of

CBN may leave interest rate at 12% till Oct. - P 26

By Oluwakemi Dauda

general public.

The meeting, the source said, discuss the effects of the Federal Government policy on imported vehicles into the country; Nigeria Shippers’ Council intention to downsize or increase share capital of freight forwarding agencies; the chartering of ANLCA as a custom brokerage professional organisation and the movement of ANLCA Secretariat from the old secretariat to the new permanent secretariat, along Durbar Road, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos in Lagos.

The group noted that in as much as the policy is not for agents to contest but the fact that

they are part of a larger society, ANLCA said the policy needs to be reappraised by the Federal Government, in the overall interest of Nigerians.

At the meeting, the source said, its National President Prince Olayiwola Shittu who presided over the meeting, at a point, yielded the Chairmanship of the meeting to the Zonal Coordinator West and East Sir John Ofobike and Chief Dennis Okwu, to show how serious they view the auto policy and to forestall the use of the emergency powers of the President to sanction some erring Chapters’ Executives.

Contacted, the Director of Media and Publicity, ANLCA President, Mr Joe Sanni said:

Foreign investors stake N495b on Nigerian equities

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“Members were very critical of the Federal Government’s policy on vehicle importation and its implication on sustenance, its effect on licensed Customs Agents job and the general public, which was seen as impacting negatively on Nigerians.

“It was noted that as much as the policy is not for agents to contest, the fact that Agents are part of a larger society, meant that such policy needed to be reappraised by the Federal Government, in the interest of Nigerians generally.

“This is against the backdrop of the policy’s negative effects on jobs/unemployment and the general welfare of the ordinary Nigerians.

HE Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Polo Luxury Group, Mr. John Obayuwana, has described the group partnership with Cartier Africa as a special privilege that will redefine the company’s investment and business growth.

Cartier is reputed to be one of the worlds esteemed and respected Maisons in the luxury goods industry.

Obayuwana said this while hosting the CEO of Cartier Africa, Mr. Alessandro Patti who was on his firstvisit to Nigeria.

According to Obayuwana , the visit was to further strengthen the partnership between Polo Luxury Group and Cartier as well as to emphasize its position as the exclusive agents of Cartier in Nigeria an West Africa.

“Cartier, as a jeweler based in Paris, has always led the way in creativity, innovation, beauty and style. This is what Cartier represents to the world and in the world.

The presence of Mr. Patti further cements our relationship with Cartier and in turn, boost the Nigerian luxury market”, Obayuwana stated.

Furthermore, the Polo Luxury Group CEO added that apart from the availability of exclusive products provided by Cartier, the brand also brings its luxury knowhow and expertise to Polo.

Also, Patti mentioned that Africa is an emerging continent in the world with Nigeria being the fastest and growing economy for luxury business.

The best is being your own boss

- P39

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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THE NATION

BUSINESS MONEY

e-mail: money@thenationonlineng.net

CBN may leave interest rate at 12% till October T HOSE expecting an immediate cut in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), may be disappointed.

Findings by The Nation indicated that although the new Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, promised rate cut, it may not take effect until about October.

Currencies analyst at Ecobank Nigeria Olakunle Ezun said in an emailed report that the Governor’s forward guidance to a low interest rate environment showed a clear departure from his predecessor’s era of a signifi-

Stories by Collins Nweze

cantly tight policy stance.

He argued that assuming no significant change to key indicators, the MPR would likely be held at 12 per cent through September before any cuts are made. He said this was because of reasonably strong liquidity growth, fiscal expansion prior to the February 2015 elections, and the potential risks to Nigeria arising from the normalisation in US monetary policy.

The MPR is the benchmark rate by which the CBN determines in-

terest rate.

Emefiele had said the CBN under his leadership, would pursue a gradual reduction in interest rates.

He said a comparison of selected macroeconomic aggregates from some emerging market countries including South Africa, Brazil, India, China, Turkey, and Malaysia showed that Nigeria has one of the highest T-bill rates.

“Such high rates create a perverse incentive for commercial banks to simply buy virtually risk-free government bonds rather than lend to the real sector,” he said.

The CBN boss said that to enhance financial access and reduce borrower cost of credit, the lender would pursue policies targeted at making Nigeria’s T-bill rates more comparable with other emerging markets and by extension, pursue a reduction in both deposit and lending rates.

“While a reduction in deposit rates would encourage investment attitudes in savers, a reduction in lending rates would make credit cheaper for potential investors,” he said.

Emefiele said since 2012, the CBN has maintained a tight regime of monetary policy, with the MPR and the Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) mostly remaining unchanged at 12 per cent. The CRR on public sector deposits was however raised to 50 per cent in July, 2013 and subsequently to 75 per cent in March 2014 when the CRR on private sec-

tor deposits was also adjusted upwards to 15 per cent.

He said this is meant to address the liquidity effects of the Federation Account Allocation Committee’s (FAAC) statutory allocations to the three tiers of government and the redemption of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) bonds towards the end of 2013, the effects of which lingered into this year.

“The CBN would also begin to include the unemployment rate as one of the key variables considered for its Monetary Policy decisions. In the interim, we would continue to maintain a monetary policy stance, reflecting the liquidity conditions in the economy as well as the potential fiscal expansion in the run-up to the 2015 general elections,” he said.

Group seeks transparency, accountability in forex dealings

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From left: Head, Liability Products, Wema Bank Plc, Femi Oyebanji; mother of the winner Felicia Adeyanju; the winner of N250,000 Gold Award, Aderonke Adeyanju; Executive Director, North Bank, Moruf Oseni and Head Retail and Small and Medium Enterprises, Dotun Ifebogun, during the presentation of a cheque to Aderonke at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos.

‘Africa undergoing economic change’

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FRICA Development Bank (AfDB) President Donald Kaberuka has said Africa is undergoing “a combination of fast demographics, economic rerorms, fast absorption of technological change, mixed with rapid urbanisation and coupled with a wealth of its natural resources”. These developments, he said, are the foundation of a fundamental and important change on the African continent today.

He spoke at the 12th Session of the Co-ordination Committee comprising representatives from the African Union Commission (AUC), Regional Economic Communities, (RECs), the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) at the weekend in Addis Ababa ahead of the upcoming African Union Summit to be held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

The AfDB President called for a con-

crete and effective outcome in the form of a precise set of recommendations to galvanise Africans. Such precision and clarity, he said, “would enable leaders and all involved in the preparations for the Malabo Summit to know exactly what they want to achieve”. He stressed the need to focus and condense the issues into a smaller manifesto that could be acted upon by leaders and ministers in their respective capacities.

He said discussions at the conference also stressed the need to accelerate cross-border transit across the continent by way of implementation of a high-speed train network and called for the creation of a continental free-trade area.

In tackling these issues, the speakers proposed a roadmap for realizing these projects and stressed the need for a ‘paradigm shift’ as a fundamental step towards the implementation of the projects, as well as the broader Agenda 2063.

The need for countries to commit to financing the continent’s development and the issue of debt was also discussed. President Kaberuka reflected on the hard lessons that he said must be learnt from the high price paid by Africa throughout the 1980s, with the ill-fated initiatives of borrowing widely for consumption.

“If governments and individuals borrow for investment, then this is not only advantageous, it must be supported,” he asserted. He added that the commercial window of the AfDB had just re-opened, giving the opportunity for all to “borrow wisely, spend and invest wisely, and build debt management capacity in their respective countries.”

Access to capital markets was also put forward as important bedrock for developing countries across the continent, but it was noted that this access has to be fused with domestic debt management capacity and political and economic discipline.

Managing Director, Citibank Nigeria Limited, Mr. Omar Hafeez (left); Principal of Junior Secondary School, Lagos State Model College, Mr. F.A Lawal (right) presenting a prize to a contestant (middle) at the Citibank Nigeria Limited quiz session which was held as part of the activities of Citi’s 9th Annual Global Community Day in Lagos.

HE Association of Bureau De Change of Nigeria (ABCON) has said its members must conduct all transactions with probity and transparency in the overall interest of the industry and economy.

Speaking at the launch of operational manual and unified logo for Bureau De Change (BDC) operators, ABCON President Aminu Gwadabe said the forex liberalisation policy instituted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) did not only empower the subsector, but prompted an influx of new investors and an increase in the number of BDCs. He said the number of operators rose from 300 in 2006 when the market was libralised, to over 3,000 presently, a process that has created thousands of jobs for the population.

“With this increase also comes the need for training and retraining of staff and operators to ensure uniform standards across the industry.

We have realised the need to introduce operational manual for BDCc to guide all operators,” he said.

Gwadabe said the operational manual remains a comprehensive information database for all operators. Some of the provisions contained in the manual include requirements for licencing new BDCs, membership registration

requirement, responsibilities of operators, explanations on Money Laundering /Counter Terrorism Financing Act. Others are book keeping requirements, returns rendition, general administration and domiciliary account operation.

He said the manual remains a demonstration of its commitment to training and retraining of BDCs adding that the guideline also would help the body demonstrate its Self Regulatory Organisation.

“We also have the mandate to ensure uniform standards of operations and quality of services across the subsector. The manual represents firm commitment to performing these responsibilities,” he said.

The ABCON boss said the manual shows commitment to continuously partner with the CBN to achieve to achieve an orderly foreign exchange market where all operators play by the rule.

Speaking further, he said the need to distinguish between fake and genuine foreign exchange dealers led the body to create a new logo for operators.

“The website provides opportunity for immediate and direct access to ABCON by its members and members of the public. It is our desire that only licenced operators buy and sell foreign currency, and the public patronises such,” he said.

Mainstreet Bank bags payment standard certificate

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AINSTREET Bank Limited has been awarded Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard certification (PCIDSS). The PCI DSS is a set of requirements designed to ensure companies that process, store or transmit credit/debit card information maintain a secure environment to manage the fast evolving Payment Card Industry (PCI) security standards.

The PCI DSS is administered and managed by the PCI Security Standards Council, an independent body that was created by the major payment card brands (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and JCB).

Mainstreet Bank has by this recognition earned the level 1 PCI certification which is the highest rank available from the major credit card providers (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and JCB). level 1 PCI certification is only given to third-party providers who meet the Council’s strin-

gent and audited - credit/debit card transaction security protocols to protect customers’ personal transaction data.

Level 1 requires an external audit for approval, which is more rigorous than lower level compliance.

The process further attests to the security of the bank’s network, applications, hardware and business processes.

The audit was performed by the Qualified Security Assessor from Phillips Consulting, the first indigenous QSA in Nigeria.

Speaking on the certification, Faith Tuedor-Matthews, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mainstreet Bank noted that ‘’attaining the highest level in PCIDSS is a significant milestone for the bank being a key regulatory requirement for major electronic payment providers. PCIDSS will further boost our customers’ confidence in the safety and protection of their electronic data and e- payment services’’.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

MONEY Banks with a capital base above N100 billion are exploring opportunities Wanted: Fraud-free within and outside Africa by opening offshore units to not only add value pension system

By Ibrahim Adam to their customers but shareholders. FirstBank of Nigeria, GTBank, Access HE trend is worrisome. A situation where tax payers’ money is spent on Bank and Diamond Bank, among others, have opened foreign subsidiaries, public hearings and probes of serious isues and at the end, the outcome does which come with varied benefits, writes COLLINS NWEZE. not see the light of day. This practice is

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Creating synergy through offshore banking

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ANKS with eye in the future are taking advantages of benefits that come with offshore banking to expand their operations to other countries. From opportunity to run multicurrency accounts to the convenience that comes with it, most bank customers want banks that provide same efficient and seamless services across all their locations, globally.

FirstBank of Nigeria Ltd (FirstBank), a subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc., has confirmed the acquisition of International Commercial Bank (ICB) West African operations with the acquisition of ICB Senegal. This development completes the acquisition of the West African asset and operations of International Commercial Bank Financial Group Holdings AG (ICBFGH).

With this acquisition, the lender is now providing full banking services in four additional countries – Ghana, Gambia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. The bank has equally promised to continue to upscale its reach in existing and new markets, through organic expansion and targeted acquisitions, helping it to maintain its leading market position.

FirstBank had last November, acquired a 100 per cent equity interest in ICB Ghana, ICB Sierra Leone, ICB Guinea and ICB Gambia from ICBFGH. As a result of the acquisition, Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Bisi Onasanya, said the lender will consolidate its position as one of the largest corporate and retail banking financial institutions in sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa).

He said the transaction delivers against the lender’s stated ambition to win significant market share, expand its pan-African footprint and diversify earnings while delivering value to shareholders.

He said the transaction has considerable strategic benefits directly aligned with the lender’s growth plans and provides a very strong platform for regional growth as the Bank expands its operations to take advantage of opportunities across the wider continent.

Expansion offers a range of benefits, including new growth options, a diversified and broader geographic earnings profile, reduced country specific risk and enhanced customer benefits. By establishing a footprint in carefully selected African countries, the Bank expects to improve its ability to effectively serve an increasingly international profile of corporate and institutional customers.

“The acquisition of ICBGFH assets in Senegal is in line with FirstBank’s stated international expansion plans and offers considerable strategic benefits with ICB offering FirstBank entry into multiple markets under one franchise. In addition, it further emphasises FirstBank’s focus on building a stronger regional and multi-local institution across Africa; providing new growth options, diversified geographic earnings profile and wider customer benefits,” Onasanya said.

He said entry into Senegal presents an automatic banking license into other countries in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) region and the country’s low banking penetration, strong prospects for economic growth and political stability makes it an attractive market.

He explained that due to its congeniality for investors, businesses and tourists, Senegal offers one of the safest and more conducive environments for business as represented by the flow of foreign investments channelled through the economy in the last ten years in telecoms, banking, insurance, tourism, transportation, agriculture among other things.

Retooling business strategy

United Bank for Nigeria (UBA) Plc has

equally announced a major shift in its business model and strategy meant to improve its earnings in Nigeria and African subsidiaries. The Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc, Phillips Oduoza said the Group has split its operations into two broad directorates, UBA Africa and UBA Nigeria, both under UBA Plc. The Nigeria division will intensify the bank’s focus on the Nigerian market, with the aim of expanding its market share, while deepening the lender’s wallet share of existing businesses.

Oduoza said both the Nigeria and Africa directorates are expected to generate 50 per cent each of the bank’s total revenue target.

He said African subsidiaries contributed 20 per cent of the banks profit before tax in 2013 against 11 per cent in 2012. He said that the target of 50 per cent earnings for both directorates will be achieved in the next three years.

He said the plan is in line with the lender’s ‘Project Alpha’ initiative, a three-year road map of key transformation initiatives, designed to reinforce the Group’s strategic positioning and leverage its huge Africa presence to fully exploit the opportunities in Africa ’s economic renaissance.

According to him, the UBA Africa Division will be made up of the 18 African country subsidiaries of the UBA Group outside Nigeria. He said the UBA Africa will have a CEO supported by two Deputies along the bank’s two core product lines: Wholesale Banking (comprising, Corporate Bank, Institutional Bank and Public Sector) and Retail Banking (comprising, Personal Banking and Small and Medium Enterprises Banking).

Oduoza said “the newly created UBA Africa Division will grow and deepen the bank’s presence in member countries, optimise the synergies within the network, deepen service delivery excellence, and promote cultural integration and a high level of motivation among its staff in the different countries.

He said that for time, the bank has been investing and now is time to drive the business. He said the bank completed the first phase of its expansion plans in 2011 and is now trying to develop the business. He said the bank is currently focusing on aggressive acquisition of customers adding that the full benefits of the bank’s investment in Africa will start coming back.

He said the African and Nigerian directorates will be supported by a common technology and will benefit from shared services. He said completion between the two directorates will be positive and will improve its earnings. “We have taken a decision on how to drive Nigeria and African divisions and earn the full benefits of our investments,” he said.

He said the bank is not restructuring, but is redeploying its resources in a very optimal manner to achieve its business objectives and improve earnings.

Stakeholders speak Managing Director, Financial Nigeria International, Jide Akintunde said offshore banking comes with certain benefits such as its opening up of the banking industry to national and pan-regional players.

He predicts that despite the pressure from the CBN on the banks, competition in the operating environment enhances local banks’ commitment to providing relevant banking products and strong local service.

He said offshore banks are known to offer global payments, trade and cash mana g e m e n t s e r v i c e s t o t h e i n c r e as i n g number of international and regional cli-

• Onasanya

ents which include governments, financial institutions, and high net-worth investors with business interests across the world.

Economic Analyst, Sunday Bayo, said some offshore banks may operate with a lower cost base and can provide higher interest rates than the legal rate in the home country due to lower overheads and a lack of government intervention.

He said offshore finance is one of the few industries, along with tourism, in which geographically remote island nations can competitively engage. It can help developing countries source investment and create growth in their economies, and can help redistribute world finance from the developed to the developing world.

Capital requirement Ghana and Zambia central banks had raised their minimum capital requirement for banks, saying that the measure would help mobilise additional resources for their economies and enable banks participate effectively in their national economic growth as well as provide more funds for flow of credit.

In the case of Ghana, whose financial market had been undergoing some restructuring since the discovery of oil in the country, the Bank of Ghana has directed all banks to recapitalise to the tune of GH¢60 million ($31.7 million), from the $5.28 million it used to be.

Similarly, the Zambian government recently hiked its minimum capital requirements for foreign commercial banks to K520 billion ($98.52 million), from $2.27 million, while that of local commercial banks was raised to $19.69 million within same period.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Director, Banking Supervisions, Mrs. Agnes Martins said the increases reflect efforts to strengthen the banking sectors in those countries even as global banks have also been seeking ways to boost capital adequacy ratios in their home countries to meet increased capital requirements under Basel III, and one option they have explored has been the disposal of international subsidiaries.

She said that these capital demands are not in tandem with the level of growth in business activities in these lenders adding that it would not allow banks to continue funding their subsidiaries from parent companies but would encourage them to consider mergers and acquisitions with other local or foreign banks in host country.

simply put, untenable.

Apart from the resources usually committed into such exercise(s), a lot of manpower and energy is also wasted.

This happens not only at the executive arm alone but also at the legislative arm of government.

Between May 1999 and now, many of such reports have emanated from the National Assembly. The question that comes to mind is what has happened to these reports or why were some of those probes aborted midway?

One of such investigative hearings is that of the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters, which is popularly known as Pension Report Investigative hearing. It was a hearing that elicited a lot of interests from within and outside Nigeria.

The first public hearing on the matter was held on March 6, 2012, during which the Senate committee suspended of the Pension Task Force Team (PTFT) led by Alhaji Abdulrasheed Maina, even when the Task Force had not appeared before it.

The Task Force, duly set up by the Federal Government, was saddled, primarily, with restructuring the pension system. Its membership was drawn from the various anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC and the State Security Service, SSS as well as other para-military agencies. The offices of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Attorney-General of the Federation were also represented on the team.

Considering the membership of the Task Force, it would have been logical, sensible and appropriate to have listened to it first before taking any decision. But was this was not the case in that instant.

Hardly had the Task Force finished its assignment than it was ordered suspended by the Senator Aloysius Etok-led committee, thus suggesting that the Senate committee was set up to achieve a pre-meditated objective of working from the answer to the question instead of the other way round.

The matter took a new twist when the committee was alleged to have been influenced by the Task Force to look the other way on some issues. Although the committee denied the allegation, some members of the PTFT are insisting that it has not told the public, everything it knows about the pension scam.

One of the accused persons in the pension saga, Dr Sani Shuaibu Teidi, who is currently standing trial, had alleged in an interview that they reached an agreement with the committee to give them a soft landing.

Senator Etok has always absolved the panel of any wrongdoing. He even asked the EFCC, the Police and the SSS to investigate him and panel. In fairness to him, nothing has been found against him.

Some questions are, however, begging for answers. Why did the committee suspend the Pension Task Force Team? Was that the right thing to do at that time? Was there any law that allows such to be done?

Was the step in tandem with the rule of fairness and natural justice?

In a recent interview, Senator Etok said: “My job at the Senate is quite challenging and interesting. It is interesting in the sense that I deal directly with the welfare of the people as well as the future of Nigerians.

My committee oversees a critical sector of the Nigerian public service. I chair the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters. We oversee recruitment, promotion and discipline of civil servants. We also deal with pension matters of the civil, public, military and the police services. It is a very sensitive and challenging assignment”.

Has the panel fairly dealt with pension matters as claimed in the interview? Many Nigerians are still waiting eagerly to see how this issue will be resolved. How the issue is settled will speak volumes on whether the Senate, is ready to assist the Federal Government in fighting corruption or not.

28

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

THE NATION INVESTORS

Foreign investors stake N495b on F Nigerian equities OREIGN investors staked more than N495 billion on Nigerian equities in the first four months of this year, according to the latest figure released by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The four-month foreign portfolio investment (FPI) indicated foreign investors accounted for more than two-thirds of transaction value at the Nigerian stock market during the period, with foreign investments picking up gradually in the last month.

The report used two key indicatorsinflow and outflow, to gauge foreign investors’ mood and participation in the stock market as a barometer for the economy. Foreign portfolio investment outflow includes sales transactions or liquidation of equity portfolio investments through the stock market while inflow includes purchase transactions on the NSE. The NSE report is generally regarded as a credible gauge of foreign portfolio investments in Nigeria as it coordinates data from nearly all active investment bankers and stockbrokers.

According to the report, foreign investors were responsible for about 68 per cent of total transactions while Nigerian investors accounted for 32 per cent. Both sell and buy transactions from foreign investors amounted to N495.3 billion as against N236.7 billion traded by domestic investors, indicating aggregate turnover of N731.9 billion.

Analysis of foreign portfolio transactions however indicated that there were more sale transactions than buy transactions. Foreign investors sold about N302.82 billion worth of shares as against N192.47 billion bought during the period.

In April, foreign investors traded N138.79 billion worth of shares including sales transactions of N73.73 billion and buy transactions of N65.06 billion.

Total domestic transactions stood at N45.64 billion. Total transactions during the month stood at N184.43 billion.

The foreign sale-buy trend in April followed the same trend in recent months, although the momentum of buy transactions appeared to be picking up. In the first quarter, nearly two-thirds of foreign

portfolio transactions were on the sell side.

According to the NSE, total foreign outflows stood at N229.03 billion in the first quarter, representing some 64.2 per cent of total foreign transactions during the period. Total foreign inflows stood at N127.41 billion. Altogether, foreign investors’ deals accounted for N356.50 billion during the three-month period, more than 65.11 per cent of total transactions of N547.51 billion. This indicated that Nigerian investors accounted for N191.01 billion, 34.89 per cent of total transactions, during the period.

Month-on-month analysis showed that there was increase in the momentum of foreign transactions in March 2014, with increases in both sell and buy orders. However, the downtrend continued to dominate transactions. Total foreign outflow in March 2014 stood at N75.42 billion as against inflow of N55.13 billion, totaling N130.55 billion. Foreign investors accounted for 78.25 per cent of total transactions-foreign and domestic, of N166.84 billion in March 2014.

The flow of investments in March 2014 contrasted sharply with the situation in March 2013 when there were more inflows than outflows. Total foreign inflows totaled 53 per cent of total foreign transactions in March 2013. Total foreign transactions stood at N80.14 billion in March 2013, consisting of inflow of N43.13 billion and outflow of N37.01 billion.

Month-on-month, the outflows in February are about 107 per cent higher compared to January 2014 and about 183 per cent compared to February 2013. While total transactions at the NSE increased from N181.97 billion in January 2014 to N198.70 billion in February 2014, foreign outflows accounted for the increased tempo of activities and the higher proportion of foreign participation to local participation.

Foreign portfolio outflows stood at N103.53 billion in February 2014 as

against foreign inflows of N32.75 billion.

These indicated that foreign investors accounted for 68.59 per cent of total transactions during the period. This contrasted sharply with the situation in similar earnings season of February 2013 when foreign investors had more inflows at N39.34 billion as against outflows of N36.63 billion.

Total foreign outflow had stood at N50.14 billion in January 2014 as against inflow of N39.53 billion during the period, bringing total foreign transactions to N89.67 billion. In comparable period of January 2013, foreign inflow was higher at N40.96 billion against outflow of N20.50 billion.

Recent reports have continued to highlight increased foreign participation, though negative. Foreign investors accounted for 49.28 per cent of total transaction value of N181.97 billion in January 2014 as against 36.89 per cent of total transactions of N166.60 billion in January 2013 and 48.91 per cent of total transactions of N142.24 billion in December 2013.

Portfolio flow analysis in recent period had shown a consistent trading pattern in foreign transactions. While foreign investors flowed in more funds than they took out in the first half of 2013, they have since been taking more money out than they invested since the beginning of the second half of 2013.

Month-on-month analysis showed that total foreign transactions closed December 2013 at N69.57 billion, consisting of inflow of N32.40 billion and outflow of N37.17 billion. Total foreign transactions rose to N88.89 billion in November, including inflow of N42.68 billion and outflow of N46.21 billion.

These had closed October at N82.33 billion including inflow of N39.45 billion and outflow of N42.88 billion.

In September, total foreign inflow was N26.14 billion as against outflow of N27.88 billion, bringing total foreign transactions to N54.02 billion. Total trans-

actions at the stock market during the month stood at N108.19 billion, out of which domestic investors contributed N54.17 billion or 50.07 per cent.

In August, foreign inflow had stood at N31.12 billion as against outflow of N39.76 billion. Total foreign transactions thus stood at N70.88 billion, 52.26 per cent of the total turnover of N135.63 billion recorded for the month.

Foreign investors had took out nearly a double of every penny they invested in the Nigerian stock market in July, unusually high disparity between foreign portfolio inflow and outflow, which led to significant decline in net foreign investment in the Nigerian stock market.

The seventh month report for July 2013 had indicated that total foreign inflow stood at N31.81 billion as against outflow of N61.90 billion in July, showing the widest divergence between inflow and outflow so far this year.

Total foreign inflow had risen to N90.15 billion while outflow stood at N60.09 billion as total foreign transactions increased to N150.24 billion in June.

Foreign investors had accounted for 36.89 per cent, 39.65 per cent, 52.78 per cent, 64.48 per cent, 48.68 per cent and 51.13 per cent in January, February, March, April, May and June respectively.

Portfolio transactions by foreign investors totaled N61.46 billion, N75.97 billion, N80.14 billion, N122.97 billion, N91.86 billion and N150.24 billion in January, February, March, April, May and June respectively.

Foreign investors staked about N4.08 trillion on quoted shares on the NSE between 2007 and 2012. Foreign investors had gradually and consecutively increased their investments in Nigerian equities from about 15 per cent of total market turnover in 2007 all through till a high of about 67 per cent in 2011.

Foreign portfolio investors concluded deals worth about N2 trillion

Julius Berger Nigeria adds 120m shares

J

ULIUS Berger Nigeria has added 120 million shares to its outstanding shares following the listing of the bonus shares recently declared by the board of the company.

The listing of the bonus shares increased Julius Berger Nigeria’s total issued shares to 1.32 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each, totaling N94 billion according to current market consideration.

The board of director of the construction company has recommended distribution of N3.24 billion in cash dividends and 120 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each as bonus shares as returns for the 2013 business year.

A breakdown of the dividend recommendation indicated that shareholders would receive a dividend per share of N2.70 and a bonus share of one share for every 10 shares held as at the closure date.

According to the board, the bonus shares will rank parri passu in all respects with the existing ordinary shares of the company except that such shares shall not qualify for dividend recommended by the Directors in respect of the year ended December 31, 2013.

As in the case of the dividend, shareholders whose names appear in the register of members as at the close of business on May 30, 2014 will benefit from the bonus issue.

Audited report and accounts of Julius Berger for the year ended December 31, 2013 showed that turnover rose marginally from N201.57 billion to N212.74 billion. Profit before tax

rose by 31 per cent from N12.34 billion to N16.22 billion. Profit after tax however dropped slightly from N8.19 billion to N8.06 billion. Earnings per share thus stood at N6.72 in 2013 as against N6.83 in 2012.

As part of its strategic positioning, Julius Berger has said it would focus on further diversification of its clients and business segments, improve on business development efforts, sustain due diligence and explore opportunities in alternative financing models to improve on its performance.

Chairman, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, AVM Nurudeen Imam, outlined that the company would consolidate its performance with continuing diversification of its client and business portfolios from public sector to private sector and across the construction chain with a view to mitigate cluster risk and ensure good spread across the sectors of the economy.

He said the company would step up its business development efforts by exploring opportunities in alternative financing models including options such as public private partnership (PPP) and build-operatetransfer (BOT).

According to him, the company would continue to modernise its administrative, engineering and operational departments and implement cost control measures that optimise the functioning of the company.

“Nigeria retains enormous potential. As Africa’s second largest economy, the rapidly developing

on publicly quoted Nigerian equities between 2012 and 2013. Value of foreign portfolio transactions on the NSE increased by 29 per cent in 2013 as domestic investors showed keener interests in listed equities.

Value of foreign portfolio transactions increased from N808.4 billion in 2012 to N1.04 trillion in 2013. In both years, Nigeria retained net inflow from foreign investors. However, net inflow dropped considerably from N94.4 billion in 2012 to N20.48 billion in 2013, reflecting the speculative and edgy nature of foreign portfolios during the year.

Foreign investors had accounted for about 61.4 per cent of total turnover on the NSE in 2012 while domestic investors accounted for 38.6 per cent.

However, domestic investors stepped up their participation with 49.2 per cent in 2013 while foreign investors slowed down to 50.8 per cent. Foreign portfolios were the main drivers of transactions on the NSE between 2011 and 2012, with foreign investors accounting for average of two-thirds of equity transactions between 2011 and 2012.

Total foreign inflow increased from N451.40 billion in 2012 to N531.26 billion in 2013 just as foreign outflow correspondingly increased from N357 billion in 2012 to N510.78 billion in 2013.

Foreign investors staked about N4.08 trillion on quoted shares on the NSE between 2007 and 2012. Foreign investors had gradually and consecutively increased their investments in Nigerian equities from about 15 per cent of total market turnover in 2007 all through till a high of about 67 per cent in 2011.

Foreign portfolio transactions increased from N615.6 billion in 2007 to N787.4 billion in 2008. These trimmed down to N424.6 billion in 2009 before rising consecutively to N577.3 billion and N847.9 billion in 2010 and 2011 respectively. Foreign portfolio trades stood at N808.4 billion in 2012. With these, the two-way flow of foreign portfolio investments showed that while foreign investors flowed in about N2.01 trillion during the period, they equally took away about N2.17 trillion.

•From left: Managing Director/CEO of CRC Credit Bureau Ltd, Mr. Tunde Popoola; Chairman of CRC Credit Bureau and Deputy Managing Director, Diamond Bank Plc, Mrs Caroline Anyanwu and Company Secretary, Banwo & Igbodalo, Mrs Bisi Omotunde during CRC’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos.

nation is a focal point for not only Nigerian, but also international investors interested in the continent.

Such investors are looking for a dynamic partner that can deliver superior quality work to global standards and is able to offer customised solutions based on country specific knowhow. I believe that our business model, operational strategies and company values make us a firstchoice contractor for such potential clients,” Imam noted.

He said Julius Berger would continuously strive to sustain its leadership position in the construction industry through effective risk assess-

ment, proactive management and enhanced productivity year on year.

Imam assured that the board was fully aware of the need to appoint more Nigerian directors but noted that such appointments would be gradual and based strictly on merit and shareholding structure of the company.

Providing further insights into the future outlook of the company, managing director, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Wolfgang Goetsch, said the company would focus on establishing itself as the leading EPC contractor in the power sector noting that the privatisation of the power sector

holds immense potential for the Nigerian economy.

He said the company would establish more strategic locations for its business hubs besides the existing locations in Abuja, Lagos and Uyo. Highlighting ongoing contracts and new awards, Goetsch said the company’s contract portfolio shows a robust future outlook stressing the fact that Julius Berger Nigeria remains contractor of choice for key national priority projects as underlined by the award of Lagos-Sagamu Expressway and letter of intent for the second Niger Bridge among other projects.

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHWEST STATES

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

PAGE 29

No longer wild wild west •Oyo State House of Assembly

As the Oyo State House of Assembly marks its third anniversary this week, BISI OLADELE recalls the crises that have rocked the legislative house since its inception in the first republic and looks at the critical success points of the current Assembly which remains the only one till date not marred by any crisis.

P

INSIDE

ARLIAMENT Building, Agodi, Ibadan in Oyo State, was the theatre of all the progressive legislations and political rascality that marked out the Western region in the first republic as the symbol of both the good and bad aspects of Nigerian politics.

Lagosians shun public toilets •PAGE 32

From the parliamentary system of government of that era to the presidential system adopted by Nigeria since the second republic and up till date, that legislative house, where the late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo once directed the affairs of western Nigeria that comprised the bulk of today’s Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun,

Ekiti, Ondo, Edo and Delta states as premier, remains at the centre of most of the major political happenings in the country.

Since the first recorded carpet crossing in Nigerian politics by some opposition parliamentarians in the western region parliament then that gave the then Action Group party the

Osun’s O’YES initiative fights youth unemployment •PAGE 35

majority to form the government through to the political crises that rocked the region and facilitated the end of the first republic, that regional parliament that has now metamorphosed into the Oyo State House of Assembly has had its own fair of crises.

From the wild, wild, west era in

Gloryland: Community with Midas touch •PAGE 36

the first republic, the Assembly acquired its notoriety which was tempered when Nigeria returned to democracy in 1979 after 13 years of military rule. But while the Assembly was relatively peaceful throughout the short-lived third •Continued from Page 30

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

30

SOUTHWEST REPORT •Continued from Page 29 republic, it has been a mixture of the good and the bad since the advent of this fourth republic Between 1999 and now, there had been no fewer than four legislative assemblies inaugurated at the Parliament building in Agodi and all but one were marked by crises. The only one that had remained crisis free till date is the current (7th) Assembly which marks the third anniversary of its inauguration this week.

Beginning from tomorrow, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Monsurat Sunmonu, will lead 31 fellow members of the Assembly to celebrate three years of uninterrupted parliamentary activities.

Hon. Sunmonu, fondly called ‘Madam Speaker’ by her colleagues and government functionaries, emerged the Speaker at the inauguration of the Assembly on June 10, 2011. She is the only female member of the House.

The Assembly was inaugurated amid fears that the series of violence that marked the 5th and 6th assemblies would continue with the 7th Assembly. But the current state legislators have proved pundits wrong as they have worked together as members of one House in spite of different political party leaning. The current Assembly has not recorded any open crisis since inception.

The 7th Assembly was born at a time when memories of the violent illegal impeachment of a governor in 2005 and violent clashes during the 6th Assembly, among others, were fresh.

It was inaugurated with 13 members of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), 12 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and seven members of the Accord. But the equation has changed since then as the ACN, which metamorphosed into the All Progressives Congress (APC) now has 18 members depleting the ranks of the PDP to nine and Accord five.

Yet, the House has never for once, been embroiled in any brawl.

Since June 2011, the current Assembly took a clear distance from violence and political brigandage which characterized the two previous assemblies. It worked together for the peace and progress of the state without putting party interest above the interest of the citizenry. It looked impossible but it has been real for three years.

The strategies Good leadership, according to key players, has played a major role in the success story of the Assembly.

Both Members of the ruling APC and opposition parties acknowledge that the Speaker is a critical success factor in the House. She is reputed to be a leader with a high sense of responsibility, fairness and justice.

Lauded by her colleagues and others for always willing to sacrifice her privileges to ensure peace, Hon. Sunmonu’s humility and respect towards other legislators, together with her feminine approach to issues that would ordinarily have exploded into crisis has earned her plaudits.

Reflecting on this, the Minority Leader, Hon. Rafiu Adekunle said: “You see, we are blessed with a good speaker who has the wisdom and kindness that all of us can enjoy. Had it been we had a male as the speaker, well I can’t say there would be rancor, but we would not have been where we are today. Apart from the fact that she is the only woman, we love her, and she has been performing her duties and carrying everybody along. And that is the major basis of her success for this present administration. She’s not greedy, she is not self centered, and she has a large heart. With that I think things are going on well. As for the opposition, she’s comfortable with the opposition more than the ruling party because she knows quite right that we are not eyeing her position just because we are in the opposition

•Inside the Assembly

No longer wild wild west

party. But the party members are loaded with potentials (and) since we are about 14 out of 32 she needs us too, hence she is enjoying our cooperation.”

Commenting, the Clerk of the Assembly Barrister Paul Bankole gave the glory “to God almighty for the peace we have enjoyed in the House of Assembly over the last three years.

I would say that it is God who has put men and a woman in place. God has given the woman, who is the Speaker of the House, exceptional grace and this has been the main reason why we have enjoyed peace. This was also made possible by the cooperation of all of us that are the principal officers. Women can sometimes do things better than men. The women’s feminine ways of handling issues can make the man down his tools.”

Maturity and exposure of the 32 lawmakers also count as a success factor for the current Assembly.

Though only two of them are in their second term, some others had served as councilors and local government chairmen while some others are successful private sector persons and community leaders.

On this factor, the Clerk said: “I want to give credit to the members of this 7th Assembly because they are mature politicians and their common interest of working in harmony has really helped. For that reason, whenever there are contentious issues, they put party affiliations aside and look for the common goals. It is not that there haven’t been forces trying to use that to divide them, but they have learnt to put their party affiliation aside and work as a body and as one family. Also, they have learnt from the mistakes of others in the past.”

The experience of Governor Abiola Ajimobi as a former senator is another success factor for the current assembly. “Being a Senator before, the governor himself has the experience on how the House is run and so he has been able to relate with the members effectively. Crisis only comes up when the Legislative and Executive are not in tandem with each

other. What the legislators want, like any other man, is respect. If you give them recognition and due respect, you will enjoy them. So it was with all these factors that we have been able to experience peace in this Seventh Assembly.” Bankole said.

The multi-party make-up of the current Assembly, in a way, offered an opportunity for a bond. With the composition of the House (18;9;5), no particular party is able to run roughshod over others in the entire business of lawmaking. Hence, they all work with the acknowledgement that they need one another to be able to function well and accomplish their purpose.

As an institution, the Oyo State House of Assembly has its origin in the defunct Western Nigeria Parliament in the first republic which was renowned for its vibrancy, brilliance and deep politicking with a touch of rascality at times.

Due to the parliamentary system of government of that era, the Western Nigeria Parliament was a bicamera legislature that brought traditional rulers and chiefs into the business of lawmaking for their kingdoms and the Region at large. Hence, the legislature was made up of the House of Assembly for the elected lawmakers and House of Chiefs for the traditional rulers and chiefs

The Principal Officers for the 5th Assembly (i) Hon. Isiaka Adesina-Adeola (Speaker but resigned the position) (ii) Hon. Mukhail Alarape Azeez (Speaker, Dec., 2003–July, 2005) (iii) Hon. Abraham Adeolu Adeleke (Speaker, Aug. 2005-May, 2007) Deputy Speakers (i) Hon. Mukhail Alarape Azeez (June 2003 – Dec. 2005) (ii) Hon. Abraham Adeolu Adeleke (Dec. 2003 -July, 2005) (iii) Hon. Olayemi Taiwo Majority Leaders (i) Hon. Isiaka Adesina-Adeola (resigned the position) (ii) Hon. Kazeem Abiola Ayilara (iii) Hon. Ayorinde Taoheed Abiola Hon. Samuel Modepoola Egunjobi (Minority Leader) Chiefs Whip (i) Hon. Asimiyu Olalekan Ganiyu (June 2003-Dec. 2003) (Resigned the position) (ii) Hon. Ebenezer Olubowale Fasola (Dec. 2003–July, 2005) (iii) Hon. Mufutau Olatunde Ogunremi (July 2005–May 2007) Hon. Oyewole Akinrinade (Chairman, Parliamentary Council) Hon. Simeon Adegbola Oyeleke (Deputy Majority Leader) Hon. Tunde Adegbenjo (Deputy Chief Whip) The principal officers for the 6th Assembly: Hon. Moroof Olawale Atilola (Speaker) Hon. Kazeem Abiola Ayilara (Deputy Speaker, June, 2007-Feb. 2009) Hon. Jelili Adewole Adeleke (Deputy Speaker, Feb. 2009-2011) Majority Leaders Hon. Michael Aderoju Okunlade (June 2007-Feb. 2009) Hon. Samuel Ademola Adejumobi (Feb. 2009-June, 2010) Hon. Waheed Olaniyi Olaniyan (June, 2010-May, 2011) Hon. David Akinwale Ajekiigbe (Minority Leader) Hon. Asimiyu Olalekan Ganiyu (Chief Whip) Hon. M. M. Inakoju (Chairman, Parliamentary Council. June, 2007June, 2010) Hon. Jimoh Oladeji Fadipe (Chairman, Parliamentary Council. June, 2010-May, 2011) Hon. Ademola Ajadi Olateju (Deputy Majority Leader) Hon. Nafiu Baale Lamidi (Deputy Chief Whip)

across the Region. The Parliament Building at Agodi provided for a Chamber for the House of Chiefs and another for the House of Assembly.

The first inaugural sitting of the Parliament had 89 Members including the Premier and Cabinet members. The Parliament preceded Nigeria’s independence in 1960 as it was set up earlier as part of the regional autonomy granted the region by the British colonialists. On 8th July, 1960, Sir Adesoji Aderemi, the then Ooni of Ife, was installed the Governor of Western Nigeria, as the first African to be elevated to the highest office in a British colonial territory.

Second Assembly The British parliamentary system of government continued until January 15, 1966 when there was a military putsch which put the soldiers in power for 13 years. On October 1 1979, the country was returned to democratic rule, adopting the American Presidential System of Government. The states under the presidential system had a uni-cameral legislature. Oyo was among the 19 states making the Nigerian federation.

Now referred to as the old Oyo State, it consisted of the current Oyo and Osun states. The Second Assembly had 125 members at its first sitting with Hon. Davidson Gbolagunte as the Speaker.

Third Assembly The democratic rule was, however, not to last as the military sacked the political class on December 31, 1983 for alleged economic mismanagement and political profligacy. Between 1992 and 1993 there were elected political office holders in the states with a military Head of State as the “president”.

Then the Third Assembly was inaugurated in the state with 32 Honourable members. Hon. Akinpelu Onigbinde was the Speaker of the Third Assembly.

Fourth Assembly The military continued in office until 28th May, 1999 when the Fourth Republic dawned the following day.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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SOUTHWEST REPORT On May 29, 1999, the country returned to democratic rule with the three arms of government fully constituted. The Oyo State House of Assembly, consisting of 32 members, constituting the Fourth Assembly, was inaugurated with Hon. Kehinde Ayoola as the Speaker. Ayoola was, however, removed in November after spending just six months. He was replaced with Hon. Asimiyu Alarape.

Fifth Assembly The Fifth Assembly is perhaps the most crises-ridden. Inaugurated on the June 4, 2003 with 32 members, the Assembly was marked with political wrangling that shook the state to its foundations. It was a really turbulent period for both the Executive and the Legislature and indeed the entire state. Members of the Assembly got polarized and principal officers were changed at will. Hence, the Assembly produced the highest number of principal officers.

Sixth Assembly Though the Sixth Assembly, which was inaugurated on June 4, 2007, was also racked with violence, it witnessed less frequent changes of its principal officers.

Seventh Assembly The Seventh Assembly was inaugurated on June 10, 2011 also with 32 members. They were elected on the platform of three major parties: the Action Congress of Nigeria (now All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord. While the APC originally has 13 Members, PDP originally had 12 and Accord originally had seven. But cross-carpeting of some members has led to the swelling of the ranks of the APC in the last three years.

Unlike the two previous assemblies, the 7th Assembly has been stable and peaceful, giving room to passing of 74 bills within three years.

Reflecting on their membership and activities at the Assembly, former speakers, Kehinde Ayoola, Adeolu Adeleke and former Deputy Speaker, Chief Pekun Adesokan, relived fond memories.

According to them, the Oyo State House of Assembly is one institution that makes deep impact on the lives of its members due to the huge learning in politics, leadership and conflict management during the four-year tenure.

Chief Adesokan said: “During our time, we were really dedicated and thorough. The business of lawmaking then was very interesting. There was a time I proposed that the 6th Assembly should emulate the way we were debating then. This 7th Assembly is trying. They move motions. They sponsor bills that are very essential to the lives of the people...

“I remember then when members of the House moved a motion that the governor should not attend any Economic Council meeting again, that they should allow only the state legislators to attend. And it was passed.

Recalling his days at the Assembly, Hon. Ayoola said: “I am proud to say that when we were there, some other Houses of Assembly came to us to watch our legislative procee-dings and asked questions about how to organize their own because they were from new states who had never known democracy before. So, they asked us questions.

We are proud to be their mentor in this regard. We are proud of the Oyo State House of Assembly...”

Former Speaker Adeleke also spoke glowingly about the Assembly. To him, the crises that engulfed the 5th Assembly did not take away robust debates for which the House is known.

“Anytime I remember it, I feel great because I did not disappoint my family, my town and the generality of the people of Oyo state. And, most importantly, I did not disappoint God. So I always feel great.

Now, wherever I go, people always accord me that respect.”

‘Leading the 7th Assembly has been tough, easy’ When the seventh Oyo state House of Assembly was inaugurated on June 10, 2011, Rt. Hon. Monsurat Sunmonu was the cynosure of all eyes as she was elected the first female Speaker in the history of the state’s legislative arm. She spoke with BISI OLADELE on her experience in the past three years.

•Hon. Sunmonu

H

OW has it been sustaining peace in this 7th Assembly since its inauguration three years ago?

Three years is like hundred years of grace. God has been so merciful to us in the last three years and we cannot but thank God for His mercy and grace that He has availed this 7th Assembly. He still makes us one happy and big family. And, to me personally, I will always be grateful to my members - my 31 husbands as I usually say, and also to all the staff. We equally thank the Executive, the Judiciary and all the good people of Oyo State.

How tough or easy has it been for you as the leader of this Assembly?

Life is tough; life is easy, even in your house or within your family.

Things have been working well for us because God has given us the grace of good understanding among ourselves. However, there are difficult times too. We have to prioritize our engagements. For example, if I have to be somewhere now and other people somewhere else expect me to be with them at the same time, I have to prioritize my schedule. But, by the

special grace of God, and the understanding of my colleagues, we have been able to work together and prioritize our duties accordingly.

People weren’t expecting much from this assembly because of the violence that marred the 5th and 6th Assemblies. What would you describe as the success factors for this 7th Assembly?

The success factors are assault-free, thuggery-free, the good understanding that we have and because of the calibre of people that we have in the 7th Assembly. We rub minds together on how to lay a good legacy right from the beginning. Also, we have focus, we are all visionary leaders; we all make sure that we bring success into this Assembly and to be able to accomplish what our constituents have sent us to do in the State Assembly.

How were you able to ward-off thuggery and political brigandage in the House?

It is mainly because of the calibre of people that make up this Assembly. None of them will engage in thuggery or any act of violence. Since we don’t have that among ourselves, nobody can do it. Also, we all want to make sure we are able to perform so brilliantly well that our people will have good things to say about us. That has been the attitude and nature of the calibre of people we have here. We also don’t allow detractors to dabble into our affairs.

So, we thank God for that.

Where is party supremacy or party interest in the conduct of the affairs of the Seventh Assembly in spite of the members coming from three different parties?

There is no party supremacy in this present Assembly because party politics is quite different from governance. We believe that the duties of our parties are to give us opportunity to contest and win election but once you are coming to the Assembly as a member, the business of governance takes pre-eminence. As a Speaker, I’m a Speaker for all parties; I’m a Speaker for Oyo State, not the APC speaker. Therefore, if you have that kind of mindset, that means there is no party supremacy in making decisions. We are being guided by the rule of law; we have to follow what the constitution says because the law doesn’t say your party wants this; but the people of Oyo State want this. So, that is what we have been operating on in this Assembly.

Some would see the cordial relationship between the Executive and the Legislature as a compromise on the side of the Legislature. How would you respond to this?

Yes, it is possible people say that because we are in a country where fraud is endemic. So, whether you do anything good or bad, they accuse you of compromise. But we also have to consider that other people’s credibility and integrity are very important. We in the 7th Assembly have never compromised anything with the Executive. We are only lucky that we have the kind of governor we are working with, in the state.

The governor is equally lucky to have the set of lawmakers in the 7th Assembly; where we are able to sit down and iron things out together to let him (the governor) know the dos and don’ts. We have to let him know what the constitution says.

Why I didn’t want to be speaker, by Adeolu Adeleke The political upheavals that characterised the Fifth Assembly (2003-2007) in Oyo State during the tenure of Governor Rashidi Ladoja cannot be forgotten in a hurry. The Speaker of that crises-ridden Assembly, Hon. Adeolu Adeleke, spoke with BISI OLADELE on the touching event s of that era, even as the current Assembly celebrates its third anniversary.

T

ELL us about the period of your membership of the Oyo State House of Assembly and the constituency you represented I was there from 2003 to 2007, representing AFIJIO State Constituency.

How did you emerge as the Speaker?

I emerged the Speaker through an election that was conducted by the members of the House. I got the vote of 25 out of the 32 members that made up the House then. And that excluded mine. I did not vote for myself because I did not want to become the Speaker at that particular time.

Why didn’t you want to be?

It was because of my loyalty to my boss then, former Speaker Mikhail Alarape. There were seven failed attempts to impeach him before the eighth succeeded.

Why was he removed?

Probably because of his poor attitude to the issues that concerned members and his lateness in going to the chamber for the business of the House. There are other issues too.

Are those the few points you can remember?

I don’t want to say much on that issue. I have said it before that I did not support his impeachment. I did not even vote for myself. I did all I could to ensure that the impeachment of my boss did not succeed. I did my best on those failed seven attempts to scuttle the plan. But at the eighth attempt there was nothing I could do to save the situation. Even out of the eight times he was out of the country for like four times but I still succeeded in circumventing their plans and frustrated the attempts to impeach him before the eighth succeeded.

What position were you holding before being elected as Speaker?

I was the Deputy Speaker.

Was that your office from the inception of that Assembly?

No, I had been a floor member from inception before being elected as Deputy Speaker after a year and eight months of the Assembly. I was later elected as Speaker. I passed through the three layers which was

•Hon. Adeleke unprecedented in the history of Oyo State House of Assembly.

Under what party did you secure a seat in the Assembly?

I came in under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Fifth assembly arguably was the most troubled in the history of the Oyo State House of Assembly.

How would you describe the four years you spent there as a member?

That is based on your own perception. From my own perception, I may not see it as the most-troubled Assembly. So it’s based on individual’s perception of the scenarios that had played out and still playing out in the state House of Assembly. I didn’t see our Assembly as the most-troubled in history. But the point is that through

And fortunately, the governor is not a lawless person. When somebody is not lawless, people think that is compromise, but it isn’t. It shows good understanding among the parties involved in this project.

Going by your experience, what advice would you give the people of Oyo State and politicians in the constitution of the next Assembly?

My advice is for them to follow the steps that this 7th Assembly has taken because examples are better than precepts. We are setting good examples which I believe people should be able to follow. And also, when you are trying to elect new set of people, try to consider their background and see that they have something to fall back on. It is only people that have got nothing to fall back on that make politics a do-or-die venture. I wish everybody the best in 2015. And they should look before they leap.

How do you feel about this Assembly that just clocked three years?

I am quite happy that I am able to achieve what I have achieved as the Speaker of this Assembly. I am happy for the kind of relationship that exists between the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary because we have been so friendly with one another. Also, I am happy that I am able to work with Governor Abiola Ajimobi, a visionary leader. I hope the people of the state will allow him to continue because if you consider what he has done in the last three years, Oyo State will give glory to the Almighty God. We must be able to criticize positively and not try to tell false tales of what is happening in the state. my belief in God and efficacy of prayer, I persevered. I did endure a lot and I was able to overcome the crises.

May be I should have described it as the most crises-ridden?

That is a matter of semantics.

Whether you say it is crises-ridden or the most-troubled Assembly, it is still the same. But the point is this, what is going on in the current assembly in the state is the question you need to ask. Before the crises started, we were having smooth running of administration at the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary levels. All of a sudden, because of the political exigency occasioned by the then Mr. President (Chief Olusegun Obasanjo), the crises started.

You just fingered the former President as having a hand in the crisis that engulfed the Assembly and, by extension, the state in general. Were there times when the members had meetings with him?

There was none. But I had the privilege of having meetings with him about two or three times. Those times I did alone without other members involved. I cannot talk on behalf of the G.18 that impeached Governor Rashidi Ladoja, but I can talk of the G.14 that opposed the impeachment.

So, why did you conclude that Mr. President then had a hand in the crises that happened in Oyo state?

Okay, if you don’t want me to say that, let me say it is God’s hand. I don’t want to say much about that because I believe everybody knows what happened that time. But thank God here we are today. After he (former President Olusegun Obasanjo) left office he had visited former Governor •Continued on Page 34

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SOUTHWEST REPORT While Lagos State government continues its efforts towards achieving mega city status for the state, poor sanitation and open defecation continues to blight the city’s drive towards this achievement. SEUN AKIOYE reports

A

RANDOM survey of the over 80 houses on Sofunde street in Agege, one of the most deprived communities on the outskirts of Lagos reveals a shocking yet almost amusing fact: Many of the households practise open defecation.

The model for this practice is a strange and complicated system, while many of the residents have one form of toilet in their often dilapidated houses-usually a pit latrine many of which is bursting at the seams- the residents prefer the more quicker and dangerous method of doing their business on the railway tracks or by the side of it.

The children usually don’t have to go to the railway track, they simply defecate in front of their houses while an adult-usually an older siblingcleans up for them. The water from this dirty assignment is usually swept to the road leaving the balcony ‘neat and tidy.’

The adults do their business in the night and at dawn under the cover of darkness. A walk from the railway track from Mosalasi Alhaja all the way to Pen cinema where Sofunde Street is located reveals the product of this nights’ occupation. The tracks and surroundings are littered with human wastes in various shapes.

Unfortunately in the morning, traders set their wares close to the tracks notwithstanding the obnoxious odour emitting from the defecation.

The problem of Sofunde Street is the same all over Agege and other poor communities in Lagos state. In other parts of Agege, investigations reveal that communities located near the rail track or canals are the most guilty of open defecation. It was also revealed that many of the buildings have with pit latrines but many of them are unusable, some are overfilling and had to be abandoned. The solution according to The Nation’s findings is open defecation.

According to a resident of Sofunde Street, Kola Adeniji an unemployed plumber, the residents of the street have been forced into such practice because they have no other choice.

“You can look at all the houses on this street which one of them is habitable? At least three of them have collapsed and some have been sold.

The problem is the pit latrines that we have are full and unless you are really pressed, you don’t want to use them, you could see gases coming out from the underground, that is why we do shotput,” he said.

A growing health challenge For the last seven years of his administration as the governor of Lagos, the economic capital of Nigeria, Babatunde Fashola has been seized with the idea of turning Lagos into a mega city in the mould of New York, London, and Tokyo etc. And one cannot begrudge the governor for his ambitions as Lagos population now set at 20 million has a lot of things in common with the greatest cities in the world.

But while the other cities have adequate provisions for waste management, Lagos struggles in controlling its bulging population from defecating wherever nature presses them.

But few people may appreciate the extent of this problem which is fast becoming an epidemic in the state.

According to the United Nations

Lagosians shun public toilets as open defecation continues International Children Education Fund (UNICEF), about 39 million Nigerians approximately 22 percent of the population still practice open defecation while diarrhea kills 194,000 children under the age of five annually, also respiratory infections kill another 240,000 every year. These grim statistics according to the world body was caused by unsanitary conditions with open defecation being a major culprit.

Globally the United Nation estimates that 2.5 billion people still do not have access to improved toilet facilities while at least 1 billion practice open defecation. But while great strides were made between 1990 and 2011 especially in Eastern Asia which caused sanitary conditions to improve from 27 percent to 67 percent, sub-Saharan Africa continues to lag behind.

In sub-Saharan Africa, 44 per cent of the population uses either shared or unimproved facilities, and an estimated 26 per cent practices open defecation. According to experts, open defecation is responsible for a number of illnesses and diseases and may be the source of some generic problems. For example in India where an estimated 600 million people still practices open defecation, a research said it is responsible for the stunted growth of many Indians in rural India.

But apart from the illnesses, the achievement of Millennium Development Goal 7 (MDG7) Target 10 to cut by half the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation in 2015 may be halted. According to experts, if current sanitary level is sustained the MDG target may not be achieved by 2026.

The Secretary General of the UN, Ban Kii Moon on the occasion of World Toilet Day in 2013 said: “Each year, more than 800,000 children under five die needlessly from diarrhoea – more than one child a minute.

Countless others fall seriously ill, with many suffering long-term health and developmental consequences. Poor sanitation and hygiene are the primary cause. Worldwide, some 2.5 billion people lack the benefits of adequate sanitation. More than 1 billion people practice open defecation. We must break the taboos and make sanitation for all a global development priority.”

“You can call it metropolitan defecation” Kehinde Jimoh had his job cut out for him at Oshodi Motor Park reputed as one of the toughest motor

parks in the city. He had come to Lagos from his village in one of the South Western states to pick the reputed golden flees in the city and on arrival he met the shock of his life.

“Eko o derun” (To survive in Lagos is hard), the only job I could get is this motor park job giving tickets to commercial drivers, I have nowhere to live and I have not made enough to rent a room, so I sleep at the motor park,” he said.

Jimoh’s toilette began at 4:00am every morning with a shower at the Oshodi railway track preceded by an open defecation on the track. “Where else do you want me to defecate, the government has made this railway track for us to defecate and that is where we do it. The train will carry it away,” he said.

But contrary to Jimoh’s belief, the train hardly carries such human waste away; instead they constitute an open sore to the city and an undignified reminder of how far Lagos is to achieving its mega status dream.

For the millions of homeless Lagosians – as the city’s residents are called - the hundreds of scattered gardens, open sewages, gutters, dumpsites, bridges, canals, train tracks and bushes serve as ready toilet when nature calls. It is almost a norm to see people defecate openly into any of these avenues without any fear or sense of guilt.

“Our bridges and canals have become public toilets because many people who came from outside Lagos chose to destroy this city for us. Because they are homeless, their toilet is on our street, this is what I termed metropolitan defecation or shit in the city” a Lagos State environmental official who wanted to be identified simply as Johnson said.

But not just the homeless defecate openly in Lagos; many residents of houses in populated areas built in the classic face-me-I-face-you model are also guilty of this. In many of the poor neighbourhood in the city where these houses may be found, poor sanitary condition reigned supreme. Many of the houses either lack toilets or the toilets are in such appalling state it is unusable. In such instances, the canal and gutters becomes their toilet where residents practice shotput.

Shotput is a slang commonly used in Lagos for open defecation, made popular by university students; many Lagosians living in the slums often used this code name to identify the mode of toilette.

One of such communities is the Dustbin Estate in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government, the estate which

‘ Our bridges and canals have become public toilets because many people who came from outside Lagos chose to destroy this city for us. Because they are homeless, their toilet is on our street, this is what I termed metropolitan defecation or shit in the city

‘

•New toilet facility by LOTS comprised of Onijomo, Idi-Ore and Onibaba neighbourhoods was so called because it was built on a land reclaimed from water by using tons of rubbish to fill up. There are over 10,000 residents of the community living in deprived and appalling conditions.

Then Tolulope Sangosanya came and founded the Love on the Street (LOT) Foundation and attempted to change the ways of the people.

“People usually didn’t have toilets here, they practiced open defecation including the children and when you consider the kind of unhygienic situations they face, you cannot but want to help,” Sangosanya told The Nation.

She has since gone ahead to help providing he community with five toilets and five bathrooms last year.

But this is a far cry from the need of 10,000 residents and many residents still defecate in the open.

Another such community is the

Otto-Ilogbo extension in Oyingbo, Lagos Mainland, one of the best kept secrets of the area, the Ilogbo slum is surrounded on all sides by civilisation, but the community lacked the basic infrastructure like water and toilets. For many years, the community dump site has been the only toilet available to all the residents of the slum. The dumpsite after years of use has become a mountain where residents desirous of seeing the surrounding civilisation climb to have an aerial view of their surroundings. While enjoying the view, residents also answer the call of nature in broad daylight.

The story of Makoko, a community built on Lagos lagoon is instructive, the houses lacked any sanitary facilities and residents of Makoko defecate in the water which unfortunately also serves for domestic use. A visit to Makoko by The Nation reveals a troubling trend. Bathing and defecation

early in the morning go side by side.

Sometimes human wastes move around where residents bath, though elders in the community say they are building a new city on the water which will have all sanitary facilities, at present residents still practice open defecation, this time in the water.

What’s the use of a toilet?

“In Lagos finding a public toilet is likened to looking for a needle in a haystack” says Adebisi Ojo a resident of Abule-Egba on the outskirt of Lagos. Unlike other mega cities of the world, Lagos is not especially blessed with functional public facilities and public toilets are not exempted. According to the Lagos Bureau of Statistics, there are currently 310 public toilets constructed by local governments in the state. The highest of this is concentrated in Apapa/Iganmu Local Government

which has 83 toilets and the lowest is Yaba Local Government which has just one. But there are 16 local governments which has none at all.

For the few public toilets in the city, they are usually sublet to private operators who pay a stipulated sum to the local government every month. But this arrangement has not worked seamlessly as investigations reveal that many of the toilets are often dirty while user are mandated to pay a stipulated sum for its use.

In the public toilet in Marina, a young man demanded from the reporter in a tone devoid of courtesy the kind of use he intended to make of the toilet. A putrid smell escaped from the closed door as soon as one entered the toilet and the bowls are dirty and brown from use. In many of these toilets, urination costs N20 while defecation costs N50.

The same scenario played out in many other public toilets in the city.

According to one of the tough looking guards in a public toilet in TabonTabon, Agege, the operator pays the sum of N8,000 to the local government every month while the operator ensures the cleanliness of the toilets.

“We are doing our best, there is no way this place can be cleaner than this, how much are you paying for urinating, how do we make our own gain? Urinating should cost at least N100 for us to make any gain,” he said. He also disclosed that operators usually employ tough guys to handle customers who will not like to pay after the use of the facility.

However, the government says it will build adequate public toilets for its 20 million residents, but before this is done, Lagosians seemed determined to use whatever is available to them.

Ending open defecation “You cannot simply enact a law and say people should stop defecating without changing their mentality. The problem we have in Lagos is that people come from other places mostly from the villages and they do not understand that they

are in the city so they still behave like village people,” Akintade Adebanjo, a Lagos resident lamented.

The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba alluded to this recently when he people who engaged in open defecation have refused to purge themselves from their village habits which are unsuitable for a resident of a mega city.

“We need to change our attitude, I think that is what we need, and somebody in Lagos should see him/herself as somebody with a level of decency. In Lagos, open defecation, defacing the environment is against the law,” Ibirogba said.

Though open defecation has been abolished in the state environmental laws, there has not been enough awareness for residents and not many have been arrested for defecating in the open. In 2013, the state adopted the UN supported Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) which places the burden on communities to take responsibility for the sanitation of their environment. But this approach has done little to reduce the level of open defecation in the city; in reality many residents interviewed by The Nation claimed ignorance of the initiative.

Many experts agree that for there to be a change in the state, there must be a mass awareness campaign for attitudinal change from residents. This will involve the carrot and stick approach where rewards and punishment will be given out to defaulter’s and rewards to those who have upheld the sanitary conditions of their community.

But individual Lagosians who feel concerned about the issue are tackling it the best way they can. In his 2009 album titled “Mega City”, a popular Lagos musician, Lagbaja (the masked one) called on those who defecate openly in the city to return to their villages. And in a humorous tone, he advised that they can then defecate right in front of their houses in the village.

“To ba de abule yin, ma tie lo si salanga, se ni ko fa siwaju agbo ile yin,” (When you get to your village, you can defecate in front of your house). Other people have joined Lagbaja in passing their message across to prospective defecators.

On many walls and houses in Lagos, the following signs are a common sight. “Do not urinate here,” another says “Do not defecate here,” in rural communities, there is a translation in the local language to

convey the deeper meaning accompanied by a veiled threat like “If you defecate or urinate, your waste will be used by an herbalist.” This usually drives the message home and where such warnings are posted, the surroundings are mostly clean.

But apart from individual efforts, the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) brigade, the agency charged with the implementation of government’s environmental laws is yet to come to terms with how to tackle this enormous challenge. According to a top official of the agency who prefers to remain anonymous because he was not authorized to speak on such matters, the agency is not motivated to go against defaulters.

“You will see that many of our officers are only motivated to go against street trading and other vices, in fact, I have never considered open defecation as one of the areas we have to tackle until you told me . Even then we can only arrest those we see, we cannot go inside the communities to arrest people so the problem still remains,” he said.

In other countries like Nepal where only about 46 percent of the population have access to toilets, the people have adopted a name and shame approach where offenders names were pasted in the community centre. This method though has not stopped the practice but it has nonetheless been effective. Can Lagos borrow this unique model? “ It cannot work here, where will you paste the list and it will not be torn out immediately it is pasted and do you think Lagosians care for such a list?,” Adebisi Ojo said.

At 6:pm, Jimoh was found sitting on a broken down plank structure close to the railway track, with him were four other touts who also live at the motor park. By 11;pm, they will take their places inside one of the buses to enjoy a night sleep while in the morning they will defecate and take a shower by the railway track.

“Brother, that is how we live here, it is hard but we have survived. We are not the only one defecating in the open, when you come here early in the morning, you will see many people coming from everywhere doing the same thing. Tell the government we need free public toilet,” he said.

But Jimoh’s request may be hard to process for the state government and unless there is a change in his fortunes and he can afford a decent accommodation, he will continue to be blight on the mega city status of Nigeria’s most populous state.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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SOUTHWEST REPORT

‘We don’t practise violent opposition’ W

HAT experience did Hon. Adekunle bring to the Seventh Assembly?

We were all living witnesses to all manner of assemblies that had come before now and we believe that most of us here in this Assembly are experienced. As a seasoned administrator and an educationist I believe that matters should be settled through dialogue instead of violence. It is all these that come to bear for the majority in the present Assembly.

What will you say has helped this Assembly to succeed this far?

Well, sometimes if you come to look at things (in retrospect) it is a blessing in disguise. We have multi parties in this Assembly. When you consider the composition of the 5th and the 6th assemblies, the majority of the members belonged to the ruling party. But when we came in none of the parties had absolute majority until recently when we have the APC controlling the majority - and not even two third. But even considering the membership, at least we have about seven who have been chairmen of council. We have about eight who have been supervisors in their various local governments. We have not less than four who have been councilors.

So all these experiences gathered to-

Hon . Adekunle Tunji Rafiu is the Minority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly. The lawmaker representing Saki West State Con-stituency says the opposition in the current dispensation is all about honest criticism and offering a better alternative to any government policy rather than violence. BISI OLADELE reports

gether come to play for peaceful atmosphere in the present Assembly. So, rich experience and maturity have really helped.

Why is it that you (members) don’t play party politics in the conduct of your affairs?

You see, issues based argument is better than partisan arguments. Thou-gh we came here through differe-nt political parties, we came to serve and improve the well-being of our people. These people make up political parties. If you have to play any game, it is just wise that your motions are based on the interest of your community. You don’t have to be blind all over this. You see, issues-based arguments can interest the parties.

Whatever we are going to do is to the interest of the community we are representing. Parties will go; they are appellations but the people that make up the parties will be forever.

So, we have to serve their interests. If anything comes from the Executive side in the interest of the entire people of Oyo State we are going to safeguard it. And that is what we have been doing since all these days.

As the leader of all the minority parties, and considering the peaceful manner that you have been conducting your affair, how much pressure do you receive from your party?

Well, I have to say people are dynamic. Dynamic in the sense that the way they play opposition in those days is not the way we play it now. If something is black, say it is black, don’t say it is white because of the opposition. We have what we call constructive criticism; majorly it is done in the parliamentary caucus. If bills are sent to the House of Ass-embly, what we do first is to peruse the bill in the caucus. In this caucus we argue a lot, which we will settle later. Sometimes we return the bill right away from the caucus to the Executive rather than bringing

such bill to the plenary for people not to know we argued about it.

Don’t you think that you and other opposition members might be accused of compromise?

Things like that do happen but I cannot be any other person than myself. Also, the self confidence is there. I am convinced that I am not a sell-out. All of us in the minority are convinced that we are not sell-outs. We have been performing our duties diligently to the best interest of the people we are representing. If that is done there is no way there will not be criticism. And we are serving the interests of our party, which aregood governance, accountability etc, and that is what we have been propagating for the past three years.

As a key member of the 7th Assembly, what is the magic that is making everything work well in the current legislature?

You see, we are blessed with a good speaker who has the wisdom

Why I didn’t want to be speaker, by Adeolu Adeleke •Continued from Page 31 Ladoja more than five times and we have been to his house on many occasions. So, that is life.

It was during the Fifth Assembly that a governor was impeached for the first time in the history of Oyo state. Seven years after, how do you feel remembering your time in the Assembly?

Anytime I remember it, I feel great because I did not disappoint my family, my town and the generality of the people of Oyo State. And, most importantly, I did not disappoint God. So I always feel great. Now, wherever I go, people always accord me that respect. Let me tell you this: there was a time I was with the former Vice President Abubakar Atiku. After talking, I sat down. Then, when it was the turn of the Vice President to talk, he stood up. But, I said, “Your Excellency, with all humility and respect, you are permitted to kindly have your seat”. He said, “No, Mr. Speaker, you deserve the respect”. So, what else do I want?

That was year 2006 when he was still in office as the Vice President of Nigeria. If the Vice President could stand up to give respect to me, what else do I want?

In the face of the crises you led a team that stood by Governor Ladoja, How did you survive all these?

My survival was based on God’s mercy. I did not have any power to fight, but God fought for me. However, I must tell you that it wasn’t an easy thing. I must acknowledge that I saw hell. But the fact remains that by that time I had already made up my mind to fight to the last drop of my blood.

How easy was it making up your mind to that level?

It was for the posterity. I decided to put my life on the line in the interest of the people of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

Were there times your life was threatened by the opposition?

There were a number of occasions that my life was threatened.

So how did you handle such threats?

I have told you earlier that it was through God’s mercy. It wasn’t easy.

You knew about the First to the Fourth assemblies that came before yours. You are still much around to witness the Sixth and the Seventh assemblies. Sometimes when the issues that have to do with the House of As-

sembly come up for discussion, how do feel, having passed through it as an institution?

I still feel great. One thing I can tell you is that the current Assembly, I mean the Seventh Assembly, is not as vibrant as the previous ones. That is despite the fact that the previous ones experienced series of crises. The current Assembly is not vibrant. That is just it. For instance, the Deputy Speaker has never been allowed to preside over plenary. That is improper and iconoclastic.

Let’s look at the Oyo State House of Assembly as an institution from inception till date. Are there people that have been lawmakers in that Assembly that you look up to or you admire in terms of performance and contributions?

Yes. I admire people like late Chief Gbolagunte (former Speaker) and his deputy and Chief Pekun Adesokan. I see the two of them as role models.

Those are the two people I admire.

What about the first assembly members during the Western Nigeria Parliament?

There was a lot of politicking during that period too Were there members you really admire as distinguished lawmakers?

Yes. I admire someone like Honourable Adenegan.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has a rich history, particularly for its bicameral legislature that was practised during the First Republic when Nigeria was running a Parliamentary system of government. Now, things have changed. If you want to describe

the Assembly as an institution, how would you, with regards to democracy as being practiced now?

It’s excellent. Forget about the undue politicking or intrigues. The institution is still very vibrant. See the quality of motions and bills that have been passed in that House of Assembly which have impacted positively on the lives of the people in the Western Region. So I see it as a vibrant institution. And I feel great anytime I remember that I once passed through that place because I did not disappoint myself and I did not disappoint my God. I followed constitutionalism and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Though I suffered for it, I know one day something normal will be done.

Were there ills done to you that you were still bitter about?

There is a lot them. But instead of me to be talking about all those ills why should I not be thankful to God? If I’m not alive, what could have happened? There was a day I was coming back from Oyo. I was at the back of NISER, here in Ibadan, and the pilot of my convoy was stopped by a Police Inspector. The officer said he got the instruction from the then Commissioner of Police that all of my police aides should disembark and leave me. They had to leave. I was left alone in the night. Though those people wanted to risk their lives and jobs for me, I asked them to leave. Moments later, I got a call from my quarters that my family members have been ejected.

If you have another chance, would

‘

One thing I can tell you is that the current Assembly, I mean the Seventh Assembly, is not as vibrant as the previous ones. That is despite the fact that the previous ones experienced series of crises. The current Assembly is not vibrant. That is just it. For instance, the Deputy Speaker has never been allowed to preside over plenary.

That is improper and iconoclastic

‘

you choose to go to the Oyo state House of Assembly as a member?

Of course, yes. I believe, and I know, I have a lot to offer, not only to the Assembly but to the people of the state as a whole.

In its totality, without zeroing in on a particular assembly, would you say the Oyo State House of Assembly as an institution has lived up to expectation?

To some extent, yes.

In which areas do you think the Assembly should have done better?

The problem is that most members of the state House of Assembly do compromise. They believe that whatever comes from the Executives must be passed on the floor of the House.

No, it shouldn’t be like that. But they do compromise. That is the problem.

So you want that area to be looked into?

Yes. Look at this issue of autonomy for the state House of Assembly, could you believe that lawmakers themselves in the Sixth Assembly rejected it, including the ones in the state under Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala then?

They rejected it because they wanted to satisfy the executive arm of government. When we were there in the Fifth Assembly, we didn’t consider everything that came from the Executive as being automatic for passage. On many occasions, we rejected bills from the Executive that we thought were not good enough for the interest of the state. But we always looked at something that could benefit the people of Oyo State. The reverse is the case now.

I know the time will come when things will change completely. We are just in the state where people that are causing havoc are in the center stage, preaching patriotism. With all humility and respect, there are some people that are not supposed to go near government or the House of Assembly, much less legislating or running the affairs of the state.

What do you think should be the basic qualification for anyone seeking to become a member of the House of Assembly?

I cannot talk of education only because most of the people that have bastardised the legislative process in the past are educated. You also have to put the issue of morality into consideration. We are in a part of the world where people worship money and allow people with wealth to run the show.

•Hon. Rafiu and kindness that all of us can enjoy. Had it been we had a male as the speaker, well, I can’t say there wou-ld be rancor but we would not have been where we are today. Apart from the fact that she is the only woman, we love her, and she has been performing her duties, and carrying everybody along. And that is the major basis of her success for this present administration. She’s not greedy, she is not self-centered, and she has a large heart, with that I think things are going on well. As for the opposition, she’s comfortable with the opposition more than the ruling party because she knows that we are not eyeing her position just because we are in the opposition party. But the party members are loaded with poten-tials since we are about 14 out of 32, she needs us too, hence she is enjoying the cooperation she is having from us.

How will you describe the Governor Ajimobi administration?

Like I said sometime, this governor is particularly an intelligent man, a man with a vision. But he has to do a lot of work, most especially in accommodating people - be it from his party or from the opposition parties. If he’s able to do that I think I can call him a core politician. In terms of developmental programmes, most especially in Ibadan city, within this limited time, I am just admonishing that he should extend that hand of fellowship to other areas in the state, most especially Oke-Ogun area, but he has done well.

If you want to compare this Assembly with the previous ones, what will you say?

You see, my party controlled the two past administrations – the 5th and the 6th. Irrespective of who the governor is, the 7th Assembly can never be compared with the past two assemblies. The 5th and 6th assemblies were turned into a monetary academy, and when you have a baby of such an academy that is not well structured and well rooted, the baby that will come out of them might not be so nice. But for this 7th Assembly, they are core party men, well screened before their nomination, well experienced, and what matters is success and that is what we have been clamouring for and we have been seeing this since the past three years.

You cannot compare this Assembly with the last two assemblies. Those assemblies are the worst assemblies we ever had in Oyo State. If you look at the Lam Adesina administration, we had only one opposition party, yet it was crisis-ridden. Same for the 5th and the 6th assemblies. They were also crisisridden. But now we have multiparties and none can beat its chest of controlling the Assembly. We have peace reigning among us. I believe if the cooperation extends to the next dispensation we will be successful.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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SOUTHWEST REPORT

Medical ART Centre’s feat in assisted reproduction

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PRIVATE hospital, Medical ART Centre, Maryland Lagos on Friday, May 23, recorded a tremendous medical achievement when it carried out the conception and delivery of a set of quadruplet.

The Medical ART Centre is headed

by Prof. Oladapo Ashiru who experimented on the technique of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) in 1983 and Embryo transfer in 1984 (human) in West Africa, otherwise called ‘test tube baby’, at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba. He performed this feat together with Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie.

The quadruplets, comprising three females and one male, were delivered at 9:00am. They are currently being taken care of at the Neonatal Unit of MART Maternity Suite. They are receiving specialised attention through the use of ventilators, respirator and individual incubator, light phototherapy sets and monitors.

The Group Medical Director (GMD), Medical ART Centre, Prof. Oladapo Ashiru expressed his happiness over the achievement, even as he said he has been able to prove that with the right facility in Nigeria, medical tourism could be reduced.

He said: “In most centres worldwide, it is not an easy process to maintain and support the lives of premature babies. The story of this quadruplets started last year when the mother, a 30-year-old lady walked into the Obstetric Unit of the MART Medicare for treatment. The husband was invited as well. The couple’s treatment started in August 2013 with series of investigations and management. Diagnoses of primary infertility due to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCO) and male factor issues were carried out.

“The couple thought IVF was the

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

only option in assisted reproduction, but the above were addressed with specific medications and the Fallopian Tube Sperm Perfusion (FTSP) also known as artificial insemination which is a method of assisted conception was done in October 2013. She came back after two weeks for test and was confirmed positive by the Beta HCG (bHCG) pregnancy test.”

Prof. Ashiru said the initial postpositive scan test was done to determine the position of the implantation.

“One week later, another scan was done to confirm gestation and it revealed twin gestation. The seventh week scan showed triplet gestation and by eight week, the quadruplet gestation was confirmed. She was managed at MART Medical Art Centre high risk/multiple pregnancy care unit and was transferred to MART Medicare from the 10th week for continued routine monitoring.

The Obstetricians at Mart Medicare, Dr. Lateef Akinola; Dr Moses Olusanjo and Dr. Oluwaseun Makewu did a Cervical Cerclage on her, after which she was closely monitored.”

At week 20, she was re-admitted for close monitoring and plan of delivery. At week 33, she had elective Caesarean Section by a team of specialists led by Dr Akinola and Dr Olusanjo and team which included two anesthetists, two obstetricians, four neonatologists and theater nurses.

The Consultant Gynaecologist/Obstetrician, Dr Akinola said: “This is a great feat for us as we have achieved the one stop plan for our patients to be taken from infertility management to delivery in the same facility, reducing the stress on patient and medical tourism outside the country.

“The quadruplets are doing well.

Even the one weighing 9kg is the most

•Prof. Ashiru (fourth right) with the team that saw to the conception and delivery of a Quadruplet at the centre’s maternity suite. From left are IVF physician, Dr Jaiyeola Adeyemi; Reproductive Endocrinologist/ IVF specialist; Dr Okeke Chizara; Reproductive Endocrinologist/IVF specialist, Dr Kemi Ailoje Adewusi, Dr Lateef Akinola; Clinical Coordinator, Mrs. Abiola Adewusi; Chief Nursing Officer, Mrs. Grace Awokola and Dr Moses Olusanjo active. Naturally, the uterus is for one baby but you can have two. When you get three or four or more, then it will have great impact on the babies.

“The reason is that the maximum weight for a normal single baby in the womb is 3.2kg, but when you have two or three, the weight increases.

When you add all the weights of the three or four babies together, you get above 6kg and that is a lot of weight.

“It depends on how fertilisation occurs. If it is one egg that divided into two, then the babies will share placenta. If it is an egg that fertilised separately, the placenta will fuse. The placenta is the connection between mother and the babies; it supplies food from mother to babies.

“In multiple pregnancy; the baby closest to the placenta gets the most food and that will lead to weight differentials. The baby that is far from the placenta gets the left over, which is the case in this baby that is weighing 9kg. We call it Intero-placenta insufficiency.

On why the medical team went

ahead to deliver a 9kg baby, Dr Akinola said: “We have to be extremely careful with this kind of babies because if you don’t deliver them on time, you can lose them rapidly.

So, you have to make a balance between delivering them prematurely and the effects of leaving them in the womb. You don’t want to deliver them too early because it is not too good for the babies nor leave them in the womb too long to avoid losing them. A balance must be struck. Also you have to bear the mother in mind; weight of 6kg is not a joke.”

Prof. Ashiru said: “MART is happy to collaborate with and complement government’s effort in the reduction of maternal mortality and morbidity in the country. This was the pledge I made when the Mart Medicare was formally opened by the Minister of Health Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu in September, 2013.

“With this, we have proven that medical tourism can become a thing of history if facilities like this exist in the country. When a patient goes out-

side the country on medical tourism, he or she goes at least with a relation.

Paying for food and accommodation is not rosy there.

“The convenience is not guaranteed.

But here in the country, there is quality of service as the centres are manned by highly skilled professionals, coupled with state-of-the-art equipment. Paying in our currency also makes the services much more available. So, I am fulfilled.”

Already, the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Emmanuella Fashola has paid a visit to the quadruplets.

During the visit, Mrs. Fashola inspected the state-of-the-art labour ward, theatre, wards and highly equipped neonatal unit with capacity to handle premature babies with ventilators, respirator, incubators and monitors. She also visited the Mart Life Detox Clinic, where pre –fertility detoxification and stress reduction are carried out on couples planning for assisted conception.

She expressed her satisfaction with the world-class facilities of the MART Group.

Osun’s O’YES initiative fights youth unemployment

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ADAM Emilia Bosede is 107-years-old. She lives on Palace Road, Ilerin-Ijesa, Osun State. She is extremely poor and moves around with a walking stick.

In the traditional societies, families bear the burden of taking care of the aged. But in her case, there are no people to take care of her. Where she lives is a sore sight. She is one of the

•Mama Emilia

By Daniel Essiet

old folks that have been abandoned.

There is also the case of Romanus Nkwongo, who has taken refuge under a dilapidated house along the same street. He has a current threat hanging on his life. After he lost two of his children, his wife left him. There are many cases of the elderly who have lost their children and are in a condition where they would almost beg for alms. They are unable to work and have no regular income or means of support.

For many like Madam Emilia and Nkwongo, the sunset years of lives has turned out to be a traumatic period, in which they find themselves entirely dependent on families or friends due to the absence of a good social security system.

Analysts point out that the aging population is constantly grappling with health issues, economic stress, family matters, uncertain living arrangements, gender disparities, urban-rural differences, displacement and slum-like living conditions. Years ago, traditional values and religious beliefs were quite supportive of elderly people. Today, economic hardship and the faltering nuclear family system are drastically eroding the support base of aged people.

Experts have expressed the need for review of the area of social assistance and the treatment of vulnerable groups nation-wide as well as to develop appropriate plans to transform the management and provision of services to these groups. There is growing interest on issues affecting the youth and elderly people within the informal economy.

In this regard, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has established so many social protection platforms.

One of these is Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (O’YES) cadets which is a revolving volunteer scheme designed to eliminate the frustration and paralysing effect of high and seemingly intractable youth unemployment pervasive in the state and country at large.

It aims at equipping as many young men and women with positive work ethics and culture, self sustenance, resourcefulness and respect for the environment. It is designed to develop youths with character and competence.

OYES corps are deployed to productive services in identified areas of socio-economic life and paid a basic allowance to help cover basic needs.

They are also kitted for group identity and high morale.

Governor Aregbesola announced recently that the State Government had been committing about N200 million to pay allowances for the over 20,000 youths engaged in the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (O’YES).

The governor remarked that the success of the programme attracted the attention of the World Bank, which studied it and certified it to be a viable and sustainable solution to the problem of youth unemployment in Nigeria and consequently recommended it to the Federal Government and other states in the country.

The result, the governor said, is the Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO) that was launched in Abuja.

Aregbesola said O’YES has helped the state to manage unemployment rate to a considerable manner, stressing that the National Bureau of Statistics, in its publication rated Osun State to have the least unemployment rate.

According to him, the Federal Gov-

ernment can help in eliminating the scourge of unemployment by matching the states.

“With that, nobody can accuse you of favouring one state over the other.

If the state employs or empowers 1,000 let the Federal Government also employ or empower 1,000. If the state can do 10,000 or 100,000 let the Federal Government match it with the same 10,000 or 100,000 and it is easier for Federal Government to do it,” he said.

The governor stated that he is worried by the spate of insecurity in Nigeria, arguing that there can’t be a solution outside providing employment for the youth.

He noted that the energy, vibrancy and creative talents that abound in young people are vital ingredients of development that only need to be properly channelled into productive engagement.

He suggested that youths must be kept positively engaged by any government that is serious about the task of social and economic development.

“Keeping young people meaningfully engaged is not only a sound economic policy; it is a sensible approach to good governance. For no effective or successful governance can take place where there is rampant unemployment among the youth,” he said.

Using his state as an example of government intervention in youth empowerment, Aregbesola said the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (O’YES) became a very effective mechanism of massive public sector employment that offered not only income but great hope for the youth that are absorbed into the scheme.

Speaking with our correspondent at the sidelines of a World Bank Training of Trainers on Community-based Targetting in Iloko-Ijesa, the Director-

General of Bureau of Social Services (BOSS) and Head, State Operations Co-ordinating Unit for the Youth Empowerment Social Support Operation (YESSO) in Osun, Mr. Femi Ifaturoti said income security is one of the most urgent needs of the nation’s aging population.

The situation, he added, is worsened by absence of effective measures at the national level to cushion people from risks of old age, sickness, disability and unemployment, among others issues.

Generally, schemes for the poor and vulnerable come with several conditions that are hard to meet. For instance, they are meant for those who are officially listed as living “below the poverty line” (BPL).

Simply identifying the poor and vulnerable households and providing them with cash assistance, the BOSS D-G noted is insufficient to keep families out of poverty, adding that the state has adopted “graduation policies” that help activate the poor to enter into the labour market and other tailor-made social programmes.

The lead trainer and World Bank Sector Leader, Human Development, Prof. Foluso Okumadewa said Nigeria is grappling with problems that result from high youth unemployment, adding that the presence of idle and unemployed youths pose a problem, even as the challenge is huge.

He sees solution coming from Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO), funded through $300 million assistance by the World Bank.

The project would commence in Cross River, Bauchi, Osun, Ekiti, Niger, Oyo and Kwara states for the Phase one of the community-based system.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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SOUTHWEST REPORT

•Hon. Avoseh presenting award to outgoing exco chairman, Okorie

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•Guests at the event

Gloryland: Community with Midas touch

UT for the movement of the federal capital from Lagos to Abuja in 1991, Gloryland community in Isheri-Olofin, in Alimoso local government area of Lagos State would have been rubbing shoulders with the likes of Ikeja, the State capital and the highbrow Ikoyi.

Originally designed by its architectural master plan to be a modern city by the Federal Government, the movement of the seat of power 23 years or so ago practically left the place abandoned and stalled its development.

But the residents of the community have decided to take the bull by the horn and develop the area to make it habitable.

The concrete work formation on the large expanse of land – demarcating residential area, social service centre, industrial hub and connecting road networks – showed another modern city. But it was a dream that would not come through; at least not in another 40 years.

Relocation of the Federal seat of power from the country’s economic capital; Lagos to Abuja was sufficient to stall the project midway into completion. Also phased out were urban planning, development and regulation in the area.

A visit to the site would show concrete markings that have survived till date. But years of abandonment has made the area worse than it was for neighbouring residents. It was a gory picture of how distant the Federal Government could be from the people! Besides inaccessible road

Abandoned midway into its planned development, Gloryland community in Alimoso area of Lagos State is trying to live up to its original design as a modern city. OZIEGBE OKOEKI reports. network, several uncompleted houses and artificial swamps became hideouts for armed robbers terrorising the area.

Where residents are not worried about flooding, it is the fear of fetching petroleum products from water wells. It was indeed a site in dire straits for years!

Such was the state of affairs until eight years ago when residents took the bull by the horns. Courtesy of their collective will to survive, they are today proud of fairly motorable roads, security of life and properties and few social infrastructure, though the fear of underground oil spill still looms.

The burden of coordinating the provision of the necessary infrastructure, developing the community generally, including security fell on the Gloryland Community Development Association, CDA. And last weekend to celebrate the achievements so far recorded over the years, the CDA organised a Gala and Merit Award Night to recognise members of the community and others who had and still contributing to the development of the community.

Under the auspices of Gloryland CDA, residents’ contributions ensured each zone of the area has a transformer, drainage channels, culverts for easy access and gates at ev-

ery entrance. Members of the community, according to chairman of the CDA, Olumide Adewale took turns as vigilantes to provide security and rid the community of armed robbers and undesirable elements.

And for a meritorious service to the community and making the place habitable the following members of the communiyy were given Award at the event: Prince Tunde Olanipekun, Mr. Isaac Okorie, Mr. Jeffrey Idehen, Mr. Olumide Adewale, Mr. Olusola Fashina, Mr. Abiodun Adesheila, Mrs. Titilayo Ariyo-Adeoye, Mr. Jide Ajani, Elder Sofela Sowemimo, Mr. Jide Alabi, and Tijani Wasiu.

Speaking at the merit award night the lawmaker representing the area, Alimoso II Constituency, at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Omotayo Oduntan, summed up the level of development. Oduntan observed that nine years ago when she last visited – 14 years since the site was abandoned – the area was at best suitable for fishery business. “Today, it is entirely a different place,” she said.

While she commended the CDA for rising against the odds, Oduntan said it was high time they further pressed their demands at the Assembly, adding that Alimoso constituency was too politically relevant to be neglected by the state

government’s social development vehicle.

Oduntan’s colleague in the House and resident of the community, Suuru Avoseh was proud of the Assembly’s initiative to pass the law that recognized CDAs back in 2007, adding that it was in recognition that government could not meet developmental yearnings of the people without CDAs playing their part.

“Gloryland CDA shows we were not wrong after all. The community is working and we are glad,” he said.

Avoseh, however, warned that it was not yet uhuru. His words: “As a resident around here, I understand the gun powder we are all sitting on.

Right under us, the flow of petroleum products has continued. Though the government had been coming to assist, but it is still scary. We (the residents) still have to be vigilant; raise alarm whenever it starts flowing again,” he said. Avoseh urged the newly elected CDA Exco to redouble efforts at bringing government closer to the residents.

Outgoing chairman of the CDA, Isaac Okorie noted that the breath of fresh air currently enjoyed in the site was a testimony of what a people could achieve with common aim, cooperation and hard work.

Okorie said residents’ support had ensured that 90 per cent of the occu-

pants could now ply the inner roads.

He however, commended the flood control effort of the Lagos State government at Zone 4. He decried a situation where a community with over 3000 residents was yet to have a polling booth for election purposes.

The new exco, led by Olumide Adewale, promised to continue with the current development projects, coupled with new ones, through improved partnership with the government. On the abandoned Federal Road, he said, they had always tried to invite their parent landlord (the Federal Government).

“We have always got in touch with them (FG) and they have started acknowledging with promises. But we want to believe the state government more. They have been responsive to our calls, like the construction of canal to control flooding, control of collapsing buildings and stray goats disturbing the residents.”

On the importance of the road, Adewale said: “It is not only for this community, but as a by-pass to control traffic around Isheri-roundabout and Egbeda, even as far as Moshalasi area. From here, it takes about five minutes straight-drive to get to TwoStorey and Ayobo, cutting off a large flank of the traffic corridor. If only they can do it, we would have the road, and it would serve the state.”

Other members of the new Exco are Patrick Aimisior; Jimoh Olanrewaju; Stephen Oyemina; Fashina Olusola; Omolola Grace Ajuwon; Idehen Ejna Jeffrey and Emmanuel Alao Akeem.

Choose a hopeful future, Awoniyi urges Ekiti voters

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KITI voters have been urged to choose a hopeful future and avoid a return to the gloomy past. The charge was made at a campaign rally in Ipole Iloro-Ekiti, in the Ekiti West Local Government area of the state, by Femi Awoniyi, convener of the Ekiti Diaspora Europe 2014.

Addressing more than 300 inhabitants of the town at the event, Awoniyi said Ipole was one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Fayemi administration reminding his listeners that the construction of the Ikogosi-Ipole-Efon road by the Fayemi government opened the town to the outside world.

“For more than 50 years the road was the main stumbling block to our development in this town,” he said.

He also told the gathering that the transformation of the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort by the present administration was also impacting positively on the town. He revealed that the development of the proposed Ekiti tourism corridor, which Gover-

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

nor Fayemi had said would be a priority of his government in its second term, would bring a new dawn to Ipole.

“The Arinta Water Fall will be developed into a world-class tourist destination which will boost the economy of the town and create jobs for its youths.”

Awoniyi, the Germany-based publisher of The African Courier magazine, also cited other achievements of the Fayemi administration, including good roads all over the state, the state social security scheme for elders, free health service and provision of clean portable water, and how these have immensely improved the quality of life in the state.

He advised Ekiti people not to listen to the forces of deceit whose antecedents of violence, mayhem and cor-

ruption clearly show that they will not improve the lot of the people if allowed to come to power.

He instead appealed to the voters to turn out in large numbers on 21 June to re-elect Governor Fayemi so that he could continue with his peopleoriented programmes which have won accolades for the scholar politician within Nigeria and world at large.

Awoniyi, told his audience that the international community was keenly watching the election, predicting that Ekiti will witness an investment boom after Fayemi’s re-election because of the strong basis that the governor was creating for the economic development of the state.

He revealed that many foreign companies had already signified their interest to set up base in the state and

were only waiting for the re-election of Fayemi to move in and start their operation.

The Ekiti diaspora was particularly interested in the coming election because of its importance to the future of the state, Awoniyi said, explaining why he and other members of the EDE 2014, a coalition of Ekiti groups in Europe, are in the state campaigning for Fayemi re-election.

ATLODAN gets new national exco members

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HE Ajowa Tippers/Lorry Owners & Drivers Association of Nigeria, (ATLODAN) has elected new national officers.

Leading the Association is Prince Yemisi Ademola as National President, Alfa Kamaldeen Saka as 1st National Vice President, Alfa Isiaq Taliat , 2nd National Vice President and Mr. Obey Ojelabi as the National Secretary,Others are, Chief Tijani Oladipupo, Mr. Musibau Fabiyi qnd

Mr. Fatai Gbolagade as National Auditor, National Financial Secretary and National Public Relations Officer, respectively. Segun Oyedele, Moses Adediran, Kamaldeen Amoo and Haruna Ojo also emerged as National Assistant PRO, National Assistant Secretary, National Treasurer and National Chief Whip respectively.

The pioneer national president of the Association, Alhaji, Waheed Adetunji

Tomori, during the inauguration urged members of the association to always ensure good maintenance of their vehicles. Tomori, who is also the Board of Trustees chairman of the association also appealed to them to always ensure that they obtain necessary documents for their vehicles. He canvassed members’ co-operation with their respective local and state governments, and charged them to drive safely and obey traffic signs and laws.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

37

DUE DILIGENCE

THE NATION INVESTORS

UPDC: Making better returns U

ACN Property Development Company (UPDC) Plc drew on improving values of its underlying assets and the steadiness in its real estate business to deliver better returns to shareholders. Audited report and accounts of UPDC for the year ended December 31, 2013 showed a generally positive bottom-line, although its topline was constrained by declines in both sales and rental incomes. Pre and post tax profits rose by 51 per cent and 45 per cent respectively, which enabled the real estate company to deliver a two-in-one cash and scrip dividend to shareholders while substantially improving its returns and dividend outlook.

UPDC's two business segments-property and hospitality services, provided complementary synergies to even out the downsides on both sides. While the hospitality services business showed a stronger growth momentum with 66.9 per cent growth in turnover, it still posted a loss, although lower than previous year. The main property development, sales and management business witnessed decline in turnover but recorded significant growth of 38 per cent in pre-tax profit, which altogether coloured the overall group performance.

The group performance altogether showed a steady growth outlook with improved margins and better financing structure. The proportion of equity funds to total assets improved from 44 per cent in 2012 to 50.2 per cent in 2013 while pre-tax profit margin rose from 20.4 per cent in 2012 to 32.8 per cent in 2013. While the company paid out cash dividend per share of 70 kobo, the same rate it paid in previous year, in addition to a bonus issue of one for four shares, improvement in dividend cover from 2.30 times in 2012 to 3.31 times in 2013 underlined the increased intrinsic value to shareholders. This was also evident in the modest increase in net assets value, which is considerable higher than current market value of the stock at the stock market. This may suggest possible undervaluation of the company's shares.

UPDC however still remains under considerable cost pressures, especially under the intensive cost of its capitalintensive business. Both liquidity and debt-to-equity ratios indicated these concerns, compounded by the decline in disposable incomes of its upper-tomiddle class clients. The issues of inad-

, •Chairman, UPDC, Larry Ettah

-74.3 per cent in 2013 as against -23.4 per cent in 2012. Debtors/creditors ratio stood at 30.3 per cent in 2013 compared with 45.4 per cent in 2012.

2009 equate capital, high interest rates and lower effective demand among others are general industry issues in the Nigerian real estate sector, and when viewed against the background of the industry performance, UPDC appeared stronger and less susceptible.

Financing structure UPDC Group' paid up share capital remained unchanged at N687.5 million, consisting of 1.375 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each. Shareholders' funds rose steadily from N31.25 billion in 2012 to N33.43 billion in 2013. Total assets stood at N66.55 billion in 2013 as against N71.36 billion in 2012. Longterm assets had increased from N48.12 billion to N48.28 billion. Total liabilities dropped by 17 per cent from N40.11 billion to N33.13 billion. Long-term liabilities had dropped by 54 per cent from N14.05 billion to N6.46 billion while current liabilities increased by 2.3 per cent from N26.06 billion to N26.67 billion. The financing position was steady and balanced. The proportion of equity funds to total assets improved from 43.8 per cent to 50.2 per cent. However, debt-to-equity ratio dropped to 56.9 per cent in 2013 as against 50.8 per cent in 2012. Long-term liabilities/total assets ratio stood at 49.8 per cent compared with 56.2 per cent while current liabilities/total assets ratio closed 2013

Fiscal Year Ended December 31 2013 Nmillion 12 months PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT Main Business Segment Total turnover Cost of sales Gross profit Operating expenses Interest and other incomes Finance expenses Pre-tax profit(loss) Post-tax profit (loss) Basic earnings per share(kobo) Gross dividend (Nm) Cash dividend per share (kobo) Net Assets per share (kobo) BALANCE SHEET Assets: Fixed assets Total long term assets Trade debtors Current assets Total assets Liabilities: Trade creditors Bank loans Current liabilities Long-term liabilities Total liabilities Equity Funds Share capital Total Equity Funds

2010

% change

2011

at 40.1 per cent as against 36.5 per cent in 2012.

Efficiency Average staff productivity improved in 2013, although the top-line cost pressure undermined initial margins. Average number of employees improved from 305 persons to 359 persons, with increase in both management and nonmanagement staff. Total staff cost also increased from N509.35 million in 2012 to N687.47 million in 2013, representing average staff cost per employee of N1.92 million in 2013 as against N1.67 million in 2012. Average contribution of each employee to pre-tax profit meanwhile improved from N8.05 million to N10.33 million. With considerable increase in cost of sales, total cost of business, excluding financing charges, increased to 87.6 per cent of total turnover in 2013 compared with 72.7 per cent in 2012.

Profitability

Underlining profitability ratios showed a generally positive outlook in 2013 as the company mitigated topline constraints with additional incomes from existing assets. While gross profit margin dropped from 41.5 per cent in 2012 to 28.3 per cent in 2013, pre-tax profit margin improved from 20.4 per cent to 32.8 per cent. Average return on total assets also improved from 3.4 per cent to 5.6 per cent 2012 while average return on eq12 months uity rose from 7.0 per cent to 9.4 per cent. With 44 per cent increase in net earnings per share, the company dis10,862 tributed N962.5 million as 12,040 cash dividends, represent7,040 ing a dividend per share of 5,000 70 kobo. It had paid the same

9,328 11,299 8,100 3,199 1,802 4,324 2,014 3,708 3,155 232 962.5 70 2,431

-14.1 -6.2 15.1 -36.0 5.3 524.0 32.0 51.0 44.7 44.1 0.0 0.0 7.0

14,963 48,284 1,379 18,268 66,552

-3.8 0.4 -47.6 -21.4 -6.7

15,557 48,115 2,631 23,243 71,359

4,556 19,013 26,665 6,460 33,125

-21.4 19.8 2.3 -54.0 -17.4

5,793 15,870 26,060 14,052 40,112

687.5 33,426

0.0 7.0

687.5 31,247

1,712 693 1,526 2,455 2,180 161 962.5 70 2,273

2012

2013

rate in the previous year. It however added a bonus issue of one for four shares to the 2013 distribution. Dividend cover, which underlines the possibility of sustaining current cash payout in the future, was stronger at 3.31 times in 2013 as against 2.30 times in 2012.

Group profit before tax had risen by 51 per cent from N2.46 billion in 2012 to N3.71 billion in 2013. After taxes, net profit rose by 44.7 per cent from N2.18 billion to N3.16 billion. Earnings per share thus stood at N2.32 in 2013 compared with N1.61 in 2012. Net assets per share rose from N22.73 in 2012 to N24.31 in 2013. The mid-line performance cushioned the negative top-line performance, which saw group turnover dropping by 6.2 per cent from N12.04 billion to N11.30 billion. Segmental analysis showed mixed performance. The main business segment of real estate development, sales and management recorded lower sales of N9.33 billion in 2013 as against N10.86 billion in 2012.

The second business segment of hospitality services recorded turnover of N1.97 billion in 2013 as against N1.18 billion in 2012. Meanwhile, group cost of sales rose by 15 per cent from N7.04 billion to N8.10 billion, depressing gross profit from N5 billion to N3.2 billion. Total operating expenses also inched up by 5.3 per cent from N1.71 billion to N1.80 billion. Interest expenses grew by 32 per cent from N1.53 billion to N2.01 billion.

Governance and structures UPDC was spun off from UAC of Nigeria (UACN) Plc and its shares were listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in 1997. UACN still holds the largest 46 per cent equity stake while First Trustees Nigeria holds the second largest stake of 12 per cent. Other corporate bodies hold some 18 per cent while individuals and trustees hold the balance of 24 per cent.

UPDC Group includes mainly the parent company and UPDC Hotels Limited, the owner of Golden Tulip Festac Hotel, Lagos. In 2013, UPDC spun off some assets and created a real estate investment trust (reit) with an initial public offering that closed at a value of N26.7 billion. The Reit is listed on the NSE. UPDC currently holds 62.2 per cent stake in UPDC Reit.

It however plans to sell 22.2 per cent stake to reduce its shareholding to 40 per cent, in line with its corporate strategy.

The board and management of the company remained stable. Mr. Larry Ettah, the group managing director of UACN, chairs the board of UPDC while Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran leads the executive management team as managing director. UPDC broadly complied with the code of corporate governance and best practices.

Analyst's opinion

The Nigerian real estate industry faces twin problems of high costs and sluggish market. With liquidity The liquidity position of the company squeeze and attendant high costs of declined during the period. Current funds, declining consumer purchasratio, which relates current assets to rel- ing and increasing top-line costs comevant liabilities, dropped from 0.89 pounded the performance of the intimes to 0.69 times. Working capital/ dustry. While Nigeria's huge houstotal sales ratio remained negative at ing deficit of between 16 and 17 million units, growing population and evolving middle class offer exciting business prospects for real esFiscal Year Ended December 31 2013 2012 tate companies, the absence of a liq% % uid mortgage system and declining disposable income constitute threats FINANCING STRUCTURE to the real estate sector. For instance, Equity funds/Total assets 50.2 43.8 as against average of one million Long-term liabilities/Total assets 49.8 56.2 housing units that are supposed to Current liabilities/Total assets 40.1 36.5 be added annually, only 30,000 housing units were added in 2013. HowDebt/Equity ratio 56.9 50.8 ever, the ongoing reforms including the recapitalisation of primary PROFITABILITY mortgage companies and the estabGross profit margin 28.3 41.5 lishment of a mortgage refinancing company should provide some necPre-tax profit margin 32.8 20.4 essary financial linkage.

Return on total assets 5.6 3.4 UPDC's leadership position in the Return on equity 9.4 7.0 industry, the cross-selling opportuDividend cover (times) 3.31 2.30 nities and economies of scale offered by its conglomerate parent company and prudent management EFFICIENCY could serve as cushions and increase Pre-tax profit per employee (Nm) 10.33 8.05 the momentum in the years ahead.

Staff cost per employee (Nm) 1.92 1.67 It however needs to further explore opportunity for amenable long-term Cost of sales, operating exp/Turnover 87.6 72.7 capital, to fully realise its long-term projects without the cost pressures of LIQUIDITY interest expenses. In this, existing and Current ratio 0.69 0.89 new shareholders can play important roles. Altogether, the long-term Working capital/Turnover -74.3 -23.4 prospects of the company is reassurDebtors/Creditors 30.3 45.4 ing.

Liquidity

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

38

THE NATION

BUSINESS PENSION

New bill awaits President’s assent

I

T is about a month since the National Assembly passed and harmonised the Pension Reform Bill, 2014 but it is yet to get the assent of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Nation learnt that the new bill which will automatically repeal the Pension Reform Act 2004 has since left the chambers of the National Assembly.

The proposed law covers private organisations with at least three or more employees in the Contributory Pension Scheme.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters, Senator Aloysius Etok, in a telephone conversation confirmed that the bill has since left chambers.

He said the bill is now going through some administrative process as it is in the office of the Clerk of the National Assembly. Etok however said he cannot confirm if it has been sent to the presidency for assent.

A senior official of the National Pension Commission (PenCom)

A

Stories by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

who asked not to be mentioned , said they are expecting the National Assembly to send the bill to the Presidency.

He said the Commission is happy that the National Assembly has passed the bill and hopes that there will be a quick assent by President Goodluck Jonathan.

A quick assent by the president is necessary to further bolster the pension industry.

Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, said the new bill when signed, would into law would enhance the protection of pension fund assets and unlock the opportunities for deployment of pension assets for national development.

She said it would also review the sanction regime to reflect current realities and provide for the participation of the informal sector and also provide the framework for adoption of the Contributory Pension Scheme by states and the local

• Anohu-Amazu, DG, PenCom

governments.

She also said that in line with the joint resolution of the National Assembly to put a stop to some instances of widespread corruption in various pension departments, the

new bill seeks to enhance the regulatory authority and efficiency of the Commission to provide greater oversight on, and reposition the Pension Transition Arrangement Departments (PTAD) for greater accountability in the administration and payment of pension under the Defined Benefit Scheme (Pay As You Go).

It is noteworthy to state that the new Pension Reform bill stipulates at least a 10-year jail term on conviction for pension fund administrators, or anybody who misappropriates or diverts pension funds.

Under the new law, the provision of a fine of an amount thrice the misappropriated, or diverted sum must be paid when convicted of diversion or misappropriation.

The bill also stipulates that any pension fund administrator or pension fund custodian, or anybody convicted for diversion or misappropriation of pension funds, would be compelled to refund the said amount and forfeit property, asset or fund with accrued interest to the Federal Government.

Basically, the bill is meant to address the serial stealing of pension funds.

In January 2013, a Director of the Police Pension Office, Mr. John Yusuf, practically walked away free after allegedly embezzling billions of naira of police pension funds after he was left off with a bail of N750, 000.

He was handed a two-year jail sentence for conniving with others to defraud the office and pensioners of N27.2 billion out of which he admitted to stealing N2billion but Justice AbubakarTalba gave him an option of fine in the sum of N750,000 for three offences he pleaded guilty to. Each of the three offences attracts a two-year jail term and the sentences were to run concurrently.

Yusuf’s case raised national uproar as he was the first to be jailed among persons involved in the N38.8billion Police pension scam.

It also exposed the loopholes in the Pensions Act and emphasised the need for urgent reforms in the sector.

ARM Pension grows fund to N340b

RM Pensions Limited, a Pension Fund Administrator has grown its funds to N340billion in a 10-month period ended December 31, 2013, representing a 28 per cent growth.

Its Managing Director, Sadiq Mohammed who made this known, said the firm’s subscriber base also appreciated in the period with over 539,075 contributors currently holding accounts with the company.

He noted that the company has changed its financial year-end from February to December in line with the National Pension Commission’s (PenCom) directive of a uniform financial year-end for Pension Fund Administrators.

He further said that ARM Pensions’ gross revenue grew by 16 per cent to N3.3 billion over the 10 month period, adding that when compared to February 2013, profit before tax (PBT) and profit after tax (PAT) grew by 37 per cent and 27 per cent to N1.9 billion and N1.3 billion respectively.

He said: “In line with the directive of the National Pension Commission on uniform financial year end for Pension Fund Administrators, the company shifted its financial year-end from February to December.

“On a comparative basis, over a

12 month period of January to December 2013, ARM Pensions’ fund under management, grew by 37 per cent, revenue appreciated by 43 per cent, while profit before tax for the same period went up by 86 per cent.”

Mohammed said ARM has a successful track record of protecting and growing investments for private investors and institutions for over a decade and we are committed to creating value for its contributors and retirees.

“We appreciate the desire of every employee to maintain a comfortable standard of living after their active working life. Therefore, we have built our core tenets around the preservation of, and superior returns on, pension assets and investments, as well as prompt and efficient benefit administration.This also reflects our overall investment philosophy, which is aimed at delivering consistent long-term growth through value investing and rigorous risk management.”

“ARM Pension Managers (PFA) Limited was among the first seven (7) Pension Fund Administrators licensed by the National Pension Commission in 2005.” a subsidiary of investment management firm Asset & Resource Management Company Limited was committed to creating value for its retirees”, he said.

• From left: Deputy President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mr Kayode Okunoren; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; President of NCRIB, Mr Ayodapo Shoderu and Chairman of African Insurance Brokers Association, Dr Feyisayo Soyewo during the 2014 Chief Executive Officers Retreat of the NCRIB held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

African brokers plan reinsurance firm

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ROKERS around the continent are working on reinsurance brokers project that would challenge foreign brokers who have over the years taken away reinsurance businesses from Africa for lack of skills and capacity, Chairman, Association of African

Mansard settles MTN Y’ello cover claim

M

ANSARD Insurance plc, has made good its promise of prompt settlement of claims by paying the accident claim of an electrical engineer, Mr. Ameh Thaddeus Adiga who lost a finger in an industrial accident.

According to Mr. Adiga, he was on duty at a food processing company in Kano where the accident happened, ‘’after repairing a granulating machine, it started up by itself and it cut off the third finger of my right hand.’’

Mr. Adiga was rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano where he was treated for injuries sustained. It was in the course of the treatment that he notified Mansard Insurance and later sent

in details of the accident as well as the medical and police reports.

The necessary processing was done and an elated Mr. Adiga has this to say upon receiving his claims settlement, ‘’in fact, it is such a mystery for Nigerians to have such opportunity. I am so excited and joyful having this claim a reality because as I am speaking now, I am financially uplifted and revived, thanks to MTN and Mansard insurance’’.

Mr. Adiga had subscribed to the MTN Y’ello Cover in October 2013.

He had the accident in January 2014 and sent in claims substantiating documents in March, he received compensation payment just four days afterwards.

Earlier in the year, Mrs.

Ogunyemi in Lagos, made a claim on the same MTN Y’ello Cover insurance plan and said she was impressed with Mansard’s quick response to the disbursement of her claim.

MTN Y’ello Cover offered in collaboration with Mansard Insurance, is a simple and convenient way everyone on the MTN network can access an affordable life protection plan directly from their mobile phones. For just N15/ day, or N100/ week, subscribers can enjoy up to N350,000 life insurance cover for medical expenses incurred in case of accidents and also enjoy benefits in the case of accidents resulting in permanent disability or demise.

Insurance Brokers (AIBA), Prince FeyisayoSoyewo, has said.

Prince Soyewo spoke with The Nation in Kigali, Rwanda while speaking on the impact of the association on brokers across the continent.

According to him, the project will soon produce a reinsurance company that will enable AIBA members to be shareholders.

He said: “We have a project which we call reinsurance brokers project.

It will bring all brokers in the continent together.

“Over the years the foreign brokers have used skill and capacity to shortchange us and the bulk of the money goes out of Africa. There was no single broker that could challenge them, and so the of executives African Insurance Organisation (AIO) executives came up with the idea that we should form a body.

“They urge us to pull our efforts together, become one and then come to them, the AIO for support.

Presently, we are coming together and updating our figures. In about six months from now, before the next AIO, we would have put everything together and then invite

our members’ to be shareholders of the company. It will be similar to legal session in Nigeria of those days”.

The AIBA Chairman explained that Africa Reinsurance will be encouraged to support them in that session and it would transform into savings for Africa.

He said the association has achieved a lot at the just concluded AIO conference.

“We are consolidating the AIO chairman has taken special interest in AIBA and gave his words to give us all the necessary support to move forward.

“I am very optimistic that AIBA will come out strongly and will achieve lofty goals. We held our Annual General Meeting during the conference and the attendance was impressive. More people are itching to join us and about 20 new members came and are processing necessary documentationto become our member.

“AIBA is getting stronger and by next year when we’ll hold another AIO conference, we’ll see a stronger, more virile and larger AIBA”, he said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

39

SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP Cutting her teeth early in the business world, Nancy Ndukwe, Chief Executive, Chaurme Signature, has built a successful network of businesses in sales, wellness, make-up and other body care endeavours. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

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The making of a business icon

S a nine year old, spending time in her father’s pharmaceutical store, obviously had an impact on her-albeit, unconsciously. And as she helped her father with his sales, Nancy Ndukwe, Chief Executive, Chaurme Signature, recalls being fascinated by fragrance and beauty, attracted to wellness, making up people, while attending to clients that thronged her dad’s pharmacy. This fascination inspired her to want to start her own business.

Depsite bagging a degree in microbiology from the Ogun State University, the entrepreneurial desire in her did not wane. She continued to explore different ways to achieve her goals, which led to the birth of Chaurme Signature.

Ably complemented by the extensive marketing experience she acquired during her trading days as a student in her father’s pharmaceutical store, Miss Ndukwe soon realised

that there was increasing focus on healthy living, including balanced nutrition and exercise.

For the unrelenting young entrepreneur, the saying that in every adversity is an opportunity, aptly applies. This is because, after her personal struggle with skin sensitivity problem, Ndukwe later discovered that there was a need for her services as her friends battling with similar skin problem consulted her for solution, wanting to use everything she used to cure hers.

Ndukwe, whose business antennas don’t miss any opportunity, immediately launched into skincare and wellness business. Today, Ndukwe is into big time business, selling pharmaceutical products and found great demand.

As an entrepreneur of many parts, Ndukwe is also a makeup artist. She helps clients look their best for weddings or other special events, give

beauty tips to people who want to update their everyday image. “I have ability to switch off when I want to or be more aggressive when I choose to. It also gives me more time for family issues,” she said.

Her success in getting clientele came largely from word-of-mouth.

However, it is also a lot of marketing effort - a lot of letters, a lot of phone calls, she said. Her skills at networking has also helped increase her customer base.

It has however, not been all rosy.

She has had to improve on working capital, debt management, time management, managing demand and keeping clients happy. Making her clients to feel completely pampered, even as she focuses on their wellness and natural beauty needs remain her priority.

One excitement for Ndukwe is the desire to always support women who would like to start

their own business and creating something for them while nurturing others and enhancing their well-being and natural beauty. She reckons that women experience a transformation through technologically advanced, nutrient-rich, and high performance formulations. These improve their appearance, overall skin health, as well as provide environmental protection. As the business grows, she now pays more attention to acquiring tools for the business. “Now I have a consultation room, planning to get a store front with my partner. I have considered partnership as a way of injecting further capital into the business,” she said excitedly.

Some entrepreneurial lessons from this astute business woman includes personal attitudes or characteristics for success, which should be in the form of patience and prayer. Ndukwe

•Ndukwe

believes that any business dealing especially with women, requires loads of patience.

And what gives further satisfaction to this entrepreneur, she said: “Seeing a woman smile and exude much confidence, excites me and that is what I want to create in every woman.

For me, success is to be able to find balance, time for family, be able to give without having to worry,” she said.

10 successful entrepreneurs who started in college

T

HE common line of thought is that a career does not start until after college. Many college students have summer jobs and work study positions, but very few consider these careers. While graduation is traditionally the time in which people start discussing careers, many individuals have successfully begun their careers in the midst of their academic pursuits at college.

Some of the most successful entrepreneurs throughout history began their business ventures in the dorms and classrooms of colleges and universities. With some of the most intelligent and creative individuals all thinking within four brick and mortar walls, universities are bound to turn up some ingenious entrepreneurial notions.

These are 10 of the most successful entrepreneurs in history who started their companies in college.

• Larry Page and Sergey Brin: While these two names may not sound immediately familiar, the company that they founded certainly will. Larry Page and Sergey Brin are the founders of Google.

They met in college while pursing their PhDs in mathematics and computer science. Becoming fascinated with search engines and data mining, the rest will go down in history.

• Mark Zuckerberg: While many expected this name to top the list, I just could not bring myself to put The Zuck above Google. However, with his story now widely known after a major motion picture, various documentaries, and several biographies, Zuckerberg is nonetheless phenomenal. Founding Facebook as an Undergraduate student at Harvard, Zuckerberg revolutionized social interaction in our society today.MarkZuckerberg, Facebook • Michael Dell: While in college as a pre-med student, Michael Dell started his small business Dell Computers. This small business soon became the personal computing giant, Dell, worth billions of dollars. Dell was named the youngest CEO to ever have his company ranked in the Fortune 500 in 1992 and has a net worth of over 13 billion dollars.

• Bill Gates: Widely known as one of the smartest and richest men in the world, Gates was once a brainy college undergrad at Harvard. Gates has founded various super companies, including Microsoft, Apple, and others. But it all began when he was

By Mariana Ashley

in school, messing around with computer interfaces and processors.

• Frederick W. Smith: Though he did not actually launch his company while he was in college, Smith wrote a paper as an undergraduate at Yale detailing the future of delivery service. Smith’s paper was the young skeleton of the later uber successful package carrier FedEx. • Marc Andreessen: At one point, Netscape was the dominant web browser on the market.

Andreessen was a student at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign when he developed the concept for the browser.

Andreessen fully released Netscape after he graduated when he was only 23 years old.

• Steve Wozniak: Known as “the other Steve” of Apple, Wozniak cofounded Apple computers with Steve Jobs when he was a student at the University of California Berkeley. Apple Computers became one of the largest and most successful computer companies in history. What began as a product to impress members of the Homebrew Computer Club in Palo Alto, California would soon take the world by storm.

• Bo Peabody: As students at Williams College, Bo Peabody and Brett Hershey, began their design for what is known today as Tripod.com. This site was dedicated to web hosting services for college students and young adults.

• Shawn Fanning: As a student at Boston’s Northeastern University, Shawn Fanning developed the file sharing system Napster while working at his uncle’s internet company. Though Napster ran into several legal issues, the company was still hugely successful and revolutionary for its time.

• Zach Kaplan and Keith Schacht: Though not as widely known as the other names on this list, these two entrepreneurs founded two companies as students at University of Illinois. Inventables creates “how-to” materials for entrepreneurs, inventors, and engineers and Lever Works, Inc. develops internet applications.

•Mariana Ashley is a freelance writer who particularly enjoys writing about online colleges . She loves receiving reader feedback, which can be directed to mariana.ashley031 @ gmail.com.

•From left: Director, Business Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Lucas Dada; Leadership expert and Business Coach, Mr. Brian Tracy; and Chief Operating Officer, Brimass, Mr. Stephen Ojji at The Remarkable Leaders’ Conclave 2.0 with Brian Tracy sponsored by Etisalat Nigeria, which held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island.

‘The best is being your own boss’ Awareness of beauty products, treatment and grooming is at an alltime high. This has created opportunities for small business operators to design products that cater for people with low disposable income.

DANIEL ESSIET reports.

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RS Anthonia Oshi, Chief Executive, Kentonia Ventures, discovered a strong passion and desire to become an entrepreneur. She was always interested in beauty and in making others beautiful. The desire sprung from her immense passion for beauty, a factor that influenced her choice of vocation- hair dressing.

After the successful completion of her training, she was to open a salon, where she practised her vocation and seeks a living. Along the line, Mrs. Oshi, who said running a salon was time consuming for a housewife, soon opted to do something that would give her time to take care of her children.

Therefore, she decided to produce hair products that catered to all women. Armed with an initial capital of N50, 000, Mrs. Oshi forayed into the world of entrepreneurship.

The experience of launching a product into a crowded market was especially challenging for her, as she suffered initial rejection of her products from established re-

•Oshi

tailers, who were not keen to take a risk on new products. But she was undeterred as she managed to gain the market confidence by maintaining quality product.

According to her, the biggest benefits of having her own business are the flexibility and the fact that one is her own boss. However, there are some obstacles, such as strong competition in the market.

Although she’s yet to make a fortune from the venture, she is happy that it has provided enough money to pay her bills.

The decision to become an entrepreneur gave her the opportunity to live out her dreams while helping others and multiplying her income. Her growing business is providing critical financial support for her family. So far, she’s grown the customer base, and boosted revenue. Her personal gratification has skyrocketed. She feels really good about each new customer she gets.

The promotion of the hair product is mostly carried out by word of mouth, due to the huge referrals that come her way. The main benefit of being an entrepreneur is the control she has over what she does for a living as she says it is entirely up to her how hard she wants to work.

On the sort of incentives to induce or enable entrepreneurs to achieve greater productivity and success, Oshi emphasized that there must be a holistic approach to solving the problems of micro entrepreneurs.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

40

EMPOWERMENT CLINIC with

Tips & Traps for writing an effective business plan BOOK REVIEW Author: Greg Balanko-Dickson Publisher: McGraw-Hill Reviewer: Goke Ilesanmi

GOKE ILESANMI

H

AVING an effective business plan is critical to the success of any business. That is why we are Xraying this text entitled “Tips & Traps for Writing an Effective Business Plan”. It is written by Greg Balanko-Dickson, a thirdgeneration entrepreneur, Licensed Professional Business Coach and founding member of the Professional Business Coaches Alliance.

According to the author, whether you want to start a business or grow one, buy or sell one, attract investors or obtain a loan, finetune your operation or restructure it, attempting to do it without a well-crafted business plan is like going to the sea without a compass.

This text is divided into five parts of 27 chapters. Part one is generically christened Introduction and contains two chapters.

Chapter one is interrogatively entitled “What is a business plan? Why do I need a business plan?” In the words of BalankoDickson, “A business plan is an instrument used to document the intent and plans of the owner regarding every aspect of the business. The document itself can be used to communicate plans, strategies, and tactics to your managers, partners, and investors.”

This author adds that business plan has an equation structure of Goals + Research+ Strategy = Business plan. Balanko-Dickson

educates that a business plan is much more than notes on a napkin or to-do list and is a roadmap to guide the business, its owner(s), and its employees on the journey to success.

According to him, developing a detailed business plan will provide you with an opportunity to shape a powerful business development strategy, whether your goal is to get financing to start a business; get financing to expand your business; be more organised and increase your success level; identify the value of your business and prepare a plan for selling your business, etc.

This author identifies ten sections of a business plan as industry analysis; market analysis; products and services; business description; marketing strategy; operations and management; financial plan; implementation plan; contingency plan; and executive summary.

Chapter two is based on the subject matter of understanding the process and getting prepared. Here, Balanko-Dickson discloses that the benefits of writing a business plan are often misunderstood. “Yes, a business plan will help you get the money you need when you’re starting a business. But it will also help you make an existing business more effective,” educates this author.

In part two having a general thematic focus of the ten sections of a business plan and containing ten chapters (chapters three to 12), Balanko-Dickson discusses concepts such industry analysis; market analysis; products and services; business development; marketing and sales strategy; operations and management; pro forma financial plan; implementation plan; contingency and emergency plan; and executive summary.

Part three is summarily tagged “Writing a business plan in 30 days” and covers three chapters, that is, chapters 13 to 15. Chapter 13, like the whole part, is entitled “Writing a business plan in 30 days”. This expert says writing a business plan can be a timeconsuming task. You are planning your business for the next three years, and you want to give it the attention it deserves.

Balanko-Dickson says the more familiar he is with the industry and market, the faster he can get the plan finished. He adds that you can easily minimise distractions in writing your business plan by getting away from the business to write your plan. This author educates that if you are unable to get away from the business, choose a quiet period of the day to work on your business plan.

In chapters 14 and 15, this author discusses common mistakes in writing a business plan and working with professional advisers.

Part four is based on the broad subject matter of special considerations for specific businesses and covers ten chapters, that is, chapters 16 to 25. Here, Balanko-Dickson beams his intellectual searchlight on concepts such as business planning for investors; business planning for a retail business; business planning for a manufacturing business; business planning for a service business; business planning for consultants and professionals, etc.

Part five, the last part, is generically labelled “Getting the money you need” and contains two chapters, that is, chapters 26 and 27. Chapter 26 is entitled “Applying for a business loan”.

According to Balanko-Dickson here, small business loans can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, a business loan can help you buy a business, start a new business and expand your business. He says you will deal directly with the bank’s loan officers and major small business loans are reviewed by loan committees. The author educates that loan officers are not part of a loan committee.

In chapter 27, this expert discusses the concept of getting funding from investors, family and friends.

Stylistically, the language of this text is simple, yet standard. The presentation is unique in that it is didactic and logical, while the text is embroidered with graphics to reinforce readers’ understanding. Balanko-Dickson includes a “Tip and Trap” section typified by graphical thumb/hand manipulation in every chapter, where he injects additional information and guides readers.

However, the whole of part three is already summarised in chapter one, meaning that chapter one could have been harmonised with part three. Probably this author deliberately uses this style of repetition to ensure long memory on readers’ part.

On the whole, this text easily passes for a masterpiece on business development.

It is highly recommended to all existing and prospective entrepreneurs. It is simply fantastic.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

P

Persuasive proposals and positive business impacts

ERSUASION can be variedly defined.

At one level of definition, it is conceived as the process by which a communicator tries to influence the attitudes, values, belief system, or action of his listener(s) or audience. In other words, persuasion involves motivating the audience through the power of communication to voluntarily change their beliefs, values or behaviour.

Persuasion can also be defined as a form of influence employed by the communicator when his audience has the freedom of making a choice, whether commercial, social or political, among available options.

The good news is that ability to successfully persuade others to align with your view is a skill that can be developed through training and practice.

Experience

Experience shows that many people approach persuasion in a way that makes it difficult for them to achieve success. The beginning of successful persuasion is to build trust and credibility so that you can be accorded attention by your audience. In business, lack of persuasive skills leads de-marketing even when the modern language of competition is “Co-opetition”, a blended word realised from the structural and conceptual fusion of the words “Cooperation” and “Competition”.

One way

One of the ways of enhancing your business by winning big and profitable business is through effective and persuasive business proposals. If your service or product is the best in your industry, you need to communicate your uniqueness to the target customers in a way that relates to the specific needs

By Goke Ilesanmi

of such customers. Proposals also help you explain financial terms and procedures to your prospective customers to avoid misunderstanding down the road. Complete proposals offer details and help you land great jobs.

Presentation mode

An effective and persuasive business proposal clearly identifies the consumers’ problem, need or issue, and recommends a solution. It backs up your proposed solution with a discussion of the capabilities of your business as well as market research related to the proposal. It shows that your experience puts you ahead of the competition.

Your focus

The way you present your business in this proposal will shape the success or failure of all future relationships with target buyers.

To earn their respect and attention, your proposal must show that you have a keen understanding of the prospective customers’ needs.

You need to focus on the fact that your business is very well-equipped to handle their needs in the most effective and efficient manner possible. Therefore, make the time investment—conduct research to have full understanding of the nature and scope of the customers’ requirements, then, present your ideas in a manner that convinces them that your product or service represents the best possible solution.

Effort and benefits

Though writing an effective and persuasive business proposal is challenging, you have to consider the valuable benefits for

your business. The effort you make in tailoring the proposals to prospects’ specific needs shows the level of service they will receive from you. And your prospects or target customers are bound to notice that extra effort.

Components

To get started with your personalised proposal, you will need to understand the basic formats and components. Before you write, determine what the overall message of your proposal will be. Stating the theme or the reason for the proposal helps to ensure that your proposal will be sent to the appropriate personnel.

The theme should be one of the first things that your prospect sees. This is not a headline whose purpose is to entertain, but a description that clearly persuades the prospect regarding the reason for the proposal. An appropriate theme might describe how your product (or service) will enable the client to solve a problem or achieve a goal. Or better still, it must communicate benefits to the prospect or recipient.

Accuracy

In seeking contracts, for instance, you win business when your proposal persuades clients or prospects that your solution is superior to your competitors’. Your proposal will persuade the reader if you understand a client’s or prospect’s needs, show the benefits, make a firm, clear recommendations accompanied by action steps and give the reader technical and other supporting details that highlight your qualifications and competence to deliver the solution on time, on budget and to specification.

The effectiveness of a proposal is not judged by its volume but based solely on the value

you bring to the table. When you do your initial presentation, that is part of your proposal. When you meet your prospects for the first time, shake hands and talk, that is part of the proposal. When you start listening and asking questions, that is part of the proposal.

Request for Proposal

The task of responding to a Request for Proposal (RFP) is daunting. Apart from the pressure of getting the best proposal in on time, defining an effective approach to the response poses several challenges. For example, the various proposal team members may argue that their respective contributions are worth the most attention. But you need to assimilate each contribution into the final document from the customer’s perspective.

You need to avoid a situation whereby the final proposal is bidder-focused. Rather focus on benefits to the prospect, client or recipient.

Finally, through effective and persuasive business proposals, you will enhance your business, achieve profitability and stay ahead of competition.

PS: For those making inquiries about our Public Speaking, Business Presentation and Professional Writing Skills programme, please visit the website indicated on this page for details.

GOKE ILESANMI, Managing Consultant/CEO of Gokmar Communication Consulting, is an International Platinum Columnist, Certified Public Speaker/MC, Communication Specialist, Motivational Speaker and Career Management Coach. He is also a Book Reviewer, Biographer and Editorial Consultant.

Tel: 08055068773; 08187499425 Email: gokeiles2010@gmail.com Website: www.gokeilesanmi.com

COUNTDOWN

24

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

42

HOURS

TO GO

Messi, Aguero 'to share hotel room during World Cup’

A

RGENTINA stars Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero have reportedly teamed up off the pitch by sharing a hotel room during the World Cup in Brazil.

The sleeping arrangements of the national side have been published by newspaper Canchallena, who have revealed that the Barcelona star and Manchester City striker will share a room.

Javier Mascherano and Pablo Zabaleta

have been paired together, while Gonzalo Higuain and Ezequiel Lavezzi have been placed in the same hotel room.

For Fernando Gago, the newspaper claims that the midfielder will have his own room for the duration of the tournament.

Argentina, who touched down in Brazil yesterday, begin their campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina next Monday.

•Aguero

•Messi

FIFA is an ugly power—Maradona

D

•Maradona

IEGO Maradona has once again lashed out at FIFA, this time calling football’s world governing body an “ugly power”.

The Argentina and Napoli icon recently accused the organisation of being corrupt amid allegations that officials received bribes to vote for Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup. With FIFA confirming that the 2014 World Cup winning team will receive €26 million, Maradona has criticised the organisation for the amount of money

they are set to make from the tournament in Brazil.

"It [FIFA] is an ugly power. If they win €3 billion with the World Cup and the champions take €26 [million], there is a difference that you cannot believe,” Maradona told Latin American TV station TeleSUR. “FIFA is eating the ball. They are taking €3 billion without doing anything.”

Maradona captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986 and while the

preparations for the tournament in Brazil have been marred by public protests, the 53-year-old believes the nation will put on a spectacle for the fans.

When asked about his vision for the World Cup, Maradona said: “From a distance, there are many strikes and things should have been done differently.

“That worries me although Brazil will host a great World Cup. But beware, do not forget about the people.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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44

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

WEDNESDAY JUNE 11, 2014

45

POLITICS THE NATION

EKITI POLITICS The Special Adviser on Inter-Party Affairs, Senator Ben Obi, recently held a sensitisation workshop for political parties and stakeholders in the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State. SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN, in this piece, examines the danger of electoral violence in the state.

Averting violence in Ekiti election A

THICK cloud of uncertainty lovers on the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State. There are widespread fear that the election may be marred by violence. This was the subject that dominated the recent one-day sensitisation and interactive forum for political parties and other stakeholders. At the sensitisation forum held at Adetiloye Hall, Fountain Hotel, Ado-Ekiti, the capital Speaker took turns to dispel the fears. They also to emphasised the importance of peaceful co-existence to the development of the state.

The forum, was organised by the Office of the Special Adviser (SA) on Inter-Party Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan, in conjunction with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). A similar sensitisation forum had, according, Senator Ben Obi, preceded the recent elections in Edo, Ondo and Anambra states.

In his opening remarks, Obi said the essence of the forum was to urge parties to submit themselves to the rules of the game and to make it categorically clear that elections were not wars and that parties should not prepare for violent confrontations, by piling up ammunitions like guns, cutlasses, big sticks, axes, knives, stones and the like.

Apart from Obi, other dignitaries in attendance were General David Jemibewon, who chaired the event, Dr. Eddie Iroh, who gave the keynote address, and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) boss, Professor Attahiru Jega, who was represented by the commissioner in charge of the Southwest, Professor Lai Olurode. Others are Guest speaker, Kunle Fagbemi and the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate in the election, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose who arrived a few minutes to the end of the programme, which lasted about four hours.

The candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC). But the Labour Party (LP) were absent, and Kunle Ajayi (Accord Party), Opeyemi Akinyemi (Action Alliance), Adeniji Philip (United Democratic Party), and Adekola Ayo (Social Democratic Party) were present.

However, despite efforts by the organisers to present themselves as unbiased proponents of peaceful elections, the impression that it was essentially “a programme of the PDP, by the PDP for the PDP” could not be avoided. One of the key stakeholders, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, the Director-General, of the Campaign Organi-sation of Dr. John Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stormed out of the event midway, without being recognised by the organisers.

Daramola cracked a Yoruba proverb, which translates to: “Two people cannot miss out on the import of lying; if the person being lied to does not know he is being peddled with a lie, the person telling it would know he lying”. He added: “I have to leave because none among them has spoken the truth. They have been lying and scratching the facts on the surface”.

Daramola went further to state that he has nothing against Senator Ben Obi or his office, but “this whole ef-

•Governor Fayemi complaining to Police Commissioner Uyanna about the violence in Ekiti State.

forts (the forum) reeks of deceit and an attempt to hoodwink the people into believing that efforts are being made to have free, fair and credible elections”.

In Daramola’s opinion, the event is a typical political charade, where holders of political positions pay lip service to the genuine and obvious needs of the people.

“Remember that two years ago,” Daramola said, “when I said President Jonathan was paying lip service to the issue of insecurity in the country, people said Daramola has come again. Today, Nigerians now know better”. He added: “I refer to the interview I granted two years ago, and I cited on TV that It is better to pluck and prune the branches of the Iroko tree in good time as failure to do that would make the people suffer consequences of their sturdy maturity. When I walked into that venue, I wanted to see a clarity of purpose and sincerity of intentions. But I regret to tell you that everything fell flat.

“The speech that Senator Obi read was full of platitudes. Nothing concrete could be held on to. It was full of ‘we expect that this election will be free, we hope the players will comport themselves’ and all sort of apologetic expressions. The last part of the speech alluded to the non-existent achievement recorded by President Goodluck Jonathan. I began to get worried when the second speaker came up and he turned out to be General David Jemibewon. I listened to him.

“When they introduced the third speaker in person of Kunle Fagbemi, I knew instantly it was a PDP affair and that a script was most possibly being acted. Eventually, none of them had a word for the Vice President Namadi Sambo who declared on national television that the election in Ekiti was going to be war.

That was marching orders from the

Vice President himself.. Given what the PDP came to orchestrate in Ekiti, I urge the people to be on their watch. But we are telling the Jonathans that we in Ekiti will not let stealing happen. A million army cannot defeat a people who have made up their mind where to go.

One million and one army cannot break the will of Ekiti people. We will not be intimidated. Let nobody mock God.” Speaking further, Obi said if the Edo, Ondo and Anambra elections were adjudged as free and credible by local and international observers, the efforts of his office, which promoted the interactive forums in the states, were not in vain and should be sustained and replicated in Ekiti. The SA who stated the Presidency was aware of the charged political atmosphere in Ekiti, noted that the workshop was to enable party associates and stakeholders exchange ideas on how to ensure crisis-free election in the state.

Jega noted the primacy of security to successful elections anywhere and that people would go out to vote in elections only if they have a feeling of assurance about their physical security. According to him, every stakeholder in the election must work to sustain security which he saw as saine qua non to free and fair poll.

Jega assured INEC would put in place measures to ensure the outcome of the June 21 exercise in Ekiti would not suffer common compromises. He urged the parties not to see the election as a do-or-die affair.

He equally condemned the general intolerance and violence among partisan groups in the country, adding that recent by-elections to the lower legislative chambers in Kano and Ondo states witnessed high level violence.

He said security agencies have a

role to ensure adequate security during the election in Ekiti. He added: “INEC on its part will not do anything that would negatively affect its integrity. INEC is going to be neutral. The mindset of politicians concerning elections must change. The candidates must not give the impression that they are coming to win irrespective of what voters think.”

Jemibewon urged the INEC to improve upon its performance in Anambra by ensuring perfect logistics, particularly the distribution of materials to designated polling centres. He added that the Ekiti exercise must be made to agree with the United Nations resolution that recognises governments as being responsible “for free and fair elections, free of intimidation, coercion and tampering with votes.”

The retired General said: “Electoral marginalisation is almost becoming a norm and that fracas and public disturbances are equally becoming a permanent feature of elections in the country. The “INEC must therefore, live above board to ensure that people are given a chance to elect the candidate of their choice.”

Iroh, in his keynote address, placed the responsibility for “peaceful, free, credible, and successful” election in Ekiti squarely on the shoulders of politicians, noting that despite the seeming impossibility of achieving desirable election outcomes, parties and politicians needed only discipline and sacrifice.

According to Iroh, all the contending political parties in the elections must accept that others in the race are not ‘enemies’, saying this would enable them to accommode, tolerate and accept one another as brothers.

Jemibewon agrees with Iroh. His words: “In the real world or real politics, this calls for crossing the familiar lines of political rivalry. It calls for dispensing with old prejudices

‘Electoral marginalisation is almost becoming a norm and that fracas and public disturbances are equally becoming a permanent feature of elections in the country. The “INEC must therefore, live above board to ensure that people are given a chance to elect the candidate of their choice’

and bitterness. It calls for an uncommon and unusual sacrifice, the type that has always been elusive in Nigerian politics in more than 50 years of independence, but the one that can transform ordinary politicians, men and women to that extra-ordinary pantheon occupied by immortal statesmen”.

The guest speaker, Mr Kunle Fagbemi, who is also the Executive Director, Centre for Peace Building and Socio-Economic Resources Development (CEPSERD), admitted that the political space in Ekiti was manifestly charged. He said politicians, the partisan groups and other interest bodies who have stakes in the approaching exercise must be practically committed to ensuring that the election was not marred by violence.

He said: “It is now very clear that unless as stakeholders, we all make concerted efforts towards peaceful conducts across board, that is by ensuring that peaceful conducts characterise electioneering campaigns during the remaining three critical weeks, the actual election day and post declaration of governorship election results, we may end up going back to the ‘wild-wild West days.”

Fayose and the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Felix Uyanna, engaged briefly in some verbal wars on who had been more liable for the unsettled political space in the state. While Fayose maintained that the police had been looking the other way while some politicians foisted violence on the citizenry, Uyanna countered that the three major parties - the APC, the PDP and the Labour Party (LP) have been part of the violence.

Fayose had said perpetrators of violence had been doing it because the police had not called them to order, adding “If the police can check armed robbers, then they can check politicians because politicians are not armed robbers”. He however urged the CP to summon a meeting with the major parties to find a way of ending the violence.

“There is suspicion in the air, thugs are being hired, and all the hotels have been booked in the towns and villages. INEC cannot be blamed, if the election fails because it should be the role of the security agencies to check the excesses of unruly politicians,” the PDP candidate said.

Uyanna however, disagreed. He said: “Party leaders are the cause of the violence. It is sad that some of them have not taken our advice to avoid violence. Leaders of the APC, the LP and the PDP have been involved in large-scale violence. So far, 70 persons across these political parties have been arrested.” The CP disclosed that steps are being taken to check excesses of politicians during the election, noting that about 13, 000 policemen would monitor the exercise. He added that each of the 2, 195 polling units in the state would be monitored by three policemen each, while the collation centres and other strategic places would equally be manned by high-ranking officers.

Uyanna, who noted that the police and other security agencies had been up and doing in, ahead of maintaining peace in the state the election, he said that ‘flashpoints’ of violence had been identified and strategies were already in place to police them.

46

THE NATION WEDNESDAY JUNE 11, 2014

POLITICS

EKITI POLITICS

Former Ekiti State Governor Segun Oni recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) over disagreements arising from the primaries for the June 21 governorship election.

In this interview with Foreign Editor DAYO FAKUADE and Deputy political Editor RAYMOND MORDI, he bares his mind on his defection and issues that are likely to shape the contest.

‘June 21 is about Ekiti’s future’ W

HAT informed your decision to defect to the APC? My decision to leave the PDP was based on the emergence of Ayodele Fayose as the candidate of the party for the June 21 election. I could not reconcile myself with such a person holding the exalted office of governor again in Ekiti. I believe that whoever would be governor must be capable of being touted by all of us as role models for our children; whoever would be governor must be capable of living by example to show a lifestyle of character and of achievements that we can hold on to; whoever would be governor must be such that we would have reasonable confidence that when he goes out, he would not misbehave; whoever would be governor must be such that we would not foresee the danger of him putting our children at risk of becoming difficult to handle, in terms of lifestyle that could lead to criminality.

So, that is the basis. It is about Ekiti. When Fayose was chosen as the governorship candidate of the PDP, I had the option of either changing my principles because of my party or changing my party because of my principles. My principles are far deeper; they are personal and stem from my upbringing, education, work life experience, my religious belief and so on. So, that may be more difficult to change, for me, at this age than a mere political party, especially since the basis for political partisanship is not yet ideological.

The clear option before me therefore was to change my party and redeem my principles.

It must have taken some measure of courage for you to embrace your former political foe. What is it about the style and character of Governor Kayode Fayemi that grabs you?

Let’s look at it this way: we are looking at the future and we are comparing the two of them. We know that Governor Kayode Fayemi would not shame Ekiti; we can project that he is going to further improve on whatever we are and wherever we are. I cannot say that for the other person; I can’t do that with any measure of confidence. So, that’s already a deciding factor. Where do we want our children to be? Is it in a state that is more or less a pariah among its contemporaries? Is it to a state where they would not be proud to say they are from Ekiti? Do I want them to belong to a state where the governor would be making the headlines for the wrong reasons? It is very clear; you can’t compare both of them. We have seen both of them in power. We saw Fayose in action for three and half years. We have seen Governor Fayemi now; we can compare both of them. I don’t think anybody who means well would take a different option.

When did the idea of dumping the PDP first occur to you?

We foresaw the inkling that the PDP may be working towards a Fayose governorship.

I was more or less a dilemma or blackmail for me, when this eventually materialised.

Everybody’s attitude then was, are you not going to support your party? Are you going to join hands with your enemies against your party? I keep saying it, but the future for me is much larger than the past. Whatever that has happened in the past, we can allow it to go and sacrifice for our future and the future of our children. So, the moment the PDP finally made up its mind that it was going to be Fayose, people like me had been counted automatically out of the equation. What do I

want, what do I need from system to make me condescend to make such compromises?

Can you give us an assessment of the strength of Governor Fayemi that would make him win the June 21 election?

By the grace of the Almighty God, Governor Kayode Fayemi would win this election very, very convincingly. We are working.

For some of us, the candidature of Fayose automatically sells the governorship of Kayode Fayemi. The candidature of Fayose is a big selling point for him because most people know Fayose and what he represents and they would not want a return to the dark days. They would not want a return to those days when you are not sure whether there would be knocks on your door by people who are just unhappy that you are smiling.

That is it; people have seen both of them, they know the one that has character and the one that has none. The values that we cherish are very important to our people. Of course, the vision of Ekiti that we want to see in the future is what would determine whose hands we are likely to entrust the governorship of the state beyond 2014.

As a friend of the masses, I would say that Governor Fayemi has comported himself much better than Fayose. You are not a friend of the masses just because you go to the market square and make a show of eating a piece of banana or maize. Comparatively, the person who institutes a social welfare package for the aged is true friend of the masses. So, people are now asking questions, if somebody is parading himself our friend, what qualifications does he possess? What achievements does he have to make us believe that he is indeed our friend?

You were governor of Ekiti State between 2007 and 2010 on the platform of the PDP. What do you consider as the strengths and weaknesses of the party in the state?

No, I’m not going to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the PDP. I would not be fair. Let me tell you, I still have a lot of friends in the PDP today. They know that I was driven by principles to do what I did and I hope that many of them would eventually see the reason why they should not continue to remain in the party. But I I’m not going to do that by running the party down. I want to convince them to leave by showing them in clear and logical basis that this is where the future belongs. Some of them are already seeing the light.

You’ve partly answered the next question, but let’s ask it all the same. What is your assessment of Ayodele Fayose as a candidate for the June 21 election?

For me, he should not be touched with a long stick. I’m not saying this out of malice; I’m saying from the totality of what I know of him when he was governor before and what I still know of who he is. The political elite in this country should care about quality. If the political elite continues to bring

•Oni

forward people of questionable character for the highest offices of the land, those offices would lose value.

But there is a perception that Fayose is still popular in certain quarters, particularly among the youths and the ordinary folks.

What’s your reaction to this?

You see, deceit is a weapon for propagating falsehood because falsehood itself is deceit personified. Yes, somebody goes to the market square, he buys a piece of roasted plantain and eats half of it right there in the public glare to show that he is a common man. Of course, people would hail him, because they have swallowed the charade that whoever can eat in the open is their friend. But what does that add to their life or future? The greatest friends of the common man in Nigeria would be people like the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. This is in spite of the fact he did not eat openly on the streets. The friend of the common man is one who always thinks of lifting him from his present state to the next level.

We are trying to sensitise them to realise that they don’t need to swallow such opium.

As governor of Ekiti State, I never ate in the market place, but I introduced a micro-credit scheme. It is because of poor people. As governor of Ekiti State, I introduced the first scholarship scheme and the first scholarship board in the state. You will not believe that Ekiti did not have a scholarship scheme before then, in spite of its much-touted advancement in the field of education. We enjoyed scholarships in the days of the old Western Region that was instituted by the late Obafemi Awolowo, but we had none of our own until I put up one here. As far as I am concerned, that is consideration for the common man.

We have seen Governor Fayemi continuing some of these programmes and even adding some of his own. One of his appellations is the husband of the aged, because he has instituted a welfare scheme for them. That’s what I call being a friend of the people.

In spite of the multiplicity of candidates, the June 21 election is likely to be a threehorse race. Can you give us an assessment of how the three parties would fare in the 16 local government areas or the three senatorial districts, if you like?

I would not like to do something like that.

But let me tell you, I know and I believe that Governor Fayemi would win. I’m not even too sure who would come in the second posi-

‘When Fayose was chosen as the governorship candidate of the PDP, I had the option of either changing my principles because of my party or changing my party because of my principles. My principles are far deeper; they are personal and stem from my upbringing, education, work life experience, my religious belief and so on. So, that may be more difficult to change, for me, at this age than a mere political party’

tion, whether it would be Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele or Fayose. Governor Fayose has an edge right now, but we see the trend rising for Hon. Bamidele and it may rise to such an extent that it would put Fayose’s second position in jeopardy.

Do you see the votes from Ido/Osi Local Government becoming a deciding factor in this election because of the way it has voted in the past?

The votes of every local government area are important. It just happens that Ido/Osi has always PDP in the past. But majority of those of us that worked behind the scene to bring about such development in the past are no longer in the PDP. A vast majority of us are now in the APC, while others have moved to the Labour Party. We are talking to our people, we know this terrain very well; 11 wards spread across 13 towns and villages.

So, we believe that for the first time, it would be won by the APC. Are there issues that may likely affect the pattern of voting in this election?

This outcome of this election is likely to be decided on personality basis, rather than on partisan political interest basis. The people of Ekiti State are very smart; they are not going to be taken in by the propaganda of this party or that party.

With your defection to the APC, what are you bringing on board for Governor Fayemi’s re-election bid?

What I’m bringing on board for the re-election of Dr. Fayemi is whatever goodwill I have and whatever political experience I have garnered over the years as someone who has contested election before in this terrain. My experience would be a combination of my knowledge and understanding of the terrain, and the fact that I have contested elections twice and have been in charge twice before. It would also include the fact I have seen people do it right and I have seen people do it wrong and, with the power of recall, I can always identify what can enhance performance and what can endanger it. That’s experience.

For goodwill, quite a number of people one way or the other believe in me. Some believe I possess attributes that inspire them, while others also say I ran government in a way that also inspire them. Some believe that I have credible results on the ground to show for my time in government. So, what it boils down to is that they are ready to follow me anywhere, even where the temperature is as hot as a one thousand degree centigrade oven.

Beyond this election, what is Segun Oni aspiring to do politically?

I want to be of service to the people. I’m a service person and indeed one of the reasons why I came into politics is to be of service to the people. The things I see everyday makes me happy that people appreciate what I’m doing. I am enjoying a tremendous goodwill from the people I served while I was government and that makes me very happy. I don’t know what else that would thrill me that I have not enjoyed in the past. I was an expatriate in my mid 30s and I had a very good career. I’ve had a good life and I can no longer be taken by such razzmatazz. So, all I’m trying to do now is to find opportunities to pay back and the only way I can do so is by service. I want to be of service to the people, at any level I can find opportunities to do that.

I’m not likely to do anything with expectation of something in return. But I will do it, if it falls within my projection of what service is all about.

Nigeria has just marked 15 years of uninterrupted civilian rule. Can you give us an evaluation of what transpired in the past 15 years?

In my own assessment, the past 15 years have not been bad. We are learning, we’re gathering experience and moving forward. Some people regard the past 15 years as slow motion, because as far as they are concerned, by now we should have overtaken the United States of America or other democracies. I don’t believe that is attainable. I believe that we can improve our speed. Democracy is all about development and we must continue to ensure that development remains the number one focus. That is why I quarrel with the political elite who always try to smuggle in people that are anti-development. We must continue to solve problems, bring changes, apply consistency of purpose in our drive towards making Nigeria a country of our dream. I believe that the opportunities that are coming would give us the chance to really achieve the kind of government whose speed would make government more of a comfort zone for the masses.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

47

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Solving old problems with new discoveries

H

ISTORY is made every day; so says a popular Yoruba maxim: Ohun a ba foni se oro itan ni lola (The things that we do today becomes objects of history tomorrow). The reason for man’s advancements is his continuous management of and improvement on his historical pasts and experiences. Without this, we all would still have been chasing after games in the bushes with stone instruments in our absurd nakedness and darkness; trekking long distances on bare feet; sleeping in thatch houses and on hills; drinking water from the brooks; using leaves and skin as clothing; employing sun, moon and stars as media of timing and calendaring; utilising firewood and charcoals as fuel; using calabashes and mortals as utensils and getting killed by ignorance and so on and so forth.

Man’s incessant renovations and innovations in his environment are the reasons we have come this far. Despite this success, there are problems begging for solutions. Kunle Adeyemi had identified some old problems in visual art and provided solutions based on his discoveries. There is therefore, an assurance of the future. I cannot but agree to the saying that ‘A people with history are a people with future’.

Adeyemi is a prominent contemporary Nigerian artist with penchant for visual designs in painting and printmaking. His recent Ph.D research dwelled on some old problems in

•Dr Adeyemi From Kehinde Adepegba

VISUAL ARTS visual art practice and it proffered solutions to them through his new explorative discoveries. As one of the chips of the old block, he was well positioned to make history count again at least for the sake of our desired posterity. In a dialogue by Adeyemi on his research titled ‘Paintograph and Paintocast: Innovative Exploration in the Synthesis of Easel Painting and Printmaking’, he posits as follows: ...the painting practice of many artists of the first decade of the new millennium within the context of my environment appears to have witnessed a downward slide in artistry and technical quality. The limitations observed show that there is a need for a revamping of practice through the synthesis of easel painting, printmaking and sculpture.

This is not about digging out the why of the plunge in the artistry and technical depth of the works of post millennium artists in Ni-

geria as observed by the researcher, but about the how of solving theirs attendant problems such as copying other artists’ subject matters, and lack of deliberate explorations and experimentations. Here, Adeyemi quickly offered innovative synthesis, a technique of sculpture, painting and printmaking, as the CRITIQUE percipient solution. Insightfully, he observed that there is the need also, for creating potentials that are capable of reversing the old problem of ‘limited possibilities’.

Through this research and experiment, Adeyemi discovered new progression, which he called ‘Paintograph and Paintocast’. It is a process that brings about an amalgamation between sculpture, painting and printmaking that could lead to new complex and multiple creative possibilities in the art studio. In his own dialogue, Prof Osa Egonwa says Adeyemi’s Paintograph and Paintocast are a procedural transmutation of techniques of one art genre into another. The ability to research and discover the possibility to transmognify from con-

ventional easel painting to an admixture of suitable seemly forms thus dovetailing into new techniques and collaborative possibilities.

This explorative innovation or innovative exploration otherwise referred to as Paintograph and Paintocast, employs the use of alternative local materials like sand, laterite, sawdust, scrap metals, newspaper collage, waste rags, epoxy resin etc. for painting. The problem of regulated painting approach as a result of specified costly foreign materials is eliminated. The discovery does lead to dynamic approaches to what is now a fusion of painting, sculpture and printmaking. It introduces new vocabularies, raises the limits of creativity, discourages copycat syndrome, leads to multiple translation of some ideas into artworks of different techniques that can be reproduced severally, and by and large Kunle Adeyemi has come up with body of works that dialogues on the new ways of art.

Adeyemi produced a body of works that typifies the new discoveries. Some of the works are Wheel of Fortune, Demo-O-crazy for Whom?, The road to the oil rig, Female Forms etc. As usual, Kunle did not forget his roots. He dialogues with his beholders on the cultural essence of Africa as a continent, making imposing thematic and visual statements to all and sundry. He shares his burden over his motherland with all and offers solution through his usage of curious materials and pregnant themes.

Egonwa corroborates this act thus: It is no longer doubtful if visual images are vital sources of information and insight, which could serve personal and communal interest beyond mere entertainment.

Every research is meant to proffer solution to an existing problem. Adeyemi through this effort, has made new discoveries, which did not only contribute to knowledge, but leads to new techniques and innovative exploration, utilization of infrequent materials and expanding the scope of limitless possibilities in both easel painting and printmaking, herewith referred to as Paintograph and Paintocast. This accomplishment is simply recompensing and edifying to our visual art history, theory and practice.

•Adepegba is of the Department of Art and Industrial Design, Lagos Polytechnic, Ikorodu.

LAUNCH

Roadmap to the future Albert Omotayo, a former Nigerian ambassador to Mozambique, an author and a seasoned administrator marked his 70th birthday in Lagos, with a book titled: “The Struggle for Nationhood.”OLUWASEGUN ABIFARIN reports.

I

T was a gathering of egg heads from all walks of life, especially from the academia, politics, civil service, industry and the media when former Nigerian High Commissioner to the Republic of Mozambique Albert Omotayo joined the league of septuagenarians last month.

The seasoned administrator, who was a former director, in the federal civil service seems not to be tired. After 34 years of brilliant contributions at federal and state levels and in the foreign service, his interest in preparing people for personal and managerial effectiveness appears to have just started.

This passion was again made evident at his 70th birthday, which he chose to mark with an academic lecture, a radical departure from the conventional Lagos birthday bash style. As part of the event, he presented a book: “The Struggle for Nationhood: A Poetic Panegyric”, to the public with his five earlier titles, at the birthday lecture.

The lecture, titled “Developing an Ontology of Being Nigerian: A critique of Life Orientation”, was delivered by The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Her Excellency, Pro (Mrs.) Modupe Adeola Adelabu.

The guest speaker listed the problems confronting the youth in Nigeria, as identified in the National Youth Policy, to include inadequate parental care, the moral decadence in the society and lack of appropriate role models.

Adelabu, a professor of Education Administration also mentioned religious fanaticism, cult activities, political manipulation of youth organisations, unemployment and

underemployment, poor education, breakdown of family values, indiscipline and nonavailability of suitable sports and recreational facilities, as problems that may prevent Nigeria from having the kind of future it desires, if the youths are not rescued.

The Ekiti deputy governor noted that a significant proportion of the Nigerian citizenry, particularly the youth, is misguided, demoralised and confused.

She called on the older generation to be conscious of the type of legacy they hope to bequeath to the coming generation. She expressed hope that the country would awaken once again, to those eternal values, for which the land has stood for many centuries.

Prof Adelabu described the current state of the nation, as a transition period, which requires catalysts of social change in the form of leaders, whose lives can serve as beacons, demonstrating truth, willingness to learn and teach, optimism and creativity.

In his contribution, a former executive secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, NERDC, Prof U.M.O Ivowi, revealed that the teaching of science at the grassroots is no longer a challenge, as relevant subjects have now been translated to eight local Nigerian languages.

Ivowi, a member of the ongoing National Constitutional Conference believes that the step would fast-track Nigeria’s technological advancement, in the way it happened in China, India and Japan, where leaners are thought in the Mother Tongue.

Prof Ivowi called on governments at all levels to take advantage of these translations for schools in their territories.

•From left: Omotayo, Oloko and Adelabu Chairman of the occasion, Professor of Sociology, Dame Sarah Adenike Oloko, commended Ambassador Omotayo for his unusual style of celebrating birthday and observed that the depth of the topic can not be exhausted at a single forum.

Oloko charged stakeholders to take the topic of the birthday lecture further, for the benefit of the Nigerian Youth and the future of the nation.

Present at the event included a diplomat who had at different times represented Nigeria in Yugoslavia, Spain and the Holy See, Ambassador Sam Otuyelu, former Transport Minister, Chief Ebenezer Babatope among others.

Ambassador Albert Omotayo attended Doherty Memorial Grammar School, Ijero Ekiti, studied and graduated in Philosophy, from the University of Lagos in 1970.

He also studied at the University of Manchester between 1979 and 1981 and attended the Life Theological Seminary in Ikorodu, Lagos between 1991 and 1995, for a diploma in Theology and later in 2012 for his Bachelor of Theology.

He joined the Federal Civil Service in 1972 and retired in April 2004 as Director of Transport Coordination in the Federal Ministry of Transport, having served in different strategic positions within the federal civil service.

Ambassador Omotayo served as Private Secretary to the Head of the Federal Military Government between 1975 and 1979.

He was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Mozambique with concurrent accreditation to Mauratius, Madagascar and Swaziland in 1999.

He served in Ekiti State as Commissioner for Environment and later Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor between 2005 and 2007.

He is presently the President of Sundaben Life Adjustment Consultants, a firm with interest in management consultancy, executive selection, public speaking, personal and managerial effectiveness, business advice, speech writing and editing, book publishing and general life orientation services.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

48

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

W

HERE did the twin ideas of the photo-museum and a library come from?

The idea for the library came when I noticed that youths who patronised the business centre I owned then, would come with someone else’s result maybe Senior Secondary School Examination (SSCE) or General Certificate of Examination result, and they would demand for a typist and a sheet of paper. They would use it to cover the person’s name, then write their name on that particular result and make photocopy. So, I started asking them, when you use somebody else’s result to look for a job or gain admission, how are you going to defend it? Then I realised that the problem we are having, especially in our educational system, is not about passing exam, it’s because we don’t read, then I decided to start a library, hoping that the library would give people an opportunity to get access to books.

How about the museum?

Nigerians do not document history. This is particularly depressing because for you to move forward you should know where you are coming from. I understand that in most schools in Nigeria today, the history of Nigeria has been removed from their curriculum which is very terrible. A good number of youths today do not know anything about the history of Nigeria. So in order to fill this gap, the idea of the museum came up.

How did you start?

For over six years now, I had been compiling some pictures. But along the line, I lost the pictures when my system crashed. But I didn’t give up, I lost more than three thousands pictures. I started all over again. We have over ten thousand pictures telling the story of Nigeria and I thought that it would do no good if I have the pictures in my computer, the world won’t see it, I wanted a place where I could exhibit them and that was how the idea of the museum came up. We got an apartment and it’s been capital-intensive, the first time I realized we had spent over 2 million naira, I got worried and I started asking myself, are you sure you are doing the right thing, I remember querying myself so much that I thought that I had wasted money, but the encouragement I get when people come around goes a long way to show that they appreciate what I am doing and that has kept me going. We are trying to set the record correct and we are trying to make the history of this country to be updated, if you visit the national library in Onikan, you would discover that the last set of pictures there are photographs of when Nigeria had only 12 states and we are talking about more than thirty years back so there’s no improvement. Recently, I made a tour and I visited about three other museums, I was at the National Museum in Benin, I saw the pictures there and I told that I have 99% of their pictures, at the National War Museum in Umuahia, Is that concept from your working experience at the government house?

Not really, like I said, the whole idea or part of what I regard as training came from my first job, when I left the university, I worked with Newswatch Communications Limited, and I was employed in their Special Project department. In fact, they used to call us The Newswatch Dream team and part of our job in Newswatch was to provide research material, based on the ongoing project, the Newswatch Who is Who in Nigeria and occasionally, we did provide research materials for the editorial team I want to come in as a research consultant to document their past publications and they accepted so that was where the idea came from that if media houses are actually lacking these process of getting information and if I can start it, probably, I might survive on it.

Has there been any assistance in the past, either by the government or anybody?

The government has not assisted in anyway but individuals have. The Rotary International once donated about a hundred books to the library, they sent some representatives who came and checked around and they said they love what I was doing; the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs have also sent a representative to the library and they donated about a hundred books too, the National Library also sent some representatives all the way from Abuja but they have not responded up till today, as that is more than five years now. There was an elderly man that donated a set of encyclopedia to us, he was just passing by and he saw the library and he said that he could scarcely believe that in his lifetime, he would see a library in Ejigbo, so he donated a set of encyclopedia and took me to his house, he told me had two set of encyclopedia, but he would donate one set and he would watch if I don’t fold up in one year, he would donate the

•The library

‘Why I want to build 774 libraries’

Dr. Raphael James, researcher and CEO of Center for Research, Information Management and Media Development in Lagos, has a strong passion for reading. In this chat with SULIAT ABODUNRIN, he speaks on his love for reading, why he founded a private library and a photo museum in Idimu, a Lagos suburb.

PROJECT second set. Unfortunately, after the first six months of the donation, there was a fire incident in his house, and the other set of encyclopedia in his house got burnt, so we missed that one.

What is the link between psychology and media and where did the zeal come from?

During my youth service year, I wrote two published books and my HOD called me told me that I was going to be a good researcher and I didn’t like it then. He probably said that because I was doing a lot of research job even as a student that I didn’t even realize it, I know as an undergraduate, I was probably the only

student that did three projects for my final year project, I did one in year one. I did some research work during my years in school that earned me recognition from the HOD and I discovered I had so much fun doing them.

So what are the challenges?

What I would call the major challenges, then and now is that we have a poor reading culture. I know people would expect me to talk about finance. Yes finance is there but it is the least of the problem, what I see as the challenge is that people don’t come to read because even the little I have been able to provide or put together, people do not come to read them, I remember for the first six months or so, hardly did I see anybody walk in the building to read and even when student started

‘I think the government should provide libraries. Some people want to read, but because they either don’t have access to a library or they don’t have enough books or cash to buy the books. So I have one ambition of establishing 774 libraries in all the local government across the nation. If I am made the Minister of Education, I will establish these libraries without using federal government money’

coming in, they came because they either wanted to write the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination or General Certificate of Examination. On the other hand, when workers came in, it was because they were preparing for professional exams like ICAN, and immediately after the exam, everybody will disappear, so the library is there, and we had books. We were buying newspapers on a daily basis. At a point I thought to myself that this is wastage, because it was affecting my family, since I didn’t have any external sponsor.

How can we revive reading culture?

I think the government should provide libraries. Some people want to read, but because they either don’t have access to a library or they don’t have enough books or cash to buy the books. So I have one ambition of establishing 774 libraries in all the local government across the nation. If I am made the Minister of Education, I will establish these libraries without using federal government money, I would not demand one naira from the government but I will establish those libraries. I have been in this business so I understand how it works; I know what it involves so I understand how to go about it.

So where did you get the photographs in the museum?

What we did before we started gathering the pictures was that we first tried to understand the history of Nigeria, we then did a historical analysis of those who had played prominent roles in Nigeria and then gathered their names and the year which they operated, after that we …. The search took us into different areas, we consulted books, we consulted old magazines as far back as the 80s and the 60s we consulted old newspapers. Occasionally, we go online to search for the ones we don’t have.

We also make visits like my recent visit to the museum, the pictures I didn’t have, I had to plead with them for an exchange programme, I offer them 10 of my pictures that they don’t have, for one of their own.

Do you think both library and museum are serving their needs?

I am convinced that these landmarks will live after me and for the sake of posterity; I want to be rest assured that I have, in my own way contributed to the sustenance of an intellectual community.

Duke presents N173 million to 37 antiquity vendors

T

HE Minister of Tourism, Culture and Na tional Orientation, Mr Edem Duke, has presented N173 Million to 137 antiquity vendors in Abuja.

The vendors under the aegis of Artefact Rescuers Association of Nigeria (ARAN) had, on different occasions, sold rescued artefacts to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) for the past five years.

Presenting the cheque in Abuja at the weekend, Duke reiterated the resolve of the Federal Government to protect the artefacts, saying the payment was another means of checkmating

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

HERITAGE illicit trafficking of artefacts.

He enjoined the vendors and other stakeholders in the culture industry to partner with the government to ensure that the sector enjoyed its pride of place.

The Director-General of NCMM, Mallam Yusuf Abdallah Usman, dismissed media reports that the failure of the commission to pay vendors was hinged on perceived corruption,

saying the release of funds for such payment usually followed due process.

His words:“The commission had to write through the minister of tourism to the coordinating minister of the economy for the release of intervention funds to enable us pay the antiquity vendors the outstanding debt owed them.”

Commending the vendors for their patience, he added, “I want to particularly thank the vendors for their understanding and also request that they continue to keep faith with NCMM”.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

49

The Midweek Magazine Rich country, poor people

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

T

HIS book by Professor Banji Oyelaran Oyeyinka speaks to these times. The book, titled: Rich Country, Poor People, has a familiar ring.

In a sense, it is an echo of street wisdom on one hand and what can be called a particular version of another book by Terry Lynn Karl, who has done a much more generalised study-titled: The Paradox of Plenty: Oil Booms and Petro-States.

Another difference is that Karl can be viewed as an outsider. Certainly, one cannot say the same thing for Professor Banji Oyelaran Oyeyinka. Indeed, if he must be described, one can view him as an outsider and insider. This much is evident from his own admission in the book’s acknowledgement, when he contends that this work is the outcome of his research experience and reflections over several years of working and teaching in Nigeria and within the international system, especially the UN system.

Thus, flowing from the above, what runs through the book is the anguished voice of a patriot who incidentally and unconsciously admits to his patriotism by contending that he has been motivated in large part by a deep love for Nigeria. This is understandable if only because even if he does not admit it, there is a sense in which throughout the book we cannot but sense the comparative phenomenon.

By comparative phenomenon, we refer to a situation in which from his base, Professor Oyeyinka in the course of his studies and work experiences has seen diverse social formations in their respective primary contexts.

But clearly, Oyeyinka has done more than seeing, courtesy of his training and work experiences in places like Sussex, Maastricht and Nairobi, the question of the contrast between Nigeria’s opulence and her poverty must have been tugging at his mind. I have gone into his mind, but this familiar phrase must have been bugging at his mind: “why are we so cursed?”

For those who are familiar with literature, the phrase, why are we so cursed is really a play on another phrase, why are we so blest. And talking of literature, what came to the mind of this reviewer in the course of reading this book is, Wole Soyinka’s book entitled: “The Interpreters”. For those who do not know “The Interpreters” as depicted by Wole Soyinka were members of the emergent and cynical elite in the early years of post independent Nigeria. If I may take into account generational dynam-

A

BOOK REVIEW Title: Author: Reviewer:

Rich country, Poor people Nigeria’s story of poverty in the midst of plenty Prof Banji Oyelaran Oyeyinka Prof Kayode Soremekun

ics, I can safely assume here that given the anguish and I dare-say vibrant pessimism of Professor Oyeyinka, one can easily assume that Professor Banji Oyeyinka is a member of the generation that can easily be called: The Post Interpreters. Unfortunately for the author, he could not unlike a Soyinka, take refuge in the world of fiction.

Rather, and as can be seen in this book, what he has done, is to virtually confront head-long, the various indices of the brutalising reality in contemporary Nigeria.

It is, therefore, not surprising to note that in the opening chapter with the title: Paradox of Penury in the Midst of Plenty, the author highlights factors like colonial legacy and what he described as the deepening poverty in the Nigeria social formation over the years. With facts and figures, it was revealed that between 1980 and 1996 Nigeria’s poverty level rose from 23 to 66 percent. In the same vein, it was demonstrated that GDP per person was 860 dollars while in 1996, it was 230 dollars. At the moment, it has been reported to be 290 dollars.

Meanwhile, in numerical terms, 17.7 million people lived in poverty in 1980. Such a population rose to 67.1 million in 1996.

As a follow-up, the author contends that in qualitative terms what has occurred is really a failure of development. But he quickly corrects himself by arguing that development has not really failed. Rather and according to him, development was not really on the agenda in the first instance! As true as the immediate foregoing may seem, I do not want to agree with the author. This is because, a close reading of the literature on our founding fathers and mothers, will reveal that they were indeed committed to development. Sure, there were free-loaders and carpet baggers among them, still some of them put in place some of the structures which constitute an integral part of modern Nigeria. I refer here to institutions like: the University of Lagos, the extension of the Railway line in the North and the building of the Ports in Apapa. In saying this, I am not attempting to take anything away from the narrative of the author, this is because in subsequent sections, he goes on to dwell on what can be called the regression of the Nigerian state. In this respect, he argues that the notion of the developmental state routinely associated with East Asia is less of a phenomenon in Africa and by implication Nigeria.

This regression coupled with the crisis of governance is, according to the author, mainly responsible for Nigeria’s failure to come to terms with her manifest destiny. Indeed, far from being a developmental state, it was revealed that ours is indeed a fragile state. This fragility is best exemplified in contemporary times by that fact that the on-going drama of the abducted Chibok girls has drawn in various indices of the International community.

Meanwhile, and in another vein, the consequence of the industrial decline and low-level agriculture has given rise to a contagious issue: unemployment.

According to the author Prof Oyeyinka symptomatic of the lack of industrial dynamism are the level and rates of unemployment rate. It was further revealed that the unemployment rate is seven times the population growth rate; meaning that not only is there dearth of opportunity for the newly employable but existing industries is also shedding jobs.

The immigration test tragedy in which nobody has been brought to book till date aptly illustrates the deposition of the author. What is particularly instructive in this section of the book is the author’s intellectual pre-occupation and wrestling with the notion of poverty.

Here he begins by giving us Seebohm Rowntrees’ definition of poverty … which according to him is a situation where total earnings are insufficient to obtain the minimum necessities for the maintenance of mere physical efficiency. He goes on to state that despite

the controversy among scholars about the concept of poverty, all are agreed, that the poor exist in a state of deprivation, that to quote the author, “poverty is a condition in which the standard” of living of the individual poor falls below minimum acceptable standard. In this same section, we are treated to very comprehensive and novel conceptions of poverty.

According to the author, and since Rowntrees definition, it is indeed possible to effect a taxonomy of poverty. Specifically here, the author has disaggregated the notion of poverty into various forms. These include: relative poverty, absolute poverty, the dollar-per-day measure of poverty; and subjective poverty.

For this reviewer and particularly from the perspective of what can be called the national question; the most interesting of intriguing dimension is relative poverty. It was revealed that, the Northwest part of the country recorded the highest poverty rate in the country. This is something of a paradox because in a way, it speaks to the counter-productive nature of the Lugardian scheme. In more explicit terms, my puzzle here is this; in view of the data provided by Professor Oyeyinka and given the privileged access of the Northern elite to power at the centre, why and how have these areas turned out to be the poorest zones in contemporary Nigeria.

Beyond the nature and content of poverty, is another interesting and abiding concern in the work. This time, the emphasis is on the elusive sociological cum economic animal: The Nigerian middle class.

In this respect, the Nigeria in middle class as defined by the author is characterised by an average monthly income of N75, 000 – N100, 000 naira.

And the profile of this middle-class was disaggregated along the following lines: education and work, attitude, car ownership, banking habits; spending habits, ownership of household appliances; travel habits, sources of information and perception about Nigeria.

I am not too comfortable however with aspects of the quantitative identification as regards what constitutes the middle-class. That lower base of N75,000, as far as I am concerned is very unrealistic. In a context like Lagos, a salary of 75,000 naira for a family of four really puts that family on the edge of poverty. In the subsequent chapter, the author focused on a numbing and plaintive note by contending that Nigeria’s power elite has blocked every attempt at Nigeria’s industrialisation and the attendant structural transformation by corruptive actions that result in widespread abandoned projects. Such projects include: the iron and steel plants; sugar factories, expensive dams and fertilizer plants.

•To be continued

Ngor’s heritage narration

S a history graduate and a journalist, I was quite curious to read this book entitled NGOR: A Historical, Cultural, Political and Socio-Economic Analysis, authored by Dr. Jossy Nkwocha, former General Editor of Newswatch magazine.

Books of this nature are usually very controversial because to x-ray the historical, cultural, political and socio-economic analysis of a community will involve stepping on many toes.

In a very crafty manner, Jossy meandered the minefield of Ngor history and politics.

As a senior journalist, Jossy deployed seductive prose to make the book quite compelling to explore his community, Ngor, one of the 28 autonomous communities in NgorOkpala Local Government Area of Imo State and the ancestral headquarters of the NgorOkpala people, the acclaimed food basket of Imo State.

I must confess that after reading the book, I came to the conclusion that Jossy Nkwocha wrote a great book that has the potential to transform Ngor community positively. The book is divided into three parts, namely the historical, cultural and socio-economic analysis; historical events to remember; and a 13-pont roadmap for development.

Part one begins with a map of the community the first of such. From the historical perspective, the author traced about 500 years of Ngor’s existence to show that the ancestors were brave warriors that were feared by neighbours. This gave rise to the saying, “Onye je Ngor nga chi jiri”, meaning “who will go to Ngor at night to commit crime.”

Ngor was so prominent that it became the foundation stone of naming the clan called Ngor-Okpala. The book showed why Ngor

people are self-esteemed people who usually introduce themselves as “Nwa Ngor Eze-Ogboro”, meaning “prince or princess of the Ngor royal dynasty.” The book also brought out, for the first time, the history of Umuneke Ngor, the headquarters of NgorOkpala-Okpala, which is fondly called “Ekeneze” — a people known for their aggressive lifestyle.

From the cultural viewpoint, the book projected the rich cultural heritage of the Ngor people. It threw up an intriguing ceremony called “Akaraka Ngor” an annual event at which a jar of palmwine goes round the entire celebrants of about 350 persons.

The political dimension is likely to arouse the greatest interest of most readers. Jossy depicted Ngor community as being politically backward, and suffering from dire political exclusion. He extrapolated his thesis to include the fact that Ngor-Okpala is supposed to be three or four LGAs as some other clans in Imo State. A map of Ngor-Okpala vis-à-vis that of Imo State provided in the book is eloquent evidence that indeed NgorOkpala is being marginalised politically.

In the social sphere, Jossy’s book explored the traditional marriage system in the community, the traditional criminal justice system, resolution of disputes, and security through community policing. The author proved that in the olden days, Ngor people had a good social system that ensured peaceful co-existence.

Part two of the book, chronicled the emergence of Christianity and western education in the community, the Biafran war as it affected Ngor people, the UmuohieUmuanyika wars tht claimed many lives in the community and the biography of a great man called Okere-Onyeoma who singlehandedly built a road to link Ngor to Aba-

BOOK REVIEW Title:

NGOR: A Historical, Cul tural, Pol;itical and SocioEconomic Analysis

Author: Jossy Nkwocha, Ph.D Pagination: 120 Pages Publisher: Igbo Heritage Foundation Publishers Inc.

Reviewer:

Chikodi Okereocha

Owerri highway.

Part three of the book is perhaps the greatest contribution of Dr. Jossy Nkwocha to the Ngor community. He outlines 13 areas of intervention needed to transform the community economically, politically and socially. According to him, these include functional education, entrepreneurship development, a positive mindset, community mobilisation, market development, the power of Diaspora indigenes, and so on. Jossy concluded by proposing what he calls Ngor community anthem, dripping with fervent Ngor spirit and consciousness.

Finally, the book contains some historical photographs that would certainly excite many Ngor people, especially the pictures of their first university graduates, the man whose action stopped the UmuanyikaUmuohie war and the legendry OkereOnyeoma.

The book, NGOR: A historical, cultural, political and socio-economic analysis exposes Jossy’s deep sense of Ngor-ness in him, his

uncommon love for his community, and his rare capacity for research and seductive prose.

With this book, Jossy Nkwocha has put his Ngor community on internet and global literature. Apart from a few typographical errors, I find Jossy’s book quite readable, and commendable to all and sundry. Indeed, Ngor will surely be better!

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

•Culture-speak in the land of the Living Spring, Osogbo, Osun State.

W

T

HE coastal town of Koko in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State is famous for its sea port and the free export processing zone. In 1987, it however got media attention when an Italian firm dumped some ‘drums of death’- toxic waste on a piece of land in Koko owned by Mr. Sunday Nanna.

But, there seems to be a new lease of life in the coastal town as the Nanna Living Museum, in Koko was declared a national monument in 1990 by the Federal Government. The designated monument is to serve as a treasure house of Chief Nanna of Itsekiri where all the relics are stored and exhibited for the public education, research and enjoyment.

Considering the contributions of the late Chief Nanna of Itsekiri to trade development in the Niger Delta area of the country in pre-independence Nigeria, one would appreciate the richness of his collections in the 24-year-old Nanna Living History Museum.

As part of efforts to reposition the museum, the Mallam Abdallah Yusuf Usmanled management of National Commission for Museums and Monuments last month appointed Mr. Wilson Onime as the new

By Ozolua Uhakheme, Assistant Editor (Art)

HERITAGE curator of Nanna Living History Museum, Koko. Until the new appointment, Mr. Onime was at the National Museum, Onikan Lagos as a chief curator in documentation department. He is a highly experienced, professionally skilled officer who has received training both within and outside the country such as at the British Museum, United Kingdom and the Museum of Anthropology and Archeology, Cambridge. While at the National Museum, he coordinated several programmes such as the yearly national painting competition for physically challenged children.

Since resumption, Mr. Onime has found the new environment exciting especially the volume and quality of collections within the museum. He is hopeful of making the best of the situations on ground as Koko indigenes are ready to collaborate with the curator in promoting the museum. “I hope God gives me the courage, wisdom and power to make the positive changes the station needs,” Onime said.

‘Writers should be conscience of society’

RITERS have been urged to play more active role in nation-building. To critics, authors are not doing enough in the discharge of their duty to the society. They called for a more proactive participation by them in nationbuilding, urging the writers to take a cue from the likes of the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and the late Christopher Okigbo.

This plea was made at the Authors’ Groove during this year’s edition of the Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF) held in the University of Lagos (UNILAG). With the theme: Emergence of e-book and the survival of physical book in Africa, the yearly fair featured sale and various display of books spanning different disciplines of human endeavour, exhibition, seminars and workshops.

According to the organisers, NIBF seeks to promote reading culture and education and is a hub for bringing together book companies, publishers, authors, literary enthusiasts and booklovers under one platform. The Authors’ Groove organised by the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Lagos State Chapter, was one of the highlights of the yearly fair.

ANA Lagos Chair, Mr Femi Onileagbon said it is aimed at sensitising authors across the country while creating an avenue where

H

PHOTO: EVELYN OSAGIE

New helmsman at Nanna Museum

By Suliat Abodunrin

LITERATURE literary minds come together to devise a way of solving the nation’s many problems from the literary point of view.

The event featured ace poet Odia Ofeimun; an environmentalist and human rights activist, Adesola Alamutu; a teacher of African Literature at the University of Lagos, Dr Chris Anyokwu; a writer and medical doctor, Dr Eghosa Imasuen, Austin Njokwu (poet) and Dr Tola Ajayi.

Being a writer, Onileagbon said, is more than a hobby, “but a profession”. He said: “It is high time, writers started being more forthcoming about the discharge of their duty in the society. Authors are not doing enough.”

Ofeimun urged the writers to defend nobody, saying: “Anything you don’t like about the society or whatever change you want to make, write about it. Writers should learn more on how to defend their art and defend the society we write in. We should also learn to match truth and duty, as these are the basics needed for effective writing.” Dr Chris Anyokwu noted that writers have the power to change the world through their works. He, therefore, enjoined writers to borrow a leaf

from the examples of the late renowned writer and poet, Okigbo, who fought in the Nigerian civil war, by being more active in nation-building.

“A writer is the imaginative consciousness of the society and possesses greater intellectual power than the common folks.

And as such, the ruler and the ruled look up to him as a form of moral barometer in the society. Hence, the role of the writer places him on a high pedestal because it makes him a sort of a secular clergyman that can be looked upon as a morally upright person,” he said.

While Njokwu observed that some writers lead a completely different lives from what they profess, urging that “writers should live what they write”, Alamutu said

‘A writer is the imaginative consciousness of the society and possesses greater intellectual power than the common folks. And as such, the ruler and the ruled look up to him as a form of moral barometer in the society. Hence, the role of the writer places him on a high pedestal because it makes him a sort of a secular clergyman’

Honeywell donates to orphanage

ONEYWELL Flour Mills Plc has reiterated its commitment to positively impact on humanity by giving back to the society through effective Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. Managing Director, Honeywell Flour Mills PLc, Mr Lanre Jaiyeola noted that company would continue to support good cause in the society, especially those that have direct impact on human development.

He spoke during a visit to some orphanage homes in Lagos where the company donated its products, equipment and cash. The event also coincided with the Children's Day celebration where the company sponsored a jolly train ride with children of select schools in Lagos. The train ride, which took off from Ebute Metta Station went through Oshodi, Ikeja, Abule Egba to Ijoko and back to Ebute Metta.

Jaiyeola who described the trip as a delightful experience for the children, said Honeywell will continue to seize opportunity to make its impact felt in the society, listing such opportunities to include support provided sporting events, entrepreneurship programs, vulnerable groups, etc. "It is our own way of adding value to the people that we believe should have needs within the society, and our own way to alleviate poverty, suffering in the land", he said.

Among beneficiaries of latest gestures are the SOS Village, Isolo, Little Saints Orphanage and Bethesda Home for the Blind.

•From left: Head Prefect, Bethesda Home for the Blind, Mr Emmanuel Ikpamueze; Mrs Chioma Ohakwe and Mr Jaiyeola

Executive Director, Marketing, Mr Benson Evbuomwan said: "Every good organisation should have a corporate social responsibility on its objectives because we cannot do anything without the people we are serving.

Everything is not just about buying our products, we should also be seeing to be improving the welfare of the people we are serving.

We should be giving back to the community and there are so many ways we have been doing that".

writers do more to document historical events for future generation.

A mobile application named Worldreader was another at the groove According to a team member of Worldreader, Alexander Polzin, it seeks to bring the book closer to the people by ensuring that regardless of their financial status, everyone gets access to books. He spoke on the package’s usefulness, adding that it enables authors to relate with other authors.

He said: “Worldreader is an application which can work on any phone, but currently available on Java and Android phones. It is currently in use in San Francisco, Barcelona, Accra, Nairobi and just partnered with the ANA in making sure that Nigeria is not left out in the digital publishing venture.”

At the orphanages visited, the founders and administrators were full of praises to Honeywell commending it for the humanitarian gesture, while also listing their areas of needs that require further attention. Common among their challenges include the need for more funding, renovation and building of new structures as well as more support from the government, individuals and corporate organisations.

NTA partners NUMATVILLE on unity award

T

HE Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) has given its corporate backing to the hosting of the maiden edition of the National Unity Awards and Pageant holding in Abuja in September. The authority is collaborating with the Nigerian Unity Museum and Trade -Tourism Village (NUMATVILLE), initiators of the project aimed at fostering peace and unity in the country.

The management of the NTA conveyed the decision to partner with initiators of the project in a letter signed by Mrs. Betsy Iheabunike, Assistant Director, Marketing for the Lagos Network Centre on behalf of the Executive Director, Marketing.

"The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) which shares the same objectives of promoting Africa's cultural heritage and values, as well as uniting the various ethnic groups expresses interest and support to partner with your organisation in realising this project".

The letter said whilst also expressing the readiness of the organisation to commit its human capital, facilities and airtime to the realization of the objective of the NAMTAVILLE Project, which is fostering national cohesion.

According to the initiator of the NUMATVILLE Project and Chairman of Zion Services Limited, Dr Akin Olowookere, "We are happy to partner with the NTA on this project and hope to build virile relationships that will make our country a safe haven for all Nigerians as well as promote business growth.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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MONEYLINK

Why we introduced cash-less policy, by CBN

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday defended its policy on cash-less banking, saying it was meant to promote price stability through effective monetary policy, sound financial system and efficient payments system.

CBN Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Sarah Alade who spoke at an outreach programme jointly hosted by the Institute of International Finance and the apex bank, said the policy was initiated against the backdrop of cash dominance in the payments system.

This development she said encouraged the circulation of huge sums of money outside the banking system and imposed huge currency management cost on the economy.

Alade said: “It is general knowledge that excessive liquidity in the financial system is partly attribut-

Stories by Collins Nweze

able to the high cash transactions for economic activities. This has continued to undermine the efforts to achieve price stability. The growth in the e-payment sub-sector of the financial industry can be attributed to the development of the cash-less policy CBN in 2012.

The initiative is part of the transformation of the Nigerian payment system.”

The deputy governor said the cash-less policy feeds into three key mandates of the CBN which include ensuring price stability through effective monetary policy, sound financial system and efficient payments system.

On the monetary policy front, Alade said the bank has improved the institutional framework for policy-making.

“A properly constituted Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) with a clear mandate for maintaining stability has been established. The MPC has been supported by improvements in research, data and forecasting capacity, and we have also paid attention to clear communication of our objectives to the market. As a result, headline inflation has remained below 10 per cent since January 2013,” she said.

Alade said inflation has remained within the indicative benchmark target range of six to nine per cent in the first four months of this year.

On a year-on-year basis, however, headline inflation inched up to 7.9 per cent in April from 7.8 per cent in March 2014. She explained that it is worthy of note that headline inflation has remained within single digit in the last 16 months owing to the bank’s commitment to sustain price

FCMB restates commitment to economic devt

T

HE Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Ladi Balogun has assured that the bank will intensify its support to the agricultural sector and other sectors in order to fasttrack the growth of the economy.

He stated this at the recently concluded Ogun State Investors Forum held at the state capital, Abeokuta.

The forum which is in its second edition was organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the state government. This year’s theme aptly titled “Ogun State – Open for Business” focused on the enhanced agricultural production sectors and accelerated urban development areas of the state, highlighting the

abundant agricultural resources and investment opportunities which abound.

Balogun, who was part of the plenary session on, ‘’Financing Agriculture and Housing Development: Investment and Potentials’’, said FCMB’s funding of the agriculture sector has been on the rise, adding that, “we have provided various lines of credit to the sector and its value chain, including small and medium scale businesses”.

He added that the bank is focused on being a strategic partner to the government and other stakeholders, ‘’because we believe that creating wealth and enhancing productivity, will also boost revenue generation within the state which

will ultimately lead to increased economic activity and development’’.

The GMD pointed out that the challenges facing the agriculture sector can be eliminated if all stakeholders worked together by ensuring that the, ‘’entire lending process is streamlined’’.

The forum, Balogun explained is part of its contribution to the development of the state and demonstration of its resolve to play a frontal role in all initiatives that would boost the well-being of the society and its people. He said:‘’We will continue to identify and implement initiatives that would leave positive and lasting impacts in areas that matter to the people across all states of the federation.”

stability, defined by its indicative benchmark range.

She said the CBN identified the challenges to financial inclusion in Nigeria to include, among others: irregular income, lack of employment, low financial literacy, long distance to access points and lack of appropriate means of identification.

“To address these challenges the bank launched the National Financial Inclusion strategy for Nigeria in October 2012, aimed at reducing the financial exclusion rate from 39.7 per cent to 20.0 per cent by 2020,” she said.

Alade said in the area of safeguarding the value of the local currency and maintaining stability in the foreign exchange market for the over-

sations, quoted and unquoted companies and all other organisations which are required by law to file returns with regulatory authorities and this excludes private companies that routinely file returns only with the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Federal Inland Revenue Service”.

The FRC is also asking for setting aside of the judgment on the ground that it was against the weight of evidence.

Eko Hotels had approached the court in suit no FHC/L/CS/1430/12 to declare that the FRC did not have the legal power to ask it to register with the Council because it (Eko Hotels) was not a public company or public interest entity.

It also sought leave of the court to determine whether it was liable to pay statutory and renewable annual dues to the FRC for the years 2011 and 2012.

T

HE Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) has appealed against the judgment of a Federal High Court which questioned its power to register and regulate private limited liability companies in the country.

According to a statement made available to newsmen by the spokesman of the FRC, Mr Mack Ogbamosa, the FRC is faulting the judgment of a Federal High Court presided over by Justice O.E. Abang in the case instituted by Eko Hotels.

In a Notice of Appeal filed by its counsel Bola Ajibola and Co against the judgment of the court, the Council contended that the court presided over by Justice O.E. Abang did not take cognisance of the provisions of Section 77 of the FRC Act which defines a public interest entity as Governments, government organi-

DATA BANK

Tenor

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year

35m 35m

11.039 12.23

19-05-2014 18-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 400m 400m 400m 400m 400m 400m

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF

all sustenance of macroeconomic stability and growth, the CBN has also successfully maintained a stable exchange rate regime and a robust external reserve position conducive to sustainable economic growth and development.

FRC appeals judgment over power to regulate firms

FGN BONDS

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33

•Alade

Price Loss 2754.67

Amount Sold ($) 399.9m 399.9m 399.9m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.75 155.8 155.7

Date 2-5-14 2-3-14 1-29-14

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency OBB Rate

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day

Amount 30m 46.7m

Rate % 10.96 9.62

Date 28-04-2012 “

O/PRICE 4.00 2.76 48.42 54.50 3.50 19.88 1.68 1.20 0.75 0.52

C/PRICE 4.25 2.89 50.65 57.00 3.66 20.78 1.75 1.25 0.78 0.54

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

(S/N)

GAINERS AS AT 10-06-14

SYMBOL HONYFLOUR FIDSON UNILEVER CONOIL ETERNA NNFM MAYBAKER NEIMETH WAPIC PRESTIGE

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change

Year Start Offer

CHANGE 0.25 0.13 2.23 2.50 0.16 0.90 0.07 0.05 0.03 0.02

DISCOUNT WINDOWx Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

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

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00%

SYMBOL

O/PRICE 13.23 4.41 0.86 1.17 1.90 0.62 2.48 4.97 31.50 0.99

C/PRICE 12.30 4.19 0.82 1.12 1.83 0.60 2.40 4.81 30.50 0.96

CHANGE -0.93 -0.22 -0.04 -0.05 -0.07 -0.02 -0.08 -0.16 -1.00 -0.03

6-2-14

28-10-11

% Change

CAP Index

N13.07tr 40,766.16

N6.617tr 20,903.16

-1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGET FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FIDELITY NIGFUND INTERCONTINENTAL INTEGRITY FUND KAKAWA GUARANTEED INCOME FUND

Offer Price Bid Price 157.99 157.07 9.17 9.08 1.09 1.08 1.18 1.18 0.68 0.68 1.39 1.33 1,664.78 1,661.81 1,087.24 1,086.78 119.02 118.19 1,087.30 1,087.00 1.67 1.62 1.05 1.03

LEGACY FUND NIGERIA INTER DEBIT FUND PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND STANBIC IBTC ETHICAL FUND • • • •

LOSERS AS AT 10-06-14

NASCON CAVERTON IKEJAHOTEL COSTAIN CUTIX COURTVILLE UBCAP PORTPAINT GUARANTY WEMABANK

NSE

UBA BALANCED FUND UBA BOND FUND UBA EQUITY FUND UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

143.11

142.62

0.78 1,944.64 13.62 1.07

0.76 1,936.31 13.28 1.05

1.3379 1.3544 1.0146 1.1770

1.3271 1.3544 0.9967 1.1770

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000

8.5000

Movement

54

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 10-06-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 10-06-14

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

55

EQUITIES

Investors stake N1.04b on Transcorp

I

NVESTORS scrambled for shares of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc yesterday as bargain-hunters pressured the overall market situation to the negative. Transactions on Transcorp, which had sustained uptrend in recent days, accounted for about 74 per cent of turnover volume at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), lifting up the market to its highest level of activities in recent period.

Transcorp recorded a turnover of 1.04 billion shares valued at N4.68 billion in 373 deals, representing 73.8 per cent of aggregate turnover of 1.41 billion shares worth N8.47 billion traded in 5,689 deals yesterday.

With hundreds of deals, trading on the shares of Transcorp was driven by profit-taking instincts and bargain-hunting. The transactions on Transcorp represented 2.69 per cent of the conglomerate’s issued shares. A source indicated some of the transactions were cross deals,

•Pressure mounts on high-cap stocks Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

implying that some of the deals were either readjustment by existing investors or were previously arranged between buyers and sellers.

Investors increased tempo of activities with voluminous transactions across several stocks. Access Bank Plc placed second on the activity chart with a turnover of 83.65 million shares valued at N827.66 million in 157 deals. Wapic Insurance ranked third with a turnover of 65.4 million shares worth N50.5 million in 180 deals.

The deals on Transcorp pushed the conglomerates sector atop activity chart with a turnover of 1.04 billion shares valued at N4.69 billion in 468 deals. Financial services sector placed second with a turnover of 303.19 million shares worth N2.45 billion in 2,809 deals.

The bargain-hunting sentiments dominated the market situation,

forcing several stocks, especially highly capitalised stocks, to close on the downside. Aggregate market value of all quoted companies dropped by N29 billion to N13.710 trillion as against its opening value of N13.739 trillion.

The main index at the NSE, the All Share Index (ASI), declined by 0.21 per cent to close at 41,521.42 points as against its opening index of 41,608.50 points. This depressed the average year-to-date return at the stock market to 0.47 per cent.

With 30 decliners to 31 advancers, the negative market situation was orchestrated by losses recorded by highly capitalised stocks such as Dangote Cement, Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), Transcorp and Oando.

Dangote Cement led the losers with a drop of N2.40 to close at N226.60. Lafarge Wapco dropped

by N1.51 to close at N111.99.

GTBank lost N1 to close at N30.50.

National Salt Company of Nigeria declined by 93 kobo to N12.30. Cement Company of Northern Nigeria dwindled by 30 kobo to N10.10.

Oando dropped by 24 kobo to close at N20.10. Caverton lost 22 kobo to close at N4.19. Portland Paints and Products dropped by 16 kobo to N4.81. Transcorp lost 12 kobo to close at N4.48 while Dangote Sugar Refinery dropped by 11 kobo to N9.64 per share.

On the upside, Nigerian Breweries led the gainers with addition of N3.20 to close at N180. Conoil followed with a gain of N2.50 to close at N57. Unilever Nigeria rose by N2.23 to close at N50.65. MRS Oil and Gas added N1.65 to close at N48.

Guinness Nigeria gained N1.01 to close at N180.01. PZ Cussons Nigeria rose by 94 kobo to close at N36.94. Northern Nigeria Flour Mills gathered 90 kobo to close at N20.78. Okomu Oil Palm chalked up 71 kobo to close at N33.86. Flour Mills of Nigeria rose by 50 kobo to close at M78 while Honeywell Flour Mills garnered 25 kobo to close at N4.25 per share.

‘More pension funds will go into corporate bonds’

N

IGERIA plans to amend investment rules to channel more of the country’s $26 billion of pension funds into corporate bonds, Nigeria Pension Commission Director-General Chinelo Anohu-Amazu said.

Pension administrators, including Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited and ARM Pension Managers Limited are currently investing only two per cent of funds in corporate debt, well below a 35 per cent limit, according to data released by the commission also known as Pencom. This compares with 65 per cent invested in federal and state government bonds and 13 percent in equities.

New rules are being considered to encourage more investments in corporate bonds, thereby making longterm capital available to fund infrastructure projects, Anohu-Amazu said in a June 5 interview in the capital, Abuja. “We have a huge amount which can go into the development of infrastructure, but what we have now is an under-utilization.”

Africa’s largest economy needs at least $14 billion annually to bridge its infrastructure gap, according to Finance Minister Ngozi OkonjoIweala. The country of about 170 million people loses at least 2 percent of potential gross domestic product growth annually due the shortfall, mainly in power and transportation, according to the minister. Its economy is estimated to expand 6.75 percent this year.

A major slice of pension assets are now in government bonds, the “safest place,” according to AnohuAmazu. With an average growth rate of 30 percent over the last four years, pension funds are seeking new investment options in equities and other outlets that are safe and offer higher returns.

Caverton has potential for long-term returns, say analysts

C

AVERTON Offshore Support Group (COSG) Plc has potential to generate longterm returns to investors given its ongoing innovations and repositioning in the oil and gas industry.

Stockbrokers and investment advisers said Caverton has impressive future prospects and its current pricing trend at the stock market provides opportunity for discerning investors to take positions in the company.

Managing director, GTI Securities, Mr. Tunde Oyekunle, said Caverton has potential for growth given the company’s business outlook and growth initiatives.

According to him, while investors will have to determine their entry prices based on their risk horizons and valuations, there is no denying the fact that Caverton has strong prospects.

Head, investment advisory and research, Sterling Capital Markets, Mr. Sewa Wusu, said current share price belied the immense opportunity in Caverton as an oil and gas servicing company.

He explained that the company’s share price has been under sell pressure because some investors who had invested in private placements appeared to be monetizing some of their shareholdings noting that supply of shares should encourage strategic investors to take large stakes in the company.

“Caverton has a solid future. As the only listed company in its area of operations, it provides investors with investment window into the oil and gas. There is huge opportunity for oil-servicing companies, and companies like Caverton are in better positions to harness the opportunities in the industry,” Wusu said.

He said the company’s management needs to further communi-

cate its corporate strategies, business operations and other details to investors to give investors better understanding of the full extent of the company’s businesses beyond its flagship helicopter services.

Managing director, APT Securities and Funds Limited, Garba Kasimu Kurfi, had also noted the need for the company to further explain its business strategies and opportunities to the investing public pointing out that several operators and investors are yet to really understand the operations of Caverton and its earnings potential.

He said the company’s earnings and understanding of its businesses would help to stimulate the share price.

Caverton transited fully into a publicly quoted company with the listing of its entire issued share capital on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in May. Caverton listed 3.35 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N9.50 per share, which added N31.8 billion to the market capitalisation of the Exchange. Caverton was listed in the support and logistic subsector of the service sector in line with its core business of on-shore and offshore logistics to oil and gas companies.

On the heels of the listing, Caverton has won a two-year contract extension with Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited and is expecting a brand new AW139 helicopter which will be devoted to its longterm contract with Shell Petroleum Development Company.

It would be recalled that Caverton had won a three year contract with Total in 2011 for the operation of four helicopters into Total’s offshore fields. That contract would have come to an end this year but Total has exercised the option to extend the contract by two years, which puts

Caverton in contract with the oil company till 2016.

“We are pleased to continue rendering offshore and onshore oil field logistics to Total. This contract extension demonstrates Caverton’s service reliability and our commitment to provide safe and efficient services to our clientele. We are confident that this will positively impact our revenue over the next few years,” chief executive officer, Caaverton, Mr. Olabode Makanjuola said.

In a related development, Caverton is expecting a new AW139 helicopter from AgustaWestland, the Anglo-Italian manufacturer of commercial and military aircraft. The new helicopter will be dedicated to the Shell Petroleum Development Company contract which Caverton won in 2010 through a competitive bidding process.

The expected aircraft will ramp up the number of AW139 in Caverton’s fleet to seven and is part of Caverton’searlier stated plans to embark on fleet expansion. At the moment, Caverton has the largest fleet of AgustaWestland aircraft in sub-Saharan Africa and was two years ago designated a regional service centre for AW139s by the aircraft manufacturer.

It will be recalled that the Shell contract, valued at $648 million, is on record as the biggest ever awarded to an indigenous company by the oil giant. The Shell contract opened the floodgate for Caverton, with more contracts pouring in from other oil majors such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, Total and Addax Petroleum. In 2013, the company commenced its first international operation after it won the contract to provide passenger transfer and pipeline surveillance services to the

Cameroon Oil Transport Company (COTCO), a subsidiary of ExxonMobil.

Besides, Caverton has also received all regulatory approvals to build Africa’s first aviation training centre in Nigeria as it seeks further opportunities to diversify its income base and ensure better returns to shareholders.

Chairman, Caverton Offshore Support Group (COSG) Plc, Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola, told shareholders recently in Lagos that construction of the aviation training centre would begin in the next few weeks.

According to him, the company has also obtained relevant regulatory approvals to commence its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre alongside the aviation training centre on a 40,000 sq meters facility at the Muritala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), both of which will house original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

He outlined that the centres were part of the group’s medium-term strategy aimed at diversifying its revenue stream and insulate Caverton from the vagaries of contract awards.

He noted that the venture partnership of Caverton Marine and RK Offshore Management PTE Limited owners, suppliers and operators of marine equipment based in Singapore, is now well positioned to convert opportunities for full participation in the provision of logistics to both national and international oil companies within Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Our plans in 2014 include the vigorous promotion of its AIM 4 ZERO campaign in all our operations. We also started in May 2014, our corporate rebranding exercise with the unification of all operating companies’ logos into a single logo that

all companies under the Caverton brand are now using. The campaign will entail paying more attention to all our communication media and effective use of both online and offline media for positive reinforcement of our messages,” Makanjuola said.

He pointed out that the recent listing of Caverton has created a win-win opportunity for previous owners of the company and new shareholders to trade on the company’s shares adding that the company has entered a new growth phase that would yield huge benefits to all stakeholders.

He noted that Caverton had consolidated its operations in 2013 as it had full operations of all six of Shell’s AW139 helicopters and commenced operations of the DHC6-400 for Shell and also started the TUPNI operations from Lagos using the AW139.

According to him, the group’s aircraft availability remains high at an average of 95 per cent on all contracts.

“In Douala, we replaced in April 2013 the leased aircraft with our twin otter and stabilized the operations through a number of initiatives. We also focused attention on quality and safety standards. Our efforts were indeed rewarded with the subsequent issuance of an unrestricted AOC for Caverton’s operations,” Makanjuola said about the group’s international operations.

He reiterated the commitments of the group to development of indigenous capacity in the oil and gas servicing industry noting that the group had in 2013 sponsored 18 trainee pilots in various trainings on both rotor and fixed wing aircraft while it also sponsored six trainee engineers to NCAT who will be graduating in 2014.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY JUNE 11, 2014

NEWS

Rivers PDP crisis: Court orders INEC to recognise Obuah exco J USTICE Evoh Chukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the executive committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State led by Felix Obuah.

The Obuah-led exco is believed to be loyal to the supervising Minister for Education, Nyesom Wike.

Justice Chukwu also barred the PDP and INEC from accepting candidates for elections from any other group other than those produced by the Obuah group.

The judge also restrained the PDP National Secretariat

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

from holding or conducting any congress for the purpose of selecting or recognising new leaders, until the expiration of the four-year tenure of the Obuah group.

Justice Chukwu equally restrained INEC or any of its officers from monitoring or supervising any congress in Rivers State and from accepting list of candidates for elections except those provided by the current party leadership in the state.

The suit was filed by the Chairman, PDP Obio/Akpor

Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chukwuemeka Aaron. It had INEC, PDP and Obuah as defendants.

The plaintiff asked the court to enforce the judgment of the Abuja High Court of April 13, last year, which upheld the congress that produced Obuah as the PDP Chairman.

Justice Chukwu held that the Abuja High Court verdict delivered by Justice Ishaq Bello subsisted and must be obeyed by all parties in the suit, unless it was set aside by a higher court.

The judge upheld that ar-

gument by plaintiff’s lawyer Prof Tony Ijohor (SAN) that the Abuja High Court judgment was binding since there was no order of stay of its execution by any court of competent record.

The judge earlier dismissed five applications brought by some PDP members in the state seeking to be joined in the suit.

The judge dismissed the motions for lacking in merit and for constituting gross abuse of court processes since the applicants failed to show how the outcome of the plaintiff suit would affect them.

I’m not aware of abducted women, says Chibok Chairman

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HE Chairman of Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, Bana Lawan, has denied knowledge of the abduction of 20 women in Garkin Fulani.

Lawan said he was only aware of an attack in a village in which two people were killed.

He spoke yesterday in Abuja at the usual sit out of those protesting the abduction of the Chibok girls.

His words: “I don’t have information about the abduction, all I know is that they attacked one of our villages on Monday, burnt houses and killed two people.

“So that is the only information I have.”

The Chairman, Chibok

From Grace Obike, Abuja

community in Abuja, Hosea Tsambido, said he phoned five people in Chibok and they all denied knowledge of the abduction.

Tsambido said Garkin Fulani is in Dambuwal Local Government and not close to

Chibok.

“After I heard the news, I called five people in Chibok and they told me that they were not aware of the incident.

“People now refer to everything happening in Borno villages as Chibok incidents since the community has be-

come popular.

“Garkin Fulani is closer to Dambuwal Local Government than Chibok and the Chairman of Chibok Council may not be aware of things happening in other local governments but it does not mean that the abduction did not take place.”

Monarch for elevation

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ASARAWA State Governor Tanko AlMakura said yesterday that the Dada Yako of Nakuse will be elevated to a second class monarch.

The governor said all issues would be considered, especially those that have to do with creation of more districts, chiefdoms and the elevation of the monarch.

The monarch, Ishaku Dahilo, said the gov-

From Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

ernor has made a difference in infrastructure development as his projects are allover the state.

A statement by Al-Makura’s Chief Press Secretary, Iliyasu Ali Yakubu, said the people praised the governor for his achievements.

Suntai’s doctor absent at trial

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ARABA State Governor Danbaba Suntai’s doctor was absent yesterday as the Medical and Dental Tribunal resumed sitting on a petition against him.

Dr. Zakari Aliyu, who was the Chief Medical Director at the Taraba State Specialist Hospital, is on trial for divulging information on the governor’s health, which was published by the media.

According to the charge sheet, Aliyu conducted himself “infamously in a respect contrary to Rule 44 of the code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria 2008 edition and punishable under Section 16(1)(a) and (2) of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap. M8 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”

The tribunal has the status of a high court as its judgment can only be appealed at the Court of Appeal.

Aliyu, who was absent at the first sitting, in a letter to the tribunal requested that his matter be postponed.

The former Chief Medical Director, who has relocated to the United States (US), explained that the nature of his work made it difficult for him to appear before the tribunal.

He therefore requested the tribunal to pick a new date for him to appear.

Expressing regret, the doctor said he was in the country on the day of the last sitting but the tribunal did not sit because of the public holiday declared by the Federal Government for the World Economic Forum (WEF).

His absence, he said, was

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

because he could not get another international permit within a short period.

Shortly after reading his letter which was accepted by the tribunal, his lawyers announced their withdrawal from the case.

Aliyu’s counsel, led by Bulus Solomon, said they would prefer that subsequently he (Aliyu) be served directly.

Though, it was not known if he (Aliyu) has appointed a new counsel, the tribunal turned down the application.

It said since the lawyers have access to him, they will remain the only source through which the notice paper will be served on him.

Other doctors standing trial are Temitope Gabriel Onile, Nzurumike Charles Nnanna, Danmusa Ademu Ochala, and Omotayo Oluwadamilola Akinro.

Onile, Nnanna and Ochala are facing one count charge of negligence of duty. Onile and Nnanna are consultant Obsterician and Gynaecologists at the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja.

Ochala is the Head of Department, Consultant and Senior medical Officer at the Centre.

They were alleged to have failed to pick their calls to attend to manage a patient, Mrs. Eleojo Justina Colins (deceased) who was under their care and required urgent surgical intervention until the patient died on January 28 ,2012.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY JUNE 11, 2014

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NEWS

PDP’s bid to take over Edo House foiled

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HERE was a free-for-all at the Edo State House of Assembly yesterday when nine members broke into the chambers.

Among the nine were four suspended members. All the lawmakers except the suspended Deputy Speaker Festus Ebea are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

It was gathered that at 9:30am, the lawmakers drove into the Assembly in an unmarked bus and were allowed in following which the gate was closed.

Accompanied by some security agents, the lawmakers sat for less than five minutes without a mace.

Their session was presided over by Ebea.

Attempts to get the assembly staff to attend the sitting were rebuffed; the Sergeant-at-Arms, Ogirri Roberts, fled into hiding.

Hon Kingsley Ehigiamusoe (Igueben) moved the motion for the suspension of the Speaker, Uyi Igbe , Majority Leader Philip Shaibu and six others for alleged abdication of duty.

Those present were Patrick Iluobe, Abdulrasaq Momoh, Patrick Osayimwen, Emmanuel Okoduwa, Monday Ehighalua, Friday Ogieriakhi and Jude Ise-Idehen.

The suspended deputy speaker was named the new speaker.

As they were about to leave the chamber, Speaker Igbe arrived with other lawmakers and his security details and a free-for-all ensued.

Apparently aware of an impending crisis, a combined team of policemen, the Department of State Security and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were mobilised to the Assembly.

There were over 20 police vehicles, including an Armoured Personnel Carrier, and police dogs on the premises.

Tear gas canisters were fired to disperse the lawmakers.

Security details were divided as some followed the renegade lawmakers; others ensured that the Speaker gained access into the chamber.

Attempts by the nine lawmakers to return into the chamber were prevented by some policemen at the gate. They later left.

Some market women at the nearby Oba Market fainted after inhaling tear gas fumes.

Igbe presided over a sitting attended by 13 lawmakers.

Those who spoke during a matter under urgent public importance said they were tear-gassed as they were entering the assembly complex.

Elisabeth Ativie said the security agents’ action portends a bad omen for the Federal Government. She said those suspended remained suspended.

Paul Ohonbamu said what played out was carefully planned and ex-

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•Security operatives at the Assembly. INSET: Ebea presiding at the sitting of the nine lawmakers and Igbe in his office... yesterday.

PHOTOS: OSAGIE OTABOR

•They want to assassinate us, say APC lawmakers •Ebea: I’m the new Speaker •Nine arrested •’Arrest the renegades’ Supporters protest lawmakers’ suspension

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EVERAL groups marched on the streets of Benin City, the Edo State capital, yesterday as the battle for the control of Edo State House of Assembly raged on.

Some of the groups, comprising mainly youths, were pro-Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and pro-All Progressives Congress (APC).

The pro-PDP group called for the recall of the four lawmakers suspended on Monday.

Deputy Speaker Festus Ebea, Friday Ogieriakhi, Patrick Osayimwen and Jude Ise-Idehen were suspended for alleged misconduct.

Leaders of the pro-PDP protesters Rotimi Adams and Ojo Godwin said they were on the streets to protest injustice.

They carried placards with inscriptions, such as “Uyi Igbe stop this action”; “Lawmakers are not Lawbreakers”; “Mr. Speaker says no to Governor’s evil plan” “Edo State Youths are against the action of Uyi Igbe”; “Mr. Speaker do your work well”.

Adams said the constitution allows for freedom of From Osagie Otabor and Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

ternally packaged, stressing that the lawmakers aggravated their offences.

Folly Ogedengbe described the lawmakers’ action as an exercise in futility.

A resolution calling on President Goodluck Jonathan to call the lawmakers to order and provide security for the Assembly was passed.

At a briefing, Chairman, House Committee on Information, Youths and Sports Kabiru Adjoto said the attack on the lawmakers confirmed a plot to assassinate some All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers.

He named those marked out for assassination to include the Speaker, Majority Leader and two others.

Adjoto said the PDP planned to frame APC Youth Leader, Osakpamwan Eriyo and Chairman of Akugbe Ventures, Tony Kabaka.

He said: “It was God who saved us this morning. It was their aim to destabilise Edo State. It is the duty of the President to protect lives and properties.”

“Edo State House of Assembly is under attack by the PDP and their collaborators in Abuja. They came

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

association and movement from one party to another.

He said they would continue to protest, if the lawmakers were not recalled.

The pro-APC protesters stormed the Assembly, alleging that PDP wants to make the state ungovernable.

They accused the PDP of attempting to replicate what happened in Rivers State.

Derrick Uhunmwagho, who spoke on their behalf, urged Edo people not to be afraid.

He said: “Benin City is known for peaceful co-existence. APC youths will not allow anybody to foment trouble in the state. We will defend that which belongs to us.”

A protester, Shola Clement, said they had seen the good work of Governor Adams Oshiomhole and as such would not allow the state to be returned to what he called “dark days”.

His words: “We are aware of the fact that some people are out to disrupt the peace of Edo. We will stand against anybody who wants to bring trouble to this state.”

in to tear gas our members. This is a follow up to what happened yesterday where we suspended those who were performing duties that are no longer honourable.”

“They came to us with evil carrots but we refused. The whole place was filled with tear gas. We have over 100 policemen round the gate but they still came in. Edo State will not be mortgaged. We will not allow Edo State to be taken backwards. A goat knows there is a poisonous leaf that is not edible.

“They know that they cannot defeat Oshiomhole but want to use us to impeach him. We asked them to test their strength in next year’s election. We will not impeach Oshiomhole. Their plan to kill started this morning. You don’t come to the chamber with thugs or arms.

“We have resolved to continue to support Oshiomhole. Edo is not Rivers State. We are enlightened people and ready to defend democracy. Edo is not other states that Abuja can destabilise.

“Oshiomhole will finish his tenure. We will continue to perform our duty and pass laws that will benefit the state. The problem in the Northeast is enough for President Jonathan to contend with. PDP should not create another problem

for Jonathan in Edo State.”

Shaibu showed reporters bullet holes on the main gate leading to the legislators’ quarters on Ihama Road, GRA, Benin City, which he said came from shots fired by unidentified persons.

He said his colleagues and himself had been receiving threatening phone calls and text messages.

The Majority Leader said it was not possible for the minority to upturn the decision of the majority lawmakers.

The nine lawmakers denied collecting money to defect.

Ebea at a briefing said eight lawmakers were suspended because of “consistent unbecoming behaviour”, which he said brought the integrity of the House into disrepute.

He said the consistent adjourning of sitting was abdication of duty by the leadership of the House.

His words: “As from today under my leadership, the House has decided to play the role 100 percent placed on me by Edo people.

We are calling on the Comrade Governor to stop his divisive tendencies and ensure that Edo State is made for all to cohabit.

“He is the governor of the state

Orubebe: prisons in poor condition

ORMER Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Godsday O r u b e b e b r o k e down i n tears when he visited three prisons to mark his 55th birthday.

He decried the state of prisons, promising to take up the issue with President Goodluck Jonathan.

Orubebe, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Delta State, visited the

prisons in Ogwashi-Uku, Sapele and Warri.

He donated mattresses, toiletries, detergents, football kits, and Bibles to the inmates and the prison authorities.

At the Sapele Prison, which was built in 1904, Orubebe and his team prayed with the inmates.

He did the same at the other

p r i s o n s . T h e f o r m e r mi n i s t e r said some of the inmates might have been imprisoned wrongly due to what he called “the impact of the wickedness of man.

But he enjoined the inmates not to lose faith and trust in God. “I am convinced that some of you here today were wrongly sentenced and jailed for the offence that you did not even com-

mit, but for the wickedness of the world.

“However, this is not the end of the world. I encourage you to put your faith and trust in God knowing full well that with God, you can be transformed from prison to the palace.”

He urged the government to expedite action in rehabilitating the prisons.

and not a party. A former senator, councillor defected and no hell was let loose. They are killing me for intention.

“They are mind readers thinking I want to dump the APC. We will do our best to make sure checks and balances and pure separation of powers are adhered to in the state.”

Ebea denied allegations of assassination plot and swore that he did not collect money from the PDP. Some members of the National Assembly described the lawmakers’ action as criminal.

Senator Obende Domingo, Samson Osagie and Pally Iriase said the lawmakers should have sought legal redress.

They said: “If they know, they are not guilty of suspension, the right thing for them is to go to court, instead of taking the law into their hands.

“On December 20, 1999, Iriase, who was the Deputy Speaker, was suspended. It did not degenerate into debauchery, instead the issues were resolved politically.

“For them to break into the house is criminal. That is illegal entry.

They can be arrested and prosecuted for that.”

Police Commissioner Foluso Adebanjo said nine persons have been arrested for their roles in the fracas.

APC spokesman Godwin Erhahon said the incident demonstrated the lawlessness of PDP across the country. In a statement yesterday, he said: "We have witnessed this in Rivers; we have witnessed it in the Governors' Forum and it continues here in the Edo Assembly.

"The APC wishes to assure all concerned that the suspension of four of the nine lawmakers yesterday stands. And their involvement in the activities of the House yesterday is a ruse and therefore of no effect.

"But, however, we wish to warn President Jonathan not to dare Edo State as he dared Rivers State. That muffling the opposition is an evidence of PDP's admission of failure, therefore we are not perturbed even as we see the hands of the Presidency in the tacit support given the PDP."

Oshiomhole sacks SSA

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DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has sacked the Senior Special Assistant on Projects Monitoring, Captain Felix Omokhodion.

Capt Omokhodion was directed to hand over all government property in his possession to the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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NEWS Youths plead for release of Chibok girls

‘Licence drilling operations’

•Catholic Archibishop of Lagos, Rev Alfred AdewaleMartins (middle) praying over the casket of Monsignor Pedro Adewale Martins during the funeral in Lagos... yesterday.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

SSOCIATION of Waterwell Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP) has called on the government to licence drilling operations in the country tackle illegal water drilling operations.

The National President, Michael Ale, said this at a forum on borehole drilling professionalisation to mark its one year anniversary, held at LCCI conference centre, Lagos State.

According to Ale, it is evident that licencing drilling operations in Nigeria is the best way to ban quackery in our country and prevent the impending danger faced by underground water in the nearest future.

“We are coming from the background where everybody is on his own (Visionless) since 1947 when drilling started in Nigeria, in an environment which is hostile to competitors, Individual showing malicious attitude towards each other.

“Water is valued more than oil in America while in Nigeria the oil is golden to water.

It is evident that the Ministry of water resources under the leadership of the Minister of Water Resources, Dr. Sara Reng Ochekpe is not ready to change their operation.”

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Baptists hold Fathers’ Night

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HE Men Missionary Union (MMU) of Ayetoro Baptist Church, Mushin, Lagos, will hold Fathers’ Night on Saturday at 6pm at the church auditorium.

The union president, Dn. E. G. Oyekunle, said the Lagos East Baptist Conference MMU chairman, Dn. Lawrence Fatokun, would speak on: “Real dad in the family, church and society”.

PHOTO: DAVID ADEJO

Court allows probe of N76b Abuja CCTV project

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Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the commencement of a suit seeking to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the execution of the N76billion Abuja Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) contract.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola granted leave to an Abuja lawyer, Olugbenga Adeyemi, to “apply for the judicial review of mandamus compelling the first respondent (EFCC) to investigate and prosecute” those involved in the contract.

The ruling followed an exparte application by Adeyemi, who seeks to compel the EFCC to investigate and prosecute those involved in the execution of the contract awarded by the Federal Government.

By the court’s ruling, Adeyemi can apply for an order compelling the EFCC to prosecute those involved in the contract for “financial misappropriation and impropriety” on the ground that the project was poorly executed.

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

Those Adeyemi wants investigated include the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), ZTE Corporation (the Chinese firm awarded the

contract) and Nigeria Communication Satellite (NCS), listed as second to eighth respondents.

Adeyemi hinged his application on the ground that the second to eighth respondents “have squandered N76million due to their actions and inactions on a comatose project of installation of Abuja CCTV.” He added that “several

years after its installation, the Abuja CCTV installations have not worked even for a day.”

The plaintiff stated that were the CCTV installations working, it would have been easier to identify and prosecute those behind the incessant bomb explosions in Abuja and its suburb, including Nyanya.

Hearing in the main case has been fixed for July 1.

Media house, groups hold democratic gains survey media house and nongovernmental organisations are set to conduct a survey of the democratic gains.

The project which, is being organised by National Development Magazine in conjunction with Democracy Watch Network, a coalition of democracy advocacy groups and Polls Analytic, a leading international research group, is tagged: ‘The nationwide dividends of democracy survey and the governors’ job

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approval polls’. The survey will be conducted on over one million Nigerians across the country.

According to Mr. Steve Ike, National coordinator of the project, a team of pollsters and researchers have been trained and will be on ground in each of the 36 states to conduct these polls on the residents and electorates of the states.

According to him, the polls aim at finding out directly from the residents if they believe they have significantly enjoyed the

much talked about and promised dividends of democracy.

The surveys will also determine from residents of each state if they approve or disapprove of governance and the performance of their state governors. The results of these polls will establish each governor’s job approval rating and acceptance. According to Ike, based on the results, the project will also forecast the voting patterns of the electorates ahead of the 2015 general elections.

‘Doubts over conference outcome’

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ORMER Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Lagos State, Owolabi Sallis, has expressed doubt over the outcome of the national conference in Abuja.

The PDP chieftain who scored the current democracy low, said it could not be compared to what the country had in the past, saying that the present democracy is better than any military rule.

Owolabi spoke in Lagos. He said he had expected majority of the people going to the conference to be between the ages 40 to 55, but shocked that those who are currently deliberating Nigerian

By Gbenga Aderanti

future are between 70 to 80 years.

He is not happy that some members of the conference are recommending borrowed political systems instead of evolving a new political system for the country.

“The confab is a good one, but unfortunately, the kind of people that they brought there are people that have been infected with the past historical problems and we can’t be healed from that.

The people at the confab are like 70 something, 80 something years. They will continuously bring that problem on board. I was expecting the people in their 50s and 40s and you can’t believe it

that some people went to the confab and they were talking about or they continue to copy either the British system or the American system of government.

“They have not really researched to look at what are the Nigerian problems. We in Nigeria, we are from diverse groups, that is our problem. What are the structures put in place to address those multiple factors that are militating against the governing of Nigeria? They are not research oriented. People went there and talk about parliamentary, people went there and talk about rotational presidency, “ the Lagos PDP said.

Bakers, caterers challenge Fashola PUBLIC NOTICE

JOTAMERUYI ECODEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE This is to inform general public that the above-named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act. BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. Prof. (Rev.) Albert Aladesanmi Segynola 2. Rev. (Mrs.) Helen A. Segynola 3. Engr. Jonathan Aimenoje Segynola 4. Dr. (Mrs.) Tabitha Otumu 5. Dr. (Mrs.) Mercy Dic-Ijewere 6. Mr. Philip Uyi Segynola AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To educate, enlighten and aid people on sustainable environment.

2. To inform people about godliness in pursuit of human activities.

3. To provide strategies for environmental protection and man’s welfare.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Prof. A.D. Badaiki’s Chambers

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HE Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria, Lagos branch has called on Governor Babatunde Fashola not to forget his promise to generate employment for the youths through the association which he promised since 2012.

Its Chairman Prince Jacob Adejonrin, who made the call in a chat with The Nation explained that since the state government muted the idea in 2012 to engage the youths in a veritable venture that will take them from the street through the association, ‘nothing was heard of the programme despite several emissaries sent to the chairman of the committee set up for the project, the Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope Adefulire’ According to him, “In 2012, we were told that the government

By Sina Fadare

was ready to partner with us to generate employment in the state.

We embraced the idea and we went into operation to engage at least five graduates in each of the 120 bakeries outfit in the state, but nothing came out of it” Adejonrin pointed out that “A committee was set up and chaired by the Deputy Governor with mandate to liaise with us and let the youth pick which of the location best suited area of their residency. Unfortunately nothing came out of that committee because all efforts to get the attention of the governor failed up till today.”

He said the association is a veritable ground for employment generation as far as Lagos state is concerned adding that a minimal

soft loans from government could have gone a long way to make the policy a huge success. “Most of the machine we are using can be fabricated locally and within a space of 6months, bread will floor the market.”

He regretted that despite the contribution of the association to the economy of the state, they were neglected at the most critical time.”

We are paying our taxes as at when due, aside this we pay our bakery permit and fumigation fees, yet we did not benefit anything from the government since inception. We were reliably informed that our file got stuck at the table of the Deputy Governor who up till today refuse to grant us an audience talk less to implement the agreed policy promised two years ago.”

By Nneka Nwaneri

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GROUP, Association of Youth for Justice and Equal Right, has appealed to the abductors of the Chibok girls to free them.

The group also urged Boko Haram insurgents to put a stop to bombings in the country , which it claimed has not only given Nigerians a wrong presence in the international communities, but has also depreciated our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The group, in a statement by its National Secretary, Mr Kenneth Kentebode, said it was shame that five decades and three years after the Civil War, Nigeria is yet to find its footing.

“It is unfortunate that the ugly state of the nation has been defined severally by self-motivated individuals and groups with selfish interests and motives.

“Even though they are yet to be unravelled by the security agencies and related authorities in government saddled with the responsibilities of protecting lives and properties, Nigeria must stay united,” the statement said.

Firms challenged on responsibilities From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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OR corporate social responsibility initiatives to have the desire transformational impact on the lives of people in his constituency, Oluyole Local Government have task companies within his jurisdiction to go beyond rhetoric and match lofty words and plans with action.

The Oluyole Local Government Caretaker Chairman, Mr Abass Aleshinloye made this remark on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to four different companies within the council areas.

While in British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN), the council boss requested that as part of the company’s social responsibilities, atleast 70 per cent job quota system should be giving to unemployed youths in the council area.

According to him, Oluyole council area is so big and has been confronted with ecological challenges because it is a terminal route of all bridges in the state.

Seminar today

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GBA Grammar School Alumni Association will today organise a seminar for the pupils of Ogba Junior Grammar School, Ogba, Lagos on the school premises from 9am to 1pm.

A spokesman for the association said the seminar tagged: “Teens Media and Career”, is geared towards educating the pupils on the advantages of the media and how to choose a career.

The facilitators are Kemi Akindiose of Goldfish Media and Aderemi Apatira of Universal Standout Company.

Stolen vehicle VEHICLE, Honda Accord, ash colour, with registration number AGL 920 AP, has been reported stolen.

The owner, Mr. Ejesei Tanimola Clement, said the car, with chassis number jhgcm56323AO7553911, was stolen at Ebute Meta in Lagos Mainland.

He said the theft was reported at Denton Police Station, Ebute Meta on January 19, adding that anybody who has information, which could lead to its recovery, should call 08033541785.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

NEWS NLC warns against media clampdown Continued from page 4

This is a free country, and people should be allowed to freely express themselves. If you’re unhappy with what they have said, please take them to court and let the court have its way. It’s as simple as that.

“The impression is that it is the military on its own accord that is trying to prevent information from being spread in the media.

But you know that the military cannot act on its own, otherwise it may be accused of insubordination.

“Whether it is orders from above, or orders from the military, neither is correct. It is not proper for the media or any Nigerian to have their fundamental human rights abuse,” Ighodalo said.

A non-governmental organisation, Centre for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), berated government over the act.

In a statement in Lokoja, Kogi

State and signed by its Executive Director, Idris Miliki Abdul, the group described government crackdown on the media as illegal.

It said: “It is worrisome that despite the defence and reason given by the military spokesperson that they are acting on intelligent information on security issues, no evidence of such has been identified during these unwarranted molestations and harassment of media establishments and personnel. We view this as impunity of the highest order in a democratic dispensation. We condemn this as an uncivilised attitude and oppressive tendencies.”

It urged the authorities to stop to further harassment of the media, which he said must seek legal redress.

The Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum (YRLF) also chided the military for the onslaught on the media.

A statement by its General Sec-

retary Akin Malaolu, said: “The military’s war with the press is an egregious nonsense that blows no good to our democracy and will not serve any good purpose. The origin of this invasion is not far-fetched going by recent actions to muffle the voices of #BringBackOurGirls campaigners; the Joseph Mbu bellicose posture and the warning by Marilyn Ogar, the SSS spokesperson to those who have reasons to complain about the government, were all done to make Nigerians and our foreign friends forget all about rescuing the over 200 girls from the hands of Boko Haram.

This, however, cannot be compelled by brigandage, but can only be done with common sense to bring back our girls and win the war against the insurgents. We, however, wish that President Goodluck Jonathan retraced his steps from this wrong turn in the interest of the nation.

Plot to split APC at convention uncovered Continued from page 4

“These forces are also scared of having a formidable opposition party in the country which may lead to a change at the centre in 2015.

“So, their target is to cause disaffection in the party and embarrass the leaders. We have got wind of this and those behind it cannot go far.”

Another source said: “We are aware that some of those behind the plot had paid a nocturnal visit to a former PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur before it boomeranged.

“One thing I can assure you is that APC is irrevocably committed to its mission and we will not allow the plot to succeed.

A former governor, who spoke with our correspondent, said: “Naturally, you expect that some black sheep will try to undermine the APC but the party is well-intended that nothing can stop its progress.”

Yesterday in Abuja the Con-

vention Secretary, Senator Chris Ngige told reporters that APC had not zoned any position.

Asked to confirm whether the positions were zoned, the former Anambra State Governor said “No! Zoning is an arrangement. Even if we are zoning, it has to be a consensus. So even if we are zoning it is going to be a consensus arrangement. But we will not deprive anybody his right as enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria.”

Ngige, who confirmed that some people have obtained nomination forms, however, declined to mention their names.

He earlier rolled out the names of different sub- committee members in preparation for the convention.

Ngige said the fact that there were complaints in only about five out 36 states where state congresses were held, showed that the exercise was a success.

The 12 sub-committees are Accreditation Committee, Ap-

peals Committee, Screening Committee, Entertainment Committee, Transport Committee, Medical Committee, Media/ Publicity Committee, Accommodation Committee, Security Committee, Election Committee, Constitution Committee, and Protocol Committee.

Each sub-committee comprises six members, Ngige said, stressing that the meeting at Agura Hotel was to assign roles to the different committees.

He confirmed that the National Convention Committee was prepared to conduct a successful exercise on Friday.

Ngige asked Nigerians to look forward “to seeing a convention that is transparent from which democratically elected leaders will emerge for our party in the next four years. In November or December, this particular executive we are going to put in place will organise another National Convention to elect our presidential candidate.”

Emir Sanusi gets traditional regalia Continued from page 4

Sarki Ibrahim; Mahe Bashir Wali Jarma, Professor Isa Hashim: (the Dallatu), Alhaji Muhammad Aliyu and the Deputy Secretary of the Emirate Council, Alhaji Sarki Waziri.

Yesterday’s ceremony and the homage-paying on the emir by Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako and Business mogul Aliko Dangote, among others, took place at the Government House.

The ancestral traditional regalia presented to the emir include comprises, the Holy Qur’an, the twin spear (tagwayen masu), Lagwayen masu (Sword), Emir’s Dabo hat (malafar Sabo) and an Ostrich plumage shoes.

The Emir’s palace remained shut. But, a source at the palace said the public coronation of the emir, whose date will be announced later, would be held at the palace.

The ceremony will hold amid pomp and ceremony, with dignitaries from far and near in attendance. He said the ceremony would depict Kano’s rich traditional culture.

Nyako described Sanusi’s appointment as well deserved.

He spoke when he paid a condolence visit to Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and Emir Sanusi over the death of Alhaji Ado Bayero.

Nyako told the Emir: “God Almighty has destined that you are going to be the 14th

emir of Fulani dynasty in the state”. He prayed the Almighty Allah to prolong his reign and to transform the state to match contemporary global challenges.

He described Emir Sanusi as knowledgeable and wise.

Emir Sanusi said: “There is a very long cordial relationship between the Kano and

Adamawa emirates.”

He described the death Emir Ado Bayero as a great lost to Kano, Nigeria and Africa because he was a member of African Traditional and Religious Organisation.

“We lost a leader and father who was recognised by his subjects as just, prudent pious and who was always protecting the oppressed.”

Bomb scare rocks Abuja markets Continued from page 4

About two months ago, there was an explosion at the Nyanya Motor Park, leading to the death of 70 people.

Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the blast.

When the Wuse market was eventually opened, security operatives with bomb detectors were conducting searches at the gates .

Operatives at the market’s security check point, told our reporter that the checks were precautionary moves.

One of them, who pleaded not to be named, said at about mid day: “Contrary to reports flying around, we did not catch any suicide bomber. Security operatives acquired intelligence that bombs might be set off in any of the markets in Abuja. To ensure the safety of the market, we shut it down until a security sweep had been done to ensure that the environment was safe.

“Now we are searching everyone that comes in to ensure

that no one walks into the vicinity with explosives but business has resumed at the market as usual and there is nothing to fear.”

One of the traders who gave his name simply as Obinna said: “It is good they are doing this. Nigeria is no longer safe and no one is to be trusted. We are happy over the new development and everybody is on the lookout for suspicious moves.”

Another trader, Abdullahi, said: “After the Nyanya blast and everything happening these days in Nigeria, I wonder why it took security operatives this long to know that our markets needed security.

This is a good development and I hope that they won’t get tired and relax. They need to check everyone coming into this market because this is a very busy market and women’s bags most especially, should be checked because we can never know what they carry in them.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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FOREIGN NEWS

NATO forces kill five US troops in Afghanistan

F

IVE US troops have been killed in an apparent "friendly fire" incident in southern Afghanistan.

The men died in Zabul province's Arghandab district when their unit, part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), clashed with insurgents.

Local police chief Ghulam Sakhi Roghlewanai told the Reuters news agency: "ISAF troops were returning to their bases after an operation when they were ambushed by the insurgents.

"The air strike mistakenly hit their own forces and killed the soldiers."

A Pentagon statement said investigators were "looking into the likelihood that friendly fire was the cause.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these fallen."

If the deaths were as a result of friendly fire, it would be one of the worst such incidents involving US or coalition troops since the start of the nearly 14year war.

The insurgents have intensified attacks on Afghan and foreign forces ahead of the country's presidential election runoff on Saturday.

Officials are concerned there could be more violence around the balloting, though the first round in April passed relatively peacefully.

The runoff pits Abdullah Abdullah, a former leader of the opposition to the Taliban, against former Finance Minister Ashraf Ghani.

A Taliban spokesman, Qari Yousef Ahmadi, said a battle took place on Monday night between foreign troops and Taliban fighters in Arghandab district in southern Zabul province.

Ahmadi claimed a "huge number" of Nato soldiers were killed or wounded in the fighting.

However, the Taliban often exaggerate their claims.

One of the worst friendly fire incidents came in April 2002 when four Canadian soldiers were killed when an American F-16 jet fighter dropped a bomb

on a group near a night firing exercise in southern Kandahar.

Separately, a NATO statement said a service member died on Monday as a result of a non-battle injury in eastern Afghanistan. The deaths bring the number of NATO soldiers killed so far this year in Afghanistan to 36, with eight service members killed in June.

Israel MPs elect new president

T

HE Israeli parliament has elected veteran Likud lawmaker Reuven Rivlin as the country's next president.

Rivlin, a former parliamentary speaker and Cabinet minister, defeated long-time MP Meir Sheetrit, by 63 to 53 in a secret run-off ballot.

He will succeed Shimon Peres, 90, who ends his sevenyear term in July.

The Israeli president occupies a largely ceremonial position and has no formal role in peace talks with the Palestinians.

Rivlin, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party, will become Israel's 10th president.

He won when voting on Tuesday went to a second round.

The 74-year-old opposes the creation of a Palestinian state, putting him at odds with the platform adopted by Netanyahu.

He is also a supporter of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, another central issue in the dispute between Israel and the Palestinians.

Congratulating Mr Rivlin yesterday, Netanyahu cited their common history in rightwing politics.

Thousands flee as militants seize Mosul

I

RAQ's prime minister has asked parliament to declare a state of emergency after Islamist militants effectively took control of Mosul.

Nouri Maliki acknowledged "vital areas" of the country's second largest city, in Nineveh province, had been seized.

Overnight, hundreds of armed men seized local government's offices and police stations before taking control of the airport and the army's headquarters.

About 150,000 people are believed to have fled the city.

Sources have told BBC Arabic that they are heading for three towns in the nearby region of Kurdistan where authorities have set up temporary camps for them.

Cleric shot dead in Mombasa

A

MODERATE Muslim cleric has been shot dead in Mombasa, the latest killing of a preacher in the Kenyan city.

Sheikh Mohammed Idris, chairman of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya, was killed close to a mosque near his home by a group of gunmen.

Reports say he had previously been threatened by radical Muslim youths and had said he feared for his life.

He is the fourth prominent Muslim cleric to be shot dead in the city since 2012.

The others were accused of links to the al-Qaeda linked Somali Islamist group al-Shabab and their supporters accused the government of being behind their killings - charges the authorities denied.

CHANGE OF NAME OMOZUHIOMWEN I, Formerly known and addressed as MISS. OMOZUHIOMWEN ABIEYUWA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ABIEYUWA EMOVON. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

63

NEWS (SHOWBIZ)

I need a wife, says 34-year-old D’banj

F

OR celebrated pop star Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo, aka D’banj, turning 34 on Monday afforded him the rare opportunity to glorify God for the height He has taken him to in life, particularly his success story in the entertainment world.

However, amidst the fanfare of his birthday celebration, which held at the Four Point Hotel by Sheraton, Lekki, Lagos, Koko Master, as he is fondly called, also revealed his greatest heartdesire to the consternation of his audience.

When asked to reveal his greatest birthday wish, in an interview with journalists, the Ogun State-born act, who won this year’s Best African Act at the World Music Awards on May 27, in Monaco, first took a long, deep breath and then dropped the bombshell: “I want to get married.”

With this disclosure, D’banj, who has been romantically linked to Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji, seems to be warming up to bid bye to bachelorhood.

Also, in what may be termed D’banj’s metamorphosis, the multiple-award winning singer has unveiled another cognomen which, according to him, will further project his new vision as a performer. His

By Babatunde Sulaiman

new alias, he revealed, is: Kiniun Funfun (White lion).

“Every year or any time I want to pass across a message, I have allies that say how I feel. From D’banj, which was derived from my name, to Skibanj, which was how my German friends in London used to call me; and from Capella, which they gave me in South Africa, to Mensah, which they gave me in Ghana; and from Eja Nla, which happened after a whole lot of things, to Banga Lee, which typifies the fact that I am loyal to anything I believe in, I have realised that to whom much is given, much is expected. When I named myself Banga Lee, it is because I am loyal to my cause. I don’t want to work with people who are not loyal, based on what has happened to me in the past. I also know that it is right to think and act straight. In regard to my journey so far, I am now Kiniun funfun( White lion), which is a rare breed.”

With an alias such as Kiniun funfun, which has a strong connotative meaning, did D’banj consider the impression this might create in the minds of his fans? “Yes, I considered all this before announcing it to the public to-

Tributes pour in for Amaka Igwe

•INSET: Charles Igwe, widower of the late Amaka, Mr. Adewunmi Ogunsanya; chairman, MultiChoice Nigeria and Mr. John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria during the service of songs at the Haven Centre, Arch.

Bishop Vining Memorial, Ikeja

I

T was a gathering of the business and entertainment personalities on Monday, June 9 at the Archbishop Vining Cathedral, where a Service of Songs was held in honour of late movie maker, Amaka Igwe.

The ceremony which kicked off at about 6pm with a rendition of the hymn, All Hail the Power of Jesus Name, featured exhortations, worship songs and tributes from fasn and associates of the deceased.

Compeered by the duo of Richard Mofe-Damijo and Ireti Doyle, tributes were given by Ego Boyo, Kunle Bamtefa, Gabriel Okoye and Mrs. Wangi MbaUzoukwu, all of the movie industry, while Mr. Dewunmi Ogunsanya, Mrs. Bernard-Oti and Mrs. Thelma Utigwe-Oti paid tributes on behalf of the business sector.

It was a particularly emotional moment for all present, as the first child of the filmmaker, Ruby Igwe, delivered a touching tribute to her mother. “We are all here this evening grieving Amaka Igwe who we

By Ovwe Medeme

love and we are inspired, influenced or maybe intimidated by. I also know that there are many here who she, by God’s grace, mothered, trained and raised. I am sure you would agree that our mother had a unique spirit. Her priorities make her seem infuriatingly odd because they were so good.

However, she left this earth as one of the most successful people I have ever known,” Ruby stated.

Describing her mother as a professional who touched several lives, Ruby noted that the late deceased never considered herself to be a know-it-all, even as she never sold herself short. In her words, Amaka’s contri-

day. As I said, Kiniun funfun is a rare breed. Look at me, how many people are like me in this world? There is none. It is FG, which means ‘Favour of God’ and not Federal Government.”

D’banj, who seemed to be basking in the euphoria of his recent win at the World Music Awards in Monaco, also gave a blow-byblow account of the precursory event to the coveted award that has further catapulted him to global fame. According to him, “I have been nominated for the World Music Awards a couple of years. So many people are always nominated throughout the world. Therefore, I didn’t really think about it. I have really wanted to perform on that stage because that is my strength; I am a performer, an entertainer. When they told me they wanted me to perform, I said, ‘Let go.’ I knew I was nominated, but I didn’t really think it could work. While we were doing sound check there, I got an email, telling me my schedule. It stated that after my performance, I would be back for five minutes….You see, I am 10 years in the industry and I kind of know when they pass a message. So, I said: ‘Oh my God, it is pos•D’banj cutting his sible!’ But I didn’t know the birthday cake category. They gave me the award before I performed and that was the twist.

There are just two awards that I wanted to win. Now, I have won this, so it remains NUMBER of top the Grammy.”

Nollywood stars have been appointed brand butions to the creative inambassadors of Kill the Killer dustry were indeed of a Initiative, KKI, a fight against much bigger picture. “She high blood pressure and received a passion and taldiabetics in Nigeria and other ent from God. She utilised African countries. it, became an expert and did During the launch held at the not hesitate to share her exNew Nation headquarters, pertise. How she spread Port Harcourt, Uche jumbo, Ini her wealth of knowledge is Edo, Monalisa Chinda and baffling.

Desmond Elliott, among “I don’t know the specifics others, were given a rousing really, but I do know that in welcome. this life, we would be fine. It While unveiling the KKI is still well. Even in this loss, products, the chairman of this great, great loss, we will Dukwe and 21 Pillars for all be phoenixes in that in Global Development Equity, this death, in this separation Mr. Charles Dukwe, said the from Amaka Igwe, we Nollywood stars would join would rise, we would learn, the fight against high blood we would be inspired and pressure and diabetics. influenced. The work she has done, we would do. We remember to never forget that it is possible to miss a mum while still making memories,” Ruby said in tears.

The service which featured a musical presentation by Waje, was graced by the presence of John Ugbe, Tony Abulu, Ufuoma Ejenebor, Kate Henshaw, Teju Babyface, Tee A, Keppy Ekpenyong Bassey, Tunde Kelani, Kanayo O Kanayo and a host of others.

The late Nollywood filmmaker will be buried on June 13, in Ndiuche Arondizuogu, Imo State.

Another Service of Songs has been scheduled for June 12, at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu.

Igwe, 51, died on April 28 from complications resulting from asthma attack.

Morgan, C-Strokes fight poverty with music

By Musa Odoshimokhe

R

EGGAE artiste Mojo Morgan and singer Chimbiko Akarolo, aka C-Stokes, have drawn public attention to the sufferings of Africans in their new works.

At a recent media briefing held at Marquee Mega Plaza, Ikoyi, Lagos, Morgan said his album entitled New Dawn could be likened to a social comment.

“When you listen to this song, you can hear, see and feel the pains of the people around the globe. We should always try to look on the bright side of situation in life because when one door closes, there are many more doors that will surely open.”

Similarly, C-Strokes noted that the proceeds from the sale of his album, Reality, will be donated to charity as his contribution towards reducing poverty in Africa.

“As music has a universal language, it will assist in raising funds for charity. Eradication of malaria in Africa will go a long way in the fight against poverty,” he said.

Nollywood stars appointed KKI ambassadors

A

...Even in this loss, this great, great loss, we will all be phoenixes in that in this death, in this separation from Amaka Igwe, we would rise, we would learn, we would be inspired and influenced. The work she has done, we would do. We remember to never forget that it is possible to miss a mum while still making memories

‘

’

By Precious Dikewoha

According to him, corruption has been the bane of the fight against diabetics and high blood pressure.

He said: “Uche jumbo, Ini Edo, Monalisa Chinda and Desmond Elliott and others have been selected as official partners of KKI. They will help this organisation to fight against high blood pressure and diabetics by b e c o m i n g distributors of KKI products, earning great profits in the process.”

Dukwe, who is also the chairman of New Nation, an empowerment organisation, said: “The problem of Nigeria is not poverty, but lack of ideas. We need to be compassionate to others and honour those who have the heart to love others and not those who have the heart to loot our treasury. That is why I said the issue of diabetics could be a thing of the past if we have compassion for others. “

TODAY IN THE NATION

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.9 NO.2,874

‘Let the N-SNC address and solve the corrupt funding of political parties as a weapon against corruption which will reduce the cost of governance by up to 30% and make the naira buy more books in schools, more kilometres on our roads,...’

TONY MARHINHO

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

I

WAS a pupil in class seven in then Kukah Senior Primary School located between Sabon Gari, where we lived, and Fagge in Kano, when he became Emir of Kano on a beautiful clear day on October 22, 1963. The memory of his coronation at then Festival Stadium (now Sani Abacha Stadium) inside the city wall was etched in my mind because of the circumstances that surrounded his ascension to what, without doubt, was and probably remains the most powerful emirate in the North and one of the most powerful in Nigeria.

Nominally, Kano Emirate has been number four in order of precedence after Sokoto, Borno and Gwandu. But with a population even back then of over 5.7 million, it was the most populous in the region. It was also easily the wealthiest, as reflected in its exports of ground nuts – remember its famous groundnut pyramids? - cotton and tobacco, worth nearly £18 million, according to Professor Alhaji Mahmud Yakubu in his 2006 book, Emirs and Politicians: Reform, Reactions and Recriminations in Northern Nigeria (19501966) .

The emirate’s wealth also reflected in the salary of its most powerful emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, Alhaji Ado Bayero’s half brother and the grandfather of the new emir, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; Alhaji Muhammadu earned a then princely annual salary of £12,004, more than double the salary of the premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardaunan Sokoto, at £4,800. He had succeeded his father, Alhaji Abdullahi, in January 1954, following the father’s death.

The road leading to Alhaji Ado’s ascension in October 1963 began with the “abdication” of Alhaji Muhammadu on March 28 of the same year, following an administrative enquiry into the finances of the Native Authority (NA). As the most powerful emir in the region, the charismatic Alhaji Muhammadu, who also doubled as a leader of the Tijjaniya sect in West Africa, had a very close and cordial relationship with the premier. This, however, did not seem to have extended to the premier’s ministers and other subordinates who saw the emir as overbearing and arrogant.

The opportunity for these disaffected subordinates of the premier itching to take the emir a peg down came when the salaries of the NA staff fell in arrears by a month early in 1963, something unheard of in those days.

The NA applied for a loan from the regional government to tidy things over and was granted. But this led to tremendous pressure on the premier to probe the NA’s finances.

Eventually he bowed and appointed Mr. David Joseph Mead Muffet, a Special Duties Officer in his office, to head the enquiry panel.

Predictably, the panel found the emir guilty but he was allowed to “abdicate” on a pension to the sleepy town of Azare in Bauchi emirate. He eventually died on April 5, 1991 in Wudil, near Kano, where he had been allowed to relocate to by the first civilian governor of Kano State, the late radical politician, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi.

RIPPLES

ELECTRICITY TARIFF TO GO UP-NERC

•••Even as you GENERATE, TRANSMIT and DISTIBUTE BLACKOUT?

People and Politics By MOHAMMED H ARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

The Emir is dead; long live The Emir couldn’t have been more fortuitous; he had merely returned home from his station in Senegal as Nigeria’s ambassador on a condolence visit over the death of Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa when he was reportedly told he had been chosen as the next emir.

That ended his career as a diplomat and started one of the longest and most successful reigns of any traditional ruler in Nigeria.

For, in the 51 odd years of his reign, Kano not only consolidated its status as the commercial capital of the North, it became the most cosmopolitan city in Nigeria, next to Lagos, the original capital of the country before the movement to Abuja. It could even be argued that under him Kano became even more cosmopolitan than Lagos because not even the country’s former political capital, and still its commercial capital, could boast of two civil•Sanusi ian governors – Alhaji Sabo Bakin Zuwo, a Upon Alhaji Muhammadu’s abdication, he Nupe, and Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, a Babur was succeeded by his cousin, Alhaji – and many more commissioners and senior Muhammadu Inuwa, whom, in any case, the public officers, who were first and second colonialists had preferred for the emirship generation settlers in the city. Incidentally, when Alhaji Abdullahi died in 1954. The new Malam Ibrahim’s father, Shekarau, was a chief emir reigned for only six short months. And inspector in the NA police at the time Alhaji so less than a year after we had gone as pupils Ado became Wakilin Doka.

Naturally, his reign was not without its of Kukah Primary School to witness the coronation of Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa at the moments of crises, the most serious of which Festival Stadium, we trouped back again to was the mass killings of Igbos, which started in Kano and spread to other parts of the North witness that of Alhaji Ado. Before he became emir he had been elected a in 1967, riots that eventually led to the counmember of the Northern House of Assembly try’s civil war which ended in 1970 after three in 1954, one of the youngest. He resigned in years. It must have been a truly trying mo1957, the year I entered Tudun Wada Junior ment for the emir, some of whose closest Primary School, and became Wakilin Doka, head friends were Igbos, most notably Colonel of the Native Authority Police. At that time, Odumegwu Ojukwu, then a brigade comtwo of my uncles, one of whom is still alive, mander in the city.

It took the uncommon courage of the emir, were in the police. That, plus the frequent visits he often paid to a neighbourhood in Sabon along with Colonel Muhammed Shuwa, who Gari where he had friends, gave us a distant had led a group of officers, to confront the occasional glimpse of the dashing young prince mutinous soldiers in the barracks to bring an destined to become one of the longest reign- end to the riots; initially the soldiers had refused to disarm after they had been rounded ing traditional rulers in the country.

As the story is often told, his ascension up from the township into the barracks and

HARDBALL

T

HE fear of God, says the scriptures, is the beginning of wisdom — positive fear that drives positive change. But what of paranoia that views everyone as mortal enemies?

Such paranoia appears to have gripped the Jonathan presidency, with its current war on the media.

Like crazed but phoney Leviathans, Nigerian troops on the highway flex their muscles, cock their guns and unpin their grenades.

Their formidable opponents? Harmless newspaper van drivers, speeding off to deliver newspapers in far-flung Nigeria.

The troops stamp, growl and grunt: Boko Haram has found new allies in newspapers and their transport fleet. Their winning intelligence, sure banker to sack the dreaded Sambisa Forest, screams and swears Boko Haram bombs nestle among newspaper parcels. But after searching and searching, and detaining van drivers, and impounding newspaper stock for no less than three days, they have hit nothing but empty air.

Yet, the Jonathan military braves keep on searching, impounding and detaining; and keep on threatening, huffing and puffing, even bullying innocent vendors, like some coward who sees a person he could beat up and suddenly becomes hungry for a fight. Meanwhile,

Jonathan: fear of the media ... their attention is sorely needed in Sambisa Forest!

But maybe the troops are looking the wrong way for the invisible bomb. Poor dears, they are searching newspaper parcels! How about some positive suggestions?

Since news (not newspapers) is the new enemy, why don’t these brave and admirable troops confiscate every hand phone — smart and not-so-smart — every computer tablet, every iPad and every IPod? If they did that, they would perhaps have arrested every Facebook post, every tweet, every online story, every breaking news — and gosh! these online media are notorious for “breaking news” without necessarily double checking — and even every subversive music on IPod: yes IPod, for all that sweet music may well be lyric-ised code of Boko Haram ordinance! Come on boys, the physical newspapers are too clumsy and slow, the real enemy is the nimble social media!

And if that did not deliver much, why not

ordered by Shuwa to disarm. It is not hard to imagine the carnage that would have occurred if the soldiers had stuck to their guns.

Again in 1981, a political confrontation with Governor Abubakar Rimi led to widespread riots as a result of which the governor restricted the traditional homage paid to the emir by his village and district heads for a long while. In 1984, the military regime of General Muhammadu Buhari imposed a travel ban on him and his close friend and confidant, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, for travelling to Israel at a time Nigeria had no diplomatic relations with the country.

More recently the emir had faced at least three assassination attempts, the most serious of which almost succeeded but for one of his body guards who took the bullets in his attempt to shield his master. This was in the January 13, 2013, attack on his convoy by elements suspected to be members of Boko Haram, of whom he had been highly critical.

The emir faced all the crises stoically and survived all the assassination attempts to live to the grand old age of 83.

As one of the most powerful and longest reigning traditional rulers in Nigeria, he served the country in various capacities, among which were as chancellor, first, of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and then of University of Ibadan.

His death in the early hours of Friday June 6, came as a great shock to Nigerians, especially as he had just returned from a medical trip abroad and had held court shortly after to receive homage from his chiefs and well wishers. He has left behind a worthy legacy that will keep his name alive for a long, long time, if not for ever.

May Allah forgive his mistakes, reward his exertions and grant him aljanna firdaus.

And may his grand nephew, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who has succeeded him, live long enough and be guided by Allah to take the tumbin giwa to even greater heights as one of the most accommodating cities not only in Nigeria but in the world.

APOLOGY AST week I promised to reproduce some of the texts I received on my piece of two weeks ago on the forthcoming governorship election in Ekiti. I also intended to reproduce a few of the interesting texts I received on my tribute to veteran journalist, Dan Agbese, at 70.

I am sorry I am unable to do so because I and others I thought, unlike me, were on the right side of the digital divide, have been unable to download all the texts into my laptop from my new android Nokia X since I bought it a few weeks ago.

I’ll still reproduce the texts as soon as the problem is solved.

L

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above simply militarily decree and flatly outlaw the use of these smart gadgets — or better still, jam the satellite sites that power them?

And if you are reminded it is a democracy, which outlaws such knee-jerk and brainless military rule tactics, just remind them as Sage Doyin Okupe has volunteered: for security from Boko Haram, citizens’ basic rights must bow, constitution or no constitution!

Given the Jonathan military goons’ especial focus on this newspaper, in their quixotic war, it is legit to declare: “The fear of The Nation is, for President Jonathan, the beginning of wisdom — or more correctly folly.”

Yes, folly because what power can a common newspaper have against the all-mighty president who could easily have been a Pharaoh or a Nebuchadnezzar or a General but has graciously refused to do so?

But before Jonathan’s army got lost in its quixotic maze, this simple reminder: by bullying what it thinks is “soft targets”, while the hard target sits un-harassed inside Sambisa Forest, its tactics are no better than Boko Haram’s.

But then, it is the age of equal-opportunity terrorism — whether by Boko Haram or Jonathan’s troops!

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