June 22, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

Fayose rejects Mimiko as PDP forum chair NEWS

Page 54

•NWC to discuss governor’s petition

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Amaechi accuses Wike of witch-hunt NEWS

Page 12

•‘I won’t waste my energy on Ikuru’ •www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

VOL. 10, NO. 3253 MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

N150.00

•INSIDE: EFCC PROBES 10 STOCKBROKERS, OTHERS FOR SHARES FRAUD, IMPERSONATION P25

NLC to lawmakers: slash N120b vote or face revolt Workers condemn jumbo pay for legislators Rep: budget not for us alone

L

ABOUR insisted yesterday that federal lawmakers must further cut their N120 billion budget —in line with economic realities.

The Joe Ajaero-led Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) faction said the reduction of the National Assembly’s budget from N150 billion to N120 billion “is too token and not far reaching enough”.

It threatened a mass revolt should the lawmakers

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

and the executive fail to bring down their recurrent expenses.

The faction’s Deputy President, Comrade Issa Aremu, who is also the General Secretary of the Textile Workers Union, advised National Assembly members to appreciate the mood of the nation for leadership sacrifices, resource allocation for national development and common good as opposed to self-help.

Buhari moves into Villa

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It will take a minimum wage earner about two years and five months to earn what legislators earn as wardrobe allowance of N506,600 He spoke to reporters in Kaduna.

But a House of Representatives member, Mohammed Abdulkadir, said the N120billion is not all for salaries.

Labour said “nations pros-

’

per when their leaders are willing to sacrifice; while nations fail when leaders engage in selfish self-help agenda.”

The factional NLC group asked: “Should 109 senators and 360 members of the

House of Representatives gulp as much as N120 billion in a year, which is twice the 2015 budget of Ekiti State (N80.774 billion), a state with the population of 2,384,212 people?

“How equitable is it for less than 500 national legislators to gulp N120 billion annually when Osun State with a population of 3,423,535 people and unfunded 2015 Appropriation Bill of N201 billion is yet to pay salaries for seven months?

“Benue State has as many as 4,219,244 people; it budgeted N98.54 billion; Zamfara has 3,259,846 citizens and budgeted N92.80 billion; and Ebonyi, budgeted N80.02 billion for 2,173,501 people.

“The respective budgets of these three states is half of the budget of the National Assembly. How equitable is that?

“There has been illegal and unconstitutional conContinued on page 4

UNITED IN GRIEF

By Joseph Jibueze and Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

T

WENTY three days after taking the oath of office, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday moved into his official residence, the Aso Villa in Abuja.

Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo operated from the Defence House, Abuja after their inauguration to allow renovation of the facilities at the sprawling Villa.

Military President Ibrahim Babangida Continued on page 4

How NNPC ran into swap scandal From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

S

OME foreign oil firms have been implicated in the multi-billion dollar oil swap probe, it was learnt at the week-

end.

The investigation might be extended to four oil giants, said a source, who recalled that the crude oil swap began between 1977 and 1986. He did not name the companies so that, according to him, the probe is not jeopardised.

But the current scandal began in 2009 when the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)/Pipelines Products Marketing Company (PPMC) advertised sought proposals for Offshore Processing Arrangement and other proposals to guarantee fuel supply.

It was learnt that a $2billion debt on importation WILL THE of petroleum products CHIBOK GIRLS

?

EVER RETURN?

Continued on page 4

•Cynthia Coates (centre) being hugged by Cynthia Jackson (left) and Clarissa Jackson while waiting for the doors to open at Emanuel African MethodPHOTO: AFP ist Episcopal Church days after a mass shooting at the church killed nine people in Charleston, South Carolina...yesterday.

U.S. church remembers gun attack victims

•SEE PAGE 58

4 •TRANSITION PANEL TO BUHARI: END FUEL SUBSIDY, PRIVATISE REFINERIES P5 P54

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

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NEWS

The road to •Airtel Nigeria’s Managing Director/Executive Officer (MD/CEO) Segun Ogunsanya (middle), presenting the prize to the Winner, of Airtel’s CEO Award of Excellence, CEO, Idems Ultimate, Uyime Idems at the Airtel Channels Partners Award at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. With them from are: Airtel’s Chief Sales Officer Godfrey Efeurhobo (left); Board member, Paul Usoro and Idems’s wife, Helen.

More than one-third of the 36 states of the federation owe workers' salaries in arrears. No thanks to dwindling statutory allocations from the Federation Account, which have compounded the headaches of the governors. The Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF) is going cap-in-hand to President Muhammadu Buhari for a bailout. If that fails, the Federal Government should pay what its owing states. Assistant Editor NDUKA CHIEJINA takes a look at how the states ran into financial barbed wire.

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•From left: Director-General,National Power Training Institute of Nigeria(NAPTIN),Dr.Rueben Okeke; Consultant,CPCS Canada,Alexandra Oldford;Permanent Secretary,Federal Ministry of Power,Ambassador Godknows Igali; Project Manager,Agence Francaise Development(AFD),Celine Gratadour and Executive Director/Managing Director,Commercial Press,The Guardian Newspapers,Tive David Ibru after the inauguration of the Steering Committee on NAPTIN/AFD feasibility study for vocational training support of the power sector in Abuja...at the weekend PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

•President/ Chairman of Council, Institute of Directors (IoD), Mrs. Eniola Fadayomi presenting the membership certificate to the Acting Managing Director, Mouka Limited, Mr Olorunfemi Fapohunda at the induction of new members in Lagos.

With them is First Vice President of the IOD, Mr. Yemi Akeju.

NUMBER of reasons account for the inability of states to pay workers’ salaries. Allocations from the federal purse are falling as crude oil prices tumble in the international market. besides, there are oil theft in some parts of the country, the declaration of Force Majeure at the Bonny terminal and lack of creativity on the part of governors to develop new ways of generating funds internally, outside of the monthly handouts from the Federation Account.

Reason crude oil prices drop It is no longer news that global oil supplies exceeded demand, thereby driving down prices. A major factor for the development was the explosion in United States (U.S.) oil production to almost nine million barrels per day and expected to hit the highest levels in four decades next year.

The struggling economies in Asia and Europe reduced oil consumption. China, one of the world’s largest oil consumers, has been having economic challenges, which have resulted in its demand for oil being outpaced in Asia by India, a country with its own share of financial difficulties as well. Saudi Arabia also cut the price of its crude supplies to the U.S, which has further propelled the sell-off.

According to the Financial Times of London, “oil futures (international market sales of commoditiesoil) were hit especially hard by a decision by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) not to adopt additional measures to tackle oversupply issues. OPEC, the cartel responsible for one-third of global oil production, said it would keep its self-imposed output ceiling at 30 million barrels per day.

“The announcement subsequently sent already-low oil prices down even further as OPEC’s maintained quotas will do nothing to lower overall oil output to a point that is consistent with global demand for the cartel members’ oil, which the International Energy Agency estimates at just above 29 million barrels per day for next year.”

The extent to which prices has dropped

•First runner-up in the World Environmental Day Essay Competition in the Senior Secondary School category, Joseph Prudencia (second left) and Second runner-up, Adelaja Timileyin at the presentation of prizes for winners in the Etisalat-sponsored World Environmental Day Essay Competition at Akande Dahaunsi Memorial High School, Ikoyi...at the weekend. With them are: Principal of the school, Ahmed Olabode Ajiboye and Specialist, Environmental Compliance, Etisalat Nigeria, Laniyan Babatunde.

Oil prices fell steadily throughout the second half of last year, declining from highs above $100 to threateningly below $50 per barrel. Oil prices dropped below $70 per barrel for the first time since May 2010 and have continued their decline, even in the past week. Brent crude dropped 37 per cent since June 2014 last year, and fell nearly 12 per cent

in the wake of OPEC’s quota announcement. Similarly, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) is down 34 per cent over the past five months and the oil prices dropped by 12 per cent since last week.

Historically, the fall in crude oil prices is not new. Between 1999 and mid 2008, oil prices rose significantly. That was explained by rising demand in countries like China and India. In the middle of the financial crisis of 2007 to 2008, the prices of oil underwent a significant decrease after the record peak of $145 it reached in July 2008. On December 23, 2008, WTI crude oil prices fell to $30.28 a barrel, the lowest since the financial crisis of 2007 to 2010 began. The price sharply rebounded after the crisis and rose to $82 a barrel in 2009. On January 31, 2011, the Brent price hit $100 a barrel for the first time since October 2008. That was due to the political unrest in Egypt.

For about three and half years the prices remained within the $90– $120 range. In the middle of 2014, prices started declining due to a significant increase in oil production in the U.S., and declining demand in the emerging countries. By January 2015, the benchmark price of crude oil, both Brent and WTI reached below $50, with vanishing spread. A record dip below $44 for WTI (with Brent near $54) was reached at mid March 2015. The WTI price increased in the $60 and $65 (Brent) region in the following months.

In December 2013, the Federal Government said the country recorded a huge decline of N117.89 billion in gross federally collected revenue as a result of “serious disruptions in production and lifting operations due to maintenance, vandalism of pipelines and Force Majeure declared at Bonny terminal.”

The phrase, Force Majeure has become a common lexicon at the monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meetings. Force Majeure means “superior force, chance occurrence, unavoidable accident”. It is a common clause in contracts that essentially frees both parties from liability or obligation when an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond the control of the parties, such as a war, strike, riot, crime, or an event described by the legal term- act of God (such as hurricane, flooding, earthquake, volcanic eruption, among others), prevent one or both parties from fulfilling their obligations under the contract.

In practice, most Force Majeure clauses do not excuse a party’s non-

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

3

NEWS

o financial difficulties for states ‘ • Yari

• President Buhari

performance entirely, but only suspends it for the duration of the force majeure.

Of course, the oil company(ies) operating at the Bonny Terminal relied on the activities of the so-called vandals to institute the Force Majeure for almost a year, thus contributing to the decline in revenue to be realised by the country.

Lack of funds

By March 2014, states like Osun, Benue, Edo, Cross River and others have been having problems paying salaries. The Chairman of state commissioners of finance, who doubled as the Ebonyi Finance Commissioner, Timothy Odaah, told reporters after the March 2014 FAAC meeting in Abuja that state governments were advocating that “the subsidy should be removed so that every state or any member of the federating unit sharing from FAAC will take its own money and determine how to use it or grant subsidy to the level that it can afford.”

Odaah lamented that “subsidy is not solving the problem which it is meant to solve.”

He noted that the “Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and majority of the Nigerian populace appear to have been deceived into clamouring for subsidy because of syndicated projects and programmes that were put in, especially with regards to easing transportation problem and likewise tariffs on power supply.

But, you will discover that it is the average poor man that suffers.”

To this end, Odaah stated that “a committee for subsidy has been constituted and it is to look into the impact of subsidy whether it should actually be alllowed, but I want to tell you that the resolution we took is that subsidy should be removed.”

The committee he said “will formulate a letter that will be sent to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and we are going to brief our respective governors and we will inform the president. We know it will be very difficult, considering the critical period we are in.”

Defending the proposal for oil subsidy removal, Odaah said: “There are some states that are fully industrialised and you have many industries and you use this subsidy in that particular place and the peo-

• Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala

ple who benefit more are those from the states that are industrialised because the fuel consumption of those industries which use more of the fuel subsidy unlike the states that are under industrialised.”

On marketers of petroleum products, Odaah stated that the “marketers are not following the intention of the government because it has created a very big market for them in certain ways. This is because transparency is not coming up.

There are some people that are eating from the subsidy to the disadvantage of others.

“The resolution at FAAC, and that has been the position of the finance commissioners, is that the call should be made to the president so that he will have to review and reconsider the position of this subsidy and remove it.”

To prevent a backlash, Odaah advocated for the “sensitisation of the average public in Nigeria and the labour leaders to understand that we were deceived because it is not really serving the purpose because many states are crumbling as subsidy payment has eaten so much into the crude reserves.”

In March last year, the proceeds into the Excess Crude Account (ECA) stood at $3.5 billion because $1 billion was transferred and according to Odaah, “it is because certain approaches were followed otherwise by the month of April, you will be discovering a situation where the states’ allocation would have to be deducted to pay subsidy.

And where is this subsidy going into?”

However, “you will be better employed in the states, the sates will grow their own industry, there will be more employment compared to the situation where subsidy takes away much that could be used for the purpose of industrialisation, there will be no employment, no investment and the vicious circle of poverty will continue,” he said.

The states claimed they ran into financial barbwire when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) increased the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of public sector deposits to 75 per cent. Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Odaah took a swipe at the CRR policy. He expressed concern that “75 per cent of public sector depos-

• Yuguda

• Odah

its taken to the apex bank was a deliberate attempt to create artificial funds’ scarcity so that states, local government and even the federal governments cannot access bank loans because the interest rate would have gone so high and there is a plan by the CBN to raise it to 100 per cent. If that is done, it is an absolute artificial scarcity of funds created by a manipulated means.”

As a result, “FAAC members,” he said, “are calling on the Federal Government to look at it and review it by bringing it down so that cash would be available because the cost of funds is growing too high and with that, states cannot meet up. You go to borrow from international organizations, it is not possible; you want to borrow within Nigeria, it is not possible; because even the facilities you accessed previously at 12 per cent, the banks are now raising it to between 25 to 28 per cent and by the time they push the CRR to 100 per cent, it would even become 50 per cent. So, whose interest is it serving? We see it as a solution that is designed only to confuse. That is one of the issues we took into consideration.”

Dwindling monthly allocations The total allocations to the three tiers of government for the month of February 2014 was N641.299 billion made up of N531.332 billion as statutory allocations to: Federal Government (52.68 per cent or N247.533 billion); states (26.72 per cent or N125.552 billion) and local governments (20.60 per cent or N96.795 billion).

In the following month, out of the N530.095 billion statutory allocation, the Federal Government was issued a cheque for the sum of N249.084 billion (52.68 per cent), the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory got N126.339 billion amounting or 26.72 per cent while the 774 local governments shared N97.402 billion (20.60 per cent) among themselves.

An in April, the Federal Government got the lion share of N249.060 billion, representing 52.68 per cent; states got N126.327 billion, representing 26.72 per cent, while local governments got N97.392 billion, amounting to 20.6 per cent.

In May 2014, the net statutory al-

By November 2014, because of the continued drop in revenue, some states had demanded that the Federal Government should stop making further payments into the ECA and instead, share the money to all the tiers of government

‘

location to the federal, state and local governments was N567.824 with the Federal Government pocketing N271.340 billion or 52.68 per cent, states got N137.627 billion or 26.72 per cent, local governments received N106.105 billion or 20.60 per cent.

That same month, Odaah advised all tiers of government to brace for the possibility of the country losing the buyers of its crude oil.

Odaah alerted of the possibility of the U.S. and China to stop their patronage. He advised all tiers of government to look inward towards generating revenue outside crude oil.

For June 2014, a breakdown of the allocated amount showed that N582.93 billion was shared under statutory allocation, N66.414 billion under Value Added Tax (VAT) envelope and the balance of N71.04 billion was shared from excess nonoil revenue.

In July, After deducting the cost of collection to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigerian Customs Service, the Federal Government got from the statutory revenue the sum of N257.32 billion representing 52.68 per cent, the 36 states shared the sum of N130.51 billion or 26.72 per cent while the sum of N100.62 billion was allocated to all the 774 local government areas.

The federal and state governments were locked in fierce negotiations on what to share for the month of September with the state governments forcing the sharing of N2.7 billion from the ECA. Midway into the negotiations, state commissioners of finance stormed out of the auditorium of the federal ministry of finance, venue of the FAAC meeting in Abuja to regroup elsewhere and review the offer brought to the table for sharing.

The bone of contention was the outstanding debt owed by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to the Federation Account and what to do with the proceeds of the ECA. A commissioner told The Nation after the meeting was deadlocked that the figure brought to the table was bad (inadequate and unacceptable to the states) and that the states

were prepared to reject the figure from the federal government. He, however, noted that negotiations were on to arrive at a more acceptable figure.

It was furthered confirmed to The Nation that the N2.7 billion from the ECA generated a lot of debate with the federal government team led by the former minister of state for finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, who canvassed for “the no-sharing option based on the view that the country’s savings should be beefed to mitigate any likely shocks on the economy.”

However, the states led by their commissioners of finance opposed moving the amount into ECA on the grounds that their state governments “needed more funds to execute various projects and programmes as well as pay civil servants.” The state governments had their way and by this development, $4.1 billion was left in the ECA then.

The state governments also demanded for full disclosure of the activities of the NNPC, especially, how much had been transferred to the Federation Account.

At the end of a long drawn out meeting, the former minister told reporters what was shared for the month of September.

According to Yuguda, a total of N603.529 billion was shared for the month of September, which was lower than the N611.767 shared in the previous month.

The three tiers of government shared N463.779 billion, N65.102 billion from VAT, N30 billion as additional distribution from the NNPC, N35.549 billion from Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) and N6.330 as NNPC refund to the Federal Government.

State governments later presented a proposal to former President Goodluck Jonathan, demanding for $2 billion from the ECA “to complete on-going projects and to fund coming (last) elections.”

Odaah noted that “security matters and the coming elections required large amounts of money to execute and that the state governments were optimistic that President Jonathan as an understanding president, will favourably consider the proposal.”

For the fourth month in a row, the amount shared by the three tiers of government from the federation account shrunk from N603 billion in September to N593.337 in October last year. The decline amounted to N10.192 billion.

For October, the statutory distributable revenue shared by the federal, states and local governments was N484.321 billion. About N35.549 billion was distributed under the SURE-P. The NNPC refunded N6.330 billion to the federal government and N64.137 billion was shared from VAT proceeds.

The steady decline angered states and their anger was aggravated because the former Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, had announced at the previous meeting that withdrawals will be made from the ECA to support the dwindling fortunes of the federation account but at the October’s FAAC meeting in Abuja, not a kobo was withdrawn from the ECA to augment the shrinking fortunes of the other tiers of government, but N16.822 billion was transferred into the domestic ECA. By the development, there were strong indications that many states were suffering from poor financial situations and may have difficulties paying salaries and allowances.

•Continued on page 55

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THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

NEWS How NNPC ran into swap scandal Continued from page 1 •From left: Formulator, VitaTree Nutritionals, Dr. Jannie Bowring; President Vitatree Nutritionals, Rockson Ogor; Director General, NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhi and Chief Technology Officer, Kagem Mustafa, at the launch of VitaTree in Lagos…at the weekend

Buhari moves into Presidential Villa

Continued from page 1

built the complex and was the first leader to occupy the place after moving the seat of government from Lagos to the Federal Capital Territory in 1991.

The movement of the capital to Abuja was proposed by the Murtala Muhammed military government in 1975.

Aso Rock Presidential Villa houses the President’s residence and office. It is variously called Aso Villa, The Villa, Aso Rock and State House.

The Aso Villa is located in the Three Arms Zone in the Central Business District of Abuja. The National Assembly Complex and the Nigerian Supreme Court are also

located in the three arms zone.

The Presidential Villa is built on the valley of the geographical feature, Aso rock, a 400-meter monolith.

Apart from Gen Babangida, the other leaders who have occupied the place are: Chief Ernest Shonekan, the late Gen. Sani Abacha, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and now Buhari.

The President’s wife, Aisha, moved into the official residence last Thursday before the President joined her.

Buhari returned to Abuja from his home town, Daura in Katsina State on

Saturday and officials began moving his personal effects yesterday before he moved in.

It is believed that the tempo of activities in government will increase this week as vital appointments are expected to be made.

Already the president is being perceived as starting slowly in some quarters but the All Progressives Congress (APC) said he is taking his time to pick his winning team.

Buhari’s spokesman Garba Shehu said the President did not move into the Presidential Villa on May 29 because it was not ready for habitation.

He said the President chose to live in a rented apartment until the work was complet-

ed.

He said: “They claim some renovation was going on; the place is being cleaned up for his occupation. The contractors are probably working at their pace.

“I am not saying he’s comfortable where he is at his rented house, but he is operating from there at the moment and when the Villa is ready, he will move.”

Shehu was also quoted as saying: “As far as the President is concerned, the place (his official residence) is not ready yet.

“Workers are cleaning and refurbishing the place. Once the exercise is completed, the President will move in.”

My emergence as speaker divine, says Dogara

H

OUSE of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara yesterday attributed his election to divine intervention.

According to him, he lacked the resources to fight for the position adding that the greatest challenge the country faces is bad leadership.

He urged followers to support and pray for leaders who mean well for the development of the nation.

Dogara spoke at a Thanksgiving church service at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Centre in Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi, his home state.

From Augustine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

It was his visit home since his election as speaker on June 9. On Saturday, he visited Emir of Bauchi Alhaji Rilwan Sulaiman who prayed for the quick release of the Chibok girls who were abducted from their school dormitory more than one year ago.

He said: “God sent angels who made it possible for me.

This is because in terms of resources and connection, there was no way we could possibly deliver this project.”

The Speaker thanked the

people for their support and prayers and reminded them that it is God’ command in the Bible for them to pray ceaselessly for all leaders irrespective of differences.

He added: “The biggest challenge we have in this country is lack of credible leadership because if there is no leader, everything around us decays, but if we have good leadership, I believe Nigeria will be greater.

“With prayers, the quality of leadership we have will improve and if it improves, the quality of our lives will equally improve.

He said his emergence as

speaker is a clear sign that northern Nigeria is becoming united more than ever before.

He said it was an act of God when the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, from the same Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi state, where he comes from, became Nigeria’s first and only Prime minister in the first republic, Dogara said but for divine intervention, his emergence as the fourth citizen in the country would not have been possible.

“This victory we are celebrating here today wouldn’t have been possible without Continued on page 54

made NNPC to embrace this option, which has been grossly abused.

These disclosures were contained in a document made available to one of the security agencies handling the ongoing probe.

The document reads in part: “The ongoing investigation of oil swap agreement is incomplete without looking at the involvement of some International Oil Companies(IOCs). The probe should be holistic.

“It is very curious to see all of these negative reports and also the exclusion of the names of foreign and International Companies that have for many years taken part in these SWAP and Offshore Processing Contracts absent from all of these news and reports. “ When foreigners (multinationals) were handling crude swap and delivering Petroleum Products on Open Account for Nigeria, our government was buying refined products at PLATTS plus $136-180/metric from these multinationals. The government was equally required to pay interest to the multinationals on delayed receivables. The government incurred the cost of logistics

and handling unlike the arrangement where we have local players participating…

“But local companies sell at PLATTS plus $82/metric ton and the government does not pay interest on delayed receivables.

“These foreign companies create wealth and employment for their countries, why can’t Nigeria do the same with its own people and companies? Instead, Nigerians let envy get the better part by fighting their very own.”

The document said although the present oil swap scandal was traceable to 2009, the nation had been involved in it since 1977.

It added: “Crude Swap/ Offshore Processing arrangements have been a Federal Government initiative since 1977 in partnership with International Oil companies (IOCs).

“Nigerians must know that the supposed interim policy of the NNPC to bridge the gap between petroleum products demand and supply was initiated over three decades ago between 1977 and 1986 when Nigeria needed heavy crude from Venezuela to feed the recently opened Kaduna refinery. We as a nation swapped Venezuela heavy crude for Nigeria’s Continued on page 54

Chibok girls protesters to march on Villa

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EMBERS of the #BringBackOurGirls (#BBOG) – the group campaigning for the release of the abducted girls of the Chibok girls secondary school, abducted more than one yesr ago – are planning to march on the Presidential Villa in Abuja to rev up the call for action by government.

They have also written to President Muhammadu Buhari, seeking to know what plans the new government has in place to pursue the release of the girls from the Boko Haram gulag.

A senior member of the group, Aisha Yusufu, told members at their usual sit out in Abuja yesterday that the group wrote a letter to President Buhari ýover 10 days ago but had not got a response since the letter was delivered.

She spoke of the need for the President to recognise that the Chibok girls and their families have suffered

From Grace Obike, Abuja

enough and Nigerians need to be reminded that they have a government which cares about their well being.

Yesufu also condemned that failure of the President to address the country or the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) on the World Refugees Day since the country currently has over a million persons displaced all over with thousands of refugees in Cameron and Niger Republic.

Her words: “The world celebrated the World Refugees Day on Saturday and it is disappointing that the President did not deem it fit to address the country, instead, we are flooded with pictures of him in Daura visiting his cows. It is really unfortunate that Nigerians are suffering and he did not have a single word of comfort for them. “ We wrote to him over 11 Continued on page 54

NLC to lawmakers: slash N120b vote or face revolt Continued from page 1

centration of scarce national resources in the hands of our legislators and Executive office holders alike that must be reversed now.

“For instance, Kano State budgeted N210 billion in 2015. Kano State has 9,383,682 people. The budget per capital of Kano, estimated at N22,379, is miserable, compared to budget per capital of the National Assembly at N293,398,533!

“No country can prosper with this wide and widening gap in resource allocation between the governed and some elected government officials.

“The National Assembly members should take the advantage of the current goodwill of Nigerians in making anamend failing which they provoke mass revolt of the people.

A

N120b budget not for lawmakers only

MEMBER of the House of Representatives and former chairman, National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum, Hon. Mohammed Abdulkadir Mahmud (Niger State), yesterday defended the N129 billion National Assembly budget.

According to him, the N120 billion is not for the lawmakers alone.

He said: Under the National Assembly is the Institute for Legislative Studies, the management of the National Assembly, the National Assembly Service Commission, individual legislators and their entitlements, the National Assembly Budget Office, legislative aides as well as the running costs of the Senate and the

“NLC, therefore, is advocating that the first step is that the National Assembly budget should be reversed to 2003 budget of N50 billion, which will certainly cut the existing budget of the assembly by more than 50 per cent.

It stressed that since 2003,

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

House Representatives chambers.”

Mahmud added: “We are worried about the information being pushed out to give the impression that all we are here, is to make money, that is not true, but let me also state here clearly that the National Assembly, comprising of all its organs has N120billion to spend in the 2015 budget.

“We have the management of the National Assembly and commission; they drew their salaries and allowances from that money, we have the running of the two chambers, we have the salaries and allowances of lawmakers, we have the legislative aides salaries from that money,

“the number of members remains the same while most of their infrastructural needs have been met. Secondly, the national economy can hardly afford this legislative pay.

“The eighth National Assembly must make a difference. It should be accountable

we have committee assignments from that money, the National Assembly budget Office, all these organs draw their monies from that budget.

“And let me state again that the car loans that people talk about are actually loans which we have to pay from our salaries before the completion of our tenure; it is not free. Look at the housing, it is about N3.5 million. Now go to town and find out the cost of renting a house in town.

“But what some people would do is to simply divide the N120 billion by 469 lawmakers and that is not fair and I want you the media to properly inform the people, so that they would know the true position of things.”

to Nigerian people, just as many Executives have done.

“The eighth Assembly must complement President Muhammadu Buhari in his resolve to cut cost of governance fuelled by corruption, the worse form of which is outrageous pay for public of-

fice holders.

“They must emulate governors like Mallam Nasir ElRufai of Kaduna State and his deputy who have cut their pay by 50 per cent and urged the Members of the House of Assembly to follow suit.

“Kano State Governor Ab-

•Ajaero dullahi Umar Ganduje also reduced the salaries and allowances of public office holders in the state by 50 per cent.

“Significantly the legislators must reject the Greek allowances Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) generously accorded them. These allowances are unsustainable. They are not based on needs in a depressed econoContinued on page 54

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5

NEWS

Buhari’s directive ‘ignored in appointment of acting AGF’

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R E S I D E N T Muhammadu Buhari’s directive that the most senior officer be appointed to act as the accountant general of the federation (AGF) following the retirement of the AGF Jonah Otunla, was ignored, it was learnt yesterday.

Otunla left office a fortnight ago and handed over to Mr. Mohammed Dikwa, who is said to be the second most senior director.

Omoniyi Fagbemi, the director of Revenue is the most senior director. Dikwa is said to be ranked at 18 in the order of seniority of directors of Finance and Accounts in the Federal Civil Service.

Dikwa’s appointment is trailed by discontent in the civil service.

Senior civil servants have condemned the decision of the nation’s Head of Civil Service (HoS), Danladi Kifasi, as lacking in due process and against the norm.

The development is viewed as inimical to seniority, experience and discipline.

According to a civil service source, who pleaded anonymity, the handling of the screening procedures for the eventual appointment of a substantive AGF has equally heightened suspicions which may question the integrity and veracity of the process.

She explained that further to a tradition enthroned by Mr Steve Oronsaye to ensure transparency, applicants aspiring to various leadership positions in the civil service including those of Permanent Secretary, Accountant General and Auditor General, among others, are required to write qualifying examinations and undergo further screening.

“Thirty Directors of Finance and Accounts across the civil service, sat for the most recent qualifying examination but based on performance in the three-stage test, the number should have been whittled down to a more manageable size to enable oral interface, before recommendation for presidential approval.

“The template which was put in place and followed religiously under former President Olusegun Obasanjo was for the best three candidates, following tests and screening for top-level service positions, to be proposed for eventual ratification at the discretion of the President.

“This applied to Vice-Chancellors, Chief Medical Directors, Rectors and Provost of federal government-owned tertiary institutions and health facilities, and by extension other service appointments.

“Without regards for this rule, however, four of the 34 candidates who sat for the AGF qualifying examination were randomly selected for post-screening, in circumstances which were but transparent.

“These include Director, Finance and Accounts in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture Alhaji Idris Mamman and Dikwa.

“While Mamman came ninth in the examination, Dikwa placed 29. If merit, transparency and due process were followed, both officers will not make the post examination in-

‘

The template which was put in place and followed religiously under former President Olusegun Obasanjo was for the best three candidates, following tests and screening for top-level service positions, to be proposed for eventual ratification at the discretion of the President.

From Dele Anofi, Abuja

terface,” she said.

The game plan, according to the source, was aimed at a subtle attempt to narrow the options for eventual presentation for presidential assent, to the Northeast geo-political zone, where Kifasi comes from.

She said: “Whereas Kifasi is from Taraba State, Mamman and Dikwa are both from Borno in the same Northeast zone.

“The argument for skipping Fagbemi for Dikwa in the appointment of an acting AGF, is that he comes from the Southwest, as Otunla the former AGF.

’

“When did it become a crime for people serving in the same establishment to come from the same zone? If the Office of the Head of Service (OHOSF), is not working towards a premeditated result, why didn’t the office make its shortlist based strictly on the results of the examination conducted specifically for the appointment of a new AGF? “The OHOSF has impugned the integrity and fairness of the whole process with the dispassionate manner it has handled it thus far”.

On the implication of the development which was said to have been the same that threw

up Otunla, who had came ninth out of the 10 Directors that took the second round of the examination in January 2011, the source regretted that the due process and anti-corruption stance of this administration would be unfairly impugned.

She said: “Rumours are rife that the process has been unwittingly compromised and corrupted.

The source, however, hoped that as an experienced and tested administrator, President Buhari would take more than a passing interest in the process leading to the first substantive appointment which will bear his approval.

Kashamu accuses lawyer of working with detractors

S

ENATOR Buruji Kashamu has accused a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Emeka Ngige, of working with his detractors to bring him down.

Kashamu, in a statement by his media aide, Austin Oniyokor, said Ngige was seeking to rewrite the true story of his alleged drug deals.

The statement reads: “We have monitored media reports credited to Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN) in which he seeks to divert attention from the illegalities of the former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Mohammed Adoke Bello and the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ahmadu Giade and to rehash the allegation that have been rejected by British Courts and recently by Nigeria Courts also.

Emeka Ngige claims that these rejected allegations are the basis of an appeal he has filed against orders and judg-

ments of the Federal High Court.

“The mischief is clear because no Notice of Appeal has been served on any party yet Ngige has released documents to the media which he claims are Notices of Appeal. This is clearly wrong.

“It is for this reason we question the authority of Emeka Ngige and Gboyega Oyewole to represent a nonexistent AGF While Ngige is a wellknown lawyer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oyewole has represented the former President Olusegun Obasanjo in several cases in the past, including the N20billion libel case that Senator Kashamu withdrew recently.

“They were conscripted by the Chief Executive Officer of Heyden Petroleum, Mr. Dapo Abiodun, who was defeated by Senator Kashamu in the March 28, 2015 National Assembly election.”

•Director, Inclusive Friends Organization, Jos Branch, Grace Jerry (sitting right) with physically challenged persons after she disributed tri-cycles and wheelchairs to them in Jos ... at the weekend PHOTO: NAN

‘Nigeria lucky to have Buhari as president’

A

GROUP, under the auspices of ThinkNigeria Development Initiative (TDI), has said Nigerians should count themselves lucky to have President Muhammadu Buhari as their leader at this point in the nation’s history.

Addressing reporters in Abuja at the weekend, convener of the group, Mr. Roland Ajie, noted that the emergence of Buhari as president has offered Nigerians a lifetime opportunity to get to the Promised Land.

Ajie said: “The major development challenge that the nation has faced over the years is lack of visionary and purposeful leadership. We are lucky, once again, as a nation, to have a leader of a character of Muhammadu Buhari whose only interest is to develop Nigeria. If Buhari

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

succeeds, we succeed as a nation.

“We are confident that President Buhari will do his best to develop Nigeria given his integrity, pedigree and track record. But it is also important to note that the Nigeria project is not the sole responsibility of Mr. President. We must all join hands to support our leader to succeed.

“If he fails, we would have failed as a people. And this is why we must all ensure that we support him to deliver on his campaign promises. The President needs the support of every Nigerian to succeed.”

The group hailed Buhari’s resolve to fight corruption, which it said has destroyed the fabrics of the nation and

•Buhari

undermined all development efforts.

It advised the President to appoint only persons of integrity and sound character into his cabinet, adding that the President should choose appointees based on merit and deliverables and not on regional, religious or political affiliations.

The TDI called on Nigerians, especially the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to support Buhari to put Nigeria back on the track of development.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

NEWS How security agencies can curb attacks, by AIG Ogunsakin

Atiku: I didn’t hijack APC structure

F

ORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday denied the allegation that he has hijacked the All Progressives Congress (APC) structure in preparation for the 2019 presidential race.

The statement described the insinuation as a figment of the peddlers’ imagination.

He urged Nigerians to ignore such insinuation.

The statement reads: “He notes that the recent outcomes of the National Assembly election contrary to insinuations are products of interplay of politics which is itself in constant motion.

“In politics, it is a mistake to expect fixed outcomes. As the President has done, let’s all come to terms with what has happened in the interest of the system and move on.

Suffice it to say that the new administration should be allowed a smooth take off and be allowed the atmosphere to deliver. On this, I stand with President Buhari.

T

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

“The Turaki Adamawa while restating his unalloyed commitment to the Buhari administration pledged to back this commitment with all of the assets at his disposal.

“Not only did Atiku Abubakar congratulate Buhari after his emergence as the presidential candidate of the APC at the party’s national convention in Lagos, he also handed over his best assets to the Buhari Presidential Campaign. The former Vice President enthusiastically handled the diplomatic assignment of seeking endorsement for Dr. Adesina as the President of the African Development Bank on behalf of President Buhari and would be available for any other assignments as the President pleases.

“Make no mistake about it Atiku Abubakar holds Buhari in the highest esteem, and would always remain loyal to

him, and support him in every endeavour to succeed as president.”

“The APC chieftain also called on Nigerians with members of the President’s own party taking a lead in their undiluted support of his administration.

“We, the members of the President’s own family need to lead in this direction for others to follow for the good of our nation and its peoples.

“It has become crystal clear even to the blind that the motives of these hatchet men who are desperate to take every available newspaper space is to insult, vilify and calumniate the former Vice President.

“We cannot allow liars, denigrators and blackmailers and their sponsors to use Atiku as platform to ingratiate themselves with President Buhari and hijack his presidency under the pretext of loving him more than anyone else. These political ventriloquists are hiding behind

the cover of anonymity to achieve their sinister agenda of making Atiku the fall guy in the unfolding political developments.”

He said it was dangerous for any individual or group in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to constitute themselves into an opposition against their party.

Atiku, who is also a chieftain of the party, advised that personal interest should not be allowed to pose a threat to the new administration and democracy.

According to a statement from his Abuja media office

by Mazi Paul Ibe , Atiku urged groups in the party to take the sustenance of the nation’s democracy into consideration.

The statement quoted Atiku as saying that: “Anything to the contrary may jeopardise our hard-earned democracy and constitute a clog in the wheel of the new administration.”

He added that following

T •Atiku

the challenge of building a functional Nigeria that is ahead of the President, he needs the support for good governance that could culminate in a better life for Nigerians.

The former Vice President asked his members to emulate the unity of all the presidential contestants after the party’s primary election in Lagos and support the President to form his government and get to work in earnest.

National Productivity Centre’s crisis worsens

HE crisis of leadership rocking the National Productivity Centre has worsened with the emergence of a third claimant to the position of director general.

Hajia Rekiya MomohAbaji, who is the most senior director in charge of Information Services and Personnel (ISP), said she was completely schemed out by the outgone DG in connivance with the board.

She alleged that Mr Kashim Akor, the eighth director in the agency, was named

From Blessing Olaifa, Assistant Editor, Abuja

ahead of her as DG on the strength of a letter of appointment from the Ministry of Labour and Productivity contrary to the rules and regulations of the civil service.

Dr Faith Roberts from Bayelsa State University also reported as DG on the strength of a letter from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

Hajia Momoh-Abaji has asked the Head of Service of

the Federation, Danladi Kifasi, to intervene.

She said in a petition that she remains the most qualified for the job having spent over 30 years in service with a PhD in Public Administration and Policy Analysis.

She said she has never being found wanting in her career, describing her ordeal as acts of persecution and unmitigated injustice.

“As a Nigerian civil Servant with utmost faith in the regime of His Excellency, the President, General Muhammadu

Buhari to be just and concerned about equity, I put forward this protest knowing that it will be investigated and not ignored to bring about justice being delayed and so denied,” she said in a letter dated 2nd June 2015 addressed to the Head of Service.

“Please note that the persecution I have suffered in the past four years (2012 to date) at the National Productivity Centre, has led to gross injustice leading to the emergence of two (2) Director-Generals at the National Productivity

Centre since the end of tenure of the out-gone DG on the 18/05/2015.

“An interview was hurriedly arranged for five junior directors under me without giving me a chance to be in the competition!!! I was not invited for the interview by the Board of the Centre whom the outgone DG connived with to interview Directors which has never being the manner of recruiting Director-Generals in the 25 years history of the Productivity Centre.”

HE Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 6, Tunde Ogunsakin, has urged security agencies to cooperate against criminal attacks on their facilities.

Ogunsakin spoke at the weekend when he received the Commander of NNS Victory, Calabar, Commodore M.C.L. Bobia, in his office.

The Commodore described the visit as one that would foster a cordial working relationship between the Police and the Navy in Cross Rivers State, adding that it would help bring to book the perpetrators of the June 15 attack on the Marine Police Division, Calabar by an unidentified armed group.

He expressed his pleasure with the professionalism with which the investigations were being handled.

The zone 6 Police chief hailed Commodore Bobia for the visit and said the investigation into the attack would become more enhanced owing to the superior capacity of the Navy in handling marine crimes.

He urged other sister agencies to follow the example of the Navy.

Ogunsakin also called for an immediate constitution of an inter-agency joint task force to sustain the rising tempo and make the society safer for the people and unsafe for criminals.

PDP governors: no electoral fraud in Rivers, Akwa Ibom From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

•Rev. Fr. Godwin Agudiegwu (middle) dancing with his mother, Mrs Carolyn Agudiegwu (second left) Sisters of The Order of Preachers, Rev, Sr. Blessing Ugwu (left) and Rev. Sr. Edith Osuala during a reception in honour of Rev. Fr. Agudiegwu at The Missionary of Saint Paul Seminary Gwagwalada in Abuja ... at the weekend.

PHOTO: NAN

I’ve uncovered plots to discredit me, says Akpabio

I

MMEDIATE past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, yesterday raised the alarm over alleged plots to discredit him.

He said those behind the plots would send “spurious and baseless petitions” to anti-graft agencies and circulated them in the social media.

The plots, he said, are multifaceted and primed to scandalise him as well as instigate the public against him.

The former Commissioner for Information in the Akpabio administration, Aniekan Umanah, said information reaching him, showed that “the desperate people who are behind the

anti-Akpabio and anti-Udom project, are already spreading spurious allegations of unfanthomable aquisitions while in office”.

He said: “ The immediate past administration of Chief Godswill Akpabio also has nothing to hide.

“Information at our disposal showed that these desperate elements whose identities we know, were being sponsored by certain sore losers with their selfish motives.

“We also gathered that fake petitions containing spurious allegations are being sent to anti-corruption agencies to probe the last administration.

We welcome this development since we have nothing

to hide. But we are challenging these dodgy characters to be truthful enough to tell the said anti-corruption agencies their hidden agenda which is well known to us.

“At the appropriate time, we will expose these scheming characters and their sponsors. Another of their plan is to engage in massive negative media against Akpabio and the incumbent Governor , with the intent to weaken and distract the current administration in the state. We can confirm that huge war-chest has been assigned to this project.

“If these people love the state so much as they claim, why can’t they channel the

money being set aside to create crisis in the state, into more productive venture like creating more jobs for our teeming youths, thousands of who, were employed by the Akpabio administration, with this administration also planning to engage several thousands in productive engagements.

“We are bringing this into public domain not because we are afraid of whatever steps being taken by these unpatriotic elements, but for the good people of AkwaIbom and Nigerians to know who to hold responsible in an event of a crisis in the state.”

The statement added that the Udom Emmanuel admin-

istration would remain focussed and not be distracted.

He expressed confidence that the place of Akpabio in history of purposeful governance was already assured by posterity and “no amount of blackmail would rubbish it”.

It added that even in the heat of campaign in the last general elections, one area that the opposition could not fault Akpabio and his team was quality delivery of dividends of democracy.

“It was not a government on paper or of abstract performance. Akwa Ibomites could see what Akpabio spent their money on. Nigerians could also see. Even the whole world applauded it”.

G

OVERNORS elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have rejected claims of electoral fraud in the last governorship election in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.

In a statement in Abuja last night and signed by the coordinator of the PDP Governors Forum, Osaro Onaiwu, the governors said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had already declared the election in Rivers State as credible.

The statement said the outcome of the Akwa Ibom governorship election should not be a surprise to anyone, adding that the last PDP governor in the state, Godswill Akpabio “performed tremendously well” and that the people of the state had no reason to change course.

The Governors’ lamented what they described as the abuse of freedom of speech by certain observer groups that made “spurious allegations” about the elections “to please their sponsors”.

The statement called on the security agencies to reign in these groups, as, according to the governors, they were capable of disrupting the peace with their claims and utterances.

The governors also decried what they described as “the boastings” of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to take both Akwa Ibom and Rivers states through the tribunal.

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

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NEWS

‘Saraki/PDP alliance dangerous A for APC’s change plan’ GROUP, the Aminu Kano Roundtable, said yesterday that the alliance between Senator Bukola Saraki and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which led to the former’s election as Senate president may have signalled the end of the change being expected by Nigerians.

The Aminu Kano Roundtable is a group of intellectuals, who share the political philosophy of the late Mallam Aminu Kano.

The group, in a statement after its monthly meeting, also defended Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso’s position on the Senate crisis, describing the Like-Minds Senators’ alliance with the PDP as “the beginning of the end of the change mantra of APC”.

It added that the Like-Minds senators “by their actions and utterances, their blind political ambition, have set in motion the beginning of the end of the change mantra of APC, and by extension, the continuation of corruption, poverty and unemployment fostered on hapless Nigerians by the PDP, the party from which the Like-Minds senators crossed over to APC”.

The group described as “sad that senators on the platform of Like-Minds after the monumental danger it put the nascent administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and the nation into could now claim that the words of caution from

T

HE senator representing Lagos East, Gbenga B. Ashafa, has proposed some measures to get the All Progressives Congress (APC) out of the logjam arising from the National Assembly’s post-inauguration.

Ashafa, who spoke following his earlier call for the collapse of caucuses and bridging of ranks within the family of APC senators in the newly inaugurated Eighth Senate, said: “We need to shed the bad blood that has accumulated as a result of the June 9 incident.

“A flagrant disregard for party directives and a violation of relevant sections of the APC constitution is not a good way to start in this era of change.”

He added: “Article 9:2 of the APC’s constituBy Musa Odoshimoke

Kwankwaso are capable of destabilising the National Assembly and the nation.”

The statement signed by the group’s coordinator, Mohammed AbdulAziz, and its spokesman, Yahya Abdullahi, said Nigerians should not expect the SarakiPDP alliance to support Buhari in the eradication of corruption as “the body language, political pedigree and action of members of the alliance are known to be in support of the status quo, which Nigerians are determined to replace, but which, sadly, the ‘June 9 betrayal’ has foisted on the nation

tion, (Rules and Obligations) states that, ‘members of the party shall be obliged to affirm the party’s aims and objectives and conduct themselves in a manner that shall not bring the party to public odium and disrepute. Members of the party shall also observe the rules and regulations embedded in this constitution.’

“Within the context of this provision, I believe that the National Working Committee of the APC can find a peace-building method to create a win-win situation for all aggrieved factions.

“The party should embrace all and still ensure that the discipline and unity among its members is preserved.”

again”.

It alleged that “the Like-Mind Senators are the ones who brought into the Senate leadership, negative attributes of betrayal and treachery while throwing away morality, trust, selfness and integrity”.

The group agreed with Kwankwaso that Saraki as the Senate President “is more PDP than APC as it was the PDP that made Saraki the Senate President”.

The statement added: “It is clear that whoever pays the piper dictates the tune. Thus, the PDP will definitely have more influence on Saraki’s Senate Presidency than any other entity.

“There is no way President Buhari can be safe let alone be safer in the hands of PDP stalwarts and their PDP colleagues on the platform of Like-Minds Senators, particularly when it comes to the eradication of corruption, because they will betray both the government and Nigerians again and again.

“We are very proud of Senator Kwankwaso’s unparallel achievements while in office as the governor of Kano State, especially the monthly publications of the earnings and expenditure of his administration and he has had no cause to run to the court for protection against prosecution from corruption since leaving the office.”

•Arase

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OLICE chief Solomon Arase has ordered the transfer of Police Mobile Force (PMF) commanders, who have spent more than three years in their duty posts, in contravention of the statutory regulations of the force.

Most of the affected officers, The Nation gathered yesterday, are appointees of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

The police chief, an informed source said, has also directed the immediate withdrawal of mobile policemen attached to unauthorised persons across the country by the previous administration.

The moves, explained the source, were necessitated by the IGP’s preparedness to reposition the force for improved effectiveness in its statutory duties.

“The IGP is keen on giv-

ing policing its ideal meaning by repositioning it for more effectual performance. He has also expressed his readiness to reposition the Police Mobile Force to give it more biting powers to actualise its duties. Every sector now is talking about change and the IGP believes firmly that the force must be an exemplar in this regard.

“By the laid-down regulations of the force, a PMF commander should not stay more than three years at his posting. But the IGP discovered that many had been there before Jonathan came on board while he appointed many others who still outlived his administrations against the regulations. This is among the things that the IGP found unhealthy,” said the source.

The source also explained that among other irregularities, Arase frowned at the attachment of mobile policemen to “undeserving” individuals by the erstwhile administration, saying that it was an unacceptable contravention of the law which must be terminated forthwith.

ICAO, WHO to assess MMIA for emergency preparedness

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

T

HE International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) will today carry out an “assistance visit” to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The team will be evaluating the level of emergency medical preparedness by the agencies operating at the airport.

The visit, according to the General Manager, Public Affairs of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr. Fan Ndubuoke, is part of global efforts by the two United Nations (UN) bodies to assess and improve the airport’s preparedness, planning and response to public health issues.

The visit is part of WHO’s determination to offer training sessions to airports in Africa as contained in the International Health Regulations (2005).

The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Capt. Muhtar Usman has called on all stakeholders to cooperate with the ICAO CAPSCA Assistance visit team during the exercise.

Lawmakers urged to embrace Buhari’s peace move

T

By Dada Aladelokun, Assistant Editor

How to end the crisis, by Ashafa

•Kano State Deputy Governor Prof. Afisu Abubakar (second left) inaugurating Bank of Industry office in Kano. With him from left are: District Head of Karaoni, Alhaji Ado Kurawa; the bank’s managing director/chief executive officer (CEO), Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa and Executive Director, SME, Mr. Waheed Olagunju.

HE All Progressive Congress (APC) Chairmen Forum has urged aggrieved parties in the National Assembly leadership crisis to embrace reconciliatory moves by President Muhammadu Buhari and the party’s national leadership.

The party chairmen, who issued a statement in Enugu at the weekend, signed by their publicity secretary and Enugu State Chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye, expressed concern over the crisis originating from the election of the leadership of the Eighth National Assembly.

“We are urging all the aggrieved NASS members to embrace dialogue and the reconciliatory move being championed by Mr. President, and the National leadership of our great party for the sake of national interest and APC,” they

IGP set to reposition Police Mobile Force

Sterling Bank’s workers clean environment

S

From Chris Oji, Enugu

said.

The chairmen added that they met in Abuja for four days to deliberate on the crisis, adding that “during the period, we engaged in a re-conciliatory meeting with the leadership of the party in an attempt to seek resolution to the dispute”.

According to the statement, the meeting, which was presided over by the Forum’s Acting Chairman, Alhaji Umar Haruna Muhammed of Kano State, lauded the efforts of the President and the party’s leadership towards laying the crisis to rest.

“We wish to align ourselves with the reconciliatory steps taken so far by Mr. President and the leadership of the party.

We want to also call on all parties to cooperate with the party’s leadership and Mr.

•Buhari

President in the reconciliation.

“It is our prayer, therefore, that this matter would be resolved expeditiously in the interest of the nation,” the forum said.

Stressing the need for “one harmonious and happy APC family”, the APC chairmen pledged their continued and unalloyed support to the Buhari administration and the APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun.

TERLING Bank Plc’s workers at the weekend carried out a nationwide environmental cleaning as part of the bank’s “Sterling Environmental Makeover” (#STEM) series.

The exercise, part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, focuses on environmental sustainability and aims at promoting a clean environment and good health among the citizens.

In Lagos, the exercise saw the workers in collaboration with officials of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) cleaning a section of the famous Ladipo spare parts market on Oshodi Apapa Expressway to the delight of the traders, who also joined in the exercise.

Other locations, where the exercise went on simultaneously include Ochanja Area at Anambra; Agodi Gate,

Ibadan; Durumi Abuja; Bata market Kano; Elelenwo Akpaja road Port Harcourt and Behind Ogbogonogo Market Delta.

In these locations, according to a statement, the workers undertook the exercise, which many of them said was a great avenue for them to make a difference.

The bank said it planned to extend the initiative to other parts of the country in subsequent editions. Other states included in the scheme are Kaduna, Delta, Ogun and Enugu.

Its Executive Director, Finance & Strategy, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, in an interview with reporters at the event, said the bank started the exercise in 2013 in furtherance of its core purpose of enriching lives.

He added that the bank would continue to engage in initiatives that promote a healthy environment, especially those that promote healthy living through its

renowned partnership with relevant government agencies.

His words: “What we are doing is all about impacting our environment positively. We want to keep on doing the small things, while we plan for the big, audacious ones. Each time you reach out to a child, mentor a troubled teen or join street sweepers to clean the street, you are part of an unstoppable force to make our country a better place and that is what we want to achieve with this exercise.”

As part of its campaign designed to ensure a clean environment, the bank has on a yearly basis in the last five years donated 25,000 units of reflective kits to LAWMA for street sweepers and highway managers. The Managing Director of LAWMA, Mr. Tunde Oresanya at the presentation of kits to the highway managers and sweepers lauded the bank for being a major partner in the authority’s success story.

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

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NEWS

CNPP to Fayose: speak on N650m deductions

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HE Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) in Ekiti State has called on Governor Ayo Fayose to break his silence on the N650 million allegedly being deducted monthly from the state’s federal allocation into the purse of an unnamed “election contractor”.

The umbrella body of registered political parties said it was no longer comfortable with the governor’s silence.

It said the statements by his aides on the matter were neither enough nor

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

convincing since the money belongs to the people.

In a statement yesterday by the Director of Publicity and Strategy, Kunle Omotayo, the group said the furore generated by the revelations required an urgent response from Fayose to calm the frayed nerves of citizens.

The CNPP said it was Colonel Onot Ngene who first blew the whistle on the alleged deduction, after which a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Director of

Research, Chief Dele Falegan and the All Progressives Congress (APC) spoke on the issue.

It regretted that rather than reacting to the issues raised, Fayose’s aides were busy attacking personalities.

They said this compelled the parties to seek Fayose’s direct response.

The statement reads: “We are not unaware that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and some aides of the governor had responded with derogatory words on all the personalities that had

raised eyebrows on this alleged graft, the CNPP is however advising the PDP and its cohorts to stop exhibiting flippancy and shadow boxing on serious state matters.

“The CNPP is seriously concerned at the continuous announcement by the state government on the dwindling revenue of the federal allocation to the state inclusive of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

“When the people have been alerted to this alleged huge diversion of funds as

signposted by the imbalance in government’s financial obligation to the people coupled with the recent verification of workers, yet many civil servants, pensioners and university are being owed salaries and subventions ranging from two to four months.”

Meanwhile, the CNPP commended Fayose and security agencies for their efforts in tackling kidnapping and robbery.

The body implored the governor to give adequate moral and financial support

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

T

Entrepreneurship skills for college From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

T

HE Governing Council of the Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun, has approved entrepreneurship skills for all final year students.

The council said the acquisition of the skills will enhance their opportunity for business and self-employment.

A spokesperson for chairman of the Council, Pastor Niyi Kolawole, in a statement, said the council came up with the decision as a way of reducing unemployment.

According to the council, the entrepreneur initiative was designed to provide knowledge, entrepreneurship and employability as added values to the graduates.

“The 12 modules training scheme will begin from September.

“The entrepreneurship scheme will be implemented within the College’s newly Established Centre for Special Academic programme (CESAP), which focuses on collaborating with the private sector to effectively deliver the college’s non-core Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programme.”

to security agencies to ensure a synergy in flushing out criminals from the state.

Ajimobi calls for youth centres

‘Stop conspiracy against Tinubu’ HE Action Group caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has decried the gang-up against the party’s National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It said those deriding Tinubu after gaining immensely from his political sagacity and financial support would live to regret their action.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Segun Dipe, the group said some elements believe that they could maintain their popularity only by denigrating Tinubu.

“These conspirators are filled with venom and they consist of too many craven and irresponsible politicians.

“Their game plan will not stand the test of time. They are parasites with superficial roots, which will soon rot.

“We are all advocates of change, we worked very hard to attain it, and they also joined us to chant and chorus “APC…CHANGE”.

“Yet deep down in their hearts, they did not want a change in the status quo.

Rather they are only after a change that will improve their fortune and betray their benefactors.

“Tinubu has been there for a while; he is a long-distance runner and will surely survive their intrigues.”

•Fayose

O

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola addressing the pupils of Baptist Academy Nursery and Primary School, Awe, Oyo State, during their excursion to Ibadan Airport at the weekend.

APC crisis ‘ll not split party, says Mamora

S

ENATOR Olurunnimbe Mamora has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will soon get over the crisis caused by the National Assembly elections.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Lagos, at the thanksgiving for a member of the House of Representatives, Rotimi Agunsoye, at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Victory Chapel, Magodo, Mamora said the party will remain intact.

He added that APC is a dynamic party, made up of brilliant minds, noting that the division was usual.

“The APC is a very vibrant party and don’t forget that the party came on board just about 18 months ago. A party where you have vibrant people, it is expected that opinions will vary, but at the end of the day, the APC will resolve its problems.

“You may call it vibrant Nigerians, who may be at variant. Whatever happens will make the party stronger. We will move ahead as a party and work in the interests of the people. So, those who

By Musa Odoshimokhe

think otherwise should forget it. At the end of the day, APC will be the winner.”

Agunsoye said it was better for the APC to experience shortcomings now instead of facing it midway into its duties, notin that the party will triumph no matter the hiccups.

He said: “I want to say, there is a time to plant and a time to harvest. There is a time to be happy and a time for sober reflection. There is a time to be born and a time to die. The best time for the Eighth Assembly to have problems is now.

“It will not be too good for us to face the problem, when we are in the middle of our duties. And by the special grace of God, the problem will be solved. Without solving the problem Nigeria cannot move forward.

“I believe in the leadership of APC, I believe in the opinion leaders in Nigeria.

There are certain things that we have to do to make our country work. We would have to fulfill certain conditions, to make

the country work. We have to live a sinfree life, so that God will come to our rescue.”

The lawmaker added that God will help the Eighth Assembly to do its job without hindrance. “We shall make laws that will help move this country forward. On the issue of allowances for members of the House, I will go the way Nigerian people want.”

Pastor Peter Egho urged politicians who haves cases relating to corruption to clear themselves before the appropriate institutions.

“If you are awaiting trial before the EFCC, you have to step aside because you cannot be a lawmaker in that condition.

Such position is only for righteous people because it is righteousness that exalts a nation.

“Those who fail to repent will receive open reproach from God. The lawmakers must show good examples. May God cure our land, so that righteousness can permeate and wonder will happen in our dear country,” he said.

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has urged governments to create more youth centres to promote educational development in the country.

This, he said, would discourage youths from social vices. Ajimobi, who was represented by the former Secretary to the State Government, Olalekan Alli, made the call at the inauguration of the Educare Trust Youth Centre, Samonda, Ibadan, the state capital.

The governor praised the secretary of the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Dr Tony Marinho.

He said his administration was committed to youth and educational development.

The governor said the government was not happy with parents who do not allow their children to enjoy the privilege of good government educational programmes.

Ajimobi said: “One important way we want to enhance educational development is to consider merit in promoting students to the next class and this will be implemented soon.

This will allow pupils be more dedicated to learning.”

Marinho said Educare Trust aimed to empower youths in reading culture programme, save lives, entrepreneurship programme and other curricular activities. “ The initiative of youth centres in every ward will help youths in their career choice, make them avoid social vices, such as drug and sexual misconduct, internet crime and will make them see a positive side of life.”

The Chairman of the NGO, Prof. Ayo Banjo, said the idea behind the youth centre was to enrich the educational experience of young people.

Ekiti hoteliers, shop owners groan over multiple taxes

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OTELIERS, shop owners and traders in Ekiti State are troubled by what they have described as multiple taxations by government agencies.

They voiced their concerns at the inauguration of the State Tax Justice and Governance Platform by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in collaboration with the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) in Ado Ekiti, the state capital on Friday.

NISD’s Executive Director Abiodun Oyeleye emerged as the chairman of the state Tax Justice and Governance Platform, with members from other civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, trade associa-

•CSOs set up tax justice panel to check fraud From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

tions and trade unions.

At the event, stakeholders signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate and make representation to government agencies to ensure that citizens pay the right taxes.

Chairman of the state Hoteliers Association of Nigeria Samuel Olakorede said hotel owners pay not less than seven taxes concurrently to federal, state and local governments agencies.

Governmental organisations collecting taxes from hoteliers at the same time,

according to Olakorede, include the State Signage Agency, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Tourism Board, Ministry of Commerce, Water Corporation, Ministry of Environment and local governments.

Some market women at the parley also complained that they pay taxes to multiple sources, saying that some tax officials refused to issue them valid receipts.

Speaking shortly before the inauguration, CISLAC Senior Programmes Officer Kolawole Banwo said the move was not to challenge the government from collecting taxes but to ensure

that citizens pay what is due to them.

Banwo, who is the project coordinator of the Capacity for Research and Advocacy for Fair Taxation (CRAFT), said Ekiti was the eighth state where such platform would be inaugurated.

He said CISLAC targets the 17 states in the South.

“CRAFT is an offshoot of the global tax justice campaign. All over the world, there is no way to sustainable development other than tax because dependence on loans and aid has become a big problem to developing countries,” Banwo said.

“What African countries lose is more than the aid they receive and a global cam-

paign has commenced to ensure that the multinationals pay the right taxes.

“While the government is after revenue, we are after tax justice and what we are advocating is that let people pay what they are due to pay “Every tax must be tied to a law because tax is a matter of law and the question to ask here is: what are the taxes that are legal in Ekiti State?

“The law should stipulate who to collect tax, how to collect it and the frequency of the collection. People should have places where they can report tax injustice.”

He also urged Nigerians to always hold governments accountable on the taxes they pay and how they are spent.

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

9

NEWS ‘Resolve National Assembly crisis’

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HE Peoples’ Congress- a forum of patriotic members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State- has said the crisis in the National Assembly should not be allowed to fester.

It said Nigerians have democratically rejected corruption, power outage, unemployment and non-payment of workers’ salaries through an ideological shift, which brought the APC to power.

A communiqué by the Chairman and Media Director, Theo Adebowale and Ademola Adetula, said governments must pay workers salaries and pension without delay.

The group said it was sad and embarrassed that Ondo State with all its revenue still owes arrears of salaries and pensions

•From left: Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Oyo State Chapter, Gbenga Opadotun; Bishop of Elekuro Diocese, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt Rev James Olusegun; Captain, Boys Brigade Oyo State, Taiwo Oluwole and Secretary, Boys Brigade Oyo State, Niyi Odebode, at an enrollment service of Boys and Girls Brigade Nigeria at Methodist Church Nigeria, Gangansi , Ibadan...yesterday.

Salary delay over, says Mimiko

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Ondo motorcyclists protest extortion

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OMMERCIAL motorcyclists in Akure, the Ondo State capital, have protested against alleged extortion by the police.

The protesters, who marched on major streets and roads, called on the Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke, to caution his men.

During the protest, business activities were paralysed as major roads were blocked

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

cycle Riders Association of Nigeria, Oluwaseun Adesina, alleged that the policemen from ‘A’ and Ijapo divisions extort his members daily.

He said: “Everyday, the police from ‘A’ Division and Ijapo police stations will seize our motorcycles and take them to the station.

“Whether or not your particulars are correct, you have to pay between N1, 000 and

by the protesters.

The protesters marched from Plaza Junction, Oke Ijebu.

It was gathered that the protest became aggravated, following the alleged beating of a protester by the policemen of ‘A’ Division police station, Akure.

The unit leader of Amalgamated Commercial Motor-

N5, 000 before your motorcycle is released.

“This is what we go through daily here in Ijomu, Oke-Ijebu, Alagbaka and Ijapo Estate.

“Some of them dress in mufti just to make sure they arrest us. They are making life unbearable for us.”

Police spokesman Wole Ogodo said he had not been briefed on the matter.

Tension in Ejigbo over sale of bank building ,

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HERE is tension in Ejigbo, the headquarters of Ejigbo Local Government of Osun State over the proposed sale of the building accommodating a new generation bank.

Following incessant robberies, the bank management relocated the branch about two years ago to Ede, a community which is 25 kilometres away from the town.

Since the relocation, residents have been complaining of harrowing banking experience.

Tension started when residents said they found out that the bank was going to sell the building.

At the weekend, the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode Oyesosin, addressed a briefing where he told the reporters that the people were going to frustrate the bank’s plan.

I gave the land from the parcel of land belonging to the palace. In fact, some structures had to give way without compensation to anybody before we could carve out a portion of the land for the bank.

,

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

According to him, the town was against sale of the property because the land on which the building was built was never sold to the bank.

Oba Oyesosin said in 1980 a part of the palace was carved out and given to a bank, which later metamorphosed to the new generation bank after the recapitalisation of the banking industry.

The monarch challenged the bank to produce the land sales agreement and documents to prove if the land was

ever sold to it.

He said: “For more than 20 years, the first bank operated the branch without any robbery attack, until the merger and acquisition took place and the new generation bank took over.

“I gave the land from the parcel of land belonging to the palace.

“In fact, some structures had to give way without compensation to anybody before we could carve out a portion of the land for the bank.

“In fact, a sizable part of the palace ground was affect-

ed.”

The monarch, who said the proposed sale of the land, was for selfish reasons gave out the letter he wrote to the bank management to complain about the matter.

The letter reads: “The space given out is mainly for building of a bank. If (the space) is sold, this will defeat the original purpose we had for the land.”

The monarch said he released the land “purely for banking services bearing in mind its inherent social, economic and commercial benefits to my people”.

He, therefore, advised the management of the bank to stop the transaction on the land in the overriding interest of Ejigbo.

Though there are two microfinance banks in Ejigbo, the bank is the only commercial bank in the town.

Its officials could not be reached for comments.

How LP beat Accord to Minority Leader, by Oyo Speaker

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YO State House of Assembly Speaker Michael Adeyemo has said majority of the 32member of the Eighth Assembly chose to suspend the rule of the House to allow a Labour Party (LP) candidate emerge as Minority Leader.

Adeyemo, who spoke to The Nation at the weekend, said the lawmakers did so to throw the position open.

The House is made up of 18 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), eight Accord and six LP members.

Olagunju Ojo defeated Olalekan Olagunju to emerge the Minority Leader.

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

He scored 21 to beat his rival’s nine.

Political observers had expected that Accord would produce the Minority Leader having produced higher minority lawmakers.

The development attracted some criticism.

But Adeyemo said the constitution allows suspension of any rule of the House to allow a majority decision sail through.

He said: “There is no controversy. People decided to go with what we have in the House rule, forgetting that the same rule makes provi-

sion for the suspension of any rule for you to do certain things.

“If you want to do certain things, you suspend the provision of the House rule that will stop you from doing it.

“Election of principal officers of the House is the business of the members of the House either from the majority or the minority.

All members will participate.

“So, when it comes to the issue of election of minority leader, our rule says it should be from the minority party with the highest number of members but a member

raised a motion that the rule be suspended.

“Why? They wanted the whole thing to be thrown open. So, what we did was in accordance with the rule of law.

“All members approved the suspension of the House rule and we went for voting.

And the members decided who should be the Minority Leader.”

Adeyemo also promised that the Assembly would surpass the record of the Seventh Assembly as members have agreed to work together, irrespective of their political affiliations.

NDO State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has said government’s inability to pay salaries will soon end.

Mimiko gave the assurance yesterday at the 13th Anniversary of the Prayer Centre Church of God in Akure.

He identified inability to pay workers as the greatest challenge facing governance today.

The governor said despite the numerous sins committed in the country daily, God still continued to show uncommon mercy to Nigeria.

“When the whole world thought that it’s over for the country, God came to our res-

cue and our country is now at peace.

“We should all be thankful to God in this country, because many people thought that by today our country will be in crisis but I’m glad to say that each time we thought that it’s all over for Nigeria, God will come to our rescue.

Where we are today is because of the prayers of the saints.

“God promised that there will be peace and prosperity in our palaces, what we are going through today in this country will soon pass away, even the inability of state governments to pay salaries,” Mimiko said.

Man remanded for assaulting judge

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N Akure Magistrate’s Court has remanded a 24-year-old man, Akinyemi Benjamin, for allegedly beating a Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Yetunde Ajanaku.

The accused was alleged to have assaulted the Magistrate at Odi-Olowo Street, Akure, on June 16.

According to the police prosecutor, Pelumi Adejuwon, the offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 351 of the Criminal Code cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

The prosecutor urged the

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

court to adjourn the case to enable him study the case file.

Benjamin’s counsel Azeez Agbaje objected, urging the court to grant his client bail.

He argued that the offence committed by his client was a baliable one.

However, the accused pleaded not guilty. Magistrate Sunday Adedapo ordered the accused to be remanded in Olokuta prison.

He adjourned the case till tomorrow.

‘UI VC’ll emerge transparently’

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HE committee saddled with the selection of candidates for the ViceChancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI) has assured that it will carry out its duties transparently.

The Chairman of the UI Community Forum 2015, Prof. Nelson Fashina, said: “The University of Ibadan Community Forum 2015 has been inaugurated to take charge of the processes leading to the emergence of the new VC. “Our terms of reference are to draw up modality for the community meetings. We are to come up with the cost and logistical estimates for the implementation of the meeting.

“Others terms are to organise and manage the meeting and to submit a publishable report /blueprint at the end of the exercise.

“The 13-man committee is drawn from all unions on the campus, including NASU, SSANU, ASUU, National Association of Academic Technologists and the Student Union.

“We have in place five functional sub-committees.

They are media and publicity, logistics, ceremony, organising and finance.

"Each committee will submit its budget for consideration and approval. The programme is being sponsored by all the unions for which ASUU is the arrow-head.

All candidates, therefore, earn respect for their personal opinion, vision and mission such that none can be intimidated or harassed. All contestants from within and outside the university are given equal opportunities From Tayo Johnson , Ibadan

“The overriding logistic for implementation of our mission is to give a level playing ground to all contestants.

"In other words, we are a neutral and objective body seeking the enthronement of truth, fair play and justice.

"All candidates, therefore, earn respect for their personal opinion, vision and mission such that none can be intimidated or harassed. All contestants from within and outside the university are given equal opportunities."

He explained that the Forum will articulate the conjunction of positive interests in the direction of unity and harmony.

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

10

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

‘We have been left homeless’

•Ajitemisan

•Gift

•Demolition victims relive ordeal

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ESIDENTS of ‘K’ Close, 34 Road Gowon Estate in Egbeda, Lagos yesterday painted a grim picture of Friday’s demolition of their homes by Federal Task Force officials and riot policemen.

They described their experience as terrible and horrifying.

“I was sleeping when a neighbour said policemen from the state’s secretariat had stormed our close. As I stepped out to ask what their mission was, I was rough-handled by three policemen who stripped me naked and pushed me into a Black Maria like a criminal.

“I cried bitterly like a baby to the extent of defecating on my body. I had never been humiliated in that manner in my life. I was abused. I kept asking myself if I committed an offence contradicting the laws of the state,” said 56-year-old victim Darlington Ajitemisan.

Ajitemisan, whose house and church were demolished, said if not for the intervention of an officer who ordered his release, he would have been dumped in prison.

By Basirat Braimah

“When he saw that I had defecated on my body, he ordered some of his men to bathe me after which they gave me one of the prisoners’ clothes to wear. When I returned home, everything I worked for all my life had gone - my church, furniture, everything! I couldn’t recognise my site anymore. We have been left homeless,” he said.

It was gathered that many residents had left for work, while others, who are traders, had opened their shops when the task force and policemen arrived around 10am.

A source said some town planners earlier visited the area and marked a wall erected by a businessman who claimed to be the owner of the land. But when the officials came that morning, the source added, instead of demolishing the wall which was said to be illegal, they descended on people’s houses.

Vivian, whose mother owns a shop, amid tears, said that without questioning anyone, the officials began to demolish buildings.

•The demolished building

‘

‘No one gave us quit notice and they claimed that there were orders from the government.

They didn’t allow us to take anything. I haven’t had my bath or eaten since the incident. I have a land survey and I don’t know where they have been all these years’

’

“They were almost 40 in number, armed. They threatened to shoot anyone who came close to them. It took them three hours to destroy all we built in years. Even when we tried to save our belongings, we were chased. They said they were going to destroy us with our properties. I couldn’t rescue anything. Everything is gone. I was even thinking of searching

‘How my father defiled me’ •It’s devil’s work, says dad

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14-YEAR-OLD girl has told the police how her father, Waheed Adeboye, 49, defiled her in their Ikorodu, Lagos home.

She alleged that her father, who is now being detained at the Zonal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (ZSARS) Onikan, Lagos, first had carnal knowledge of her in November 2014. “He had carnal knowledge of me again on March 5, this year,” she added.

The victim, a Senior Secondary 1 pupil at Aro Isiode Grammar School in Ikorodu, Lagos, said: “We live in a face-me-I-face-you house in the Adamuo area of Ikorodu. My mother is late. We are four - my brother, two sisters and I. My father was formerly working at the National Open University (NOUN) but now works at a sawmill at Ikorodu. He left our family when I was three years old and he returned when my mother died.

“In 2014, he used to check my private parts to find out if I had started menstruating. His second wife had already left him. One Sat-

•Adeboye

•Zainab

‘... he asked me whether anybody had tested it and I said no. He said he would use his manhood to confirm. He removed my under-wear and wore a condom. He forced his manhood into me.

I wanted to scream, but he held my mouth’

By Ebele Boniface

urday, I was sleeping alone on the floor in our one-room apartment; he removed my wrapper and lay with me on the ground while touching my private part with his finger.

“Later, he asked me whether anybody had tested it and I said no. He said he would use his manhood to confirm. He removed my under-wear and wore a condom. He forced his manhood into me. I wanted to

thoroughly on (Saturday) but it rained heavily. I can’t find my University Matriculation Examination (UME) slip and my post-UME examination is holding next month.

I don’t understand. We have been living here for over six years and this land issue has been going on. I slept outside with my family under the rain. It is unfair. All our means of livelihood have been destroyed,” she said.

A pastor with the Sanctified Deliverance Zion Church, Apostle Uche Ikechukwu, said he had been on the land for over 27 years, adding that he had documents to back up his ownership.

Ikechukwu said: “This incident is pathetic. No one gave us quit notice and they claimed that there were orders from the government.

They didn’t allow us to take anything. I haven’t had my bath or eaten since the incident. I have a land survey and I don’t know where they have been all these years. My family and I slept in someone’s balcony because it rained heavily. We need the govscream, but he held my mouth.

After having fun with me, I bled profusely and felt weak.

“I was angry with him because he is my father, but he warned me not to tell anybody. Sometimes he would ask me why I was browsing with my phone and when, attempted to explain to him, he would hold me and have fun with me. I felt humiliated and went to a church where I narrated my problem. The church brought me here for police attention.

“He drinks a lot and womanises with prostitutes and other women outside marriage.”

Adeboye, who sells planks in Ikorodu, said the victim’s mother died in 2007, adding: “I was arrested by the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) for raping my daughter. They beat me silly and carried me to a church. The church then brought me to Zone II SARS. “It is devil work. I did not drink.

Please my daughter, if I have offended you, forgive me. I am your father,” he pleaded.

Zone II Acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Shem Olorunfemi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said the matter was reported to the police on May 20.

The case, he said, was transferred to ZSARS following a petition by a church. This, he said, led to the suspect’s arrest on May 21.

Olorunfemi said a medical report and police investigations showed that the suspect defiled his daughter, adding that he would be charged to court after investigations.

ernment to intervene since they said order came from him. Justice must prevail.”

Another affected resident, Gift, a teacher, said she was in class when she received a call that their houses were being demolished.

She said when she tried to bring something out of her apartment; a block fell on her head.

Gift said: “Blood was all over my body. I thought I wasn’t going to survive the injury. We are homeless. I have been in this environment since last year. This is brutal.”

Majesty Argogho, who has been in the estate for over six years, said they have been rendered homeless and prayed for government’s intervention so that justice can be done. “I have a wife and three kids.

Everything is destroyed. I really believed in this regime but now I am shocked because it is almost a month after the new government was sworn in and all this is happening. Over six churches were destroyed. They are being unfair to us,” he said.

Wife: he enjoys beating me

By Basirat Braimah

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TRADER, Funmilayo Amadi, has taken her husband, Uchenna, to an Agege Customary Court in Lagos, seeking a dissolution of their one-year marriage.

She is alleging that her husband gets angry over trivial issues.

“I wish I foresaw this because our marriage is too young to start having troubles. Since we got married, I haven’t had rest of mind. He is very troublesome and enjoys beating me,” Mrs Amadi said.

The Ekiti-State-born woman said she left home two months ago after her husband beat her up.

She said: “He dealt with me mercilessly and sent me out of the house as if I never mattered to him. Since then, I have been forced to live with my parents. I doubt if I can return to him because I wasn’t born to suffer.”

The respondent, Uchenna, said a month after their wedding, his wife insisted on returning to her parents house and left two months ago.

Uchenna denied beating her, alleging that she packed out of her own volition.

“We were not forced to marry each other; it was consensual. This is happening because I advised her to act like a married woman to which she objected. I still love her and am not ready for dissolution,” he said.

The court’s President, Pa Adekunle Williams, fixed meeting with the couple and asked them to bring along two relatives each for July 13.

ss’

11

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

Honour for council chief, 24 others

Repair Daleko Market road, traders urge govt

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T

RADERS and other users of the road leading to the popular Daleko Market at Isolo, Mushin, Lagos State, have urged government to fix it.

They are claiming that the road deteriorates on a daily basis and is badly affecting their business among other activities.

The repair of the road was said to have been abandoned last November, thereby worsening its condition.

The pains occasioned by the condition of the road, the users claimed, have bred incessant traffic jam, flooding and accidents on a daily basis.

Hoodlums, The Nation learnt, have capitalised on the situation of the road to extort money from vehicle owners while filling some of the potholes with sand.

A trader, Femi Adebayo, said the bad state of the road is negatively affecting traders as customers have stopped coming towards this area.

“Most of the time, traffic jam hinders customers from coming our way; they get stuck on the road and later go elsewhere to buy what they need, leaving us to stare at our goods all day,’ he said.’

He added that the repair which began last year was abandoned, adding: “As you can see the road got worse

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

•The trailer

By Oluchukwu Igbokwe, OlawaleBalogun and Toluwalogo Olugbenga

than it was. We hope things gets better very soon so that our customers can come to us with ease to patronise us.”

A resident, MrsAngela Chukwuma said: “Fuel tanker drivers know this road is bad and they still pass through it. Whenever they pass, they stagger all along and this poses fear in our hearts. A tanker fell across the road recently but we were

lucky it had already emptied its contents before getting here. We might not be so lucky next time and we hope something could be done to help.’’

Mr Diya Akin, another resident, blamed the poor state of the road on trucks and petrol tankers, saying: “They are the major cause to the bad state of this road and the traffic. We want the government to stop them from going through the road by creating another route for them and maybe the traffic and accident would reduce a bit.”

A motorcyclist, Mr Jacob Oluwafunmilayo, said: “I am very sad about how much this road has affected my business. Normally, I carry rice and flour from this market with my motorcycle to various destinations, but since the condition of this road has worsened, we fall while riding and sometimes throw everything we carry inside the dirty water.

“This worrisome situation has made our customers to neglect us and go with buses and other means. At the end of the day, I do nothing and

take no penny home to my family.”

Mr Chuks Anko, a commuter said: “I have several cars but coming here with any is impossible because the road has done so much damage to each of them. It took me thousands of naira to repair them. So, I had to buy my goods elsewhere instead of going through this bad road.”

In a related development, a trailer lost control while struggling to avoid potholes at the bad portion of the Daleko Junction.

‘My husband abandoned me for no reason’

AGOS Chief Judge, Justice Funmilayo Atilade has sworn in the Executive Secretary, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Jaiye Alabi and 24 others as Notaries Public of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Administering the oath of office on the legal practitioners at a brief ceremony, inside court one of Ikeja high court, Justice Atilade congratulated them for attaining their new status in the law profession.

She urged them to use the position to serve as good ambassadors of their profession and Nigeria as a whole.

With their new status as notaries public, Alabi and his colleagues have been constituted by law to serve the public in non-contentious matters usually concerned with estates, deeds and powers of attorney.

•Justice Atilade

•Man: our union is bad omen

By Basirat Braimah

A

MIDDLE-AGE woman, Sophia Arapogun, has prayed an Agege Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve her 11-year-old marriage because her husband, Patrick, abandoned her for two years.

Mrs Arapogun, who lives with her husband and his six children from his previous marriage, said he never asked her how she fed.

“My husband buys foodstuff for his children and asks them to keep it in their room. He never asked what I needed at a particular moment and we lived together,” she said.

The petitioner said her husband came home at a time to sprinkle something that looked like blood all over the house, adding that she worked as a clerical officer in her husband’s hospital.

She said: “I used to package melon to sell in neighbouring markets but since my husband didn’t like the idea, he employed me in his hospital. There was a day I took N300 to take passport photograph, he shouted at me in the presence of his children and I felt humiliated. I was more shocked when he made sure I refunded the money.”

She is seeking an accommodation from him as compensation if her petiton is granted.

Patrick said he married her because he heard a pathetic story about her, adding: “I asked if she had any evil spirit or medical problems which didn’t make her conceive during her two previous marriages but she said no; then I married her.”

The respondent, a doctor, said after their marriage, he discovered that three minutes after making love to her, he got a knock or slap on his head.

“Not only did I get a knock, whenever I had the intention of sleeping with her, I had rashes on my manhood or my manhood twisted. At times, I did not get erection or my sperm seized. Since then, I became afraid of everything,” Arapogun said.

He said his hospital crumbled after his wife began to work with him, adding that she stole money on several occasions.

“When we lived together, there were times my wife left the bedroom and returned in the morning without any explanation. Our union is bad omen. I have suffered from swollen legs, slight stroke and it was when I realised my wife defecates in the bucket I used to bathe that I decided to leave with my children because I was not ready to die young and I don’t know what was going to happen next,” he said. The couple have no issue.

The court’s President, Pa Adekunle Williams, ordered the petitioner to maintain peace and adjourned the matter till July 13 for further hearing.

•Participants during the walk

Youths walk for peace in Lagos

T

RUMPETS blared amid loud drums and songs along Ikorodu Road when The African Lads Brigade, under the Universal Communion of the Anglican Church, walked for peace in Lagos.

The walk, it was gathered, was part of the activities to mark the movement’s 90th anniversary.

Before 7 am, many of the youths were at St Paul African Church in Ilupeju, Lagos, where the walk began. They were in branded white T-shirts; some carried the banner of the brigade and flags to create more awareness for the walk.

The walk, which started around 8am ended around 11.20 am. Both the old and the young participated.

The hot sun of that day

By Olatunde Odebiyi

meant nothing to the participants who trooped out in hundreds. They danced, played the brigade drums, trumpet and clapped in the fun-filled exercise.

The huge crowd moved through the Association Avenue in Ilupeju, down to Obanikoro Bus Stop and finally to African Church Cathedral Selem on Freeman Street in Ebute Meta on Lagos Mainland.

Security officials were on hand to control vehicular movement and the crowd.

They caused a stir for all residents and road users along the routes they plied.

When the crowd got to African Church Cathedral Selem, around 11 am amid jubilation, little Tonade

Okiki, 8, Oreofe Shoda, 11, were full of life after the walk. The crowd were later served refreshments.

According to the Brigadia General/Chief Executive Officer of the joint movement, Folarin Olusanya, an engineer, the walk was to encourage children to do exercises to remain healthy.

He added that the walk was also part of the 90th anniversary of the Brigade. “It is our way of thanking God for his preservation and growth of the movement which has spread to virtually all the states of the federation. The walk is also our way to thank God for the successful and peaceful transition in the country, especially in Lagos State, during the last elections. We thank God that the elections did not result

in any form of problem or warfare that could cause commotion in the country.”

He added; “The walk is our way of using our strength, as youths to praise God and walk for the progress of the country. We want people to rejoice with us and Nigerians should be happy,” he said.

Secretary of the 90th anniversary committee, Oluwaseyilayo Otegbada noted that the walk was to proclaim Christ, bring back the glory of the movement for them to unite again and have something in common to do together.

Chairman of the 90th anniversary committee, Yemi Martins said the walk was to keep them fit and to let the world know what the Brigade is doing.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

NEWS Dickson to Bayelsa elders: you are greedy, hypocritical

Gunmen kill IYC chief’s aide

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OUR gunmen suspected to be assassins on Friday invaded the home of the National General Secretary of Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Emmanuel Bristol Alagbariya, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, and killed one of his aides.

The gunmen scared the residents when they did not get their target.

The IYC secretary, who has been working on the upcoming Rivers State Ijaw Summit, in commemoration of the 58 years of the Henry Willinks minority commission and celebration of heroes for their contributions to the recognition of Niger Delta, was said to have convened a meeting of the summit’s organising committee at his home.

The committee’s members were waiting for him to join them when a bus, said to belong to him, drove into the compound. It was followed by the suspected assassins.

The gunmen were said to have laid siege outside Alagbariya’s compound.

They encircled the place, apparently thinking the IYC chief was in the bus.

But they soon discovered that their target was not around.

It was learnt that the gunmen went into the room where the committee members were waiting and ordered them to lie flat, when they did not find Alagbariya.

Out of frustration, one of the hoodlums shot and killed the IYC chief’s personal assistant.

Alagbariya has been a frontline youth leader campaigning for a better life for the Ijaw and Niger Delta

Emmanuel not under Akpabio’s influence From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

A

FORMER Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, yesterday said Governor Udom Emmanuel is not under pressure from his predecessor, Godswill Akpabio, on how to run the state.

Umanah, who addressed reporters in Uyo, the state capital, noted that there was no feud between Emmanuel and Akpabio.

The former commissioner said both men were working with other stakeholders for the development of the state.

He said: “There is no feud between Senator Akpabio and Governor Emmanuel.

The governor made it clear the other day at a public mass that the enemies of the state should leave him and Akpabio alone. So, leave Udom amd Akpabio alone.

“There is no feud between them. The relationship is cordial and, of course, they are working together with other stakeholders in the interest of the state and to ensure continued development. So, the governor is not under any form of pressure from Senator Akpabio.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC), in a statement by its Chairman, Dr. Amadu Attai, accused Emmanuel of being influenced from Ukana, Akpabio’s town.

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

B

• Alagbariya’s home in Port Harcourt after the killing...at the weekend.

youths.

The Rivers Ijaw Summit is expected to honour the late Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, Major Jasper Isaac Adaka Boro, Dr. I. J. M. Fiberesima, Chief U. O. Ekeneokot and

Chief P. J Warmate for their contributions to Niger Delta, Rivers State and Nigeria.

It is Alagbariya’s initiative to create awareness on how to address the predicament of youths of Rivers

State.

Several people have expressed shock at the killers’ action.

Security has been tightened around the IYC chief.

The summit is expected to hold on June 26 at the

prestigious Hotel Presidential’s Atlantic Hall.

Efforts to speak with police spokesman Muhammad Kidaya Ahmad, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), and Alagbariya, were unsuccessful last night.

Contaminated ogogoro: Rivers confirms 70 deaths T

HE Rivers State Government said yesterday that 70 of the 80 persons who took the contaminated local gin, ogogoro, earlier this month, have died.

The Director Public Health Services in the Ministry of Health, Dr Nnanna Onyekwere, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt, the state capital, that two of the survivors had visual impairment.

He said the cases were reported in Woji and Gokana communities.

Onyekwere said: “So far, in the past one week, we have not had any more deaths or new cases. The situation has been under control.

“In the beginning, it started somewhere in Woji. By the time we had the last count, we had about 80 persons tracked down, who took the drink.

“Of the 80 persons, 70 had died. The rest survived. But two have visual impairment as a result of the drink.”

The director said the state government had liaised with relevant stakeholders, especially ogogoro dealers, to enlighten the residents.

He said: “The state has done so much already. We started with public enlightenment with grassroots mobilisation in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and National Road Transport Workers (NRTW).

“Luckily, with the Federal Government’s announcement banning the gin, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the police are working with us.

We have achieved success in terms of control.”

Onyekwere said the state government had done a line listing of those affected, getting their level of disability or those who lost somebody because the government wanted to assist them.

Wike’s probe is to witch-hunt me, says Amaechi

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ORMER Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has said the “probe” of his administration by his successor, Nyesom Wike, is a sham, a fraudulent witch-hunt meant to deceive the public.

In a statement yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, by his former media officer, David Iyofor, the former governor said Wike intended to use the probe to tarnish his image and grab media headlines with his “concocted bogus stories of Amaechi’s alleged corrupt activities”.

The former governor also took a swipe at his former deputy, Tele Ikuru, following his claims that the Amaechi administration was the most corrupt in the state.

Ikuru was deputy to

•‘I won’t waste my energy on Ikuru’ From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

Amaechi’s predecessor, Sir Celestine Omehia, for five months, before the administration was sacked by the Supreme Court on October 25, 2007.

Amaechi was inaugurated as governor the next day and retained Ikuru as his deputy, despite massive protests.

Ikuru resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) about a week to the March 28 presidential election and teamed up with Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to fight his former boss and benefactor.

The statement reads: “This so-called Wike’s probe of

Amaechi is dead on arrival. All the noise Wike is making is to grab media headlines with his lies of monumental corruption against Amaechi. It’s all drama made for the media. What is playing out is a script written and directed by Nyesom Wike. Wike should move to Nollywood where his devious skills would probably be useful.

“Even while inaugurating his yeoman commission of enquiry, Wike could not conceal his vendetta agenda. He was clear to the panel members that their job is to indict Amaechi.

“While it’s no longer in doubt what would be the report of Wike’s sham probe

commission, what may shock Nigerians is the extent Wike has gone and is ready to go to manufacture stories of corrupt practices, and the kind of bogus tales of corruption against Amaechi that he will soon be feeding the nation with.

“We are aware that even the Chairman of his commission of enquiry was shocked and protested when Wike gave him the litany of phony claims of corruption against Amaechi that the chairman would write in the panel’s report. But Wike had assured him not to worry that he had since been working towards arriving at that conclusion and he would provide the commission with all the (fake) evidence needed to arrive at that report.”

AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson has said some elders who plan to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) are greedy and hypocritical politicians.

The elders, under the aegis of Bayelsa Peoples Consultative Assembly (BPCA), accused Dickson of highhandedness in running the state.

But in a statement in Yenagoa, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the governor said the accusations were misplaced.

He said they were disguised reasons to justify the elders’ motives which, he said, were motivated by greed.

The statement said: “Obviously, this is an opportunistic lobby group desperately in search of power without any modicum of integrity. They should be reminded that contrary to their assertions, they actually constitute the problem of development in the state and not Governor Dickson.

“What is playing out is an offshoot of the governor’s long running battle with this class of politicians on the proper utilisation of state resources to serve the people and never to serve the greed of the few.

“Their selfish conception of politics and attitude in government are what has retarded development in the state since the era of the late statesman, Chief Melford Okilo.

“Bayelsans can never exchange the present peace and tranquility in the state as well as the unprecedented level of development for the chaos and unmitigated rent culture of the past.”

TUC urges Wike to recall sacked poly workers From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

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HE Trade Union Congress (TUC) yesterday urged Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike to recall the 344 lecturers and other employees of the Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori.

In a statement by its President, Bobboi Bala Kaigama, and Secretary General Musa Lawal, TUC said: “If the reported cases of mass sack of 344 lecturers and others employed at the Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori, since September 2014 by the past administration, led by Chibuike Amaechi, and the disbandment of the Rivers State Road Traffic Management Authority (TIMA-RIV) are anything to go by, then the union might be tempted to believe that Wike is out to play politics of vendetta.”

The TUC noted that such action would not be in tandem with the nation’s wish and Rivers interest.

It decried the sack, especially with the grave consequences it portends to the affected workers, their dependants and the society.

The union said the governor’s actions were most likely the fallout of the political acrimony that characterised the period before and during the general elections in the state.

It said such considerations ought to have gone with that period.

The statement said: “Right now, good governance should be the governor’s priority.”

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

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THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

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THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE, 22, 2015

NATION SPORT

Dzeko denies Chelsea move E

DIN Dzeko's agent says there have been no offers from Chelsea and insists the striker wants to stay with Manchester City.

The Bosnia forward found himself struggling to get into the City side last season and registered just six goals in his 31 appearances for the club, leading to speculation he could look to move on. Juventus and Atletico Madrid were both thought to be keen on signing the 29-year-old, who cost £27million from Wolfsburg in January 2011, while Chelsea are also said to be considering a swoop. However Dzeko's representative Irfan Redzepagic insisted there had been no approaches for his client and fully expected him to honour his current contract at the Etihad Stadium, which has three years left to run. "When you read the media reports, it looks like all clubs want Dzeko, I've also heard some of Bosnian league teams are after him," Redzepagic quipped to Bosnian newspaper Nezavisne, "Every day he is linked to some other club: first it was Atletico Madrid, then Juventus, now Roma, Chelsea. These are all just rumours that go on during ev-

•Dzeko •Pogba

ery transfer window. I am bored of repeating that those stories are not true. "He hasn't rejected any offers because there were no offers. And that is the whole truth.

Edin has a contract with Man City until 2018 and is happy at the club. "Many things influenced his performances last season, like the two injuries he had,

but he has no reason to be unhappy at the club he won four trophies with. So the chances of him leaving are none."

Pizarro: I could leave Fiorentina for Santiago Wanderers

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IORENTINA ace David Pizarro has admitted that he could decide to return to Santiago Wanderers after the Copa America.

The Chile international will become a free agent this summer and has yet to make his mind up over whether to stay with the Viola, who have just replaced coach Vincenzo Montella with Paulo Sousa.

Pizarro has been heavily linked with Wanderers, with whom he started his professional career, and he has confessed that he will return home sooner or later.

"We'll see what happens," he told SoyValParaiso. "I will take a decision after the Copa.

"For now, every solution is possible. I don't want to exclude anything.

"But it's clear that I'm a

•Pizarro

Wanderer and that I want to return one day."

Pizarro, who has also had spells with Udinese, Inter, Roma and Manches-

ter City during his time in Europe, is currently hoping to help host nation Chile win a first ever Copa America title.

The 35-year-old has been with Fiorentina since 2012 but his contract will expire at the end of the month.

O'Shea - We must improve Sunderland

S

UNDERLAND captain John O'Shea has challenged his teammates to push the club further up the Premier League table next season.

Sunderland: O'Shea - We must improve The Black Cats have been involved in relegation battles over the last three seasons but they managed to avoid the drop thanks to Dick Advocaat's arrival. The Dutchman helped the club pick up 12 points following the sacking of Gus Poyet with nine games to go. Sunderland eventually finished 16th but O'Shea is now eager to kick on next season and ease the fans' fears. He told the Daily Star: "I'm sure the owner and the people on the board would love a season where it is really enjoyable. Like when we got to the League Cup Final in 2014 and there was a great buzz around the place. "But last season we struggled and if you look at the stats the number of goals we scored, the amount of games we drew - we can consider ourselves lucky not to have been relegated.

"The club are really looking forward to building things because when you look at it - the size of the club, the people who support us, the fans who travel to away games - this is a big club.

We should be higher up the table. We would like a season where it is seen that we are building."

Pogba happy to stay - Allegri J

UVENTUS manager Massimiliano Allegri says Paul Pogba is "happy to stay" with the Italian side despite interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs.

The Frenchman had a superb season for Juve, helping them to the Champions League final. He has been linked with Barcelona, Manchester City and even a potential return to Manchester United – the club who let him go to Juventus for nothing.

However, Allegri says that Pogba – who is under contract

with the Italian giants until the end of the 2018/19 season – is not seeking a move.

“Juventus don’t need to sell Pogba," he told Sky Sports Italia.

"However, it also depends on what the player wants.

“I’ve talked with Pogba and he’s told me he is happy to stay to Turin. He is young – I think he needs to remain with Juventus in order to grow.

“At a club like Juventus it is easier to do it. His career is still very long. Besides, Juventus is as good as the other big European clubs.”

Tabarez calls for calm after progression

O

•O'Shea

SCAR Tabarez called for Uruguay to continue calmly on their path in the Copa America, after they limped into the quarter-finals via a 1-1 draw against Paraguay on Saturday.

Defending champions Uruguay sealed their place in the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams at the tournament, after Jose Gimenez's 29th-minute opener was cancelled out by Lucas Barrios on the stroke of half-time in La Serena.

Uruguay finished adrift of Argentina and Paraguay in Group B, and will now face host nation Chile in the quarter-finals in Santiago on June 24.

"I don't know if the performance in making the knockout stages has been good," Tabarez said afterwards. "I am comforted that we are through despite the criticism directed at the team.

"I'll take the experience and knowledge I have as a coach.

Things were never easy for us and this team had to play against Argentina and Chile which are tough.

"We rely on the data from these games to try and get better, we fought to win every match but I know we have things to improve.

"Above all we need to be calm and not rush and during the second half today we had some difficult moments where we couldn't keep hold of the ball in midfield.

"We will continue on our path.

I have a very clear idea of how to coach a team and be the trainer of a group of players. It is very different to play in a team than to manage it but we have shown what we can achieve in these last nine years."

Tabarez also refused to draw comparisons with the punishment handed to Brazil captain Neymar and the one given to Uruguay star Luis Suarez at last

•Tabarez

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THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Threat and tariff • NERC and the power firms still have a lot to do to give Nigerians light at fair prices

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AST week, the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) spoke of its plan to revoke the licences of power generating companies that failed to meet up with their licensing obligations. At a licensing ceremony for four new entrants into power generation sub-sector, chairman of NERC, Sam Amadi, told his audience: “We have no choice but to revoke some licences. That is the only way that we can send the signal to people across the world to come and invest in Nigeria ... For somebody with a piece of paper that is not performing, it remains a piece of paper. We have no choice but to make sure that potential investors deliver what they are supposed to deliver”.

He would also inform: “Every licence has key performance indicators that are included in the terms of the licence. And it is also expected that within the first six months to three years, each licensee is expected to reach certain thresholds...”

Ten years after the coming of the Power Sector Reform Act 2005 seems about time to separate the wheat from the chaff. Sanctions – or the threat of it – would seem the natural order of things if only to get things going in the beleaguered sector.

The irony of course is that NERC that failed to sift the serious from the hordes of opportunistic players looking for fast and easy money has become the drum major for sanctions.

Beyond that is the question of why only

a few out of the motley crowd of 124 licences awarded for power generation since 2006 have managed to plod on.

Obviously, the sheer number of defaulters would tend to suggest a more serious problem than the simple invocation of legalism would indicate. In other words, much as we acknowledge the rules as carrying the obligations to meet up with key performance indices, the question is whether identifying the hordes of laggards for punishment is all there is to the problem. This point obviously bears stating given the frustrations daily voiced out by operators about the challenging regulatory environment, particularly the failure of the Federal Government to guarantee minimal conditions for their smooth and effective take-off.

The challenge for NERC therefore becomes one of sifting of the black legs from investors with genuine operational issues, to ensure that players live up to their obligations and to adopt global best practices.

That takes us to a related issue – the latest firestorm over tariff reviews being planned by the Distribution Companies (DISCOs). Yet again, we see the DISCOs and NERC as merely playing to type in willfully ignoring what is really at issue between the electricity consumer and the DISCOs. As far as we are concerned, what the DISCOs should be after is fair and equitable returns on investment. As for the electricity consumer, he wants to see

equity in pricing and value delivery which unfortunately he is not getting under the estimated bill regime defined more by the rule of the thumb. In short, the consumer wants to pay only for the units of electricity consumed which is only possible when he is availed of smart, pre-paid meters. It seems strange, utterly unimaginable that the DISCOs would seek to further extend the skewed and inequitable electricity market under which consumers are charged arbitrarily in spite of their failure to provide this basic item. For NERC, we say that this is hardly the time to play the ostrich; rather, it is time to assume the role of effective, even-handed regulator as contemplated by law. There is hardly a better place to start than getting the DISCOs to put timelines to the provision of pre-paid meters.

‘For NERC, we say that this is hardly the time to play the ostrich; rather, it is time to assume the role of effective, even-handed regulator as contemplated by law. There is hardly a better place to start than getting the DISCOs to put timelines to the provision of pre-paid meters’

Give Lagos its due The state deserves a special status because it carries a collective burden

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AGOS lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN, has opened again the debate on giving Lagos a special status, as former political capital but extant economic power house.

Speaking during an event marking the anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, Mr. Falana asked Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to demand compensation from President Muhammadu Buhari, for Lagos.

“As long as we have this distorted federalism, Lagos must go further and demand its rights in the constitution,” he said. “All the shipping activities are done in Lagos, all the aeroplanes are flying over Lagos. This is the time,” he added, “ for Lagos to ask for compensation for what it is contributing to the country.”

Despite Mr. Falana’s slight hyperbole (on Lagos as sole host to shipping and aviation activity), his claim is, over all, selfevident, fair and equitable. We therefore completely endorse it; and call on Governor Ambode to do as advised; and Presi-

‘Aside from a special fund for Lagos’ development (which should pass for “compensation”), some economic derivation should be worked out for Lagos, if oilbearing states enjoy 13 per cent derivation. Yes, these oil states face massive environmental hazards. But Lagos’ roaring population, if neglected, could end in much worse: urban decay, breeding violent crimes, general insecurity and structured poverty’

dent Buhari to, without delay, do the needful.

Indeed, way back in 1976, when Gen. Murtala Muhammed, then Head of State, approved the Justice Akinola Aguda committee’s recommendation to move Nigeria’s political capital from Lagos to Abuja, Gen. Muhammed pledged that the Federal Government would not abandon Lagos, since it was most likely to continue as the economic capital.

Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, whose government formalised the movement to the new federal capital, also gave the impression that he was not averse to a special status for Lagos. Even during the last electioneering, President Buhari, then as presidential candidate, told former Governor Babatunde Fashola to, should their party, the All Progressives’ Congress (APC) win, pressure him to deliver on the Lagos promise.

Still, Lagos continues to bear the brunt of the nation’s economic activity, putting immense pressure on its roads and other infrastructure, with the explosion of economic migrants, from all over Nigeria.

The absence of a modern and efficient rail system is especially dire on Lagos roads; while housing delivery is tantamount to dropping spoonfuls of water, when an ocean-pour would be more like it. Though the Fashola government was very active on the environment front, the wear-and-tear is still all too visible, requiring the new Ambode Government to make sizeable investments, especially in transportation, housing, health, education and security, to cater for the needs of the state’s explosive population, put unofficially at near-20 million.

President Buhari should, therefore, consider the Lagos special status as top prior-

ity; for any extra kobo spent on Lagos is well spent on all parts of the country, for no part is unrepresented in the Lagos mega-sprawl.

This is all the more imperative, going by states’ internally generated revenue (IGR) figures, which the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) just released.

In a pool of 23 states, Lagos in 2014 generated N276.1 billion (averaging N23 billion a month). Between Lagos and second-placed Rivers (N89.1 billion) was a gulf. But that Lagos earned 28.1 per cent lower than the N384.2 billion it grossed in 2013 appears to suggest its IGR-raising capacity is creaking. Yet, its 20 million population appear far from being satisfied.

That is why, aside from a special fund for Lagos’ development (which should pass for “compensation”), some economic derivation should be worked out for Lagos, if oil-bearing states enjoy 13 per cent derivation. Yes, these oil states face massive environmental hazards.

But Lagos’ roaring population, if neglected, could end in much worse: urban decay, breeding violent crimes, general insecurity and structured poverty.

This derivation should come from a fair share from money made from massive business in Lagos sea ports; and airport.

Besides, earnings from VAT should be distributed in such a way that Lagos, which generates a good percentage of it, gets an equitable share. Indeed, the Buhari Presidency should assist Lagos in its light rail project, to give intra-state commuting a boost.

Nigeria should pay Lagos its due. It is called enlightened self-interest: for an unsettled Lagos slows down Nigeria’s economy; and invariably deepens poverty nationwide.

So what if it’s trending?

S

IR: Recently, I stumbled into a programme tagged “You Got Issues”, on Spice TV channel 192 on the DSTV platform. SPICE TV Is a lifestyle channel that focuses on beauty, fashion and life style. Its target audiences are teenagers, youths and women.

I was concerned about the content of the episode, I stumbled into. The concept is that youths send in questions on issues they need advise on and the host and two guests try to give their views on the issue.

Most of the questions discussed centred on pornography. I wondered if these questions were made up by the producers or real questions sent in by viewers. Never thought our youths had started such sexual experiments that are trending in western countries and for which shows like “Sex in the City and Swigger Wives” showcased.

Parents, if these are some of the issues that our youths are exposed to or even “trending” among some youths, then we have a hell of a problem in our hands!

We need to keep up with them get educated on these issues through research and find a way to talk through them with our teens. We live in a world that is a global village and since we can’t hide our babies in caves, we need to wake up, smell the coffee and act! To have such programmes airing on daytime TV (parental guidance or not) is plain wrong but these are the times we live in.

Pornography has an adverse effect on boys and young men already at high risk for aggressive behavior. High risk factors include impulsivity, hostility to girls/ women and promiscuity. Very frequent use of porn is associated with higher rate of sexual aggression.

While pornography use may result in a short term high, it eventually results in feelings of emptiness, low self esteem and deep loneliness. It ultimately creates emotional distance in relationships. Studies show that actual brain function changes in someone who has addiction and the changes are the same in all addiction: alcohol, drugs or pornography. Because pornography use can become actual addiction, viewers are not able to stop through their own will power. Pornography addicts will need to engage in the same difficult recovery process as a drug addict has to go through.

It’s imperative our youths are sensitized to know that just because everyone is doing a particular thing doesn’t make it right. Have a passion to be different. Be a change agent. Do things based on your conviction not just because everyone is doing it or it’s the trend. A trend could be positive or negative The National Broadcasting Commission needs to be more vigilant and strengthen its monitoring of content of programmes being aired by media practitioners.

• Angela Odah Abuja.

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

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THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: I am greatly worried and irked by the recent moves by the federal government, through the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to remove employees of the university, who teach in the staff schools from receiving their emoluments from the national treasury, an age-long practice, ostensibly to save funds, in the face of the economic challenges currently besetting the nation.

Universities have their peculiar cultures and traditions. Let me quickly recall that university staff schools are part of the culture and tradition of universities. We should appreciate that most universities all over the world, are semiautonomous communities and are exclusive to scholars (teachers and students). Because of this exclusive nature, university campuses are communities, which provide basic municipal infrastructure like water, power, waste disposal, sewage, housing, hospital/medical services and other utilities, including elementary and primary schools for children of staff members. In the course of delivering sound education, teachers are expected to be the purveyors of education by making

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Saving university staff schools it possible for children of university staff to access both qualitative and subsidised basic education. It is just fair then that they should derive such benefit from the system they are striving so hard to promote and serve!

The removal of the already poorly-paid university staff and academic employees of such schools from government payroll would mean that the affected workers would have no option than to pay multiples of the present fees in order to cater for the salaries of primary school teachers. It is worthy of mention that university staff primary schools have produced eminent scholars, professors, professionals in many fields as well as captains of industries, who have justified whatever resources spent on them by the government and in the process, have given back to the Nigerian nation.

Beyond their benefits to univer-

sity staff, their children and wards, staff schools also serve as training laboratories and veritable platforms for undergraduate and postgraduate students from our faculties of education in the sense that students from other faculties and institutes in the university often patronise the staff schools in carrying out researches such as clinical research from the colleges of medicine, drama education from the faculties of arts, microbiological studies from the faculties of sciences and pharmacy, among others.

Perhaps, it was based on the above-mentioned merits that the federal government accepted in the agreement with university-based staff unions such as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and NonAcademic Staff Union (NASU), that the government would continue to bear the full capital and recurrent costs of the schools.

Regrettably, the new circular from the NSIWC is nothing but an attempt to breach and vitiate this agreement that has now turned out to be subject of tension in the Nigerian university system. This should be prevented. For a system that has suffered so much from strikes and industrial actions, all stakeholders should avoid further industrial unrest in the system. The position and contention of the unions, particularly SSANU, is that the 2009 agreement, which was freely entered into by the federal government through the instrumentality of collective bargaining, is sacrosanct and cannot be repudiated by any directive or circular, except both parties voluntarily review such agreement.

Any attempt to desecrate the sanctity of their agreement would throw our almost stabilising university system into another round of avoidable crisis, a situation the nation cannot afford experience

In all tributes paid to Fashola in the last eight years, and in books and articles published about the Fashola years in power, there is a constant reference to Tinubu as the source of the vision about Lagos, the layer of the foundation on which Fashola built and the mentor who could see excellence in others because he is himself the embodiment of excellence. A transient statement that could have been made at the handover ceremony on May 29, would not have had the permanent effect that Fashola’s performance has had as a measure of Tinubu’s greatness as a leader.

I was present at Tafawa Balewa Square during the handover ceremony on May 29, and my vivid impression was that Fashola was expressing direct thanks to the former governors who happened to be physically present at the

venue. And so Sanusi totally ignored the context in which the socalled thanks were expressed by Fashola. In any case, only these two political colleagues, Tinubu and Fashola can give testimony about the frequency and intensity of Fashola’s demonstration of appreciation to Tinubu.

In conclusion, I appeal to these two stars of modern Nigerian politics, not to allow enmity or ill-will to creep into their relationship with each other. They have individually and collectively achieved on outstanding performance in Nigerian political history. This nation continues to need them to work together. They must not allow toadying sycophants and bootlickers to separate them.

Sanusi’s furious tirade against Fashola IR: In an article written by Mobolaji Sanusi, published at page 22 of The Nation of June 5, the writer sought to castigate the former Governor for not publicly expressing his gratitude to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu when handing over the reins of government to Mr. Akinwumi Ambode on May 29.

Even if one were to wrongly assume that Fashola had failed to demonstrate gratitude to Asiwaju Tinubu for putting him in power, one is compelled to wonder why Sanusi, expressed himself with so much bile, vitriol and poison. In a very short article, Sanusi was able to refer to Fashola as (1) an “unknown political and widely rejected entity” in 2007; (2) “inconsequential Fashola”; (3) “once proletarian lawyer, hardly known by his next door neighbor”; (4) “Mischief maker”; (5) “an ungrateful benefi-

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ciary” and (6) “Tinubu made Fashola governor from nothing”, amongst other offensive vituperations.

It is obvious from his hate expressions, that Sanusi had a deep personal grudge against Fashola.

He did not need to descend into the sewer to criticize the former governor. This demonstration of over boiling anger was purely an expression of a private hidden agenda. Tinubu and the handover ceremony merely provided the opportunity for the pouring of this venom on Fashola.

Talking of gratitude, I believe the greatest tribute and appreciation Fashola paid to and showed Asiwaju Tinubu, is his outstanding performance as governor. It confirmed Tinubu as an excellent judge of character, and an inspiring and model boss.

• Prof Itse Sagay, Lagos.

again.

The way out would be for government to invite the unions for another round of negotiations on this and other relevant matters, as the 2009 agreement is due for review every four years after assessing the workability or otherwise of the existing clauses. Rather than unilaterally vitiating the agreement, the government should do the needful and never rush into taking any decision by saying primary school staff “must” be removed from the government payrolls.

• Abdussobur Salaam, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)

Log in Ben Bruce’s eyes IR: I wish to comment on the recent statement credited to Ben Bruce that he will donate his wardrobe allowance to Osun workers. I used to hold the Senator in high esteem but this statement of his has diminished my respect for him. Bruce is only courting controversy for the governing party.

Bayelsa State, a PDP-controlled state that produced the immediate past president is also listed among states owing workers. This is in spite of its status as an oil producing state that receives 13 percent extra federal allocation. Why not donate the allowance to his home state of Bayelsa instead?

Charity begins at home; let him remove the stone that is in his eyes before attempting to remove the sand in other people’s eyes.

I expect him to sponsor a motion on the floor of the Senate to stop the dubious furniture, wardrobe and car allowances in addition to the greedy, fat and gluttonous salaries they receive and ask the government to factor it into the various state allocations so that they can use it to clear the backlog of salaries. Had he sponsored a motion like this, he would have launched himself well into Nigerian politics; he was elected into the Senate to help in making good laws and not in courting and inciting needless controversies.

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• Okorie Emmanuel Uchechukwu, Makurdi.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

COMMENTS “Only he deserves power who every day justifies it.” - Dag Hammarskjold 1905-61.

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HERE is a sweltering Harmattan of expectation; a deluge of hope; a mountain of anticipation; and the profound euphoria that underscores the faith that the Nigerian people have in the change movement must determine the thrust of the present watch; yes the masses believe that with President Mohammadu Buhari and the APC comes a new paradigm that must redefine leadership and governance in this clime. It is believed and rightly so that it will no longer be business as usual.

To hit the ground running we must realize the urgency of now, we must be conscious of the fact that when Nigerians chose change over continuity what happened in actual fact was a ballot-based revolution. We cannot assume that it was a mere political contestation that saw the APC taking the spoils, no it wasn’t. Nigerians voted for change against an era that turned governance to a Bazaar and liberalized corruption. Nigerians voted against corruption, such is the incontrovertible challenge on our hands, we must deal with corruption.

We must create monuments of deterrence and monuments of reference across the Nigerian space. We must repudiate corruption, sleaze and fleece at all levels of governance and teach our countrymen and women the primacy of service to fatherland. We must overhaul the moral margins of state and national honours, if need be we must revoke all honours conferred on individuals who have been convicted for a crime, and refuse to honour Nigerians whose propensities are manifestly corrupt and egocentric. We must teach our children the nobility of hard-work and set a new praxis that repudiates corruption and corruptive proclivities.

We must redefine our Federal Character normative such that at all times our enterprise must encourage excellence over mediocrity. It must always be the best man for the job irrespective of state, zone or region. We cannot lower the bar because State A or B doesn’t meet the criteria, Nigeria must be treated as a huge canvass on which only the best should paint. Our country must be treated as a huge national theatre where only the very best must perform; such is the minimum quid pro quo for greatness and progress.

I know that we are a people with undying resolve to reach great heights. I know that we are resilient specie. I know that we are kindred of the Great Zik of Africa; scions of the sage Awo; kith of the pragmatic Sarduana; kin of the dogged Isaac Adaka Boro; and offshoot of the many greats that berthed this nation, so before us is the inviolable challenge to make Nigeria great again.

The Green-White-Green must be seen beyond the fabric and treated as our collective identity. We must locate the path to the Isle of Peace, Unity and Good-Hope through a deliberate and conscious effort at thinning down the walls of creed and clan. We must raise our interactive bar to no less an estate where religion becomes a personal affair, and on our

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OME Nigerian intellectuals in particular and development scholars in general criticize the colonial education system as inadequate for the progress of the colonized.

This criticism should be re-examined given the poor state of education in today’s Nigeria. Recall that colonial education produced the scientists, engineers, and administrators who produced war resources and effectively managed institutions and organizations in Biafra during the Biafra-Nigeria war. Because many of those scientists and engineers and their equally brilliant counterparts in other parts of the country have retired from active work or passed on, the country cannot have them back. Nor does the current educational system possess the capacity to reproduce their type.

An impressive number of academics educated in some of the best universities in Europe and America continued to produce the cream of bright and well-educated manpower in the country’s universities after the civil war. Successive crops of equally bright Nigerians sought higher education in foreign countries. Many returned home and took employment in the public and private sectors. Many graduates of Nigeria’s primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions in colonial and immediate post-colonial periods often describe their educational experiences in awe. The environments in which the three levels of education take place today are viewed with disgust by the same alumni who were awed by their educational experience. What happened to the excellent and dedicated teachers, good physical infrastructure across the three layers of education, and graduates with functional skills inherited at independence?

Cracks in Nigeria’s educational system had started by 1976 when the Obasanjo administration hurriedly implemented universal primary education. The resulting shortage of teachers led to recruitment of many unqualified teachers into the primary school system. Though the Shagari administration of 1979-83 is credited with founding an impressive number of unity schools and federal universities, the same administration badly managed the Nigerian economy. The resulting economic crisis left the educational sector under-funded and created the beginning of an economy unable to provide employment to the products of education. Since then, subsequent military and civilian administrations have neither created a strong economy nor have they been able to reverse the decay of the education sector. Hence decline in the quality of education which gradually started in 1976 and accelerated in the 1980s and 90s continues to the present day.

A critic may argue, and rightly so, that some of the recipients of the high quality education of the colonial times and immediate post-independence years held important positions in the country but did not put Nigeria on a better footing than they found it, their good education notwithstanding. Bad leadership at local, state and national levels continues to have a ‘backwash effect’ on management of public and private institutions.

Indigenous successors of colonial functionaries are supposed to build upon, improve, or change for the better, the institutions they inherited from erstwhile colonists. The failure of the Nigerian education system is another case of a lost opportu-

Imperative of new national paradigm

By Nwaokobia Jnr national stage make the second stanza of the National Anthem our national prayer.

A Nigerian child doesn’t need to know if I am a Christian or a Muslim or perhaps a Traditional worshipper, the child wants to see a leader who cares, a leader that creates jobs, a man who doesn’t steal and a leader that empathizes. If you must know the truth our people are tired of rulers who profess one religion or another but whose daily regimen vitiates even the least expectations of their faith. The linchpin of the new national orientation paradigm must be service delivery, patriotism and commitment to the good of Fatherland; yes it must be country first.

We must review the cost of governance vis-à-vis the emolument of public office holders; we cannot pay political office holders so much salary and allowance in a country so economically rudderless, bare-chested and anaemic and yet lay claim to seeking economic recovery and national growth, no, we must change the way things are done. The urgency of now is the imperativeness of a new paradigm, we must begin a massive rework of values in governance such that leadership must become responsive and responsible to the people, and such is the only permissible minimum.

Those who see partisan loyalty as the first course in the national buffet must realize that without Nigeria the dining table will be scant or perhaps non-existent. We must therefore make the praxis of our three course meal; yes our full course, Patriotism, Service and True Brotherhood. A nation of patriots thinks more of the good of nation and its people.

Service to nation is service to all, and above all true brotherhood devolves on both, when governance delivers on the promises of democracy beyond the banal bounds of partisan, religious, regional, ethnic and parochial prejudices, true brotherhood fosters.

Like the prized dietary three course meal normative, our nation is a cord of three; yes we are a nation of three major tribes divided providentially by the waters of the River Niger and the Benue into three main regions, the North, the West and the East, we are a people of three major faiths, Christianity, Islam and African Traditional Religion; and remember how the Christian Holy Book put it, ‘the cord of two is strong, the cord of three who can break?’. Need I remind that the Muslim object of prayer the ‘Tesbiu’ is an unbreakable cord of three, and traditionally three represents the unison of spirit, soul and body not despising the other elements.

Countrymen and women, please be mindful of this reality that no nation that is a cord of three major peoples and tendencies has ever broken up, most have survived gruesome wars, segregation and internecine conflagrations to weave the great nations they became, Britain, USA, Australia, South

Africa et al are lucid mementoes; tell it therefore to those preaching the message of separation and to those drumming the gongs of self-determination that we are a great nation woven by an infallible God. The urgency of now compels a huge cross on this generation of Nigerians, it is much too profound now that Nigerians voted for change in the status quo ante bellum, before May 29, many infractions may pass unnoticed but today the margins are different and expectations mountainous, we must not only deliver concrete democracy dividends but we must unite the masses of our people and make the good of Nigerian the summum bonum.

We must aggregate at no greater pedestal but that which must prize excellence over mediocrity, and make the greatness of Nigeria our collective primacy.We must congregate, Christians, Muslims, Animists, Traditionalists and the likes at the altar where nothing counts but the good of fellow countrymen and women. And we must assemble at the place where ‘though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand’; such is the basic practical minimum sine qua non for growth and progress.

In the final analysis, we must seize the moment and make Nigeria the pride of all, citizens and foreigners alike. We must begin a massive overhaul of our collective morality and etch hard-work as prime on our corporate canvass. We must passionately rework the margins of leadership such that egocentrics would flee the political turf. We must rejig our economy by exploring other sources of revenue outside this sickening monolithic dependence on oil. We must reawaken the time tested values of patriotism as key to national growth and encourage discipline and discretion across the various strata of state and society.

We must work so that in the end posterity will say of this generation of Nigerians, when the moment of change came, a vibrant people came at it, took it, and transformed their nation such that it never remained the same, nay this must indeed be done in the positive as the contrary is manifestly unthinkable, morally impermissible and divinely unpardonable.

• Prof. Nwaokobia Jnr, Director General Change Ambassadors of Nigeria (CAN) writes from Lagos.

‘The urgency of now is the imperativeness of a new paradigm, we must begin a massive rework of values in governance such that leadership must become responsive and responsible to the people’

Oil and missed opportunities

By Chikwendu Christian Ukaegbu nity.

Another missed opportunity lies in the succession of military governments that ruled Nigeria for 25 years after the civil war. The military had the singular opportunity to shepherd Nigeria’s development without opposition. They operated a quantitatively small state apparatus of military councils made up of a few soldiers, advisers and members of cabinet. The small state apparatus saved or was supposed to save Nigeria a lot of the revenue derived from crude oil. Military governments, especially those that ruled the country from 1983-1998, conjure a bitter taste in the mouth whenever they are mentioned, some because of their authoritarianism, others because of their incompetence and corruption.

Why should one blame a dictatorship for not shepherding national development while democracy has become the vogue in the global system? Government shepherding of economic development is not new. Leaders of Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore used a government-directed approach to produce miracle economies and influenced the world to see governments that direct national development as developmental states. In the case of Nigeria, military dictatorship left the country worse than it found it and missed the opportunity of using Nigeria’s oil wealth to transform the society in a political milieu undistracted by opposition or concern for elections.

Nigeria is now an electoral democracy. A developmental state can effectively operate in a democracy. But a National Assembly of 109 Senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives cost huge amounts of money in salaries and perquisites in an economy in which one natural resource is the primary source of national revenue. Moreover, Nigerian legislators are identified as the highest paid in the world. Each legislator earns 116 times the country’s GDP/capita, so goes the claim.

Debt-relief, another missed opportunity, was a source of fresh air to many Nigerians who follow national affairs. The forgivers of the debt relished the optimism that Nigeria had been rekitted for a fresh and dependable start. The empirical situation has proven that to be false optimism. Data published by the World Bank in 2015 show that Nigeria’s external debt stood at 13.8 billion dollars in 2013. The years 2012 and 2013 were good years for oil prices yet the government either borrowed or intended to borrow from external sources to fund the national budgets of those years. It is difficult to explain this debt syndrome except to say that incompetence, corruption, waste, and haphazard governance at all levels of government consume the huge national revenue from oil.

The average price of crude oil remained at over $100.00 in 2014 until it began a downward spiral in September of that year. The fall of oil prices in the last quarter of 2014 was unique.

It was, perhaps, the first time conflict in the Middle East coupled with a meeting of OPEC did not put the world in a crisis mode for energy. The Middle East was and remains at the peak of violent conflicts, yet crude oil prices have not skyrocketed and major financial markets of the world have not experienced a shakedown. What might be the reason for this unusual equanimity in the world energy sector and financial market while the crude oil basket of the world burns?

In a brief exchange during a debate on debt relief, I stated that Western countries would not fold their arms in a fatalistic response to the biting problem of high oil prices. That they, as problem-solvers and shapers of their future, would someday find substitutes for oil, solve the problem of dependence on foreign oil, and take oil-producing countries by surprise. That time has come only 10 years after that exchange.

Advanced and some advancing countries have diversified their sources of energy. They produce and use electric cars, bio-fuels, refined coal, wind and solar power. ‘Hydraulic fracturing popularly known as fracking has made the extraction of energy cheaper’. The top 10 users of alternative energy belong to the top 10 economies in the world. The United States, the giant of global oil consumption has increased its rate of production of crude oil and natural gas. And more countries continue discover and produce crude oil.

The fall in oil prices is therefore a warning to a country like Nigeria whose leaders squandered opportunities to take the country even to the threshold of economic development. The excess crude account which is supposed to be a buffer fund plunged to $2.45 billion in December 2014 in response to the fall in oil prices. This means that the idea of saving part of the excess crude account for future generations is on shaky ground if nothing is done to diversify, broaden and deepen the economy. Consequently, building a robust economy is the greatest legacy one generation can leave for the other.

• Ukaegbu, Professor of Sociology & National Development writes from USA

‘Leaders of Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore used a government-directed approach to produce miracle economies and influenced the world to see governments that direct national development as developmental states. In the case of Nigeria, military dictatorship left the country worse than it found it and missed the opportunity of using Nigeria’s oil wealth to transform the society in a political milieu undistracted by opposition or concern for elections’

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

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COMMENTS

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ITHIN the last two weeks or so, the nation’s consciousness was awakened to the backlog of salaries owed workers by many state governments.

The attention of this writer was first drawn to it by a call from the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urging the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to come to the aid of the workers by donating food item and sundry relief materials to save them from starvation.

At first, one thought it was one of those gimmicks by politicians to gain attention which may eventually add up to nothing.

But then, the elections were already over.

What purpose would such a seemingly campaign of calumny serve at this point in time, one had reasoned?

Soon, events began to unfold in quick succession such that it became obvious that the call was not just for nothing. At least, two demonstrations in the state capital that drew attention to the desperate plight of workers were to follow subsequently. One of such was by civil society organizations during the June 12 celebrations.

As if these were not enough to generate public concern, the state governor, Rauf Aregbesola was to shock everybody when he reportedly said the resolution of the salary arrears imbroglio was beyond him. He told state house reporters “the truth is that I will not fail to say that it is a situation absolutely beyond my control”.

Aregbesola hinged his position on the sharp drop in federal allocations which subsequently disorganized his budget. But, in an apparent bid to stave off accusations of any form of mismanagement, the governor was quick to add that he had transformed the state than he met it in 2010 and that such transformation was as a result of effective application of resources. The message the governor intended to pass across was that though the

As long as we concentrate virtually all powers on the central authority, so long will systemic stress from the component units impair any meaningful progress.

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Emeka OMEIHE 08112662675 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Workers’ salary arrears salary situation was that bad, it should not be misconstrued as an evidence of reckless spending. We shall return to this later.

Then enter the case of Benue State that is also in months of arrears such that have compelled Governor Ortom to conclude plans to borrow money to pay just one month across board. He has also been shouting on roof tops that the departed governor, Gabriel Suswam left a debt burden of N90 billion as against the N9.2 billion he had claimed.

The list is endless. No less than 18 states are reported owing between two and 11 months salary arrears at the end of May. These are Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Benue, Cross River and Ekiti. Others are Imo, Katsina, Kogi, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo. The rest are Rivers, Plateau and Zamfara among others.

Some of the defaulting governors have put up spirited efforts to clarify their positions on the salary arrears index. But even as they strive to give the impression that the situation is not all that bad, the bold face they feign pales into insignificance in the face of the pressure they now mount on the federal government for some bailout. Some of them have even gone further to demand a restructuring of the revenue allocation formula.

Others have been striving to exculpate themselves from the chain of events that led to the current predicament. They lay the blame chiefly on the dwindling receipts from the federation account consequent upon the drop in oil price at the international market.

Attempts have also been made to shift culpability to the regime of Jonathan for mismanaging the economy. Jonathan can as well

EOGRAPHICALLY, the Mediterranean Sea passes along countries of southern Europe like Spain, Malta, Italy, Portugal and Greece, as well as the shoreline of North African states, including Libya, Egypt and Tunisia.

Strategically, the mammoth sea is one of the most important routes for facilitating trade and commerce between Europe and Africa through shipping. However, the Mediterranean is currently on the front burner of international headlines. Obviously, this is on account of worsening crisis of rickety, overcrowded and unsafe migrant boats that often capsize in the sea while on illegal journeys to Europe from North Africa in recent months, alas leading to tragic and unnecessary loss of hundreds of lives. The worst of such incidents, seen as the deadliest in the Mediterranean and source of renewed international focus on the plight of illegal migrants, was the one that happened off the Libyan coast in the middle of last April, in which nearly 900 people reportedly died.

From all accounts, most of the stream of Mediterranean migrants are Africans seeking to escape from hard realities of life in their homelands like misrule, political instability, armed conflict, insecurity, persecution, economic adversity, crushing poverty, chronic unemployment, hunger, famine and environmental depredation (including the adverse effects of climate change and the associated global warming).

They principally come from countries wracked by bloody conflict and abysmal human rights records, including Eritrea, Somalia, Libya, Sudan, Egypt, Mali, Sudan, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The would-be migrants from these countries are joined by people fleeing sectarian violence and persecution in far-flung places like Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Palestine, Afghanistan and Myanmar (Burma). Others from countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Mauritania, Tunisia, Senegal, The Gambia and Bangladesh are in desperate search of greener pastures or economic prosperity in Europe.

Going by the recurrent terrifying reports of migrant boat capsizing in the Mediterranean Sea in recent weeks, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has estimated that more than 30,000 people may die by the end of this year from the festering crisis if drastic actions are not taken by the international community to arrest this unfolding humanitarian tragedy.

In the face of the mounting death toll from the Mediterranean migrant crisis, it is gratifying that European Union (EU) leaders, after an emergency meeting last April, decided to treat the crisis with greater urgency. Part of the 10-point action plan they have unfurled to wrestle with the precarious situation are tripling the funding for rescue operations by naval patrols of EU countries under the Triton programme, sharing of intelligence about people smuggling networks, systematic effort to capture and destroy vessels

be blamed for everything under the sun, including obvious excesses and duplicity of some of the governors both immediate past and serving.

But at what point will the governors take direct responsibility for the management of the funds entrusted in their care? Why is it that some states are not owing despite the fact they are not immune from the factors cited by some of the governors for scandalously attempting to starve workers to death? Why are states like Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Abia and Ondo that are oil producing and receive higher revenue than others also owing?

Answers to these posers can be located in how effective the respective governors managed resources at their disposal. And they inexorably point to the incongruity in attempts to evade responsibility by trying to solely hold other factors culpable. It is the responsibility of the governors to determine areas of priority in the disbursement of their revenue. If they decide to inject them to some other projects in utter neglect of workers salaries, it is their decision and they cannot shy away from its consequences.

Effective planning would require that all competing needs are weighed on the scale ensuring no sector is funded to the detriment of others. If the governors had done that irrespective of the dwindling revenue, the situation might have been somehow different. The governors should take the blame for the backlog of salaries owed workers. After all, they ought to have provided for the rainy day since it is common

place that states can solely depend on receipts from the federation account at their own peril.

It is mismanagement of resources to deploy funds such that workers emoluments are not paid for months no matter how competing other needs were. That brings us to the Osun situation in which the governor had sought to rationalize the salary arrears on the ground that he has transformed the state through judicious application of funds. That could as well be. But a ‘judicious application’ of funds that left a backlog of seven months salaries ought to face another verification test. The first law of nature is self survival. Labor is also rated the most important factor of production. Other factors without the human capital will lead to nothing. It is smacks of inverted logic to canvass the argument of effective application of resources in the face of the scandalous inability of the government to pay months of salaries. You cannot have effective application of resource when one critical sector is yawning for urgent attention through obvious neglect. That is the obvious flaw in pushing that argument any further. He may have done well in other sectors. He may have invested heavily in infrastructure that will benefit humanity in the nearest future.

But a situation that compelled a sitting governor to publicly admit helplessness says it all. He may have presented the matter as honestly as he found it. However, in portraying the picture of helplessness, he opened his flanks to diatribe. For, the immediate question the admission conjures is what business he still has there if the situation has defied him? That is why the governor’ altercation with Senator Ben Bruce on his comic gesture to donate part of his wardrobe allowance to Osun workers is patently unnecessary.

Beyond these however, is the urgent need for a fundamental restructuring of the federal order. As long as we concentrate virtually all powers on the central authority, so long will systemic stress from the component units impair any meaningful progress.

Happily, we now have a regime that has promised change. That change must be fundamental and far reaching for real results to be recorded. But, there are vested interests benefiting from the decadent past that will not let go. We must muster the political will to do the right thing through immediate constitutional change. Such change should devolve powers by allowing a greater measure of autonomy to the components units.

The Mediterranean migrant crisis

By Okechukwu Emeh, Jr used by the smugglers (including the possible use of military action), anti-piracy campaign on the scale of Operation Atalanta (in which EU helicopters would attack the boats and fuel dumps of people smugglers just as they were deployed to fight Somali pirates at the peak of their criminal activities in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden several years ago) and spreading the burden of taking in refugees. To be candid, without delay and prevarication by the EU countries, some of these plans are achievable, including the tasking one of national quotas for housing asylum seekers, which countries like the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, France and Hungary may oppose because of their tough asylum policies, fear of public opinion and threat from far-right racial supremacist movements and political parties.

To vigorously address the plight of the Mediterranean migrants, now dubbed Europe’s boat people, the EU should go beyond her current spending plans on the crisis by considering a number of confidence–building measures. One of them is establishing asylum processing camps in entry points in North African countries like Libya, Egypt and Tunisia to handle both migrants trying to reach Europe overland and those saved from the seas. These countries, as an incentive, should be paid by the EU to maintain the camps. It is expected that asylum process for the Mediterranean migrants would be fast, fair and effective. While concessions should be given to migrants seeking to escape oppression, gross human rights abuses and violent conflict, those rejected on the grounds of hankering for economic opportunities abroad should be repatriated to their countries.

More importantly, the EU countries are obligated to sign up to their share of refugees, as conceded to the Vietnamese boat people fleeing communist repression in their homeland in the 1970s and 80s. Thankfully, the judgment by the European Court of Human Rights this year stipulated that migrants must be given a fair chance to apply for asylum and may not automatically be sent back even if rescued in international waters. This landmark ruling is in tandem with the UN conventions that make refugees the responsibility of any country where they turn up. It is expected that such resolutions would serve as a moral suasion to countries like the UK, Spain, France and Germany to change their stance on not allowing hapless migrants to reach their shores due to fear that allowing a few to come in would lead to an unstoppable flow.

So far, it is delightful that the EU has called on such European nations to take in 40,000 asylum seekers from Eritrea and Syria who landed in Italy and Greece after April 15 of this year over the next two years. There is much hope that this directive would help relieve some of the pressure on southern European states like Italy, Malta and Greece, which are kindly disposed to receiving vulnerable migrants. Remarkably, Italy has borne the burden of Mediterranean migrants by doing incredible work trying to rescue as many as possible with her navy and coastguard, as well as accommodating most of them on her island of Lampedusa, which is closer to North Africa. It is also expected that member states of the EU would reconsider the more comprehensive search-and-rescue mission launched by that country last year for Mediterranean migrants, known as Mare Nostrum. Other European states like the UK, apart from dismissing the mission as encouraging people smugglers who take illegal immigrants to Europe, said they could not afford to fund it, hence its replacement with the EU’s Triton surveillance operation, run by Frontex, the union’s border-control agency.

No doubt, the Mediterranean migrant tragedies have amplified the need for developed countries to show unity and resolve in helping to address the sad condition in different parts of the so-called Third World, particularly Africa. Of course, there is a dismal record of inaction and lethargy on the part of the West (Europe and North America) in terms of responding to heartrending events like monumental hunger and starvation in the Horn of Africa (Ethiopia and Somalia) in 1984/85, genocide in Rwanda in 1994, subsisting brutal armed conflicts in the DR Congo and abysmal human rights violations in Isaias Aferwoki’s Eritrea that ought to shock and shame its civilisation. In the light of this, former Prime Minister Tony Blair of Britain had warned during an international conference on Commission For Africa (CFA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2004 that failure by the developed world to take urgent and firm action to help Africa escape bad governance, political instability, vicious conflict, economic collapse, debt overhang, extreme poverty, misery and despair would negatively affect the world by creating weak or failed states like Somalia. Admittedly, such states could contribute to international insecurity through trans-national crimes like terrorism, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, fraud, counterfeiting of hard currencies, drug peddling, human trafficking and trade in contraband, artefacts and endangered species.

• Emeh is a social researcher based in Abuja

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

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THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

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THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

THE CEO

ISSUES

Fuel subsidy: Awaiting govt’s intervention - P. 29

‘Why downstream oil sector must be deregulated’ - P. 37

News Brief ‘Why airport concessions are not attractive’ POTENTIAL investors in airport infrastructure development and concession in Nigeria are scared of putting their money into such ventures because of poor regulatory framework, weak government policies.

–Page 26

‘Only one insurance firm shows signs of insolvency’ OUT of the 40 insurance firms that have submitted their 2014 financial reports to the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), only one shows signs of insolvency.

–Page 28

Four Nigerians for Ranger Odyssey Boot Camp THE excitement and anticipation for this year’s Ford Ranger Odyssey is building rapidly, and the action has spread across numerous African countries.

–Page 36

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil Cocoa

$54/barrel $2,686.35/metric ton

Coffee

¢132.70/pound

Cotton

¢95.17pound

Gold

$1,396.9/troy

Sugar

$163/lb RATES

Inflation

•From left: Enterprise Account Manager, Hewlett-Packard (HP), Ade Akinlade; District Sales Manager, Print and Personal Systems (PPS) Africa, Jean PancPinto; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Lagos State, Nike Animashaun; Commercial Director, Middle East and Mediterranean Africa, HP, David Rozzio and Public Sector Account Manager, Emmanuel Eze, during the opening of HP Technology Tour in Lagos.

EFCC probes 10 stockbrokers, others over shares fraud, impersonation T HE Economic and Fi nancial Crimes Com mission (EFCC) is investigating 10 stockbroking firms and 12 individual stockbrokers and officials as part of a largescale crackdown on shares fraud that has seen 31 stockbroking firms and several stockbrokers internally investigated and sanctioned by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) over the past 42 months.

Two official reports on shares fraud, also known as unauthorised sales of investors’ shares, obtained at the weekend by The Nation indicated that the NSE, Nigeria’s only stock exchange, had invited the EFCC to further investigate and prosecute 12 stockbroking firms and 21 stockbrokers and officials, who were primarily indicted by the internal investigations of criminal financial fraud.

The EFCC has already con-

Maximum lending 30% Prime lending

15.87%

Savings rate

3%

91-day NTB

15%

Time Deposit

5.49%

MPR

13%

Foreign Reserve

$34.5b

cluded investigations and charged two stockbroking firms and nine persons to court while the anti-fraud agency is currently investigating 10 stockbroking firms and 12 persons connected with the firms or individually cited for shares fraud.

All the cases referred to the EFCC were initially investigated and indicted by the Disciplinary Committee of the Council of the Exchange, NSE’s adjudicatory body which deals with heinous market infractions and investors’ complaints.

The reports indicated that the all the firms and officials were allegedly indicted by the disciplinary committee for unauthorised sale of investors’

shares while some others were also indicted for issuance of dud cheques, impersonation and illegal conversion of dividend warrants.

An official of the NSE at the weekend confirmed the cases under investigation by the EFCC, noting that the two reports were up to date and accurately represented the state of affairs as at press time.

The investigations and prosecutions by the EFCC highlighted the anti-fraud campaign at the stock market to checkmate hard-pressed stockbroking firms and unscrupulous officials, who fiddled with investors’ shares.

A report on shares fraud over the past 42 months indicated that 31 firms were investigated for unauthorised sale of shares.

The report by the NSE covered

the period between January 2012 and June 15, 2015.

The report showed that nearly half of the shares frauds have been completed and the indicted stockbroking firms made to restitute the investors, a general reference to order to buy back the shares or pay the investor the value of the shares and all his entitlements.

According to the report, 15 stockbroking firms and four individuals have pending cases, although the NSE has taken preemptive measure of suspending the stockbroking firms and stockbrokers. The pending cases have been referred to the disciplinary committee of the council of the NSE. Among the stockbroking firms under EFCC investigation are Lakesworth Securities

NLNG to spend $2.5b on Train 7

8.4%

Treasury Bills 10.58%(91d)

By Taofik Salako Capital market editor

Limited, Byfotel Trust & Securities Limited, Gosord Securities Limited, Securities Solutions Limited, ITIS Securities Limited, Mact Securities Limited, Giljohn Investment Limited, First Equity Securities Limited, Omas Investment & Trust Limited and Mayfield Investment Limited.

The report also listed the names of 12 officials that are also being investigated.

The NSE had launched an online whistleblowing portal through which investors and other stakeholders can tip off the Exchange on perceived or known infractions.

The online portal, known as X-Whistle, allows members of the public to submit information without disclosing their identity while it also provides reference that allows the whistleblower to track NSE’s response and investigation on the tip off.

T

HE construction of natural gas liquefac tion Train 7 is estimated to cost the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) $2.5 billion, it was learnt at the weekend.

The Train 7, which would have been in operation by now, was enmeshed in undue conflict of interests that over the years stalled the taking its Final Investment Decision (FID) by the shareholders of the company.

The FID is the last process before the commencement of construction where the directors and shareholders take decision to award the contract after duly considering cost and other developments.

However, there is hope that

•Significant progress made on FID

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

the project will eventually become a reality. A source at the company told The Nation that significant progress has now been made toward achieving the FID. Sales and Purchase Agreements (SPAs) have been sealed with five buyers including Suez LNG and BG Gas Marketing, among others for the train, when NLNG thought the project would start as planned.

The operational six trains, the source said, produce 22 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG, 5 mtpa of natural gas liquids (NGLs) including liquefied petroleum gas

(LPG) and condensate from the 3.5 billion standard cubic feet per day of natural gas they take. The source said: “Building Train7 will increase the combined production capacity of the seven trains to 30 million tonnes per year (mtpa) of LNG. Besides, the Train 7 project will create between 16,000 and 18,000 jobs in the construction phase and generate substantial revenue for the government.

The source said NLNG has become the largest fleet owner in sub-Saharan Africa hence it is facilitating the building of dry-dock yard in Lagos where the vessels will

be repaired and maintained instead of taking them overseas, which results in export of jobs, funds.

“The plant has rapidly and successfully made the transition from a construction project to a stable production operation with a robust framework of people, processes, systems and organisation, and relentless focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement. In addition to regular maintenance of the assets to assure integrity and reliability, opportunities are continuously sought to debottleneck the plant, incor-

porating proven techniques and processes to maximize production, and manage human interferences and impacts.

“The plant has also embarked on a structured programme of asset rejuvenation to extend the plant life beyond the current design life. All these activities are underpinned by an excellent health, safety, security and environment (HSSE) culture that continually seeks improvements in the safe and sustainable utilisation of our assets,” the source said.

The NLNG has spent $9.348 billion on building its operational six natural gas liquefaction trains achieved between 1996 and 2007.

THE NAT ION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

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BUSINESS NEWS ‘Halt food poisoning’

A

N expert, Dr Ademola Adeyemo has urged the Federal Government to step up reporting of outbreaks of food-borne illness and improve measures to counter the threat of animal diseases.

Adeyemo, who is DeputyDirector, General Management, Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Ilorin, said there is need to improve monitoring to ensure food safety with reports of outbreaks of food-borne illnesses.

To achieve this, he urged the authorities to establish and develop food-borne disease surveillance programmes and improve the quality of outbreak reporting.

To tackle food-borne disease outbreaks , he appealed to the government to provide funding to states to improve technical and laboratory infrastructure to support surveillance system.

Calling for improved strategies to reduce future food borne outbreaks, he said there is need for better partnership between federal officials and state agencies to achieve faster investigations.

He alerted on the need to control the spread of animal diseases as people and animals are moving in large numbers and with that the diseases go with them.

He said the change of weather can cause spread of animal diseases that can bring widespread and myriad problems in the areas where it strikes, devastating herds and bringing economic hardship to communities already stressed by human conflict and drought.

He said the agriculture industry needs vaccines and prevention against major livestock diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and African Swine Fever (ASF).

He said there was the need to develop methods to detect and prevent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD and vaccines and diagnostic tests to help control and respond to disease outbreaks.

This is because the diseases have profound economic consequences through, loss in production and getting thousands of animals infected.

He urged health authorities to prevent and control foreign animal diseases by developing improved tools for diagnosing diseases and creating safe, faster acting vaccines and biotherapeutics.

Adeyemo implored the government to help protect livestock, humans and food supplies from diseases that put Nigerians at risk.

Bad debts: Bankers’ Committee says Ecobank’s bahaviour is unethical T HE sub-committee on ethics and profession alism of the Bankers’ Committee has ruled that the agreement between Honeywell Group and Ecobank to pay N3.5 billion as full and final payment of the borrowers’ indebtedness is valid and should be complied with.

The Committee which submitted its report to the Bankers’ Committee on the 2nd of June this year, said it found after investigations that the transaction involved a legacy (Oceanic Bank Ltd) and living bank Ecobank, and that the bank did not go through its Board for approval on the concession granted to Honeywell Group.

According to the Committee’s findings, N3.5 billion paid

by Honeywell Group was in line with the agreement reached by the two parties on 22nd July, 2013 and that Ecobank’s behaviour was

•Rules in favour of Honeywell

From Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

“considered as unethical”.

It was revealed that “based on the legal opinion and clarification sought from the Banking Supervision Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chairman of Honeywell Group was not a ‘related party’ to the transactions as he was not a member of the board of Directors of Oceanic Bank at the time the transactions were consummated”.

The Committee noted: “As at the time Ecobank Nigeria acquired Oceanic Bank and by implication the Honeywell Group’s loan facility, and commencement of discussions

with Ecobank, the chairman, had left the Board of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) as a Director.”

In its defense before the Committee, Ecobank said it “was not attempting to renege on any agreement” because, “Honeywell Group did not meet the terms of the in-principle agreement”.

Ecobank said at the meeting of July 22, 2013, there was an inprinciple agreement/understanding for the payment of N3.5 billion, the initial payment was to be an immediate good faith payment of N500 million, while the balance of N3 billion was to be paid within two weeks of July 22, 2013 before the CBN examiners in the bank concluded their examinations

and subject to the approval of its Board of Directors.

The bank said its letter of July 22, 2013 reiterated the need for the in-principle proposed concessionary payment to be made before the conclusion of the CBN examination. As the examiners were at the point of concluding the examination, the bank projected that the payment of the sum of N3.5 billion on the three accounts within the two weeks might prevent the threatened downgrade.

Although Honeywell Group made a payment of N500 million on July 25, 2013, the company did not pay the balance of N3 billion before the CBN examiners left the bank, adding that “the issue of calling

•From left: Member of the Global Council of Corporate Universities’ Advisory and Judging Committee, Filippe Romanini, Director of Marketing & Communications at Orange Campus, France, Marie-Catherine Jusserand, Head, First Academy, FirstBank, Irumhekha Oshiomha, Group Head, Human Capital Management and Development, FirstBank, Barbara Harper and, Chairman of Global Council of Corporate Universities, Annick Renaud-Coulon at the Global CCU Award Ceremony in Paris, France

‘Why airport concessions are not attractive’

P

OTENTIAL investors in airport infrastructure development and concession in Nigeria are scared of putting their money into such ventures because of poor regulatory framework, weak government policies and ignorance on the part of some parties involved in the business, the Chief Executive Officer of Bi - Courtney Aviation Services a Limited, Mr Christophe Pennick has said.

He said the public-private partnership (PPP) would have been the best option for government in Nigeria to deliver airport infrastructure and its management, but the concept is grossly misunderstood by some interests in the aviation sector.

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

Such interests he said rather than support what the private sector could deliver in airport infrastructure development and management are bent on erecting road blocks on the way of a few courageous investors by thwarting judicial processes to frustrate private sector players.

He said other countries have developed concessions to rework airport infrastructure and its management but government in Nigeria still sees airport management as a supposed monopoly.

He adduced ignorance, poor policy understanding, double standards and absence of level playing field as major chal-

lenges affecting the implementation of airport concessions in Nigeria.

He since the last eight years that the first airport concession came to be in Nigeria, BiCourtney Aviation Services Limited has learnt how to navigate its way around such projects.

He said the learning curve for the firm has put it in good stead on how to handle airport concessions if it is called upon to handle other airports.

He said the firm would not relent if it is called upon to handle the concession of airports in Port Harcourt, Abuja and Kano other than Lagos where its domestic terminal is already a successful model.

He said the firm would have

to embark on the redesign of the terminals to enable it install the right technology in line with global standards.

Pennick said: “Airport concessions are the best model for infrastructure development , especially when government cannot raise the money for such project. It is better to call on the private sector as is the practice in other parts of the world.

“The concession model has worked better in other countries , but in Nigeria the parties involved are yet to have the right understanding of how to drive such process and project. But, in Nigeria, we have survived several attacks, what does not kill you makes you stronger.”

Expert advises NERC to retool power roadmap

T

HE Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commis sion (NERC) has been advised to retool the power sector roadmap such that the Distribution, Generation and the Transition Companies synergised and ensured that issues affecting adequate power generation in the country are given priority attention and resolved quickly.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Power Systems (E&M) Services Limited, Bimbo Onafowokan, who gave

By Ambrose Nnaji

this advice, said the roadmap would put all the problems in perspective and proffer solutions simultaneously He said if there is solution to those problems, they will be solving one problem and creating other problems elsewhere.

He said the NERC as a regulatory body should put strong measures that would ensure that all the stakeholders performed by creating a platform

for them to meet on regular basis, adding that they should be meeting at least once a month to share issues and set targets for themselves.

Onafowokan, who spoke at the weekend in a telephone interview, said the distribution companies have board members that are equally responsive to the generation company’s board, stressing that in this vein they should in one way or the other share each other’s board so as to have seamless communication along the line.

He said: “Each of those arms has different problems that are peculiar to it but at the same time you must solve the problems intact, if you don’t solve the distribution companies’ problem, generation companies still suffer, then there’s nothing for TCN, and if you solve the generation companies problem TCN has issues with expansion in transmitting, the distribution will not have anything to distribute,” he further explained.

He said the roadmap does

not address that, it does not create that seamless communication among the major players. “The regulatory body should look at the roadmap once again and all the agreements that was signed by privatised generation companies and see where they can create that seamless communications between the three chairs of the market such that they will be addressing problems simultaneously,” he advised.

or writing to establish the timeline was not necessary as it was confirmed in the bank’s letter of July 22, 2013.”

Ecobank added that “the inprinciple understanding of July 22, 2013 could not have been reiterated in December 2013, long after the CBN examiners had left the bank as it no longer existed since the fundamental conditions were not met, and that the completion of payment of N3.5 billion on January 30, 2014 was uneventful as it occurred long after the timeline and therefore was not considered as full and final settlement of the debt.”

Ecobank said it duly acknowledged the cumulative payment of N3.5 billion in a letter dated February 2014, but never committed to issuing letter of discharge of the debt, or the removal of the debt from the Credit Bureau because the in-principle proposed concessionary payment had lapsed and was no longer in effect.

The bank also added that it’s letter of November 14,, 2014 was a response to the letter of Honeywell dated September 01, 2104, reiterating the position of the Board of Directors of the bank on the Honeywell Group’s request for the proposed concession. Noting that “prior to the letter, the chairman of Honeywell Group had several discussions with management of the bank at which the management of the bank reiterated that the in-principle concessionary payment had lapsed.”

22 Nigerians graduate from German vocational training

By Chikodi Okereocha

T

WENTY-TWO Nigeri ans have graduated in Industrial Electronics and Industrial Mechanics from the maiden edition of the German Dual Vocational Training (DVT) partnership with Nigeria.

The programme was at the instance of Delegation of German Industry and Commerce, Nigeria, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Lagos State Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture (OGUNCIMA), Abuja Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and agriculture (ABUCIMMA) and other stake holders.

At the graduation in Lagos, Short Term Expert in Industrial Electronics from the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce, Ludwig Gruenter, said a fair number of Nigerian workers lacked necessary skills to man industrial equipment.

“When they do things, they don’t know they are wrong because they don’t have the necessary technical knowhow,” he said.

Chairman, Exam Board, German Dual Vocational Training Programme, Dr. Ing Jens Gebhardt, noted that Nigeria has potential man power that various tiers of government could harness for the exploration of her abundant resources, but the manpower lacked necessary skills.

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

27

ISSUES

• Long queue at a filling station.

There is apprehension about the next step by the Federal Government on its fuel subsidy policy.Oil marketers and the organised labour are awaiting the government's pronouncement on the issue before deciding their next line of action. Any way the government goes - retention or removal - each has its implications, TOBA AGBOOLA writes.

T

Fuel subsidy: Awaiting govt’s intervention

HE silence of the Federal Government on fuel subsidy has become worrisome. Since the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) called off their over one week strike on May 25, expectations have been high that the government will not tarry before taking a stand on the subsidy policy. However, two weeks after, the government has kept quiet, heightening the anxiety of both fuel importers and consumers.

The reason for the worry is not farfetched. The strike by the oil workers shut the economy. A litre of fuel that sells for N87 sold at over N300. At a point, the product was almost unavailable, and people became desperate and ready to buy at any cost to power their generators and cars to move about. The timely intervention of the Senate Joint Committees on Petroleum Resources saved the situation. The lawmakers called for a meeting of all stakeholders in the industry, where they appealed to the striking workers who agreed to call off their strike.

Nigerians do not want to relive the situation hence they want the government to make a policy statement on the matter.

Some people are calling for the removal of subsidy; others want phased and gradual removal pending when the refineries are operational, while others want the policy retained. But from all indications, what Nigerians see in terms of fuel is only a temporary measure because oil marketers said they wouldn't import until the government pays them their debt.

The Federal Government owes members of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and the Depot and Petro-

‘

leum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA) over N291 billion in unpaid subsidy reimbursement for fuel imported under the petroleum subsidy scheme. The amount includes interest on delayed payment and foreign exchange differentials, DAPPMA Executive Secretary, Olufemi A. Adewole said.

The Executive Secretary, MOMAN, Obafemi Olawore, confirmed it, adding that until the government pays them, they will not import fuel. He said though all parties agreed to ensure that normalcy was restored in fuel sup-

Nigerians do not want to relive the situation hence they want the government to make a policy statement on the matter. Some people are calling for the removal of subsidy; others want phased and gradual removal pending when the refineries are operational, while others want the policy retained

’

ply in the country as soon as possible after the meeting of stakeholders with the Senate Committee, but that wouldn't persuade them (marketers) to resume importation.The marketers stopped importing fuel since April when they got signal that former government had no intention to pay them.

Olawore said after the meeting with the lawmakers, its members consisting of Oando, Conoil, Forte Oil, MRS, Total and Mobil Oil, agreed to commence lifting and distribution of fuel from the stock to be allocated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at depots across the country, but they will not partake in importation. "What we agreed at the meeting was that all the products the NNPC would give, oil marketers would be ready to load and distribute them to all parts of the country," Olawore said.

To give the marketers confidence in terms of their agreement, the MOMAN scribe said the former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, also agreed to give a 'letter of assurance' to the marketers. The letter, he said, would be to reassure the marketers that the government • Continued on page 28

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

28

ISSUES

• Kaigama

•Ayuba Wabba

•Comrade Achese

•PENGASSAN President, Comrade Johnson

Fuel subsidy: Awaiting govt’s intervention •Continued from page 27

had recognised the request submitted for the payment of outstanding debts owed on subsidy, bank interest and exchange rate differentials.

However, two weeks after the strike was called off fuel still sold above the regulated price of N87 per litre. At present, petrol sells in most parts of the country for between N120 and N150, confirming that the fuel crisis is far from being over.

For labour, the controversy that trailed the removal of fuel subsidy in January 2012 may repeat itself if the government removes fuel subsidy. In 2012, a coalition of labour and civil society groups protested the removal of subsidy by the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

Implications The dilemma the government faces is that if it removes the subsidy, the coalition of labour and civil society group may ground the economy as witnessed in January 2012, when the Jonathan administration attempted it. Besides, if the government removes subsidy without settling in full the debt oil owed marketers, they may refuse to import and even refuse to offer their retail outlets for distribution of products imported by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as they do now.

Also, if subsidy is retained, it would continue to take a chunk of the revenues that would have been channeled to other sectors of the economy. If government continues with subsidy, the minimum that would be spent on the policy will be N1 trillion in a year. In view of the fact that the number of Nigerians that consume fuel continues to increase yearly, the tendency that the amount of subsidy would continue to increase is there, especially if the government wants to ensure there is no scarcity.

NLC, TUC kick against removal The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) vehemently kicked against any attempt by the new government to remove fuel subsidy. The two unions said they were not supporting the removal and they threatened to shut the economy if the government goes ahead to remove the subsidy. They said though subsidy has never benefited Nigerians, its removal would further impoverish the masses.

The factional President of NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba said the pain Nigerians have been subjected to has been exacerbated by the embarrassing tirade between the fuel marketers and the Federal Government (who was represented by Mrs Okonjo-Iweala) on the actual amount owed the marketers.

He said subsidy could not be removed until the government had revamped the grounded refineries, built new ones and put an end to the importation of refined products. "Until these are put in place, which will take some time, subsidy will still remain," Wabba said.

Wabba agreed that the corruption that characterises the management of subsidy was alarming, noting that if the government was sincere, it should address the corruption surrounding subsidy and be transparent in her dealings with the marketers.

He said: "If past government had been transparent, Nigerians and the necessary stakeholders would have access to facts and figures on subsidy payment and the issue of

discrepancies in payment as alleged by the marketers who now hold the country to ransom would not have arisen.

"Our position on this has not changed as we remain opposed to the removal of petroleum subsidy. If the government is truly owing marketers, they should pay them immediately as the long queues at fuel stations has led to loss of productive hours since workers are either unable to get to work places or spend long hours searching for fuel." He said if the government should go ahead and remove subsidy, labour would react.

TUC President Comrade Bobboi Kaigama on his part said TUC would consider any attempt by the government to withdraw fuel subsidy as an act in bad faith and a breach of trust of Nigerians, especially workers.

"As far as we are concerned, the government exists for the people and their welfare and security should be of paramount concern to it. Fuel subsidy removal at this time and without considering the potential adverse effects on the masses is wrong and would amount to a betrayal. While the Congress is not against the removal of petroleum subsidy at some appropriate time in the future, we are of the view that this should be done only after several fundamental prerequisite conditions have been met by the government," Kaigama said.

The Deputy President of the NLC, Comrade Peter Adeyemi, said labour believes that the government had never subsidised petroleum products. He lamented that the bane of the sector had been corruption, pointing out that the past government tried unsuccessfully to address the issue.

He said: "If you are asking whether we will back the removal of fuel subsidy, the answer is no. It is not as easy as that. You know that it has been a very contentious issue over the years. We have always said there is nothing like subsidy. It is all about corruption. Let me take your mind back, this same issue has been something that numerous governments have embarked upon without an end. During the Olusegun Obasanjo's administration, this exercise was embarked upon by the government about 11 times and both the NLC and the TUC engaged the government."

NUPENG backs removal NUPENG reversed its position on subsidy and declared support for total removal. The union said the subsidy funds should be channelled to the rehabilitation of refineries and infrastructural development in the country.

President, NUPENG, Igwe Achese, said if the government continues to fund businesses of fuel marketers through subsidy and interest payments, fuel crisis in the country would continue unabated.

He said: "It is in this country that you will see the government subsidising business for businessmen in terms of paying the interests

‘

on loans from the banks. It is only in Nigeria you can find these things happening because the government itself has failed to provide the necessary environment.

"We must go back to the old days of doing business as far as the oil and gas sector is concerned. These are some of the issues being captured in the Petroleum Industry Bill.

Fuel crisis will continue until our refineries are fixed, until those we asked to manage the oil and gas sector also have the consciousness of leadership to do the needful."

Achese, who stated that the payment of money owed oil marketers would not end fuel scarcity, added that scarcity would continue as long as the country keeps importing fuel. He also questioned the failure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to provide fuel for Nigerians despite being the major oil importer in the country.

"We cannot afford a situation where the highest importer of petroleum products in the country is NNPC and who operates the refineries. We have been asking this question over and over, why will NNPC be the highest importer of petroleum? Why will the NNPC depots be empty of petroleum products? Why will NNPC send Nigerian marketers to go into the private depots to lift products? Why will NNPC go into agreement with the depots to pay N3 to depot owners in form of throughput agreement?" He advised the government to deregulate the sector and reduce the dependence of the country on imported petroleum products.

PENGASSAN supports gradual removal PENGASSAN President, Comrade Francis Johnson, in a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, called for gradual removal of fuel subsidy. He said the abrupt removal of fuel subsidy would create chaos that might ground the economy.

"PENGASSAN calls for well-coordinated measures with timeline to achieve self-sufficiency in fuel as a means of proffering acceptable steps to end fuel subsidy. This should be combined with such other strategies for effective optimisation of gas, especially for domestic, industrial, electricity and automotive energy. Such will create other affordable and friendly sources for energy needs.

"Import parity pricing has equally been persistently confronted thus leaving the Government to bear the burden of subsidising the imported fuel instead of being locally produced. As an association, we oppose the perennial petroleum products importation which is rent-seeking, frustrating our economic and social empowerment, affecting our self-dependence, and denying us a veritable source of job creation. We maintain unwavering belief in local refining. We support the liberalization of the downstream oil sector to break NNPC monopoly," he said.

Labour said the government needs to have the political will to establish new refineries, and also show seriousness at repairing the four existing ones, to free Nigerians from the grip of the petroleum products importers. They accused the government and the oil marketers of corruption

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The National Public Relations Officer, PENGASSAN, Mr. Emmanuel Ojugbana, said fuel subsidy has not been of any benefit to Nigerians. He said the union had always opposed fuel subsidy as the money that would have been used to build more refineries and maintain the old ones was being spent on the importation of fuel which does not help the economy.

What LCCI says

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) called for the removal of subsidy to end the recurrent fuel scarcity, which Nigerians have contended with for years.

President, LCCI, Alhaji Remi Bello said the call for subsidy removal was because there had been a crash in the price of crude oil; hence, there was no need to retain subsidies on petrol and kerosene.

He said: "We learnt that there is reduction in subsidies on petrol by 50 per cent from N200 billion to N100 billion and kerosene from N91 billion to N45 billion. We demand total scrapping of subsidies on petroleum products as there is no rationale for their retention in the budget, especially in the light of the crash in global oil prices. This will not only generate tremendous savings for investment in priority sectors, such as infrastructure, but will also provide a great opportunity to liberate the downstream oil sector from the shackles of oppressive regulations and monumental corruption. It will also pave the way for more robust private sector investments in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry."

Recommendations Labour said the government needs to have the political will to establish new refineries, and also show seriousness at repairing the four existing ones, to free Nigerians from the grip of the petroleum products importers.

They accused the government and the oil marketers of corruption, adding that the government has not been able to account for the proceeds of the oil sales in the past 15 years when crude oil sold for above $100 per barrel.

They said the huge amount spent on the various Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) since the late 90s is more than enough to build modern refineries across the country. Wabba urged the new government to tackle corruption in the oil industry, adding that the constant fuel scarcity in the country is a source of concern to Nigerians.

PENGASSAN called on President Buhari to increase local refining capacity before embarking on any deregulation. Ojugbana said the president should ensure that the focus of deregulation policy is based on local production rather than importation. He said if local refining is not increased to meet local demand for petroleum products, especially petrol, removing subsidy would bring more hardship on Nigerians.

"Removing subsidy while the country depends on importation of fuel would make prices of refined products to be out of the reach of the masses and would cause inflation," he said.

A lecturer and an economist, Mr. Ndubuisi Ogbonna, said the panacea for the recurrent petroleum products scarcity is for the country to have enough functional refineries like major crude oil producing nations, adding that the country will continue to experience fuel scarcity whether subsidy is removed or not.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

MONEYLINK

Govt earns N735b in April, 35% higher than March

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EDERALLY-collected revenue in April was estimated at N735.07 billion, showing an increase of 35.8 per cent above the receipts in the preceding month, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Economic Report for April, said.

The report, released at the weekend, indicated that the figure was lower than the receipts in the corresponding period of 2014 by 8.4 per cent.

However, at N286.24 billion, oil receipts (gross), which constituted 38.9 per cent of total revenue, was lower than the receipts in the preceding month and the corresponding period of 2014, by 21.5 and 54 per cent.

The apex bank said the fall in oil receipts relative to the level in the preceding month, was attributed to the decline in revenue from crude oil and gas exports, occasioned by the drop in the prices of crude oil in the international market.

Non-oil receipts which stood at N448.83 billion or 61.1 per cent of

Stories by Collins Nweze

the total, was 154.1 and 150.4 per cent higher than the receipts in the preceding month and the corresponding month of 2014, respectively.

The development reflected, largely, the rise in receipts the Federal Government independent revenue. “Federal Government estimated retained revenue in April 2015 was N452.38 billion, while total estimated expenditure was N155.52 billion. Thus, the fiscal operations of the Federal Government resulted in an estimated surplus of N296.86 billion,” it said.

According to the CBN, crude oil export was estimated at 1.46 million barrels per day (mbd) or 43.80 million barrels during the month.

The average price of Nigeria’s reference crude, the Bonny Light (370 API), was estimated at US$59.55 per barrel, indicating an increase of 3.7 per cent above the level in the preceding month.

The end-period headline inflation rate (year-on-year), in April

2015, was 8.7 per cent, compared with 8.5 per cent in the preceding month. Inflation rate on a 12-month moving average basis remained at 8.2 per cent, same as in the preceding month.

Foreign exchange inflow and outflow through the CBN in April 2015 was $2.88 billion and $2.55 billion, respectively, and resulted in a net inflow of $0.33 billion. Foreign exchange sales by the CBN to the

authorised dealers amounted to $2.39 billion, showing a decline of 14.9 per cent below the level in the preceding month.

Relative to the level in the preceding month, the average naira exchange rate against the dollar appreciated at both the bureau-dechange and interbank segments of the market. Non-oil export receipts declined by 51.3 per cent below the level in the preceding month. The

development was attributed, largely, to the significant decline in export earnings from the minerals sector.

Also, world crude oil output last April was estimated at an average of 94.10 million barrels per day (mbd), while demand was at 92.50 million barrels per day (mbd), compared with 93.99 and 91.91 mbd supplied and demanded, respectively, in the preceding month.

Ecobank empowers women entrepreneurs

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COBANK Nigeria is partnering Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED) on the hosting of this year’s Women of West Africa Entrepreneurship (WOWe) Festival.

WOWe Festival 2015 with the theme: Vision to Reality slated for June 25 and 26 will provide the opportunity for female entrepreneurs and corporate professional women with entrepreneurial ambitions, to secure practical information on how to transform their businesses and realise their entrepreneurial ambitions.

The conference, the bank said in a statement, will also provide a high level networking platform that connects the most influential women entrepreneurs who exchange ideas, address challenges, will uncover new strategies and dialogue on issues relating to entrepreneurship and leadership.

Deputy Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Tony Okpanachi said the bank decided to partner the festival because of its belief in female entrepreneurs. He was optimistic that the existing and budding entrepreneurs would find the knowledge sharing from the festival useful.

“As a bank, it is part of our philosophy to sponsor initiatives such as this. We believe this interactive and engaging dialogue from experts that have been assembled to facilitate at the conference will as-

sist existing and budding entrepreneurs in becoming their own brands and job creators for their societies and have a positive impact on the sub-region economy.”

Founder, WOWe, Tori Abiola said this year’s festival brings a completely new and superior experience for women entrepreneurs as it incorporates its first exhibition running with co-located seminars for two full days. “This amazing platform will give visitors the opportunity to network, showcase products and give 10 lucky VIP guests the opportunity to pitch to investors looking to fund $1,000,000 towards women driven entrepreneurship ventures at the show.”

She explained that the event will also feature eight seminar streams, workshops and master classes which will focus on fashion and beauty; technology and digital powerhouses; finance and investments; manufacturing; agribusiness; the creative industries – design, media and entertainment; talent and skills management; export.

She added that attendees will have opportunity to examine future trends favouring women entrepreneurship, identify immediate long and short term needs of definitive industries and uncover up-and-coming technologies that will add value and assist in business growth and overall profits.

•From right: Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo; Executive Vice-Chairman, Proton Energy, Mr. Oti Ikomi and Director, Actis, UK , Mr. Adrian Mucalov, during a courtesy visit on the Vice President by Proton Energy in Abuja

FCMB rewards millionaire promo winners

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NOTHER set of 643 customers of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited have been rewarded at the second draws of the Bank’s ongoing promotion tagged, ‘’FCMB Millionaire Promo’’.

The winners emerged at the electronic selection which took place across the three regions and 25 zones of the bank nationwide held last week. While three customers of the bank were rewarded with the sum of N1 million each at the regional draws held in Akure (Ondo State); Awka (Anambra State) and Abuja, a total of 640 others smiled home with LED televisions, generating sets, decoders, tablets, smart phones and other consolation prizes at the Zonal draws held in different parts of the country.

At the Lagos/Southwest Regional draw which took place in Akure, Mr. Abdulkadiri Olorunjuwon, got the reward of N1 million, while at the Abuja/North

Regional draw held in Abuja, Mr. Isaiah Abari received the same amount while Mr. Odia Osasumwen won N1 million at the Southeast/ Southsouth Regional draw that took place at Awka.

The FCMB Millionaire Promo, which began in February and ran till July, is targeted at all segments of the society and for existing as well as potential savings account customers. The eligible products/ accounts for the promo include FCMB basic savings, kids account, Nairawise, e-savings, premium savings and third party accounts.

Speaking on the promo and how to participate draws, the Senior Vice President/Divisional Head of Retail of FCMB, Mr. Olu Akanmu, said all an existing or new customer of the Bank needs to do is to save N10,000 in any of the eligible savings account of his or her choice for 30 days to qualify for the electronic selection of winners where the star prize of N1 million and other fantastic prizes will be won.

Multiple savings of N10,000 will increase chances of winning.

To qualify for the grand finale draws in August, where three customers will each receive N5million, existing and new customers are to save N50,000 in any of the eligible accounts for 30 days.

Multiple savings of N50,000 increases winning chances.

According to Mr. Akanmu, “We are excited to once again reward our customers for their patronage and loyalty’’. He added that, ‘’our customers are the reason why FCMB exists and as a bank that is committed to continually satisfy their needs, the millionaire promo is to further show appreciation to existing and potential customers by expanding the reward opportunities that the promo offers them. We are happy that the second set of winners have emerged. We encourage all our customers to partake in this exercise, because it is an avenue for economic empowerment’’.

Heritage Bank, PMAN promote biometric card scheme

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ERITAGE Bank has announced its partnership support with the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) for the launch of a Biometrics Card Scheme for members of the music body.

The PMAN Biometrics Card Scheme, a flagship multi-purpose identity card project which was initiated to re-validate the association’s eminent status in the nation’s entertainment industry, is conceived as a starting point of an all-inclusive scheme to ensure significant levels of protection for Nigerian musicians’ commercial rights.

PMAN President, Pretty Okafor, explained that the scheme is a product of a comprehensive assessment of the nation’s entertainment business landscape which shows that Nigerian musicians and their colleagues in the entertainment sector have been earning far below the commercial value of their works

due to a variety of factors such as poor infrastructure and weak institutional and policy environment.

According to him, the scheme would make it possible for PMAN to develop a sound database of genuine practitioners in the nation’s music business sector, thereby strengthening the anti-piracy campaign.

Additionally, the card would

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serve as a debit ATM Card and will also avail members a CUG (Close User Group) platform to call their music business associates for a fixed monthly flat rate using the network service provider that is also partnering with PMAN in the scheme.

Heritage Bank’s Group Head of ebank, Tobe Nnadozie said the bank’s decision to be part of the PMAN Bio-

metrics Card Scheme is informed by its unwavering commitment to wealth creation, preservation and transfer in the entertainment sector.

“The entertainment sector has been identified as one of the biggest economic blocs in the country with potential to contribute hugely to the development of the national economy. Sadly, entertainment prac-

titioners are being hampered from enjoying large chunks of what they deserve as income from their creative investments. As a bank that is wholly committed to the mantra of wealth creation and preservation, Heritage Bank is more than ready and willing to partner with PMAN in the task of sanitizing the environment so that entertainment practitioners can really flourish”.

Skye Bank refreshes corporate identity

KYE Bank has unveiled its ‘Skye is Big Enough’ campaign aimed at promoting the its new “Smart” unique selling proposition.

The bank’s Executive Director, Corporate Services, Abimbola Izu said the campaign became necessary to align with evolving market trends as well as draw attention to the bank’s enormous capacity in ensuring customers convenience and maximum comfort at all times.

“The entire world is under very

serious economic stress and pressure, but in the midst of the pressure, we find opportunities to shine.

Skye Bank is seizing the moment to reposition itself for the challenges and the opportunities that abound in the market place as we evolve,’’ she said.

According to her, the essence of the campaign was to tell the customers that Skye is big enough to handle all forms of business transaction, as well as have smart, intelligent and innovative technologies that support the

businesses of its customers.

She said the lender was adopting all its platforms to convey its message. Also, the bank would soon commence an advertising campaign that highlights the new realities and its capabilities using the success stories of individuals. The excercise, she said, would ‘drive home the point that the Skye is Big Enough for anyone that is determined to succeed’.

Izu said the bank’s acquisition of Mainstreet Bank last year, as a proof

of its determination to leapfrog into the league of bigger and stronger institutions that are major players in the evolving global economy.

She noted that the acquisition also gives Skye Bank the leap in the electronic channel business, with a total ATM network of 849 for their customer convenience.

“Our Skye Mobile channel is also going to be re-launched as we have revamped it. All these we have reworked just for customer’s convenience and comfort.”

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 19-06-15

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 19-06-15

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

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EQUITIES

•From Left: Nike Akande, Director; Somuyiwa Sonubi, Company Secretary; Udoma udo Udoma, Chairman and Emeka Emuwa, Group Managing Director, all of Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) Plc during the bank’s 46th annual general meeting in Abuja

Nigerian equities lose N124b in 19,143 deals N

IGERIAN equities fell for four consecutive trading sessions and lost about N124 billion last week as the market continued to grope for macroeconomic direction.

The two main common benchmark indices at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) indicated a weekon-week average decline of 1.08 per cent, worsening the negative sentiments that had dominated the market this month as investors await major economic decisions and appointments by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Average year-to-date return at

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

the stock market worsened to -4.04 per cent at the weekend, driven by a month-to-date return of -3.07 per cent in June.

Cross-sectoral review indicated that most stocks are trading in the negative with the negative sentiments more pronounced in the oil and gas sector and the consumer goods sector, two sectors that had suffered from transitional leakages.

The NSE 30 Index, which tracks the 30 most capitalized companies, recorded a year-to-date return of -2.91 per cent. The NSE Consumer Goods

Index, which tracks large manufacturers of fast moving consuming goods, recorded average year-todate return of -6.75 per cent. The NSE Lotus Islamic Index, which tracks Islamic compliant ethical stocks, recorded average loss of 2.39 per cent. NSE Insurance Index recorded average loss of -2.47 per cent while the NSE Oil and Gas Index opened today with average yearto-date loss of 6.19 per cent. Meanwhile, the NSE Banking Index, which tracks the most active sector, carries a positive return of 5.26 per cent while the NSE Industrial Goods Index posted average return of 3.64 per cent.

Total turnover last week stood at 1.28 billion shares worth N31.3 billion in 19,143 deals compared with a total of 1.55 billion shares valued at N17.53 billion that were traded in 17,785 deals two weeks ago. The bank-led financial services sector remained the most active with a turnover 976.65 million shares valued at N11.27 billion in 10,121 deals; representing 76.2 per cent and 36 per cent of the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The consumer goods sector occupied a distant second on the activity chart with a turnover of 114.14 million shares worth N7.98 million in 3,467 deals. The oil and

gas sector placed third with a turnover of 70.87 million shares worth N10.49 billion in 2,016 deals.

The trio of Access Bank Plc, Zenith International Bank Plc and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc were the most active stocks jointly accounting for 486.911 million shares worth N7.69 billion in 3,963 deals, representing 37.99 per cent and 24.56 per cent of the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Further share price analysis indicated that 28 equities appreciated during the week while 46 equities depreciated. A total of 119 equities remained unchanged.

CAP’s shareholders get N1.65b dividends •Ettah assures on future earnings

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HAREHOLDERS of CAP Plc, a subsidiary of UAC of Nigeria (UACN) Plc, yesterday approved the distribution of additional N595 million as final dividends for the 2014 business year, bringing the total dividends for the year to about N1.645 billion.

At the annual general meeting in Lagos, shareholders overwhelmingly approved the recommendation to distribute N595 million, representing a dividend per share of 85 kobo. The company had earlier paid an interim dividend of N1.05 billion at a rate of N1.50 per share. This brought total dividend per share to N2.35 for the 2014 business year.

Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of CAP, the manufacturer of Dulux, a leading global paint brand, showed that profit before tax of rose by 17 per cent to N2.44 billion in 2014 as against N2.09 billion in 2013. Profit after tax also rose by 17 per cent from N1.42 billion to N1.66 billion. Turnover had risen by 13 per cent from N6.20 billion to N6.99 billion.

Addressing the shareholders at the meeting held at Golden Tulip Festac, Lagos, chairman, CAP Plc, Mr. Larry Ettah said the company would continue to harness its distinctive brand quality, strong pedigree and continuous investments to sustain performance.

According to him, as a forwardlooking business, the company will continue to seek and harness opportunities that ensure it re-

mains relevant and create more value for its shareholders and other stakeholders.

“We will invest in cutting edge technology for paint manufacture that will enable your company to efficiently meet the needs of consumers, allowing them to express their colour preferences in the local variant of our flagship brand,” Ettah assured.

He said the company had expanded its operations and opened 11 new Dulux colour shops across the country in 2014 while it also successfully executed the Dulux mobile room makeover, an innovative marketing campaign in Nigeria, to the delight of its teeming customers.

He decried the inclement business environment noting that businesses have continued to be buffeted by the usual challenges of poor infrastructure and public services, insecurity, official corruption, multiple taxes, power supply shortfalls and volatile capital market.

He lamented that power supply had declined so precipitously in the country that public power became non-existent just as the currency devaluation heralded another round of sharp increases in the prices of inputs.

He added that corporate performance was adversely affected by the elevated political risk and weak consumer purchasing power remained weak, pointing out that the effects of these developments on the economy were low corporate revenues and margins and higher cost of doing business.

•From Left: Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Oscar Onyema; President, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Secretary to Council, Ms Tinuade Awe, all of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) at the 2015 Annual General Meeting of the Exchange in Lagos yesterday

‘Demutualisation central to NSE, stockbrokers’ HE Nigerian Stock Exchange “We achieved record revenues, (NSE) and its dealing mem- value creation’ thanks to a focused business model bers are working to realize the

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demutualisation of the Exchange to unlock values for the dealing members and widen the economic benefits of the Exchange to the general citizenry.

President, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, at the annual general meeting of the Exchange in Lagos, said that the dealing members and the larger capital market committee are working towards the demutualisation of the Exchange.

According to him, it is only the realization of demutualisation that all stakeholders can deeply participate in the creation of wealth within the NSE as an economic entity.

Chief executives of stockbroking firms also met on Saturday to discuss the demutualisation of the Exchange among other issues.

Aig-Imoukhuede said the priority of the council and management of the Exchange this year is to deepen

the market in terms of issues and participation while also creating an enabling environment that is attractive to investors.

“We are working with government in the area of economic policy, to ensure that the government is aware that the financial markets are critical to the successful implementation of government policy,” AigImoukhuede said.

He noted that the NSE as an institution had in 2014 recorded impressive growth along key financial indices with total assets rising by over 30 per cent while net assets grew by 29 per cent.

He pointed out that the growth in net assets was driven by a consistent rise in trading revenue and other income. The NSE recorded an operating surplus of N3.95 billion, representing a significant increase of 21 per cent from 2013 and closed the year with accumulated funds of N17.49 billion.

and the completion of several strategic initiatives. These initiatives have strengthened and improved the functioning of our market, leading to significant gains in profitability and efficiency,” Aig-Imoukhuede said.

But the stock market generally was down in 2014. With average return of -16.14 per cent, quoted equities lost a whooping N1.75 trillion during the year. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities closed 2014 at N11.477 trillion as against its opening value of N13.226 trillion.

Chief executive officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema said the outlook for the Nigerian capital market remains positive in spite of the current headwinds.

“We will continue to deliver on our strategic commitments, drive operational excellence and create value for the exchange and our various stakeholders,” Onyema said.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

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Taxation

Vat on services of banks and other financial institutions

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HE Value Added Tax Act Cap V1 LFN 2004 (as amended) imposes a tax known as Value Added Tax (VAT) on taxable goods and services. Part 2 of the First Schedule to the Act only exempts services rendered by Community banks, Peoples bank and Mortgage institutions from VAT. Accordingly, all banks and financial institutions, except those exempted, are required to charge VAT on services rendered by them to their customers and account for same to the Federal Inland Revenue Service.This is in line with Section 2 of the Act, which stipulates that “the tax shall be charged and payable on the supply of all goods and services (in this Act referred to as “taxable goods and services”) other than those goods and services listed in the First Schedule to this Act. Definition of bank and other financial institutions These are legal entities incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA)of 1990 and engage in banking and financial activities as defined by the Banks and other Financial Institutions Act(BOFIA), 1991. They are companies within the financialsector of the Nigerian economy and are either publicly quoted or private companies. Banks will ordinarily include commercial banks, merchant banks and development banks while other financial institutions will include; finance houses, insurance companies, re-insurance companies,stock-brokerage firms, investment companies and financial consultants.

VAT liability Banks in particular, charge commission, fees, or other charges for services rendered to theircustomers. VAT calculations are expected to be based only on the charges made for services rendered. It should however be noted that the focus of VAT is on the charges levied on customers for the consumption of services rendered by Banks.

The provision of loans and advances do not on their own constitute vatable service, but there are other ancillary services to the provision of bank loan/advances or bank overdrafts, which are vatable. The documentation and perfection of loan/overdraft agreements are examples of such ancillary services and fees charged,which would attract VAT. The resultant interest chargeable on the loans and overdraft is however not vatable.

Insurance companies’ brokers/agents earn commission, loss adjusters earn fees, surveyors earn fees, brokers earn commission and agents earn commission for various services rendered to the Insurance Companies. The services which generated these income are vatable services, andeven though the premium received on policies is not vatable as it represents cost of risk tothe insured, the commission paid to brokers/agent from premium will attract VAT; with theburden of VAT being borne by the insurance company itself.

Vatable services rendered by financial institutions In arriving at what constitutes vatable financial services, a distinction should be made betweenactivities that constitute return on investment and consumption of services rendered by financialinstitutions.All charges arising from the services of banks and financial institutions will ordinarily attract VAT and they include among others, the following: •Commisssions/fees charged on forex trading or remittance; •Commission on turnover (COT), ledger fees etc; •Legal and other fees chargeable on lease arrangements; •Fees charged for advisory services e.g. mergers and acquisition, financial strategy counseling etc; •Fees chargeable on public/private issues; •Debt conversion fees; •Fees/commission on asset trading; •Fees earned on fund management; •Fees and commissions earned on letters of credit/documentary collection to finance import/export; •Commissions on sale of Bankdrafts/certified cheques; •Fees chargeable on stock-brokerage and trust services; •Commissions paid to brokers, reinsurers, underwriters and other insurance agents by an insurer.

Services of banks and other financial institutions not liable to VAT A simple criteria for determining whether a service is

vatable or not is the identification of those activities that constitute return on investment as distinct from those that represent consumption of services. The services of Banks and other Financial Institutions that willnot attract VAT include: • Premium on insurance policies; • Interest on loans/advances and overdraft facilities; • Interest on savings accounts; • Interest on bank deposits; • Dividends; •Interbank placements; and • Profit/gain on disposal of government securities.

VAT registration and rendition of returns Banks and other Financial Institutions are taxable persons within the provisions of the VAT Act and all services rendered by them are taxable with the exception of the servicesof Peoples Bank, Community Banks and Mortgage Institutions which are exempted by theVAT Act. These Banks and Other Financial Institutions are to register for tax with the relevant tax office and obtain TIN. VAT returns are tobe made regularly to the relevant tax office within twenty one (21) days after the month oftransaction.

Accounting procedure and records to be kept by banks The mode of operation in the banks does not permit the issuance of tax invoices to customers. The VAT charges therefore have to bereflectedin the customers’ statements of accounts in order to enhance disclosure and easy verificationby tax officers. Banks and other Financial Institutions are required to adopt the following simple methods of recording their transactions for VAT purposes: (i) When any service is identified as vatable, internal entries are raised by the Bank for the cost of the service plus 5% VAT. (ii) The Bank is expected to debit the account of the customer accordingly with the cost of the service plus the 5% VAT charged. (iii) Credit the Income account of the Bank or Institution with the income elementof the charge excluding the VAT (iv)Credit the FIRS VAT account in the particular Bank or Institution with the 5% VATdeducted from (ii) to arrive at (iii).

Section 16 subsection (b) provides that where input tax exceeds output tax, the taxpayer will be entitled to refund of the excess tax from the FIRS on production of such documents as theFIRS may, from time to time require. With regards to banks and otherfinancial institutions, thisis not applicable because of the provision of Section 17 of Value Added Tax Act on allowable input tax, which provides that input tax on any overhead, service, and general administration of any business which otherwise can be expended through the income statement (profit and loss accounts) shall not be allowed as a deduction from output tax.

It is a common knowledge that the bank and other Financial Institutions render services; they do not produce goods and therefore regarded as final consumer of those goods purchased or servicesrendered to them. In this connection, all input VAT payable in respect of assets purchasedfor use in the banks and other Financial Insti-

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The position of the Central bank with regards to VAT payment is not different from that of other banks in the system. The Central Bank performs nearly all the services listed in paragraph 4 above and also acts as banker to other banks. It is therefore expected that VAT would be charged on payments made to it by the banks for vatable services rendered to them. This makes it necessaryfor the Central Bank to register for VAT purposes.

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• Acting Executive Chairman, FIRS, Samuel Ogungbesan

tutions should be added to the cost of the assets on which capitalallowances may be claimed. Similarly, all VAT payable in respect of services consumed by thebank should be regarded as part of normal operational expenses chargeable to Statement of Profit or Loss Account. Under no circumstance should input tax on such items be claimed or deducted from output tax collected. Banks and other Financial Institutions cannot claim or deduct any input tax suffered. The entire amount collected on behalf of the FIRS should be promptly remitted in whole as prescribed by the law.

The Central Bank The position of the Central bank with regards to VAT payment is not different from that of other banks in the system. The Central Bank performs nearly all the services listed in paragraph 4 above and also acts as banker to other banks. It is therefore expected that VAT would be charged on payments made to it by the banks for vatable services rendered to them. This makes it necessaryfor the Central Bank to register for VAT purposes.

Offences and penalties Banks and other Financial Institutions have obligations to fulfill under the VAT Act like other taxable or registered persons. Part V of the Act contains the list of offences and penalties to be imposed. These include among others: • Failure to register within six (6) months of the existence of a bank; • Failure to issue tax invoice (debit note showing amount of VAT collected in the case of banks);failure to charge and remit VAT collected; • Failure to keep proper records and accounts; • Rendition of incorrect or false returns.

For these offences, stringent penalties are imposed to check possible defaults.

Banks and other Financial Institutions are taxable persons within the provisions of the VAT Act and all their services are vatable except those specifically mentioned in the First Schedule. Bank officials are strongly advised to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the VAT Act. Whatever is peculiar to any Bank or Financial Institution in terms of procedures which has not been dealt with in this circular should be referred to the FIRS without delay.

Finally, where computerization has been established and it is likely to skip these procedures, the FIRS should be notified of the system in operation and how it would take care of all procedures without leaving out anything uncaptured.

•Source: FIRS

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MOTORING

Land Rover showcases smartphone-controlled Range Rover Sport

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Jaguar Land Rover has revealed some of the prototype technologies that its United Kingdom-based research team are developing to deliver autonomous driving in the future.

A Remote Control Range Rover Sport research vehicle demonstrates how a driver could drive the vehicle from outside the vehicle via

Stories by Tajudeen Adebanjo

their smartphone. The smartphone app includes controls for steering, acceleration and braking, as well as the ability to change between high- and low-range gears. This would allow the driver to walk alongside the vehicle, at a maximum speed of 6km/h, to manoeuvre their vehicle out of challenging

situations safely, or even to negotiate difficult off-road terrain.

The driver could use the smartphone to reverse the vehicle out of a parking space if someone has parked too close for them to open the door, or allow the driver to become their own off-road spotter, to guide the vehicle over offroad obstacles from outside the vehicle.

By walking alongside the vehicle, the driver could continually check ramp, approach and departure angles and allow precise positioning of the vehicle when rock crawling.

It could also be an invaluable aid when the vehicle is fording a stream or traversing sections made slippery by mud or snow. The remote control function will only operate if the user is within ten metres of

the vehicle and if the smart key can be detected. The system will stop the vehicle if the driver moves out of range or gets too close.

Future possibilities for this technology could include more autonomous functionality where the driver gives a simple command from the handset to traverse an obstacle or exit a parking space, and the vehicle does the rest.

Four Nigerians for Ranger Odyssey Boot Camps

T

HE excitement and anticipation for this year’s Ford Ranger Odyssey is building rapidly, and the action has spread across numerous African countries, including Nigeria which held its in-market selections on Friday, May 29.

Following the initial call to action, which received around 800 entries, 12 finalists were chosen to take part in the Ranger Odyssey evaluation in conjunction with local Ford dealer group, Coscharis Motors Limited.

The participants had the opportunity to drive the Ford Ranger in a variety of conditions, and were assessed and scored on a variety of factors in terms of brain and brawn during group and individual tasks.

This included testing their driving abilities along with several challenges to assess their interpersonal and communication skills, leadership abilities, interaction and competitiveness. Proficiency in English was also evaluated.

Ultimately only four contestants could be selected for the next step on Ranger Odyssey – to represent Nigeria at the Boot Camp in South Africa from June 18 to 21.

Ford increased the number of contestants from one to four this year, giving Nigeria a great opportunity chance to really represent in Namibia.

The Nigerian representatives include Giftson Onuiri, who came first in the contest. He has a Bachelor’s in law, and claims to have a big heart and great driving potential.

P

SA Peugeot Citroen has unveiled plans to build a 557 million euro ($630 million) Moroccan factory, as the French carmaker seeks to reduce both production costs and its reliance on Europe following a brush with bankruptcy.

The site near the coastal city of Kenitra will begin assembling small and subcompact models for Africa and the Middle East in 2019, Chief Executive Carlos Tavares said after signing the investment deal at Morocco’s royal palace in Rabat.

An initial yearly production capacity of 90,000 vehicles is expected to rise to 200,000 as sales pick up, he said.

The planned factory, first reported by Reuters last November, represents a belated step by Paris-based Peugeot to expand into lower-cost vehicles and emerging markets, reducing its exposure to Western Europe’s relatively stagnant demand and high production costs.

It is also a sign of Morocco’s growing indus-

Onuiri will be joined by Moyo Fawole and John Amadi who came second and third respectively. Both showed great capability behind the wheel of the Ranger and are looking forward to representing their country at Ranger Odyssey 2015.

The fourth and final contestant is Chinonso Okezuo, the winner of last year’s contest.

Okezuo was unable to attend last year due to the travel restrictions implemented as a result of the Ebola outbreak, but has been given a second chance.

A total of 40 contestants from South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa will be chosen to attend the Boot Camp in the Karoo region of South Africa. They undergo four days of extensive training and assessment in order to determine the top 20 finalists that will go through to the final event in Namibia.

Ranger Odyssey 2015 will take the selected contestants on a life-changing 12-day expedition through the remote and extremely challenging north-western region of Namibia, from July 23 to August 3, this year.

For the first time, the Ranger Odyssey will feature two elimination rounds during the course of the trip. The two lowest-scoring contestants will leave the group on day four, while another four contestants depart on day 10.

The winner will be selected from the final 14, and ultimately stands to win an Odyssey Ranger for a year, plus an equivalent in local currency of ZAR5 000 worth of fuel per month – a truly spectacular prize!

• Onuiri

• Fawole

• Amadi

• Okezuo

Peugeot to build plant in Morocco trial clout, which has seen it draw increasing investment in sectors ranging from cars to aerospace.

Peugeot said it expects the plant to source 60 percent of components locally, rising to 80 percent as the supply chain develops. It will have a 4,500-strong workforce once at the 200,000-vehicle capacity.

“Africa and the Middle East are historic mar-

kets for PSA and the region is expected to become a profitable driver of our internationalisation,” Tavares said.

The former Renault second-in-command took over at Peugeot last year, following a three billion-euro government-backed bailout in which it sold matching 14 percent stakes to the French state and Chinese carmaker Dongfeng after racking up billions

of euros in losses.

Under his “Back in the Race” recovery plan, Peugeot is pursuing a five percent operating margin.

The core automotive division returned to a small profit in 2014, but with about 60 percent of sales still recorded in the cut-throat European market, where the profitability of massmarket carmakers is under constant pressure.

Toyota executive arrested for ‘shipping’ pain pills

T

OYOTA Executive Julie Hamp has been arrested after allegedly using a parcel service to ship Oxycodone to Tokyo.

While the drug is legal in the United States, it is classified as a narcotic in Japan, according to CNN.

Hamp violated the Narcotics Control Act, which limits the possession and transport of drugs classified as illegal in the country of origin.

When informed of her arrest, Toyota Chief Executive Officer Akio Toyoda said he was “sorry that a senior ex-

ecutive had caused such controversy but she was an indispensable colleague that the company believed in.”

“Through the investigation, I believe that we will learn she had no intent to violate the law,” he said.

Nigeria is not ripe for speed limiters •Continued from last week HE Vehicle Inspection Officers(VIOs) of all the states and FCT should also complement the efforts of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) by embarking on thorough and regular vehicle inspection to ensure they are road worthy, particularly the vehicle tyres, brakes and lights before issuing road worthiness certificate(within their yard and not on the roads as it is today).

All said and done, the use of the weapon of environmental analysis and diagnosis is very vital for result – oriented policy formulation and implementation. I strongly advice that the FRSC, Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Automotive Council of Nigeria (The main parties in the speed limiter project) should call an emergency meeting of all the stakeholders including the Association of driving schools in Nigeria

T

(Umbrella body of driving schools in Nigeria) to brainstorm on the key issues surrounding the implementation of the speed limiters to ensure it doesn’t die prematurely as other policies previously launched (overloading of commercial vehicles, use of safety helmets by motorcyclists, drunk driving, etc).

In view of the low level of preparedness, inadequate number of speed limiters and maintenance Technicians, low level of public enlightenment coupled with the high cost, I hereby plead that the enforcement date be shifted from June 1 to a later date when the above – mentioned factors would have been reasonably addressed even though we know the commercial vehicle passengers will ultimately pay the price through increased transport fares.

In addition, it should be noted that tools to circumvent the speed limiters are widely available and easy to in-

stall because it operates through electronic sensors and the engine computer which can be easily manipulated. In developed countries, electricity meters are not usually manipulated but you all know the situation in Nigeria of today where even prepaid meters are been manipulated.

It is possible for manufacturers of commercial vehicles and Trucks to be compelled to install pre – set and unalterable road speed limit right from the factory as a condition for the sale of their vehicles in Nigeria to avoid the need to be compelling buyers to install.

Adequate and appropriate driver education is much more vital than speed limiter and must, therefore, be emphasised. Driving schools must not compromise the standards of their training. The public and private sector organisations must also release their drivers to go to driving schools for result – oriented theory and prac-

tical re – training and capacity building programmes. Speed Limit signs should be installed in the appropriate places on the highways and rural roads with the right monitoring mechanism put in place for the apprehension and prosecution of speed violators even for speeding up to 40km/h where the speed limit sign says drivers should not speed more than 30km/h.

Call for further brainstorming While I suggest that the June 1 implementation date should be pushed forward, I want the FRSC and her partners in the speed limiter project should in addition to the above – mentioned, take note of the abovementioned facts for further brainstorming to ensure a more result – oriented implementation of the speed limiting policy in Nigeria.

I am not an Apostle of doom but

Jide Owatunmise Registrar /Chief Executive, Professional Driving and Safety Academy

the unpleasant and devastating results of the over-rushed new driver licence and the ongoing graduated driver licensing system which have been worrisomely compromised is one of the very fresh examples to further affirm my claims in this article.

37

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

THE CEO At the twilight of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, the economy was virtually grounded by fuel scarcity that held the country down for more than two weeks. Although normalcy may have returned now, the Managing Director and Chief Executive, JKN Limited and Chairman, JAO Investment Company Limited, Dr. John Agboola, in this interview with OKWY IROEGBUCHIKEZIE, says until the government musters the political will to deregulate the downstream oil sector, Nigerians will continue to experience fuel sacrcity.

Odeyemi also speaks on infrastructural deficit in the country, among other issues.

‘Why downstream oil sector must be deregulated’

T

HE recent fuel scarcity and electricity problems in the country caused huge dislocation in the economy. How can such occurrence be prevented in the future?

My take is that it has not only caused dislocation, but if not checked once for all, it has the potential of collapsing the entire economy. We are at a stage in this country when there are concerns that the economy may collapse. I can confidently tell you that if not managed properly, it is not only the economy that will collapse, but, indeed, the entire system. Today, you cannot put food in your fridge; drive your car as you would wish or power your generator. Fuel sells for N87 per litre, but during the fuel crises, people were buying it for as much as N500 per litre. It was so bad that major players in the economy like telecoms operators, banking sector, all threatened to shut down their operations as a result of the crises because they could no longer operate optimally. To fix this system, we need some realistic visions that can move the nation forward. At the peak of the crisis, I expected the government to make a categorical statement. For instance, to say “this week we are paying the arrears we owe the marketers” or whoever is in the petroleum distribution chain should be discussed with and sorted out in one way or the other.

• Odeyemi

There are strong arguments for and against deregulation of the downstream oil sector.

Given reecnt experience, what is the way forward?

There is no other choice but to do away with this fraud and contraption called fuel subsidy; the sector should be totally deregulated. In fact, I had expected the government to immediately follow up in the spirit of addressing the chaos in the sector with a measured announcement insisting on deregulating the oil sector, so that only those who have the resources should be involved in the importation and the right price fixed.

My advice to government is to go back to what it did in the telecommunications sec-

PHOTO: OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE

tor and apply same in this all-important industry. We should not forget in a hurry that the deregulation of the telecoms sector created competition among the operators, and, subsequently, crashed the price of telephone and also call tariff by different networks.

Remember that before the coming of Globacom into the telecoms sector, the early operators, such as MTN and ECONET (as it was known then), had told Nigerians that it was impossible to have per second billing tariff regime. Any right-thinking person will vote for deregulation any day, it makes good economic sense. We should all support deregulation in the petroleum and gas sector, among other things, it would attract genu-

ine investors into the sector. For instance, Dangote Refinery Limited will soon come on stream and we can be sure that a few modular refineries will come up if the sector is open to investors. All these will bring about appropriate pricing of the product.

What will you say were the consequence(s) of the last fuel crises and the hydra headed problems of electricity in the economy?

People are already losing their jobs because a lot of people could not go to their offices during that period. If this situation continues to re occur, then many companies will close shop and the workers will stay at home.

•Continued on page 38

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THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

THE CEO

‘Why downstream oil sector must be deregulated’ •Continued from page 37

Companies buy diesel at very exorbitant prices to power their generators; no manufacturer can survive in such situation, made worse with poor electricity supply. There are about two companies that I am involved in and we had between two and three weeks down time; if the scarcity had continued, we would not have had a choice than to lay off staff. The truth is that the cost of petroleum products is not sustainable and there must be a way out. We need to ask ourselves how we got to this point. How is that with all the three refineries in the country, none is working optimally? Economically, it doesn’t make sense to export crude and import finished products at higher rate. Thousands of workers will be out of jobs in no distant time if nothing urgent is done to salvage the situation. This is a test case for the new government and that to me is the best option, that is, removal of subsidy.

Former Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola once advised that people should think more of development than the debt profile of a state or country. Do you also share this view?

He is right to a large extent. All over the world, if the development is right and economically viable, if it has social and economic benefits for the advancement of the people, money could be borrowed to make it happen. It is universally

true that the most developed countriess are also the largest debtors. We should be concerned more with the viability of projects than the debt incurred in bringing the project into existence. The nation’s debt profile may be bigger than the $60 billion being speculated. There are lending institutions that will lend us over $100 billion if they are convinced of the economic viability and benefits of a particular project. Development is not only about the size of debt a government is owing; the most important thing is for the borrowed money to be put into good use for the benefit of the greater majority and not fritted away into private pockets.The Unites States of America is the most developed economy, the richest and incidentally the largest debtor in the world. This also goes to the richest man in Africa, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who is indebted to several banks but is making waves in the whole of Africa with his industrialisation policy. My sign-off is that it is acceptable to borrow as long as what you are doing is viable, acceptable and beneficial to the people. The economic benefit must outweigh the cost of borrowing; if development is right, the proceed will bring social and economic benefit to the people.

The Federation of Construction Industries (FOCI) accused the past government of owing its members N500 billion leading to job loss.

How can this be checked?

There is hardly any time that

‘Our road infrastructure, for instance, is not enough; besides the inadequate road infrastructure, the roads we have are not up to specification. The roads that are built for cars are used by trucks, trailers and tankers and when the roads finally break down, nobody maintains them’

• Odeyemi

huge sums of money are not owed to contractors. You don’t award contract without making the money available; it is simply not right and not done in advanced economies. Before you award contracts in developed economies, you first of all bring in necessary professionals to guide in the certification and payment of the particular project- it is the international best practice, which was also observed here before this time. Do we wonder why we have incessant collapse of buildings? This is simply because of poor workmanship and the absence of a proper regulatory frame work in the construction sector. We have lived with the haphazard and lopsided system of doing things in Nigeria since independence. Our professional practice is not well regulated. In other countries and even here in the early 1960s when we were practising the British system, no work is given to a contractor until the funding for it is available-saved, borrowed or syndicated. After that you bring in the professionals in engineering, architecture and quantity surveying etc to guide you through certification and payment as and when due. From the 1970s we stopped the practice and in particular that of signing contracts on before they are awarded. Now, contracts are warded and monies collected before the contracts are executed and certificate given. One can confidently say that we have the fastest growing construction market. Precisely in the last eight years, we were talking about massive construction works in Dubai, India and China etc but we have successfully taken over. You will convince yourself when you move round this country and see the volume of construction work going on in almost every part of the country.

Unfortunately, today, our system is such that when contracts are awarded, it takes long before it is signed and sometimes when someone bids for contract, it takes long before the contract is awarded and so is certificate delayed after contract job is completed. All these take months to come. They take unnecessarily long for payments to be made. This practice kills the industry and the contractor.

How can Nigeria shift focus from a mono-economy driven by oil and gas?

The shock from oil and gas sector has necessitated the nation shifting focus to mining, extractive and agricultural sector. We are blessed with so much solid minerals that exploiting them will open up the economy and de emphasise the oil economy which off recent has brought so much agony to Nigerian’s due to the glut and back home here, due the argument on removal or otherwise of fuel subsidy which has lingered, creating scarcity of petroleum products. The extractive sector is not an all-comers affair, look at the number of lives lost to illegal mining and to lead poising even children are dying in some parts of the country due to their engagement in this illegal trade. The agricultural sector is a key sector that should be encouraged; we can discourage massive food import and rather encourage our local farmers to produce food that will feed the nation.

Developing the agricultural sector from its subsistence level to a mechanised one will also help in securing the land. The young people will be engaged and consequently crime level reduced.

As a major player in the banking and manufacturing sector, I can only pray and hope that the

• Odeyemi

PHOTOS: OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE

‘Most times, when money is appropriated, not much is disbursed and this does not help the growth we want in this sector. We have to adopt world class approach of infrastructure development by making funds available for projects’ administration will do the needful and focus on the non-oil sector. They should develop the sector in terms of a robust policy, creating an enabling environment, grooming the right skill and equipment. If we get it right from the rudiments then we can be sure the industry will grow to contribute much to the economy than oil and gas in the near future.

Infrastructure is vital to the economy. What model should the country adopt to develop its infrastructure needs?

We know what to do and what is required to be done as a country. As a matter of fact, we have never lacked ideas but implementation is an issue here unfortunately. To underscore the apparent seriousness the previous administration had for the development of our infrastructure they came up with a body known as Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC). Our road infrastructure, for instance, is not enough; besides the inadequate road infrastructure, the roads are not up to specification.

The roads that are built for cars are used by trucks, trailers and tankers and when the roads finally break down, nobody maintains them. The scenario is like this - when 10 roads are to be built in a given community, they end up building only eight, remaining two and the government does not make any attempt to designate the roads as to the weight they can carry. The sad thing is that roads are not maintained and when they finally break down, it returns the whole thing to square one where we are saddled and riddled with poor roads all over the country. All over Africa and, particularly West Africa, Nigeria has the highest road network.There are other transportation adjuncts,, such as rail-

ways and waterways which are largely undeveloped.

If a country has efficient and effective rail and water transportation that is good, it creates a balance in the transportation system.

Having a developed and multiple means of transportation system will preserve our roads and also make transportation cheaper and easier. Lest we forget, road is not the only infrastructure that we need the government to provide; we also need hospitals, schools, etc.

What is the way out?

There are policies and blue prints on the right thing to do to grow our infrastructure, but oftentimes they end up on radio and television announcements.

Most times, when money is appropriated, not much is disbursed and this does not help the growth we want in this sector. We have to adopt world class approach of infrastructure development by making funds available for projects. The rule in advanced countries is that before a government or an individual gets planning approval, they have to be sure how the project is to be funded, appointed the contractor and determined the construction period.

Here what we do is to award contracts for political patronage and other considerations before thinking of where to get the money to fund it and no project is done on ad hoc basis. Projects are executed based on well taught out long terms needs and noticeable gaps devoid of mundane considerations.

I advise the new administration to do things differently from what was obtained in the past. They should move away from the past; do what is right as it is done in other climes. Road projects or any other infrastructure provision projects for instance, should be based on felt need and contributions to the overall economy rather than being based on political considerations.

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

39

THE NATION

BUSINESS JOBS

•Nigeria LNG Plant. Inset: One of the NLNG’s vessels -LNG Sokoto.

Jobs coming with NLNG’s six vessels H

UNDREDS of jobs are on the way as the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited takes delivery of its six new vessels.

The six vessels were built at a cost of $1.6 billion in South Korea. Two of the ships are being built at the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) while the other four are being built at Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI).

The Nation learnt that each of the vessels will have at least 50 workers on board, including captains, engineers, seamen and other ancillary workers, such as caterers.

Besides the workers on board the ships, there are other workers that would be employed at the company’s base in

Hundreds of jobs will be coming from the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited as it takes delivery of its six vessels and constructs a dry-dock yard in Badagry, Lagos, writes EMEKA UGWUANYI.

Bonny, Port Harcourt, Rivers State to handle other responsibilities that will arise from the fleet expansion, it was learnt.

According to the company’s source, contrary to the initial schedule for delivery of the vessels, which would have started next year, the vessel will sail in from the last quarter of the year, indicating that the delivery of the ships will be taken earlier than scheduled in the contract.

Some Nigerians were also taken to Korea for training on shipbuilding and management as well as other marine activities.

Some indirect jobs are still being created as the NLNG in line with the Nigerian Content programme, insisted on use of some made in Nigeria products such as paints, furniture and cables leading to export of

these materials to Korea. Some of the beneficiary companies include Berger Paints.

With increase in production resulting from export of these made in Nigeria materials, the beneficiary companies will employ more hands to meet rising demand, the NLNG said.

At least, over 400 jobs will be created by the time NLNG takes full delivery of the six vessels, the source said.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria LNG Limited, Mr. Babs Omotowa, speaking on the company’s job creation achievements and the ones to be created by procuring six new vessels, noted that each construction year (when a new train is built), more than 2,000 jobs are created.

He said: “Nigeria LNG Limited provided more than 2,000 jobs each construction year. Overall, the major sub-contractors employed about 18,000 Nigerians in technical jobs in the base project.

“Through each Nigerian Content plan for its contracts, NLNG has promoted the development and employment of Nigerian manpower. For instance, 600 Nigerians will be trained in Nigeria and at the contractors’ (Hyundai and Samsung) shipyards in Korea as part of the Nigerian Content deliverables tied to the construction of six new LNG vessels by Bonny Gas Transport (BGT), a wholly owned subsidiary of NLNG. •Continued on page 40

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

40

JOBS

Jobs coming with NLNG’s six vessels •Continued from page 39

“Those 600 Nigerians, with enhanced skills in welding, hull assembly, pipe fitting, electrical, mechanical, painting and ship design will join the country’s workforce, providing a support base for technology transfer and industrialisation.

Thirty-five of the Nigerian trainees are currently in Korea for participation in the ship construction and six Nigerians are already working as ship managers (two Production Managers, two Quality Assurance/Quality Control Managers and HSE managers) in the ship construction at the shipyards in Korea,” Besides, Omotowa the shipbuilding projects created indirect jobs as the company ensured that some made in Nigeria products such as paint, cables, anodes and furniture were exported to be used in the construction of the vessels. “The Nigerian Content commitment in the project, which is defined in a Memorandum of Agreement between NLNG, BGT and the shipyards (Hyundai Heavy Industries and Samsung Heavy Industries), includes major initiatives such as the training and development of Nigerians (both in Nigeria and Korea) in various aspects of ship design and construction, the supply of materials such as paints, cables, anodes and furniture by Nigerian suppliers for the construction of the vessels, and feasibility study on the establishment of the first LNG ship dry-docking and ship repair yard.

“Consequently, Berger Paints and Paints and Coatings MN have produced and exported over 350,000 litres of paints, Nexans Kabelmetal has shipped over 130,000 metres of low voltage cables and METEC West Africa has exported over 9000 pieces of Aluminium and Zinc sacrificial anodes – all to the ship yards in South Korea for use in newbuild vessels.

“METEC West Africa and Nexan Kabelmetal through NLNG’s Nigerian Content initiatives have also undergone international class certification and inspection for the manufacture of and supply of sacrificial anodes and low voltage cables respectively to meet the requirements of marine applications. Berger Paints Plc has increased its portfolio of paints and manufacture to international standards, having installed state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and acquired additional production equipment. Paints and Coatings Manufacturers Nigeria Plc has acquired additional mixers and laboratory equipment and gone ahead to become the first company in Africa to receive the Inter Marine Organisa-

•Group Managing Director, NNPC/Duirector, NLNG, Dr. Joseph Dawha

•Babs Omotowa

‘Those 600 Nigerians, with enhanced skills in welding, hull assembly, pipe fitting, electrical, mechanical, painting and ship design will join the country’s workforce, providing a support base for technology transfer and industrialisation ... Furthermore, deliberate technology transfer initiative has enabled Waste Pipe and Drainage (WPD) to safely and successfully complete the change out of all nominated compressed air dryer bed desiccants in U-4700 (14 vessels in total)’ tion’s Intershield 300 Ballast Tank Coating certification. Holborn Nigeria Limited developed capacity to manufacture 12 inch (30mm) diameter High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, which had hitherto not been manufactured in the country.

“Furthermore, deliberate technology transfer initiative has enabled Waste Pipe and Drainage (WPD) to safely and successfully complete the change out of all nomi-

nated compressed air dryer bed desiccants in U-4700 (14 vessels in total). This makes WPD the second Nigerian contractor with this level of proficiency that can compete with the previous sole contractor (CAKASA) in LNG Trains molesieve bed change out activity,” he said.

The NLNG is also facilitating the construction of dry-dock yard in Lagos. The project expected to cost about $1.8 billion

is being sited at Badagry and according to the Nigeria LNG, it is as large as 185 football fields put together. The project will also create over 2000 jobs at the construction stage and over 1000 direct jobs on completion.

The NLNG is looking for a core investor in the project. The Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) have stated their preparedness to invest $30 million in the project and will also provide technical support. Discussions for takeoff of the construction are ongoing.

Welders, civil and mechanical engineers, ship maintenance and repair technicians and other ancillary workers will be needed from the construction to completion and afterwards, it was learnt.

On the ship dry-dock and repairs yard, Omotowa said: “Nigeria LNG in partnership with Hyundai Heavy Industries and Samsung Heavy Industries reached out to the investment community on December 9, 2014 in Lagos, to promote the development of a ship repair and maintenance yard in Nigeria – Badagry Ship Repair and Marine Engineering Limited (BSME) – that will be sited at Badagry after feasibility studies were carried out at various sites (Onne, Bonny, Olokola, Badagry, Ogogoro Island, Ladol, among others). Currently, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that will manage the development of Badagry Ship Repair and Marine Engineering Limited (BSME) is being put together.

“BSME will bridge the gap created by the absence of an operational dockyard to cater for the repair and maintenance of Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC), LNG carriers, large and medium size carriers, drilling rigs and supports vessels. This is one of the Nigerian Content deliverables on the BGT Plus project.”

The building of the dockyard becomes imperative considering that NLNG has the largest fleet in sub-Saharan Africa. When the project comes on, the NLNG will stop taking its vessels overseas for maintenance and repairs, thereby creating jobs and wealth in-country, the company said.

The Nigeria LNG has 23 LNG vessels on long-term charter for its six-train operation, and one domestic LPG vessel. All 23 LNG vessels are utilised on an integrated scheduling basis. They load at NLNG’s terminal in Bonny, for ex-ship deliveries to buyers in Middle East, Asia, Europe, South America, and Gulf of Mexico including ports in Mexico and the United States.

The LPG vessel is used for LPG delivery in the Nigerian market. With the six new vessels being built in South Korea, the fleet will expand to 29 vessels.

EMPOWERMENT CLINIC

X-raying ‘I belong to everyone and…nobody’

By Goke Ilesanmi

•Ilesanmi

O

N Friday May 29, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari delivered a masterpiece of an inaugural speech, in which he unveiled his administration’s plan for our great nation Nigeria. He expectedly stressed the resolve of his administration to urgently tackle the multi-pronged challenges of insecurity, corruption, unemployment, infrastructure, etc., amid thunderous applause.

Even though the different promises he made in the said speech have continued to elicit reactions from

different stakeholders, one major aspect of the speech that has generated most reactions is the statement or compound sentence “I belong to everyone and I belong to nobody”. In short, since the president delivered the speech, we have been extremely busy in the Language Department of our Empowerment Clinic as more and more language “patients” are daily admitted for diagnosis, X-ray and medication following the extreme “headache” of interpretation the statement has caused them.

Literal/surface interpretation It is noteworthy that this statement has really called the fields of English Studies like Semantics (which is concerned with meaning of words) and Discourse Analysis (which is concerned with interpreting utterances or speeches) to task because it is like a riddle. Many people have argued that the compound sentence radiates two contrasting coordinate clauses. This submission is true at the level of literal, surface or direct meaning. After

all, by semantic analogy, “I collected money from everyone” is the opposite of “I collected money from nobody”.

Metaphoric meaning However, the real meaning is recoverable at the metaphoric level, especially because by mathematics of linguistic interpretation, “Everyone” is Plus-Human and “Nobody” is Minus-Human. The intended meaning of the second independent clause (“I belong to nobody”) of the seemingly antithetical statement is idiomatic and metaphoric as it cannot be recovered from surface interpretation of the constituent words. After all, when we hear expressions like “Kick the bucket”; “Hit the nail on the head”, etc., we know their meanings cannot be recovered from direct interpretation of the constituent words. That is, their meanings are embedded. By restatement, “I belong to everyone” also means “I do not belong to just one person” which by analytical and paradoxical extension implies “I belong to nobody”. It is like the answer “Yes, I was” or “No, I wasn’t” in which the second part of each of them reinforces

the “Yes” or “No”.

Context and meaning It should be noted that context is also very critical to meaning in Discourse Analysis. Did the president utter the statement during a face-off with his party members and political associates, thus claiming not to be owned by them any longer? No! It was during his inauguration and his major concern was to persuade those on the other side of the political divide to come closer for collective participation rather than an attempt to ridicule his political party or political associates that he has disowned them, after all they are also part of the “everybody” accommodated in the ownership of the president. Also on context and accuracy of interpretation, the fact that the president said “I belong to nobody” in a political context does not mean in a context of marriage, he no longer belongs to the first lady, Aisha but all women.

Addition Most times, utterances taken out of context can be misinterpreted.

For instance, if you are asked to give your impression about a boy that said “Daddy, don’t ever try it”, the ready conclusion will be that such a child is very rude especially that the background or context is not provided. But if you are told that the boy uttered the statement when his heavily-drunk father came home in the midnight and wanted to hit the head of his (the boy’s) mother with a hammer, I am sure your negative impression about the boy will definitely change. We will continue with this discourse next week.

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, Professional 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

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

41

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

42

SHOWBIZ

AMAA launches expansion with Los Angeles show

A

S the popular Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) glides towards its 11th edition, organisers have unveiled a series of business and social initiatives which would not only to advance African filmmakers, but evolve a strategic synergy of Black Creatives all over the world.

The new objectives which underscore why the Nomination Announcement and Gala was taken to Hollywood, Los Angeles, home to leading studios in world cinema, is also expected to evolve a new sense of co-productions and other forms of partnerships, through interactions between African filmmakers and their Hollywood counterparts.

Announcing the new initiative in Los Angeles on Saturday evening, DayoOgunyemi, CEO of AMAA, hinted at a ‘ground-breaking partnership between AMAA and Facebook in Africa,’ saying that AMAA intends to showcase the profile of willing actors, producers and directors to specific countries and relevant establishments with capacity to monetize talents through coproductions.

“Every 5 ‘likes’ on your Facebook page should translate into people buying your video. They should want to know more about you, having excited them with your profile.

This is part of the revolution of the social media, and Facebook is changing how people watch your works,” said Ogunyemi.

“The dynamics of being on radio for example, is limited. But online radio has a greater possibility of reaching black people across the world.”

Founder of AMAA, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe mesmerized the gathering with her eloquent speech about the vision of a united Africa, sharing the thoughts of icons like Mariah Makeba and other visionary African leaders on the need to achieve one Africa.

By Victor Akande, Los Angeles

“I don’t want to be apologetic about who I am as a Creative. I don’t want you to describe me as a black filmmaker. We have to rewrite our history by ourselves. I don’t want to know if you are Black American, I don’t want to know if you are African. American, I don’t want to know if you are African Caribbean, I just want you to realise one thing, check your DNA, you are black and we are just one,” she said, spurring the crowd into more applause.

AMAA 2015 nominations: it’s October 1 against iNumber Number!

There was great excitement as the jury for the 2015 AMAAs, led

by Keith Shiri, took their turns to reveal the nominated films in the 26 categories of the Awards, billed to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, on September 29.

Although every film nominated is a winner in principle, films such as iNumber Number from South Africa, October 1 from Nigeria and Timbuktu from Mauritania showed strength of dominance as films with most nominations in different categories.

Chairman of AMAA College of Screeners, ShaibuHusseini, reiterated that a total of 842 films were entered for the award, before reading out the first set of nominations, which included a new category; the Michael Anyiam-Osigwe Best Film

by African Living Abroad, in honour of Michael AnyiamOsigwe, a patron of the African Film Academy who passed on last year.

According to Shaibu, about 842 filmmakers clicked on the AMAA websites, wanting to be part of the Awards, showing the expansion of the scheme within the spate of 10 years.

• The Party Bus

• Ghanaian Actress Lydia Forson and Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha

Excitement as filmmakers storm Beverly Hills in party bus The evening of glitz and glamour had musician J. Jackson and Grammy-winning American R&B songstress, Chrisette Michele treating guests to great music. And for

Tributes pour in for Dan Maraya Jos

By Jane Kolade

• Dan Maraya Jos

N

IGERIANS have continued to mourn the passing of veteran musician and performer, Dan Maraya Jos who died last Saturday after a protracted illness at B’ukur, a town near Jos, Plateau State. He was 69 years old.

A close friend and associate of the deceased, Ladan Salihu, Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) while breaking news of the musician’s death on his Facebook page, described Dan Maraya Jos as a brother and a friend wrote; “I am devastated. But I am proud he lived a very useful life, transforming society through music and silently through Islamic endeavours.”

Other Nigerians also expressed their condolences to the family of the late musician.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, expressed sadness and shock at the passing of the legendary musician. Atiku described him in a condolence message from his media office by Mazi Paul Ibe, as “an icon of our traditional music, and custodian of its culture and tradition.”

Speaker of the House of Represen-

tatives, Yakubu Dogara, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs Turaki Hassan, said the North and indeed Nigeria has lost one of its most talented sons.

“Danmaraya‘s sudden death came to me as a shock and I want to use this medium to condole with the Danmaraya family, the government and people of Plateau State and all Nigerians over this irreparable loss”, the statement added.

“His death signals the exit of a great icon of African traditional music, a creative innovator in the Hausa musical genre and a great performer par excellence,” said Akin Adejuwon, the artistic director, National Troupe of Nigeria, describing his death as “a great loss to Nigerian traditional music and Africa as a whole.”

To Benson Idonije, a veteran broadcaster and newspaper columnist, the late musician was “a great musician whose place in the music firmament in Nigeria will be difficult to fill.”

Also, Dr. Austine Ananze Akpuda, a poet and senior lecturer in English Literature at the Abia State University, Uturu, described ‘Dan Maraya Jos’ death as a huge loss to Nigeria and the entire entertainment industry worldwide.

“As an artist who created a major brand for himself, he will be greatly missed not only by his biological family but also a network of other communities whose lives have been touched by his performances.”

Born Adamu Wayya in 1946 to a father who was a Hausa griot, he was

left in the care of the Emir of B’ukur; his father’s patron, after losing his parents. He became famed for playing the Kontigi ‘a small stringed lute’ and adopted the name Dan Maraya Jos which means “the little orphan of Jos.” A prolific composer, he sang about common people as is found in his first song, “Wakar Karen Mota”, which means Song of the Drivers Mate; probably his most popular song.

The song praises bus conductors, whose job it is to get passengers in and out of buses, do the dirty job of changing tires, push the bus when it breaks down and so on.

Though an orphan who did not know his parents, having lost them early in life, Dan Maraya achieved fame and fortune and was a recipient of the National Honours of MON, OON and United Nations Peace Medal.

• American actor Jimmy Jean-Louis with OC Ukeje

the visiting African filmmakers, a trip to the venue in a posh party bus, is a memory that will linger for a long while.

Among the celebrities that rocked the mobile party were OC Ukeje, OmotolaJalade-Ekeinde, ChiomaChukwuka-Akpotha, Pa-

tience Ozokwor (Mama G), FaithiaBalogun, Doris Simeon, Lydia Forson from Ghana, and Kim Eagle and Terry Pheto from South Africa.

Others are filmmakers such as Kingsley Ogoro, KunleAfolayan, EmemIsong. ChidiNwokeabia, Paul Okoli and Tony Anih.

‘Father’s Day is not for me,’ says Maheeda

A

S people all over the world celebrated Father’s yesterday, June 21, 2015, raunchy singer and self-acclaimed bornagain Christian, Caroline Sam, popularly known as Maheeda, said that she does not celebrate Father’s Day. According to the crooner who alleged that her father abandoned her as an infant, while her stepfather raped her while growing up, celebrating fathers makes no sense to her.

She said: ‘Happy Father’s Day? Which father? The father that left me from 5 month old? Or the step father that raped me growing up?

F..k the Father’s Day!! Not for me huh? Keep your wishes!!’

The self-proclaimed goddess of X is married to a Dutch and is a mother of one.

By Jane Kolade

• Maheeda

Afropolitan Vibes launch podcast

O

VER the weekend, organisers of Afropolitan Vibes, a monthly gig held at Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos, launched AfropolitanVibes podcast.

According to Adebantu, founder of Afropolitan Vibes, the Podcast, will feature a series of ‘in depth conversations with some of the great artists who have performed at Afropolitan Vibes.’

To set the ball rolling, the first podcast in the series is AdeBantu’s interview with Sierra-Leonian singer and songwriter Patrice. Patrice performed at the March edition of

By Joe Abgro Jr.

Afropolitan Vibes.

From the nearly 50-minute podcast, one learns how Patrice did over 150 gigs last year, how he avoids falling into a routine and how he assembled his ‘Greatest Hits’ album which comprised songs his fans love as well as songs he likes best.

According to Patrice, the criterion for choosing the songs to go on the album was that he and his fans loved, the songs.

‘Me and the people decided,’ he said of the how the songs made it to the

album.

Patrice; who said he has done his seventh studio album talked about his songwriting process and how he is continuously experimenting.

‘When you write with less, you have to push yourself harder to work,’ he said.

‘Right now, I’m just trying to write with the guitar.’

The podcast, spiced with Patrice’s eclectic music range ensured no boring moment. AdeBantu said the Afropolitan Vibes podcasts is about talking with ‘musicians, artists and writers.’

43

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

With ekpoita :funtreatsvilla@yahoo.com / 08077706130

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Celebration (9) 6. Greeting (2) 7. Documentation (6) 9. Indelible Mark (4) 10. Former (2) 11. Spread Out (3) 12. Final (4) 14, Resounding Noise (4) 15. In direction of (2) 16, Myself (2) 17. Eager (4) 19. Young Boy (3) 20. Father Christmas (10) 24. Being (2) 26. Tinkle (6) 27. Perform (2) 28. Tease (6)

1. Impression (4) 2. Cereal (4) 3. Created (4) 4. Amuse (6) 5. Celebration of Christ’s birth(9) 8. Free Air (6) 11. Paths (5) 13. Clawed 18. Deserve (4) 19. Juvenile (3) 21. Story (4) 22. So be it (4) 23. Musical Note (2) 25. Gladness (3)

SANTA PUZZLE Find alternative words to the clues below and fill them in their spaces in the grid.The answer to the first word on the grid “ORICK” has 4 letters which should be placed in their spaces in the grid being 1,8,6, and 15 as shown besie the word. The star word, an 11letter word denoting the yuletide will be revealed when done .

1

Story of the Christmas Tree

9

10

11

POETRY

The Legend of Christmas Tree

2

8

3

7 4

5

6

Just how powerful a symbol is the Christmas tree?

Any Christmas tree, given the right kind of attention, can be perfect, and even humble things take on exalted meaning in the eyes of Christ.

“The First Christmas Tree”Did you know that an • oak was the inspiration for the first Christmas tree? In this informative story, we learn how an eighth-century monk named Boniface chopped down an oak tree to prove an important religious point, and ended up viewing a small fir sapling as a miracle.

• “The First Christmas Tree Lights”Ever wonder about the origin of Christmas tree lights? This story tells how Martin Luther changed the Christmas tree tradition with the addition of lights, the result of his frightening walk through the dark woods. It reveals the fascinating fact that Christmas trees were originally hung upside down, without lights.

• “The Perfect Tree”This delightful story is told from the perspective of a small, unremarkable tree that worries whether it will be suitable for Christmas. Through the inspired care of a family, it fills the bill perfectly. Try reading this uplifting tale to a child — it will teach him or her some valuable lessons about caring for others.

• “The Tale of Three Trees”What if Christmas trees could talk? What would they say? In this profound Christmas tale, three trees have grandiose hopes for their wood after they’re harvested, and all three are disappointed — temporarily. Eventually, they all play meaningful roles in the life of Jesus Christ. Make this inspirational story part of your family’s Christmas tradition.

• “O Christmas Tree” The brief on Christmas Tree Stories ends here with the story about a “special” Christmas tree everyone thought was too small. Read ‘O Christmas Tree’ to find out how this special tree turned into a bright, beautiful spectacle that would remain with one happy family forever.

Pep Talk

Humour * What did Adam say to his wife on the day before Christmas?

Answer:It’s Christmas, Eve! * What for the trumpet of Ken was kept in the freezer?

Answer: Because he loves cool music. * What is the popular carol in Desert?

Answer: Camel ye Faithful. * Why the Christmas tree can’t stand up?

Answer: It doesn’t have legs.

“The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness. It illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world's busy life and become more interested in people than in things”. - Thomas S. Monson

44

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

With ekpoita :funtreatsvilla@yahoo.com / 08077706130

DOWN

ACROSS 1. Celebration (9) 6. Greeting (2) 7. Documentation (6) 9. Indelible Mark (4) 10. Former (2) 11. Spread Out (3) 12. Final (4) 14, Resounding Noise (4) 15. In direction of (2) 16, Myself (2) 17. Eager (4) 19. Young Boy (3) 20. Father Christmas (10) 24. Being (2) 26. Tinkle (6) 27. Perform (2) 28. Tease (6)

1. Impression (4) 2. Cereal (4) 3. Created (4) 4. Amuse (6) 5. Celebration of Christ’s birth(9) 8. Free Air (6) 11. Paths (5) 13. Clawed 18. Deserve (4) 19. Juvenile (3) 21. Story (4) 22. So be it (4) 23. Musical Note (2) 25. Gladness (3)

SUDOKU To play the game, simply fill in the missing numbers in the grid such that every row, column and 2 by 3 box contains the numbers 1-6.

SANDS OF TIME GARY COLEMAN

PERSONALITY MAZE Solve the puzzle by providing alternative words to the clues below.

Each letter of your word has a place in the grid as indicated by the numbers beside the clues.

1.

9

2

8

3

7

CLUES Press (1,9,5,6,7) Roof (2,8,3,4)

4

5

6

Your answer will unfold an appendage of the photo inset

Gary Wayne Coleman was an American actor, voice artist, and comedian, best known for his role as Arnold Jackson in Diff’rent Strokes and for his small stature as an adult. He was described in the 1980s as “one of television’s most promising stars”.

Without a doubt Gary Coleman was THE child TV star of the late 1970s and early 1980s. A refreshingly confident little tyke with sparkling dark, saucer-like eyes and an ingratiating, take-on-anyone burst of personality, the boy charmed the pants right off of TV viewers the minute he was glimpsed in national commercials. Amazed by how mature he came across, Gary was in truth older than he looked, which was brought upon by a congenital kidney condition. Sadly, the pint-sized phenomena outgrew his chubby-cheeked welcome and found the course of his grown-up Hollywood career brutally rough and patchy.

In addition to his life-long health issues, Gary’s adult problems came in the form of scattered financial and legal entanglements, as well as scrapes with the law. He was once arrested in 1999 for punching a persistent female autograph fan, in which he was fined and ordered to take anger-management classes. He also had many disorderly conduct and reckless driving charges brought up against him at various times. He would admit that the tally of his life problems led to more than a few feigned suicide attempts In 1989, Coleman successfully sued his adopted parents and business manager after they allegedly pilfered his youthful fortune for their own self interest totaling $3.8 million in losses, and he won $1,280,000. Despite the large settlement, all of the money was soon spent on taxes, legal fees,

Pep Talk

CROSS NUMBER Find the correct numbers to fill in the missing spaces in the grid to ensure that vertical numbers total to figures below, horizontal numbers total figures on the right while diagonal numbers total figures on top and bottom right

COLEMAN CONT’D as well as his increasingly high medical bills for his continuing dialysis treatments.

In 2007, he married the much younger actress Shannon Price, whom he met on the set of the low budget film Church Ball (2006), but the quickly marriage dissolved quickly into domestic squabbles that put him in front of the court system yet again on domestic abuse charges Filed for bankruptcy in 1999. In order to earn money, he worked as a security guard.

As a gag, he ran for California’s 2003 governorship during its recall election.

The fragile condition of his health coupled with this lack of adult career acceptance, sparked an aggressively defensive behavior mechanism in his adult years and led to great personal unhappiness, chronic legal/financial hassles and early death.

The brain hemorrhage that eventually led to his death, was a result of a fall at his home in Utah (on May 26th) that put him into a coma. His ex-wife Shannon Price, who was with him at his home at the time of the fall, made the 911 call. It was also Price who eventually made the decision to take Coleman off life support.

“The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness. It illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world's busy life and become more interested in people than in things”. - Thomas S. Monson

45

MONDAY JUNE 22, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

ONDO POLITICS

PDP, APC warm up for Ondo poll Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains are warming up for next year’s governorship election in Ondo State.

Correspondent DAMISI OJO writes on the scramble for power in the Sunshine State.

A

LTHOUGH the guidelines for next year’s governorship election in Ondo State are yet to be released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the contest for the seat that will be vacated by Governor Olusegun Mimiko has begun in earnest.

As the dust settled on the general elections, everyone’s attention is gradually shifting to what promises to be a stiff contest between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), in Ondo State.

Political observers are already speculating about the kind of candidate that will be acceptable to the people and which senatorial district should produce the next governor.

Though there is nothing like, rotation of the governorship seat in the 1999 Constitution by convention, the political parties are expected to take this factor into consideration in choosing their flagbearer, for the election.

Since 1999, after Ekiti State was carved out of the old Ondo State, the governorship seat has been rotated among the three senatorial districts in the state. For instance, the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati, who was from Ondo North District, emerged the governor in 1999. Nevertheless, the seat was contested with him by the late Governor Olusegun Agagu from Ondo South District and other candidates from the central district.

Adefarati, an Alliance for Democracy (AD) leader, picked his deputy, the late Afolabi Iyantan, from the South.

In 2003, the game changed, as the people from Ondo South District clamoured for power-shift.

This factor helped the late Agagu of the PDP to defeat the Adefarati. Agagu’s deputy, Oluwateru, was from the Ondo Central District.

In the 2007 elections, it was a similar clamour by the Central District that worked in Mimiko’s favour. Mimiko served as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to Agagu and later as Minister of Housing and Urban Development in Obasanjo’s administration.

The clamour for power shift to the Central District encouraged Mimiko to take a chance, by defecting to the Labour Party (LP) to enable him contest against Agagu. This was because it was certain that he would not secure the PDP ticket, since the governor would naturally be interested in a second term.

Mimiko won the election, but he had to wait till 2009 to regain his mandate, after a protracted legal battle.

Mimiko picked his deputy, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, who was recently impeached, from the North.

The trend since since 1999 had been such that governors were denied second term because of the clamour for power shift. But, Mimiko broke the second term jinx, when

•Boroffice

•Elegbeleye

•Kuku

•Akeredolu

•Oke

correspondent observed that despite his denial different groups have sprung up to advocate that he should join the race to become the next governor when Mimiko’s tenure expires.

These groups are very active in the social media, trying to convince residents that the senator is the best man for the job. Boroffice is from the Akoko South West Local Government, Former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan is also eyeing the seat. Olabimtan, who defected from the PDP to the APC just before general elections, have started lobbying party chieftains, particularly those that are likely to be among the delegates of the party. Olabimtan see the APC as the best platform for him to achieve his political aim.

The former governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), is also preparing to take another shot at the Ondo governorship race.

Akeredolu, who is from Owo Local Government Area has boasted that he will be the governor. He still maintains his 2012 structure in the party and it is believed he may be counting on it to get the party ticket.

Alhaji Jamiu Ekungba, a member of the Board of Trustees of the APC, is also one of those believed to be eyeing the party’s ticket.

Ekungba, who is from Owo Local Government, was among the aspirants who contested for the ACN ticket in 2012. Despite the fact that he was denied the ticket, Ekungba has remained loyal to the party.

Like other aspirants, his first hurdle is to secure the ticket. He may be backing on the fact that no Muslim has ever ruled the state before.

Niran Sule, also from Owo Local Government, is equally eyeing the governorship. He was among the defectors who joined the APC from the PDP in 2014, when Governor Mimiko returned back to the fold. Before he decamped to APC, he was one of the close allies of Mimiko; he served as Commissioner for Special Duties in his first term. It was gathered that Niran Sule sponsored about eight state assembly candidates of the APC before he officially joined the party. This was done in readiness for 2016 election. Sule is not relenting on his effort to occupy the seat of power in state. He had commenced building of his political structures across the state.

Akinfehinwa Awodeyi is also another indigene of Owo Local Government that has shown interest in next year’s governorship election. He utilized the opportunity of the recent general elections to build his political structures ahead of 2016. He was among the

dust settled ‘onAsthetherecent general elections, everyone’s attention is gradually shifting to what promises to be a stiff contest between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), in Ondo State

’

he was re-elected in 2012. He was re-elected, despite the fact that the two major political parties contesting for the seat strategically picked their candidates.

The defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) picked Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) from the North District as its candidate, while the PDP decided to allow the slot to remain in the South, by picking Chief Olusola Oke. This factor nothwithstanding, the two parties were not able to dislodge Mimiko.

Aparently, their strengths were not enough to defeat him. Oke and Akeredolu came second and third respectively.

This time around, it may be a different ballgame. Though none of the political parties has started making any serious arrangements towards the election, politicians who belong to different political camps have started laying the foundation for the poll.

In Ondo North, which is likely to produce the next governor, a number of politicians have been showing keen interest in the race.

But, they are yet to declare publicly for the contest. There are three federal constituencies in the district. They are Owo/Ose, Akoko South West/East and Akoko North West/East. Prominent politicians within these constituencies have started positioning themselves for the race.

One of them is Senator Ajayi Boroffice, who secutred his second term seat to the Senate in the just-concluded elections.

Boroffice has always denied his interest in the governorship seat, but his body language suggests that he is eyeing the seat. But our

• Continued on page 46

46

THE NATION MONDAY JUNE 22, 2015

Some of the APC members allegedly connived among ‘themselves to suspend some party members without following

’

the party rules and constitution as well as the rule of fair hearing

POLITICS

’

‘APC should resolve Bayelsa crisis’

A

leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Mr. Godwin Sidi, has called on the national leadership of the party to intervene in the crisis rocking the chapter.

Sidi, a former Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (NPDP), was among the seven leaders suspended for alleged anti-party activities.

He said his appeal for the intervention of the national leadership was to save the APC from disintegration, ahead of next year’s governorship election.

He described his suspension as unconstitutional claiming that the person who signed the document containing the purported action, Mr. Marlin Daniel was no longer the party’s Secretary.

He said: “I find it expedient to

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

react to the said suspension, reason being that the person who made the announcement, Mr. Marlin Daniel, does not have the capacity to do so because he is no longer the secretary of our great party, APC. “You may recall that the socalled Marlin Daniel resigned as the state secretary to contest the just concluded House of Assembly elections and as such he is no longer the secretary.

“If by any means he is parading himself as one, he should be regarded as an impostor and the public should disregard him.

There is no truth in the suspension and it is baseless and does not hold water.

“I am therefore, calling on the South-South Vice Chairman and

national leadership of our great party to intervene in order to strengthen the state structure.

Their intervention will also avert disintegration ahead of the coming governorship election in the state.”

Sidi alleged that the suspension was meant to distract members of the APC and the public from gross misconduct, abuse of office by the state Chairman, Tiwei Orunimighe and his cronies.

Another suspended elder of the party, Mr. Christopher Abareowei, said the suspension was illegal.

He said: “Some of the APC members allegedly connived among themselves to suspend some party members without following the party rules and constitution as well as the law of fair hearing.

‘Osun ’ll rise again’

O

SUN State House of Assembly member from Obokun Constituency Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye has expressed optimism that the House would add value to governance in the state.

He spoke in his Constituency Office, Ibokun, during a courtsey visit by some traditional rulers in Obokun Local Government. He said the state would witness more development.

Oyintiloye noted that, with the calibre of lawmakers, with different experiences, exposure and professional backgrounds, the House would be proactive, vibrant and advance the course of good governance in the state.

The lawmaker also said with the quality and experience of the elected leadership of the house, there would be mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.

He told the royal fathers that the atmosphere of love that permeated the House at the inauguration was

a good omen for the growth of democracy.

He expressed optimism hat the House would pursue its legislative duties, checks and balances and oversight functions without compromising its independence as a separate arm of government.

“The past House of Assembly, especially the immediate one, has shown very good examples by passing laws that would be beneficial to the people and assist the government to deliver.”

“I am optimistic that diverse and rich professional background of different members of the state Assembly will contribute positively in the discharge of our legislative duties.’

“The Assembly being a theatre of democracy is designed to make law for the development of the nation, state and local government as the case may be, and I am convinced that Osun Assembly will not be different.

“The tradition of non-intervention of executive arm of government in

•Oyintiloye

the legislative business and its functions would also go a long way in assisting the state legislators to deliver their constitutional responsibilities”, he said.

Oyintiloye charged the people of his constituency to always provide necessary guidance as the occasion may demand.

Ondo APC flags Alasoadura’s support for Saraki, Ekeremadu The Publicity ‘ Secretary of the

•Ekeremadu

C

ONTROVERSY is trailing the purported suspension of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, and the Chairman, Oba-Ile Ward 9, Julius Agboola, over their comments on the support given by Senator Tayo Alasoadura to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and his deputy, Ike Ekeremadu.

Alasoadura, who is representing Ondo Central District, was the only senator from the Southwest that voted against the directive of the APC. Some Akure APC leaders have condemned the action of the senator.

They directed the Chairman of the Moferere Unit, Iju where the senator hails from, Julius Agboola, to set up a disciplinary committee to look into his action.

The APC leaders maintained that Alasoadura had lost touch with his constituency and pursued his personal ambition.

Besides,the aggrieved party members said his action betrayed the national leaders of the ruling and the wishes of Akure people.

But, supporters of the senator ordered the suspension of YusufOgunleye and Agboola.

The action was however, condemned by the deputy chairman,

party, Abayomi Adesanya, described the purported suspension as laughable and total lack of indicipline

’

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

APC Akure North local government, Dare Ogunleye , Secretary, Mr. Tuyi Fatukasi, woman leader, Alhaja Serifat Adepoju and other members of the local government executives.

They maintained that the purported suspension was null and void.

The party leaders Alasoadura, who joined a coup against his benefactor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

They pointed out that loyalists of the Senator were ignorant of the party constitution and the process of suspending members.

Also, the Publicity Secretary of the party, Abayomi Adesanya described the purported suspension as laughable and total lack of indicipline.

The party spokesman said it is wrong for a group loyal to Alasoadure to suspend the chieftain of the party who is representing the local government at the state executive level.

Abayomi described the action of Alasoadura as an anti- party activity, which should be condemned by all committed members of the APC.

PDP, APC warm up for Ondo poll • Continued from page 45 aspirants of the defunct ACN. Also in the race is Chief Bukola Adetula.

It may not be the turn of Ondo Central to produce the next governor, given the fact that the Mimiko, who from Ondo West Local Government, is from the zone. However, Akure, which is the state capital, is agitating to rule the state, based on the fact that, no Akure indigene has ever ruled the state since it was created.

Indeed, the senator representing the Central District, Chief Tayo Alasoadura, appears to be interested in the governorship. He is from Akure and he may be relying on the fact that Akure kingdom, which has the largest votes in the state, is agitating for their son or daughter to be the next governor.

Alasoadura, an APC chieftain, is a former Commissioner for Finance. He defected to the defunct ACN where he declared his interest for the governorship in 2012.

But, after he lost the ticket, he was made Akeredolu’s campaign coordinator.

Ondo South District, which has the second largest voting strength, may not be left out in the race. The district is known to be the political strength of the PDP in the last 16 years.

Politicians that may likely show interest from the zone include: Chief Olusola Oke, who is from Ilaje Local Government. Oke, was

the candidate of the party during the last election. He, however, defected to the APC few days after the presidential election. He based his decision on the way he was treated by the PDP leaders. He said he is joining the APC to help build the party in the state.

Oke, who is the former National Legal Adviser of the PDP, has structures in all the 18 local governments. He is an experienced politician, with an unprecedented political record since 1999. Oke, who came second during the last governorship poll, may need to work more on the party leaders to enable him get the party ticket.

Dr. Paul Akintelure, a medical doctor and a prominent member of the APC from Okitipupa Local Government, is also interested in the race. He was the running mate of Akeredolu in 2012. He is a prominent member of the party in Ondo South District, due to his impact on the growth of the party in the area.

Those eyeing the governor’s seat in the ruling PDP include Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, who hails from Akoko North East. He is a former House of Representatives from Akoko North East/West. After he left the lower legislative chamber, he was appointed Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Elegbeleye has already formed a platform, but he is yet to declare

officially for the seat. He may be counting on the support of Mimiko to clinch the ticket.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan State Campaign Coordinator, Tokunbo Modupe is among those who have shown interest in the race. Modupe, who is from Ose Local Government Area, may be counting on the fact that no indigene of Ose has ever ruled the state.

But, his hope of governing the state next year may be dashed due to the voting strength of Ose. Also in the race is Dr. Olu Agunloye, who is from Akoko North East. He was among the defunct ACN governorship aspirants in 2012. He dumped the party for the LP after the the party’s ticket was given Akeredolu. He was among the party chieftains that went along with Mimiko to join the

‘

To checkmate Mimiko’s bid to become the party leader, Ibrahim and his followers formed an alliance with the APC during House of Assembly polls. But, their efforts did not amount to anything

’

PDP in 2014.

Agunloye was initially interested in to the Senate on the platform of the PDP, but his hope was dashed when he was denied the ticket to represent Ondo North District in the Red Chamber.

He was among those who teamed up with the old PDP group led by Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim to frustrate Mimiko’s return to the fold.

It was rumoured then that he had a deal with Ibrahim, ahead of 2016 election. Based on the agreement, Agunloye may emerge as the running mate of Ibrahim, if the latter eventually picks the PDP ticket.

Business mogul Jimoh Ibrahim is a chieftain of PDP who contested the governorship poll in 2003.

Ibrahim, from Okitipupa Local Government, has been nursing the ambition to rule the state for a long time. The rancour between him and Mimiko was all because of the 2016 poll.

Nevertheless, Ibrahim is yet to declare his intention. But, he has capitalized on the opportunity of the crisis in the PDP before the presidential election to become the leader of the old PDP. Before the general elections, he launched a political association to work towards his emergence as the candidate of the party.

To checkmate Mimiko’s bid to become the party leader, Ibrahim and his followers formed an alliance with the APC during House

•Agunloye

of Assembly polls. But, their efforts did not amount to anything, because Mimiko eventually succeeded to secure the majority of the assembly. But, since the old PDP has lost out to Mimiko’s group, it is not certain if Ibrahim will still contest the poll under the PDP platform.

Another aspirant is the former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affair, Kinglesy Kuku.

The former Special Adviser, who is from Ese-Odo Local Government Area, a riverine community, has invested so much in the growth of the PDP in the zone. He may be counting on the his investment in the party to get the party ticket.

But, he may need to do a lot of work to get acceptability in all the local government, based on the fact that his is from Niger Delta community.

THE NATION MONDAY JUNE 22, 2015

POLITICS

47

Whatever we might have achieved, we should ‘agree that it was because there were agreements amongst all the members ’

Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who represents Agege 1 Constituency, spoke with OZIEGBE OKOEKI on his legislative agenda and other partisan issues.

‘Lagos Assembly ‘ll not be rubber stamp’

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HAT is your agenda for reconciliation in the Lagos State House of Assembly?

We are all co-travelers, 40 of us, from now till 2019 and Insha Allah, we shall get there successfully. I don’t think there is anyone that is aggrieved among my colleagues in the House.

Truly, some of us aspired to become the Speaker; about four or five of us, but we have settled that immediately. We have all moved back to our normal lives. We have been relating as colleagues. Let me say that there was no division amongst us; it was just a process. We have chosen consensus as a means of selecting the Speaker in this parliament since 2003; in 1999, when there was an election to choose the Speaker of the House, there was sharp division in the House because some people did not support the then speaker, Hon. Olorunimbe Mamora. In 2003, when Rt. (Hon.) Jokotola Pelumi came, we chose him by consensus, when he was impeached, Hon. Babajide Omoworare, Hon. Oyewo and Rt. (Hon.) Adeyemi Ikuforiji showed interest and through consensus, we agreed on Ikuforiji. In 2007, the same thing happened and in 2011, the same thing was repeated. I emerged in the same manner and process and I don’t think any of my colleague is aggrieved. We have attended so many programmes immediately after the Speaker issue and I was with some of them at the programmes.

How would you describe your emergence as the Speaker?

Naturally, as you rightly observed, we were all looking forward to having Hon. Kolawole Taiwo as the Speaker of the Assembly because I personally believe that we must respect ranking and those that have the cognate experience should be given a chance to operate. Parliament is not like other places, where you appoint people based on certificate. It is an institution that believes in ranking. For me, I would have supported Hon. Kolawole Taiwo, but unfortunately he couldn’t make it and people were looking at who would become the Speaker. My own candidature was initiated by some of my constituents and some of my colleagues. You will realize that during that time, a lot of our people were going to the press to seek support for the post. But, personally I didn’t do that because I believe that it is not public opinion that would choose the speaker for us and with due respect, I believe that it was not journalists that would choose the speaker for us. I believed that the party leaders and my colleagues in the House would decide the new speaker. We are all qualified for the position, I am not the only one that is qualified, but we had to leave the decision for our colleagues and the party leaders. I cannot say this is the reason behind it, but I can say it was done through consensus.

What are the lapses of the past administration that you would want to correct?

I have not seen any shortcoming of the 7th Assembly because I was also part of it. I believe that you cannot do it all or do it alone. As I said, we have a tradition in the parliament, so it is difficult to blame anybody except some things that are not adequate that you can make up. We will continue to follow our tradition; we will improve what we met on ground like we have talked about timing that our sittings should start by 10 a.m except if there is reason to adjust the time. We will reach out to our constituents, when we talk about our constituents, we think of the downtrodden, this time around, we want to reach out to everybody, we want to show them what we are doing and educate them on our activities. Even those who are educated have no knowledge of what the parliament does. So, we want to engage them, talk to them and make them know that this is a parliament that attends to the needs of Lagosians, we have a lot to do and we hope we would be able to achieve them.

People believe that Hon. Obasa is not friendly with the press. As the Speaker, how do you want to erase that idea?

I am not going to try to erase any idea, it is your own perception, I have my own perception. You cannot conclude that I am not your friend, when you are not close to me. It is only when you are close to me that you can judge

me. I believe that we are friends; we have been working together in the same institution for so many years. You have not requested that you want to talk to me and I refuse. If you had invited me and I say no, you can say this person is not friendly, he doesn’t like our faces. Until you do that, it would be wrong to say that I am not friendly with the press except if I am not forthcoming. You should have challenged me.

What are your priorities and how do you hope to beat the record of the past Speaker of the House?

It is all about the House, it is not an individual thing, and no man can take the glory. Whatever we might have achieved, we should agree that it was because there were agreements amongst all the members. If some members say ‘yes’ and others say ‘no,’ it would not be possible. Whatever we have achieved together, whatever glory we have today was because we worked hand in hand, we worked as members of the House. Comparing me with the last Speaker might be wrong, he served for 10 years, so talking about what somebody did for 10 years and what somebody that is just coming in is doing might be wrong, you would see that there is no basis for comparison. Secondly, if you look at the situation with which we ended the last Assembly, the Speaker was interested in the governorship race, so there would be a lot of class that he had to introduce and that is not happening now. So, these are the things you look at when comparing the former Speaker and the present Speaker. We believe that we will not disappoint anybody as long as we have the co-operation of the members, staffers and the press.

Also, we would like to engage the citizens through town hall meetings; may be quarterly, we will continue with trainings and involvement of the management of the Assembly. They are my proposals that are yet to be adopted by the Assembly; it is not just my own decision.

How do you feel about some issues that came up during the speakership race, especially those relating to your state of origin?

I wasn’t disturbed. Only few people would claim to be natives of Lagos more than me. I was born here, I grew up here and I went to school here. I am sure, if I get to Ogun State now, hardly would they be able to recognise me and if I want to contest there, I am sure they might not allow me until I beg them and tell them about my family house. I was not disturbed about it, we laughed over it, when I saw the newspaper that reported the issue during our induction programme at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Festac Town, Lagos. That was even the least of the attack I received, I was seriously abused, I was violated including my family members. I have heard that politics is dirty and murky, but it was at that point that I realized this. I thank Almighty Allah that it is not taking anything away from us.

One of the allegations against you was that you didn’t attend the Law School after your law degree programme in LASU. How true is this?

•Obasa

You would not expect me to say otherwise, I would naturally tell you I went to Law School.

The only way you can verify my claim is for you to carry out an independent investigation.

It is just a terrible thing, I was in the United States of America and I received a phone call from the Law School that a petition was written against me that I should not be allowed to graduate from the school due to certain reasons.

I told them I was not in town that I would see them, when I come back. I went there, when I came back and they showed me the petition, where they alleged that I was a thug, that I had been exploiting people and that I received bribe from local governments, and did this and that.

I went there with all the necessary documents, but the petitioners did not show up. They said why should I go to the university, when I am supposed to be here representing my people.

But, I feel that what is the problem, if you have a representative of the people, and in the process he thinks there is a need to improve in quality and education, would that not tell on the people you are representing? A lot of us past and current members improved ourselves, while here, so what is the problem. What is so special about Obasa, I was not disturbed because it was due to the fact that I showed interest in the position of the Speaker of the House.

It is in the imagination of the people.

The seat you are occupying is very hot. What are your survival strategies?

There is no spring in my legs, so there is no shock absorber. The only person I have is Almighty Allah because whatever you have or you don’t have is through Him. So, as long as you believe that you are doing the right thing, you don’t need to bother yourself.

You once denied that your constituency did not play any role in your emergence as Speaker?

I said then that I didn’t know anything about it, that the Speaker would not be chosen on the streets or in Agege, but that it was all about the leaders of the party and the members, but that it was not out of radar. Truly, I didn’t start it, somebody called my attention to the posters

and I told those, who were pasting them to stop.

That was even the preliminary, but when Hon. Kolawole Taiwo did not return, people were saying that who would become the Speaker, may be by the virtue of my years in the Assembly, my name was mentioned. We are three in that category; Hon. Sikiru Oshinowo, Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho and me. Oshinowo being the father of all is not interested in the position. So, when people mentioned my name, would I say no. When people went to the press, they mentioned my name regularly.

The House of Assembly makes laws, but the problem has been implementation. An example is the anti-smoking law that is yet to be enforced. What is your take on this?

For the fact that you have some laws does not mean they would be effective now, some laws have futuristic status. We have passed them but it would take time before they could work. We say no smoking in public places, where we copied it from, when they say don’t smoke here, they would provide an alternative.

The laws are necessary, which is why we have passed them, when the time comes, we don’t have to rush to pass them again. They are in place, so it is just to ensure that we get to them gradually, if you look at the Cremation Law, it is the same thing. The major challenge of our people is to embrace change.

The House has not really done well in the Impact Assessment of the laws you make on the people. What will you do to redress this two area?

We have a plan, and very soon, you would be seeing billboards all around Lagos, you know I said, we need to engage the people, not just the downtrodden, but that we should include the elites and the educated ones. We would start telling them what we have done through the billboards about our laws and the purpose.

Communication seems to be the problem and we need to reach out to the people. We discussed impact assessment in the last assembly, which is why we want to organize town hall meetings and through that we will get the assessment of the impact of the laws on the people.

The governor pleaded with the House for its support during the inauguration of the 8th Assembly. How do you hope to do this despite the independence of the House?

We are talking about mutual respect and inter-dependence, we will work hand in hand despite the principle of separation of powers.

You must realize that we belong to the same party, we will execute the manifestos of the party but despite that we must ensure that the interest of our people is well protected.

Many people see you as a socialite, now you are the Speaker of the House, how would you marry the two?

Who is in a public office that is not a socialite, is former governor Babatunde Raji Fashola not social, did that disturb his performance. Is Rt. (Hon.) Adeyemi Ikuforiji not social, people have said a lot, I have heard a lot about that, but that would not change me. It is a habit I cultivated long time ago. If you are getting married tomorrow, and you invite me, I would be there. After the swearing-in ceremony, a couple of friends orgainsed a dinner for me and I was there, I would not lose my friends all because I am now the Speaker of the House. This office has a terminal date, but I will always need my friends.

•From left: Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Senator Sanni Yerima, Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Senator Danjuma Goje during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin at his Palace in Ilorin at the weekend.

48

NATION SPORT

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

TRANSFER... TRANSFER...TRANSFER...TRANSFER...TRANSFER...

Galliani: Inter scuttled AC Milan's Kondogbia deal

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C Milan CEO Adriano Galliani says he believed he had agreed a deal to sign Monaco midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia until they were gazumped at the last minute by city rivals Inter.

The France international looked all set to join the Rossoneri after a deal worth around •40m was agreed, in principle, for the 22year-old France international.

The player's father told Galliani "see you in Milan on Monday" after a dinner with the club chief, only for Inter to step in with a bigger offer at the final hour.

"The agreement with Geoffrey had already been agreed the night before and was confirmed in the morning by the player and his father. At 1.30pm [on Friday] the deal was done," Galliani told La Gazzetta dello Sport .

"Monaco had given us the allclear for the transfer at •40m, with the payment spread over two years, paying •20 million [this year] and then •20m [next year].

"But after exchanging documents, at 1.30pm everyone just disappeared. Evidently, they had changed their minds or someone else offered more.

"I told his representative that in

Wilshere to be offered new deal A

CCORDING to reports in England, Arsenal are planning to double Jack Wilshere's wages to scare off interest from Manchester City.

Arsenal: Wilshere to be offered new deal - reports After losing Micah Richards, James Milner and Frank Lampard this summer, City are on the look-out for several homegrown players.

City boss Manuel Pellegrini has already been linked with

certain negotiations you have to act like a father would with his children. A 'no' is more difficult to accept than a 'yes', but we cannot accept the figures.

"Sometimes you need to show the courage to get up from the table and leave."

Inter's offer is said to include one lump sum of •40m plus performance-related bonuses.

It has been a bad week for Milan in the transfer market as Galliani went on to confirm they may also have lost out on Porto striker Jackson Martinez.

The Colombia international appeared all set to join Milan last week but could now be on his way to Atletico Madrid instead.

“If we save that •40m on Kondogbia and another •35m on Jackson Martinez, we'll have an extra •75m to spend over the rest of the transfer window," Galliani continued.

"Only time will tell whether that proves to be a good or bad thing for the club."

Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph this summer as he tries to help his side push for the Premier League title once again.

According to reports, Wilshere is a £40million target for City but Arsenal are eager to offer him a new deal. The England international currently has three years left on his £50,000-a-week contract and the Gunners are willing to double this to keep him at the Emirates Stadium.

Nani, Robin van Persie in Fenerbahce switch plan

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ANCHESTER UNITED winger Nani will announce his move to Fenerbahce soon, according to reports.

Nani's Portuguese team-mate Manuel Fernandes has revealed the attacker has already made up his mind about making the switch.

And Turkish publication Hurriyet have reported that the 28-year-old has already agreed personal terms on a four-year deal worth £55,000-a-week.

Fernandes told Turkish outlet LigTV: "He [Nani] has asked me questions about Istanbul.

"I explained to him the pros and cons about moving to Istanbul. He has already made up his mind, however, it is up to him to unveil his next step."

And Nani may not be the only Red Devil moving to the Turkish club, with reports also linking Robin van Persie to a deal.

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport claim Fenerbahce are willing to meet the 31-year-old's hefty wage demands.

Nani is believed to have agreed a four-year deal with Fenerbahce And Van Persie may be open to an Old Trafford exit in search of first-team football.

He said: "Things could change now, but that all depends on Manchester United not me. Believe me, I'm relaxed – I'm not going to be part of a puppet show.

"In August I'm 32. But I still have the ambition to play for another eight years."

Pirlo to join NYCFC on Friday

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•Wilshere

Ferdinand: Kane, Sterling overpriced

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Mata hoping De Gea remains at Old Trafford

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NITED midfielder Juan Mata insists he wants teammate David de Gea to be happy but he is hoping he stays with the club. Man United: Mata hoping De Gea remains at Old Trafford De Gea is currently being linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid and he only has one year left on his current contract. The Red Devils have already tried to renew his current deal, but De Gea appears to be biding his time this summer before

making his final decision.

United boss Louis van Gaal is already on the lookout for possible replacements, but Mata is hopeful he will stay put. Mata told Marca: "Lots of people ask me about him.

He's a friend and I want him to be happy. "He's currently one of the best goalkeepers in the world. From a selfish point of view, I would want to have him in my team."

IO Ferdinand has criticised the apparent 'over-pricing' of English players, claiming that the costs quoted for Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane are 'a joke'.

England international Sterling has reportedly been priced at £50m

•Ferdinand

by Liverpool as Manchester City vie for his services, having had two separate bids of £25m and £35m plus £5m add-ons rejected.

Kane is a target for City's neighbours Manchester United, with the price of the Tottenham star regularly quoted at around £40m.

Ferdinand, himself subject to a former British record transfer, has hit out at the prices however, insinuating that they are indicative of an English 'premium' in the transfer market.

'English players are so overpriced right now," Ferdinand posted on Twitter. "It's a joke!

Kane and Sterling have huge potential but £40m and £50m?

Aguero £38m and Sanchez £32m!!!'

When challenged over his onetime record £30m transfer from Leeds United to Man United in 2002, the 36-year-old responded bullishly.

'Look at the amount of Premier League and Champions League games I had played in before the move...oh, and a World Cup! Don't compare me please! There are others'.

UVENTUS playmaker Andrea Pirlo will seal a switch to New York City FC on Friday, Goal understands.

The Italy international still has a year to run on his contract with the Bianconeri and had previously claimed that he would only consider leaving Turin if Massimiliano Allegri's men lifted the Champions League earlier this month.

However, despite Juve's 2-1 loss to Barcelona in Berlin, the uncertainty surrounding the midfielder's future has only intensified in recent weeks and, on Saturday, the 36-year-old attended a New York Yankees

baseball game at Yankee Stadium - which is also home to NYCFC. Goal has now learned that Pirlo has agreed a move to MLS and will be confirmed as an NYCFC player before the end of the week.

Pirlo will join former England international Frank Lampard and Spain's all-time record goalscorer, David Villa, at a franchise that only entered the league this season.

Set-piece specialist Pirlo also played 115 matches for Italy and was a key component in the side that tasted World Cup glory in 2006.

•Pirlo

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

51

BUSINESS EXTRA

Over 75% of African reinsurance market lost to capital flight, says Africa Re GMD

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ORE than 75 percent of African reinsurance market share is placed outside the continent, Group Managing Director, Africa Reinsurance Corporation, Cornellie Karekezi, has said.

He, however, listed lack of skills and capacity, low capital base and unhealthy competition as the problems hindering the growth of the African reinsurance market.

He made this known at a briefing on the corporation’s new logo.

He said stopping capital flight of insurance premium in the continent was tough.

He noted that the mission of Africa Re is to foster insurance development by supporting, assisting and working with national in-

Stories by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

surance markets in the African Continent.

He said: “When Africa Re was created as an initiative of the African Development Bank, following an agreement with member-states of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the idea was to bring together all states on the continent, provide capacity which was very rare at that time, bring capital and start doing what was being done by foreigners only.

“At present, as an organisation, we have 10 per cent of the total reinsurance market share in Africa and if you combine capacities of all the other reinsurance companies, we may not do up to 25 per

cent. We have tried our best, but we still have a long way to go,’’ he said, adding that there is lack of capacity to cover large risks like oil and energy, lack of capacity to cover mega projects and even special risks like airlines and aviation.

The Africa Re boss pointed out that the continent is competing on not only capacities, but also ratings, adding that African solidarity had not grown much to support the continent’s development.

“For us at Africa Re, we go through rigorous risk management initiatives so that we can be compared with other European companies. Sometimes you are refused to lead a treaty even though you might have the competence

and the capacity because of some kinds of ratings. That explains why we have not retained the entire businesses emanating from the continent.

He said most markets in the continent have very low capital base, and that this is undermining capacity to undertake big ticket risks. ‘’Except for eountries like Nigeria that has reasonably large capital, many of the other countries have very low capital requirement and this accounts for why a lot of the businesses emanating from the continent go offshore, he added.

“Retention is largely driven by capital base, succession is high. Another major challenge is unhealthy competition, which is also affect-

•Karekezi

ing growth in most of the market.

But Africa Re has continued to engage the market and the chief executive officers across the African market by organising trainings in all areas of the business for skills development as well as setting standard,’’ he said.

‘Only one insurance firm shows signs of insolvency’

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• From left: Interim Managing Director, IEI, Peter Irene; Ahmad; Director, Interim Board, Ms. Ibiyemi Adeyinka; Director, Ms. Daisy Ekineh and NAICOM Representative, Emmanuel O. Farinu at IEI Brokers’ Forum in Lagos.

Anchor pays N23m claim to Niger Delta Power Holding

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NCHOR Insurance Company Limited has paid N23 million insurance claims to Niger Delta Power Holding (Sapele Power Plant) for an electronic fault leading to arcing and fire in the main generator and subsequent explosion and fire in main transformer and Gas Turbine unit.

This was made known in a statement by the company’s spokesperson, Kehinde Olaniyi.

Olaniyi, who said the payment

was made to indemnify Niger Delta Power Holding, noted that the money was paid within three days of receiving its discharge voucher.

According to him, the claims payment has demonstrated the company’s willingness to support the Federal Government’s drive in revamping the power sector.

He added that insurance played a key role in sustaining the power infrastructure so as to ensure adequate, efficient

and constant generation and distribution of power in the country.

It will be recalled that the company settled a claim of N44 million within 48 hours for its clients in the transportation sector.

He stressed that Anchor’s management has the expertise to handle power and energy insurances backed by robust and solid technical partnership with leading reinsurance underwriters and reinsurance brokers both locally and internationally.

IEI Board chair pledges stability

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HE Interim Board of the International Energy Insurance (IEI) Plc has pledged to bring stability to the organisation and make it stronger.

This Board took over, following the intervention of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) after the dissolution of the former board.

Its Chairman, Mohammed Ahmad, who assumed duties about three weeks ago, said the new board would ensure that the firm competes effectively and meets its obligations.

To this end, he said the board has embarked on the restructuring of the company’s operations, improving its relationship with brokers as well as investment amortisation.

Speaking during a Broker’s forum by the company in Lagos, he said the company is healthy and can meet its obligations.

He said: “The intervention of NAICOM is to protect policyholders, investors and other stakeholder’s interests.

“Regulatory intervention was to ensure that individual interest does not destroy the institution, particularly that there were squabbles amongst board members.”

He said NAICOM’s intervention does not amount to stress on the company, and that it is for the interest of the industry to avoid laying a bad precedence.

Ahmad, who has many years of experience as a regulator across the financial services industry in-

cluding CBN, NDIC and Pensions where he retired as pioneer Director-General of Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), said: “We are not here to close IEI, but to ensure that actions of the board does not undermine the institution.

“We gave you license not because of the money you paid but because you have promised to exhibit good character, integrity and good corporate governance. We are not here to stay long, but to finish our assignment within the specified time of first six months.’’

He assured the brokers that the company would look at the outstanding claims and pay soon.

At the event, the firm’s online Marine Cargo product, aimed at assisting importers, was unveiled.

‘’Prompt settlement of genuine claims has been our culture and this we intend to keep doing so as to give confidence to the insuring populace and create more awareness for insurance culture in Nigeria,’’ he said.

UT of the 40 insurance firms that have submitted their 2014 financial reports to the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), only one shows signs of insolvency, Director Supervision NAICOM, Nicholas Opara, has said.

There are 59 insurance firms in the country, comprising composite, general and life.

Opara, who made this known to journalists, assured the general public that the firms are healthy and are able to meet up with their obligation of paying claims promptly.

He said the financial status of the insurance industry showed that it is safe and stable for investors to invest.

He recalled that before now, insurance firms financial reports lacked credibility, saying this had changed, especially under the tenure of the Commissioner for Insurance, Fola Daniel.

He said the problem of non-rendition of account promptly was ending.

He added that the Commission already had the 2014 financial report of the firm’s as at first quarter of the year.

He said the commission has ensured that policyholders’ fund are only invested in approved areas and that they do not allow it to be invested offshore.

NAICOM okays LASACO 2014 account

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HE National Insurance Commission has approved the 2014 reports of LASACO Assurance Plc. The firm’s Group Managing Director, Olusola Ladipo-Ajayi, made this known in a statement.

He said the company recorded a gross premium income of N5.6 billion, as against N4.9 billion in 2013.

It said: “The company grossed a profit before tax of N525million, as against N412million made in 2013.

Its profit after tax rose to N445million against N275million recorded in 2013. The Company grew its earning per share from N00.4 in 2013 to N00.6 in the year under review.

“The company settled N1.8billion in claims and insurance benefits in 2014 and its Operating expenses for the year 2014, amounted to N1.54billion representing a decrease of N211million compared to prior year of N1.75billion”.

Ladipo-Ajayi explained that the company’s performance in the 2014 financial year was a reflection of team work and strategic deployment of resources, points out that

• Ladipo-Ajayi

the recent restructuring by the Company is paying up.

He added that NAICOM lived up to its commitment of giving speedy approval for accounts that are wellpresented in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS).

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

52

BUSINESS EXTRA

Kenya mulls licences to 13 Somali money transfer firms

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RESIDENT Uhuru Kenyatta has said Kenya will return licences to 13 money transfer firms that were banned after a deadly attack on a university in April and whose names are on a list of 85 entities with alleged links to Somalia’s al Shabaab.

The killing of 148 students by al Shabaab militants at Garissa, some 200 km (120 miles) from the bor-

der, had piled pressure on Kenyatta to deal with the Islamists who have killed more than 400 people in Kenya in the last two years. Rights groups say the ban has had a devastating impact on Kenya’s Somali community, numbering just over 1 million people, as it is heavily reliant on cash from workers abroad.

Kenyatta said in a message to

Muslims on the first day of the holy fasting month of Ramadan that he had been briefed about proposals to lift the ban as part of investigations into terrorism funding.

“In the light of this, I direct the Central Bank of Kenya to immediately issue comprehensive regulations that guide the operation of MRPs, upon which their suspen-

sion would be lifted,” he said, referring to so-called Money Remittance Providers.

He did not say whether the firms would be taken off the list of al Shabaab-linked entities.

Abdirashid Duale, chief executive officer of Dahabshiil, a leading remittance firm, welcomed the move and denied any link between his firm and al Shabaab.

“Dahabshiil has always been committed to existing regulations of the Central Bank of Kenya and commits itself to any new set of regulations the bank issues,” he said in a statement.

The owner of another of the banned remittance firms told Reuters the companies have not been told how long it will be before they can start operating in Kenya again.

FIIRO chief urges youths on job creation

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IRECTOR-General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO), Oshodi, Dr. Gloria Elemo has urged youths to deploy their energies towards productive ventures that can enhance the socio-economic development of their communities rather than engaging in destructive tendencies that will not bring glory to them and their mother land.

Speaking on the occasion of a oneday empowerment forum held by Ubulu-Uku Youths Association (UYA), Lagos Chapter, Dr. Elemo said Nigerian youths are facing a precarious situation, with a high unemployment rate, stating however, that such a situation should not warrant them taking to undig-

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nified social vices.

Dr. Elemo, who was the Chairman of the occasion said government has been trying to reduce unemployment in the land and organisations such as FIIRO, which she heads, is committed to boosting research and development that will create job opportunities for the youths.

The special day themed ‘New Growth Agenda for Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation in Anioma’ also featured the unveiling of the community’s website: www.udu-youth.org designed to enhance the quality and availability of information to members as well as showcase Ubulu-Uku’s development initiatives in Anioma.

Nestle axes 15% Africa workforce

WISS food and drinks company Nestle is cutting 15 per cent of its workforce in 21 African countries, the company confirmed.

A Nestle spokesman told Reuters the job cuts would affect about 60 workers in the equatorial Africa region after the Financial Times reported that the company is pulling back because it overestimated growth in the middle classes.

“We thought this would be the next Asia, but we have realised the middle class here in the region is extremely small and it is not really growing,” Cornel Krummenacher, chief executive for Nestle’s equatorial Africa region, told the newspaper.

Nestle has about 11,000 employees in the whole of Africa, the spokesman said, with the equatorial Africa region encompassing 21 countries including Kenya and Angola.

Krummenacher also said in the FT that Nestle would be lucky to reach annual growth of 10 per cent in the equatorial Africa region in future years and, with the job cuts, hopes to break even next year.

A spokesman for the South African unit of the company, who noted the region was its fastest growing African market, said it would not be cutting jobs. Nestle employs more than 3,000 people in what is considered Africa’s most advanced economy.

Smile Communications’ free WiFi for MetroTaxi

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HE 4G/LTE broadband provider, Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, activated free WiFi in over 200 Metrotaxis in Lagos.

The feat is consequent upon the consummation of the partnership between Smile Communications and popular auto service firm Metro-taxi At the official announcement of the partnership at the weekend in Lagos, its ýChief Marketing Officer, Mrs. Alero Ladipo, described the feat as a ‘partnership’ designed to redefine life style among Metro-taxi passengers. She said the partnership was in line with internet service provider (ISP’s) philosophy to enable the teeming customers of Metrotaxi to fully tap into the internet world with its endless opportunities.

She said: “Smile Communications Nigeria is uniquely famous for its transformative objective of using the best and most innovative technologies to provide its customers with high quality, easy to use and affordable communication services. “A lot of people think about the internet from utility point of view. We are reinforcing the view that people should remain connected to the internet while on the go. The internet is about a more productive lifestyle. In spite of the strata of the society you belong, you should live a connected life. That is what Smile is advocating.

People are connected in different ways.

Initially, in Nigeria, it was about making voice calls on your phone, but now people are connected via internet data

making calls through Whatsapp, BBM and other platforms. “ So, the partnership will impact on the way we live our daily lives; riding in cars, cabs, buses, everyday. Before you know it, buses will have data and every street would become ‘smart’ ones, always connected. This is just a first step to what will happen in future”.

On why MetroTaxi was chosen, she said: “Apart from Smile Communications being the ultimate 4G/ LTEcompany in Nigeria, we are creatively adding value to our customers’ lifestyle. The purpose of partnering with MetroTaxi is to improve on the conducive environment Metro taxi provides.

Metro taxi maintains a standard and that is why we have partnered with them. They have maintained the integrity they promised from onset, which is in line with our principle The benefits of the partnership are all encompassing for it is also good for the drivers as well, because they have an opportunity to use the Google Map to locate their routes instead of stopping and asking people. At the same time, that passenger, whether or not he is a Smile Communications customer, has received additional value.”

Speaking on the partnership, Chief Executive Officer, MetroTaxi, Mrs. Priscilla Ibe, said the company is excited by Smile’s magnanimity, adding that the partnership will lift the company’s business profile.

Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies, Kwara State University, Dr. Hakeem Ajonbadi; Regional Business Executive, South West 2, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, Miss. Arinola Alagbe and Accountant General, Kwara State, Alh. Sulaiman Ishola, at the presentation of Awards to winners of the Business Plan Competition organized by Sterling Bank Plc in Kwara State last weekend

Market imbalance slowing broadband devt, says Willsher

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HE Ministry of Communications Technology and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been urged to put in place policy and regulatory interventions to address challenges affecting broadband development in Nigeria.

In a paper presented at the 2015 Commonwealth Broadband Forum in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher identified the current situation where most of the telecos sector revenues and profits go to one operator while others struggle to survive, as being largely responsible for the broadband investment deficit and resultant low broadband penetration in the country.

Willsher said the presence of several struggling operators, many of whom are barely active, in an industry the size of Nigeria's, is indicative of serious underlying issues with value distribution across the industry. 'This', he noted, 'is highlighted by the concentration of 70 per cent industry EBITDA and probably all of the industry's net profit in one operator to the detriment of the rest of the industry.'

He said the country has

•Willsher

underperformed in the area of broadband development in comparison to its peers.

“Nigeria's mobile broadband penetration stands at 10.1 per cent while the average for peer countries in Africa is 30 per cent. Peer countries have an average Smartphone penetration of 26 per cent while Nigeria's Smartphone penetration averages 12 per cent,” he said.

He called for tailor-made regulations to enable unprofitable operators compete more favourably in order to attract a

greater share of the currently lopsided value in the industry. According to him 'it is perfectly normal to have asymmetric regulation in a market where one operator holds the sort of market share and significant market power - and pertinent to ask is whether Nigeria can learn from the success of other markets in restricting dominant players in the interests of the industry and the country at large'. He said if struggling operators can extract a better share of industry value, they are more likely to increase their broadband investment which will drive broadband development in Nigeria'.

He also identified inadequate spectrum to support broadband deployment as a key challenge in the provision of broadband services in Nigeria.

“Mobile broadband is clearly Nigeria's best route towards achieving its broadband coverage objectives given the high cost associated with fixed broadband. The most valuable coverage spectrum is underutilized with the sub-optimal use of the 800MHz spectrum and the delays being experienced in the freeing up of the 700MHz spectrum.

Philips launches campaign, empowers consumers OYAL Philips has launched launched its “Buy Original” campaign in Nigeria; an informative multi-year outreach aimed at protecting consumers, creating awareness about counterfeit products in the market and educating consumers in identifying an original genuine product versus a counterfeit one.

According to the Global Intellectual Property Centre (GIPC) worldwide, cross border trade in physical counterfeits alone cost the global economy $250 billion a year. In

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Africa, counterfeit products are posing serious concerns for local economies and brands who have worked hard to build reputation and consumer confidence in their markets. . Philips is tackling this issue through the launch of its “Buy Original” campaign, which will introduce effective measures for consumers to be able to easily identify and verify Philips original consumer appliances and lighting products.

“While there are no reliable industry wide statistics on the number of products that are counterfeits; from

market feedback we receive, we know that this issue is very severe.

Philips wants to work alongside consumers, government authorities, other MNCs and relevant organizations to see how we can collaborate together to enlighten and inform the consumers on matters relating to counterfeiting. We urge the public to become more vigilant and question products that seem to be unusually cheap, appear poorly made, or have generic packaging; especially when shopping at more traditional trade stores.

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

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NEWS

RAMADAN KAREEM

Ramadan 5, 1436AH

•State House Deputy Director Alhaji Jamiu Abdulkareem flanked by his wife, Prof Fatima, Head of Anatomic and Molecular Pathology Department, College of Medicine, University of Lagos and Dr Tajudeen Yusuf, Acting Head, Actuarial Science Department, University of Lagos during an Iftar (Breaking of fast) organised by the Guild of Muslim Professionals for Peace and Development at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja

•University of Lagos (UNILAG) Vice-Chancellor Prof Rahamon Bello flanked by UNILAG Muslim Community Chairman Alhaji Kasali Adegoke (right) and former Faculty of Education Dean cum UNILAG Chief Imam Prof Murtala Bidmos during 11th Ramadan Lecture organised by UNILAG Muslim Community at the mosque’s auditorium, Akoka, Lagos

JNI urges politicians to fear God

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PEX Islamic body in the North, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has called on political leaders at all levels

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

to discharge their responsibili-

Serve ALLAH, and join not any partners with Him and do good –– to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the way-farer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess.

Qu’ran 3 vs 36 Sponsored by ALHAJI KHAMIS TUNDE BADMUS Asiwaju Musulumi of the Yorubaland

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

Temptation in Ramadan

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IGERIA is a home of temptations. The agents of Satan are many and ubiquitous. They are most active in the sacred month of Ramadan. You will meet them in the neighbourhood, in offices, in commuter buses, in the markets and on the roads. Like Satanic rainbow, they come in various colours and sizes carrying with them all sorts of tempting materials. Some of them are men. Some are women.

Their temptations come in different forms. Some will make jest of you in a provocative way. Some will deliberately bring food to your presence and start eating right in front of you. Some will pretend not to be aware that you are fasting and, therefore, offer you drink. Some women will tempt you with the most sensitive contours of their bodies. The powders on their faces and other cosmetic materials on some of them alone are enough to disrobe you spiritually if you are not a formidable type. Their antics are many. But your resistance to all these is the most vital ingredient for the acceptance of your fast by Allah. This is a situation in which Muslims are expected to close their eyes and their minds at the same time. They should close their eyes to any eyesore and close their minds to all spiritual irritants.

In no Islamic society can such temptations be experienced. In any sane society, it is a punishable offence to deliberately tempt or provoke fasting Muslims in the month of Ramadan. As a matter of fact, all food vendors and restaurants statutorily refrain from operating in the days of Ramadan. They can only trade in the nights. And of course, there is nothing like alcohol or nudism in such societies even outside the sacred month.

Resistance to temptation in Ramadan is a function of two things: high level of discipline and strong faith in Allah.

Any Muslim who lacks these two is surely bereft of the necessary armour against temptation. Ramadan in the life of a Muslim is like a delicious food given to a hungry man.

If he handles it carelessly, it may end up in the belly of a goat. Satan is always on standby to snatch any reward accruing to pious people from good deeds. To avoid becoming a victim of satanic machination therefore, do not be careless with Allah’s bounties for you in this sacred month.

ties with the fear of Allah.

The group called on state governments and individuals to supports millions of Internally Displaced Person (IDPs).

JNI, in a statement by its Secretary General, Dr Khalid Abubakar Aliyu said the period of Ramadan is the most appropriate time the IDPs need such assistance.

Aliyu enjoined Muslims to pray for the restoration of peace, stability and security in

the country.

He said: “Ramadan being the month of Tafseer (Exegesis of the Glorious Qur’an), respected Mufasseerun (scholars) are once more implored to fear Allah and conduct their respective Tafseer sessions in line with the Qur’an and Sunnah of the Noble Prophet, using courteous language and kind words. They should as well shun bad preaching during the Tafseer

sessions.

“Indeed Ramadan is a month of self restraint, patience, servitude and dedication to Allah; hence we must collectively seek Allah’s pleasure, forgiveness and mercy.

Procrastination in performing good deeds is the enemy of man, therefore we must be more dedicated to Allah’s worship now and beyond. There is no better period than the Ramadan.”

Council laments infiltration of religious HE Chairman, Muslim bodies by criminals Council in Taraba, Al-

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haji Inuwa Manu, has lamented the infiltration of criminals among the religious bodies.

This, Manu said, was meant to create confusion among the religious groups.

“If you watch very well, you will see that when they attack, they first loot the shops or houses of their victims before setting them ablaze. The worst thing that can happen to us as a people in Taraba is to have religious crisis. To the best of

my knowledge, what is happening in southern and central parts of Taraba is not religious crisis, but land-related problems,’’ he said.

He urged the people to embrace peace and respect each other’s religion so as not to create room for the miscreants to capitalise on it to cause problem in the state.

Manu said the council had directed its members in all branches to preach love, unity and peace in their sermons

during Ramadan.

The chairman urged the people to support Governor Darius Ishaku, to deliver on his campaign promises.

He urged the Muslims to use the Ramadan to demonstrate love and peaceful coexistence among different religious adherents in the state.

He said the call became imperative following activities of miscreants who were bent on causing public disturbances in the name of religion in the state.

Stop blackmailing Islam, Baraje warns insurgents

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ALL Progressives Congress (APC)’s Board of Trustees (BoT) member, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu has warned members of BokoHaram sect and those perpetrating violence and destruction in the name of Islam all over the World to refrain from

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

tarnishing the image of the religion.

He implored Muslims to seek maximum benefits from the Ramadan period by supporting the needy and concentrate on the worship of Allah.

The founder of Baraje Centre for Arabic Studies in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, hailed Muslims for ensuring uniformity in the commencement of this year’s Ramadan fast, which he noted has demonstrated unity among Muslim Ummah all over the world.

Senators to Muslims: be selfless

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HE first civilian governor of Osun State and Senator representing Osun West District, Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, has called on Muslims in Osun State to eschew selfishness in their daily conducts.

He prayed for a rewarding and blessed Ramadan.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Olumide Lawal, Adeleke called on Muslims in the state to see the month of Ramadan as a moment of sober reflection.

He enjoined Muslims to improve their relationship with one another, particularly the needy and the down-

Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo and Tajudeen Adebanjo

trodden.

He urged them to always put smiles on the faces the less privileged, noting that “we should be our brother’s keepers.”

Adeleke, the Asiwaju of Edeland, maintained that, more than ever before, Nigerians should ensure that the prosperity and progress of their fatherland is very paramount in their minds.

He called on the people to embrace farming to complement their earnings.

Adeleke assured that the economic problem facing Osun State would soon fizzle

away, saying that leaders of the APC in Osun State are strategising to ensure that civil servants receive their unpaid salaries and pensioners their arrears.

Senator Solomon Adeola representing Lagos West Senatorial District urged Muslims to pray for the nation.

Senator Adeola said he had no doubt of the efficacy of Muslims’ prayers to Allah particularly during the month of Ramadan.

He called on Muslims to continue to live in harmony with members of other religious faiths, stressing that Islam is a religion of peace that abhors violence.

Pray for security, Ekiti APC tells Muslims From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti and Jide Orintunsin, Minna

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has urged the Muslim community in the state to pray for divine intervention in the state.

A statement by its Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, appealed to Muslims to pray Allah to expose those behind serial crimes, such as kidnapping, robbery and burning of the king’s market.

“Our Muslim brothers and sisters should beseech Allah to put an end to the reign of terror in our state and restore her to her former peaceful state where people slept with their eyes closed and moved freely anytime of the day without fear of being attacked or kidnapped,” Olatubosun said.

He also urged Muslims to beseech Allah’s mercy on President Muhammadu Buhari to choose capable hands to work with him.

Olatubosun’s counterpart in Niger State, Jonathan Vatsa, urged the Muslims to pray for the success of government at all levels.

Vatsa said the lessons inherent in the Ramadan showed the equality in human existence irrespective of affluence.

“We call on Muslims to join hands to pray for the success, divine guidance and direction for the APC governments,” he said.

Also an APC aspirant for governorship election in Kogi State Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman called on Muslims to pray for the continuous peaceful co-existence and unity of the country.

Abatemi-Usman, the former Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, said peace is an essential ingredient in a country seeking for rapid growth and development.

He urged every Muslim to always live a virtuous life worthy of emulation.

He said Nigeria needed prayers more than ever before, to seek God’s guidance and direction for President Muhammadu Buhari, to positively impact on the lives of the people.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

NEWS ‘My emergence as speaker divine’ Continued from page 4

•A cultural group entertaining at the 2015 Ogidi-Ela Day celebration in Ogidi, Ijumu Local Government of Kogi State…at the weekend.

PHOTO: NAN

Fayose rejects Mimiko as PDP Governors’ Forum chair FRESH crisis appears to be brewing in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has rejected Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko as chairman of the party’s Governors’ Forum.

Fayose has rallied some other governors in the party to kick against Mimiko’s

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From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

emergence.

He has petitioned the national leadership of the party to intervene before the matter degenerates into a full blown crisis.

A source at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja was quoted to have confirmed the receipt of the peti-

tion against Mimiko. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) will be meeting the party’s governors today to ironing out the matter.

The aggrieved governors were said to have protested that the choice of Mimiko did not follow due process on grounds that Mimiko defected to the PDP only last year.

Mimiko emerged chairman

of the Forum last week the governors’ meeting in Abuja, where only six of the party’s 13 governors and two deputies were present.

Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio is the pioneer chairman of the Forum, a position he relinquished at the expiration of his tenure on May 29.

Transition panel to Buhari: end fuel subsidy

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RESIDENT, Muhammadu Buhari has been advised by his transition committee to end a fuel subsidy and privatise Nigeria’s four refineries, sources in the All Progressives Congress (APC) told Reuters yesterday.

The government heavily subsidises gasoline and relies on imports for the bulk of domestic demand due to an underperforming refining system.

The subsidy, which was re-

vealed to have paid out more than $6 billion in fraudulent claims in 2012, is proving to be increasingly costly.

Buhari, who was sworn in as president three weeks ago, is considering the recommendations made in the strategy report produced by the 19member committee led by retired technocrat Alhaji Ahmed Joda.

“The removal of the fuel subsidy is one of the recommendations of the transition committee,” said a senior

APC source, who did not want to be named.

“The committee also suggested to Mr President that the four refineries be privatised so that the government stops wasting money on annual turnaround maintenance,” he said.

A second APC source also told Reuters that these recommendations were contained in the report given to Buhari earlier this month.

The prospect of the subsidy removal contributed to

fuel shortages in the final days of Jonathan’s administration as gasoline importers went on strike saying they were owed money from the government.

Last week, the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said its four oil refineries would resume production next month.

The ailing refinery system generally runs well below capacity, sometimes at just 20 per cent, due to neglect and pipeline sabotage

your support. Apart from the support from our brothers from other political zones’, support.

“The North at a time searched for leadership from other parts of the country because, we were divided. My emergence with the support of all people of different tribes and religions in Nigeria, showed that we’re beginning to come together as a region and Nigeria will be better for it.”

“For God to have returned to this region and pick someone here is an indication that there is a new dawn for this region.”

Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND), Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, said Dogara’s victo-

How NNPC ran into swap scandal Continued from page 4

light crude.

“The scope of crude swap was later broadened specifically because our refineries began to produce below their stipulated name plate capacity.

“In addition, NNPC/ PPMC from late 1990s-2010 used to import Petroleum Products on an Open Account backed by a PPMC Payment undertaking that payment will be made 45 days after imported vessels arrive.

“This payment timeline was never met with payment delays running to 400 days late, currently with an outstanding debt to Importers and bankers of close to $2billion currently standing at 7 Years late payment, “No Local or International Bank will finance any NNPC/PPMC imports on an open account. Banks need to see a solid bankable security or guarantee to finance any import to NNPC/PPMC due to their indebtedness and bad payment record. “NNPC/

Delayed rains threaten North’s food production, say farmers

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ARMERS in some northern parts of the country have expressed worry that the delay in the rainfall experienced this year may affect food production in the country.

Meteorologists had predicted that some northern parts of the country would experience delay in the arrival of rains this cropping season, while they were also advised not to rush to plant.

Some of the farmers told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that most farmers are yet to begin planting due to lack of adequate rainfall.

They said the situation posed serious threat to food production in the region this year.

One of the farmers, Malam Baushe Talle, said: ``Rain is a factor in plant growth, therefore, the greater the rainfall, the faster the seed grows and the higher the yield.''

Another farmer, Malam Musa Abdu, stressed the need for government to provide farmers in the region with drought resistant seeds, to avert crop failure and ensure bumper harvest.

"Farmers should also be educated on different farming techniques because of this kind of situation," he said.

Malam Lawan Kado, advised government to reduce the effects of potential food shortage by buying the surplus directly

from farmers. ‘’So, if there is a shortage of food, the stored ones can be sold at cheaper prices in order to ensure that food prices remain affordable and stable,'' he said.

Malam Musa Dogara and Malam Maiwada Karaukarau, canvassed for adequate budgetary allocation to the agriculture sector to ensure easy access to facilities and farm inputs required to sustain massive production.

According to them, such provision would ensure prompt supply of fertilisers, chemicals, improved seeds and farming implements, as well as credit facilities to farmers.

Secretary, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Alhaji Garba Bichi, advised farmers in the northern states to plant their crops as soon as the rains start. ``Farmers should not wait for heavy downpour before they start planting because if they plant early, crops will mature before the rain stops,’’ he said.

Bichi urged farmers to embrace dry season farming as solution to inadequate or delayed rainfall. ``In fact formers must embrace irrigation in order to augment the shortfall during wet season farming,'' Bichi added.

Chairman, Kaduna state Commercial Agriculture Association, Malam Nuhu Umar, said timely provision of farming inputs including seeds and fertiliser,

was key to sustainable agricultural production in the country. ``As long as farmers do not have timely access to inputs and at affordable price, they would continue to produce at a loss and this could pose serious threat to the country's quest for food security. ``As such, the government must on a consistent level make available seeds, fertiliser, tractors and other crucial farm inputs as well as training us in modern farming techniques.

“This will go a long way to assist us remain in business and compete with other farmers from developed countries,'' he said.

According to him, farmers are recording consistent drop in yield due to lack of access to vital farm inputs and adequate rains.

The chairman, however, begin the Kaduna State Government for providing 30, 215 tonnes of fertiliser to farmers at subsidised rate and 186 tractors to be sold to farmers at 60 per cent discount.

Alhaji Nuhu Aminu, AFAN chairman in Kaduna State, stressed the need for government at all levels to encourage agricultural mechanisation to enhance food production and security.

Aminu encouraged farmers to form cooperatives in order to access loan with which to

procure tractors and other farm inputs to boost agricultural production.

The chairman identified lack of access to credit facilities and markets for agricultural produce as major setback to agricultural growth in Nigeria.

Aliyu observed that non availability of markets had discouraged many people from continuing with farming activities.

An Environmentalist, Prof Ibrahim Jaro of Geography Department, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, said the report which stated that over 90 million Nigerians are hungry, referred to those not getting balanced diet.

"What the report meant is that over 90 per cent of Nigerians are lacking balance diet.

“The fact that you eat three times a day does not mean that you are not hungry.

"You may eat yam at breakfast, semovita during lunch and rice as dinner, but you only succeeded in taking carbohydrate, which will only supply you energy nothing else," he said.

According to him, for a person not to be hungry, he needs to have a food that is well balanced.

Some peasant farmers who spoke with NAN appealed to government at all levels to stop paying lips service to agriculture and increase their budgetary allocations in order to boost food

ry is history made in grand style.

He described the Speaker as a man of faith who believed he was going to occupy a prominent position in the country, he added that “if we ever thought that someone from this land would work against the emergence of Dogara as Speaker, he was a liar because God made it possible.

“The said that can anything good come out of Nazareth?

Something good has come out of Zaar land,” he said.

Guests at the Thanksgiving service included former Plateau State Deputy Governor Paulline Tallen, former Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria, Bauchi state, Rev. Shiabu Byal and Supreme Court Justice Bitrus Tsammani, among others.

production in the country.

The Kogi Government said it has begun the distribution of N232 million loan and grants to 145,000 farmers in rural areas of the state.

A statement in Lokoja yesterday by the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Media, Mr Jacob Edi, said the grant would be given to farmers on the platform of Nigerian Agricultural Payment Initiative e- wallet system.

According to the statement, the loan aspect of the package is being disbursed in phases by the state government in partnership with the Kogi Farmers Cluster Development Union.

It said that 145,000 rural farmers selected across the 21 local government governments in the state had been listed to benefit.

Also. the Federal Government said it distributed seeds and fertiliser worth N2.5 billion to rice farmers in Jigawa for the 2014/ 2015 farming season.

The Director, Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) in the state, Malam Ahmad Labaran, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse that the farm inputs were distributed to 177,425 rice farmers in Hadejia, Kafin-Hausa and Auyo.

He added that each farmer was given two bags of fertiliser and 2.5 kg of improved rice seed, saying the items were given to the farmers at subsidised price

PPMC used to rely on their refineries Un-Utilized Crude oil barrels to fund these open account Payment Batches.

With this challenge to NNPC and Government, this posed a problem to 50% of fuel supply into Nigeria around 2009 and 2010.

To avert this, NNPC/ PPMC advertised in 2009 inviting for proposals for Offshore Processing Arrangement and other proposals to guarantee fuel supply to Nigeria. Thus crude swap/ OPAs concept widened to include crude for refined products, which had been in practice with Oil Majors more than two decades. British Petroleum and SIR refinery of Ivory Coast were the first engaged in late 2000s for this.”

NLC to lawmakers: slash N120b vote or face revolt Continued from page 4

my.

“For instance, why pay legislators who already collected over a million naira wardrobe allowance?

“It will take a minimum wage earner about two years and five months to earn what legislators earn as wardrobe allowance of N506,600. ”The eighth National Assembly should rightly redirect national resources to priority sectors, such as education, health and road construction.

“The assembly must also urgently review the minimum Wage Act of 2010 which, according to the Act, expires next month.

“The Assembly should constitute the Tripartite Statutory Committee based on equal basis between government, organized labour and organized private sector,” it said.

Chibok girls protesters to march on Villa Continued from page 4

days ago as a group about meeting with him, so that he can tell us what he has been doing so far about rescuing the Chibok girls and ending the insurgency in the Northeast but unfortunately we have not received any reply from him, we are going to be embarking on a protest march to the Presidency, so that as citizens, we will know what is being done in our country.”

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

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NEWS

The road to financial difficulties for states •Continued from page 3 There were fears that the 2014 Christmas celebrations will be bleak in many states.

By November 2014, because of the continued drop in revenue, some states had demanded that the Federal Government should stop making further payments into the ECA and instead, share the money to all the tiers of government. The same demand was renewed in December. By then, the state governments had started rushing to the capital market to raise funds to meet their financial obligations when it became clear that the Federal Government would not shift ground on the matter.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) admitted then that it was processing requests from at least seven states to access longterm funds bonds to meet pressing financial obligations.

Giving the sensitive nature of the requests, the SEC refused to disclose the states that approached it, but officials of the SEC were categorical in their stand that such bonds should not be used by the states to pay workers salaries.

According to the some SEC officials, who spoke to The Nation on the sidelines of the Capital Market Committee Retreat in Abuja, “for state governments to succeed in raising funds from the capital market they have to come with bankable projects with prospects of generating revenue.”

Such bankable projects that will likely scale the SEC’s hurdle for approval include infrastructure, real estate and such projects that can generate revenue for the states to pay back what they have borrowed from the capital market.

A source at the Debt Management Office (DMO) also confirmed that state governments were “making overtures to raise long-term funds from the capital market but were not carrying the DMO along as required by law; the figures are very bad as a result of the continued fall in revenue.”

The states, scrambled to raise these long-term funds because of the persistent drop in their monthly revenue occasioned by the drop in global oil price and the decision of the FAAC not to augment further shortfalls in monthly allocations to the three tiers of government, when it became apparent that there was a threat to the accruals in the foreign reserve and by extension, the ECA from where augmentation was accessed.

The worsening economic situation has forced states under FAAC umbrella to clamour for a wage review for political office holders and their appointees. Befored Odaah served out his tenure, he said the time had finally come for all tiers of government to tighten their belts and brace for tough time.

He said the option left for the states was to evolve survival strategies and stop the dependence on oil.

One of such strategies, according to him, was the need for a downward wage review for political office holders to save more money to meet other demands.

However, Odaah cautioned against pruning down the number of special/personal advisers and assistants to governors and the president as their appointments was a way of reducing unemployment.

Another option was the diversification of state economies and lessdependence on oil to a point where oil would be a substitute and not the main stay of the economy, so that price volatility of oil would no longer be a shock to economies but a cause for little concern.

The need for wages review, he said, was occasioned by the fact that

State’s IGR figures State •Lagos •Rivers •Delta •Enugu •Ogun •Oyo •A/Ibom •Kaduna •Bayelsa •Anambra •Osun •Benue

IGR portfolio N276,163,978,675.95 N89,112,448,347.58 N42,819,209,025.24 N19,250,345,593.00 N17,492,620,787.52 N16,307,233,700.22 N15,676,502,423.00 N12,782,522,514.15 N10,958,263,688.00 N10,454,312,316.18 N8,513,274,186.67 N8, 284,426,160.72

State •Plateau •Imo •Kogi •Katsina •Niger •Sokoto •Bauchi •Nasarawa •Kebbi •Ekiti •Zamfara

IGR portfolio N8,284,425,159.92 N8,115,715,385.95 N6,569,928,653.47 N6,223,037,599 N5,731,185,035.88 N5,617,763,260.35 N4,853,453,184,87 N4,085,127,585.27 N3,834,143,641.95 N3,462,341,448.32 N3,147,630,553.96

Source: National Bureau of Statistics (NBS’s) 2014 Report

10 most indebted states State •Lagos •Kaduna •C/River •Edo •Ogun

Debt profile N233.94 billion N46.88 billion N28.29 billion N24.63 billion N21.83 billion

State •Bauchi •Katsina •Osun •Oyo •Enugu

Debt profile N17.51 N15.79 N14.81 N14.47 N13.79

billion billion billion billion billion

‘ State governments were making overtures to raise long-term funds from the capital market but were not carrying the DMO along as required by law; the figures are very bad as a result of the continued fall in revenue.

‘

Least indebted states State Debt profile State Debt profile •Taraba N4.56billion •Benue N6.62 billion •Borno N4.61billion •Abia N6.76 billion •Delta N4.85 billion •Zamfara N7.11 billion •Plateau N6.19 billion •Kogi N7.16 billion •Yobe N6.25 billion Source: Debt Management Office (DMO’s) external debt figures only the ECA is dwindling and the amount shared by the three tiers of government has also been on the decline for many months running.

It was disclosed at the January FAAC meeting that the ECA accounts had been depleted to $2.45 billion from $3.1 billion within a month.

Yuguda said N15.631 billion was deducted from the ECA to beef up what was shared among the three tiers of government for the December FAAC allocation.

At the end of the meeting, N580.378 billion was shared by all the tiers of government as against N628.775 shared the previous month. To arrive at this amount, N474.400 was shared as statutory distribution among the federal, state and local governments; N73.466 billion from VAT; N10.551 billion from Exchange Gain; N15. 631 from the ECA and N6.330 refunded to the Federal Government NNPC. The minister noted that the country was in this sorry state because there was “a 12 per cent drop in crude oil prices from $87.8 million in October to $77.5 million in November, leading to $62.8 million loss in revenue and a 52 per cent loss in volume coupled with 31 per cent price drop, culminating in a total revenue loss from the LPG/NGL October sales all contributed negatively to the federation equity.”

Yuguda added: “The persistence of the Force Majeure declared by Shell since June 2014 and the shut down and shut-in of trunks and pipe lines at various terminals also impacted negatively on the revenue performance.”

Sadly, non-oil revenue also dropped “due partly to the fact that the timeline for the payment of taxes by many companies is yet to fall due.”

In April, the three tiers of government shared a paltry N388.339 billion compared to the N435.061 billion shared the previous month.

Desperate moves for way out.

A meeting of the 36 governors under the NGF with President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled for tomorrow at the Aso Villa, seat of the Federal Government. On the agenda for discussion is the possibility of the President bailing out the states that are finding it difficult to pay salaries.

Without a bailout, it will be difficult for many states to clear the backlog of salary arrears as some of them will require more than a month’s allocation to pay the workers for one month. The monthly subvention from the Federation Account is barely enough to pay workers’ salaries in some states. Once the salaries are deducted, there is virtually nothing left for projects.

President Buhari to the rescue The Federal Government can do little giving the fact that the country practices a federal system where all the federating units are expected to fend for themselves, at least.

However, the Federal Government can appeal to SEC and the DMO to help the states raise long-term loans by guaranteeing the bonds. But, there must be an understanding that the benefiting states must adhere to strict prudential guidelines and transparent management of financial resources before they get the Federal Government’s backing.

Sadly, the time the economic recession hit the states coincided with the country’s general elections when many state governors and key political actors were battling for their political survival, rather than exerting energies on how to save their state economies.

How states got into trouble The states got into financial mess by not being proactive and not applying creative economic skill to save their states. Instead of devis-

ing ways and means of boosting the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), many of them sat back and waited for handouts from the monthly Federation Account.

Some of states also failed to prioritise their needs. They embarked on building non-revenueyielding projects such as airports with no commercial value, additional universities when existing ones had not been maximised, football stadium not utilised for most days of the year, bogus government houses and governors’ lodges in the Federal Capital City (FCT).

Other unprofitable ventures include the sponsorship of rich and influential people to holy pilgrimages in Saudi Arabia and Israel; building duplexes and mansions as commissioners and legislators quarters even when they could not sustain 18,000 minimum wage and bought private jets for governors.

States with high dept profiles According to external debt figures released by the Debt Management Office (DMO), Lagos is leading other debto states with $1,169,712,848.65 (about N233.94 billion). The state had also borrowed N167.5 billion from the bond market. As of the last count, the debt portfolio of Lagos stood N40I.44 billion.

Following dwindling oil revenues and their inability to boost their IGR, many states, in addition to obtaining loans and overdraft from banks, had approached the capital market in the last four years to raise funds. The amount of money they borrowed through the issuance of bonds has tripled over the period, rising to N673 billion from N298 billion in 2011.

About 12 states have issued N375 billion bonds, surpassing the total bonds issued by all the states in the country since 1978. Lagos State is also atop the list of borrowers from the bond market with N167.5 billion. Rivers states, which recently launched a NI00 billion bond is second and Delta State with N50 billion is trailing. Others include Gombe (N30 billion), Ekiti (N25 billion), Niger N21 bilion), Bauchi (N15 billion) and Benue (N13 billion).

Most indebted states

Using the DMO’s external debt figures without adding domestic debts, Lagos tops the chart of 10 most indebted states in the country with $1.I7 billion or N233.94 billion debt, beating Kaduna with N46.88 billion to a distant second; Cross River (N28.29 billion), Edo (N24.63 billion), Ogun (N21.83 billion), Bauchi (17.51 billion), Katsina (N15.79 billion), Osun (N14.81 billion), Oyo (N14.47 billion) and Enugu (N13.79 billion).

Least indebted states Leading the states with minimal exposure to multilateral and bilateral loans are: Taraba (N4.56 billion), Borno (N4.61 billion), Delta (N4.85 billion), Plateau (N6.19 billion), Yobe (N6.25 billion), Benue (N6.62 billion), Abia (N6.76 billion), Zamfara (N7.11 billion)and Kogi(N7.16 billion).

If domestic debts are added, states like Taraba, Borno and Abia, that had not issued bonds will qualify as the least indebted.

Abia State’s immediate finance commissioner, Dr. Phillip Nto, was quoted to have said: “When you collect bond, you are mortgaging your future because you pay over a long period of time.”

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently released the amount of money each state of the federation was making from their IGR efforts.

The Bureau had to release the figures following the outcry over the non-payment of salaries by some states on the grounds of non-availability of funds.

In the document entitled: “Details of Internally Generated Revenue in states” released by the NBS, it showed Lagos State collecting N276,163,978,675.95 in fiscal in 2014 as against N384,259,410,959.19 collected in 2013 to lead 22 other states which records of IGR were released.

Following Lagos is Rivers with an IGR portfolio of N89, 112,448,347.58 in 2014 compared to N87,914,415,268.80 collected in 2013 fiscal year. Delta trailed Lagos and Rivers with an IGR portfolio of N42,819,209,025.24 in 2014 as against N50,208,229,986.91 in 2013.

The NBS said the 2014 report would be updated as soon as other states submitted their IGR report.

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

56

NEWS Wada preaches peace From James Azania, Lokoja

KOGI State government has appealed to the people living in the disputed boundary between Aguleri in Anambra State and Ibaji in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State to embrace peace.

Governor Idris Wada, who spoke when he received the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Dr. Muhammed Ahmed, who visited the state following the challenges facing the commission in its delineation on the boundary between the two states, said the affected people should remain peaceful and cooperate with the commission in the discharge of its duties.

50,000 farmers to enjoy scheme From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

FIFTY thousand farmers from the Adamawa Central Senatorial District are to benefit from the Senator Abdulaziz Nyako Agricultural Scheme.

The head of the central campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Isa Bagachi, who spoke when distributing N95million worth of maize seedlings and rice to the people for the farming season, said the potential of the zone would be included in the scheme.

He thanked Senator Nyako for assisting the people “at this critical period”, saying farmers, who wished to participate in the programme in the senatorial zone, would be assisted.

Kalu mourns Dan Maraya Jos

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

FORMER Abia State Governor Dr. Orji Kalu has described Adamu Wayya, popularly called Dan Maraya Jos, as a music icon, whose accomplishments in the traditional entertainment industry would not be forgotten.

He said the gifted musician contributed to nationbuilding through his music, which preached love, togetherness and unity.

In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said: “The demise of Adamu Wayya is a colossal loss not only to the entertainment industry, but the nation. He was good at his calling and displayed his God-given talent at any opportunity. “He was a celebrated musician, who left behind a legacy for others in the industry to uphold. He contributed his quota to the world and his memories will remain evergreen in the minds of the people. May God grant the music legend a blissful rest.”

The business mogul, who commiserated with the government and people of Plateau State, prayed to God to grant the late philosopher eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

•From left: Chief of Kpeyegyi land, Afaswaje Joseph; Vicar, St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Mararaba, Nasarawa, Rev. John Sabo and a representative of the Managing PHOTO: NAN Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Joe Bamkole, during the Fathers’ Day celebration…yesterday

Adamawa Assembly insists on pay cut

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DAMAWA State House of Assembly has insisted that lawmakers should reduce their salary by 50 per cent, despite opposition.

The Majority Leader, Musa Mahmud, address-

From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

ing reporters, said there was no going back on the decision to cut members’ salary by 50 per cent.

Mahmud, who repre-

sents Mayo-Belwa Constituency, said the Assembly had communicated to the government in line with the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to reduce the cost of governance.

He said the House would fight corruption and probe past leaders.

The lawmaker hailed Speaker Mijinyawa Kabiru for leading by example to encourage members to live above board.

El-Rufai to fish out ghost workers

K

ADUNA State Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai has concluded arrangements to fish out ghost workers this week.

The government announced at the weekend that it would begin biometric verification of civil servants from Wednesday.

A statement by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, said the exercise was designed to provide the government an accurate record of its workers and clean-up its payroll.

The statement stressed that the data collected would enable the govern-

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

ment to determine if the billions of naira spent monthly on salary were paid to identifiable and verifiable civil servants.

The statement, which quoted a circular by the Head of Service, Mrs. Alisabatu Dada Onazi, said the exercise would be conducted simultaneously in the three zones, from locations in Kaduna, Kafanchan and Zaria.

It specified the order in which the personnel from each ministry are expected to appear for the exercise and instructed that civil

servants bring their letters of appointment, last promotion and means of identification, which should be any of the following: national identity card, driver’s licence, permanent voter’s card or international passport.

According to the statement, “the head of service directs that civil servants should appear before the verification team for screening and collection of their salary cheques for June.

“In this regard, the Kaduna State government last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Bank for

•El-Rufai

Africa and Zenith Bank to partner in updating the civil service payroll.”

The exercise is scheduled for completion next Wednesday.

Al-Makura decries attack on community

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ASARAWA State Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura has condemned the attack on Tse-Ikpur community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The governor, in a statement by his Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Ahmed Tukur, described the attack as unwarranted.

He urged the perpetrators

Blessing Olaifa, Assistant Editor, Abuja

to desist, saying government should be allowed to settle down to give the people the dividends of democracy.

Al-Makura advocated increased surveillance along border communities by security agencies and the public, to avoid the spread of the attack to neighbouring

communities and states.

He said Nasarawa was worried by the loss of life and property, adding that all hands must be on deck to stop the violence.

The governor advised concerned parties and individuals involved in disputes to desist from using violent means to settle disputes, noting that killings and destruction of belong-

ings would not solve the problem.

He suggested a dialogue and constitutional means of resolving differences, enjoining the people to live together in peace and harmony.

Al-Makura said as neighbours to Benue State, the people and government of Nasarawa shared in their grief and warned those behind the attack to desist.

145,000 farmers to benefit from grants in Kogi

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NE hundred and forty-five thousand rural farmers, validated by the Kogi State government, in partnership with the Kogi Farmers Cluster Development Union, are to benefit from agricultural loans and grants under the Nigerian Agricultural Payment Initiative (NAPI).

Governor Idris Wada

From James Azania, Lokoja

spoke at the launch of the pilot phase of the disbursement of loans to rural farmers, through the NAPI ewallet system, jointly executed by the Federal Government, the state government and other stakeholders in the agricultural val-

ue chain.

He described the disbursement of loans and grants through the NAPI ewallet platform as a significant step in the development of agriculture, noting that N160,000 loans and grants disbursed to each of the benefiting rural farmers would enhance wealth creation and alleviate poverty.

Hailing members of the Kogi Cluster Farmers Development Union for keying into the agricultural transformation agenda of the government, Wada urged farmers to sustain interest in agriculture by taking advantage of the initiatives aimed at improving their welfare and the development of agriculture.

Journalists assured of better conditions From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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ANO State Commissioner for Information, Comrade Mohammed Garba, has promised to facilitate the provision of the state-of- the-art equipment to media houses, to enhance efficiency in management.

Garba, the outgoing president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), noted that there was need for the provision of modern equipment and facilities to media organisations, to compete with the global practice.

The commissioner, who addressed reporters yesterday, decried the lack of modern equipment, not only in Kano, but in the country, stressing that his greatest challenge, despite the state’s prevailing financial constraint, was to ensure that media outfits were equipped with modern facilities “to assist our colleagues and ensure effective discharge of their responsibilities.”

He said he was concerned about training and re-training of journalists, noting that the profession was dynamic, as a lot of changes were ongoing in the media, particularly the incursion of the social media.

Garba stressed the need for the intensification of training and retraining of journalists, pointing out that “it is only by training and retraining that our colleagues can discharge their social responsibilities, as expected by the people and as entrenched in the constitution.

“By virtue of my position as the former president of the NUJ, I am aware of the pathetic working conditions of journalists, not only in Kano, but in the entire country. I want to believe that I should be able to use my experience and influence to ensure that we better the lives of our colleagues, who are working in the state. I also thank God that I will work with a governor, who is media-friendly. I’m sure it will be very easy for us to achieve our goals and aspirations.”

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

57

NEWS to slash salaries, Anxiety as Imo moves against No plans says Okorocha oil firms over N40b debt I O IL companies in Imo State are in jitters following a bill passed by the House of Assembly asking them to pay N40 billion tenement rate and other statutory revenue owed the state since 1978.

The people have lauded the bill, accusing the firms of fraud. They said such moves would boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

The companies were mandated to offset all outstanding debts for their explora-

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

tion activities in the last 37 years.

Reacting to the bill, a senior official with one of the indigenous firms, who pleaded for anonymity said the bill was coming at a time the companies were struggling to remain in business because of the fall in oil prices.

According to him, “in the last 37 years, the firms have enjoyed a cordial relationship with the state, especially the host communities, and

I can say that we have tried to live up to expectations in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility.

“But this development may throw spanner into the existing relationship. Granted that some companies may have defaulted in their contractual commitments, but the bill is coming at a wrong time when the companies can barely pay salaries”.

The bill has however continued to receive commendation from indigenes.

Stanley Onwere de-

scribed the bill as an indication that the House of Assembly is determined to recover all that the state had lost to investors because of the absence of proper legislation.

He commended the lawmakers for living up to the people’s expectations. “This is the vibrancy that we expect. The passage of the bill less than three weeks after inauguration shows that the lawmakers are committed to making developmental laws,” Onwere said.

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has denied reports that his government plans to cut salaries of public servants by 30 per cent.

He described as unfounded, allegations that an audit of workers will be done to reduce the workforce.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo explained that the office of the Head of Service is collecting civil servants data for record purposes, which is different from staff auditing.

The statement reads: “This is to inform civil servants that the Rescue Mission Government or the governor did not order a 30 per cent salary cut as being speculated, and has no plans to do so.

“It is also not true that the state government is conducting staff audit of civil servants for the purpose of reducing the workforce. The office of the Head of service only embarked on the collection of individual data for record purposes. The exercise is different from staff auditing.

“Our governor is known for

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

humanitarian gestures and does not engage in any venture that would cause pain to individuals and groups in the state. That is why for the first four years of his administration, he tolerated street trading, illegal motor parks, rampant erection of kiosks and others until now, but the situation has gone out of hand and calls for action.

“It is also important to let the people know that those who are not happy with the victory of Governor Okorocha in the election are behind these rumours. Before now, they said the governor had scrapped free education, and banned Keke Napep. This time, they have come up with the falsehood of the government cutting salaries by 30 per cent and working to reduce the state work force.

“All these are unintelligent lies that are neither here nor there and we appeal to the people to disregard such lies.

All these are blatant lies.

Governor Okorocha loves the people and will not take any action that would affect them negatively”.

Local gin dealers, consumers lament police ‘harassment’ From Sunny Okey, Aba

•President, Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Pretty Okafor (third left), Enterprise Sales’ Miss Toyin Seriki (second left), Chairman, Projects Otunba Abimbola Davies (left) and Manager, Enterprise Sales, Miss Bukola Akande (Right) at the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria’s (PMAN’s) anti-piracy peace walk at LTV 8.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Ugwuanyi constitutes 15-man Economic Advisory Committee E NUGU State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has constituted a 15-man Economic Advisory Committee. He said the committee would advise the government on the best economic policies that would engender sustainable economic growth.

A statement by Ugwuanyi’s Chief Press Secretary, Uwakwe Abugu said the team’s functions would revolve around three key objectives: to promote balanced and sustainable economic growth; to promote and engender adequate em-

From Chris Oji, Enugu

ployment for the people; and to promote a system of fair income distribution among the various income groups.

The statement reads: “Ugwuanyi’s advisory committee is coming at a time when the state government has concluded that the committee will help in investments promotion, mobilisation of funds, increased internally generated

revenue (IGR) and establishment of industries.

“It is our own economic survival strategy and we intend to use the platform to encourage and re-engineer effective public-private partnership”.

Vicar-General of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Msgr.

Obiora Ike was named the committee’s chairman while the Economic Adviser to the governor would serve as the secretary.

Other members are: former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; Chairman of Innoson Group, Chief Innocent Chukwuma; former Economic Adviser to the President and Director of the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Nigeria, Prof. Ostia Ogbu; Chief Chilo Offiah, among others.

The committee would be formally inaugurated after the state Executive Council is constituted.

Huawei emerges ‘top 100 global brands’

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UAWEI has been named one of BrandZ’s ‘Top 100 Global Brands’ for 2015, ranking 70 on the list.

Marking Huawei’s debut on the BrandZ list, the achievement follows Huawei’s ranking on Interbrand’s ‘Top 100 Best Global Brands’ list last year.

Speaking on the development, Global Head of BrandZ, Doreen Wang said: “Huawei has made it onto a BrandZ list

for the first time today. This is the result of Huawei’s solid carrier business and its active expansion into the enterprise and consumer businesses. Huawei has invested in its global technology offering, demonstrated with two-third of its revenue coming from markets outside China. Ranking on the BrandZ list recognises Huawei’s real strengths”.

Huawei’s brand value is estimated to be over $15 billion

this year and ranks 16th in the technology sector on BrandZ’s list.

Senior Marketing Manager, Consumer Business Group (BG), Mr. Olaonipekun Okunowo said: “This is a great joy to Huawei globally to be ranked on the BrandZ ‘Top 100 Global Brands’ list for 2015. This proves Huawei has effectively established global brand recognition, which is one of the largest challenges for Chinese

corporations when going global.

“Huawei is committed to focusing on innovation and delivering the expectations of our customers to enhance the enduser experience”.

The BrandZ ‘Top 100 Global Brands’ list is developed by Millward Brown Optimor, a leading global research agency that operates under the world’s largest communications services group, WPP.

D

EALERS and consumers of locally brewed gin, popularly known as ‘Ogogoro’ or ‘kai-kai’ have lamented what they described as ‘continued harassment and arrest’ of their members and customers by the police in Aba, Abia State.

Sources alleged that security agents, after the Rivers State incident, have been going about arresting dealers and consumers.

They complained that the continued arrest of their customers would affect their business negatively.

A dealer, Boniface Kalu said that since the Rivers State episode, the police in Aba have been arresting their members and customers alike, only to release them on bail after they pay.

Senator Mamora loses mum

T

HE matriarch of the Mamora family of Ijebu-Ife in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, Deaconess Elizabeth Adesola Mamora is dead.

A statement by one of her children, Senator Olorunnimbe Adeleke Mamora said she died on Tuesday at 93.

Deaconess Mamora was married to late Chief Kolawole Adebowale Mamora, a teacher in Ijebuland. She was one time Chairman, National Council of Women Society (NCWS) in Ijebu East and the first woman chairperson of Ijebu East Local Council.

She is survived by children among who are: Chief Oluwatobi Mamora; Mrs. Oluyemisi Adenike Ajayi; Mrs Titilayo Osunmakinde and Senator Mamora, grand-children and greatgrand-children.

Burial arrangement will be announced later.

Vehicle owners get ultimatum

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HE Ogun State Police Command has warned owners of accidented and abandoned vehicles parked at Ibafo Division to remove them within 14 days of this publication or lose them to members of the public.

They are: Toyota Camry marked Lagos MJ 259 AAA, Mazda 626 JA 277 KJA, Mercedez Benz AY 741 LSD, Nissan Almera GGE 347 AQ, Dodge

Caravan unregistered, Lt Volkswagen Bus XL 636 GGE, Opel Car Lagos BP 78 KRD, Mack Truck Lagos XV 762 APP, Iveco Head Lagos XQ 344 LSD, Volkswagen Bus Lagos XV 415 BDG, Honda Oddsy NR 53 KJA, Mazda Pick-up FST 560 XA, Golf Car XF 507 NND, Toyota Carina CH 57 ABJ, Tricycle AH 21 RD, Tricycle KJA 213 QA, Tricycle unregistered, Tricycle LSF 611 QD and 18 motorcycles.

Igbo group urges Ekweremadu to step down

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LONDON, United Kingdom (UK)-based Igbo group, Concerned Diaspora Enugu West, is worried about the crisis arising from the leadership contest in the Senate, in which Senator Bukola Saraki emerged as Senate President and Senator Ike Ekweremadu “put himself forward for the post of the Deputy Senate President”.

The group, in a statement signed by its convener, Igna-

By Bola Olajuwon

tius Ozoilo, noted that while it conceded that Ekweremadu’s interest to become part of the leadership of the National Assembly was a legitimate aspiration, it was not a right political decision for the senator representing Enugu West, asking him to step down “with immediate effect”.

It noted that Ekweremadu was Deputy Senate President for

eight years as a member of the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with ample opportunity to use that position to improve the political, economic and social prospects of the country.

The UK-based group said regrettably, “he failed to demonstrate any particular sense of legislative acumen for the benefit of his constituency and Nigeria”.

Urging the senator to step

down, it said Ekweremadu should be alarmed about the “consequences of his opportunism and lack of principle.”

The statement reads in part: “Nigerians were quite eloquent on March 28, 2015, that they needed the country to move in a different direction.

It is an affirmation that is prescriptive of a collective desire to have a new set of leadership at both the Executive and Legislative arms of government.

“Senator Ekweremadu’s action is a clear aberration to that spirit of collectivism and clearly undermines the essence of opposition as an ingredient of constructive governance. Honourable Leo Ogor, the former Deputy Leader of the House of Representatives, was rightly appreciative of that sense of change by turning down the offer to stand for the post of Deputy Speaker. It was a commendable political move,

which Senator Ekweremadu ought to have emulated.”

It added: “As his constituents, we respectfully advise that Senator Ike Ekweremadu should stand down as Deputy Senate President with immediate effect. We further advise that he should devote the next four years to work for the people of Enugu West, whom he has utterly abandoned because he has been busy pursuing his own interest and personal ambition.”

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

58

FOREIGN NEWS

U.S.: Charleston victims remembered as church reopens

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HE names of the nine people shot dead at an African-American church in South Carolina have been read out in its first service since Wednesday’s attack.

The visiting reverend, Norvel Goff, said the “devil entered” but failed to “take control of your church”.

He stood in for Reverend Clementa Pinckney, one of the victims of the attack on the bible-studying group.

Hundreds of people packed the Emanuel AME church for the service on Sunday morning, amid tight security.

Police are investigating an online post, possibly by suspected gunman Dylann Roof, which may outline his motivation for the attack.

Also yesterday, bells at more than a dozen churches rang out simultaneously

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OVERNMENT forces in northern Afghanistan have launched a counter-offensive against the Taliban, after they took control of a key district.

Chardara is just a few kilometres froQm the city of Kunduz, and a major road to

throughout the state of South Carolina in a sign of solidarity.

A black cloth was placed over the chair of Reverend Clementa Pinckney, where he sat for last week’s service.

No empty seats in sight at the Emanuel AME church on Sunday morning Volunteers were on hand to give out bottles of water to the congregation, with many members reportedly forced to sit in an overflow part of the church. Hundreds of people who could not get inside held their own prayers outside the building.

South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, who has called for the death penalty for suspect Dylann Roof, attended the service with her family.

Survivors say Mr Roof

• Congregation at the Emmanuel AME church Charleston...yesterday

spent close to an hour in an evening bible study group on Wednesday before opening fire.

One of those who attended, Harold Washington, said the cleaners had to cut bullet holes out of the walls

so that members of the congregation would not see them on Sunday.

A number of rallies and demonstrations were also staged in South Carolina over the weekend, including a protest in the state capital of Co-

lumbia to demand the removal of the Confederate flag from the capitol building.

The flag was a symbol used by southern states in the civil war, when they tried to break away to prevent the abolition of slavery.

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the capital Kabul runs through it.

A Taliban website showed militants parading around a well-fortified police post they had seized.

The government says it has regained control of another northern district, Yumgan in Badakshan province.

Chardara local official Muhammad Yusuf Ayubi told

AFP news agency that the district had fallen to the Taliban after hours of fighting, adding that 12 soldiers had died and 17 were wounded.

Last month tens of thou-

sands of people were displaced after the Taliban moved into the same area.

The government believes that there are many foreign fighters allied to Islamic State

The cost of the bednets, including transportation from the factory to eventual households, is valued at 2.8 billion naira ($14.6 million). USAID will work closely with Nigeria’s National Malaria Elimination Program and states malaria elimination programs. Nine other states will also receive bednets in the coming months.

Director Harvey, said, “Bednets bring prevention

directly into every Nigerian home. It is up to families to hang them, and sleep under them daily to protect themselves and the most vulnerable, especially pregnant women and children under five.”

An estimated 100 million malaria cases and about 300,000 deaths each year make Nigeria the country with the highest malaria burden worldwide. Malaria also

places a heavy burden on families and national health systems. It adversely affects worker productivity, drains household incomes, hinders educational development, and perpetuates poverty.

The greatest burden of the disease usually falls on families who cannot afford the proper healthcare, especially those in rural areas.

U.S. government contribution for malaria prevention

in Nigeria since 2010 has totaled 69 billion naira ($345 million)—benefiting more than 50 million Nigerians.

The contributions, together with those of other partners, have dramatically improved coverage of key malaria control interventions, including the use of treated bednets, indoor spraying, accurate diagnosis, and preventive treatment of pregnant women.

Pope pauses in silent prayer before Shroud of Turin

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OPE Francis paused in silent prayer before the Shroud of Turin yesterday, becoming the latest of hundreds of thousands of people who have come this year to Turin’s cathedral to view the burial linen some believe covered the body of Jesus after crucifixion.

Francis sat for several minutes before the shroud, contained in a protective glass case.

He lowered his head at times in apparent reflection and occasionally gazed up at the 4.3-meter (14-foot) long cloth.

Then he took a few steps, placed his hand on the case, and walked away without comment.Later, after celebrating Mass for faithful in a packed Turin square, Francis gave his impression of the cloth as he spoke of the love Jesus had for humanity when being crucified.”

Icon of this love is the Shroud, that, even this time, has attracted so many people here to Turin,” Francis said.

“The Shroud draws (people) to the tormented face and body of Jesus and,

It is viewed by many as a sign of the white supremacy advocated by those states at the time.

The protest followed US President Barack Obama’s remark that the flag belonged “in a museum”.

Afghans counter Taliban offensive in north

U.S. donates Insecticide-Treated Bednets to prevent Malaria HE Director U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Michael T. Harvey over the weekend announced the donation of nearly four million insecticide-treated bednets to Cross River and Ebonyi states as part of the U.S. government’s commitment through the President’s Malaria Initiative and USAID to prevent malaria in Nigeria.

PHOTO: Reuters

at the same time, directs (people) toward the face of every suffering and unjustly persecuted person,” the pope said.The shroud’s display began April 19 and runs through June 24.

Other pontiffs have made the journey to the northern city during previous displays of the shroud.

When John Paul II saw the shroud in 1998, he said the mystery surrounding the cloth forces questions about faith and science and whether it really was Jesus’ burial linen.

He urged continuous study.

Benedict XVI described the cloth as an icon `’written with the blood” of a crucified man.Skeptics say the cloth bearing the image of a crucified man is a medieval forgery.

Turin, the heartland of Italy’s auto industry, is considered Italy’s bluecollar labor capital, and Francis used his two-day visit to the city to denounce exploitation of workers, singling out women, young people and immigrants as frequent victims.”

Immigration increases competition, but migrants

• Pope Francis arrives at Turin’s Vittorio Veneto square, Northern Italy to celebrate mass... yesterday PHOTO: Wral.com

shouldn’t be blamed because they themselves are victims of the injustice, of this throw-away economy and of wars,” Francis said in a speech in a square outside the cathedral.

He then made an apparent reference to European countries as well as some northern Italian regions

which are refusing or reluctant to take some of the tens of thousands of migrants who have landed at southern Italian ports after being rescued in the Mediterranean from overcrowded, unseaworthy smugglers’ boats.

Turin is the Piedmont region’s capital, and during Mass, the Argentine-born

Francis quoted from a poem in local dialect that praises the qualities of those who emigrated from Piedmont like some of his own ancestors - to seek work abroad.

Today, before he heads back to Rome, Francis will lunch in Turin with some of his relatives who live in Piedmont.

fighting alongside the Taliban here.

Militant violence has increased across the country since the departure of most US and Nato forces last year.

Somalia: al-Shabab launches Mogadishu attack

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HE Somali jihadist group al-Shabab has carried out an attack in the country’s capital Mogadishu.

A suicide car bomber and gunmen attacked a training centre for the national intelligence agency on Sunday morning.

Government officials said that soldiers “foiled the attack” and at least three militants died.

The militants have vowed to intensify attacks during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which began on Wednesday.

Al-Shabab claims to have killed several intelligence officers inside the building, something the government denies.

After the suicide bomb was detonated outside the training centre, gunmen reportedly stormed a civilian house that they had mistaken for the government facility.

Interior ministry spokesman Mohamed Yusuf said security forces had successfully repulsed the attackers.

“They were trying to storm the premises but they have been taken out before they reached their objective. There was no casualty on our side,” he told reporters.

Security in the country has improved but al-Shabab still attacks Mogadishu regularly.

The group has targeted the intelligence headquarters before.

Various armed groups have been battling for control of Somalia since the overthrow of President Siad Barre in 1991.

In April, al-Shabab militants launched an assault across the border in Kenya on a university in the north-eastern town of Garissa.

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

59

FOREIGN NEWS

South Sudan: Peace process to resume S soon, says VP

OUTH-SUDAN government is hopeful of resumption of peace talk aimed at resolving the ongoing political crisis.

According to Vice-President, James Igga, but for the shifting of position of the rebel leaders, the crisis would have been resolved.

He however assured that peace process in would resume soon as all the parties have agreed to go back to the table.

The vice president who spoke recently also assured Nigeria business community that the security situation in his country had improved.

•Seeks Nigeria’s help in training security personnel From: Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

Consequently, Igaa said his country would be needing the assistance of Nigeria in training it’s security personnel.

He noted that there was a need to bring the security personnel, many of whom were

former rebels, who were conscripted into the security agencies abreast with modern policing techniques.

He said: “We need capacity training for teachers, the civil service and students; we also need security training for the security personnel. We want

Mali’s rebels sign peace deal

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EBELS in Mali have signed a peace deal with the government, offering partial autonomy to the north of the country.

Tuareg-led rebels had refused to sign an initial peace agreement last month, but came on board after their demands were met by the government.

Tuaregs seized part of northern Mali, including Timbuktu, in 2012.

But the area was then taken over by Islamist fighters linked to al-Qaeda, until they were removed in a French-led military operation in 2013.

Mali has seen four uprisings since it won independence from France in 1960.

Tuareg and Arab groups in the north - an area rebels call Azawad - say they are ignored by the more prosperous south.

Azawad is sparsely-popu-

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•Keita embraced an Azawad representative after the deal was signed.

PHOTO: AP

lated but includes the historic cities of Timbuktu and Gao. Mali’s president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita embraced an Azawad representative after the deal was signed In the wake of the most re-

ELEBRATED Political Scientist, E. Victor Wolfenstein, in his treatise- The Revolutionary Personality, compared three great revolutionary leaders in history: Vladimir Lenin, Leon Trotsky and Mahatma Gandhi.

Victor examined the existential dynamics of the three main human developmental milestones in the three leaders and concluded that their spheres of influence and impactful lives started differently; maturated and shaped by unyieldingly conflictual ideological dictates, yet all ended up relevant in the weighty matters of historic importance and significance in human history.

According to him—‘’a man becomes a revolutionist; but until he has defined his relations with other men much more specifically he is not ready to be an effective advocate of his cause’’ So, evidently, the three men overcame so much to become who they eventually turned out to be.

We are reflecting on the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo and I know many of us must have heard in passing a friend or an acquaintance telling us how we will meet our Waterloo one day in casual conversations.

The principal characters in that Great Battle of June 18, 1815 of course were, Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte of France, a great military commander and first Emperor of the French Republic and the gladiator, the Duke of Wellington. Last week marked the 200th year anniversary of The Great Battle and it might be illuminating revisiting and relearning how it had shaped the course of modern history and more importantly how mankind had reacted to conflict resolutions within the course of international relations.

Waterloo was not the war that would have ended all wars, unfortunately. As history will teach us, two World Wars followed, the Koreas combated, and Vietnam was just a fleeting reminder not to talk of intertribal and internecine wars all across the globe in the course of our chequered history.

Napoleon Bonaparte, born 1769 was a great military leader, but made tactical blunders that will undo him at this just half day battle against the allied forces thereby dealing a humiliating defeat to France in what has now been described as a revolutionary rethink in military strategic circles till this day.

The defeat of Napoleon by the duke’s allied

cent uprising, Tuareg groups called for more concessions from the government in Bamako.

The peace agreement, brokered by Algeria, was not signed until those concessions

Nigeria to assist with the training of the Army and the police.

“You know most of them were guerrillas and if you are a guerrilla, you learn to shoot at people, but you can imagine if you convert such a person into the police, what would happen? So we need security training for our personnel.”

He also urged Nigerian businessmen and investors to take advantage of the economic opportunities; stressing that South Sudan has large tracts of fertile land as well as untapped mineral resources, waiting to be tapped.

were granted.

New security plans as well as a development programme for the Azawad region will now be agreed. On Thursday, the government dropped arrest warrants against rebel leaders.

The government has also said it is happy to devolve more authority to the region, but not to give it full autonomy.

“Hand in hand, let us make Mali better, more brotherly, more united than ever,” president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita said at a ceremony in Bamako.

“Long live a reconciled Mali!

Long live peace!”

Northern Mali continues to be hit by violence and Islamists have made occasional gains in the region. According to the UN, close to 140,000 Malian refugees continue to live abroad.

Since being deployed two years ago, 49 people have died while working for the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali.

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Al-Jazeera journalist arrested in Germany

L-JAZEERA says one of its senior journalists has been arrested in Germany at the request of Egypt.

Ahmed Mansour, who works for the channel’s Arabiclanguage service, was detained as he tried to board a flight from Berlin to Qatar.

A German police official said Egyptian authorities had issued an international arrest warrant for Mr Mansour.

A court in Egypt’s capital Cairo sentenced him to 15 years in prison in absentia last year on torture charges.

Al-Jazeera says the claims made against Mr Mansour, who has dual British and Egyptian citizenship, are absurd and false.

“I am still under arrest at Berlin airport, waiting to be taken before an investigating judge,” Mr Mansour, 52, tweeted on Saturday night.

Al-Jazeera reports that he is expected to remain in custody until Monday when he will go in front of a German judge.

A police spokesman said the arrest was made at 15:20 local time (13:20 GMT).

He added that the Egyptian-issued arrest warrant accused Mr Mansour of committing “several crimes” but he gave no further details.

Al-Jazeera said the Egyptian warrant was previously rejected by international police body Interpol as it did not meet its rules.

In a video recorded while detained, Mr Mansour described the incident as a “misunderstanding” and said he hoped it would be resolved quickly.

“It is quite ludicrous that a country like Germany would enforce and support such a request made by a dictatorial regime like the one we have in Egypt,” he added.

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Greece crisis: Emergency summit called for today

N emergency summit of leaders from eurozone nations will hold today, after the latest attempt to resolve the Greek debt crisis failed.

A meeting of finance ministers on Thursday made no breakthrough.

Head of the Eurogroup, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, said that “too little” progress had been made and that “no agreement as yet is in sight”.

Greece has less than two weeks to strike a deal with its creditors or face defaulting on an existing loan.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Friday that there would be a solution to Greece’s debt crisis.

He added: “There will be a solution based on respecting EU rules and democracy which would allow Greece to return to growth in the euro.”

Mr Tsipras is due to meet Russia’s President Vladimir Putin at an economic forum in St Petersburg later.

Global Focus DAYO FAKUADE, Foreign Editor sms 08134230367

daborgu@gmail.com

The Battle of Waterloo: Lessons learned army comprised of British, Dutch and Prussian soldiers amongst other nations was a lesson in how not to take things for granted. We learnt about how he did not take the weather into consideration; how he delayed his attack thus having had to counter attack against the allied forces under the duke and a couple of other mistakes., culminating in his defeat and that of France.

Ask General Colin Powell (rtd), the United States of America’s military henchman during the onslaught against Iraq’s Saddam Hussein in 1991. Appearing before U.S Senate Armed Forces Committee then in April 1993, he confidently assured the committee while under questioning that the U.S armed forces will “cut off Iraqi forces and kill it” which of course they did.

That is the thinking and inner workings of a sound military strategist. History is replete with good military commanders who lost it in the thick of things. We read about another younger emperor in another clime as in Rome in AD 64, where then 30-year old Nero was accused of fiddling (playing the violin), while Rome burns.

The end of the Napoleonic War, as tragic as it was for France led to the creation of The Concert of Europe (also Vienna system of international relations), created the balance of power that existed in Europe from 1815 to the outbreak of World War I (1914).

As imperfect as the new system was then, it also led to the creation of The League of Nations

‘The end of the Napoleonic War, as tragic as it was for France led to the creation of The Concert of Europe (also Vienna system of international relations), created the balance of power that existed in Europe from 1815 to the outbreak of World War I (1914)’ which eventually culminated in the now functioning United Nations’ System (UN).

The 28-member nation European Union also exists today out of the ashes of various efforts at European economic and political cooperation if not outright unification. As hard as things are in some member nations, the effort is ongoing and both the benefits and the attendant burden are being borne by members.

So Waterloo might have been a defeat for Napoleon and France 200 years ago, yet it remained a building block for modern warfare strategicians and beginning of European unification.

Of course, Hitler came around to pour sand upon gari, but as we say you cannot build something upon nothing. And that will be a discussion for another day.

Peace in the middle East between Israel and Palestine and the quest for a two-state solution continue albeit tricky and sticky.

In the past week, the Palestinian Unity Government was dissolved by President Mahmoud Abbas in a deepening rift with Gaza as the blockaded territory’s de facto rulers Hamas held separate, indirect talks with Israel.

An aide to president Mahmud Abbas said Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah “handed his resignation to Abbas and Abbas ordered him to form a new government.”

Discussions to form a new government would include consultations with the various Palestinian factions, including Hamas, aide Nimr Hammad said.

The government of technocrats was formed last year to replace rival administrations in Gaza and the West Bank.

Embattled Greece is also in the radar, not for lack of trying but because the challenges remain overwhelming for this European nation which might have no choice but pull out of the EU should it default on its debt repayment to the International Monetary Fund, which is technically guaranteed by the EU. By the end of this month, there will be a mandatory 1.1billion Euro note due for payment being from past roll-overs. Already, jittery depositors have withdrawn over 2 billion Euros from Greek banks in the past three days over inconclusive discussions between government and international creditors who wants increases in various taxes including the VAT. The 40-year old President Alexis Tsipras has vowed to stick to his guns and even promising not to wear a tie until financial sanity is restored to the nation that gave birth to modern democracy.

We shall be monitoring and see what happens in the next few days.

As our usual closing refrain, we shall be urging you to always treasure and treat this God-given planet earth with all respect. It is the only one we have. Live green and put a smile on a strangers face by just doing an act of random kindness. Lagos admonishes all to live green because live is good with trees. See ya.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

SPORT EXTRA

AMUNEKE RAISES ALARM

We don’t have a W/Cup team • Rapture Academy boss advocates more friendlies

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HE Chief Coach of the Golden Eaglets, Emmanuel Amunike

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja has confessed that he has no

team yet for the forthcoming FIFA U- 17 World Cup slated for Chile between October 17 to November 8, 2015.

The ever blunt former Super Eagles’ attacker did not hide his feelings when he revealed that, “I don’t have a team for now. I am just being honest with you. Let us not try to create or hype things that are not real. You guys (Abuja based sports journalists) came here today and you are expecting miracle. We have been here for the past two weeks now and I don’t even think any of you have shown interest to come and see what we are doing.

“So let us be realistic as regards what we are doing.

You know me. I don’t need to tell you who I am. I believe in my principles. I believe in what I am doing regardless of whatever anybody think about me. But I believe that everything in life has its procedure and that is the procedure we are doing (following) now.

“Are we the best people on earth? No. But can we work hard to improve ourselves?

Yes of course. So we are not here to convince anybody, we are not here to convince any tribe or individual. We are here to serve Nigerians with the best of our abilities. That is what we offer to Nigeria with all fairness.

“I will also tell you that there is no pressure from any quarter as regards this job.

Let me be honest with you.

I have played this game to the highest level. As a coach I have been privileged also to coach to the highest level. So everything you do in life there will always be process to it and that is the process I

• Eaglets captain Kelechi Nwakali

• Amuneke am following.

“Am I going to do miracle, am I going to do this? Am not telling you I am going to do this. But I am doing the best I can.

“What we are doing here (with the team in Abuja) is that we remain focused, we remain loyal and honest with what we are doing. For the past two weeks we have seen some Nigerian youths that are enthusiastic want to play football. What we have to do now is to guide them and see if we can get the best from them. That is all we are doing here”, the former Africa Footballer of the Year disclosed.

The Chairman of the Rapture Academy International of Uyo who lost 2-3 to the Golden Eaglets at the Goal Project Center, Abuja National Stadium on Saturday, Sammy Etuk has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to arrange more local and International friendly games for the Eaglets in order to knock the team into shape for the October’s FIFA U- 17 World Cup. According to the veteran journalist who is based in the United States of America, time is not on the side of the team again and the only way to get the boys going is through quality friendly matches.

“If you ask me I would say we have barely four months to the kickoff of the U- 17 World Cup which I believe is not a long time to prepare. So the Nigeria Football Federation needs to help this team by getting quality friendly matches for the team to play to put the players in competitive mood”, he advised.

NSCDC promotes Aruna Quadri • Pledges support for athletes

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OR his giant strides as a serving officer, the management of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has approved a special promotion for 2014 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Star Player, Aruna Quadri.

According to the Director of Sports, NSCDC, Ayodele Olusegun, Quadri’s global achievements as well as his hardwork and exploits earned him the special promotion, approved by the Commandant General, Ade Abolurin, whose support for athletes in the force has become legendary.

“I want to say that Quadri has been a good ambassador of NSCDC and his exploits in table tennis on the internationally has put the country on the world map. At NSCDC, we are touched by his determination and dedication to his trade and this has promoted the force under the leadership of sport-loving Commandant General, Ade Abolurin to approve his special and accelerated promotion as an officer of the corps. From a Chief Corps Assistant (CCA), he has been promoted to Inspector of Corps and we will continue to support athletes like Quadri,” Olusegun said.

Quadri’s progress in table tennis has indeed brought a lot of attention to Nigeria and Africa and NSCDC has pledged its support to the

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HE reported transfer of Nigeria youth international striker Christian Pyagbara to Esperance may has hit the rocks after the Tunisian club and the player’s Ni-

• Pyagbara

Ogba urges athletes to make Beijing world championship

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Championships will not be a jamboree; we are going with a lean team,’’ Ogba is quoted as saying in a statement released on Sunday by the spokesman of the AFN, Kayode Thomas. ``I am impressed with the performances of some of our athletes at the Anambra Golden League meet. I hope they will raise their game at the Kaduna meet’’.

The statement also quotes

• Quadri

Pyagbara's Esperance transfer hits the rocks

KADUNA GOLDEN LEAGUE

RESIDENT of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Solomon Ogba has urged homebased athletes to work hard to make the National team to the Beijing 2015 IAAF World Athletics Championships.

The World Championships will hold from Aug. 22 to Aug. 30 at the Birds Nest, in Beijing, China. ``The Beijing World

player who recently signed for a French club from his Portuguese team.

An elated Quadri, however, expressed his appreciation to the corps, particularly the Commandant General for his enormous support both morally and financially, while promising to continue to work hard to raise the profile of the corps globally.

“I am very happy for this promotion and I want to specifically thank the Commandant General for having a listening hear and for considering me for this promotion and also my Director of Sports, who has remained the pillar of support for most athletes in the corps. I promise to make the corps proud wherever I found myself and I hope this will encourage other athletes to aim high in their chosen field of sports,” Quadri said.

Ogba as adding that only coaches adjudged to produce top quality athletes would be selected to accompany the National team to the event. ``In the past we had taken several coaches who are not producing athletes to Games and championships, but the criteria for selection of coaches has changed. ``Only coaches, whose athletes make the team will

gerian club Sharks failed to agree on a transfer fee.

Pyagbara was in Tunis last week to negotiate a transfer to Esperance of Tunis, but he has now returned to Nigeria because of financial demands of the the Port Harcourt based side.

The man behind the move for Pyagbara, Ouaddeni Mahmoud said: "There is a disagreement with Sharks about the transfer fee. They must think about the progress of the player."

The 20-year-old Pyagbara, who failed to make the final cut to the just concluded FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand, was to have signed a three-year contract with Esperance.

He was also under the radar of another Tunisian club, Club Africain. be considered for places in the National teams,’’ it said.

Meanwhile, the AFN is working round the clock to ensure that the Kaduna Golden League is a huge success.

Olumide Bamiduro the secretary of the federation confirmed that the National Sports Commission (NSC) has granted the federation the permission to use of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna for the meet, scheduled for June 27.

The statement said Bamiduro announced that most of the athletics clubs and state associations have signified their intention to participate in the Kaduna meet.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

SPORT EXTRA Belgian clubs fight over Godwin Saviour

NFF slams Falcons’ World Cup performance F T

HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has slammed the performance of the country’s senior women’s football team, The Super Falcons at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

The reigning African champions exited the competition at the group stage after finishing bottom of the group with one point from a possible nine, and the Glass House has told the team it is not happy with their performance in Canada.

“The NFF, like other Nigerians, is not happy that you could not make it beyond the group stage of the competition. Sincerely speaking, the NFF believed Canada 2015 was the opportunity for you to show how much progress had been made in women’s football in Nigeria. We believed Canada 2015 was where you senior girls would show the stuff you are made of,” NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi said.

“Let me assure you that we are

not discouraged. The NFF will continue to provide enabling environment for all National Teams, including the Falcons, to excel at international competitions, through adequate preparation and robust welfare packages,” Sanusi however assured.

Speaking further, the NFF scribe added they will no longer tolerate acts of indiscipline from any member of the team.

“However, it is pertinent that I point out without any ambiguity that the NFF will no longer

tolerate any act of indiscipline or misconduct on the part of any player or coach of any of the National Teams. That message is important for you to go home with,” Sanusi said in what was probably aimed at Head Coach, Edwin Okon.

It will be recalled that Okon was the butt of jokes at the World Cup due to his often unorthodox press conferences and his refusal to shake the hand of the USA coach, Jill Ellis after their 1-0 defeat in the final group game.

LYING Eagles’ striker Godwin Saviour has attracted interest from several clubs in Belgium after his superb outing at the U20 World Cup in New Zealand.

Saviour scored a brace and provided an assist as Nigeria reached the knockout stage of the World Cup. Belgian website DH.be reported that Saviour has sparked off interest in Belgium under a story titled ‘Saviour Godwin: The new revelation?’

The site said that on the back of the exploits of Imoh Ezekiel and lately Moses Simon in Belgium, Saviour is now wanted by several top Belgian clubs.

According to Footmercato, clubs in Belgium, France, Spain and Russia have joined the race to sign the 18-year-old forward with his handlers claiming they so far have received four concrete offers for the player.

Footmercato further compared “sensational” Saviour with Moses Simon, who was a big revelation with Belgin champions KAA Gent this past season but only played a bit role with the Flying Eagles at the World Cup.

• Saviour

NWF begins AAG build-up

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• Abby Wambach of USA scores her team's only goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2015 Group D match between Nigeria and USA at BC Place Stadium on June 16, 2015 in Vancouver, Canada

10-man Rangers beat Wolves 1-0 in Warri HE Rangers International FC of Enugu on Sunday defeated the Warri Wolves FC of Delta, 1-0 at the Warri City Stadium.

The match was a week 13 fixture of the 2015 Glo Premier League.

Rangers’ goal was scored by their hitman, Rasaq Adegbite in the 20th minute after meandering through two Wolves defenders before unleashing a shot that goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi could not find answers to.

Wolves had dominated the match but the solid defence and good goalkeeping by

Itodor Akor of Rangers denied the hosts of opportunity of equalising.

Rangers’ defender, Etim Mathew was issued a straight red card in the 36th minute for unprofessional misconduct at the yard 18 box of his team.

However, Rangers were able to curtail the onslaught of the Wolves with the introduction of Chigozie Egwu, Bobby Clement and Osas Okoro in the 43rd, 55th and 79th minutes respectively.

Wolves also made three replacements to fortify the

RESULTS

UNSHINE also beat Pillars by the same number of goals last season and they now have 26 points from 13 matches.

The Akure club took the lead in the 25th minute, when Paul Onobi headed in a cross.

Seun Olulayo pounced on a rebound to double Sunshine

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GLOBACOM El-Kanemi 1-4 Ifeanyi Ubah Warri Wolves 0-1 Rangers Sunshine Stars 3-0 Pillars Wikki Tourists 3-0 Sharks Heartland 2-0 FC Taraba Abia Warriors 1-0 Akwa Nasarawa Utd 1-0 Bayelsa Kwara Utd 1-1 Lobi Stars Dolphins 1-1 Giwa FC Shooting Stars 0-0 Enyimba COPA AMERICA Chile 5 - 0 Bolivia Uruguay 1 - 1 Paraguay Argentina 1 - 0 Jamaica INT’L - FRIENDLY Ethiopia 2 - 0 Kenya Postp. Guinea Vs Liberia Swaziland 2 - 2 Angola Zimbabwe 2 - 0 Comoros Namibia 2 - 1 Zambia M’mbique 5 - 1 Seychelles South Africa 3 - 0 Mauritius Guinea-Bissau 1 - 1 Mali Senegal 3 - 1 Gambia Tanzania 0 - 3 Uganda WOMEN'S WORLD CUP Germany 4 - 1 Sweden Brazil 0 - 1 Australia

team but the changes could not produce the needed result.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was the first time Wolves would lose at home in the ongoing 2015 Glo Premier League season.

At the post match interview, the Chief Coach of Rangers, Imama Amapakobo said he decided to make changes immediately after his side was down by one man.

The highly elated gaffer said his target was to lift the

elusive trophy at the end of the season. ``It is about 14 years ago that Rangers won the league trophy; nothing is going to give me greater joy than winning the league shield. ``Warri Wolves is a good team but they were under pressure, they pressure came from the crowd, to the bench and to the pitch, we predicted it and it happened that way,’’ he said.

Amapakobo urged their fans to continue their support to the team.

Sunshine Stars thrash Pillars 3-0 to stay on top

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Stars lead in the 57th minute.

Nine minutes to the end of the game, Dayo Ojo scored from the penalty spot to make it 3-0 for the hosts after a Pillars defender handled the ball inside his 18-yard box.

Pillars created the first real attack of the game in the 14th minute, when Suleman Usman fired a shot and

forced a save from goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

In the 40th minute, Seun Olulayo failed to score from Dele Olorundare's cross.

Four minutes later, Tunde Adeniji failed to hit target off a fine effort by Prince Aggreh as Pillars goalkeeper John Lawrence denied him with a top-notch save.

HE board of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) has kick started its preparations for the All Africa Games billed for Congo later this year.

NWF which met last week in Abuja resolved to hold a national trial at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Ibadan where the lifters that would fly the country’s flag, would be selected.

According to the vice chairman of the board, Alhaji Yaya Mohammed who presided over the NWF board meeting, the Ibadan trials will run-from June 30- July 4th.

Mohammed said though time was not on the side of the

weightlifting federation, it would do everything possible to ensure that Nigeria records a good outing in weightlifting at the Congo games.

“Agreed we are not kick starting our preparations early, but we will do our best to ensure we harvest medals at the All Africa Games. Our build up starts in Ibadan with the national trials where we expect all the 36 states and FCT to feature.

Immediately after that, we will invite those selected to camp.”

The NWF vice president further disclosed that the NWF would work closely with the National Sports Commission (NSC) ahead of the All Africa Games.

Enyimba holds 3SC in Ibadan

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HOOTING Stars and Enyimba settled for a goalless draw in a Nigeria league Week 13 game in Ibadan on Sunday.

Enyimba now have 23 points from 13 games, while 3SC is on 13 points from 12 games.

It was a balanced affair in Ibadan between home team 3SC and Enyimba as both sides tried unsuccessfully to get goals.

It was a great battle in the midfield and Enyimba had the better chances to score goals in the first half with Christian Obiozor missing several chances for the visitors.

The hosts started brightly through an attack spearheaded

by Wasiu Jimoh, but goalkeeper Chijioke Ejiogu gathered the dangerous cross.

Three minutes later, Shooting Stars goalkeeper Afeso Attah made a point-blank save off an

Enyimba cross.

In the 13th minute, Nojeem Olukokun wasted a perfect opportunity to give 3SC the lead with a chance right inside the six-yard box.

It was then the turn of Enyimba striker Obiozor to miss a sitter, also from six yards.

Three minutes, later goalkeeper Attah denied Obiozor with a fine save.

In the 37th minute, Obiazor again missed another chance to give Enyimba the lead in Ibadan.

Shooting Stars went straight into attack when the game restarted after the break, but goalkeeper Ejiogu did well to gather Nojeem Olukokun's effort.

In the 61st minute, Wasiu Jimoh's free kick was fired over the bar. Ten minutes to the end of the game, Wasiu Jimoh was denied by the brilliant Ejiogu.

Siasia: Wedding anniversary was 27th, not 30th

H • Siasia

EAD Coach of the U23 National Team, Samson Siasia has come out to set the record straight on his marriage that has been an issue in the social space in the past few days.

According to Coach Siasia, he actually celebrated his 27th marriage anniversary and not 30th as has been reported in the media, as he got married at the age of 20 in 1988.

Noting that the marriage

anniversary party was not organised by him or his family but by his friends and back-room staff of the U-23 National Team, Siasia said he had notified the organisers that day of the error when he saw the cake.

While thanking Nigerians for all their support during his playing days and now as a coach, Coach Siasia said he will never do anything to tarnish the image of the country in any way.

• Chinwonso Okonkuro of Enyimba (right) tackles Ebiaku Promise of 3SC (left) during their Globacom Premier League clash at the Adamasigba Stadium in Ibadan on sunday

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THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

SPORT EXTRA

Tenger relishes draw at Kwara Utd

Sunshine thrash Pillars 3-0 to stay top

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UNSHINE Stars remained on top of the Nigeria league on Sunday after they thrashed champions Kano Pillars 3-0 in a Week 13 game.

Sunshine also beat Pillars by the same scores last season and they now have 26 points from 13 matches.

The Akure club took the lead in the 25th minute, when Paul Onobi headed in a cross.

Seun Olulayo pounced on a rebound to double Sunshine Stars lead in the 57th minute.

Nine minutes to the end of the game,Dayo Ojo scored

from the penalty spot to make it 3-0 for the hosts after a Pillars defender handled the ball inside his 18-yard box.

Pillars created the first real attack of the game in the 14th minute, when Suleman Usman fired a shot and forced a save from goalkeeper Ikechukwu

Ezenwa.

In the 40th minute, Seun Olulayo failed to score from Dele Olorundare's cross.

Four minutes later, Tunde Adeniji failed to hit target off a fine effort by Prince Aggreh as Pillars goalkeeper John Lawrence denied him with a top-notch save.

Contractor warns against overuse of Aper Aku Stadium

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OBI Stars head coach,

Justin Tenger has expressed satisfaction with the score draw at Premier League side, Kwara United.

The Bride of Benue forced hosts, the Harmony Boys to a 11 draw in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match day 13 clash at the Kwara State Stadium, llorin.

Striker, Segun Alebiosu opening goal was cancelled by Lobi Stars forward, Obioma Arinze as both side shared the booties at stake. Tenger said his wards got perfectly their bearing on match day and ably deserved the point claimed at Kwara United.

“I feel excited and delighted with the 1-1 draw score line at Kwara United in llorin, it was a beautiful result.

“We are grateful to Almighty God for opening the window of opportunity to claim a point after a home win against Nasarawa United.

“It’s a big boost going forward

in the next matches with this hard fought score draw at Kwara United.

“My charges got their bearings perfectly well and their composure is 100% and it’s quite encouraging.

“It’s usually difficult for a side to come from behind in an away match to level score, it speaks of the pedigree of the visiting side.

“Kwara United are good side but on match day they did not really trouble my defenders, I think they did not push hard or show enough aggression and ambition to win the game.

“We are quite happy going home with a point it will certainly boost our confidence going forward in the league,” said the former Akwa United gaffer to supersport.com.

The hard fought score draw at Kwara United adds Lobi Stars points haul to 13 from possible 39 in the 13-week old Nigerian top flight.

FEANYI Ubah FC heeded the warning of their millionaire club owner to win or be fired when they went on rampage to trounce hosts El Kanemi Warriors 4-1 in Katsina on Sunday.

The visitors, who only recently were known as Gabros, were clearly the better team and they did not have to wait long before the goals started pouring in.

Uchechukwu Onyedikachi broke the deadlock in the 14th

minute to give them a 1-0 lead, Three minutes later, Solomon Eludi was on the mark to double Ifeanyi Ubah's advantage.

Eludi completed his brace in the 62nd minute to make it 3-0.

Uchechukwu Onyedikachi then wrapped up the rout with a fourth goal in the 70th minute to complete his own brace.

El Kanemi's consolation goal was scored by Ibrahim Mustapha in the 90th minute.

Abia Warriors Ifeanyi Ubah FC dump pip Akwa El Kanemi in Katsina Utd 1-0 •Says stadium risks losing warranty grace I •Bosso like Aba Stadium

BY TAOFEEK BABALOLA

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BIA Warriors of Umuahia made a winning start at their adopted home ground, Enyimba International stadium, Aba by defeating Akwa United 1-0 in the week 13 Glo league game on Sunday.

Ndifreke Effiong‘s 16th minute goal was all Warriors needed to pick all three points at stake in their first home game played away from home.

Abia Warriors chose Aba stadium as their temporary home ground on the order of League Management Company (LMC) pending the completion of renovation work at the Umuahia Township stadium.

Abia Warriors Technical Adviser Ladan Bosso expressed happiness that his side grabbed three points as he described Enyimba stadium as another home for Abia Warriors.

However Akwa United coach Zackary Baraje said his side was unlucky not to have scored, claiming that his boys dominated the game.

•Harps on adequate maintenance of the stadium's turf

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri

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HE contractor that carried out work on the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi recently, Ebi Ezekiel Egbe who is the Managing Director of Monimichelle Sports Facility Development Company has alerted the Benue State Government that the stadium risks losing the warranty given it due to the heavy traffic of teams that presently use the place as their home ground.

As at the last count over six clubs are training and having their home games at the stadium and notable among them are Lobi Stars, Nasarawa United, Lobi Feeder team and FC Taraba among others and Egbe in a brief chat with SportingLife said that with lack of proper maintenance of the stadium turf, it would not be long the turf would wear out.

Egbe said before he handed over the stadium to the state government, he recommended that

serious maintenance measures be put in place on the turf of the Aper Aku Stadium so that it could be preserved and even last longer than the eight year warranty given by him.

He said if six or more clubs continue to use the stadium in no time it would tell on it and no one would blame him if the turf goes bad before the warranty grace adding that the only solution is to ensure that adequate maintenance work is commenced on the Aper Aku Stadium's pitch to preserve it from wear and tear.

The Bayelsa born sports facility developer told SportingLife:"I am calling to tell you that presently more than six clubs are making use of the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi training and playing competitive games there. I said it when I was completing the stadium's turf that the traffic of teams on the pitch should be reduced to protect it from wear and tear. I also

recommended that the state government should put things in place to ensure that the pitch is well maintained.

He continued: "I said we still need to be keeping watch of the stadium's turf for the next three years from where we would systematically train some persons on how to go about it but nothing has been done in that respect. With the present number of teams using the stadium's turf, it will only be by divine miracle for it to get to the warranty period that I gave. I gave the warranty based on the recommendation I gave that the stadium's turf should be well maintained.

"Presently, no maintenance work is going on in the stadium and if this routine is continued, it won't make the stadium's pitch to last longer up to the grace I have given. I want to appeal to the Benue State Government to see to it that it is properly maintained."

Giwa, Dolphins share point in Port-Harcourt •Nasarawa beat Bayelsa Utd

BY TAOFEEK BABALOLA

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OLPHINS FC forced the visiting Giwa FC to a 1-1 draw in a week 13 Glo Premier League clash in Port-Harcourt on Sunday.

Giwa FC put their disappointing 4-1 loss to Kano Pillars in their last game behind them and played all their hearts out to secure a vital away draw.

All the two goals were scored in each half of the encounter.

Ocheme Edoh put Giwa in front on 25 minute but the lead was cancelled out three minutes into the second half by Ifeanyi Egwim who headed in an Isiaka Olawale cross from a free kick.

In a chat with sportingLife after the match, Marketing Director of Giwa Football Club, Sammy Adesoji was pleased with his boys display.

He commended the match

officials for a balanced officiating while he hailed the home fans for their conduct.

“It was a balanced game and good officiating. We played better in the first half and we missed so many scoring chances.

We should have scored three goals if we had utilized our chances.

Dolphins came all out in the second half too. We laud the home fans for coordinating themselves well before, during and after the match,” Adesoji told SportingLife.

Elsewhere, Nasarawa United claimed all three points on their new home ground in Makurdi against a difficult Bayelsa United.

A beautifully headed goal by Esosa Igbinosa separated the two sides in the contest as Bayelsa continues the search for a win in their last five games.

THE NATION MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

63

NEWS

•L-R: Pastor Yemi Adesanya; Initiator of Grace and Mercy Project,(GAMP), Pastor Atinuke Adesanya; Executive Secretary, Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area, Princess Adunni Oyefusi; Guest Speaker, Archbishop John Praise and Chairman of the occasion Prof. Kunle Ade Wahab at GAMP 2015 held in Lagos...at the weekend.

PHOTO: OLUSEGUN RAPHEA

• Kogi State Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi cutting the tape to open an art exhibition during the OgidiEla Day celebration at Ogidi, Ijumu Local Government... yesterday. With them Senator Dino Melaye (left) and President, Female Artsts Association of Nigeria, Mrs Ngozi Akande.

•Chief Executive Officer, Metro Taxi, Mrs Priscilla Ibe (left) greeting Chief Marketing Officer, Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, Mrs Alero Ladipo after a news conference to announce the launch of Free WiFi Internet Service in Metro Taxi powered by Smile Communications in Lagos. With them is Smile Communications Chief Corporate Service Officer, Mr Tobe Okigbo.

•Former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Timi Alaibe (left); Obong Ukpong Dan Umo, Prof Effiong John Etuk and Senator Udoma Udo Udoma at the funeral service of the late Elder Onofiok Andrew Ufot in Etinan, Akwa Ibom State.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

•Founder and member of the Board of Trustees, Liberty Foundation, Alhaji Hakeem Danmola, (third right sitting); Badagry Zone Coordinator, Dr. Sakiru Onasanya (fourth right sitting), Eredo-Epe Zone Coordinator, Mr. Siji Ayantuga, (second left sitting) and others at the Liberty Foundation Retreat at Surulere, Lagos... at the weekend.

•L-R:Incoming Secretary-General, Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation, (CTO); Mr Shola Taylor, an engineer; Ms Josephine Amuwa, Director Policy Competition and Economic Analysis, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Mr. Brahima Sanou, Director, Telecommunication Development Bureau, International Telecommunications Union (ITU); Prof Tim Unwin; Secretary - General CTO; Dr. Tunji Olaopa, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, Dr. Okechukwu Itanyi, Executive Commissioner (Stakeholder Management) NCC at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Broadband Forum in Abuja.

TODAY IN THE NATION

MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL 10 NO 3253

‘As long as we concentrate virtually all powers on the central authority, so long will systemic stress from the component units impair any meaningful progress’

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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F you sat down to pen the profiles of Nigerian politicians, the first casualty will be loyalty. They cast betrayal as realism. So, for most politicians, many Nigerians were wrong to see the recent Senate rumpus as a morality tale. The Nigerian masses and politicians inhabit antipodal universes. The masses live in the world of good versus evil. Politicians bask in the world of us versus them.

It is more like a game. Whoever wins is not intended to go to paradise. He is master of this universe, not God’s. As for the loser, better luck next time. They play the game with the excitement of children, but with the soul of Lucifer. Because of this game, many die, businesses atrophy, careers collapse, families vanish, whole towns are set ablaze.

Nothing reinforces this narrative as the alliance of Atiku Abubakar and Olusegun Obasanjo in the intrigues to install Bukola Saraki as Senate president.

Saraki knew his indebtedness to both men. After his first session as Senate helmsman, he paid a visit of gratitude to Atiku. Barely a week later, he flew to Ota to pay homage to Obj. When was the last time both men agreed on anything?

Last year, Atiku did not seek and Obj did not enlist his support for the Adamawa titan’s zeal to be president.

Not too long ago, Obj mocked the Adamawa titan when he was reportedly adopted as the consensus presidential candidate for the North. In front of reporters, the Owu dramatist as politician zipped up his Vicks inhaler and sniffed on it. Then like a moment of mock erotica, he exploded: “I dey laugh!” That was in 2010.

Atiku, also gloating in his fleeting glory, fired back: “I still dey laugh!” That moment exemplified the narrative of two men. Once friends, once confidants, once partners, once making sacrifices for each other, once fighting each other’s battles, once playing off each other’s humour, once at table for breakfast, lunch and dinner, once co-conspirators, once number one and number two citizens.

This is the story of David and Jonathan in another universe. But in Nigerian politics, it is the story of Jesus and Judas, or Caesar and Brutus. Each of them can slink out of one role and be the other.

They are no saints and never perjure to be saints.

In a story of the Owu chief’s trying times, we learn that Atiku visited Obj at his Ota Farm to tip him off on his impending arrest over coup plot in the Abacha era. When Abacha men arrived, a livid Atiku railed at them, showing his disgust for the arrest of a good and innocent man.

After the story of the coup and Obj’s

RIPPLES

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchnation@gmail.com 08054501081(sms only) Twitter: @samomatseye

•Winner, Informed Commentary (DAME)

The odd couple

•Obasanjo

•Atiku

freedom, the Owu chief rose from the ashes of near obloquy and oblivion to a sort of statesman. The world said he was the only man who could save the nation after the ruins and intrigues of June 12. He picked Atiku, then governor-elect, to serve as vice president. This was tag team, many thought. Obj worked well with him, and delegated much to the deputy, including leaving executive meetings for him to preside over. There were many instances of backslapping and high fiving between them.

But the long blade did not last in the quiver. Suddenly the Owu chief, known for his foxy ways, realised he had put a jackal in charge of his roost. David and Jonathan became Caesar and Brutus, and it was hard to tell who was Caesar, since Brutus dripped out of everything each did. Plots of impeachment, court rulings, underhand deals with friends and foes, regional alliances and counter-alliances laced this story of two friends who wanted to bring each other down.

NIGERIAN WOMEN ARE NOT CORRUPT–Cleric

A

So that LADY who bought BULLET-PROOF CARS for the price of AIRCRAFT is a man...ehn?

N okra plant can never grow taller than its planter, no matter how tall it ever grows; a wooden oracle is but a piece of wood on the day of its demystification. It is said that only the foolishly brave would mistake the stealth movement of the tiger for cowardice; does a proper fish catch cold in the deeps? When the duck swallows pebble, would it not pass water still? And no matter how large a tail is, would it wag the dog? The matter at hand has grown so bloody it has to be presaged with proverbs so that those who have understanding would appreciate its full import.

On Friday, June 12, 30-year-old Sodiq Shittu was put down in broad daylight on Lawani Street, Mushin, in the suburb of Lagos. A gang of hoodlums surrounded Sodiq, knocked him down, cracked his skull with hammer, gouged out his eyes and finally smashed his head with a large stone. They made to set his body ablaze when residents summoned courage and chased them away. Sodiq’s became another body in the morgue for family to grieve over. That was the third killing on Lawani Street this year.

But both of them found a common cause in Saraki. So bad was their rivalry and malice that the enemies of each of their enemies were their enemies, just as we see in the internecine battles in Syria. Saraki’s cause brought them together. What happened is no love fest and no hate parade. They still despise each other and need each other.

What happened was no marriage. Their divorce is as permanent as their marriage.

Saraki knows that, having triumphed in a Machiavellian theatre. Their alliances are like how writer Oscar Wilde describes marriage. “In marriage, as in war,” the bard asserts, “it is permitted to take advantage of the enemy.”

Nor is Atiku or Obj alone. Remember Goodluck Jonathan? His friends are deserting him now. When APC was in the making, all comers converged. Those who believed and those who didn’t. They came for spoils but not for the masses, most of them. It was the platform for carpetbaggers.

Beware when everyone loves you. Trouble is coming. In the aftermath of the NASS elections, we are not sure what APC is now.

EMEKA OMEIHE

President Muhammadu Buhari’s everybody and nobody refrain has presented him as an aloof chief executive.

That leaves the field for lieutenants, party apparatchiks, go-getters, buffoons and leeches to stake their games.

A Buhari administration may well bring out the Lucifer in our politicians who will now play politics at his expense while swearing in his name. They see it as a game.

They will try various cards, options, stunts, etc. If this goes, they keep going until something else works. In Yoruba, they call it “eyi je, eyio je.” It is a cynical game and a source of great scholarship at a sublime level. It is called the game theory. It has fascinated scholars for over a hundred years and spun 11 Nobel prizes. Perhaps the most famous is John Forbes Nash, whose theory earned him a Nobel Prize for economic science in 1994. He and his wife, who inspired a film called The Beautiful Mind, died recently in a car crash. But the game theory has been used to heal bodies, install statesmen, solve economic crisis and anticipate the future. But the difference between the developed world and ours is that we apply it with the bile of Beelzebub.

In our politics, we sell our souls. Like the stock character of many plays and novels from Goethe to Marlowe to Hardy, our politicians are like Mephistopheles, the Faustian demon who helps people sell their soul to the devil. So, while our politicians speak colourfully in colourful clothing and dole out money and rams and chickens to the masses, they are playing the game and wagering their souls.

Buhari, as Segun Ayobolu warned in his column last Saturday, should beware not to play policy without politics as he did in his first incarnation in power. The military men in politics outfoxed him. He had to wait over two decades to return.

In a democratic era, they are more foxy and ruthless because they play like children and scheme like the devil.

INTELS, our ports and monopoly

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HE word “trust” conjures confidence from others. But in business, trust originally meant something larger. It denoted confidence among businesses that came together under one umbrella. But as greed creeps in all human affairs, so did it happen to companies called The Trust in the Second Industrial Revolution. It led to the Anti-trust laws intended to restrain their poisonous influences as monopolies and oligopolies.

In Nigeria, a company called INTELS is working on a dubious directive from the Federal Ministry of Transport and transmitted by the Nigerian Ports Authority.

It came out in the last days of the Jonathan era against the law. It allows INTELS to negate the 2006 ports reform law that allows cargoes to berth on any port of choice in the country. INTELS now wants to monopolise, by the directive, all oil and gas cargoes at Warri, Onne and Calabar where it operates. This is monopolistic greed. Every cargo should berth wherever it pleases. Both ObJ and Yar’Adua governments reversed similar orders and set free the ports. Buhari should do same. It promotes fairness, choice and efficiency.

HARDBALL

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

One very hardball for Ambode

lu, Bariga, Mafoluku, Oshodi or Ajah. This is how it has been for nearly 10 years now.

But today, it gets more gruesome, more rampant and more brazen. Today they abduct and kill in the daylight; they use heavier weapons today. They are well known and they terrorise streets and neighbourhoods; they cow the police and they dare the government to stop them. And nobody speaks up.

When rival cults engage in crossfire, many innocent people get hit. And if you are hit, you are hit. You simply bury your dead and crawl into your corner or go get your own arms if you are so minded. There are dozens of such collateral deaths over the years. Nobody gets prosecuted and none compensated. It is like a jungle where only the most brutish survive.

And the malaise festers deeper and deeper into many other neighbourhoods and communities of Lagos, the mega city in the making. The gruesome killings of Sodiq and Victor would serve as gauntlet thrown at Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. Will somebody speak up and arrest this malady?

A fourth killing suspected to be related was reported last Wednesday. The body of a young man of 30 known as Godwin Victor aka Sangba was washed up by the lagoon front near the University of Lagos, Akoka. The body was bound hand and feet and a log of wood was also found to be tied to its back. It is suspected that Victor Godwin was pushed into the lagoon alive by his killers.

According to report, Victor had renounced the cult group he belonged to, but his erstwhile members would not hear of it. He was said to have fled to Port Harcourt for sometime, but upon his return to Lagos last week, he was abducted and that was the last his family saw him until his corpse was washed up.

As sure as the day would break tomorrow, another body would be reported soon and another and yet another. If not in Mushin, it would be Fadeyi, Idi-oro, Somo-

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