The Nation June 4, 2014

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•AND MORE •Election ‘ll be credible, say security, INEC ON PAGE 10 •APC women: nobody can intimidate us with soldiers •PDP, APC trade words over alleged murder setup

CBN Governor Emefiele to unveil agenda tomorrow

My plan for APC,

by Oyegun

ORMER Zenith Bank Managing Director Godwin Emefiele resumed as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor yesterday, promising to unveil his agenda tomorrow. He succeeds Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who was suspended in February. Sanusi’s five-year tenure expired on Monday.

Emefiele, 52, received the handover note from the former Acting Governor, Dr. Sarah Alade, at the CBN, Abuja headquarters.

A statement by a CBN spokesman, Isaac Okorafor, said: “Mr.

•Ikimi, Jaja, Sylva to run

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From Nduka Chiejina, Abuja

Emefiele, who was cleared by the Senate on Wednesday, March 26, 2014, arrived at the CBN Headquarters at 7.30 a.m yesterday, June 3, 2014, to the warm embrace of the four Deputy Governors at the Bank and expectant staff, led by Dr. Sarah Alade, whose tenure as Acting Governor ended on Monday, June 2, 2014”.

Emefiele has over 20 years banking management experience. He is a 1984 graduate of Finance from the Continued on page 4

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From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

ARELY nine days to the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a former Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, yesterday announced his interest in its Chairmanship.

Oyegun may vie for the slot with three others, including a former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timpreye Sylva, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, and a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peo•Emefiele receiving the hand over note from Dr. Alade…yesterday

Continued on page 4

Police make u-turn on Bring Back Our Girls’ protests ban IG disowns Mbu Protesters seek N200m damages from Fed Govt Senator protests From Yusuf Alli and Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

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HE Police yesterday made a dramatic uturn on the Bring Back Our Girls protests ban which drew public outrage on Monday.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar disowned Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police Mbu Joseph Mbu, who authorised the ban.

The police, Abubakar said, never issued any order banning the protests.

He described Mbu’s order as “an advisory notice enjoining citizens to apply caution in the said rallies, particularly in the FCT and environs”.

Police spokesman Frank Mba, who spoke to reporters in Abuja on the IGP’s behalf, said Mbu’s action must have been informed by the prevailing security challenges.

Mba said: “Coupled with WHERE ARE THE CHIBOK a recent intelligence report of a likely infiltration and GIRLS KIDNAPPED hijack of otherwise innocON APRIL 15?

Continued on page 4

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•GRIDL OCK: Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway during the protest...yesterday GRIDLOCK:

Students’ protest grounds Lagos

•ST OR Y •STOR ORY ON PAGE 9 •Some of the protesting students...yesterday.

PHOTOS: ISAAC AYODELE AND SOLOMON ADEOLA

•AKPABIO BOWS TO PRESSURE ON PENSION LAW P59 •NJC INTERVENES IN RIVERS P57

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

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NEWS

•From left: Ghanaian Minister of Health Sherry Ayittey; former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, CEO, Access Bank Plc, Mr Herbert Wigwe, CEO, Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr Oscar Onyema and and former Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede at Friends Africa’s Africa Health Innovation meeting in Abuja.

Boko Haram th One of last polio holdouts, Nigeria seen to be 'in best position' ever to stop the disease’s spread is miles from achieving set target because of challenges posed

by Boko Haram insurgency.

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•Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (left) and Chief Executive Officer, EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu when Babcock University, in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State conferred honorary doctorate degrees on them at its 12th convocation ceremony.

•From left: Managing Director/C.E.O, Slot, Nnamdi Ezeigbo, Director, Product and Innovation, Airtel Nigeria, Nitin Anand, Director Brand and Marketing, Airtel Nigeria Obinna Aniche and Country Manager, Care Group Africa, Sachi Verma at the PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU launch of Airtel Iphone in Lagos...yesterday.

•Head of General Merchandise Ore Odusanya, Head of Marketing Gab Umoden, Chief Commercial Officer Mark Rusell, Head of Pe & Online Markets (Infinix) Bayo Shobanjo and CEO of Konga Sim Shagaya during the draw for PHOTO: ADEOLA SOLOMON Konga Infinix Joy pad 8s promo in Lagos.

IGERIA is closer than ever before to stopping transmission of the paralysing childhood disease of polio, but world health experts suggest that the Boko Haram insurgency in the north could jeopardise the eradication effort in one of the last countries where the disease prevails.

Medical anthropologist Elisha Renne, of the University of Michigan, say there's no way to stop the spread of polio without addressing the unrest wrought by Boko Haram, the militant Islamist sect infamous for its kidnapping of more than 200 girls in April.

"The problems are intertwined," said Renne, author of The Politics of Polio in Northern Nigeria. "The solution to one is going to contribute to the solution of the other."

The headquarters of Boko Haram lies in the northern Borno state, the same area where poliovirus transmission continues to frustrate international efforts to wipe out polio.

For the past 26 years, a global campaign has waged war on polio, seeking to make it the second disease in history to be eradicated.

Polio remains endemic in only three countries: Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. But the World Health Organization recently declared a public health emergency for polio after nearly triple the number of cases appeared in the first few months of this year compared to last.

In Nigeria, however, cases have dropped this year to a tenth of what the country recorded by this time last year.

"Collectively, we are in the best position and situation with respect to finally interrupting all poliovirus transmission in Nigeria than we ever have been in history," said Stephen Cochi, senior adviser on immunization to the director at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Boko Haram's heartland: Polio central To date, three cases of polio have been reported in the West African nation. The same period last year saw 22 cases. Worldwide, the case count this year stands at 82, with the majority in Pakistan.

However, the next few months will be critical. The high season for poliovirus transmission in Nigeria lasts from May until August.

The crippling disease continues to thrive in northern Nigeria, in the heartland of Boko Haram, a group that's plagued the country with violent attacks since 2009.

Boko Haram is believed to be responsible for thousands of deaths in northeastern Nigeria, particularly in the last year or so.

In recent months, the militant group ignited two deadly bombs in the capital of Abuja, killed dozens of security personnel in an attack on a Nigerian military base and massacred dozens of schoolboys.

But it was the kidnapping of

Members of the Bring Our Girls Back Group in front of the National Human Rights Commission defying police ban on public protest in Abuja... yesterday.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

more than 200 schoolgirls in the northern Borno town of Chibok that's riveted the world and spurred several Western nations to send intelligence experts to help Nigeria find them. Earlier this week, the Nigerian military said they had located the girls, but won't attempt a dangerous rescue at this time.

The unrest in Boko Haram's stronghold in the northeast has also made it difficult to reach the children for vaccinations. Renne notes that Boko Haram, which translates to "Western education is forbidden," has also been opposed to Westernsponsored polio vaccination efforts.

In response the vaccination campaign has resorted to so-called "hitand-runs," sending workers guarded by security officers into insecure areas to quickly administer vaccines. Mobile teams are also stationed at transit points along borders of insecure regions to vaccinate those travelling in and out.

Part of the reason it's hard to vaccinate children in the north - and the reason why Boko Haram has flourished - is the deep and worsening poverty in the largely Muslim region.

Polio vaccination teams in Nigeria have little access to swaths of the north due to insecurity, allowing the disease to continue to threaten the population. (Courtesy of Global Polio Eradication Initiative) Though Nigeria is one of the world's biggest oil producers, more than 60 per cent live in poverty. A high portion live in the north.

Many lack basic necessities like water and electricity. Renne says that leads some communities to question government spending on such things as polio vaccines.

In some instances, campaign organizers have drilled boreholes for communities to access water, a way to convince them to allow vaccinations, Renne says.

The insecurity also makes it hard to confirm the true number of polio cases, though Cochi says locals in some areas still manage to commu-

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

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m thwarting UN war against polio

nicate with the polio eradication teams.

Cochi says the government-declared state of emergencies in three northern states - Adamawa, Borno and Yobe - has helped immunization efforts, giving teams access to areas when the military goes in.

In March 2013, there were more than 19,000 settlements in Borno state that were inaccessible, but this March, it was down to about 1,900, a reduction of 85 per cent.

"I think that's been part of the reason why the case count has dropped dramatically even since last year," said Cochi.

But Renne warns that military action to both contain ongoing violence and suppress opposition to the polio eradication campaign could backfire.

In an upcoming paper to be published in the Africa journal later this year, Renne argues that threatening non-compliant parents with arrest and conducting house-to-house sweeps might breed sympathy for Islamic insurgents.

Polio's 'dark years' The last decade has been difficult for the Nigerian polio eradication effort.

In 2003-2004, several northern states stopped vaccinating over fears about the safety of the polio vaccine. An influential Muslim leader spread fear that the vaccine was sterilizing children as a population control measure and was contaminated with HIV, says Cochi.

"Those were kind of the dark years of the polio eradication story in Nigeria," said Cochi, who sits on Nigeria's expert review committee on polio eradication, and has been visiting the country since 1999.

Cases jumped to a peak of 1,122 in 2006. For a few years, the number of recorded cases ranged from 300-800.

Last February, gunmen killed nine female polio vaccinators at health centres in northern Nigeria's Kano state, causing a temporary

Insurgents put girls’ education under threat A futile debate about Islamism takes focus away from the assault of religious extremism on girls’ education, writes AlJazeera

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HE terrible kidnapping of the 200 Nigerian schoolgirls by Boko Haram, a Nigerian armed group, has evoked disgust and condemnation from people all over the world.

The incident happened more than a month and a half ago, yet nothing has happened to help these girls except for a Twitter hashtag campaign and the reported arrival of a British spyplane in Nigeria to help the Nigerian Army in the search.

While human rights activists and other informed commentators recognise the political roots of the conflict between Boko Haram, the Nigerian government and its innocent citizens, others, most notably Islamophobic online pundits, have wasted their time using the Boko Haram disaster to further their agenda of defaming Islam by quoting Quranic verses out of context to prove that Islam condones the shameful practice of sex slavery.

Instead of recognising that the right of girls to go to school is under global assault, they look at what life was like in seventh century Arabia and crow that Sharia or Islamic law promotes keeping girls and women uneducatstop to vaccinations.

However, Cochi says efforts to eradicate polio in Nigeria have transformed in the last two years, with improved quality and accountability. In 2012, 122 polio cases were reported and last year, it was down to 53.

But the CDC adviser says he's worried about distractions that might derail efforts to control polio in Nigeria. The insurgency in the north is one concern, says Cochi, but he suggests a less-discussed issue may pose an equal risk: Nigeria's upcoming elections.

Nigeria's presidential and legis-

ed and imprisoned by their evil Muslim overlords (read: fathers, husbands, brothers, sons). Educated Muslims have fought back against the blame game with their own responses, including Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai, who made a public statement that Boko Haram had clearly “never read the Quran”, for if they had, they would understand that their actions are a violation against everything it teaches.

All of this rhetoric serves only to direct justifiable anger and ire in the wrong direction. It is a distraction from the reality that “Islamist” movements use the most powerful tool in their arsenal - not physical weapons, but the firm belief that their fight is sanctioned by God - to provide justification for their illegal, violent and deplorable actions.

Not only do they direct this tool inwards to their own psychological delusions (witness the Boko Haram leader declaring in a videotaped statement that God had told him to “sell women”) but they direct this tool outwards, to the rest of the world watching them, in order to intimidate and silence everyone around them. What we see in these afflicted areas is the enactment of psychological warfare by Islamists on people’s sensibilities,

lative elections are expected to take place early next year.

Not only does political attention get diverted during heated and sometimes deadly election campaigns, there are also concerns about polio eradication campaign funds getting diverted into political campaigns.

'Enough is enough' Oyewale Tomori, chair of Nigeria's expert review committee on polio eradication, says it happens every election.

"We're scared but we've handled it before," he said.

playing on their fears and vulnerabilities as well as their genuine love for their religion.Western observers and pundits who react to this provocation on the same level are just playing the opposite end of the game: They are taking the claims of Boko Haram and other extremist groups and reacting as if they are actually true, and shared by every Muslim in the universe.

They do this to suit their own agendas outwardly and inwardly, to justify their own hatred of Islam and their labelling of Muslims as “the other”.Boko Haram in BalochistanHarming young girls who want an education and are willing to risk their lives in doing so has resonance for those of us in Pakistan who see similar threats being made against young schoolgirls in restive areas of the country.

Everyone knows the story of Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in 2012 for speaking up about education for girls, but even more recently, an extremist group called Tanzeem-ul-Islami-ul-Furqan has been making threats against educating girls in the Panjgur district of Balochistan.

Tomori says that the larger issue remains that the government doesn't seem fully committed to the task of polio eradication.

He points to the monumental achievement by India earlier this year when it attained polio-free status, a result of what Tomori describes as sheer determination.

The second most populous country in the world mobilized massive vaccination teams, used Bollywood and cricket celebrities in its polio eradication campaign and tapped in to community leaders to bolster support and counter fear of vaccines.

By comparison, Tomori laments Nigeria's short attention span. "It's very distracted by so many activities that are going on," he said.

Even if the country attains a year with zero cases, he fears the government would become complacent, thus never reaching the three years necessary to become certified poliofree by the World Health Organization.

"We've had enough of this embarrassment," said Tomori. "We need to make up our mind and say enough is enough."

• Source: CBC News

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

NEWS

T

•Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima (second right) receiving a delegation of the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) in Maiduguri...yesterday. Members of the delegation (from right) are : Secretary General Iyad Bin Amin Madani and Dr Ahmad Abdul’Alim Mohammed of International Islamic Fiqh Academy, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With them are Borno State Government officials.

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Senator defies police ban on protests

ENATOR Babafemi Ojudu yesterday defied the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu’s ban on the ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ protests. He led protesters to the popular Unity Fountain to demand the release of over 200 Chibok schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram on April 15.

Ojudu, who clutched a placard with the inscription: #Bringbackourgirls”, said it was dictatorial and illegal for anybody to ban protests in a democracy.

He protested with some of his legislative aides, who also carried placards.

A placard held by one of his aides reads: “#The right to dissent is inalienable.”

Ojudu said he was out to protest Mbu’s illegal ban order on the ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ campaigners, insisting that even President Goodluck Jonathan does not have the power to violate the inalienable rights of Nigerians to stage peaceful protests.

He said it was erroneous to say that the protests to bring back the abducted girls was being sponsored by the opposition.

Jonathan, he said, would not have become Acting President without protests by Nigerians in 2010.

He said: “I am here this morn-

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

ing to solidarise with the women of Nigeria who are protesting the abduction of more than 200 girls in Chibok.

“Yesterday, I picked up the story that the Police Commissioner in Abuja has banned the protest and I said to myself, this must not be allowed to stand.

“I was originally scheduled to be in Sokoto this morning to address a conference of top civil servants, I had to call it off to engage in this symbolic action this morning to solidarise with the women.

“It is our right to protest. Our right to protest is guaranteed by the Constitution of this country and it is also affirmed by several rulings of the highest court in the land.

“Nobody, nobody, either a policeman or the President has the right to abridge the inalienable rights of Nigerians to protest.

“I want to say boldly that Jonathan today is a product of protest. I was here in 2010 three times with Prof. Soyinka, Pastor Tunde Bakare and several other patriotic Nigerians to protest so that the right of Jonathan as Vice President to assume the position of Acting President could be affirmed.

“We protested. We ensured that the Constitution of the

country was enforced at that time. Why should he then, just because he is President decide to abridge our rights to protest?

“Protest is a legitimate action all over the world. Anywhere in the world where there is democracy, protest is a legitimate action and that is exactly why I am here.”

Asked whether his action was meant to dare the police, Ojudu said it was, adding: “I am daring the police. I am saying that I am a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I know the Law and I know the implications of my actions.

“I am saying that the Constitution of Nigeria which is the ultimate law of Nigeria affirms the right to protest. So what the man has done is illegal. He has committed an illegality and his illegality must not be allowed to stand.

“We are not in a dictatorial regime. We are in a democratic regime and we must all behave as democrats.

“If we do allow this to stand we are walking into a dictatorship. But it must not be allowed to stand. Nigerians have the right to protest. They have the right to protest things they did not agree with.

“Why should anybody in his right senses say that people should not complain that more than 200 girls have been taken

OIC partners Borno to end terrorism

HE Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC), yesterday, said it was willing to collaborate with the Borno State government to find a lasting solution to the Boko Haram insurgency in the state.

The Secretary-General of the group, Mr Iyad Amin-Madani, made the pledge during a visit to Governor Kashim Shettima in Maiduguri.

Amin-Madani said the visit was to commiserate with the the government and people of the state over the numerous destruction of lives and property due to the insurgency.

He added that the fight against terrorism required multi-dimensional approach “and the OIC is here on a solidarity visit.

“We are ready and available

Continued on page 60

University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

He hold MBA in Finance from the same institution. He is also an alumnus of Executive Education at Stanford University, Harvard University (2004) and Wharton Graduate School of Business (2005).

Also yesterday, the Senate

uous and peaceful protests by some criminal elements having links with insurgents, the police only issued advisory notice, enjoining citizens to apply caution in the said rallies, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.

“Reminding citizens of the earlier position of the Force on peaceful rallies, which the police high command regards as the constitutional and democratic rights of Nigerians, the Inspector-General of Police, M D. Abubakar, stresses the need for the organisers of such rallies to ensure that they seek proper advice and guidance from the Police before engaging in any such exercise so as to avoid any unpleasant circumstances.

“The IGP calls on the general public to see the present position of the Force as a necessary sacrifice for the peace our nation needs, as security is a collective responsibility.

“Consequently, citizens are strongly advised to reconsider their positions on the issues of rallies and protests in FCT until the existing threats are appropriately neutralised and removed from our midst by relevant security agencies”.

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confirmed the re-appointment of four members of the CBN Monetary Policy Committee.

They are: Dr Adedoyin Salami (Microe-conomic Policy), Prof. Chubuike Uche (Banking and Finance), Dr Shehu Yahaya (Development Economics) and Mr Abdul-Ganiyu Garba Continued on page 60

‘My plan for APC’ Continued from page 1

ples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sam Sam Jaja.

Oyegun said if given the chance, he would lead the party to take over power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the centre.

He said he may not have money but he has the integrity and the pedigree to manage the party.

He said he is the only aspirant who has never crossed the divide between the progressive and the conservative tendencies.

Oyegun, who announced his interest in an interview with our correspondent, said he won’t disappoint APC members.

He said: “I am gunning for the Office of the National Chairman of APC in a strong way for the good of the party.

Police make u-turn on Bring Back Our Girls’ protests ban Continued from page 1

Continued on page 60

CBN Governor Emefiele to unveil agenda tomorrow Continued from page 1

away since all these weeks and somebody would say don’t go and protest?

If it had been their own daughters or children would they have said nobody should protest? Why did Jonathan as Vice President in 2010 ask us not to come and protest in Abuja here?

“They actively encouraged people to come to Abuja here to protest and we protested. It is now the turn of somebody else, you are now saying they cannot protest. I am saying that I have the right under the law like every other Nigerian apart from my being a Senator.

“Every single Nigerian has the right to protest whatever action that has been carried out by the government that they did not agree with.”

He repudiated the Minister of Information Labaran Maku’s claim that the protesters were sponsored by the opposition.

Ojudu said: “Does anybody need to sponsor this protest?

Anybody who is a human being, any decent person would be outraged by the abduction of more than 200 girls.

“Is the All Progressives Congress (APC) sponsoring Obama’s wife or all the groups across the world that are protesting today? Are they all

to prove this solidarity beyond words and emotions.

“We have officially described the Boko Haram as a terrorist group and we believe that conflict of this nature needs to have a wide range of solutions.

“We must find out what keeps them going and what attracts youths to them.”

Shettima commended the cooperation “for clearly condemning Boko Haram and their activities.

“Your coming is a great moment in Borno, which has history of over 1000 years of Islamic civilisation.

“The OIC is the collective voice of the Muslim world; we share in the positive ideals of the organisation which emphasises

The reason is simple: In all my life, I have been a progressive; I have never crossed a line.

“Due to my persistence, a major opposition party has emerged and I played a major role in its emergence.

“I have had this principle, passion for a long time that we can change the course or history of this nation by giving the people a credible choice. Now, we have the right one.”

Oyegun said Nigeria is due for a change of government at the centre through APC. He added: “I have the vision, accompanied by the passion, to create and propel a party that will become a mass movement that will finally take over power at the centre on behalf of the long suffering masses of the nation.

“I believe I can turn the party into a political fighting force, Continued on page 60

Protesters seek N200m damages from Mbu

HE Bring Back Our Girls campaigners launched a legal battle yesterday for the enforcement of their rights to stage peaceful protests.

They went to court following Monday’s order by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police Mbu Joseph Mbu banning the Bring Back Our Girls protests in Abuja.

In a suit filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, 17 members of an Abuja-based group, Women for Peace and Justice (WPJ) involved in the Bring Back Our Girls campaign, are challenging Mbu’s powers to ban any protest in the FCT. The plaintiffs, led by Hadiza Bala Usman, argued that Mbu’s order was a violation of their “freedom of conscience, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly and association” guaranteed under Sections 38, 39 and 40 of the Constitution and Articles 8, 10 and 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act 2004

The IGP, Mba said, reassures Nigerians of the police commitment to the protection of lives and property and the advancement of democracy.

The police statement appears a soft-landing for Mbu, the former controversial Rivers state police chief, whose directive

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

(ACHPR).

They are praying the court for, among others, an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Police Commissioner and his agents from further preventing them and other aggrieved Nigerians from taking part in protests and rallies in exercise of their freedom of conscience, expression, assembly and association as guaranteed under the Constitution and ACHPR. The plaintiffs are praying the court to direct Mbu to pay them N200million as damages for the violation of their rights; a declaration that the respondent is not competent to ban protests and rallies in the FCT without an order of court.

They are also seeking a declaration that Mbu’s decision to ban rallies and protests in the FCT from June 1 is illegal, unconstitutional and a violation of the rights guaranteed under the Constitution and the ACHPR. The plaintiffs hinged their application

may not have go down well with the Presidency.

A highly-placed source said: “The government was not happy with Mbu for issuing a unilateral directive banning protests and rallies after the Presidency had sent a team to receive the Bring Back Our Girls team.

on Sections 38, 39 and 40 of the Constitution and Sections 8, 10 and 11 of the ACHPR which guarantee their freedom of conscience, expression, assembly and association.

Mbu, they said, had no power to violate their fundamental human rights, adding that his conduct, by placing a ban on rallies and protests was a violation of their guaranteed rights.

Mrs Bala Usman, in a supporting affidavit, accused the police of abandoning their constitutional responsibility of providing security for all Nigerians, including those engaged in rallies and protests.

Other plaintiffs in the suit are: Samuel Yaga, Rebecca Samuel Yaga, Mrs Sarah Ishaya, Mallam Dunama Mpur, Lawan Abana, Dr Pogu Bitrus, Dauda Iliya,Obiageli Ezekwesili, Maryam Uwais, Bashir Ibrahim Yusuf, Jibrin Ibrahim, Saudatu Mahdi,Bukky Shonibare, Rotimi Olawale, Florence Ozor and Kikaku Area

“The international backlash of such a directive by Mbu at a period when the girls had not been found created more image crisis for the government.

“Also, there were past pronouncements by the court which made peaceful protests legal.

Banning protest in a democracy

Continued on page 60

is illegal and an attempt to infringe on Freedom of Expression. So, the government asked the IGP to give a technical clarification.

“The Presidency was just uncomfortable with Mbu’s directive and it decided to ask the IGP to take charge.”

•Abubakar

Also yesterday, the #BringBackOurGirls campaigners led

by Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and Hadiza Bala Usman said they would remain resolute in their task.

In a statement by Ezekwesili and Hadiza Bala Usman, the group said: “We are members of the #Bring Back Our Girls Abuja Family, a citizen’s movement advocating the speedy rescue of the over 200 girls abducted from Continued on page 60

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•Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar (sitting in the middle) with delegates of Northern Youth Leaders’ Forum during their visit to the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in his office in Abuja...yesterday.

Conference delegates set three-year moratorium for fuel subsidy removal D ELEGATES to the ongoing National Conference yesterday set a three-year moratorium to abolish the payment of fuel subsidy.

This was a compromise position the delegates reached after they disagreed on whether or not to abolish fuel subsidy regime in the country.

The conference’s Committee on Public Finance and Revenue had recommended total removal of fuel subsidy because of the massive corruption associated with it.

While some delegates agreed with the recommendation, others opposed it and urged the conference to reject it.

Deputy Chairman, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, read out the compromise motion. It was subjected to a voice vote.

The motion was presented

by Labour delegate, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, and seconded by Dr. Joe Nwogu.

The delegates agreed on the three-year moratorium to remove fuel subsidy on the condition that the Federal Government should fix old refineries and establish new

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

ones before withdrawing fuel subsidy.

Delegates said new refineries would mitigate the negative effects of subsidy withdrawal on fuel.

They adopted the recommendation that the budget of the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission should be on first line charge.

The delegates, however, rejected the recommendation on the amendment to make the salaries of elected officersthe same with civil servants.

They also rejected the recommendation that the Fiscal Responsibility Act be enshrined in the constitution.

The delegates also rejected the recommendation that designated departments and agencies should comply with the constitutional provision, which requires that they remit a percentage of the revenues generated to the federation and to withhold 20 per cent.

Also rejected was the proposal for the establishment of Revenue Courts to prosecute revenue offenders.

The proposal that a solid mineral development agency be created was not approved while the recommendation that Solid Mineral Development Fund be increased from 1.65 per cent to five per cent, was accepted.

Delegates rejected the proposal that the fund be operated as a venture capital; they accepted that the fund be deducted from the total revenue and not from the Federation Account.

They accepted that solid minerals and mines be included in the Concurrent Legislative List of the Federation.

The proposal that the Sovereign Wealth Fund be funded from the Federation Account and not from the Excess Crude Account was a rejected.

The delegates accepted the proposal that indiscriminate approval of waivers be stopped.

They rejected the recom-

mendation that the government should devise a safety valve for Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to retain a percentage of their running budgets until a new budget.

They also agreed that debt ceiling should be placed on government’s borrowing, which should be by bonds. It means government’s borrowing should only be by bonds.

The delegates accepted the proposal that the Federal Government should source for funds to revamp steel companies through the Public Private Partnership (PPP).

They accepted that government should enact an ill-gotten Gains Act, which will place the burden of proof of innocence on the accused.

The delegates accepted the recommendation that the retinue of public office holders at all levels be reduced drastically.

They rejected proposal that port development and ownership should be on the Concurrent List and also rejected

vacancy arising from death, resignation or defection of a member of the National Assembly or a member of the State House of Assembly. · Alteration of Sections 134 and 179, which aims to extend the time for conducting presidential and governorship re-run polls from seven days to 21 days, as contained in Clauses 4 and 5.

The INEC is seeking an extension of the seven days to 21 days after results have been announced.

Others are: · The empowerment of INEC to deregister political parties which fail to win presidential, governorship, chairmanship of a local government, Area Council or a seat in the National or States’ Assembly elections. · The conferment of

exclusive jurisdiction on the Federal High Court for the trial of offences arising from, pertaining to or connected to the violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act and Any Other Election-Related Act of the National Assembly and the proposal to alter the Third Schedule of the Constitution in Clause 8 to include former Senate Presidents and Speakers of the House of Representatives as members of the Council of States.

Today, Senate President and House of Representatives Speaker are members but former Senate Presidents and Speakers are not.

Under the Constitution, former Chief Justices (CJs) are members of the Council of States, besides the serving Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

Senate to vote on Constitution amendment today

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HE Senate said yesterday it will vote on new amendments to the Constitution today.

The vote is coming two months after the Senate suspended the exercise, following the controversy it generated.

The outrage was on a clause seeking to empower the President to initiate the process of making a new Constitution. The proposal seeks to amend Section 3 (b) of the Constitution, which deals with how a new constitution can be initiated.

The Chairman of the Review of the 1999 Constitution and Senate Deputy President Ike EKweremadu had explained before withdrawing the controversial proposal “that Section 9 of the first Alteration Bill provided for how a new Constitution can come into being through the National

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Assembly”.

He added: “The aim of this insertion is to make provision for the President, in addition to the National Assembly, to initiate the process of a new constitution.”

Ekweremadu announced yesterday that the Senate will today vote on the other proposed amendments that were not considered before the previous withdrawal.

Some of the proposed amendments to be voted on today include: · The alteration of Sections 68 and 109 to mandate the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Clerks of states’ Houses of Assembly to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in writing within seven days of the existence of a

the recommendation that the Legislature should strengthen and perfect its oversight function.

The delegates rejected the proposal that a minimum of 30 per cent of the Excess Crude Account be transferred to Sovereign Wealth Fund. The implication is that the recommendation that 50 per cent of ECA be transferred SWF, was retained.

The proposal that Debt Monitoring offices be established in each state to monitor the utilisation of projects of borrowed funds was accepted; the recommendation that 10 per cent of ECA be devoted to Agricultural Fund, was accepted.

The delegates rejected the proposal that tax waivers should only be limited to military hardware. They also rejected the recommendation that VAT revenue should not be sent into the distributable pool but be retained in the states where they are generated.

NBA election: Lawyers reject guidelines

By Joseph Jibueze

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HE Lagos branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has rejected some aspects of the guidelines for the association’s next month’s national election.

It described them as illegal.

One of the guidelines stipulates that NBA branches must submit bank tellers “as evidence of payment of annual practicing fee as at 1st April, 2014”.

In a resolution by the branch’s Chairman Alex Muoka and Publicity Secretary Abdulrasheed Ibrahim, the NBA branch noted that such requirement is not only “unconstitutional” – because it is not contained in NBA’s Constitution of 2009 - but is a ploy to “disenfranchise branches and voters”.

NDDC levy not applicable to NLNG

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HE Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited(NLNG) has said it is not affected by the three percent Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) levy.

The company was reacting to a demonstration by the Niger Delta Youth Stakeholders’ Forum over the company’s alleged refusal to pay the levy.

The NLNG statement reads: “For the avoidance of doubt, this levy is inapplicable to NLNG, a position which has the backing of decisions of the entire spectrum of courts in Nigeria, culminating in a Supreme Court ruling delivered inOctober 2011.

“Following an initial suit filed by the NDDC, the Federal High Court on July 11, 2007 delivered judgement stating that NLNG was not liable to pay the NDDC levy.

“NDDC then proceeded to challenge the High Court ruling at the Court of Appeal. The Appellate Court also ruled in NLNG’s favour. NDDC appealed further to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court subsequently dismissed NDDC’s appeal.The basis of the judicial determination of these courts in favour of NLNG is that the Company is not subject to the NDDC levy, taking into account the correct interpretation of the provisions of the NDDC Act 2000.”

We ‘ve been vindicated by Fani-Kayode’s defection, says PDP

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the decision by the former Minister of Aviation, Femi FaniKayode to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the PDP as a clear vindication of its position that the APC “is... averse to the unity of the country”.

In a statement yesterday by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

Olisa Metuh also said the revelation by the former minister that the APC sympathised with insurgents.

The statement said: “We have now been vindicated.

The truth may be hidden for sometime but it has a way of expressing itself. The world can now see that we do not speak for nothing...”

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

NEWS

•Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Adebiyi Mabadeje (third left); Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello (third right); Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Balogun (left); General Manager, Lagos State Residents’ Registration Agency (LASRRA), Mrs Yinka Fashola (second left); legendary Nigerian artiste, Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye (aka King Sunny Ade) (middle); veteran actors Mr. Abubakar Yakubu (second right) and Segun Arize, during the special registration for actors and artistes in Lagos State, organised by LASRRA at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos...yesterday

Wada’s wife gets foreign support

By Amidu Arije

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IFE of Kogi State governor and founder of Faridah Wada Foundation, Mrs Faridah Ijeoma Wada, has got the support of a Wales-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), Life for African Mothers, to fight maternal mortality in Nigeria.

Mrs Wada returned recently from Cardiff, the Wales capital, after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the organisation.

She addressed reporters and the executives of her organisation in Abuja.

The activist alerted the nation to the threat posed by maternal mortality and its negative impact on the human reproductive life.

Mrs Wada urged the government to deepen its policy on health care and improve actions on how to reduce maternal mortality rate in Nigeria.

The governor’s wife said she was moved by the report of the United Nations (UN), which ranked Nigeria among countries with high mortality rate, with a ratio of 545 per of 100,000 live births.

She noted that as NGOs, such as hers and others, continued to intervene through policy suggestions and inputs into health matters and collaboration with international organisations, the Federal Government should also exchange ideas with committed nonstate actors for the country to realise its Health sector objectives.

Finalists emerge in Law firm’s competition

By Seun Akioye

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OVERALL winners in the ongoing Simons Cooper Advocacy Development Competition (SCAD Compete) will be announced tonight at a special award dinner at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

The competition, which began on Monday, had over 100 entries from Law students across the country. Ten of them were selected as the best.

The 10 students, from various universities, have received instructions on component parts of Law in a pre-contest legal clinic moderated by legal icons.

Law students across the country competed yesterday against one another in various aspects of the subject, including moot trials.

The final rounds of the competition will hold today and the overall winner will be announced at the dinner.

Cause of Dana Air crash unknown, says coroner

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CORONER yesterday described as “unknown”the cause of the crash of a Dana aircraft on June 3, 2012.

Over 153 passengers died in the crash.

Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe held that the inconclusive report of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and the missing bodies of the pilots led to the "unknown cause" of the crash.

Delivering judgment at the Ebute Meta Magistrates' Court in Lagos, the magistrate held that the AIB only submitted the report of its preliminary investigation and did not conclude its findings on the cause of the accident.

The coroner explained that the missing bodies of the pilot

By Precious Igbonwelundu

and the co-pilot, if found, would have been tested to determine if they were "under the influence".

During the inquest, a witness, who claimed to be on the crash scene, told the court that he found the pilot's body lying on the ground.

Despite the claim, consultant pathologist, Dr. John Obafunwa, averred that nine bodies, including the pilot's and co-pilot's, were uncounted for at the hospital.

According to him, the bodies of 144 people were identified by their relatives.

Obafunwa said the bodies that were unaccounted for could either be individuals other than those who bought the tickets or those who were

completely incinerated.

Magistrate Komolafe held that "the missing bodies of the pilot and co-pilot were a lost opportunity to determine whether or not they were under the influence of alcohol".

He added: "Had their bodies been identified, samples would have been taken and analysed.

The disappearance of their bodies has shut us out from finding out whether or not they were under the influence or not.

"I am not saying it is likely, but the opportunity was lost."

On the death of the victims, the coroner held that most of them died from multiple injuries, blunt force trauma, air plane crash and fire.

He noted that from picture evidence, some of the passengers were alive after the crash

but died from smoke inhalation.

The expert said 12 people died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.

Quoting Obafunwa's findings, the coroner said: "A few died from heart failure, asphyxia (absence of oxygen), severe burns injury, soot inhalation, and severe crano-cerebral injury.

"I find that the commonest factor associated with death was multiple injuries - fractured arms and legs, fractured ribs, punctured lungs, fractured skull - and so on.

"You cannot attribute death to one single injury. Each one can individually cause death."

Magistrate Komolafe, who made nine recommendations, urged the Federal, states and

APC Convention committee to present zoning proposal

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THE All Progressives Congress (APC) Committee on National Convention is examining a proposal on zoning to be presented to the Interim National Executive Committee of the party, it has been learnt.

Rising from a meeting on Monday night in Abuja, the Chairman of the National Convention Committee and Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko told reporters that the committee would finalise its plans for the convention at the meeting.

On Monday night, a committee member, Senator Joseph Waku, explained that the panel had set up sub-committee chairmen and secretaries.

According to him, an ad-hoc committee was also raised on zoning. It was expected to sit last night to fine-tune the recom-

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From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

mendations to be presented to the Interim National Executive Committee.

“Ad-hoc committees have also been set up, such as the Election Committee and the Zoning Committee; the latter is also going to sit tomorrow to fine-tune the recommendations and proposals we have made as a committee to forward them to the Interim National Executive Committee for ratification,” Waku said.

The party chieftain said committee members were allowed sufficient time to make their contributions at the meeting.

The exhaustive deliberations, Waku said, prolonged the Monday night meeting.

He said: “So, for today, in the zoning, it usually takes a long time for people to be allowed to contribute and chat when nec-

essary and so on and so forth. That is why it took such a long time.”

He added that the committee would also meet at 8pm yesterday to inaugurate another committee that would set the ball rolling.

The committee member was, however, silent on who gets what from the proposed zoning arrangement.

Waku said: “It cannot be announced today; neither can we brief you on that unless tomorrow when we come back to finetune it, to recommend to the Interim National Working Committee. We are working to put in place our proposition.”

APC has scheduled its inaugural National Convention for June 13 and 14 at Eagle Square in Abuja.

Reps in row over composition of Minority leadership

MOTION seeking to dissolve the minority leadership of the House of Representatives caused a row yesterday.

The motion was raised by Deputy Majority Leader Leo Ogor (PDP-Delta).

Immediately he raised the motion, members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party (LP) and Accord Party (AP) from Ondo, Oyo and Anambra states insisted they should be part of the Minority leadership.

This led to a rowdy session.

Ogor said the Minority leadership slots were filled with only All Progressives Congress (APC) members.

This, the lawmaker said, was a breach of the House rules, which provide that minority parties – not one of the parties would form the leadership.

Ogor regretted that all minority leadership slots available were in the hand of APC with-

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

out the consent and input of the LP, APGA and Accord.

He said: “It behoves on the minority parties, in line with Item 31 of the House Rules, to nominate among themselves a new Minority Leader, Minority Whip, Deputy Minority Leader and Deputy Minority Whip.”

Ogor urged the Minority leadership to vacate their seats and give room for a proper nomination.

“The lawmakers sitting on the platform of the APC now were members of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Accord Party and other parties. Therefore, they are unknown to the House. and since they were not a part of the nomination process for the leadership of theminority, APC members must vacate their seats,” he said.

But Minority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila (APC-Lagos) dismissed Ogor’s motion as unnecessary and unfounded.

He said the motion ought to have been raised by an opposition member, instead of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker.

He said: “Under our rules of privilege, you have to have locus before raising such a motion. If this matter of privilege was raised by a member of the opposition, then it will have locus.

“Our rules do not create room for meddlesome interlopers. I have seen a letter nominating our leaders sitting here, but I have not seen any letter nominating any PDP member sitting as a principal officer.”

But APGA, Accord and LP members in Anambra, Ondo and Oyo states disagreed with the opposition leader.

They insisted on having their share of the opposition pie.

Bukola Abiola Ajaja (Accord -Oyo) opposed Gbajabiamila’s position.

She said: “I want to say whoever goes to equity, must go with clean hands. Since the formation of APC, we in the opposition have not met to decide who would take positions.

“Rules 32, 33, 35 and 36 define the roles of different political parties and these provisions provide that all opposition parties must be represented on the leadership of the opposition.”

Another member, Debo Ologunagba (LP-Ondo), noted that the composition of the opposition leadership violates the privileges of Labour Party members.

He said: “It’s a collective privilege of members.”

Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, who presided over the plenary, referred the motion to Committees on Rules and Business and Justice for further legislative consideration.

local governments to put in place effective emergency response structures.

He recommended the establishment of a national body for logistics and supply, body retrievals, body handlers and periodic meetings and rehearsals among the units.

Magistrate Komolafe said there was need for the establishment of Forensic Science laboratories in each geo-political zone and the enactment of a National Coroner's Act. "Public sensitisation and provision of fire service stations in every local government across the country must be considered," he added.

Unilever donates tools to hospitals

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NILEVER Nigeria Plc has donated 100 units of its Pureit water purifiers to selected hospitals across the country.

The donation, which was part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) portfolio, was in partnership with the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) to improve children’s health in Nigeria.

Unilever’s Customer Marketing Director, Mr Kalpesh Palmer, led the company’s team to make the presentation.

He said Unilever’s commitment to children health informed the decision to donate the purifiers.

The director described good water as an essential ingredient to healthy leaving among children.

Palmer expressed gratitude to the Medical Women’s Association for endorsing the product, after it had been tested and investigated to be of standard.

The director promised that Unilever would continue to uphold best practices in production and packaging of its products.

He traced the product’s origin to India, where it was conceptualised in 2008.

This followed the discovery that over two billion people worldwide, comprising 80 per cent of Africans - among who 70 per cent were Nigerians - had no access to clean water.

To meet market demand, Palmer said Unilever had made arrangement to make 500 million Pureit units by 2020.

MWAN’s National President, Mrs. Valerie Obot, expressed appreciation for the gesture.

She promised that members of the association would use the purifiers properly to save lives.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

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NEWS

•Aregbesola addressing a crowd...yesterday.

Leadership means responsibility, says Aregbesola •Adeleke to electorate: vote wisely O SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said leadership comes with responsibility.

He spoke yesterday at St. John’s Primary School in Ikire, Isokan-Ayedaade-Irewole Federal Constituency, during his re-election campaign.

Aregbesola told the people to expect more than he did in his first term if given a second term mandate.

He listed projects executed by his administration in the constituency as the sinking of 88 boreholes; distribution of 2,299 Opon Imo (tablet of knowledge) to secondary

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

schools; beatification of Asejire to Gbogan on the Ibadan-Ife expressway; building of five model schools; and construction of 60km roads, among others.

Aregbesola said: “We believe power is responsibility, but the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) believes that power has no responsibility. That is the difference between the two of us. Our party rules with the aim of run-

ning a government that is beneficial to the people. We have the people’s welfare at heart, but the PDP is selfish, greedy and avaricious. Therefore we do not resemble them. PDP was here for close to eight years; did it think ambulances were needed on our roads?”

The first civilian governor of Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, urged the people to re-elect Aregbesola so that he can “continue transforming” the state.

He said Aregbesola’s “excel-

lent performance” in the last three-and-a-half years qualify him for a second term.

Adeleke, who dumped PDP for APC last Saturday, said the PDP’s candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, lacked the capacity to lead the state because “he is bereft of ideas”.

He said: “I urge you to use your votes to bring back Aregbesola because he has worked tremendously for the state’s development. You should make sure we get 80 per cent of the votes. If we are

Afe Babalola urges govt to take over substandard varsities

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FE Bablola University of Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) Founder Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) has urged the National Assembly to pay more attention to the amendment of the National Universities Commissions (NUC) Act .

He said the four decade-old Act, which just passed through its Second Reading, should be empowered to close down substandard universities, forfeit such university’s facilities to the government and jail its founders and teachers.

In his keynote address yesterday at the opening of the 29th conference of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU), hosted

by ABUAD, Babalola said: “Recently, the NUC released a list of 36 illegal universities operat-

By Adegunle Olugbamila

ing in the country. From the list published on NUC’s website, the universities were located in every part of the country. Many indeed had very curious sounding names which should have alerted reasonable and discerning minds to the fraud represented by the institutions.

“The question then is: How do we get out of this embarrassing quagmire? The answer is that government should urgently and immediately amend the NUC law and give the commission sufficient powers of immediate and outright closure of illegal universities with further powers of severe sanctions including forfeiture of the university’s properties to government while promoters, founder, councils, and

teachers of such illegality should face life imprisonment.”

Babalola said though NUC is empowered to regulate universities nationwide, Section 4 of the NUC Act merely gives the commission advisory role to the Federal Government and states on the creation of universities, adding that only private universities feel the full weight of NUC ‘s power.

He said this situation has made many states to establish universities based on purely political rather than educational or logistical considerations, with little or no funding to back them up.

Babalola said: “In order to make them more popular in their constituencies, some established universities and multiple campuses in their hamlets or

villages, which often lack infrastructure. The laboratories and other teaching facilities in some universities are below standard expected in secondary school.

There was the case of a graduate of engineering who never saw an engineering laboratory throughout his university days.”

able to do this, we will be killing an ant with a sledge hammer. Now that Omisore has made Adejare Bello his deputy, I will make sure he does not win his ward in Ede North.”

When the campaign train visited the Akire of Ikire, Oba Olatunde Falabi, in his palace, the monarch said the people do not need a soothsayer to tell them that the APC administration has brought huge development to the state.

He said: “We can see the development with our eyes. We can see the transformation of the state all around us. In fact, you have been doing the job as

if your life depends on it. With this achievement, your second term is guaranteed.”

Many leaders in the constituency, including Hon. Ayo Omidiran, hailed the performance of the Aregbesola administration.

On the campaign train were the governor’s wife, Sherifat; his deputy, Mrs. Titi LaoyeTomori; Secretary to the State Government Moshood Adeoti; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Gboyega Oyetola; APC Interim Chairman Elder Adebiyi Adelowo and the Secretary, Prince Gboyega Famodun.

Lagos gets Land Use Charge Tribunal

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AGOS State inaugurated yesterday a 15-man Land Use Charge Assessment Appeal Tribunal to adjudicate on appeals from aggrieved property owners.

Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Ade Ipaye, who inaugurated the tribunal on behalf of the governor, urged members to be fair in the discharge of their

By Adebisi Onanuga

duties.

Ipaye said the tribunal was established to resolve disputes arising from the evaluation of properties and the implementation of Land Use Charge laws.

The Tribunal Chairman, Ayodele Odunlami, said members would justify the confidence reposed in them.

DISCO apologises for power outage

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•Aare Babalola

HE Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) apologised yesterday for the power outage at the National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, in the last eight days.

EKEDC spokesman, Ijora Business Unit, Peter Ayiwe, made the apology during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Ayiwe said the outage was due to a faulty underground cable, adding that engineers were working on it. He said power would be restored today.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY JUNE 4, 2014

8

NEWS

OAU defends increase in school charges

Lecturers, Amosun differ on OOU funding

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From Ernest Nwokolo,

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Abeokuta

ECTURERS at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in Ago-Iwoye have urged the Ogun State government to adequately fund the institution.

They condemned the government’s directive that tertiary institutions should generate funds to meet their needs.

They decried the delay in salary payment, adding that they may have no option but to “renew the struggle to save the university”.

OOU-ASUU Chairman Dr. Deji Agboola said improper funding has led to a degeneration of state-owned tertiary institutions.

In a statement, Agboola said: “Our union affirmed its earlier position that adequate funding of all tiers of education is a social responsibility of the government. Forcing universities to generate funds to pay salaries would only translate into increasing the already heavy burden on the largely impoverished citizens of the state and students, who have always been the victims.

“ASUU berates the state government for consistently failing in its responsibilities to the university, especially on the payment of salaries and release of funds for the National Universities Commission (NUC) programme accreditation.

“ASUU considers it most demeaning when the government regularly delays the payment of salaries for two months upwards. Such hostil-

•Amosun

ity to academia, no matter the real or feigned circumstance, is quite anti-labour.”

Agboola said a situation where developmental projects on OOU campuses were funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and the Federal Government Intervention Fund can no longer be condoned.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun said his administration had been paying due attention to education, adding that it pays an average of N600 million monthly as subvention to stateowned tertiary institutions.

In his Democracy Day speech, Amosun said: “We have given due attention to tertiary education. An average of N600 million is paid monthly to our tertiary institutions as subvention. This amounts to over N21.6 billion in the last three years. Our highly successful cashless policy has generated additional revenue, which is being re-invested directly by the institutions.

“This administration will continue to prioritise education due to its undisputed impact on development. We will ensure not only continuous investment but also continuous improvement.”

HE management of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has given reasons for increasing school charges.

It said the increment was to enable the institution provide world class services.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Tale Omole, told reporters yesterday that with the increment, the institution would be able to maintain its position as the nation’s best university.

He said the former charges were not economically realistic in financing the institution, stressing that the current situation demands higher charges.

Omole said the charges, which students were protesting against, are “moderate and reasonable” compared to what obtains in

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•Students insist on reversal From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

other universities, adding: “Our newly admitted students in the faculties of Law, Arts, Social Sciences, Administration and Education are to pay N61,700 as against N5,300 while those in the faculties of Science, Environment Design and Management, Educational Science, Technology and Agriculture will pay N72,700 as against N10,300.

“Freshmen in the faculties of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health Sciences are now to pay N75,700 against the N12,800 paid by the students before the review. The new charges to be paid by newly admitted students include a newly introduced development levy of

N18,000, which is to be paid once and for all by the fresh students throughout the duration of their student ship in the university.

“The N20,000 acceptance fee was not part of the newly introduced fee. Looking at it, the old charges paid by the students were not only the lowest in the Nigerian university system but also the most ridiculous in Africa.

“Instead of reversing the fee, the university management would rather assist poor but brilliant students. To support students in this category, the Senate of the university has set up a Student Education Relief Committee where scholarships, grants and opportunities for work study will be provided.”

The Students’ Union President, Isaac Ibikunle, urged the management to reverse the charges which he said were “unpayable by poor Nigerian students and their parents”.

Ibikunle said: “OAU students say NO to any form of fee increment. Our demands remain a reversal of the hiked fee, proper funding of education by the government, implementation of the FG/ASUU 2013 agreement and the 26 per cent budgetary allocation to education.

“The management should join poor Nigerian students to fight against the non-implementation of the 26 per cent budget allocation to education as directed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).”

Crisis looms in Ondo Assembly

HE dissolution of Ondo State House of Assembly committees by the Speaker, Princess Jumoke Akindele, shortly after her election last week Tuesday indicates that all may not be well.

It was learnt that ‘G9’lawmakers, who voted for Mr. Oyebo Aladetan against Princess Akindele are being victimised.

Sources said the ‘G9’ lawmakers in Cash Allocation, Finance & Appropriation, Tender, Works and Human Capital Committees may

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

be removed and replaced with “loyal members as ordered from above”.

A stakeholder in the state sued for peace, noting that such action may heat up the polity.

He said majority of the opposition lawmakers were “strong and understand politics”, adding that most of them are second timers in the Assembly.

A ‘G9’ member said: “We are awaiting the announcement of the new House committee members. It is

after then that we will know whether there will be reconciliation among lawmakers in the parliament or not.

“We are no push-over. No matter the involvement of the powers that be in the Assembly’s affairs, it will have no effect on our resolutions at the hallowed chamber.”

It was learnt that one week after her election, Princess Akindele has yet to get in touch with those in the opposing camp (G9 members).

A lawmaker, who

pleaded for anonymity, said: “We wonder how the new leadership can do it alone. The late Speaker, Samuel Adesina, used his wide experience to move the House forward for four years without hitches. I advise the new speaker to learn from his administrative acumen, which gave him a peaceful tenure.

The lawmaker appreciated efforts by the Deputy Speaker, Dare Emiola, to reconcile the two camps, urging Princess Akindele to carry all members along.

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

Ogbomoso road have urged the State Traffic Management Authority to check the frequent abandonment of heavy duty vehicles on the highway.

They complained that faulty trucks are often abandoned in the middle of the road for weeks without consideration for other road users.

The motorists called for a patrol by towing vehicle drivers.

They urged the government to erect traffic lights at T-junctions in Owode, Olokomeje, Hospital Road, Durbar, Awe and BodeOgbomoso.

Oyo residents urge govt to fix bridge

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ESIDENTS have urged the government to fix the collapsed bridge on the Sanga/Iseke road in Oyo West Local Government Area of Oyo State.

They lamented the neglect of the bridge, which collapsed in 2012, saying it had caused many accidents and deaths.

There is no sign on the road to warn motorists of the danger ahead.

The residents urged the Local Government Caretaker Chairman, Mr. Soji Ojoawo, to fix the bridge, which is opposite his family house.

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A resident, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “We are facing a lot of hardship as a result of the collapsed bridge. What is more disturbing is the inability of our local government council to do preliminary work on the bridge, let alone rehabilitation, considering the number of people that have died there. We urge our God-fearing and sincere governor to come to our aid.”

Ojoawo did not respond to calls made to his mobile phone.

Motorists on the Oyo/

‘Presidency can’t dictate Oyo PDP candidate’

N Oyo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Alhaji Adebisi Olopoenia, has said the presidency or the national body cannot nominate the party’s candidate for next year’s governorship election.

He was reacting to reports that some aspirants had been lobbying party stakeholders in Abuja for the ticket.

Olopoenia spoke yesterday in Ibadan, the state capital, during a Yoruba radio programme: “Orosunukun”.

He said it was the responsibility of Oyo PDP leaders to nominate a credible candidate for the election, adding: “Nobody in Abuja can pick a consensus candidate for us without our consent.

None of the over 10 aspirants is anointed either by the presidency or the national body. Anyone trying to

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

lobby or influence his candidacy is just wasting his time and money.”

Olopoenia said he was confident that a credible candidate would emerge at the party’s primary election.

On the alleged crisis rocking the party, he said there was no such thing, adding that PDP is one.

On the fraud allegation against Ekiti PDP governorship candidate Ayo Fayose, Olopoenia said: “If he is guilty of the crime, the court would have sentenced him and the case will not still be on. I know he will be vindicated very soon. This fraud allegation is a way to frustrate his political ambition, because he is a grassroots mobiliser, who is well admired by his people.”

Chinese hotelier gets bail

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From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

FEDERAL High Court sitting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, yesterday granted a Chinese woman, Zhou Jun, bail.

Jun was remanded in Agodi Prisons two weeks ago for allegedly defrauding Abdulrahman Mohammed, Abdullahi Maiyanchi and six others of N35.6 million.

She was granted N2 million bail with two sureties in the like sum.

Justice Emmanuel Ayo adjourned the case till July 3.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

LASU students’ protest grounds Lagos

Artistes support Lagos residents’ registration •Police injure 10,

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro arrest 20, union MUSICIANS and theatre leader alleges practitioners in Lagos State yesterday stormed their secretariat at Alausa in Ikeja to participate in the ongoing resident registration.

The exercise is being conducted by the State Resident Registration Agency (LASRRA).

Among them were: Juju music maestro King Sunny Ade, Kate Henshaw, Prince Jide Kosoko, Saheed Balogun, Foluke Daramola, Adebayo Salami and Segun Arinze.

Others are the two chairmen of the Lagos State Actors Guild, Messrs. Don Pedro Aganbi and Victor Osuagwu; Abubakar Yakubu, Joke Silver, Toni Akposeri, Tunji Bamishigbin, Yemi Shodimu and Biodun Aremu, among others.

The General Manager, LASRRA, Ms. Yinka Fashola, said a total of 1.8 million residents of the state had been registered by the agency, adding that the exercise was to enable government to efficiently plan for Lagos residents and allocate resources to meet their needs.

She said that musicians, actors/actresses, producers, editors and all those involved in any production, play vital roles in the development of the state.

“As a hub of actors and musicians, the computer industry, social media, visual arts and fashion, among others, have followed the flow and creativeness of our actors and musicians to Lagos”, she said, adding that the development demands for facilities and resources that would enhance and improve the standard of living such as entertainment, cinemas, restaurants, night clubs and shopping malls.”she added.

Train terminus yet to open TWO days after a passenger train from Ilorin derailed at the Lagos terminus of the Mass Transit Train Services (MTTS) of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), the terminus is yet to be opened.

The terminus at Iddo on Lagos Mainland is still under lock and key with armed security men who prevent people’s entry and exit.

A source said that the incident which occurred on June 1 at about 10pm, killed an assistant train driver of the corporation and left the locomotive driver seriously injured, adding that most of the passengers had disembarked before the derailment.

“Due to the incident, our MTTS will not be able to reach Iddo Terminus, as we are yet to clear the derailed train from the track. Until the track is cleared, our passengers will join the train at Ebute Meta Junction,” he said.

The NRC Assistant Director (Public Relations), Mr David Ndakotsu, confirmed that a life was lost to the derailment.

“Meanwhile normal train services originates from Ebute Meta Junction, Alagomeji, and Apapa Stations,’’ it added.

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OMMERCIAL activities were grounded to a halt in some parts of the Lagos metropolis yesterday as students, under the aegis of the Lagos State University Students Union (LASUSU), continued their protest against fee hike.

Motorists and commuters groaned in anguish in traffic snarls on the affected routes, especially the Oshodi axis of the LagosAbeokuta Expressway.

The irate students urged Governor Babatunde Fashola to shut down the institution’s payment and registration portal until the government reduced the fee.

Ten students were allegedly injured, while 20 others were arrested by the police during the protest, the union’s president, Mr Nurudeen Yusuf, said.

He said that while they were approaching Oshodi where they had planned to sensitise traders on their plight, police “ambushed” them and fired tear gas cannister and bullets at them.

Yusuf said the deadline by the management for students to pay their fees and register courses for the 2013/

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•The Bolade axis of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway blocked with trucks during the protest ... yesterday PHOTO: ISAAC AYODELE

2014 academic session before May 30 had elapsed.

He said students were bent on their “no reduction, no resumption” policy and that discussions on how much the students would pay were still ongoing.

Fashola had, at a meeting with LASUSU on March 31, directed the students to come up with a proposal on how much they could afford.

The students insisted that the fee be reduced to N46, 500 for returning students

and N65, 500 for fresh students.

The students’ proposal was submitted on April 24, while several reminders were later sent to the governor on the issue.

Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, at a media briefing on May 8, said the government would soon make a pronouncement on fees.

Yusuf said the students were not satisfied with the

government’s statement since the word “soon does not indicate a definite time.”

“If a 50-year old can die and we say gone too soon, hence, anytime can be soon,” he said.

The students’ leader said that sequel to several peaceful protests by the students, the Exco Ad-hoc Committee set up by the state met with the union on the review of the tuition on May 27.

The Committee, chaired

by Mr Kayode Opeifa, Com-

missioner for Transport, he said, had decided that quality education could not be achieved based on the students’ proposal.

Opeifa said the tuition of N46, 500 would make LASU a university for the poor and all comers.

“The committee said the state government is subsidising education in LASU by 90 per cent and government is only responsible for free education up to secondary level,” he said. NAN.

By Wale Adepoju

since the strike began, they would just give us warm water to bathe them. The only thing they do is to clean babies in the incubators. They even refuse to give my son any injection.”

Chairman, ARD LUTH Dr Olubunmi Omojowolo said there was no going back on the strike until the hospital’s management accedes to doctors’ demands.

He identified high hospital fees as the main reason doctors were striking, adding that a lot of patients are com-

plaining about the cost of treatment.

“In some sub-specialties, such as obstetrics and gynaecology (O and G) and dentistry, the fees are beyond the reach of an average Nigerian. Before, silting and laceration cost about N8,000 but today it has gone up to N50,000. So ARD has issues with fees of major surgeries but our focus now is on minor surgeries,” he said.

No appreciable progress has been made by the hospital to resolve the problems.

The hospital should resolve the issue of excessive taxation of doctors to allow equity and fairness as doctors were heavily taxed.

“LUTH was implementing its own tax regimen before the Federal Government introduced hers. We were paying more under LUTH, so where was the excess going?

When the government puts us on its Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) programme, we paid less before it stopped it,” Omojowolo said.

Patients groan as strike paralyses LUTH

ANY groaned in pains at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) yesterday as the indefinite strike declared by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) entered its third day.

The ever-busy Accident and Emergency (A and E) Ward, Paediatric Ward and Obstetrics and Gynaecology unit, among others, were unusually quiet.

There was total black-out in the hospital as electricity supply was unavailable throughout the day.

Some consultants and nurses, however, carried out skeletal services.

The hospital, The Nation

gathered, discharged some patients, on monday.New patients were turned back at the gate.

The strike, which coincided with the three-day warning strike earlier declared by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), paralysed the hospital.

Many were seen evacuating their relation, some ailing children were discharged at the Paediatrics Ward, while those left were not attended to.

A woman, who pleaded anonymity, said: “The nurses used to bathe our children but

Court jails man for swallowing cocaine

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33-year-old man, Chibuzo Elioku, yesterday bagged a sixyear jail after he pleaded guilty to ingesting 95 grammes of cocaine, a banned narcotic.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arraigned him on November 29, last year for alleged unlawful dealing in the illegal substance.

The agency said he was arrested on May 13, last year, at the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos, during a clearance of passengers aboard a Qatar Airline flight from Brazil.

A scan revealed the convict had cocaine in his stomach, which contravenes Sections 11 (a) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

Justice Abang, while pronouncing the sentence, said: “The prosecution tendered

By Joseph Jibueze

documents to prove its case, notwithstanding the guilty plea of accused. The documents included the confessional statement of the accused, where he admitted to ingesting several wraps of Cocaine while in Brazil.

“It is also clear from the evidence tendered by the prosecution that the accused excreted some of the narcotics later when he arrived Nigeria. The confessional statement of the accused is straightforward, compelling, and convincing. I am satisfied that the prosecution has proved its case beyond doubt.

“The accused person is accordingly convicted as charged in line with sections 285 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Act. I hereby sentence the convict to six years imprisonment with effect from June 3, 2014, I so hold,” Justice Abang said.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY JUNE 4, 2014

NEWS EKITI 2014

Security operatives, INEC pledge credible election

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HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security operatives yesterday allayed public fear over the impending June 21 Ekiti State Governorship Election.

They pledged a level-playing field for contestants.

At a meeting convened yesterday by the state Council of Traditional Rulers on their preparedness, INEC and security operatives promised to “ensure free, fair and credible election”.

The parley was attended by traditional rulers from the 16 councils of the state, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Halilu Pai Commissioner of Police

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HE women wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday held a rally for Governor Kayode Fayemi, saying they would not be deterred by the presence of soldiers and thugs to vote for him on June 21.

The women, led by Fayemi’s wife, Erelu Bisi, spoke at Efon, Ijero and Ekiti West local governments of the state.

Mr. Fayemi urged the women to be steadfast in their campaign for the governor, no matter the obstacles set before them by the opposition parties.

She urged the women, who also embarked on house-tohouse campaign to win more converts for the party, to educate the electorate on the need to vote for APC to guarantee continuity of all the lofty programmes and policies of its administration.

“If they bring soldiers on the day of the election, please don’t allow that to intimidate you. Arrive at the polling unit early and don’t go there wearing any cloth having the symbol of APC or the picture of Governor Kayode Fayemi, because it violates the electoral law.

“Don’t foment trouble. After casting your votes, please wait behind and ensure that the votes are counted in your presence. Follow the result to the collation centre. We are all stakeholders here. Nobody can intimidate you.

“If anybody imports thugs to the state to frighten us, they will meet their waterloo by the

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

(CP), Mr. Felix Uyanna and the State Director, Department of State Security, Mr. Samuel Tamuno.

The REC said election materials would not be late in getting to locations, adding that the commission had “started distribution of nonsensitive materials to all the 16 council areas in the state”.

Sensitive materials, he said, would get to the councils two days to the election, adding that the commission had so far registered additional 76,000 prospective voters through the continuous voter registration in addition

•Police to deploy 12,000 men to the 657,000 captured during the 2011 voter registration.

Noting the improvement in the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), the REC urged those who had not collected theirs to do so. He vowed that those without the card would not be allowed to vote.

Dismissing the rumour that some politicians were planning to “clone the PVCs to gain undue advantages to perpetrate fraud,” Pai said it would be difficult to clone the cards given “the security features embedded on both the PVCs and the ballot papers”.

APC women: nobody can intimidate us with soldiers, thugs

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tion, noting that the organisation would support sister security agencies for the achievement of credible exercise.

Earlier, the chairman of the traditional rulers’ council, Oba Adamo Babalola, said the meeting was necessary to know the level of preparedness of the security operatives and INEC. The monarchs praised government officials for their commitment towards credible election. They, however, urged them not to allow the Anambra episode to recur in Ekiti, adding that early arrival of election materials would calm nerves and ensure a violence-free poll.

PDP, APC trade words over alleged murder setup From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yester-

•Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, with the All Progressives Congress supporters during the party’s women campaign for the reelection of Governor Kayode Fayemi at Efon-Alaye... on Monday

grace of God, because in God we trust. The governor has performed very well and his achievements are enough to guarantee his victory at this election convincingly.

“As you move from house to house, if anybody tells you he or she wants to vote for any opposition party, please try and explain to them that they can only do that if they want social security for the elderly to stop, if they want violence to

replace the pervading peace in the state and if they want all the good things my husband is doing to stop,” she said.

The Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Tourism, Chief Ronke Okusanya said the masterminds of last Monday’s attack on her thought it would stop her from further mobilising women of Efon-Alaye for Fayemi’s re-election.

Mrs. Okusanya said she did not do anything to warrant the

Fayemi engaging in intellectual arrogance, Bamidele alleges HE Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Opeyemi Bamidele has expressed his readiness for a televised debate with Governor Kayode Fayemi on issues bordering on “governance and development of the state”.

His media aide, Ahmed Salami, quoted Bamidele as describing the impression by Fayemi that his opponents were timid to face him in a debate as “baseless and unfounded.”

Bamidele said he was “more politically exposed and experienced than to be threatened by anybody”.

He urged Fayemi to stop engaging in intellectual arrogance, saying: “I can’t be intimidated by Fayemi in any form. I think I am versed in terms of education, brilliance, eloquence and general knowledge of the

He appealed to traditional rulers to advise all the contesting parties to be peaceful, saying: “INEC will do everything to ensure that all votes count”.

Uyanna said the security operatives had outlined measures to ensure that all the 2,195 polling booths are manned, adding that no fewer than 12,000 policemen would be deployed in the state for the exercise.

He said: “Each polling booth will be manned by three policemen to be headed by an officer not below a superintendent of police and will be supplemented with

other officers from sister security agencies.

“Besides, there will be 200 counter-terrorist officers, two DIGs and AIGs. There will also be four sniffer dogs, horses and two aircraft that will be hovering in the sky to monitor the process.”

The high presence of law enforcement agents, including the military on the election day, should not intimidate the voters, he said.

His words: “Our job is to ensure security and to provide a level-playing ground and this we are doing.”

Tamuno said the SSS had been providing intelligence reports to both INEC and the police to ensure credible elec-

economic situation of the state to confront Governor Fayemi in any debate”.

Reacting, the APC spokesperson, Mr. Segun Dipe, who repeated the readiness of Fayemi for a debate on issues regarding the party’s achievements in the last three-and-ahalf years of the administration, said: “Such a debate will be interesting as it will surely expose the lying lips of our desperate opponents”.

Urging the LP candidate to find out the meaning of “intellectual arrogance,” since “such does not apply to the APC candidate in the current instance, Dipe advised the opposition to undergo tutorials on how to paint white black.

Dipe said: “Such a skill will be needed to argue that Fayemi has not done anything in and

assault, which she said was premeditated.

She vowed not to be cowed by the antics of the opposition, asking the youths not to allow themselves to be used for thuggery.

Mrs. Okusanya said: “They thought by attacking me, APC women will be frightened from campaigning for Dr. Kayode Fayemi. They have failed.

Don’t be afraid and don’t be deterred. We are marching on

F •Bamidele

for Ekiti for the entire period of his governance.

“The Bamideles and Fayoses will have to tell Ekiti people that what their vehicles and motorcycles travel on everyday and everywhere in Ekiti are not roads constructed by Fayemi.

They will have to prove that nearly 40,000 secondary school students have not been enjoying free-laptops, alongside their teachers.

with our support for the governor until we get to the promised land.

“The governor and his wife have life-changing agenda for women and indeed every citizen of the state. They have more empowerment and quality healthcare for us.

Efon-Alaaye, just like every other towns, have tangible projects to pinpoint as dividends of democracy under Governor Fayemi.”

PDP must win on June 21, says Adeyeye

ORMER Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant , Prince Dayo Adeyeye has described the June 21 election as “a must win for the PDP.” He has promised not to waiver in his support for the party’s candidate, Mr. Ayodele Fayose to ensure his victory.

Adeyeye, who is a chieftain of Afenifere, urged his supporters to continue to work for the victory of PDP and its candidate.

“My support for Fayose is total and we must all join hands with him to win the election,” he said.

Adeyeye, in a statement yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, said there was nothing to benefit in failure, adding that he remained steadfast and committed to Fayose’s ambition.

All his supporters, he said, had been mandated to return to their wards to mobilise for the PDP. He said: “I am happy at the commitment of the Prince Adedayo Adeyeye Movement (PAAM) family to this election and I want to urge them to double their efforts to ensure total victory for our party.

“I, therefore, call on all members and supporters of our party, the PDP not to allow anyone to hoodwink them with unfounded rumour.”

He urged the party faithful to remain focused and concentrate their efforts on winning the election to rescue Ekiti from the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) administration.

day accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State of plans to frame up its flagbearer, Mr. Ayodele Fayose Ayodele.

Director-General of Ayodele Fayose Campaign Organisation (AFCO) Chief Dipo Anisulowo made this known to reporters in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, yesterday.

Anisulowo alleged that the party has discovered “a sinister scheme to kill an innocent individual and announce Fayose as the killer.”

He noted that the plan would be to kill the victim, soak a vest carrying the portrait of Fayose and the PDP in the victim’s blood and then dump the corpse either at Afao-Ekiti or Ise-Ekiti road, adding: “This is all to create the impression that the PDP is responsible”.

But the Director of Media, Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation, Dimeji Daniels refuted the allegation.

He described it as “a foul cry aimed at diverting attention and shifting the blame for his planned chaos and other heinous crimes he plans to assign.”

Dimeji said: “Mr. Fayose plans to shift the campaign from the realm of ideas to the ring of violence, killings and murder. The PDP and its candidate have lost out in the culture of debate and tradition of decent politics that are the hallmark of the APC. He said Ekiti had remained one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, but added that the culture of violence was only reintroduced with the emergence of Fayose as the PDP candidate.

He said Fayose would be held responsible for any violence or killings that might take place in the state.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

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BUSINESS

Nigerians buy 100, 000 monthly insurance policies on MTN

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VERY month, over 100,000 Nigerians buy insurance products through mobile telecoms service provider, MTN, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has said.

Speaking yesterday at the ongoing African Insurance Organisation (AIO) Conference and General Assembly in Kigali, Rwanda, Commissioner for Insurance, Fola Daniel said other telecoms operators should emulate MTN and use their network to deepen insurance penetration in the country.

He spoke as other countries on the continent deliberate on how to join the rest of the world to market insurance through mobile telephony by partnering with telcos.

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The insurance regulator said if insurance companies partner other service providers to sell as much as MTN currently sells, the sector can sell more than 250, 000 products in a month. He said it will also reduce operational cost of insurance companies which has remained a challenge for risk bearing sector.

He said: “We are beginning to see impact of MTN deployment towards selling insurance in our market and this will bring huge market for us. We are getting 100, 000 new sales, and if we have four other service providers doing what MTN is doing now, then we can have rapid

growth. So deploying IT and telephony to sell insurance is the wise thing to do now.”

“Apart from reaching people faster, the administrative cost on the companies too is very small. One of the issues among companies in (the) Nigerian market today is the cost of doing business which is very high and above average, one of the highest in Africa.

“So if we find a means of selling more of our products without incurring much cost it will be better for us.”

According to him, micro insurance is another area telephony will work well because the premium paid is very small.

He said: ”If companies can deploy the same model to sell

micro insurance, it will be a win-win situation for everybody “We are not unaware of the challenges of using partnership to drive mobile telephony as highlighted in this conference, so we have taken our time to scrutinise any partner enlisted by the insurance companies before giving approvals.

“Whatever agreement any insurance company is having with anybody must be communicated to the Commission for vetting.

“What we are looking at is whether the interest of potential buyers is protected, if not, we won’t approve it. We kept one or two applications for over six months because we were not satisfied.

“Until we are satisfied that the agreement entered into by the service providers and the insurance company passes our test of protecting the policy holders, we won’t let go.”

He said beyond that, NAICOM also insists that companies must make quarterly returns and bring consumer complaints to its notice through dedicated phone lines.

According to him, aside the compliant bureau, NAICOM has set up a contact centre managed by professionals.

He said: “If you buy a policy through telephone, you must have the same medium to contact NAICOM for complaints.

So, we will phone the com-

pany to find out why they have refused to pay the claim, and unless we do this on time, Nigerians will be disappointed.”

Daniel said the Commission will continue to improve on its rating, looking at other authorities in Europe and America as standards. According to him, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) gave an evaluation on its regulatory capacity in 2012 and got an average which is okay. “But we are not satisfied because we should be above average, but at least an evaluation has been done and we know our weak points and our strength, so we are looking at the gaps and doing everything to block the gaps,” Daniel said.

NLNG restates exemption from NDDC levy

HE Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has reiterated its exemption from payment of the three per cent Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) levy by the NLNG Act of 2004. It was further backed by a 2011 Supreme Court ruling.

The NLNG was reacting to a report about a demonstration by youths purported to be affiliated to a body that called itself the Niger Delta Youth Stakeholders Forum, over the company’s alleged refusal to pay the three percent NDDC levy.

Its General Manager, External Relations, Kudo Eresia-Eke, said: “Nigeria LNG Limited’s attention has been drawn to recent news report about a demonstration by youths purported to be affiliated to a body calling itself Niger Delta Youth Stakeholders Forum, over the company’s alleged refusal to pay a three percent Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) levy.

“For the avoidance of doubt, NLNG was granted exemption from payment of this levy by the NLNG Act of 2004, a position which has the backing of a Supreme

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From Omobola Tolu-Kusimo, Rwanda

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

Court ruling delivered as early as 2011. Following an initial suit filed by the NDDC, the Federal High Court on July 11, 2007 delivered judgement stating that NLNG was not liable to pay the NDDC levy.

“NDDC then proceeded to challenge the High Court ruling at the Court of Appeal. The Appellate Court also ruled in NLNG’s favour. NDDC appealed further to the Supreme Court in October 2011. The Supreme Court subsequently dismissed NDDC’s appeal, ruling that NLNG is legally exempted from paying the NDDC levy in accordance with the provisions of the NLNG Act. It is instructive to note that when the representatives of the demonstrators were invited into a meeting with NLNG management and presented with this fact, they claimed to be unaware of it. They then immediately undertook to go back and inform the crowd of demonstrators numbering about 40. The protesters dispersed shortly afterwards.

‘Online based lottery ‘ll boost Lagos revenue’

HE Lagos Lottery Board has said the online lottery platform introduced by Winlot Lottery will help boost revenue to the state government.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiade, who spoke yesterday at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, where the new platfrom was uveiled, said Winlot is the first of its kind by any of the operators in the state.

He said: “We are aware of this means of distribution channel and I’m sure other operators will learn from this initiative as well.

Winlot has been able to press the button faster than others. This also means that there will be more revenue to the state government.”

On the contribution of lottery to the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR), he noted that lotteries make returns to the state in terms of what is called ‘good courses money’ which is used to implement projects in the four key sectors of state such as education, infrastructure, health and environment.

He said: “Some of the projects that are done in Lagos State are done through good courses money.

Whether participants win or not, they contribute in one way or the other to the benefit of Lagos State. 10 per cent of the lottery goes into Lagos state revenue.

“It is real and not counterfeit. I stand here before you as a regulator of the lotteries board in Lagos State which I have been regulating for the last eight years. Those who have played and have won remit their winnings.”

Winlot’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nimish Bhatnagar, said the online platform will provide the opportunity for everyone to participate conveniently from any domain of their choice without necessarily visiting lottery offices for registration procedure. He said the initiative stemmed from the drive to do spmething new and different in order to attract more customers. He said: “Everybody is a gambler. Given a good chance, everyone will like to own money.

• General Manager, Business Development, Mr. Bola Jaiyeola (2nd left); outgoing GMD/CEO, Alhaji Jimoh Adebayo (3rd left), in-coming GMD/CEO, Odu’a Investment, Mr. Adewale Raji (3rd right); Managing Director, Odu’a Telecoms Mr. Ayoade Ayoola (2nd right) and others at the Cocktail by the firm in honour of Mr. Raji on resumption at Premier Hotel, Ibadan...yesterday.

PHOTO: FEMI ILESANMI

AMCON objects to Ibru’s move to regain forfeited assets T HE Asset Management Corporation of Ni geria (AMCON) has objected to a suit filed by convicted former Managing Director of the defunct Oceanic Bank Plc, Mrs. Cecilia Ibru, seeking to regain the properties she forfeited to the Federal Government on her conviction in October 2010.

She was, upon a plea bargain arrangement, convicted by a Federal High Court in Lagos, which sentenced her to six months imprisonment. She was made to forfeit assets worth N191 billion comprising 94 choice properties across the world including the United States of America, Dubai and Nigeria to AMCON. Ibru, who sue for herself, the Ibru Group and three others, is by her suit seeking, among others, to stop the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

AMCON from further taking any steps towards implementing the terms of the plea bargain and settlement agreement leading to her conviction.

She equally wants an order directing parties to return to status quo prior to November 12, 2013, when AMCON obtained an ex-parte order in respect of the properties.

Other plaintiffs are Sidochem Industries Ltd., Edgar Sido and Dr. Francis Sido.

Ibru alleged that AMOCN “mischievously obtained an ex parte order from the court” on November 12, 2013, without disclosing material facts in the plea bargain agreement.

Shortly after the case was filed in April, trial judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed on April 29, 2014, granted an interim injunction restraining the two defendants (AGF and AMCON).The judge also ordered the defendants to appear in court to show cause why the order to maintain status quo should not be made.

Yesterday, the AGF was not represented. But AMCON’s lawyer, Ademuyiwa Balogun urged the court to dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

Balogun also opposed an application by Ibru’s counsel, Mr. Ade Okeanya-Inneh (SAN) seeking preservative order restraining the defendants pending the hearing of the suit.

“We are opposed to that

application for preservative order, the reason being that we are challenging your Lordship’s jurisdiction. With the greatest respect, your Lordship’s jurisdiction is only limited to the deciding whether or not the court has jurisdiction to entertain the suit,” Balogun argued.

He said there was no urgency requiring the court to make any preservative order.

“The cause of action arose in November 2013, the plaintiff only approached this court in March 2014, it is a clear admission that there is nothing urgent to protect,” he said.

Justice Mohammed agreed with Balogun and said he would not make any preservative order when his jurisdiction to entertain the suit was being challenged. He adjourned to June 22 for the hearing of the notice of preliminary objection by AMCON.

‘Why Fed Govt must hands off VAT revenue’

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FEDERAL Govern ment delegate at the ongoing National Conference, Colonel Tony Nyiam (rtd), yesterday asked the conference to adopt a resolution to compel the Federal Government to hands off revenue accruing from Value Added Tax (VAT).

He said collection of VAT by the Federal Government amounted to “hijacking revenue” which it has played no part in creating.

Nyiam made the proposition while contributing to the debate on the Report of the National

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst. Editor

Conference Committee on Public Finance and Revenue.

He said VAT being a consumption tax on goods should as a matter of necessity be collected solely by the states from where the value was obtained or the consumption made, particularly when it is the states that bear the cost of infrastructure and other burdens arising from the consumption of such goods or services.

He said: “The Federal Government needs to discontinue

the bad example of not putting to practice the virtues of the principles of fairness.

“The government needs also to discontinue its encouragement of sharing rather than baking as it were, the national cake.”

He posited that some goods such as alcohol from which VAT is derived has been banned in some states of the federation while the VAT collected on them were brought into the general pool to be distributed across board.

He insisted that it would only be fair for those states where

VAT is derived to collect and utilise such tax.

He also criticised the over dependence of the country’s economy on petroleum resources.

According to him, deliberate attempt should be made to diversify the economy to open up other sources of wealth.

Nyiam attributed the alleged high level of corruption in the oil sector on conflict of interest.

He noted that the Federal Government remained an “interested partner” in a strategic national business in which it was supposed to be a regulator.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

12

NEWS (SHOWBIZ)

How I cope with kidney failure, says Chike Bryan

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AST week, a lifeline from President Goodluck Jonathan came the way of Nollywood screenwriter, Chike Bryan, who has been down with kidney failure. In this interview with VICTOR AKANDE, he expressed his gratitude to the President and his colleagues in the film industry, while talking about his doleful experience in the past months.

How do you feel now that President Goodluck Jonathan has intervened in your health matter?

I feel great, my brother. I really thank God. I understand you were given N10 million. Is this all you need for the kidney transplant and other treatments in India?

Yes. I am sure the money should be enough, unless there is an eventuality, which we don’t pray for. However, the main issue here is what they call the post-transplant treatment and drugs. That is what is really very expensive. A large chunk of that money will go into the posttransplant treatment and management of the kidney. I am just studying a book that was sent to me from India. It is called Before A Transplant. I just found out that there are lots of things one needs to observe after a transplant, including how to live one’s life, how to adjust to one’s health situations afterwards and the regulations and rudiments of taking the drugs. The new kidney can reject some of those drugs or the body can reject the

kidney. But as I said earlier, we are not anticipating such negative situations.

What about getting a donor?

I require a donor and God is already taking charge of that aspect.

How far have you gone with the travelling plans?

I have started that. That was why they sent me this book from India. I downloaded it yesterday and I have been studying it since then.

So, when do you hope to travel because I believe there should be no further delay?

Yes. That will be done as soon as possible, after we finalise with the donor. The donor will start some preliminary tests here; and when we move to India, he will continue with the tests as well. I wouldn’t know how long it will take before the result of the tests comes out. As they say, so many things have to be observed: they have to make sure that a lot of things in his body are similar to the ones in my body; they have to carry out those tests here and when we get there, they will do the same. That is why we may stay in India for up to a month. The main operation itself is done within a few hours. I have started my own test. By next week, the donor will start to do the same.

It is heartwarming that you have found a donor, but at what cost?

It’s always voluntary and not at a cost.

What could be going through your mind now, considering that when Ifeanyi Dikeh needed a

MEGA: Organisers extend deadline for submission of entries

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HE organisers of the Music and Entertainment Gospel Awards (MEGA) have announced that submission of entries for this year’s awards will now close on June 14.

In a release signed by Femi Akintunde-Johnson, Founder, MEGA, the twoweek extension was necessitated due to “tremendous pressure and increased late interest in

meeting the submission deadline.”

Following this development, all gospel musicians, producers, movie makers, label owners and marketers are, therefore, urged to submit their albums, medleys or singles released between May 1, 2013 and April 30, via www.megawards.org or “Request” to megawards2013@gmail.com.

similar help, you were actively involved in sourcing funds for him?

Honestly, I am overwhelmed with the support given to me by the people in the film industry, the concern people have shown and the money given to me. People really supported me financially. The industry, the guilds and some individuals all gave me money. Also, people have been calling me on the phone and encouraging me. Today, for example, a lot of people have called me to allay my fears. They have assured me that I will go and return safely. I am so overwhelmed with this show of love. They have been so supportive. I have been indoors for a long time and it can be lonely sometimes. But somebody will visit me at home and then cheer me up. So, what goes through my mind is that of high hopes that I will go and come back safely.

Certainly, you owe the President a lot of gratitude…

Ah! To Mr. President (laughs)? I really don’t know…

I’m sure you will lead his campaign in 2015?

(Laughs) It’s not just about 2015; it’s about the magnanimity of his heart, the cleanliness of his heart.

It shows that the man is humane and appreciative. I remember he said during his campaign that he feels the pain of the ordinary man - I am just an ordinary man in Nigeria. I am not a government official, but he has done this for me.

I am so grateful to him. God used him as a vessel to do this for me.

So, my prayer for him is that God will also help him in whatever his plans

K

ENYAN actor, Joseph Olita, who portrayed former Ugandan dictator, Idi Amin, in the films ‘Rise and Fall of Idi Amin’ (1981) and ‘Mississippi Masala’ (1991), is dead.

Olita reportedly died in South East Alego, Kogelo, Kenya, at the age of 70, following worsened high blood pressure on Sunday, a day after his mother’s burial. The actor, who lived in Uganda, had just returned to Kenya for the burial of his mother.

The movie, ‘Rise and Fall of Idi Amin’, is a 1981 biographical film directed by

By Victor Akande

Sharad Patel and stars the deceased as the lead character. The flick details the controversial actions and atrocities of the former dictator of Uganda during his violent rise to power in 1971 until his overthrow in 1979, as a result of the Uganda–Tanzania War. The late actor, who was six feet 5.5 inches and weighed 150kg, bore a striking resemblance to the late Idi Amin.

A close relative, Ms. Risper Odero, was said to have described Olita’s death as a big blow to the family, especially since it happened less than 24 hours after the burial

•Bryan

vision. They said the kidney is responsible for pumping blood to the eyes, before distributing it to the rest of the body.

And since the kidney could not pump the blood as it should, it now affected the capillaries that lead to the eyes and brain. That was what the doctors said.

I asked because it is important for people to learn, so that when they start having a blurred vision, they can take it seriously.

Yes. Blurred vision is a good sign. Also, hiccups and nausea are some symptoms.

Bayelsa govt, not sponsor of AMAA, says AnyiamOsigwe

•Akintunde-Johnson

Idi Amin actor dies at 70

•Olita

are for Nigeria in general.

People usually associate kidney-related problems to excessive intake of alcohol, but I know that you are not a heavy drinker…

I was telling someone recently that there are two things that cause kidney failure: one is high blood pressure, while the other is diabetes. Mine is not as a result of diabetes. I started having high blood pressure a long time ago. I was 32 years old when I first noticed it-they claimed it runs in the family. My mother died of it. So, you see, it cannot be drinking alone that causes high blood pressure. I have friends and relations who are heavy drinkers, but they don’t have this problem. I don’t agree that it is due solely to one’s drinking lifestyle, though it contributes in some instances.

Would you say you detected this early enough?

I did not even detect it myself. I just started falling ill in July last year. I started vomiting and went to hospital. The first thing they noticed was that my BP was very high, almost getting to a stroke level. So, they placed me on admission for about five days. After that, the doctor told my wife that he had noticed something and could not continue the treatment. He advised that I should be taken to the General Hospital, Isolo. He said they had the equipment to continue from where they had stopped so far. We then went to the Isolo General Hospital. It was there that they did the test and discovered it was kidney failure.

So, there was no sign at all?

It was not as if there was any sign. But I just started having nausea and was vomiting. And then, I realized it started affecting my

of his mother. A funeral committee has been set up in his home village. It is chaired by the Kenya’s South Alego Ward representative, Joshua Osuri.

‘Rise and Fall of Idi Amin’ was a co-production of the United Kingdom, Kenya and Nigeria, with most of filming done in Kenya, less than a year after Amin’s downfall.

Besides acting in this film and ‘Mississippi Masala’, Olita also featured in Sheena (1984), where he performed as the First Policeman.

The late Olita, who is survived by a widow and several children, schooled at Pap Oriang Primary School before joining St Mary’s School, Yala, where he was an active drama club member. After completing his secondary education, Olita worked at Brooke Bond Company in Kericho and Union Carbide in Nakuru before venturing into the film industry.

T

HE organisers of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) have described as untrue the allegation by the Bayelsa State chapter of All Progressive Congress (APC) that the Bayelsa State government spent a whopping N2billion to organise the 10th edition of the awards show, which held penultimate weekend in state.

According to the organisers, the allegation is an attempt to discredit both Bayelsa State government and the AMAA brand by the Bayelsa State chapter of APC. In a statement signed by Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, Founder of the award scheme, she said: “At no point in the 10 years history of AMAA with Bayelsa State has the government spent such colossal sum being alleged to host AMAA. “It is also very important to say that the current Bayelsa State Governor made it clear that the government of Bayelsa will not spend a kobo of the state’s fund on AMAA and any other state- sponsored entertainment events as long as he remains the governor of the state. That was why he hosted a sponsors’ dinner last year at Transcorp Hilton

•Anyiam-Osigwe

Hotel, Abuja, where Mr. Sayyu Dandata, chairman of MRS Oil and other private sector leaders offered to sponsor AMAA. “For the 10th anniversary edition, the governor also hosted a sponsors’ dinner in Lagos at the Civic Centre in March this year, where over N200 million was also raised from the private sector.”

According to her, the main sponsors for this year’s AMAA were Globacom, Sterling Bank, MRS Oil, Skye Bank, Skymit Autos, CCECC, BUA Group, Atla Oranto Petroleum, Dan Etete Foundation, Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation and FCMB among others.

“It is on record that the hosting of AMAA by Bayelsa State since year 2005 has been a major boost to the socio-economic activities in the state. The awards show has been a major platform to bring international

visitors, tourists to the state and inspire confidence of local and foreign investors to look in the direction of the state.

“It is also amusing that Bayelsa APC, whose leaders are paying so much in foreign exchange to attend similar events like AMAA in other parts of the world could be raising false allegation against a homegrown initiative that is uniting Africa and promoting the motion picture industry,” the statement said.

It also needs to be stressed that other APCcontrolled states in Nigeria, most especially Lagos State, are supporting the creative industry and film in particular through many laudable projects. It will be better if Bayelsa State APC takes a cue from other forward- looking APC states rather than advertising their ignorance to the public,” the statement further stated.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

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NEWS NATIONAL CONFERENCE DELEGATES

•Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari (left); Gbong Gwom Jos, Jacob Buba Gyang and SenatorTilley Gyado at the National Conference in Abuja... yesterday PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

•Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya (left); Amb. Adamu Aliyu and President, Market Women Association of PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE Nigeria, Mama Felicia Sani in Abuja...yesterday

•From left: Chidinma Uwajumogu, former Minister of Women Affairs, Josephine Anenih and PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE Dr. Virginia Anohu in Abuja...yesterday

•Dr Ihechukwu Madubuike; Ray Ekpu and former Delta State Deputy Governor Chief Benjamin PHOTO: NAN Elue...yesterday

•NLC Vice President Comrade Issa Aremu (right); former Ebonyi State Governor, Dr Sam Egwu PHOTO: NAN and his Kebbi State counterpart Adamu Aliero at the conference ...yesterday

•Dr ABC Nwosu (left); Gen. Ike Nwachukwu and Musa Elayo ...yesterday

NULGE moves to pull out of NLC over autonomy

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HE Southsouth chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has urged its members to pull out from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) because its stance does not guarantee the union’s cause on local government autonomy .

NULGE, in a communique at its meeting in Benin City, said : “The zone is therefore calling for the pulling out of NULGE from the NLC as our cause is no longer guaranteed under his leadership.”

The Zone, which condemned the endorsement of the NLC President, Comrade Abdulwahed Omar on the abolition of Local Government as contained in the recommendation of the Committee on Political Restructuring at the on-going National Conference, noted that by the action, the NLC President has shown the world of his pathological

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

dislike and morbid hatred for the local government workers’ struggle.

The National Vice President/National Deputy President, Com. Lucky Gospel Ewa Comrade Edeki Friday Jomani and the National Welfare Officer Chairperson, National Women Committee, Zonal Chairman, Comrade Pedro ChindahCom. Gladys Nweye and others, who signed the statement called on all Nigerians to come out and defend their decision as expressed during the public hearing organised by the House of Representatives in all the 360 Federal Constituencies and six geo-political Zones.

The union said the decision conforms with the principles of Aberdeen 2005 Commonwealth of Local Government declaration in

which Nigeria co-signed.

The recommendations of the committee on political restructuring, according to the union, are an aberration and complete rape of the collective wishes of Nigerians.

The South-South NULGE sincerely appeals to Nigerians especially members of the National Conference to reject the report during the plenary session.

Members of the Southsouth NULGE noted that the existence of Local Government as a tier of government has been guaranteed by Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria The union also said that the Local Government being the closest government to the people should be granted political, financial and economic autonomy which is the panacea for grass-root development and political participation.

It added that Nigerians

are aware of this fact and voted overwhelmingly in the last constitutional review exercise organized by the House of Representatives in support of Local Government Autonomy.

According to the communique, the recommendation of the Committee on Political restructuring calling for Local Government to be run by the State Governments; and creation of a separate account for Local Government is a decision of a hand full of some people.

This, said the members, is at variance with the views of Nigerians as expressed in the last constitutional review exercise.

South-South NULGE submitted that what is now needed is the conclusion of the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to give the Local Government a stronger Constitutional backing and direct funding to enable it perform better.

PHOTO: NAN

Reps direct INEC to extend voters’ registration

I

N a bid to ensure that eligible voters are not dis enfranchised, the House of Representatives has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the ongoing continuous voters’ registration by a week.

This resolution was sequel to the adoption of the prayer of a motion moved by a member, Hon. Hassan Saleh ( PDPBenue) on the floor yesterday.

The Continuous Voters’ Registration taking place in 10 states viz: Zamfara, Kebbi, Benue, Kogi, Abia,Taraba, Gombe, Enugu, Akwa-Ibom and Bayelsa, had been extended for two days.

Saleh, moving the motion explained that 650 polling units in Benue State recorded zero voters’ registration disenfranchising close to 700,000 potential voters.

According to him, the number of eligible voters who registered in 2010 could not find their names in the

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

new register and could not have any temporary or permanent card.

His words: “ Over half of the polling units in my constituency were affected as my constituents could not find their names and were asked to come for re-registration from the 28th of May to 1st of June,” he said.

The lawmaker, who said that the extension period given by INEC was grossly insufficient and that the machines deployed were malfunctioning adding that the INEC staff could not operate them.

Stella Dorgu ( PDPBayelsa) agreed with Saleh’s position, saying that most of the machines deployed were not reliable.

Nkem Abonta ( PDPAbia), speaking in support of the motion, said most eligible voters in Abia were not registered during the exercise.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

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14

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

Life

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

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

Text only: 08023058761

•Tambuwal (left) and Prof. Shehu

My first encounter with Achebe, by Tambuwal

– SEE STORY ON PAGE 16

Museum ‘Nigeria’s situation fuels Nigerian artists’ works collections make my creativity’ break London auction – Page 18 connections – Page 18 sales record – Page 17

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

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The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Speaking literally, where did House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal first meet the late Prof Chinua Achebe? At the State House; university or the late author’s Ogidi, Anambra State hometown? None of these places. He first ‘met’ the late Prof Achebe in secondary school. Tambuwal spoke of his first encounter with the late literary icon when the 50th anniversary celebration train of Arrow of God stopped in Sokoto. Are there lessons for Nigeria to draw from the book? Yes, say guests, reports EVELYN OSAGIE.

N

IGERIA was not left out in the world celebration of the 50 th anniversary of Arrow of God, a novel written by the late Prof Chinua Achebe.

The book is being celebrated across 71 countries. The Nigeria leg held in eight cities - Ibadan (Oyo STate), Otuoke (Bayelsa), Abuja (Federal Capital Territory), Lagos, Awka (Anambra), Port Harcourt (Rivers) and Sokoto.

Although the month-long celebration may have ended, its memory lingers.

As in other cities, the one-day Sokoto event featured intellectual discourses, music, dance and drama. The trying times Nigeria is going through, especially the abduction of over 200 school girls, dominated discussions.

To discussants, it is not too late to learn from the book, if the tragedy of bad leadership that befell its main character, Ezeulu and his community, is to be avoided.

The event took place at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University.

In attendance were the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji; the Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Revd Fr Matthew Kukah, who was represented by Revd Fr Victor Mordi; Senator Ahmad Muhammed Maccido; Ambassador Bolere Ketebu, who serves as in Ireland; Chairman, House Committee on Disapora, Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Sokoto State Commissioner for Information Danladi Bako.

For Tambuwal, the event brought back fond memories of his university and secondary school days. Achebe’s contributions to national development through his works like Arrow of God, he said, has not only immortalised him but also ensured he lives on in the minds of many worldwide.

“Just like many other Nigerians of my age group, I first met the late Prof Achebe through his books way back during my secondary school days. My interaction with this great Nigerian continued over the years through his many valuable contributions to the nation’s literary, political and social discourse in his many literary submissions. I also saw him as someone who was eager for Nigeria to attend high levels of democracy and governance. He also discussed albeit in a fictional way, the challenges of leadership and governance and how the abuse of both can lead to catastrophe.”

Praising the organisers for celebrating the icon and his ideas, the Speaker expressed the hope that, like him, others would borrow a leaf from the book’s lessons.

Tambuwal said: “It is my hope that those of us who by the grace of God are today saddled with the noble duty of steering the ship of this great country will learn from the characters in this well accepted novel. This is more so in a year when members of the National CONFAB are looking for ways to salvage this great country of ours. More so as we prepare to decide on those who will take over the mantle of leadership of our country come 2015.”

Revd Fr Kukah said Nigeria is the way it is because those at the helm have failed to heed the warnings in the late Achebe’s writings. While observing that the issues in the book remain germane 50 years after it was written, he urged leaders to hearken to the voices of the masses if they intend to remain popular and relevant. “Then as now, the themes he threw up, the troubling sense of turning and turning in the widening gyre, with the falconer not hearing the falconer, its consequences continue to confront us with evidence that we are learning very little as we witness things falling apart. Our political class can learn one or two things from this book. Ezeulu went against his people for his selfish interest, and that was what led to his downfall.

“It is unfortunate that our nation did not heed some of the lessons in his writings, and that is why we are in the state we are today. The lesson here is that African leaders and politicians, nay, Nigerians, in this era of Boko Haram, must understand that it is their neglect of the common good that has opened the floodgate of our pain and suffering. It is time for us to retrace our steps before sunset,” Revd Kukah said.

Noting that the teachings in the book can

•Tambuwal (middle) with other guests and students

My first encounter with Achebe, by Tambuwal

•Amb. Ketebu and Dr Usman

‘It is my hope that those of us who by the grace of God are today saddled with the noble duty of steering the ship of this great country will learn from the characters in this well accepted novel. This is more so in a year when members of the National Confab are looking for ways to salvage this great country of ours. More so as we prepare to decide on those who will take over the mantle of leadership of our country come 2015’ LITERATURE bring about the resolution of the problems facing the nation, the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Riskuwa Arabu Shehu, said this informed the school’s hosting of the event.

Dr Ahmed, who gave the keynote address, said the book serves as guideline on leadership. “I am happy that this event took place when we are having the national conference.

The mistakes that befell Ezeulu can be used as a guide to leadership, and, most importantly, our leaders should do what the people want.”

Mrs Dabiri-Erewa said it was expedient that the leadership should get it right. She called for more women in politics, charging Nigerians to take back their rights to power

by trooping out in large number to vote. “If every leader knows that one vote counts, they would sit up.And if the leadership gets it right, the followers will follow suit.”

Ketebu, a former President of the National Council of Women Society (NWCS), said it is unfortunate that many Nigerians, especially the womenfolk, prefer to stand on the fence.

To the women, she urged: “We seem to take a lot of things for granted. If you see power lay your hands on it.Women make up a large number of the critical mass of essential stakeholders in development.”

In addition, she called for more proactive projects such as the quiz competition organised that held during the event, saying it is a way of reviving the dwindling reading cul-

ture in the country.

“Since our children are not reading, fewer jobs are being created. I hope the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) can use the opportunity of this celebration to kick-start a revolution in the literary sector. I also want to see more of the quiz competitions, since it is one of the surest ways we can actually encourage our children to be reading more.”

Other guests included Dr Kabir Ahmed of the Institute for Legislative Studies, National Assembly, Abuja; former House of Representatives member who doubled as the Chairman of the National Organising Committee (NOC) for the Arrow of God at 50, Dr Wale Okediran; a retired Permanent Secretary in the Presidency and author, Dr Bukar Usman; Vice-President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Mallam Denja Abdullahi and ANA, Sokoto Chapter Chair, Mallam Kabir Assada, among others.

Okediran expressed joy over the successes of the eight-city events, adding that they were geared towards reviving the reading culture in both young and old and eliciting national discourse on governance and leadership through the novel across the country. “As we celebrated the Arrow of God milestone across the eight cities, including Sokoto, we are used the opportunity to engage our scholars to dig deep into the book and bring out issues that could be used to foster national development. We are really glad by what we have seen so far. It also gave us the opportunity to emphasise the need to bring back the reading culture among our people, especially among school children.

“That is why we organised a quiz competition based on the book for secondary school students in all the cities. I know all the success witnessed here today is chiefly because the late Achebe was an alumnus of this institution, having been awarded an honorary doctorate degree in 2009. I particularly praised the efforts of the university and members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) led by Prof Asabe Kabir Usman towards a successful event,” he said.

The quiz competition saw Zainab Busari of Nakowa International School came first, while Aisha Abdulkadir Mulid, also from Nakowa International School came second, and Jahu Nimeti Ekondo from Federal Science College, Sokoto, came third. The day ended with a staged adaptation of the novelby the university students.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

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The Midweek Magazine Museum collections make connections

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

T

HE theme of this year’s International Museum Day Celebration is Museum collections make connections, which is a reminder that museums are living institutions that help create bonds between visitors, generations and cultures around the world.

The interpretation of this theme is that museum collections, which represent the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment, are vehicles for or means of communication to its visitors.

Little wonder that the President of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the umbrella body for museums and museum professionals all over the world, Prof. Dr. Hans Martin Hinz while emphasising the significance of this year’s theme said that “museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples”. This assertion is particularly instructive and relevant to the state of the Nigerian nation before the civil war when the people’s ignorance made them frown at cultural practices and material culture from certain geographical areas which tended to undermine the unity of the country. But with the adoption of the Federal Government policy after the civil war to have, at least, a museum in each state capital, there has been a change of mentality, attitude and widening of horizon through exhibitions of admixture of museum objects from different parts of the country to make a statement that there exists cultural affinity amongst the Nigerian tribes though tongues and tribes may differ.

With the proliferation of museums in the country, there has been an explosion of connection facilitated by museum collections through exhibitions, educational study materials etc. in our various museums. The corollary of this is that more people are being edified and informed and thereby demystifying the stereotype beliefs held about people who do not belong to the same cultural group. What is more, the museum exhibitions have been able to bring to the fore the similarities in Nigeria’s cultural heritage which has helped to douse intolerance and suspicion and bring about peace and mutual understanding among peoples of diverse culture.

Museums serve a variety of useful purposes.

As professional repositories of tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment, they have become firmly established in societies. Among other things, they are particularly suitable environments for the collection, preservation and interpretation of objects of every kind. This in turn, makes them valuable sources of information for reference and research. In the area of information explosion, museums can and do speed up the process of acquiring information because collection of original objects invite discovery and pull together threads of what is known. Thus, museum collections are an especially valuable and veritable avenue of international communication in a world of many languages and dialects as well as widespread illiteracy. This is because the visitor, through the displays is urged to see what he knows or does not know, to know what he sees, and in the process he may discover he knows more than he thought he had known or that he knows nothing. In this way, ideas buried in the mind come forth to fit into the jigsaw puzzle of learning.

Museums as the treasure houses of human race store the memories of people, their cultures, their dreams and aspirations. The increasing importance of resurgent national, regional and local identity where museums can serve to reflect objectively change and continuity in traditional cultural values and development is of critical significance in museum development. Museum collections have a key role to play in providing an understanding of identity and a sense of belonging to a place or community. In the face of immense and often painful cultural change in many countries owing to colonialism, museums through their collections can provide a valuable sense of connection by preserving the past, capturing the present, serve as a spring board for inspir-

•Duke and Usman From Martins Akanbiemu

HERITAGE ing the future, projecting culture and tourism.

Museum collections are also vehicles for cultural exchange among nations in a world divided by phoney cultural barriers and restrictions. Museum collections have been able to bring about cultural exchange among the nations of the world. Following the International Council of Museums recommendation on the exchange of cultural property in 1976 for museums to encourage cultural exchange between nations in the face of stiff opposition to the return of cultural property or its restitution in the case of illicit appropriation to its countries of origin championed by UNESCO, tremendous success have been achieved in this direction which has helped to douse tension on the volatile issue and bring about mutual understanding and enrichment of cultures. A few examples will suffice here. In 1979, Nigeria went into cultural exchange with Hornimann Museum, Forest Hill, London through exchange of Nigerian objects prominently ere ibeji (twin statuettes) in return for Nigerian past currencies when she wanted to stage an exhibition titled “Money in Nigeria” curated by late Prof. Ekpo Eyo, the then Director of the Federal Department of Antiquities and later Director General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments. The cultural exchange profited the two countries to the extent that it did not only enrich their collections spanning the time of the loan but also broadened the understanding of visitors to Lagos and Hornimann museums and by extension facilitating access of both countries to material culture that would have been inaccessible and which were not available in their respec-

tive collections.

But more importantly, museum collections have in recent times become an instrument of cultural diplomacy arising from the connection they facilitate. This is not surprising because museums are the only institutions in the world that employ the use of objects as universal language for communication. It is against this background that many museums, especially in the third world countries, have begun to use objects in their collections to speak to members of the international community with a view to understanding them better as well as correct certain misconceptions about her peoples. The bronzes of imperial Benin, the Nok terracottas, the Igbo Ukwu bronzes, the naturalistic Ife bronzes and terracottas, the Tsoede monumental bronzes, the Owo terracottas, the Ikom monoliths to mention but a few have become Nigeria’s cultural ambassadors and even a show window to the outside world. They speak, not only to Nigerians alone, but to mankind and in so doing have helped to shape international opinion about Nigeria.

A good reference point of how museum collections can be an instrument of cultural diplomacy can be gleaned from the exhibition titled “Treasures of Ancient Nigeria: Legacy of 2000 years” which toured Europe and America in the 1980s for about six years. Decades of European scholarship had portrayed Africa as a man without a past, no history, no art and no science and consequently relegated to the dim world of stone age culture and folk art which they dubbed as ‘primitive’ because knowledge of it was confined to wood sculptures which are known not to last for more than one hundred years in the tropics. The import of this misconception was that these objects were made by persons with no artistic training and residing in cultures of a low order of social

‘Museum collections are also vehicles for cultural exchange among nations in a world divided by phoney cultural barriers and restrictions. Museum collections have been able to bring about cultural exchange among the nations of the world’

development. Owing to this lack of knowledge of different facts of African art which has robbed Africa of its rightful place in the artistic hierarchy of the world, the exhibition under reference was able to debunk certain misconceptions widely held in Europe and America about African art. The exhibition, everywhere it went, attracted multitude of international visitors not only by their intrinsic beauty but also by the revelation that Nigeria’s art tradition is as old and rich as those that constitute the hall mark of European civilization. The exhibition was able to extol the universality of man and his creativity which the Europeans had completely ignored in their myopic arguments.

Against the backdrop of this year’s IMD theme, it is my considered view that the celebration calls for a sober reflection and stocktaking both on the part of the management of the museum institution and the supervising government ministry. They need to ponder over some pertinent questions in view of the low ebb to which the establishment has sunk over the years since the departure of the ‘fathers’ of the museum service in Nigeria which terminated at the glorious epoch of late Prof. Ekpo Eyo, the first indigenous Director of the Federal Department of Antiquities and Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments. These include, but not limited to, whether the primacy and integrity of the museum collections are still being maintained in terms of care and use of collections, ethical consideration for museum collections, selection of dictated personnel and putting the right pegs in the right holes, relevant staff training and development, vigorous research work across the country and publication, settlement of antiquities vendors, pursuit of aggressive educational activities in all museum stations just to mention a few. These, to my mind, as someone who has seen it all in the museum service, are mind-boggling questions begging for answers.

There is no gainsaying that things have gone awry in the National Commission for Museums and Monuments; a situation that calls for urgent surgical intervention to stem the tide of decadence.

In fact, my heart bleeds anytime I x-ray the state of the present museum service in Nigeria which had experienced what I can refer to as Eldorado during the times of Kenneth C. Murray, Bernard Fagg and late Prof. Ekpo Eyo. May their gentle souls rest in peace. It is for this reason that I consider the IMD theme of this year’s celebration as not only auspicious but also contentious within the context of the Nigerian museum service today. If our museum collections must continue to make connections as ICOM experts, the malaise that is inherent and destroying the Nigerian museum service today must be addressed for the benefit of mankind because our heritage speaks not only to Nigerians alone but all humankind. Remember that a good museum is assessed by its collection.

Except for the regimes of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo when he was the Head of State and Executive President respectively, it is unfortunate that successive governments in Nigeria since after independence have always treated cultural matters with a wave of the hand. Whereas culture is the fulcrum of any meaningful development of a nation for in the words of late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the celebrated Afro beat musician, “if you do not know where you are coming from, you will not know where you are going”.

Government should pay more attention to her cultural facilities by way of empowerment to enable them carry out their statutory responsibilities. The status and standing of many countries today is to a large extent measured by the attention they pay to their cultural facilities. International tourism and the widespread economic gains it brings now represent a major reason for investment in museums.

Therefore, realistic support for museums in terms of adequate resources to allow for effective staff training and development programmes, proper standards of collection care and management, timely restoration of monuments such as Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture (MOTNA), and other monuments and sites high quality facilities of different sizes and a commitment to seeking new audiences through well considered marketing programmes is essential if the museum service is to flourish to the benefit of the country and mankind. A stitch in time saves nine!

•Akanbiemu is Resident Curator, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

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The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

‘Nigeria’s situation fuels my creativity’

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NE of Nigeria’s foremost design artists and a lecturer at the School of Arts, Design and Printing, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in Lagos, Mr Raqib Bashorun, has said most of his exhibitions were influenced by the prevailing socio-political and economic situations in the country. Such challenges fuel his creative energy to produce works of art, he said.

“Touched by our indifference to our wasteful life styles, I embarked on this Evolving through Waste journey to advance through works produced, the gospel of cleansing all aspects of our life of this cancerous attitude. Believe it or not, we waste everything in this country; spiritual, material, labour, manpower, lives, energy, time, mind, money, words; the list is inexhaustible. How does one see a scenario at traffic lights point where you find three police officers, four traffic wardens, two LASMA officials, four neighborhood watch officers, all waiting for traffic light offenders…

“At takeoff, I was not thinking of the popular expressions such as waste to wealth or trash to treasure, rather, I saw waste in the artistic sense of ‘art form’ and I sourced for some, which readily or through modifications I could connect with forms I created in wood to further my mission. My approach to employing these forms was that of exploration, experimen-

•Bashorun

By Ozolua Uhakheme Assistant Editor (Arts)

VISUAL ART tation, commitment and passion,” he said.

Bashorun who spoke at a sneak preview of his on-going art exhibition, Evolving through waste at the Omenka Gallery, Ikoyi Lagos, stated that many Nigerian artists have been producing art works that threw up issues of national concern as captured in some of his works. He noted that maybe Nigerians have not looked beyond the aesthetics of the works to assimilate the messages therein.

He recalled that since 1997, when his attention was first enveloped by the degree of waste polluting his visual fields, his quest has always been on ‘power of number’. This, he said, led him to create a piece titled, Full Moon on Waste Station; which was how he saw the society at that time.

Bashorun finds wood very interesting to work with. In fact, he loves the challenges of also working with found objects such as soda can, metal and aluminum.

•Treasure Mine

“I particularly loved the challenge of working with the soda can tabs considering their sizes and the quantity required to create a piece. What I enjoyed most however, was the innovative and time consuming technique of stapling them one after the

other to the supporting forms. This technique gives me the confidence of durability and I hoped that over time, the anticipated changes in appearance of the staple pins if any will enhance the depth of the works. I also hoped that the dazzling visual sen-

sation created by the nature of aluminum will draw viewers into the pieces and create a web of connection for them,” he said. The found objects are symbolic of the everyday waste of man, labour, time and other resources in the country.

The exhibits include Black gold, Cat walk, Charm, Frozen promise, Greed, Peace meal, Ripples, bubbles and rhythm, Seek and hide, What’s your story? Waste gift, Transparency, Stars in my city, Ebb, Treasure mine and Re-construction.

Most of the exhibits are very instructive of the present situations in the country. For instance, Frozen promise (aluminum and glass) is a critique of the state of the nation’s human and material resources that are seemingly trapped and in a standstill position.

Greed (aluminum, metal and wood) is a visual commentary on the corruption tendencies in the society, which constitute the greatest obstacle to national development. With his Peace meal (1 and 11) he lends his voice to the on-going crusade for peace to reign in the country. Apart from the strong messages, Bashorun’s wood works are done with utmost finesse, which continues to sign post all his exhibitions. In fact, he takes precision and finishing more serious than conception.

On why he has no studio assistants working with him, Bashorun said raising studio artists as disciples is difficult these days because most youths don’t have enough patience. “As long as I have the energy, I will continue to do my work without studio assistants.

However, I am not happy that I have no studio assistants and disciples I am training. Unfortunately, the youths don’t have my patience,” he said.

The Yabatech lecturer observed that art works such as painting will not enhance the country’s technological advancement unlike design works that involve concept of assemblage and fitting together of pieces of woods and metals. “Government must look at design, technology and architecture to explore their skills for national development,” he added. Evolving through waste will run till May 30 at Omenka Gallery, Ikoyi Lagos.

NIGERIA AT 100

Nigerian artists’ works break London auction sales record From May 20 to 22, the British arts community held top flight art events-auction, tours of Tate Modern Gallery, Buckingham Palace and dinner in London to mark Nigeria’s centenary celebration, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

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ENOWNED Nigeria artists’ works were the toast at the London Bonhams auction, Africa Now. Prof. Ben Enwonwu’s 1976 master piece, Princess of Mali and Yusuf Grillo’s Woman with Gele broke auction sales record. Princess of Mali led the pack with the highest price of £92,500 followed by Woman with Gele that fetched £80,500 against a pre-sale estimate of £30,000 to £50,000. Also, Grillo’s The Flight went for £62,500.

Both works of Grillo were described by director of Contemporary African Art at Bonhams, Mr. Giles Pepiatt as ”undoubtedly the finest examples of the artist’s work to appear in the open market in the past decade. But, the organisers said the Africa Now auction, which featured other African artists resulted in sales of works

by Nigerian and Ghanaian artists especially totalling in excess of £1million and saw new world record prices for 10 different African artists.

Other artists auction records included a graceful sculpture by Bunmi Babatunde (£31,250), a 3D triptych by Peju Alatise (£17,500), a market scene by Ablade Glover (£15,000), a chair made of decommissioned weapons by Goncalo Mabunda (£10,000), a coffin in the form of a Porsche by Paa Joe (£6,500) and paintings by Amon Kotei (£9,375), Aboudia (£9,375) and Uzo Egonu (£9,375).

Bonhams Head of Contemporary African Art, Hannah O’Leary, commented that ‘since our inaugural Africa Now auction five years ago, this market has gone from strength to strength.

While artists from at least 15 African countries were represented, the top prices were reserved for the best pieces by the Nigerian Masters, which seems appropriate for a country celebrating their centenary and that recently became Africa’s largest economy’.

The celebration also attracted some of Nigeria’s great writers to London’s October Gallery for an exploration of the country’s creative future tagged Nigeria Now: Innovation and Imagination. The writers at the literary evening included Associate Professor of creative writing at George Mason University, regular Guardian UK reviewer and author of Waiting for an Angel, Measuring Time and Oil on Water, Helon Habila, Nkem Ifejika, BBC World Service reporter and presenter, Chibundu Onuzo, the youngest woman novelist ever to be signed by Faber and Faber, winner of the Betty Trask Award and shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize and Commonwealth Book Prize and Ike Anya, a Nigerian public health doctor and writer.

Others were Ike Echeruo, an investor focused on Africa, a Co-founder and Managing Partner of Constant Capital, a leading African investment firm, Abidemi Sanusi, an author, photographer, budding film-maker and founder of

•Duke (middle) flanked by Kabir Yusuf Yar’ Adua (on his left) and Yusuf Abdallah Usman (on his right). With them from left: Peppiatt, Ogbue, George Ufot, Chika Balogun and others at Buckingham Palace.

Ready Writer Ltd, Abemi’s novel, Eyo, was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writer’s Prize in 2010, Feye Fawehinmi, works in financial services in the UK for the past 8 years, Zainab Usman, a doctoral candidate in International Development at the University of Oxford and Jude Anogwi, the artist behind the installation piece on the event invitation. Jude is director of Video Art Network and is currently working with the British Council in collaboration with David Dale Gallery, Glasgow as part of the Glasgow 2014 cultural programme for the Commonwealth Games.

The literary evening was chaired by Ellah Wakatama Allfrey, an independent editor, critic and broadcaster whose work has appeared in British newspapers including the Guardian, Independent, Observer and Telegraph.

She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and was awarded an OBE in 2011 for services to the publishing industry.

Minister for Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, representatives of the UK government, the British Council and the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida were at the events, along with many other government

officials, culture enthusiasts and business personalities.

Chief Duke considered the power and impact of a nation’s culture on its place in the world, saying: “Nigerian art and culture has proven to be our commonwealth. It defines the endurance of our harmony as a people. It strengthens the resilience of our creativity and provides the bedrock of the definition of who and what we are. It is the greatest collateral upon, which we must build the future of our great nation and rekindle the faith of our people.”

The three-day programme began with a tour of the Tate Modern Gallery on London’s South Bank, with particular focus on the Meschac Gaba Museum of Contemporary African Art exhibition.

Interestingly, Her Majesty the Queen of England has a long history of appreciation of Nigerian art, and of the work of Ben Enwonwu in particular. In 1957, he became the first African to be commissioned to sculpt her.

So, it was a singular honour for guests to be given access to the Queen’s private collection at Buckingham Palace to see some of Enwonwu’s finest works.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4 2014

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COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Flying too high

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The rot in Oduah’s handling of the aviation ministry is exposed

HEN the beleaguered Princess Stella Oduah was finally reliev ed of her position as Minister of Aviation in February, some Nigerians thought she was a victim of political harassment by opposition parties who were determined to get rid of one of the Jonathan administration’s more effective performers. However, recent revelations by the aviation ministry’s supervising minister, Dr. Samuel Ortom, show that Oduah’s track record was not all it appeared to be.

Ortom recently declared that the ministry was in the process of drastically cutting back on the projects embarked upon during Oduah’s tenure because of the financial quagmire that it had found itself in. To fund the construction of four cargo airports, the ministry had entered into loans requiring the payment of billions of naira in interest payments. Many of the other projects necessitated appropriations which far exceeded the Federal Government’s financial capabilities. Work on many projects has been suspended, and contractors are not getting paid. In all, the ministry has run up debts totalling an estimated N174.6 billion. The ministry has embarked upon an all-inclusive review of the projects in an effort to reduce its financial exposure.

Some projects which are yet to commence may be halted, while debt-rescheduling negotiations are being proposed for others.

It is ironic that this is the same Oduah who was touted as the government official whose efforts symbolised the so-called “Transformation Agenda” of the Goodluck Jonathan administration. Her rehabilitation of airport terminals across the nation, the construction of cargo airports

and the ambitious policy of creating an aerotropolis or “airport city” were hailed as bold policy initiatives never before attempted in Nigeria.

Many critics were dismissed as ethnic bigots who were enraged that the ministry had been “taken away” from their region.

Respected voices within the aviation industry that raised concerns were shouted down as holding brief for corrupt elements who wanted to continue benefitting from the alleged status quo.

Now that the truth has finally emerged, it is incumbent upon the Nigerian government and citizenry to reflect on exactly how the nation arrived at this pass. How was the aviation ministry able to enter into so many financial obligations that are cumulatively well beyond its capacity to service?

What was the input of the Federal Ministry of Finance? Did the contracts pass through the Budget Management Office and the Debt Management Office?

At the time these projects were embarked upon, there were criticisms that the rehabilitation of airports should not be Nigeria’s first priority. It was argued that a comprehensive overhaul of all aspects of aviation safety was much more urgent, and evidence for the validity of this argument abounded: pot-holed runways, frequent power outages, the ever-increasing cost of aviation fuel, and the very dubious aircraftmaintenance record of many indigenous airlines.

As Oduah persisted in the execution of her own agenda, the contradictions became plain. Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for example, was undergoing extensive remodelling at a time when

its approach roads and parking lots were virtually unusable and power outages were a common occurrence.

The aviation ministry embarked on the simultaneous construction of multiple cargo airports at a time when many airports in the country were grossly underutilised, and the associated infrastructure necessary to support them was lacking.

Many of the foreign loans taken to finance the projects were obtained under conditions that were never made clear, such as the US $500 million secured from a Chinese company for airport remodelling which is now being reviewed.

The Oduah debacle plainly shows that there can be no substitute for due process, no matter how glamorous the policies may appear to be. A comprehensive audit of all the other ministries must be undertaken in order to see whether they too have chosen to follow the path of financial recklessness. If they have, those deemed to be responsible for it should be held to account for their actions.

‘ The Oduah debacle plainly shows that there can be no substitute for due process, no matter how glamorous the policies may appear to be. A comprehensive audit of all the other ministries must be undertaken in order to see whether they too have chosen to follow the path of financial recklessness’

Jacob Festus Ade Ajayi •Foremost Historian at 85

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IGERIA’S pre-eminent historian and scholar of global renown, Jacob Festus Ade Ajayi, University of Ibadan Emeritus Professor, turned 85 on May 26. Associates, collaborators, former students, friends and admirers joined his family to celebrate the milestone in ceremonies that accorded with his life-long devotion to matters intellectual and with his characteristic modesty.

First, his professional colleagues held a symposium on African historiography and his immense contributions to that field. In Nigeria, Dr Kenneth Dike had blazed the trail with his seminal doctoral dissertation for the University of London, later published as Trade and Politics in the Niger Delta. But it was under Ade Ajayi’s leadership as chair of History in

‘Sadly, History, the discipline in which Ade Ajayi made a mark on the world’s stage, is no longer taught in Nigerian schools. It has instead been enfolded in “social science.” It is doubtful whether Nigeria can produce another Ade Ajayi. The nation will be the poorer for being deprived of the insights and clarity that he and the Ibadan School brought to bear on significant aspects of our existence’

Ibadan that the field reached full flowering The enduring legacy of his leadership is what came to be known as the Ibadan School of History. Noted for its nationalist undertones, the Ibadan School was a direct response to European scholars who claimed that Africa had no history worth studying beyond the activities of European colonialists and adventurers on the continent.

Ajayi dismissed that imperialist claim in a phrase that would be hard to match for its majestic simplicity and profound poignancy. The colonial intrusion, he wrote, was nothing more than “an episode” in the history of Africa. The absence of written records by which Western historians set great store was no barrier to the reconstruction of the African past, he argued. He insisted on the validity of oral sources subjected to the established standards of verification, and on a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of History.

His own prodigious output of books, book chapters, monographs, journal articles, most of them published after he was appointed a professor at the relatively young age of 35, was replicated in the comprehensiveness of the seminal works that came out of the Ibadan School. Leading universities and research institutions across the world sought his services and piled him with their highest honours.

Then symposium was followed the next day by a public lecture that prefaced the presentation of a book on Ade Ajayi’s life and career, edited by two of his former students who have gone on to distinguish themselves in scholarship and public service, Professor Akinjide Osuntokun

and Professor Michael Omolewa. Featuring contributions by Ade Ajayi’s fellow academics in Nigeria and abroad, former colleagues, students and members of his family, it is an ennobling study in dedication, humility, grace under pressure, and service.

Nor has Ade Ajayi’s career been distinguished only by scholarship. He has been an outstanding administrator as well. As vice chancellor, he embarked on construction projects and a staff development programme and curriculum reform that transformed the University of Lagos almost beyond recognition. His tenure ended on a sad note when he was dismissed, following the death of a student during a demonstration the Federal Military Government said he ought to have pre-empted, as if the university was a military barracks and the vice chancellor a garrison commander.

Years later, a grateful country conferred him with its highest recognition for distinguished intellectual achievement, the National Order of Merit. Most fittingly, he was awarded the Centennial Medal, one of 100 Nigerians to be so honoured on the occasion of Centenary of the amalgamation, his preferment being in the category of “Distinguished Academics.”

Sadly, History, the discipline in which Ade Ajayi made a mark on the world’s stage, is no longer taught in Nigerian schools. It has instead been enfolded in “social science.” It is doubtful whether Nigeria can produce another Ade Ajayi.

The nation will be the poorer for being deprived of the insights and clarity that he and the Ibadan School brought to bear on significant aspects of our existence.

Was price to win release of an American soldier from Taliban captivity too high?

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RESIDENT OBAMA and his top aides are taking satisfaction in the release of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl from nearly five years of captivity by the Taliban. While it may be, as some former comrades allege, that Sgt. Bergdahl’s capture followed his desertion of his post, by obtaining his release the administration upheld the principle that, as Mr. Obama put it, “the United States of America does not ever leave our men and women in uniform behind.” That will be a comfort to many families beyond the Bergdahls, whose dedication to their son is inspiring.

For all that, the administration’s handling of the matter raised some troubling questions. In releasing five senior Taliban commanders from Guantanamo Bay prison to the de facto custody of Qatar, Mr. Obama appears to have sidestepped a law requiring that Congress be notified before such releases from Guantanamo take place. The Afghan government, which was not informed of the prisoner swap before it took place, angrily alleged that it also violated international law by transferring detainees to a third country. Congressional Republicans charged that the administration had breached its policy of refusing to negotiate with terrorists — a precept it confirmed just weeks ago in advising Nigeria’s government not to negotiate with the Boko Haram movement about abducted schoolgirls.

The administration’s answers to these critiques are only partially satisfying. It says it did not negotiate with terrorists, since the exchange was brokered through Qatar and not directly with the Taliban. Sgt. Bergdahl and the Taliban commanders, officials add, were prisoners of war, not hostages. Probably the president’s lawyers are correct in saying that the Constitution gives Mr. Obama the authority to carry out such exchanges; a signing statement he attached to the Guantanamo legislation asserts as much. Moreover, administration officials say they were obliged to move quickly because of concern about Sgt. Bergdahl’s health.

Still, the impression reinforced by the deal is of a president anxious to disengage from Afghanistan as rapidly and as thoroughly as possible, with minimal regard for the consequences for Afghans. U.S. officials, who have been talking about a possible exchange of Sgt. Bergdahl for the Taliban commanders for several years, once presented it as a possible first step toward an Afghan peace accord. However, administration officials now play down that notion, and the Taliban dismissed it out of hand.

In a rare statement, the movement’s leader, Mohammad Omar, instead said the release of the commanders brought the insurgency “closer to the harbor of victory.” The released militants’ movements will be confined inside Qatar for a year, but there’s no sign the men are ready to give up the fight against the Afghan government.

Now that Mr. Obama has committed to withdrawing all U.S. forces from Afghanistan by the end of 2016, the Taliban have scant incentive to negotiate either with Kabul or Washington.

For Mr. Obama, the release of Sgt. Bergdahl wraps up one loose end of the Afghan war, and the release of the commanders resolves another.

The president has confirmed the United States’ unswerving commitment to its servicemen, and he has once again made clear to Afghans that U.S. backing for their fragile state is anything but firm.

– Washington Post

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

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: After four years in exile, I returned to what looked like a new-improved OOU in June 2013. Between then and now, it seems to me that one of the big debates that should occupy everyone’s mind, and take place, both at Olabisi Onabanjo University, AgoIwoye and Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s executive meetings, over the next one year is what becomes of the institution, and what model of governance and management is most appropriate for OOU. There are of course many different possible models, and many points of view amongst all the stakeholders. But one might say that on the opposite ends of the spectrum are, on the one side, those who would argue that OOU is a community of scholars who should direct their own affairs by consensus, presided over by a primus inter pares such as the incumbent Vice-Chancellor; and on the other side, those who argue that today’s OOU is modern organization that needs to be run by a strong corporate-style governing body, with appropriate functions and powers delegated to it. Fortunately, both the Vice-Chancellor and the Governing Council are capable, and have managed within short time to rescue the institution from total collapse and academic jingoism deployed on the

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EDITOR’S MAIL BAG

SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 800 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.net

OOU and its struggle for survival staff and students during the dark era of Professor Wale Olaitan. That was a period no one would want to remember!

OOU’s path to regain its lost glory is long and could be accelerated if the sincere efforts of the present administration is complemented by the state government. Nobody ever thought that results could be ready on time again in OOU; No one ever thought staff morale could be slightly boosted above average again? Did anyone ever think it would not be business as usual at OOU? Discipline is taking a strong footing again, and that is a sign of good leadership. Workers and students once again can be proud of OOU. Indeed, there are signs that better days are coming back. There are reasons to once again believe in the great OOU which was in the past the number one choice for admission seekers and dedicated academic and non-academic staff.

However, the state government has not been forthcoming in playing its role effectively. Governor Amosun should wake up and come to the reality that university is a serious business which must be invested in heavily to yield results. No serious nation plays politics with education at any level, it is a social responsibility.

It is surprising to read on the pages of newspapers that the state government has disbursed N21 billion to the state’s tertiary institutions in the last three years. The conditions of the campuses and morale of the staff do not justify this huge amount.

Irregular payment of salaries and wages, lack of basic teaching and learning facilities and inconducive offices are still major concerns at OOU and others.

From the look of things, OOU has a system of governance and management that is responsive, flexible and decisive, but lacks financial ca-

hand of Hitler and his German troops. During those nights, London knew no peace. Part of the Buckingham Palace was touched; residents took to using the tunnels of the London underground as shelter. Yet Wilson Churchill held his head high when others were losing theirs’ to emerge as a never-to-be-forgotten British hero.

Napoleon was a French revolutionary, a hero; his time was one of the most rancorous and genocidal in the history of France, yet he conquered all forces of regression.

Franklin Roosevelt is an American hero of the Second World War after he had to be forced into the bitter reality of expending huge budget to prosecute the war, to restore the American pride.

David the conqueror of Goliath is a divine hero.

I want the President to be remembered as a Nigerian hero, after he’s gone past his regime. I want Jonathan to act like a hero.

I want the president to seize the current opportunity to write his name in the history of Nigerian heroes by taking on the challenge posed

by Boko Haram by ensuring its overdue death.

I want the president to use every legal and human means to Bring Back Our Girls ALIVE; Hale and Hearty. I want him to put a lasting solution to all lingering industrial strikes particularly ASUP’S AND COEASU’S.

President should act like a hero

IR: The excuse by President Goodluck Jonathan that his achievements are merely perceived from the prism of the current state of war is inconceivable. As much as I would agree that Nigeria is in a state of war, history is replete with wartime leaders who ended up as heroes of their various nations.

Abraham Lincoln was president during the American civil war and yet he emerged a hero, after he conquered the forces of slavery and secession to unite America as one independent state.

Wilson Churchill was the British Prime Minister during the Second World War. At some point in the Second World War, German air raiders blasted London for 77 nights, after the city fell into the aggressive

• Waliu Olaifa olaifawaliu@rocketmail.com

pacity to meet its needs. The current management seems to be up to the task but the government on the other hand is not sensitive to the views, needs and interests of those who make up the university community. Unless the government backs the management with political will and required funds, the governing council meetings

will become debating chambers that often miss the real issues of strategy and direction. As the university is struggling to find its feet again, its needs should be subjected once again to a strategic review, these needs deserve proper attention. It is not clear that they are receiving it, yet.

The first step, which would be in the right direction, is for the state government to take on the responsibility of paying wages and salaries in full, and stop the existing sharing formula. OOU should be allowed to use its internally generated funds to fund research and staff development.

• Tola Osunnuga, Ago-Iwoye

Re: Akpabio, Akpabio

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IR: I read with keen interest Tunji Adegboyega’s piece with the above title published in The Nation of June 1. I want to say that I was deeply disappointed by your views which I feel is a spite on the feelings of Akwa Ibom people.

In the first instance, I do not know whether you visited Akwa Ibom in 1999, 2006 and now. It is on the strength of such observations that any commentator should position his assessment. Whatever roads have been constructed in Akwa Ibom has been done cumulatively; so in essence the road network in Uyo can be attributed to Nkanga, Attah and lately Akpabio. But one thing is worth knowing: Akpabio has received 10 times the amount of money earned by his predecessors but his achievement is not commensurate with that revenue profile. There is endemic poverty in the state while he embarks on white elephant projects like Ibom Tropicana and an e-library.

The Tropicana project is a monumental waste of public fund as the state government subsidises the Cinema yet not up to 20 people are seen in the cinema hall at a time even though it costs only N250 to watch a movie. This is a stark contrast to Silverbird cinema in Victoria Island and Ikeja where movie

watchers are ready to pay N1500 to see a movie. Right now even Akpabio knows that he is a failure.

That’s why he is campaigning to have an Eket man succeed him so that that person can fix the roads in Eket which he neglected. Akpabio has promoted sectionalism which manifested in the last civil service recruitment which he was forced to cancel because his Annang kinsmen made up 90% of the employees.

There are still house boys of Akwa Ibom origin in Lagos. I say so because I lived in Lagos and I know many of them now. Akpabio only made efforts not backed by economic incentive.

Now he is stealing Akwa Ibom blind with the active collaboration of the State House of Assembly.

Take it from me. Akpabio has only performed on paper. That’s why he built an edifice for himself with the inscription ‘Akpabiosm, a new concept in leadership’. He is desperate for fame and I cannot wait to celebrate his exit from the hilltop mansion.

Please visit Akwa Ibom and talk to people on the streets before you make comments about the state.

What you see on papers is different from what is on ground.

• Michael Asuquo, mjasuo60@yahoo.com

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

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COMMENTS

‘Our Girls’ ‘Mubi; Psychologists and terrorists; Political gifts; Federal might Vs State right

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UR Girls’ kidnapped in Chibok are still missing in action since April 15. The media reports show that there is far too much political hot air and malicious Tony accusations across Marinho politics since the kidnap.

All this political manoeuvring could be curtailed and concentrated towards ensuring the safe release of ‘Our Girls’.

In spite of their abhorrence of ‘western education’ be sure that Boko Haram is reading the Nigerian press and must be laughing to their stomachs in the Sambisa Forest. The evil ones must be very happy with the altercation between the political parties. This is exactly what Boko Haram want –to fragment the polity. Just this last Sunday there was another bombing of a football viewing centre in Mubi, Adamawa claiming between 18 and 40 lives. The Nigerian public is sickened by the pettiness of cheap political gimmicks surrounding Boko Haram’s horrific activities. Certainly the terrible ‘Our Girls’ issue is a security and political issue. But more importantly, it is also a traumatic personal issue to all Nigerian families especially the parents. They will be daily disgusted by the disgraceful political bickering displayed in the media. We are ashamed and are shamed as a nation by these outbursts which must be stopped. This is the time for unity, one voice and one motive –to get ‘Our Girls’ back.

The psychologists when they are employed in the military will tell us about the psychopathic and megalomaniacal profiles of the Boko Haram leadership and the meek and fearful or blackmailed or paid follower-ship willing to put on armed vest and blow themselves up for religious fanaticism or hatred of other people, their religion and even their tribe. Most fanatics you cannot change. They have to be dealt with, confronted and defeated militarily, socially and politically. Can they be negotiated with?

Many Nigerians would really like to see any negotiation

T

HE advent of mobile phones in the early 2000 brought great relief to Nigerians.

However, the revolution in communication also brought with it some pains as some unscrupulous Nigerians quickly cashed in to peddle their nefarious trade - fraud.

This was followed by the e-mail, a communication system that has now relegated the old system of posting letters to the background.

E-mail is faster; with the speed of electrical current you get your message across and also receive a response within minutes or even seconds. But, as it is, it is as if the more the growth recorded through technological advancement, the more sophisticated the criminals around becomes. Hardly will a day pass without you receiving five, 10 or more scam messages on your Blackberry phone, all designed to make you fall a “Mugu”, the underworld term for foolishness.

On December 19, 2013, I had my first raw deal with these crooks. I was in my house in Lagos sleeping when, at about 1:30am, I opened my eyes and saw my blackberry beeping. I quickly reached out to it. What I saw jolted me. My bank in America had sent me a mail to the effect that there was an “unusual activity” on my small account. Apparently, some smart alecs had cloned my Debit Card and were on a spending spree that night in far away New York city. I quickly called their information desk, which immediately put a lien on the account. Though the bank promptly did a refund and changed my card within a week, I am sure the whole thing originated from Nigeria and I seriously suspect someone who is very close to me as the brain behind the scam.

That was not all. Five months later, precisely on May 1, the crooks were at it again. This time, my e-mail account was hacked. This was purely a criminal act aimed at extorting

with someone who wants females to be treated like dirt, wants a ban on western education and has planned and executed the strategies which resulted in hundreds being blown up, shot and kidnapped. There are of course many other Boko Haram idle ‘follow-follow’, rent a crowd hangerson with no ideology who will need reorientation, reeducation. Our psychologists must plan and speak out now to prevent a bloody tomorrow from our youth by reducing the youth becoming terrorists and potential Boko Haram members tomorrow. How do we today take actions to reverse the train of events which creates a Boko haram person in the future? Current assessment results in the belief that Boko Haram is the result of a complex evil mix of place, lack of opportunity, background, political thugs declaring their independence of political masters, political failures, religious bigotry, western education failures, the Libyan war and weapons spilling into the Sahara and Sub-Sahara and the ready receptacle of social insignificance and political incompetence at LGA and State level where the millions meant for development, especially of the youth, are stolen every single month.

Every effort must be made to make today’s’ path of youth development smooth so that they will not be attracted by the rumoured $3000 per recruit, or intimidation to join Boko Haram et cetera. He who steals from children and the youth should be fearful of God’s pronounced judgement. Good full rounded education including exposure to good books, role models and sports equipment must be in every school.

The huge wage bill of political officeholders allows them to ‘give away’ generators and sewing machines and scholarships. Is this not government money? All that should stop; the money trail cut and re-routed through normal government channels. Name one country where the political office holders dish out such items. They are not dividends of democracy but demonic demonstrations of a misguided democratic experiment high-jacked for personal financial gain. Does Obama’s wife dish out free bags of potatoes? For every bag of rice, generator, exercise book, motorcycle the political donor keeps much more back. It must be stopped.

The federal government has created a new group to man the federal highways particularly in Lagos. Is this another effort by federal to undermine Lagos? The question is ‘when will the federal government see itself as servant and guardian of all and work complimentary to the efforts of each state in helping the citizens to survive? The federal government should not destroy selected states because they are not from the ruling party. Young men in a brand new uniform will not add value to the traffic in Lagos. They may just harass citizens. What the federal government can cunningly do to win the hearts and minds of the citizens is to repair, replace and pay contractors to do those decayed roads so boastfully called federal roads.

It is sad that the true federalism of our founding fathers, a ‘true partnership between federal and state’ appears to be totally lost by the arrogant, selfish post-militarised federalists of today. Abuja federalism is the problem with Nigeria. Has the Non Sovereign National Conference 2014 lost the battle with the false federalist elite on true federalism? Instead of supporting states, federalists often usurp states actions. The politically greedy federal ‘anti-state’ stand on the budget, waterways, federal highways and mining in states must be countered if Nigeria is to survive as a happy, not masterservant, country. Enough of the unpopular boxing match ‘Federal Might Vs State Right to life!’ let us all run side by side.

‘When will the federal government see itself as servant and guardian of all and work complimentary to the efforts of each state in helping the citizens to survive? The federal government should not destroy selected states because they are not from the ruling party’

The cyber frontier in crime money from people on my contact list, a commonplace occurrence in today’s digital world. Ordinary criminals with advanced to minimal computer know-how and time to spare can, in the comfort of their homes, rake in millions of other people’s hard earned money with the use of a simple computer and an internet connection. It is a reality of our world today.

In this case, a generic message was sent to everyone on my contact list, explaining that I was stranded in Rome with financial difficulties that a thoughtful loan of 950 Euros can fix, if the recipient would only be so kind. These messages went out at around 2.00am while I was fast asleep, with no difficulty, at my home in Lagos, Nigeria. The following morning, I was woken up by endless calls from friends who had received the message, much to my surprise. Little did I know that more surprises awaited me from the cunning cyber-criminals.

Promptly, the password was changed and the security questions reset, but it did not end there. Incoming mails had been cunningly re-routed to another email address set up solely for the purpose of this particular attack on my privacy, as I found out. My e-mail account is “dagekameh@yahoo.com” but mails had been set to be forwarded to “dagekarneh@yahoo.com” without even being retained by the original account. Attempts at signing into the compromised account proved abortive and may not have been possible but for the measures put in by Yahoo in such cases. It took answering security questions that were set back in 2009 to prove to the Yahoo mail service that the account was indeed mine, because it

‘On the new frontier of cybercrimes and terrorism, it appears that information is the currency, weapon and the target, and as such, its protection becomes the only concern’

had been completely taken over by the criminals.

It literally took hours to purge my account of the attackers’ imprint, and measures are still being taken to ensure that nothing else has been compromised. A large amount of mails in my inbox were lost however. It later became clear that this was the modus operandi of these cyber criminals who operate from multiple locations around the world and have syndicates spread across continents. The account activity log showed that the breach originated in Netherlands and the operation somehow shifted to South Africa in a matter of minutes where the larger part of it took place. For these people, it is obviously a fulltime job considering the kind of delicate, victim-specific operations they carry out.

Although Nigeria will make many lists of countries where most cyber frauds originate, there are worse countries on those lists like Egypt, Ukraine, Malaysia and even the United States (U.S.). It is a global phenomenon. The credit card rings are serious, and every financial institution in the world is a potential target. This, however, is a tip of the iceberg of cybercrimes, cyberterrorism, espionage and cyber-conflicts in the modern world. Like in the physical world, where clandestine activities are not only carried out by criminals looking for illgotten proceeds, governments all over the world and other players are also involved in some of these activities on the internet.

Indeed, modern warfare has expanded into cyberspace. A big example is the group known as the “Shanghai Group”, which is said to be an arm of the Chinese military that has targeted U.S trade and critical infrastructure, collecting data discreetly through electronic means. U.S gas pipelines access, its power grid and companies like Coca-Cola have been reported to have been victims of this group. The U.S itself has been involved in

Cyber-warfare. In collaboration with Israel in 2010, it developed a malicious software called “Stuxnet” and launched an attack on Iran’s Uranium enrichment program. In 2013, the U.S also joined a cyberterrorism group called “Anonymous”, in league with South Korea, to attack “critical websites” in North Korea, including the stateowned network station.

As cyber-criminals and terrorists are on the increase, countries around the world too are raising cyberwarriors to protect themselves and, it must be said, attack others. Even in the midst of this international cyber-warfare, there are yet groups of hackers whose scope of activities cannot be determined but have attained global fame for their successful activities against all levels of organisations and governments. An outstanding example is the Chaos Computer Club in western Germany that hacked into the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) network in the United States and remained undetected for three months. Its “Trojan Horse”, which is a malicious computer programme, was able to access over 135 computers across Europe. It is currently acting as a kind of non-governmental organization. In February, it filed a criminal complaint against the German government, accusing it of complicity with the U.S National Security Agency and British intelligence in spying on German citizens. The group also requested Edward Snowden, now famous (or infamous) U.S whistleblower, to be allowed a safe passage as a witness.

In a world where countries now sponsor “Trojan Horses” and collect confidential information secretly, in addition to the activities of criminals looking to make a quick buck and non-state players like “Wiki-leaks”, one only wonders where African countries are positioned on this new frontier.

Currently, Nigeria still imports 90% of software used in the country and

Dele Agekameh the 100 plus IT companies in Nigeria mainly engage in integration, maintenance and customisation services for commercial packaged software for public institutions, banks, and energy and telecom companies. No recognizable government’s interest in developing an airtight cyber-security unit to protect government information and the privacy of citizens. Where are our cyber warriors?

Nigerians who have picked up expertise and show promise in cyber security are picked up easily by foreign countries or have joined the criminals that have ensured inclusion of Nigeria on the least of countries with the most computer fraud cases. In saner climes, these individuals would be found, rehabilitated and drafted into the government efforts, where they exist, to protect the information of its citizens. On the new frontier of cybercrimes and terrorism, it appears that information is the currency, weapon and the target, and as such, its protection becomes the only concern. Now that banks, mobile communications companies and the government have stepped up efforts to collect information on users and citizens, the question is: Have they stepped up efforts to protect this data?

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

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COMMENTS ‘The fear of the unknown is the beginning of wisdom in Akpabio’s mind. If he has no skeleton in his cupboard, then, I must tell you, he is afraid of his shadow. Somebody who ruled for eight years as governor and deputy governor in Nigeria would still be hustling for allowance after leaving office; this is selfish. It is now clear to everybody that most of our leaders are self-centred.

From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa, Lagos’

•Jonathan For Olatunji Dare Re: Matters Miscellaneous. Thanks for the indictments. I have been wondering where our press has been, no investigative journalism on this Chibok. None of them reported from Chibok. The press does not give the terrorism we are facing the coverage it deserves, especially the television houses. Most of what we know from local media are from newspapers but you cannot underestimate the power of images. When the foreign media showed us Chibok and the people, we could relate to them and the issues better. Everybody dropped the ball on this one. Thank you. Anonymous.

Everybody knows that we are a nation of beggars. Every month we go cap-in-hand for our share of the oil money. Ibadan where I live has only one industry - government fuelled by oil money that trickles down to the rest of us. Even with the oil money, Osun State struggles to pay salaries - and Fani-Kayode talks about “give me Oduduwa Republic or give me death”. Claptrap! Please, give him death. Northerners and South-westerners are beggars.

Please, stop whipping up nationalistic notions that will put us all in trouble. When “katakata” bursts, you, would have flown the coop leaving the rest of us to fend for ourselves. Anonymous Why the difference in body language is clear, while the leadership challenges faced by the US are external, Boko Haram is homemade like sharia to pull down the government. At last, Boko Haram and its sponsors, local and International, have bitten off more than they can chew like Bin Laden’s ill-advised attack on the World Trade Centre. Whether you accept it or not, JEG was at his best, we could not have had a better advocate in organising an international coalition against the international terror we are facing as a nation. Give JEG a break. From Fabian, Enugu, Your column would have greater credibility if it was running on a medium other than THE NATION, a hysterical partisan opposition mouthpiece. Why do you never address the truth? Is yours a case of the puppet and the puppeteer? Anonymous Re: Matters miscellaneous. There was nothing wrong in the PDP postponing its Ekiti Governorship rally that was to take place on 22 May, 2014. If anything, it portrayed more sensitivity to deaths in Jos bomb blasts of the previous days! However, what does the public have to say of the APC that held its own on 21, May, 2014, having accused its rival of insensitivity with the PDP’s Kano rally. Nigeria is a complex country where accusers of wickedness perpetrate same and rejoices in it. In Chibok’s saga and the allied unfortunate incident of bombings and kidnappings, we all have learnt lessons - Mr President, key governors, journalists, key ministers and law enforcement agencies plus the public. May God Almighty sanitise Nigeria, Amen. From Lanre Oseni.

On Matters miscellanous, it is suicidal to compare the mode of governance in America with that of Nigeria. The only thing our leaders are good at is promoting corruption and poverty.

This is our bane. Our leaders are also good at looking the other way when crisis knocks at the door. Our president and his likes are good at pumping millions of naira into fighting Boko Haram without success; this is too shameful. I am sure God will rescue us from all these problems very soon. From Ojo A Ayodele, Emure Ekiti For Gbenga Omotoso When did National Flag start bearing our Logo? Is it part of Reflections on May 29 or part of Nigeria’s present confusion? The patriots like you should always reflect the TRUTH for up-coming generations. From L.O .David,

Abuja .

I believe Jonathan meant well when he made those promises during his electioneering campaign of 2011. It is rather the obstructing challenges thrown up all over the place in his government that tend to make the fulfilment impossible. We don’t need extra-sensory perception to know this, if we are sincere. Nobody runs a race with his legs and hands heavily manacled and poisonous darts thrown at him from all directions and is still expected to perform maximally under that condition.

Jonathan’s problem becomes more intractable and pathetic when even the very machinery he should have deployed to tackle the strange developments have themselves become part of the major challenges facing him alongside (conspirators). In this case, how then could he have easily banished the problems overnight as his critics would want us to believe, even with the entire state apparatus at his command.

A tree definitely can’t make a forest. From Emmanuel Egwu I read your piece Reflections on May 29. One point continues to baffle me, not just because you said it today, but millions of people hold that belief, which I consider flawed: that Abacha denied our esteemed MKO his mandate. The general truth is that IBB annulled that election, not Abacha. Secondly, no matter the sentiment, there was a Head of State in power when our MKO declared himself president in Lagos. That was treason. Abacha didn’t kill MKO. He even died before Abiola. Abiola attacked the wrong man. I think that, for posterity, it’s important that the right facts be put out there...always. It was never Abacha’s place to restore a mandate he didn’t steal to begin with. Anonymous Your article Reflections on May 29 would have won my heart except for your choice of words on the late Gen Abacha. Why mock the dead?

The Yoruba respect elders and the dead. Please, retract your words. From Nurudeen Babatunde Fifteen years of our democracy is a waste.

The common man on the street is dying of hunger while those in the corridor of power are living in affluence. Unemployment is on the rise; insecurity, stealing and politics of hate are now the language our leaders understand.

Those who are celebrating Democracy Day are celebrating evil because, everyday, people are dying. A good leader celebrates good happenings not evil. From Hamza Ozi Momoh Apapa Lagos.

I started reading The Nation six years ago now, but the criticisms without giving a solution to the present administration is getting unbearable, I think it is a time to search for a newspaper that discharges its work without political sentiments. From George You are too humorous with your style of writing. ‘Ara’ [wonder] can never end in the bowel of “Alara”. At times, I wonder if you are the architect of the famous Awada kerikeri. You deserve ‘Awada’ award because you use your native intelligence to drive home your points.

A country deserves the type of leader she gets.

How come that OBJ is still relevant in our political history today? From Wole Adediran, OdeOmu, Osun State For Segun Gbadegesin Sir, this is journalism par excellence; balanced reporting. From Bayo Ogunsanya Oh my goodness! What an analysis, how I wish all our nationals are literate and opportuned to read through the article. Keep writing as inspiringly as you can. The Abatis of this world and the rest of them at the presidency need the re-orientation. Thanks From Henny, Awka Why can’t you journalists write something good about your country and president, for once. My brother, we are wiser. Anonymous You seem to be reading my mind when you wrote your piece “Denial & the blame game”.

Kudos for calling a spade a spade. From Somnazu Francis, Asaba.

It is not right to say we voted Jonathan into office when Obasanjo insulted us all by writing a public letter saying he put Jonathan there.

Protests about Jonathan’s failures should be taken to Obasanjo’s doorstep having admitted to organising a charade that brought him to power in Nigeria. Anonymous

You see this is Nigeria for the PDP. They always think they are on the right path since the birth of Boko Haram. They rely on negative information always and dump the positive information. Kashim Shettima was right by saying the Boko Haram are well equipped than the multi-million budget Nigeria soldiers are. It is a shame for us and our army. It’s also a shame for the PDP to rule this fine country again. We are watching and we will continue watching. From Tuta Mr. President, I want you to take heart. In due time, Nigeria will pass away from all the terror problem. Anonymous Had it been you have the power over military, we would have asked you to grant them power to act to end the Boko Haram conduct.

From Oguamanam Evans .C., Imo State.

The West and its allies carry a heavy moral burden as a hoard of stolen wealth. It’s time for BRING BACK OUR WEALTH!!- From H.S. Faseesin Well done for your analysis. The Presidency is not totally wrong to say, there is politics in Boko Haram. You remember during 2011 election, some politicians said, if they did not win, they would make the country ungovernable.

It is what is happening now. Anonymous It isn’t proper to think that Jonathan should have approached the abducted Chibok girls issue exactly the same way President Obama or any other leader would, to live. Every leader has got his method. Besides, security matter isn’t one a leader should hastily dash to the stage to discuss just to impress it on the general public that something is being done.

No, it has more to do with a behind-the-door action plan, which must be decisively followed with practical but silent implementations of the strategies adopted for effective result. In government, you have Secrets, Confidential Matters and Top Secrets the cases are usually treated accordingly. But, where the President has actually lagged behind on the issue, let our cooperation make up for that. As it requireds the votes of the people for him to become the president, so, too, it calls for the cooperation of the people for the President to succeed. From Emmanuel Egwu It is, indeed, shameful that our government is playing politics with the lives of these VIRGIN ROSES. Anonymous In your editorial of Friday, May 30, 2014, entitled: Denial and the blame game, you really exposed the progressive encumbrance to GEJ’s administration. That’s just an articulated summary of his (GEJ) inactivity and failure as could be seen in a speech by the Chairman of Nigeria Governors at an international conference at Port Harcourt, Rivers State, recently.

How I wish other editors are like you to help deliver millions of ignorant and corrupt Nigerians with parochial vision. May God help us. Form Henry, Nsukka.

Re: Denial and the blame game. You have said it all. The menace of Boko Haram insurgents continue to devastate and give everyone sleepless nights and, so far, we have not been able to find a solution to the menace. They continue to kill, abduct and maim innocent souls, indiscriminately daily, and, nothing has been done to bring them to justice, other than play bitter and dirty politics against the opposition. It is surprising and irrational to read some time ago the accusation levelled by the Minister of Information against the APC of sponsoring Bring Back Our Girls campaign. This is the level to which the government has degenerated. They have been in power since 1999, and yet, there is nothing to show for it.

Infrastructural development is still at zero level. How to stick to power perpetually and rig the forthcoming elections in Ekiti and Osun States are their pre-occupation at the moment.

The Yoruba says: A king that rules in a town and there are peace and tranquility, is a king; his name will not be forgotten. On the other hand, a king that reigns and there are chaos and desertion, is a king; his name will not be forgotten as well. This is why all the security challenges are bad omen for the PDP-led administration and their name will go down in history as a bad government. From Princce Adewumi Agunloye.

• Akpabio For Tunji Adegboyega Re: Akpabio, Akpabio. As far as I am concerned that bill passed by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly regarding the governor and his deputy’s exit package was/is outrageous and selfish. Unfortunately, the house members also joined in the madness by their approval. I am always amazed what makes Nigerians roar in joy with this civil rule. And the NLC could not go on strike over this bogus retirement package. From Lanre Oseni.

You say Akpabio’s pension law is okay, when last were primary school teachers paid?

Do you know the level of poverty and hunger in the state? Anonymous.

Nice article on the Akpabio pension issue, except to say, as you and I know, today is not the Sabbath Day; today is the first day of the week , Sabbath is the seventh day of the week, Saturday as ordained by the Holy Bible. Once again, nice work. From C. Ogwo, Esq. Umuahia.

You Yorubas are fighting tooth and nail to bring Jonathan’s government down because you are not in power. When you vote in the Hausa man, you’ll continue to agitate and form another NADECO. What a pity! From Fortune, Port Harcourt.

Governor Akpabio is a wise man. He knows that outside the government house, life is hellish, especially when one has no other means of economic survival. To people like him, the future is for those who prepare for it. This is why he is not leaving anything to chance, even if it means creaming off the whole treasury of Akwa Ibom State to Secure his own tomorrow. This is the remarkable difference between the’ government’ of Sambisa Forest and what we have in Nigeria as democracy. In the former, funds are being judiciously used to achieve the purpose for which they are earmarked. That is why the leaders of that enclave could plan and unleash maximum terror on us all at will. But in the latter, they are criminally pocketed by an individual with legal backing. Anonymous To think that a man of humble beginning like Akpabio who should thank God for His grace to survive acute poverty in life would want to earn these unbelievable benefits is mind-boggling. Akpabio was just hustling to survive in Lagos when former Governor Attah took him and made him commissioner ...

Anonymous The fear of the unknown is the beginning of wisdom in Akpabio’s mind. If he has no skeleton in his cupboard, then, I must tell you, he is afraid of his shadow. Somebody who ruled for eight years as governor and deputy governor in Nigeria would still be hustling for allowance after leaving office; this is selfish. It is now clear to everybody that most of our leaders are self-centred. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa, Lagos.

Governor Akpabio should have continued to keep his good name as one of our performing governors; unfortunately, this issue of N100million medical allowance after leaving office for governors which is against the will of the citizens of the state who are suffering from hardship and neglect is uncalled-for, the citizens should resist the scam. Are there no human right activists, NLC and TUC to protest against the backdrop of these bogus entitlements? From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State.

How much did Aso Rock bootlicker pay you.

Your ilk are Nigeria’s problem. You are a ragtag hungry writer! From Dr Mike, Delat State.

Your column of May 25 refers. Fifteen wasted years indeed. Fifteen years of uninterrupted democracy yes; but when are we having 15 days of uninterrupted power supply? Can anybody say? From Mark, Kogi State.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

25

BUSINESS

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

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga

THE NATION

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

World Bank’s lifeline for contract monitoring,others

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie (Just back from Accra)

T

HE International Development Fund (lDF) through the World Bank has made available $1million to Ghana’s Anti-Corruption Coalition to build partnership across four countries in Africa to fight corruption through the media.

Speaking on the sideline of the Capacity Building Workshop on Contract Monitoring, Project Manager of West Africa Contract Monitoring Network (WACMN) Mrs. Beauty Emefa Nartey said the objective of the regional training workshop was to bring to the fore the role of journalists in fighting corruption in contract awards and implementation.

She said the pervading poverty in some African countries have been traced to corruption caused by contract awards due to poor procurement process, political interference and low level of competitiveness.

She cited the Nigeria’s power sector contracts where as late as 1986, the government promised to the people uninterrupted power, regretting that by this year, the story was still the same with the nation not wining the war against pervading darkness in the country.

Earlier, Executive Secretary, Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), Mrs. Linda Ofori-Kwafo, said fighting corruption in contract awards and monitoring could only be successful in different African countries and by extension check poverty and poor living standards if the media rise to its responsibility as a watchdog of the society.

Contractors threaten to sue Aviation C Ministry over debts

ONTRACTORS being owed billions of naira in ongoing airport remodelling projects in the country have threatened to take the Ministry of Aviation to court, the Minister of Aviation, Samuel Ortom has said.

The minister told House of Representatives Committe on Aviation that since he took over, he had not awarded any fresh contract.

“We have not awarded any new contract. I think there was only a capital release of N1billion which was paid. We have not undertaken any new project and we don’t intend to embark on any new project looking at the debt profile.

“As money comes, we will try to reduce the debt and ensure that the ongoing projects are completed.

“We are no longer in the news because most of our projects that were going on are

From Faith Yahaya, Abuja

at a standstill and you will recall that the budget was just appropriated and so, we are waiting for that release and as soon as we have them, we should be able to mobilise the contractors to continue work especially the projects that are near completion.”

He assured the committee that the minsitry will work in line with the template given to it to provide necessary information.

He said: “Since we came in, we have not been able to get money. Contractors have been on our neck, some of them are still on site and they are willing to continue. As soon as we have money, we are going to prioritise the projects. As I said,

there is no way we can raise enough money to pay within this year on all those projects that are going on. Our intention is to prioritise those ones that are near-completion so that they can be completed.

The ones that have not started, we want to see how we can review them at the level with us.

“Nothing can go on except we can pay the contractors and the fund is what we lack. Right now, some people are even threatening to take us to court and we cannot push them to go back to site. For the Kaduna airport, the contractor is demanding for N250 million.”

It might take the Ministry of Aviation 20 years to repay its N174 billion debt but it is expected to commence the re-

payment of the loan which was meant for the four terminals with the interest portion of N18.23billion by July, this year.

The House committee on Aviation then described the ministry’s debt profile as ‘scary’.

The committee during its oversight visit to the Ministry of Aviation also said the indebtedness was worrisome.

The committee raised concern on the Chinese loan of $500,000,000, which was secured with a moratorium of seven years. The counter funding obtained by the Debt Management Office (DMO) is worth $100,000,000.

The Chairman of House Committee on Aviation, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, demanded that the ministry submit before the end of five working days, the full document to guide the committe to do onspot assessment ongoing projects.

Hon. Onyejeocha said: “We are not here to witch hunt or probe anybody, if you don’t give us correct information, we will give you wrong advise, so give us right information that will move the aviation sector forward.

“Our oversight function and the committee seeks specific information on the details of every structural change made to project and the budget implication, details of project under construction from loans, details of

Engineers seek solution to challenges in construction

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all agreements by FAAN (Federal Airports of Nigeria) in the last two years, signed and unsigned, update on the hotel under construction at the Lagos airport, among other things.

“Also, the committee will like to know whether all contracts were certified and followed due process, whether all contracts are worthy of continuation, if not why? And we will like to have details on all outstanding project components as at today.”

The committee noted that its oversight function will place attention on outcomes and policies impact on the larger society.

“It is expected that all information needed will be provided within five working days from the date of this meeting.

On the debt profile, she said: “It is worrisome that you are presenting a debt profile of N174billion. One will tend to ask, how are you going to get the money and how did you incur this debt? It is very worrisome in as much as you have said you are going to use certain strategies to repay.

“The committee is frowning on such debt profile because we know monies have been appropriated for most of the things that you have been doing in aviation. This debt is critical and serious. We need to have details of the project and we will conduct due diligence on those projects and even those ones that you have paid, I don’t think it is right, I am not judging but It is scary to have such debt in the ministry of aviation.”

•From left: Wife of Kwara State Governor, Mrs. Omolewa Ahmed; Chairman, Committee on Works and Energy, Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Moshood Bakare, listening to Airtel Nigeria’s Regional Operations Director (ROD), West, Segun Macaulay, at the inauguration of a new Airtel Showroom in Ilorin, Kwara State.

‘Why indigenous pilots are not employable’

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ANAGING Director of Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Limited, Captain Akin Oni has attributed inadequate flying hours, inability to pass competence tests, and low quality training from overseas training institutions as part of the reasons many indigenous pilots are unable to secure employment in the aviation sector.

He said the rising unemployment rate among young indigenous pilots may be difficult to check because many of the young pilots do not have the mandatory 150 hours required to show their competence on any aircraft.

He made this known yesterday while unveiling the 20 cadet helicopter pilots to be sent

Banks’ assets to hit $168b - P 26

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

to the United States by the firm for a one-year training programme at the academy run by the Bristow Group in America.

Oni said the 20 cadet helicopter pilot trainees would cost the airline over $500 million.

He said it costs about $250,000 each to train cadet pilot for the one -year training in the US. Oni said the firm has trained over 300 pilots in the past 30 years to boost capacity building.

Oni said the firm will continue to invest in the training of indigenous pilots as part of its contributions to improve indigenous competence and competitiveness.

He said the airline will continue to train more helicopter

pilots to reduce the number of expatriate pilots in its employ, adding that the airline is carrying out the manpower development programme in compliance with the local content policy of government to create opportunities for Nigerians to run critical sectors of the economy.

He said it cost the airline more money to engage expatriate pilots, who are not necessarily more competent.

Oni said airlines incur more costs to engage foreign pilots, for which they pay more to guarantee their security in view of kidnapping, huge costs of accommodations, travel expenses, salaries and other incidentals associated with foreign employees.

SEC blocks aggressive acquisition in new rights’ rules - P28

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HE construction sector cannot attain the desired growth if the challenges facing it are not addressed, experts have said.

They spoke at the Nigeria Professional Development Conference tagged ‘Nigeria PDC’ organised by the America Society of Engineers (ASSE) in Lagos.

Be it construction contracts, road safety or building process, they stressed the need for safety management to avert hazards in construction.

ASSE Nigeria Chapter President Jeff ‘Vwede Obahor said the aim of the conference was to bring together professionals and industries leader under one roof to share ideas and experiences that will move the country through effective collaboration among the professionals.

He said the American Society of Safety Engineers is the world’s oldest professional safety society which encourages professionals in the construction sector to be safety conscious.

He noted that Nigeria, ranked Africa’s top economy,

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

according to recent government data, and listed as an emerging market by the World Bank, is experiencing enormous growth with its oil reserves and the construction projects needed to bolster its infrastructure.

According to Fumilayo Akinlade, an official with Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the America Society of Safety Engineers is committed to protecting people, property and environment, saying the group’s messages deserve rapt attention by professionals in the built environment.

“We know you manage risk, attempts to reduce the frequency of failures that failures occur , the consequences are life threatening. The Federal Road Safety Corps being the lead agency in traffic management, ensuring safety on our roads and creating good and safe road culture in Nigeria,”she said.

Akinlade said all hands must be on deck to ensure safety consciousness is im-

Reducing unemployment via youth entrepreneurship - P39

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

26

THE NATION

BUSINESS MONEY

e-mail: money@thenationonlineng.net

CBN moves to check money laundering ahead of 2015 elections A

HEAD of the 2015 general elections, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is reviewing the money laundering policy to curb abuses.

Findings showed that the CBN is reviewing the reporting line for compliance officers to ensure they report directly to bank Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) against the prevailing practice in most banks where they report to general managers or directors.

This, a CBN source said, makes it difficult for money laundering breaches to be sent to the CEOs and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

“What the CBN wants is that rather than the compliance officers reporting to directors, which is the case at present, will report directly to bank CEOs to ensure that money laundering breaches are tackled without delay. We want to monitor major fund transfers and movements, especially as the 2015 election approaches,” the source said.

The source said the need to address the anomaly prompted the CBN to issue a circular at the weekend which mandates the

Stories by Collins Nweze

banks to promote their compliance officers to positions where they can report directly to their CEOs. In the circular, the CBN said it was worried over poor qualification of compliance officers in some banks and discount houses.

The circular signed by K. O. Balogun for director, Banking Supervision, said information available to the apex bank revealed that chief compliance officers of some banks and discount houses were below the grade of general manager.

The CBN said equally worrisome was that most of them do not report directly to the Board of Directors.

“This is a flagrant disregard of extant laws and regulations on the subject. The CBN circular ref BSD/ 2/2002 dated August 8, 2002 and FPR/DIR/GEN/001/022 dated July 18, 2013 directed that banks and discount houses should designate Chief Compliance Officers, not below the grade of a General Manager to, among other things, apply the provisions of the relevant Acts and

circulars on money laundering at various levels of their institutions,” it said.

It said Section 9(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011(as amended) also requires them to designate, at management level, Chief Compliance Officers (CCOs) in their Head Offices and branches, who have the relevant competence, authority and independence to implement their institutions AML/CFT Compliance Programme.

It said Section 7(2) of Central Bank of Nigeria (AML/CFT in Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria) Regulations, 2013 stipulates that the CCO shall be appointed at management level and shall report directly to the Board on all matters under the Regulations.

The CBN, therefore, directed that no Chief Compliance Officer in their institutions is below the grade of General Manager without the CBN prior approval.

Accordingly, the particulars of all current CCOs with evidence of the CBN approval of same and reporting line should be forwarded to the Director Banking Supervision

From left: Area Manager, Ecobank, Akwa State, Godwin Eton; Executive Director, Southsouth/Southeast, Mr. Kingsley Umadia; Deputy Governor, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Valerie Ebe; wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Precious Gbeneol at the presentation of cheques to beneficiaries of MDGs funds in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

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Banks’ assets to hit $168b

HE banking sector is expected to grow to over $168 billion by 2015, a KPMG report on the subsector has said. The sector was worth $117 billion as at 2011, a Customer Service report by the global auditing firm said.

The report said while Nigeria may be Africa’s most populous country, only about 20 per cent of the population is banked and two-thirds have never been banked at all.

KPMG said the sector has recently experienced some regulatory changes, including a repeal of universal banking licences and the promulgation of more stringent regulations by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which was aimed at reducing soaring books of nonperforming loans and stamp out severe breaches of corporate govern-

ance.

“However, with the establishment of the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) to purchase toxic assets of banks and recapitalise troubled banks, some stability has returned to the sector,” it said.

This development made the leading rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P), to upgrade the sector in 2012 to a positive outlook due to the country’s improved asset quality, capitalisation and corporate governance.

The report posted on the firm’s website said with Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) becoming almost ubiquitous in the cities, it was not surprising that it had become the fastest growing channel in recent years.

“Almost eight in 10 customers surveyed use the ATM and nearly two thirds of these people visit an ATM on a weekly basis with cash withdrawal and balance enquiry amongst the most common transactions customers perform via the ATM,” it said.

However, it said despite the proliferation of new channels in recent years, adoption of other alternate channels is still comparatively low.

It also said there were very few respondents. It listed its report as follows: internet banking (seven per cent), Point of Sale (six per cent), telephone banking (five per cent) and mobile payments (two per cent).

Of the respondents that had used internet banking, one-third were private sector employees and 15 per cent, students.

within 1(one) week from the date of this letter.

The CBN also observed with concern the lack-lustre attendance of CCOs of the monthly meetings of the Committee of Chief Compliance Officers of Banks in Nigeria (CCCOBIN), which it said has resulted in the inability of the forum to form the required quorum necessary to take vital decisions pursuant to its mandate.

• CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele

Diaspora remittances up by five per cent to $65b, says AfDB

D

ESPITE the financial crisis, remittances from the Diaspora and foreign direct investment (FDI) to Africa have continued, with relatively large volumes in recent years, The African Development Bank (AfDB) has said.

According to the lender’s 2013 annual report released at the weekend, remittances reached $65 billion last year, an increase of five per cent compared to 2012. The bulk of the remittances were to North and West Africa, regions with the largest number of migrants abroad and which alone received some 80 per cent of the total funds from the Diaspora.

AfDB said 40 per cent of the remittances are from Europe, 28 per cent from the United States, 13 from Africa itself and about nine per cent from the Middle East. It said the resilience of these remittances is starting to attract the interest of the public authorities and the private sector in Africa.

It said net foreign direct investment (FDI) flows have increased by almost nine per cent, to reach $57 billion in 2013. This increase reflects Western investors’ quest for value amid general low interest rates. The bulk of FDI went to mining exploration and to building the capacity of the extractive industries. Paradoxically, while the con-

T

tinent is short of investment capital, considerable financial resources continue to leave African countries illegally.

President, AfDB Group, Donald Kaberuka, said in 2013, growth for most African countries continued to be robust and is expected to accelerate in the year. However, sustainability requires that the benefits are shared more equitably. “In 2013, the bank committed $6.7 billion to projects and programmes in member countries, an increase of some three per cent in real terms over the previous year in accordance with our strategy—the bulk of the investments were in infrastructure,” he said.

Kaberuka said the lower overall lending at the bank window was more than compensated for by higher levels of financing from our concessional window, the African Development Fund (ADF).

“Despite the unfavourable global economic environment, the bank has maintained a strong financial position. Our risk bearing capacity remains robust. The four major rating agencies once again reaffirmed their AAA rating of the bank’s senior debt, with a stable outlook. This confirms the bank’s capital adequacy, prudent financial and risk management, solid shareholder support, and preferred creditor status,” he said.

CIBN rolls out new code of conduct

HE Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has issued a new code of conduct to banks to check rising infractions in the industry.

The institute said it resolved 1350 petitions/cases of infractions in the last 13 years. It said the new code are harmonised version of three codes, namely, the code of ethics and professionalism in the banking and finance industry, code of banking practice and the professional code of conduct.

Presenting the code of conduct to the media in Lagos, the President/ Chairman of Council, CIBN, Dr. Segun Aina, said the new code was part of efforts and mandate of the institute to further maintain and ensure compliance of banking institutions to ethics and professionalism as well as guarantee the safety and soundness of the industry.

According to him, the code is expected to enhance the highest level of adherence to good banking practices and a strong commitment to high ethical standards in the banker-customer relationship.

He noted that the provisions of

the code are binding on the industry as operators and regulators made input to its development while approval was obtained from the bankers’committee.

“The institute also requires its members, as a matter of necessity, to recognise the required responsibilities in the conduct of their businesses and to strictly adhere to the code.

“The provisions in the code governs the behaviours of both individual and corporate bodies in the banking industry, It also applies to all strata/cadre of employees in the industry whether full time, part time, temporary, contract of insourced.

The Registrar/Chief Executive of the institute, Uju Ogubunka, said the review of existing codes became necessary to address emerging challenges in the industry.

The CIBN noted that its ethics and professionalism division resolved 1350 cases between 2001 and 2013 as against 1,504 petitions received within the same period.

27

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

MONEY The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has instituted a three-tier Know-Your-Customer (KYC) initiative to take banking to the grassroots. COLLINS NWEZE examines the implication of the policy and the growth of the financial system.

I

N most developing countries, a large population of low income earners has little or no access to financial services. As a result of this, many of them depend either on their own or informal sources of finance to get their businesses done. Lending to the economy is affected because a large portion of the funds are outside the banking system.

The CBN statistics show that about 64.1 per cent of adult Nigerians (56.3 million) do not have access to financial services. Various factors account for the high level of financial exclusion. These include irregular income, distance and low number of bank branches and cumbersome account opening requirements/ procedures.

The CBN said the lowering of the KYC policy is to allow the unbanked access to the financial system. According to him, the regulator is interested in bringing small savers into the financial sector in line with its financial inclusion policy.

This is so because low income earners, poor and socially disadvantaged segments of the population, majority of who live in the rural areas, do not have access to financial services mainly because they also lacks means of identification which is a requirement in account opening.

It, therefore, came as a relief to most grassroots customers when, in furtherance of its objective of enhancing financial inclusion and access to finance, the CBN developed the tiered Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements for compliance by banks and other financial institutions under its regulatory purview.

The CBN had introduced three-tier KYC requirements for banks. The policy, categories bank customers into Low Value Accounts (Level One); Medium Value Accounts (Level two) and High Value Accounts (Level three).

A circular to all banks and other financial institutions (OFIs) signed by CBN Director, Financial Policy and Regulation, Chris Chukwu, explained that the policy became exigent after the CBN recognised that access to basic banking facilities and other financial services is necessary in achieving the policy on financial inclusion. He advised banks to adopt the new KYC requirement adding that the proposed deposit limits is meant to reduce the risk of money laundering and financing of terrorism.

He said the Low Value Accounts are subject to close monitoring by the financial institutions and less scrutiny by bank examiners.

The CBN director said the accounts can be opened at branches of banks by prospective customer or through banking agents and no amount is required for its opening. However, such accounts prohibit international funds transfer.

According to him, the Medium Value Accounts can be opened face to face at any branch of a bank by agents for enterprises or by the account holder but, the accounts are strictly savings within no amount required for its opening. Also, where cross-checking of client’s identity cards information is not completed at the point of account opening, withdrawal would be denied.

Chukwu added that for the High Value Accounts, banks are required to obtain, verify and maintain copies of all required documents for opening them. Account is to be opened at the bank branches by physical presence of the prospective customer and the accounts could be both savings and current. However, for mobile banking products, the account attracts a maximum transaction limit of N100, 000 and daily limit of N1 million while such products are subject to the CBN Regulatory Framework for Mobile Payments Services in Nigeria.

He said banks are required to have robust, effective and efficient anti-money laundering/ combating the financial terrorism (AML/CFT) solutions with screening tools that will monitor the various thresholds. “All accounts, no matter how low the transaction or the risks, must be subjected to continuous suspicious transactions monitoring by financial institutions which will determine when incremental KYC requirements need to be provided by the customers,” he said.

KYC Vs money laundering

Inter -Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) has advised banks to strengthen their enforcement of Know-Your-Customer (KYC) policy of the CBN. GIABA Representative in Nigeria, Timothy Melaye, told The Nation that removing Nigeria from the list of countries identified as jurisdictions with significant deficiencies in their Anti-Money Laundering and Counter

Promoting grassroots banking

• FirstBank CEO Bisi Onasanya

• UBA CEO Phillips Oduoza

Regulation, Nwaoha I.T., said the tiered KYC is about financial inclusion. He explained that the KYC requirements were made in such a way to reduce the incidence of identity fraud.

According to him, “the requirements are such that if you don’t cascade it down and simplify it as the financial requirement becomes less, you will automatically rule out a large segment of Nigerians from the system. He explained further that the tiered KYC requirements were fashioned out to ensure that those who otherwise would not be qualified for an account relationship on account of the rigour associated with the detailed KYC requirements of the past are also given opportunity to open account and transact business to the extent of the amount of business that they do.

Nwaoha explained that there was need for proper implementation of the policy to ensure its success as an improved KYC regime would not only promote financial inclusion, but increase the effectiveness of its requirements. It will also improve the quality of KYC information obtained by the financial institutions from their customers.

“We have observed that the laudable policy would produce lasting result if it is properly implemented and monitored timely from its inception,” he said.

The CBN director said the strategy ensures that CBN carries out certain commitments to demonstrate its seriousness to the project while the financial institutions comply with the various provisions of the guidelines while putting in place the required infrastructure.

He said the financial institutions are expected to undertake a detailed evaluation of the policy to determine how best to implement it. Also, CBN and banks are expected to undertake mass public awareness campaign, particularly in the rural and sub-urban areas as such would promote wide acceptance of the policy.

KYC for DNFBPs

• GTBank CEO Segun Agbaje

• Sterling Bank CEO Yemi Adeola

Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regimes was good for the country.

He said banks should do more in ensuring that they understand their customers’ businesses better by adopting the new KYC rule.

He said Nigeria has taken the right steps, including the establishment of legal and regulatory framework that will assist it meet its anti-money laundering initiatives, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

He said adopting an efficient KYC policy will ensure that Nigeria does not return to the list of non-compliant countries on money laundering going forward.

“The FATF welcomes Nigeria’s significant progress in improving its AML/CFT regime and notes that Nigeria has established the legal and regulatory framework to meet its commitments in its Action Plan regarding the strategic deficiencies that the FATF had identified in February 2010. Nigeria is, therefore, no longer subject to FATF’s monitoring process under its on-going global AML/CFT compliance process. Nigeria will work with GIABA as it continues to address the full range of issues identified in its Mutual Evaluation Report,” he said.

documents for simple account opening. But all that has changed,” he said.

Adigun said with this policy, more deposits would embrace banking, adding that this would boost lending to the productive sectors of the economy.

Deputy Managing Director, Diamond Bank Plc, Mr. Uzoma Dozie, stressed the need to continue to drive policies that will enhance access to finance to support economic growth.

“There is need to focus more on financial inclusion and also to provide the enabling environment for small businesses to thrive. What we found out is that a lot of business starts, but they falter after some years.

“There is need for greater collaboration between the Central Bank and the Federal Government and agencies, such as the Federal Inland Revenue, the legal system, to reduce the burden of financial inclusion in the society because the more people we have included in the financial system, the better the effect of monetary policy transmission,” he said.

Other stakeholders speak

A bank customer, Moses Adigun, said the new KYC rule has made it possible for him to own bank account. “I think the policy has made it easier for most people to have bank accounts.

Before now, banks were asking for all sorts of

How the KYC rule works

The ‘tiered’ KYC requirements regime ensures application of flexible account opening requirement for low-value and medium value accounts. This means that account opening requirements will increase progressively with less restrictions on operations. However, the main objective of the proposed approach is to promote and deepen financial inclusion.

CBN Acting Director, Financial Policy and

‘The ‘tiered’ KYC requirements regime ensures application of flexible account opening requirement for lowvalue and medium value accounts. This means that account opening requirements will increase progressively with less restrictions on operations. However, the main objective of the proposed approach is to promote and deepen financial inclusion’

To ensure compliance by the Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) to the KYC policy, the CBN has extended the deadline for additional KYC for the subsector till this month. The apex bank had set December deadline for the plan, after initial postponement from April 30, last year.

In a statement, the CBN Acting Director, Financial Policy and Regulation, A. O. Ikem advised DNFBPs that have not registered with Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) will have to do same before the deadline ends, failing which they would not be allowed to operate such accounts. The CBN said the extension is meant to address some of the challenges encountered by SCUML as a result of the number of persons seeking to enjoy late compliance.

The CBN had earlier issued a circular, mandating DNFBPs on the need to provide additional KYC requirements to their banks and Other Financial Institutions (OFIs). It said compliance is in line with international best practice against adverse developments resulting from money laundering and financing of terrorism globally.

CBN Acting Director, Consumer & Financial Protection, Mrs Dutse Umma Aminu, said the overall strategy of the policy is to reduce adult exclusion rate from 46.3 per cent in 2010 to 20 per cent in 2020 as such feat would support the empowerment of many Nigerians and promotion of economic growth.

She said the CBN strategy defined clear objectives and sets specific targets across five primary products and services on payments, credits, savings, pensions and insurance. He said the priority is on transforming the KYC regulation into simplified risk-based tiered framework that allows individuals who do not meet formal identification requirements to enter the banking system.

She said the CBN is also pursuing the development and implementation of regulatory framework for agent banking to enable financial institutions deliver services through agents such as post offices in locations that will otherwise be unprofitable to open physical branches.

Aminu said the CBN has also developed and is implementing a National Financial Literacy Framework to guide delivery programmes that will increase the awareness and understanding of financial products and services with the ultimate goal of increasing sustainable users.

The banking watchdog, he added, is also implementing a comprehensive consumer protection framework to safeguard the interest of consumers of financial products and services and sustain confidence in the financial system.

28

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

THE NATION INVESTORS

SEC blocks aggressive acquisition in S new rights’ rules ECURITIES and Exchange Commission (SEC) has amended the rules and regulations guiding the issuance of shares to existing shareholders by a company, in a move that will block major shareholders from acquiring renounced shares at the expense of the other shareholders.

An amendment to the rules and regulations on rights issue approved by the board of SEC indicated that allotment of renounced shares under rights issue would now be distributed proportionately among all shareholders on the basis of additional shares applied for by the shareholders.

Rights issue pre-allots shares to existing shareholders on the basis of their shareholdings at a cutoff date. However, shareholders may decide to fully take their preallotted shares or take part of the allotment or reject the entire allotment. Partial acceptance or non-acceptance of rights creates room for renounced shares. Other shareholders may request for additional shares from the renounced shares. However, shareholders who renounced their shares may sell their rights through rights trading on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Rights issue gives the first right of refusal to existing shareholders and thus preserve existing shareholding structure. Some major shareholders had however used the loopholes in the previous rules to aggregate renounced rights and increased their majority shareholdings. For instance, Cadbury Schweppes had increased its majority equity stake in Cadbury Nigeria to 74.99 per cent by acquiring additional rights’ shares, which were not picked up by the Nigerian investors.

The new amendment to the basis of allotment stipulates that “in

the case of a Rights Issue, the allotment of the renounced shares shall be pro-rated on the basis of additional shares applied for by eligible shareholders, as stated by the rights circular”.

The amendments come on the heels of increased number of companies filing for rights issue as core investors in several quoted companies led efforts to inject new equity funds to bridge equity financing gaps and reduce dependence on bank loans.

Against the background of the dormancy in the public issue segment of the primary issue market and high interest expenses, several core investors that hold the decisive votes and funds necessary for the success of recapitalisation of quoted companies have opted to inject additional funds, hoping to rally minority shareholders to provide much-needed equity funding to their companies.

The Nation’s check with investment banking sources indicated that not less than 10 companies have initiated plans to raise new equity funds, with most opting for rights issue. Unity Bank is currently raising N19.2 billion through a rights issue. Presco is seeking to raise N3.5 billion while May & Baker Nigeria is considering raising some N3 billion from existing shareholders. Julius Berger Nigeria is also considering raising about N8 billion while market sources indicated that many companies including RT Briscoe, Oando and Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN) among others could be raising funds in the period ahead.

Market analysts said the grow-

ing list of rights issues underscores the preparedness of core investors to refinance their companies as well as the undervaluation of several companies at the stock market. According to analysts, rights issue implies significant financial commitment by the core investors.

Unity Bank plans is raising N19.22 billion through a rights issue of 38.447 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to existing shareholders at a price of 50 kobo each. The rights have been pre-allotted to shareholders on the register of the bank as at December 16, 2013 on the basis of one new share for one share held as at the closure date. The rights issue will close later this month.

Presco Plc plans to raise about N3.5 billion from existing shareholders with the board of directors of the oil-palm processing company expected to table a proposal for the new equity issue before the shareholders at the forthcoming annual general meeting.

The board of Presco would be rooting for a rights issue of 100 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each on the basis of one new share for every 10 shares held as at the qualification date. The board has indicated that the rights would be offered at N35 per share.

If approved at the general meeting, Sa Siat nv, which holds 60 per cent majority equity stake in Presco, will provide nearly twothirds of the rights funds. Presco has 10,000 shareholders with the largest group of shareholders holding small units within the range of 1000 to 10,000 shares.

In the case of May & Baker Nigeria, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), the major core investor in the healthcare company, will provide some one-quarter of the required equity funds if all shareholders pick up their rights. There are indications that Danjuma, who had earlier extended N2 billion bailout to the company, might consider providing additional equity funds beyond his pre-allotted shares to bolster the success of the rights issue. Danjuma, a multi-billionaire, at the last count, held the largest equity stake of 24.38 per cent in May & Baker Nigeria through his company, T.Y Holdings Limited.

Shareholders of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc are expected to vote on a new capital issue that could see injection of about N8 billion into the leading construction company.

While the details of the new issue are still sketchy, directors of the company have indicated they

could be raising funds through any form of debt and or equity instrument by way of public offering, private placement and rights issue among others.

At the forthcoming general meeting of Julius Berger Nigeria next month, shareholders are expected to increase the authorised share capital of the company from N622.50 million, comprising 1.245 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo, to N800 million, comprising 1.6 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo.

This will create headroom for new issues.

The board of Julius Berger Nigeria would also be rooting for shareholders’ mandate to issue up to 150 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each in the authorised share capital of the company to identified investor(s) by way of special placement, at a price per share to be determined on the basis of the volume weighted average closing price derived from the daily official list of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) over the 90 day period immediately preceding the date on which the company obtains the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Market analysts said they expected more companies to file for rights issue given the high gearing ratios of several quoted companies, which interest burden could stifle returns to shareholders in the period ahead.

How to protect capital market

L

EADING stockbroker and Chairman of Capital Bancorp, Mr Olutola Mobolurin has called for consolidation in the stockbroking industry in order to engender healthy competition and protect the capital market architecture from sharp practices.

According to him, there are more than enough capital market operators relative to the level of business in the market and operators and regulators need to find common ground to consolidate the large number of operators into a strong but sizeable number of operators.

Mobolurin, who also chairs the NASD Plc and Custodian and Allied Plc, said the negative competition created by the large number of operators running after relatively low businesses with depressed fees is adversely affecting the stock market.

“It is obvious that the current level of business cannot sustain the number of operators in the market. The industry is in dire need of consolidation and or restructuring to emplace healthy competition,” Mobolurin said.

He however kicked against arbitrary use of regulation to enforce consolidation noting that both the capital market regulators and operators should find a common ground to ensure a smooth consolidation process.

According to him, consolidation should not be artificially imposed by resort to mandatory statutory capital requirements as capital alone does not make an institution viable. Capital can be adequate or not. Over-capitalisation is just as bad as under-capitalisation.

He lamented what he described as meddlesome role of the National Pension Commission (Pencom) in the stock market pointing out that the pension regulatory agency had unfairly taken advantage of the stockbrokers.

He noted that the intense competition in the stockbroking industry and the quest for the institutional investors led to the acceptance of PENCOM’s meddlesome, over-reaching and ruinous price fixing for brokers’ commissions with hardly a whimper from the industry.

“Neither Securities and Exchange Commission nor the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) rose to the defence of the brokers. It is instructive that in PENCOM’s quest to reduce cost of transactions, it did not reduce the NSE, Central Securities and Clearing System (CSCS) and SEC’s fees which now individually exceed the mandated brokers’ fees by as much as three times.

Big foreign investors, I was told, were quick to seize on this PENCOM’s meddlesomeness and their transactions are now charged largely on the PENCOM’s fees,” Mobolurin said.

He added that it is being rumored that some of the foreign investors seizing on the cut-throat competition in the industry have been offering those desperate enough for their business, half of the PENCOM’s mandated transaction commission.

“The relative distribution of the reduction in transaction cost must be revisited to promote healthy industry. The regulatory institutions and CSCS cannot justifiably be earning as much, and often times more than the operators,” Mobolurin stated.

•From left: Managing Director, Abuja Enterprise Agency, Mrs. Aisha Abubakar; Media Relationship Manager, Dana Air, Mr. Samuel Ogbogoro; Sales Manager, Ashmina Limited, Mr. Anshuman Bakshi and founder, Nisa Premier Hospital, Dr. Ibrahim Wada, at the 2nd FCT Entrepreneurship Conference and Merit Awards in Abuja.

PHOTO: ISAAC AYODELE

Commission mulls five-year strategic plan

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HE International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) is developing a strategic plan that will cover between 2015 and 2020.

IOSCO is the leading international policy forum for securities regulators and is recognised as the global standard setter for securities regulation. The organisation's membership regulates more than 95 per cent of the world's securities markets in more than 115 jurisdictions. Nigeria is a member of the 32-member board of IOSCO. The global body is undertaking a review to develop the strategic plan, which will define the outcomes IOSCO wants to achieve by 2020; develop a strategic plan for IOSCO and the IOSCO secretariat to achieve those outcomes and determine funding and resourcing needs of the IOSCO secretariat to implement the

strategic plan and annual business plans.

The review will also develop a financing plan to meet the funding and resourcing needs.

IOSCO said that it is seeking inputs from key stakeholders to benchmark IOSCO's performance against its Strategic Plan for 2010 to 2015 and stakeholders' engagement with the IOSCO General Secretariat and other forms of contact with IOSCO. The review will also look at the key challenges, which will impact regulated markets and activities and the role of IOSCO in addressing these challenges over the next five years.

Members of the IOSCO Board are the securities regulatory authorities of Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Mo-

rocco, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Ontario, Pakistan, Portugal, Quebec, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom and the United States.

The Growth and Emerging Markets Committee, with Nigeria as a member, is the largest committee within IOSCO, representing 75 per cent of the IOSCO membership. Mr. Ranjit Ajit Singh, Chairman, Securities Commission, Malaysia, and Vice Chair of the IOSCO Board, is the Chair of the GEM. The Committee endeavors to promote the development and greater efficiency of emerging securities and futures markets by establishing principles and minimum standards, providing training programs and technical assistance for members and facilitating the exchange of information and transfer of technology and expertise.

Newspaper of the Year

AN SIX-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHWEST STATES

Sorry state of Oba Prison

•‘Shameful, appalling, dehumanising’

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State was at the Oba Prison in Abeokuta on Democracy Day to share the joy of the day with the inmates and probably grant some of them reprieve, but what he saw shocked him. ERNEST NWOKOLO reports.

•Continued from Page 30

INSIDE

•New Abeokuta Prison, Oba

Foundation rewards students •PAGE 34

Walking to create awareness •PAGE 35

PAGE 29

Farmers lament drop in sales •PAGE 36

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

30

SOUTHWEST REPORT

•Inmates at Ibara Prison, Abeokuta

A

LL over the world, the concept of prison and imprisoning is not to punish but to correct offenders through an inbuilt mechanism designed to bring about an effective Reformation, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RRR) of the inmates.

And it is also usually patterned in such a way that by the time the offenders served out their time, either in full or they get pardoned before their term ends, the initial faulty conscience that instigated criminality would have been so reformed to a degree where they would feel sufficiently sorry for the offence committed and also acquire moral strength upon eventual release into the normal society, to say no to the same or similar conducts that sent them to jail in the first place.

And not surprisingly, some inmates do acquire vocational skills at the end of the day, while others intelligent enough and willing, are also given an opportunity to obtain tertiary education, ostensibly to enable them adjust effectively when the prison doors flung opened for them to go home and join their families and members of the larger society.

But the Oba Federal Prison in Abeokuta, Ogun State, presents a different picture.

Tucked in a remote area off Abeokuta and with barely two accessible roads, perhaps only during the dry season, the happenings and plights of the 538 or so inmates in the facility remain largely out of the awareness of others.

This makes help or visitation by family members, non-governmental organisations and other humanitarian agencies to the inmates

Sorry state of Oba Pri difficult. Even in an emergency situation, there are no prison vehicles to evacuate those having health challenges.

There are no medical doctors or pharmacists to handle inmates’ ailments, save one nursing officer. No drugs to treat the ailing ones and even the surrounding are not hygienic enough as evidenced in the hot pungent foul odour oozing out from the body of some of the inmates. No fewer than four deaths were said have been recorded there in the last five months, prompting many to express the fear that such incidents might be occurring regu-

larly there.

To mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day, last Thursday (May 29), the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and a team of Committee on Prerogative of Mercy visited the prison.

Amosun was there to see the possibility of granting amnesty to some deserving inmates but he could not believe what he saw. He visited Ibara prison, Abeokuta, earlier same day where he granted amnesty to 15 inmates.

But the governor, who was accompanied to Oba prison by the state’s Attorney-General and Com-

‘

There are all sorts of health challenges they are exposed to like malaria, tuberculosis, most likely some have sexually transmitted infections like HIV/AIDs, some have scabies and there are malnourished people there, it is a mixture

‘

missioner for Justice, Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu, Health Commissioner, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, Head of Service, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle among others, broke down in tears, saying where the inmates are kept is “shameful”, “appalling” and “dehumanising.” He expressed the fear that something “contagious” could be lurching inside Oba prison.

Amosun was particularly saddened by the plights of the over 50 per cent of the inmates who are being ravaged by strange diseases and could not access medication.

He was passionately touched upon listening to the inmates who in their frail and gaunt state, pleaded for clemency lest they die before the conclusion of their cases.

The Nation gathered that some of the inmates had spent up to seven years awaiting trial.

Others have their case files either lost or got muddled up as to be unable to know the charges for which they were being tried.

Amosun said, “for me it was like coming to share the Democracy Day with them, to see the possibility of commuting those on death roll to life imprisonment or release some that have few years to go after considering their record.

“But the condition is dehumanising and appalling. If we have any intention of correcting them by sending them to prison, I think this

is not the way. It is so bad everybody has to accept responsibility for what has happened.

“Indeed, I put it there (in the visitors’ note) that it is like they are being sent to be killed here. Just look at their condition, Ibara is old but you could see that the inmates are still full of hope. They can be corrected but not the people here.

“I think it is a big shame and I feel so ashamed really that I am a governor in this kind of condition that I have seen, you could see these people, they are traumatised, they are dehumanised, very appalling.

I have the feelings that they are being sent to the grave there, just look at their condition.

“They can be corrected but look at the people here, more than 50 per cent of them is either, they are not alive or they are very sick; all of them being ravaged. I think we need to do something. I am not happy seeing fellow Nigerians this way. They may have been criminals at one point in time. I also realise that some of them have been there awaiting trials for upward of 5 - 6 years, some of them sevens years, then there is a problem.

“I am not exonerating myself, governance is a collective thing, those of us in the positions of authority like this, we should be able to take responsibility. It is the Federal Government that is saddled

‘ THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

31

SOUTHWEST REPORT

•Inmates at Abeokuta Prison, Ibara

son with the responsibility of taking care of the prisoners but we as a state too, we should do something.”

Also, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, who observed the state of the prison, told The Nation some of the inmates are likely to be suffering from tuberculosis, festering scabies and sexually transmitted infections.

Soyinka said the state would mobilise its medical team and logistics to attend to urgent health challenges facing the prisoners, blaming their plights on shortage of basic drugs and health officers in the prison’s clinic.

Soyinka said: “there is something we can do. I think one of the problems, is scarcity of resources, they don’t even have drugs and supplies in the clinic that is in there. We are going to assist them with that. Our outreach will be combined with the federal services to assist them.

“There are all sorts of health challenges they are exposed to, malaria, tuberculosis, most likely some have sexually transmitted infections like HIV/AIDs, some have scabies and there are malnourished people there, it is a mixture, there are certain things that are systemic that would take the prison system to correct but there are other things we can assist with and the health insurance would

•Prison Notice Booard

also assist.”

When The Nation met the Comptroller of Prisons, Ogun State Command, Mr. Olalere Joseph, he said they are working to make the prison perform its reformation role on the inmates but complained of the command being handicapped in a number of ways.

“The challenges in Oba prison are peculiar ones. It is not that we don’t have space but we are grossly having shortage of staff.

I’m not the one to give directive to

employ more staff. It is at the discretion of the National Headquarters to recruit.

“They know we have shortage of staff. We send returns and we have been requesting for more hands.

And until recruitment is conducted, there is no way you can get staff.

“On the issue of the medical needs of the inmates, it is not standard enough, we don’t have enough personnel to man the clinic, the Oba prison you are par-

ticular about, we have one nurse there, there are supposed to be three staff, but only one person is doing the shift, even if there is no vehicle to take them to hospital.”

On the way the inmates are kept which is predisposing them to many challenges, Joseph said the essence of putting suspects or convicts in prison is to ensure that no escape occurred but where there not enough hands, the inmates have to be housed where few staff can manage.

“The essence of putting them in prison is to ensure that they do not escape for security purposes, we have to manage the space, where we would be able to monitor them closely.

“It is just unfortunate that things are not working the way it is supposed to work, there is provision for this aspect of reformation of inmates but the facility are not standard enough to do this aspect of reformatory programme.

“All the workshops need total rehabilitation. I’m talking of Ogun State command. We need to equip the workshops with necessary tools for all the vocations carpentry, bricklaying, furniture making, weaving, tailoring and a host of others. “ And a sociologist, Dr. Sola Aluko-Arowolo, said the prison is generally supposed to reform inmates, but rued that most of the nation’s prisons may not be able to perform that primary function because of paucity of personnel and lack of even basic infrastructure.

Aluko-Arolwolo, who is a lecturer at the state-owned Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago - Iwoye, said since the prison is a “total institution” which takes absolute control over whoever that is in its custody, the “authority of the prison determines what happened to the inmates.”

He cited the case of Dr. Nelson Mandela, who was able to study and obtained a degree in law while serving jail term in Robin Island, South Africa, because the authority made the prison environment conducive for inmates to achieve whatever noble cause they set their minds upon.

But the don noted that the experience in Nigeria is different, saying it is not uncommon to see 20 people huddled together in a cell meant for two or three inmates.

This, he reckoned, stretched the prison facilities thin, breed unhygienic surrounding, health challenges, psychological problems, aggressive behaviour and peer influence that sabotage the prison’s reformative efforts on inmates.

He admitted that inmates do have some rights, particularly those not convicted for capital offences like murder or robbery, and urged family members and right based non-government organisations to legally hold the government or its agents accountable for any dehumanising treatment.

He said in the event of ‘wrongful death,’ it is possible to press charges against the government if it can be established that inmate’s death followed negligence or denial of right to basic things that could have saved life by prison authority.

Suggesting some ways out of prison congestion, the university Don said more courts and judges should be made available so that criminal cases can easily be sorted out quickly.

Aluko-Arowolo also said the prison should first be reformed before it can reform inmates and recommended a situation where convicts could be made to serve their terms productively by engaging in farm settlements, roads construction and other ventures to make them useful to themselves and the society.

He equally advised that an extensive use of alternative dispute resolution of cases, where some minor offences could be settled without recourse to the court. According to him, this would reduce the congestion in prisons that followed the prolonged trial of cases of suspects on awaiting trial.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

34

SOUTHWEST REPORT Fear of ‘one chance’ robbery grips Lagos residents

I

•Dr Jidenma (third right) and Mrs Daswani (third left) with the award-winning students

Leoplast Foundation rewards Lagos, Ogun students B

OTHERED by the current trend, in which youths engage in anti-social activities due to lack of genuine policies and programmes to empower them, the Executive Director of Leoplast Foundation, Mrs. Sanjana Daswani, has said that empowering Nigerian youths mentally would go a long way in securing their future and making them contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

She spoke at the foundation’s third annual prize-giving ceremony for students from Lagos and Ogun states that performed well at this year’s essay competition which was entitled “what I would like to be in future.”

The event held at the corporate office of Leoplast Group of Companies on Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Lagos.

Mrs. Daswani noted that Leoplast Foundation is a non-governmental organisation that aims at giving financial, material and moral support to Nigerian students to enable them have access to quality education.

She stated that one of the ways the foundation empowers the youth is through giving them access to quality education by instituting an annual essay competition with students from Lagos and Ogun states competing.

“At Leoplast Foundation, our primary objective is to ensure their intellectual development, which in turn will make them better citizens. In the circumstances, and as part of our corporate social responsibilities, we have successfully carried out major people-oriented projects at some schools.

“We have constructed toilet facili-

By Chinaka Okoro

ties at Ideal Primary School Oshodi; we have also refurbished electricity generating set at Ijamido Home in Otta, Ogun State, even as we have rehabilitated malfunctioned water system for the inmates of the home, among other projects,” she said.

Mrs. Daswani assured that the foundation will not relent in its efforts towards provision of quality education for Nigerian youths.

In her speech, the Managing Director/CEO Leading Edge Consulting, managers of the foundation, Dr Ije Jidenma praised Leoplast Industries Plc, which, through its Foundation, is impacting positively on the quality of education in public schools in Nigeria.

She noted that 13 public senior secondary schools from Ado-Odo/Otta in Ogun and Lagos states and 22 public senior secondary schools in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area, representing Leoplast ‘catchment areas’ participated in the essay competition.

Dr Jidenma said: “The schools sent in their three best English Language students, three independent examiners were appointed from the academia and the media to grade the essays. The three best essays from each state were selected. We wish to commend the parents of the successful candidates as well as their teachers for the efforts which they have made towards building the leaders

of tomorrow. The English Language teachers of all the winners will receive awards. Their schools will also be rewarded.”

She noted that the outcome of this year’s competition shows that majority of the winners are girls, a situation, she said, happened at a time when the country is experiencing an excruciating task of bringing our ‘Chibok Girls’ home. She reminded stakeholders in the education sector of the need to remain committed to the education of our children, especially the girl-child.

She said: “Quality education is the right of every child. It boosts self confidence, builds self esteem and leads to self actualisation and the realisation of our national development goals.

The investment in the education of our children has a direct and sustained impact which helps to reduce some of society’s challenges, including the reduction of inequality, poverty alleviation, reduction of maternal mortality rates, infant and child mortality rates, general enlightenment and the engendering of economic growth and prosperity.

“The enthronement of a meritdriven way of life is something that our schools and, indeed, our country desperately needs. Leoplast Foundation also provides scholarship scheme for staff’s children in tertiary institutions. To support Lagos State government, it has adopted Ideal Primary School, Oshodi.”

N time past, various forms of vices like robbery, snatching of bags, pick-pocket and “one chance” were rampant in Lagos. Time was when “one chance” was outstanding than the other vices.

“One chance” is a form of robbery devoid of use of sophisticated arms and most times with locally-made guns. It takes the form dispossessing unsuspecting passengers who boarded a particular commercial vehicle of his or her belongings. Those who engage in this kind of vice use commercial transport buses often referred to as ‘Danfo’ for their operation. There will be people in the vehicle who are not passengers.

They are in the bus to make would-be victims convinced that those in the vehicle are also passengers. There will be a conductor beckoning on would-be passengers to board the bus or taxi. This will make the victim have confident that they people in the vehicle are genuine.

When they reach a point, the thieves would close the door of the vehicle and one of them would ask the genuine passengers to co-operate. At that point, they will dispossess the passengers all they have.

This was the faith of Mr. Omorege David, a resident of Ahmadiya, an outskirt of Lagos who was returning from his office at Ikeja at 11:00pm after the day’s job. David boarded a commercial bus at Ikeja Along to go home, but immediately after Ile-Zik, all the genuine passengers in the bus were asked to co-operate. They were robbed.

Narrating his ordeal, he said before the hoodlums started dispossessing them of their belongings, all the passengers were thoroughly beaten in order to co-operate. The bandits, who were armed with two locally-made guns even threatened to kill anybody who made noise or refuse to co-operate with them.

Another incident involved John Adewale, a lawyer, December last year.

Mr. Adewale was returning from a trip to Lagos. He alighted from the interstate bus that he boarded at Ojota and boarded another one to Oshodi.

Adewale had no inkling that he boarded a bus operated by thieves.

Mid-way into their journey, the robbers announced their mission.

The five-man gang asked everyone in the bus to obey their orders or get hurt. After robbing all the passengers, they encountered some policemen on patrol who suspected the bus and asked the driver to pull over. They interrogated the driver, conductor and the passengers and they assured the policemen that everything was alright.

But as the bus was about to move, a man who was later identified as an im-

By Jude Isiguzo

migration officer brought out a white handkerchief through the bus widow and waved it at the policemen. The policemen instantly understood the sign that the passengers were not safe. They gave them a chase. The hoodlums, it was gathered, opened fire at the policemen and there was an exchange of fire. Two of the robbers were killed and the passengers and their properties rescued.

A Photo-journalist Mr. Abiodun Ogunleye will not, in a hurry, forget his encounter with ‘One chance’ operators along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway. He was attacked on Friday, March 21, 2014, on his way home after covering an event around Second Rainbow in Amuwo-Odofin Area.

Ogunleye boarded a 14-seater bus around 11:00 p.m. from Mile Two-Oke to Cele Express.

According to him, hardly had the bus got to Sanya bus stop than a ‘passenger’ in the bus brought out a gun and proclaimed thus: ‘’eh, look up, you better co-operate or you have yourself to blame.” The ladies inside the bus were asked to drop their bags, while the males were thoroughly searched and items found on them were confiscated.

Abiodun, who sat close to the door, was almost spared. Unfortunately, the one who was sitting close to him pointed at him. He explained to his assailants that he was a Photo-journalist who was returning from an event.

They were not impressed by this. They rather descended on him; hitting him with the butt of a gun.

They eventually made away with his company’s identity card, his camera and accessories, cell phones, a hand bag and N28,000.

Before now, these ‘catch in the air’ robbers were everywhere. Many residents of Lagos lost valuables worth millions of Naira to these men of the underworld who disguised as commercial vehicle operators.

Happily, the police were able to contain the menace and the number of incidents reduced. But residents are afraid that the ugly phenomenon is gradually rearing its head. They urged the police to check the trend before it gets out of hand.

Police spokesperson for Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said there has not been reported case of “one chance” incidence in the state lately.

She further explained that the command is not resting on its oars in ensuring that lives and properties of residents are protected.

Reward for hard work, loyalty, as traders get car gift

H

UNDREDS of traders at Bodija and Gbagi International markets in Ibadan, Oyo State, abandoned their shops just to witness what many had thought was impossible.

Curious motorists and passersby even pulled aside by the road to have a glimpse of the presentation of the brand new cars to the winners of this year’s customers bonanza organised

by Unilever Nigeria PLC. They all defied the scorching sun to watch the handing over of the keys to the winners.

At Bodija Market where the event took place, it was a huge gathering of foodstuff traders and other onlookers, anxiously waiting to see the reality of the event.

Some had expressed doubt that the ceremony could turn out to be a mere showy display, and cast doubt on the sincerity of the organisers.

On a wooden platform stood the brand new “tear rubber” metallic

Those who toil often have cause to smile when they reap the fruits of their labour. Two traders in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have been given two new cars for their perseverance and loyalty. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU writes. green Hyundai car which was the attraction of many eyes .

Friends, relatives and well wishers of the winners were jubilating, while others were thrilled by the car award to a petty trader.

The foodstuff section of the Bodija Market was almost empty on the fateful day as only few were left in their shops.

When it was time for the officials of Unilever Nigeria Plc to formally present the brand new Hyundai cars to each of the two ‘Bestsellers’ in the state that emerged winners, many raised their voices shouting praises to God .

They described the award as a sign to all that nothing is too great for

God to accomplish in the lives of men.

The lucky winners, Alhaja Oyindamola Salam from Bodija Market and Mrs. Shola Akinyele from Gbagi Market were filled with disbelief as the keys of the cars were handed over to them.

The two traders who were acclaimed by Unilever as “long-standing reliable customers” could not believe their eyes as they were formally presented the keys of their respective car in the presence of hundreds of other traders who had stormed the presentation ceremony which was jointly coordinated by the company’s Field Sales Manager (Foods), Mr. Taofiq Ositade and the Assistant Customer Marketing Man-

ager (Foods), Mrs. Adeola Bodunrin.

Alhaja Oyindamola Salam, who has been selling food condiments and provisions for over two decades, expressed gratitude to God for deeming it fit to uplift her and thanked the company for the award.

When asked what she would do with the car, Alhaja Salam said” ah! I will not think of selling it because there is a purpose why God gave me this car at this point of my life. I will be using this car as a personal ride to my shop and attend occasions.”

While explaining that the car was her first, the 62 year old trader expressed her commitment to her trade, adding that it pays to be committed to whatever one is doing in

life.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ositade disclosed that Unilever presented a total of 13 cars to lucky winners across the country in 2013 adding that loyal customers are similarly being rewarded this year as part of the organisation’s corporate social responsibility. This he said was with a view to appreciating their contribution to the growth of the Unilever group.

While congratulating the two winners from Oyo State, he noted with delight that Ibadan has remained a vibrant market for the assorted products from the Unilever group.

Ositade remarked that Unilever will continue to produce foodstuffs and culinary that would make people feel and enjoy good lives.

Responding, the beneficiaries commended Unilever for the good gesture promising to continue to be good ambassadors of the company.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

35

SOUTHWEST REPORT

I

T was a long, stressful walk. But it was worth the sacrifice. It was all about saving life.

Hundreds of people turned out penultimate Saturday to participate in the annual Rhesus Factor Day Walk for Life, an event organised by Rhesus Solution Initiative (RSI), a non-governmental organisation to create awareness on Rhesus factor and Rhesus incompatibility. It held in Lagos.

The annual event witnessed participants that walked 20 kilometres from Maryland to Mile 12 and back to Maryland to raise awareness on Rhesus factor.

The organisers also used the occasion to lend their voices to the ongoing clamour for the release of the girls abducted from Government Girls’ Secondary School Chibok in Bornu State.

The crowd was not deterred by the early morning heavy downpour; they converged on the Maryland Complex where the walk took off.

The procession was meant to enlighten the public on the need to reduce infant mortality and maternal morbidity.

The walk for life also aimed at promoting awareness on the effect of blood groups and genotype among pregnant women.

Decked in Rhesus Factor Day Walk for Life branded yellow shirts and fez caps, the participants stormed the ever-busy Ikorodu Road with motorised Disk Jockey (DJ), which entertained them with various genres of music.

Commuters as well as motorists slowed down to catch a glimpse of the event. That some private car owners parked to watch the delightful procession showed how interesting the stressful walk was.

•Mrs Banire (fourth right), her husband Dr Muiz (middle); Hon Tejuoso (second right); Mrs Oladunjoye (third right); Alhaja Oyefeso (fourth left) and others

Walking to create awareness on Rhesus Factor

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

The gathering later converged on Mile 12 Park where RSI Founder/ President Mrs. Funmilayo Banire and few dignitaries addressed the crowd.

Mrs. Banire said millions of women are battling with Rhesus disease across the country.

In Lagos, she said over 300, 000 people are affected by the scourge. She called for more enlightenment to reduce Rhesus incompatibility.

“We are trying to reduce to the bar-

est minimum the effect of maternal morbidity. We have been able to impact knowledge to many people around with this walk,” she said.

“RSI,” Mrs. Banire said, “was out to sensitise teenagers and pregnant women about their blood group and Rhesus status particularly to prevent problems associated with rhesus disease or “heamolytic disease.

“Ours,” she noted, “is to play “complementary roles to primary health institutions by promoting access to Rho (D) immunoglobulin injections to women first at 28 weeks

gestation and within 72 hours after delivery.

“We equally advocate provision of facilities for monitoring and management of already sensitised pregnant women. We also advocate free blood testing i.e. blood grouping, genotype and Rhesus factor for every female in Lagos and Nigeria. Our network of rhesus negative people provide immediate blood donation.”

Mrs. Banire said over N12 million has been expended on 800 women who benefitted from the free Rhogam injection donated by the organisation.

Lagos State Commissioner for Education Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye said the initiative is a good opportunity for pregnant woman to give birth to healthy baby.

According to her, the campaign is a clear expression that parents do not want their babies to die.

She commended the Rhesus Solution Initiative for organising the walk and urged the public to support the project.

Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Adefunmilayo Tejuoso said Lagos State government has done a lot to reduce maternal mortality rate.

T •From left: Olori Safiat Aileru; Olu of Mushin, Oba Fatai Aileru and Lagos State Commissioner of Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat at the event.

Mushin celebrates 19th cultural day

T

HE celebration was like a carnival. The colour, grandeur, commitment and loyalty of the people of the Mushin Community came alive last Saturday when the Lagos community celebrated the 19th edition of its culture, tradition and progress.

It was a day they had looked forward to for a long time.

Men, women and youths were not left out as they had a date with history. As a result, they turned out in large numbers to witness the event.

Defying the scotching sun, they danced to rhythms of the gbedu drums. Chiefs assembled at the palace of the Olu of Mushin, Oba Fatai Aileru to pay him homage and perform some traditional rites. They were later joined by the Ilu Committee, fathers and market leaders. They were led by their monarch to the market square, which had already been pre-ar-

By Nneka Nwaneri

ranged for the event. Stalls and shops were shut in anticipation of the day.

Mushin Day is an annual celebration through which they people discuss progress and development of their community and to assess the performance and contribution to the development of the community of those in government as well as make demands on areas of neglect.

Oba Aileru walked gracefully to a tent made for the high profile personalities. He was accompanied by the Lagos State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Obafemi Hamzat, who chaired the event.

In his welcome address, he urged the residents to remain committed in ensuring that the area attains glorious heights.

There was cultural display by the Igbo community in Mushin. Another youth group also had an acrobatic

display to the admiration of the people.

Oba Aileru urged landlords, landladies, market leaders and leaders of the community to strive for a clean and hygienic environment.

To curb insecurity, he called on government to retrieve all arms and ammunition from those who are in their possession illegally.

As part of activities for the event, there was the launch of Mushin Social Development Association. Senator Ganiyu Solomon was made the life patron.

With the Oganla 1 of music Wasiu Alabi Pasuma thrilled members of the community.

Dignitaries that attended the event the Asiwaju Ndigbo of Mushinland High Chief John Nwosu; the Iyalojas of Ojuwoye, Daleko and Idioro markets Alhaja Mufuliat Adesunmi; Alhaja Ajani Alalukinba and Alhaja Hannatu Fashola respectively.

“As an Ambassador of the state on the issue, we are working with traditional birth attendants to explain to them their limitations, to educate them on the need to actually know the resource and status of their pregnant women,” she said.

Hon Tejuoso hailed Mrs Banire, urging other women to come up with laudable initiatives that will enhance the well-being of mankind.

National Naibatul Amirah (VicePresident) of The Criterion, Alhaja Yewande Oyefeso said, the walk has made more women aware of Rhesus disease. ”This is a very populated area where we have a lot of uneducated people, bringing this awareness to them is a very good idea and I am sure people will get more enlightened. I want to enjoin Lagos State government to embrace it and to also make it compulsory at the health centres for people to know their status.

Only if you know your status that you can get treated. All pregnant women should go for this test to know their status and the injection be made free for all women in Lagos State,” she said.

Ondo community laments HE Okeigbo community in Ondo State, has decried what marginalisation they termed ‘political

marginalisation.’ They have formed a political committee to tackle the problem.

At a meeting in Lagos, Okeigbo indigenes under the aegis of Okeigbo Central Council/Okeigbo Consultative forum (OCF) said for long the people of the area have not enjoyed the dividends of democracy, as they should. Both in elective positions and appointments, they claimed, they are not being fairly treated, even though they have always been politically active. They have, therefore, resolved to embark on massive political education to encourage more of its people to embrace partisan politics, adding that they would support the best candidate from any party.

At the forum, attended by representatives of some political parties, unions and groups, Chairman of OCF, Chief Dele Oduwale urged his people to speak with one voice. He said earlier that they formed an economic committee, which he described as a huge success, adding that one cannot achieve economic power without political power.

Continuing he said: “Political power is important. Needless to say that we are backward. I don’t think it is impossible to speak with one voice. If we can, Okeigbo will get to its pride of place. The heat of political activity is on. I want to urge that all should seek the progress of Okeigbo, no matter your party.”

By Joseph Eshanokpe

Former Chairman, Ile-Oluji/ Okeigbo Local Government, Niran Akinniyi, in a paper titled: Okeigbo; when is a people? called for political sensitisation among his people, a permanent structure manned by experts for policy formulation and enforcement and a monitoring group that will guide the people before and after elections.

He said: “If, indeed, and in truth our gathering is to fashion out an impersonal, non-partisan, comprehensive and sustainable development agenda for the long-suffering, politically traumatised and socially dislocated people of Okeigbo, then we must start on a soul-searching note of critical self-evaluation,” adding: “We must work together. We must identify and agree on our goal – our common goal.”

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Oye Elusiyan, enjoined those who want to join politics to go home and start from the grassroots. He asked those who want to vote to also go home and register. He advised the committee members to work without bias and be guided by the principles of fairness and equity.

Members of the committee are Profs Tola Olatunji (Chairman), Rufus Olayomi, Venerable Segun Ajayi, Sunday Fola, Chief J. Akinbobola.

Others are Princess Funmi Ogunlusi and Mr F. Moshood.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

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SOUTHWEST REPORT

‘Boko Haram forced me to relocate from Abuja’ A lawyer’s dream of having a befitting Law Centre in Abuja, the Federal Capital, has been cut short by Boko Haram. DAMISI OJO reports on how the insurgency drove Dr Benson Enikuomehin to relocate his practice from Abuja to Akure, Ondo State

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ITHIN the last three weeks, Akure the Ondo State capital had witnessed the commissioning of two Law Offices by two eminent lawyers, the former Ekiti State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Akinlaja (SAN) and former Ondo State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC) Dr Benson Enikuomehin.

Both Chambers have well equipped Libraries for references and Law Research coupled with other basic facilities to uplift the legal profession.

According to the Chief Judge (CJ) of Ondo State,Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi, with the present development, the legal practice in the state is improving than in the past.

Kumuyi who spoke as the Chairman at the inauguration of Shalom Chambers built by Dr.Enikuomehin lamented the poor condition of Chambers of most lawyers practising in the state, noting that most lawyers cramp themselves into a ‘room and parlour’ apartment particularly around the State High Court Complex, Akure.

Besides, he deplored a situation where of all lawyers practising in the state, only Mr Olagoke Olakunle had attained the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Kumuyi said “this was so not because lawyers practising in the state were not brilliant but because they do not take the practice as serious as it should be” He however enthused that more lawyers in the state are beginning to take the practice more serious as modern law chambers are springing up.

He said the initiative of Enikuomehin, who built a state of the art Law Office and the former Attorney General of Ekiti State, Dayo Akinlaja (SAN) whose chamber was commissioned penultimate week by the President, Customary Court of Appeal, Ondo State, Justice Taiwo Aguda is a challenge to other lawyers in the state capital.

Enikuomehin who also marked his 52nd birthday anniversary said building a befitting law office had been his dream since he was called to the bar over 19 years ago.

The former NDDC Chief said he had invested heavily in law books which culminated in the commissioning of his Law Library in Abuja.

He however lamented that the Boko Haram insurgency ravaging the federal capital had killed his vision of a five storey Law Centre at the central area of Abuja after his architect had completed the design.

Enikuomehin said he was sad because of the huge investment he put into purchasing the land required for the project.

The lawyer said the frustration of Boko Haram made him to relocate his dream law office to Ondo State.

According to him, the office commissioned is the “Boys’ quarters” to the edifice now under construction and which would be commissioned in the next one year. .

Enikuomehin said “upon my call to the Nigerian Bar on March 22,1995, I resolved to do my best and contribute my quota to the development of legal profession in Nigeria.

“I developed the Lagos Office, but not to the taste of the “Dream law office, my sojourn to Akure in 2003,could still not avail me of the kind of law firm I dreamt about in 1995.When moved to Abuja in 2008,I proposed to build a National Law Firm which would be second to none in Nigeria and probably in West Africa. I decided to invest in Law books which culminated in the commissioning of my Law Library in Abuja.

“In 2010,my architect designed a five storey law centre to be erected at the Central area of Abuja. This vision was killed by the invasion of Boko Haram ravaging facilities in the Federal Capital. I was sad because of the huge investment I had put into purchasing the land required for the project”.

Enikuomehin said with the frustration of Boko Haram, he decided to relocate his dream law office to Ondo State, stressing that in the next one year, the new Law pavilion would be commissioned in the State capital.

In his speech, a frontline lawyer, Chief Olusola Oke urged lawyers to take their profession very seriously even if they had to get themselves involved in politics. He said politics must not been seen as a profession but a game.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of Federation of Women Lawyers, Mrs Bunmi Niyi-Arajuwa advised lawyers to help the course of Women in the society, stressing that the association would soon give out cases involving Women and Children to law firms. She pleaded that such should be on pro bono basis.

Eminent lawyers including Chief Olusola Oke, John Mafo and traditional rulers particularlyfrom the riverside Ilaje local government where Enikuomehin hails, graced the event held at Enikuomehin new Law firm premises at Oba-Ile near Akure.

From left: Chairman, Premium Poultry Farms Limited, Alhaji Mahey Rasheed; Prof. Sonaya and Dr. Oduntan at the event

Farmers lament drop in sales

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HE activities of the Boko Haram Islamic sect in the Northeastern part of Nigeria is impacting negatively on the output of poultry farmers across Nigeria as the lingering activities of insurgents have resulted in a drop in sales of poultry products.

The National President of Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, revealed this during the group’s Second Poultry Summit held at the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Alausa.

While lamenting the situation, Oduntan said the activities of Boko Haram are seriously affecting members of the association who are into poultry farming, as the drop in sales is due to nonavailability of some raw materials, usually sourced from the affected states.

He said exportation of raw materials to neighbouring countries had become impossible while access to raw materials like maize and groundnuts was threatening the poultry business.

Oduntan added that the insurgency has paralysed retail sales in the North as a result of a nonexistent nightlife during which northerners usually sell eggs in very large quantities to tea sell-

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

ers.

He called on the Federal Government to provide maximum support for the poultry business as it currently cannot meet the volume of demand for poultry products in the entire country.

Oduntan said the association decided to chart a new course by coming up with a poultry development plan that covers 10 years (2013-2023) because “poultry is a multi-billion Naira business within the agricultural sub-sector.

“We need to take our destiny in our hands because it is obvious we can be exporting eggs to the whole of West African subregion.

“We have come up with the strategic framework for the Egg and Chicken Promotion Board.

The main focus shall be market development for chicken and eggs. Other core responsibility of this body shall include research, trade promotion and education,” he said.

He called on the Federal Government to give poultry farmers special status.

“We need to be treated especially as it was done in devel-

oped countries. Government has to solve the problem of multiple taxations. We demand allocation of maize by the Strategic Grain Reserve at discounted prices for our farmers,” he said.

Head, Poultry Transformation Team of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Prof. Funsho Shonaiya said standards have been set in five areas for operators in the poultry business to ensure professionalism and top-level industry best practices.

He listed the five areas as breeder farming, feed mill operations, hatcheries, slaughter house operations, and safe usage of poultry drugs and vaccines.

Shonaiya, who represented the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina said the ministry has made progress in poultry commercial production.

The minister explained that the challenges the ministry experienced is the need for standard and what made good system of production in poultry.

He said: “What we are advocating is voluntary implementation of standard,” adding that the ministry will soon embark on categorisation and certification of poultry industry in the country.”

Celebrating Democracy Day with dividends of democracy

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HAT better way to celebrate ‘Democracy day than to share the dividends of democracy with your constituents’!

That was exactly what the lawmaker representing Ajeromi/ Ifelodun federal constituency, Lagos State in the House of Representatives Honourable (Prince) Taiwo Oyewole Adenekan did last Thursday when Nigeria celebrated the 15th anniversary of her return to democratic rule. And he marked the day by bringing joy to the faces of no fewer than 400 members of his constituency to whom he distributed items meant to empower them economically.

Adenekan gave out items ranging from sewing machines, grind-

By Oziegbe Okoeki

ing machines, hair dryer, hair attachment, canoes, tricycles, noodles, groundnut oil and crates of egg to his people to appreciate and thank them “ for standing with our party, appreciation for having confidence in our party and in those they have elected to represent them; and to also tell them to keep fate with us, to continue to give that support and we will never let them down”.

The purpose of the empowerment, he said was to lift the people out of poverty by letting them have some share of dividends of democracy. “So bit by bit we touch individual hand, bit by bit we will set people up and bit by bit poverty

will be eradicated. So it is part of that bit that I am doing today”, Adenekan said adding that the empowerment is for members of the constituency not minding party affiliation.

“We carefully select beneficiaries; tailors both male and female who are in the trade maybe with only one machine, we support them with another machine to expand their business. Housewives who don’t have something to do we give them grinding machines to put in front of their houses, it generates some income for them. We also give canoes to those living in the riverside area so that they can fish with it and make a lifelihood.

“Then we give direct funds, that is financial assistance, though a token of N20,000 per person to either

boost their or start a trade. I have been doing that. We live among them and we know the level of poverty and we know that with N20,000 some people will start up and they will continue from there. We have done it before this is not the first time. We give them to those it will benefit most”, Adenekan said.

He urged the beneficiaries to use what they collect effectively so that they can keep going and generate income to sustain themselves and families.

Speaking on Democracy Day, the lawmaker said democracy is a culture and a process. “It is a culture our leaders have imbibed and are passing over onto us. Many years of military intervention was a setback to us and 15 years in the life of our country is a very small period.

“As far as I can see democracy is growing, it is waxing stronger and when we fall we stand up again; we look at our mistakes and we move forward, then our people and our country will be the better for it.

And as far as I know democracy is on the right part because we now have freedom of expression, association and so many other freedoms that democracy has given to us. I really appreciate the democratic process, it is an ongoing process and we shall continue to wax stronger”, Adenekan said.

He urged the people to perform their duties by paying their rates and taxes so that the state and local government can move forward and develop.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

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THE NATION INVESTORS

NSE insists on minority rule at special meeting

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HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) appears resolute in pushing through a new rule that will bar major shareholders, directors and their related persons and institutions from voting at specially-convened meeting for significant public interest transaction that requires approval of shareholders.

Executive Director, Business Development, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri, who gave this indication, highlighted the draft rules on related parties transactions and conduct of annual general meetings as some of the interesting rules being codified by the Exchange as the accepted mode of engagement at the market.

New draft rules on “meeting convened to obtain securities holders approval” being finalised by the NSE exclude all related and interested parties, entities, associates and proxies from exercising their voting rights, even where they hold fully-paid shares.

The new draft rules represent major paradigm shift from the current practice where such excluded persons and entities are allowed to exercise their voting rights and runs contrary to the general principle of one share or unit, one vote.

“Meeting convened to obtain securities holders approval” in capital market parlance generally includes extraordinary general meeting (EGM). Many

companies refer to EGM as court-ordered meeting, where such meeting requires the prior approval of a court such as meeting for consideration of scheme of merger and acquisition, which requires approval of a Federal High Court.

Investors’ meetings are broadly classified into two categories- ordinary general meeting and extra-ordinary general meeting. Ordinary general meetings, such as annual general meeting, are held to consider ordinary businesses that entail review of operational and status reports and exchange of views by investors and directors without no change to the ownership structure or basic outlines of the company.

An EGM is held to enable investors consider and approve a transaction, which usually may lead to changes in ownership or holding structure of the company as well as its basic outlines and existence. Such EGM includes meetings for new or supplementary equity or debt issuance, mergers, acquisitions, shares restructurings and delisting.

According to the new rules, where a transaction requires the approval of investors, such approval shall be obtained either prior to the company entering into the transaction or, if completion of the transaction is expressed to be conditional on obtaining such approval, prior to the comple-

tion of the transaction.

At the meeting, none of each related party, entity or its associate or proxy and each interested person or entity or and its associates or proxy “shall exercise any voting rights in respect of the transaction nor accept appointments as proxies” even though they are holders of fully-paid shares or unit of investment.

Where such persons or entities are representing other unrelated or uninterested persons and entities which are qualified to vote at the meeting, their representations will only be valid if they have specific instructions as to voting, according to the new rules.

“The notice convening the meeting shall state that related parties or interested persons shall abstain from exercising any voting rights at the meeting,” the rules stated.

Meanwhile, all other rules relating to regulatory approval, notification, publication, documentation, venue, time, period, conduct, rights and privileges and procedures amongst others in respect of general meetings will also apply to EGMs. The exclusion of “each related party, entity or its associate or proxy and each interested person or entity or and its associates or proxy” from voting for their holdings appears to imply that such significant corporate decisions would be determined by the minority

•From left: Executive Director, Investment One Financial Services Limited, Mrs Abimbola Afolabi-Ajayi; 1st Place winner of the 3rd edition of Investment One “Virtual Investment Simulator” game, Mr Oyelade Oke, and Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2013, Miss Anna Banner during the presentation of award to the winner of the 3rd edition of the game at the maiden edition of the firm’s Young Investors Forum at the University of Lagos.

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or non-management investors.

In other words, only shareholders of public float shares will be allowed to vote and determine such significant corporate decisions.

The revised listing rules of the NSE stipulates that the public shall hold a minimum of 20 per cent of each class of equity securities of a company quoted on the main board, 15 per cent of each class of equity securities of a company quoted on the Alternative Securities Market (ASeM) and 10 per cent of each class of equity securities of a dual-listed company. This rule is known in capital market parlance as public float.

Public float is technically a synonym of public shareholder and it generally refers to the shares of a quoted company held by ordinary shareholders other than those directly or indirectly held by its parent, subsidiary or associate companies or any subsidiaries or associates of its parent company; its directors who are holding office as directors of the entity and their close family members and any single individual or institutional shareholder holding a statutorily significant stake, which is five per cent and above in Nigeria.

Thus, public shareholders and public float do not include shareholders or shares held directly or indirectly by any executive, director, controlling shareholder or other concentrated, affiliated or family holdings.

Unless where specifically outlined, “close family members” in capital market regulatory parlance globally mean spouse, parents, grandparents, biological and adopted children, stepchild, brothers, sisters, spouses of biological and adopted children, stepchild, brothers and sisters; grandchildren; and any such person who is financially dependent on such directors or major shareholders, who are excluded for the delineation of public float.

If such majority-shareholder barring rule is adopted, it means that foreign and Nigerian majority shareholders such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who owns majority equity stakes in Dangote Cement and Dangote Sugar Refinery; and Nestle SA, which owns controlling equity stake in Nestle Nigeria Plc will not be able to vote on major corporate decisions affecting their companies.

With the exception of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, which hold less than majority shareholdings, all other foreign investors hold more than 50 per cent controlling majority equity stakes.

Experts harp on early savings, investments

INANCIAL experts have underscored the importance of early savings and investment education to create awareness and encourage the youth to imbibe the culture of savings and investments.

A cross-section of financial experts drawn from the capital market regulators and operators spoke at the first edition of Investment One Financial Services’ young investors’ forum in Lagos. The forum, which hosted undergraduates’ students from universities and polytechnics in the South-West, was held under the theme: promoting capital market literacy & participation amongst undergraduate students in Nigeria.

Speaking at the forum, Executive Director, Investment One Financial Services Limited, Mrs. Abimbola Afolabi-Ajayi, urged the students to take proactive steps by investing as from the early stage of their life.

According to her, the young investment forum is a programme designed to reach out to students and the youth in Nigeria to get them interested in investment through the avenue of providing investment education.

Speaking on sustainability of the programme, she said the company has come out with different plans that will uphold young investment in Nigeria.

“To sustain this programme we have registered investment club for the students where they can practice what they have learn at this kind of forum and we have our retail team who are reaching out to them and also created an online website where they can log in and ask questions,” Afolabi-Ajayi said.

General manager, listings sales retention, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Taba Peterside, said the stock market offers veritable opportunity for saving and building wealth as it has no limitation in terms of age, sector or share price.

She noted that the stock market is not a club for multi- national companies and elite investors as it is accessible by every individual and business.

She outlined the benefits of the stock market to include being vehicle for long-term savings plan, wealth creation through viable investment choices with revenue potential, ownership of stakes in companies with profit sharing and participation in strategic decision making and personal financial risk management by diversifying one’s financial position.

She pointed out that an investor that purchased 5,714 shares of Nigerian Breweries Plc worth N4,000 in 1976 at 70 kobo per share would have earned

a gross dividend of N34.76 million between 1986 and 2010 while his shares would have risen to 2.29 million shares She also noted that an investor that purchased 1,000 shares of Forte Oil Plc valued at N7,000 in 2013 at N7 per share would have grown his portfolio value to N186,540 as at May 23, 2014.

In order to make successful investment, Peterside advised investors to consult their brokers or financial advisers, create long-term investment plans, diversify their portfolios and undertake background research before making investment decision.

Also speaking at the forum, Managing director, Kakawa Asset Management Limited, a subsidiary of Investment One, Dr. Ore Sofekun, said the investment forum of was to inform young people about investment.

“The earlier they learn about investment the easier for them to have a successful and financial life in future,” Sofekun said.

A representative of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. John Briggs, underscored the importance of collective investment schemes (CIS) as means of savings and investments.

According to him, investors in CIS, otherwise known as mutual fund, would benefit from professional expertise, diversification of holdings

which reduces risk and maximizes return, reduction in dealing cost, regulatory oversight, ability to participate in investment that maybe available to high net worth individuals and redemption within five working days.

He pointed out that CIS will contribute to the future growth and development of capital markets by strengthening demand for securities and deepening the market.

“By buying and selling securities in the secondary market, Collective Investment Funds promote liquidity and encourage others to participate in the capital market, as they are assured of a reliable mechanism to recover their funds when they so desire,” Briggs said.

He noted that in most emerging and indeed developed markets, institutional investors such as pension funds and unit trust schemes represent the main source of portfolio capital flows as these institutions not only have resources but can move independently and access foreign markets easily.

“The objective of the Collective Investment Schemes is to provide a means of pooling investable funds together from small savers at the grass root in the society and the general public. The funds are then channeled into diversified investments, which include securities in the capital market,” Briggs explained.

Nigeria, Rwanda to collaborate

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IGERIA and Rwanda would collaborate and share information on the development of their commodities exchange.

Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Arunma Oteh, made this known during a visit to the East African Exchange (EAX) in Kigali, Rwanda.

According to her, the visit to the EAX was to look into the Exchange’s operations and its achievements since it began operations in 2013. , Referencing the Abuja Securities and Commodities Exchange (ASCE), Oteh said Nigeria has a similar effort like the EAX and the two countries can share common experiences.

She commended EAX for its initiatives to support smallholder farmers to reduce post-harvest losses and improve their income as well as progress in linking commodity markets across the East African community area.

She also expressed delight at the activities of EAX in promoting cross border trade across the region.

Chief executive officer, East Africa Exchange, Mr. Paul Kukubo briefed the delegation on the Exchange’s current activities in Rwanda and expansion strategies for the East African region.

He noted that the Exchange is focused on expansion in the region by launching new offices in Kenya and Uganda.

He outlined that the Rwandan government has recently made available 13 warehouses located in several grain production sites of the country in support of farmer cooperative groups.

According to him, the Exchange will support farmers to address post-harvest losses through better storage and collateral management.

He added that EAX has signed up Collateral Management International, a highly reputable collateral manager worldwide to support the farmers in addressing post-harvest losses and improve farmer’s income.

“The Exchange will also provide the farmers access to finance, linking them to Banks through its electronic warehouse receipts program, as well as providing a trading platform for the farmers to trade their product. An electronic warehouse receipt represents commodities stored in an exchange-accredited warehouse with specific quality, quantity, ownership, and reference location stated on the receipt. The integrity of the receipt is guaranteed by a collateral manager who maintains the quality and quantity of stored commodities,” Kukubo said.

Trading Manager, East Africa Exchange, Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, who demonstrated the use of the NASDAQ trading platform, said that more than 200 users including farmers have been trained and were using the platform for trading.

EAX is a regional commodity exchange established to link smallholder farmers to agricultural and financial markets, to secure competitive prices for their products, and to facilitate access to financial opportunities. EAX’s goal is to facilitate trade across all five East African Community member states. EAX is wholly owned by Africa Exchange Holdings Limited (AFEX) which was founded in 2012 by three principal investors: Tony Elumelu, Nicolas Berggruen, and Jendayi Frazer, as Managing Partner.

AFEX established two subsidiaries-EAX and AFEX Nigeria to serve as catalysts in the development of Africa’s agricultural potential and financial markets.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

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THE NATION

BUSINESS PENSION

‘54m workers not registered with pension operators’

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HE Chairman Pension Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) Misbahu Yola has said out of about 60 million workers in Nigeria, only six million workers are registered under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Yola, who is also the Managing Director Legacy Pension Managers Limited, said this creates a huge gap of over 50 million workers that are yet to be registered under the new scheme.

He said the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) have a lot of work to do to

Stories by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

make sure that employers register their employees as required by the Pension Reform Act, 2004.

Yola said it took some time for the operators to accumulate the N4.3 trillion pension assets.

On how the funds are invested, he said they cannot invest all the money in infrastructure as expected by some people.

He said: “If we invest all the money in infrastructure, then how will we pay the retirees when they come? There is also a structure laid down by PenCom on what percentage of the money is invested.

“The CPS has an in-built safety

Ogun pays N17b as pensions, gratuities

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VER N17 billion has been paid as pensions and gratuities since the inception of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration came on board in Ogun State in May 2011, the state Head of Service, Mrs Modupe Adekunle, has said.

Speaking in Abeokuta during the Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the third anniversary of the Amosun government, Adekunle said over N12.2 billion had been paid to pensioners while gratuities totaling over N5.5 billion, including the back-log owed by the immediate past administration, had been paid to date.

She added that the government had implemented the Contributory Pension Schedule for officers employed since January 1, 2008 till date.

On employment, Adekunle said 10,504 unemployed citizens of the state were recruited or empowered as at May, 2012; 967 last year while 296 candidates who were successful during the Civil Service Selection had been issued letters of appointment.

“In the same vein, the Civil Service Commission recruited 459 officers into various cadres as replacement of those that retired from the service so as to beef up the staff strength in special areas,” Adekunle added.

The Head of Service noted that promotions of public servants had been done promptly, revealing that no fewer than 2,141 officers were pro-

moted duirng last year’s promotion exercise, adding that 742 of their counterparts in the parastatals were also moved up.

Meanwhile, the state government has assured that improvement in resource management and budget discipline towards increasing the level of productivity and accountability would continue to be given utmost priority.

The state Commissioner for Budget and Planning Mrs. Oluwande Muoyo, said this was to ensure a reduction of the cost of governance in state.

The commissioner said at the briefing that this necessitated the launch of the state Public Financial Management (PFM) Reform Agenda in May, last year.

She said since the launch of the reform, significant achievements had been recorded in the control and preventive vigilance on payroll preparation in which a substantial amount had been recovered while the certification of pay analysis reports and nominal roll by the accounting officer of each agency of the government was strictly adhered to, which enhanced integrity of the pay roll.

Muoyo said despite the short fall in the receipt from Federal Account, coupled with harsh economy environment, the state 2014 budget has achieved a first quarter performance of 61.87 per cent.

mechanism that ensures adequate protection of contributors’ fund and we as the operators are properly regulated to ensure funds are invested in secured investment windows.

Managing Director First Pension Custodian Limited, Kunle Jinadu, noted that the funds deposited with the custodians are safe.

He said his firm’s priority is to ensure that contributors derive benefits from the scheme at retirement.

He said as a custodian, they have deployed safety mechanisms in ensuring that good governance is implemented around the pension fund.

‘’This is something we have done under this pension regime that has brought some reduced noise about people and their pension contribution, he said.

“The custodian with whom I work in the creation of the law which brought about creating safety verve for the funds is for us to make sure that the funds are available for investment and payment of pensions to retirees.

“Our role is to ensure that the fund does not end up in wrong project or wrong hands. Every custodian is made to guarantee all the funds. At First Custodian, which is part of the First Bank Group, we hold a percentage of the funds and

irrespective of the PFA who is in charge of managing the funds, we, as a PFC, is responsible for that portion of fund in our custody.

“We guarantee lawyers and the general public that the primary objective in this current regime is to ensure the funds are safe. We don’t have a problem with creating investment windows but we insist that the number one principle is that the assets are safe. So, when the PFA is migrating into infrastructure, etc, there must be an enabling environment that will enable me as a custodian to hold control of the investment such that it does not disappear into wrong places”, he added.

• From left: Yola; Chairman Senate Committee on Estab.& Public Service, Senator Eric Eggink; co-Chairman World Pension Summit, Dr. Aloysius Etok; Mrs. Anohu-Amazu; Chairman World Pension Summit, Harry Smorenberg and Deputy Chair, House Committee on Pension, Hon. Samson Okwu during the press briefing on the World Pension Summit-Africa Special.

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Nigeria hosts World Pension Summit

OR the first time, Nigeria will host the World Pension Summit (WPS) between July 7 and 8 in Abuja.

The Acting Director-General PenCom, Mrs Chinelo AnohuAmazu, said the World Pension Summit ‘Africa Special’ will bring together leading players from Africa’s pension industries, as well as key figures from across politics, business and finance to exchange expertise and increase international cooperation on the continent.

He said the event will also mark the 10th anniversary of the enact-

ment of the Pension Reform Act 2004 and the formation of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) as the regulator for pension matters.

She said with an excess of $23 billion of pension funds, the pension industry will play a key role in Nigeria’s economic development.

She said: “We are delighted to bring the World Pension Summit to Africa. A number of African nations are experiencing strong economic growth supported by the rising investment in natural resources and robust private consumption. As a

• From right: Oduanu; Head Teacher, Home Science Association Primary School, Ikoyi, James Imana and Relationship Manager, Pensions Alliance Limited, Joyce Ugwa at the PAL Financial Literacy Initiative Campaign held at Home Science Association Primary School, Ikoyi, Lagos.

ENSION Alliance Limited (PAL), a Pension Fund Administrators (PFA), has taken financial literacy awareness campaign to primary and secondary schools across the country.

The pension manager also intends to consolidate ongoing efforts in the financial services market of creating a wider savings culture through financial inclusion as being promoted by the various financial industry regulators - Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), among others.

Its Managing Director, PAL, Dave Oduanu, who led a team of the company to Home Science Association Primary School, Ikoyi, Lagos, said the firm believed that inculcating the tenets of good financial management into young generation of Nigerians at an early stage of life will build in them the savings culture.

He said this had eluded adult Nige-

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result, the role of the pensions industry in providing a stable consumer savings vehicle for Africa’s growing middle classes, and the investment of capital from its pension funds, is of increasing significance.

“The summit will be an opportunity for the continent’s pension professionals to share blueprints and practices with the aim of further developing Africa’s pension market over the next decade.”

Many of Africa’s 55 countries will be represented at the event. They include South Africa, Botswana, Ghana and Kenya.

Pension Alliance takes financial literacy to schools

rians.

He said: “On this campaign kick-off tagged “Financial Literacy Initiative in Schools”, which coincided with the Children’s Day, PAL is engaging 25 schools in Nigeria with 20 in Lagos and five in other parts of the country.

“In the past, we used to have CSR whereby we visit motherless babies’ home and old people’s home to donate things to them. But this year, we thought we should expand it to promote financial literacy in a bid to improve financial inclusion.

“The idea is to teach them what money is all about, how to save money and what to do with money.

By so doing, we begin to inculcate the culture of savings in them right from their young age.”

Uduanu pointed out that if they cultivate the habit, when they grow up the culture of savings will resonate with them.

He said they also gave piggy banks to the deserving pupils so that they will begin to save right away.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

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SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP An entrepreneur, Alhaji Lukuman Garu, has many businesses. But, it was not a bed of roses at the beginning. He shares his story with DANIEL ESSIET.

Start small, grow big

H

E started his company Garu Technologies Nigeria because nobody gave him a chance as an Islamic graduate in the labour market. Alhaji Lukuman Garu wanted to study law, but ended up studying religious studies.

After graduating from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), he came up with the idea of opening a tutorial centre. It did not work. But when the Federal Government liberlaised the telecoms sector in 2001 and issued the Global System of Mobile Communication (GSM) licences to operators, an opportunity opened for mobile phone repairs. Garu grabbed the chance.

To hone his skills, he planned to attend a twoday seminar on GSM phone repairs. But he couldn’t afford fee. He later received assistance from his brother who gave him N7,500 and his mother who made up the balance of N2,500 which completed the N10,000 charged by the ‘engineer’ that will train him.

After the training, Garu set out immediately to practise what he learnt. But he had a challenge: inability to a buy a computer and other tools he needed for the business.

Despite this problem, he went into research

on mobile phone repairs and found a lot of things online that helped him to solve the problems that many technicians were finding difficult to address.

One of the solutions, he discovered, was a software for unlocking phones which he got from a business partner in Holland. It was a money spinner for him because people were coming from the Computer Village in Ikeja to see him at Egbeda, a suburb in Lagos.

While working, he planned for expansion.

He veered into training on how to fix GSM problems.

Suddenly, he found himself in a new generation of homegrown entrepreneurs who serve the multi-million GSM market.

These include mobile hardware and accessories, installation of telecom infrastructure, maintenance, services and repairs are a few of the avenues small businesses are exploring and exploiting to make money in the market.The opportunities in the sector are astonishing as they are endless.

Garu’s story and that of others like his demonstrate the frustrations but also the small rewards young entrepreneurs get after a hard struggling to make their way. His story also underscores

the critical importance of basic training opportunities needed to sustain their efforts. The mobile phone revolution created unparalleled opportunities for digital entrepreneurship.

Not done, Garu also availed himself of new knowledge to play a very big and exciting role in the emerging market. Sooner than later, the GSM business nosedived. With his savings, he launched a second business – car diagnostic software which was beginning to make waves then.

In all these, starting young have certainly helped him. He has a series of successful projects on his profile and more under his sleeves, thereby overcoming the odds that have push aside many of his peers.

Garu has gained a foothold in the sector, and remains optimistic about the future. He has exhibited new technology at fora, attracting responses from users. He has been able to build a clientele of loyal customers.

He has had a chance to show his car diagnostics products to an audience of users and investors in Lagos.

Garu, a passionate young entrepreneur, believes Nigerians possess great business energy.

Obstacles come in business, but he has tried to see them as challenges. With the determina-

•Garu

tion, will and sheer hard work, one can overcome.

He added that one should never stop trying.

His experience is a life school for him, instead of sulking. It was at the moment of failure, he said, that he realised to achieve success, one has to put in more effort.

On the tips for success, he advised new entrepreneurs to study hard and keep their eyes open for opportunities. He also advised them to swap ideas on how they can improve and deliver a better product.

He said he spends a lot of time studying different businesses and learning from entrepreneurs.

Reducing unemployment via youth entrepreneurship Youth unemployment is on the rise in the country and it is a dangerous trend. Experts believe entrepreneurship will tackle the problem.

This was the focus of the Youth Connect Programme held in Lagos, last week. DANIEL ESSIET, who was at the forum, reports.

F

OR aspiring entrepreneurs, a new dawn is here. For them, the ‘Youth Connect 2014 Forum’could not have come at a better time.

Organised by Business Impact Limited and Strategy for Mentoring Initiative and Leadership Empowerment (SMILE), the forum brought together successful entrepreneurs who are having a profound impact on uplifting and economically empowering women and men.

The event, meant to bolster economic renewal, job creation and innovation through youth entrepreneurship, held at the University of Lagos.

A motivational speaker at the ceremony, Fela Durotoye listed the characteristics of an entrepreneur to include vision, hard work and focus.

For him, one must be focused to be the best in the market. With a good vision and great execution, one’s dreams can come true.

He started his firm in the consulting industry.

The crowning achievement of the consultancy is that by now his offer is very advanced and very interesting for potential clients. The main goal of the company is to be perceived as an efficient and goal-oriented consultancy, with the possibility of entering other markets.

According to him, entrepreneurs need to be open-minded, ready to adapt to the market and the clients’ needs. One must maintain good relationships, be hard working, and ready to learn new things.

The fundamentals that every entrepreneur should follow when

starting a business is, start slow, take time and plan how to live the dream.

According to him, young Nigerians are emerging as the greatest hope for renewed economic and social progress.

Often struggling, he said a growing number of determined and innovative entrepreneurs are demonstrating they can have a positive impact on their communities.

Durotoye said it was time young people rose to achieve their full potential and shape the future with power and confidence.

Durotoye said Nigerians need to think about more than employment to address this problem, adding that there are so many opportunities for young people to start their own businesses.

For him, having started early set young people off on the most incredible journey to make money.

His advice: “When you are young, you have nothing to lose. No responsibilities, no mortgages, no bills and literally everything you do will always be a step forward rather than a step back. So, if young people have an idea and what to get started, the only obstacle you face is you telling yourself that you can do it.”

He stressed the need for creativity among youths and pupils to transform the economy and create jobs.

Durotoye believes the younger a person gets to set up a business and see opportunities that are outside the norm of society, they will be considered different and extraordinary.

and innovative ideas to address their nation’s challenges, urging the government to support young people access opportunities to realise their potential and revitalise their communities.

With nearly 45 per cent of SubSaharan Africa’s population under 15, and that youthful population will not even peaking for another 15 years, he noted a lot of youths wouldn’t be able to find a job, and many more who are working unable to climb out of poverty.

He reiterated that there’s also an ever-growing band of young entrepreneurs who are demonstrating that when given the chance, even

those from the most marginalised communities can launch their own businesses and in the process, create jobs, and help fuel growth and progress in their communities.

With nation looking for an effective response to the economic crisis, the Founder, SMILE, Mrs. Bimpe Martins, said youths could stand up, to promote a new entrepreneurial spirit, develop sustainable businesses, to massively create new, quality jobs.

To her, supporting women entrepreneurs to further grow their business is key to positively impacting the country on both social and economic levels.

Ashley Qualls

Entrepreneurs who made a fortune before under 18

rewarded with an order for 50,000 units. Other retailers, including KMart and Walmart, soon followed, and his Water Talkies™ were the hit of the summer of 1997, netting Richie’s company $500,000 in revenue.

A

SHLEY Qualls set up whateverlife.com 2004, when she was just 14 years old. It was originally a portfolio site for her design work, but she soon branched out into offering Myspace layouts that appealed to girls in her age group. The layouts were free, but Ashley offered advertising space for companies that wanted to target her millions of visitors (7 million a month in 2007). Before she was 17, Ashley had bought her own house and turned down a $1.5 million offer to acquire her company.

Farrah Gray From just six years of age, when he started selling body lotion, Farrah Gray tried to make his own money.

At the tender age of 13, he founded a specialty food company, Farr-Out Foods, and just one year later, orders of over $1.5 million made him a 14year-old millionaire. Gray holds the record as the youngest person to have a Wall Street office. At 15, he set up the Farrah Gray Foundation, using some of the income from his speeches and best-selling books to fund literacy programs and scholarships for inner-city youth. He’s certainly a fit-

•From left: Olatunde, Durotoye and Mrs Martins at the event.

His advice to young entrepreneurs is that they should begin to build their competencies while in the university and specialise their business so they can take it to scale.

Chief Executive, Business Impact Limited, Mr Olatunde Samson, said the forum was created to engage leaders in youth entrepreneurship, share best practices, affect positive policy change and create a network of young entrepreneur advocates.

He said it was to prepare young people to productive and engaged citizens.

At this critical point of the economy, he said young people need to deploy their unique talents

ting role model.

Abbey Fleck In 1993, Abbey Fleck was just eight years old when she witnessed her mother chastising her father for using part of a newspaper to soak up bacon grease. Her father maintained that without paper towels, the newspaper was the next best solution. After all, he couldn’t simply let it drip. That was all the inspiration that Abbey needed to invent the Makin’ Bacon Dish, which would hang bacon in the microwave so that fat could drip off. She

and her father founded a company, and in 1996, Walmart placed their first order: 100,000 cookers. Not bad for an eight-year-old!

Richie Stachowski When he was just eleven, Richie Stachowski found his family’s holiday to Hawaii frustrating as he couldn’t speak to his father while they were snorkeling. That evening, he began drawing designs and ended up spending his $267 of savings to build a prototype underwater megaphone. He took a few days off school to present Toys “R” Us with his idea and was

Kelly Reinhart Kelly Reinhart’s parents had an innovative game they used to entertain their children: draw an invention. Kelly took inspiration for her sketch from cowboy holsters.

She came up with the idea for the Thigh Pack, a product that would help kids carry video games and similar items.

•Culled from buinessmba.com

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

40

EMPOWERMENT CLINIC

How to win customers and keep them

with

BOOK REVIEW Author: Michael LeBoeuf Publisher: Pastoral Care Publishing Reviewer: Goke Ilesanmi

GOKE ILESANMI

F

OR any business to make profit and survive, it must have enough (loyal) customers. The decision of Dr. Michael LeBoeuf to write this book tagged How to Win Customers & Keep Them for Life is therefore a good one. LeBoeuf is an internationally published author, business consultant and dynamic professional speaker. For more than twenty years, he was a professor of management at the University of New Orleans, retiring at age of forty-seven.

This author asserts that the success of any firm depends largely on the knowledge of the answers to the critical questions such as, “Why do some people buy once and never return?”, “Why do some people become strong, steady customers?”, “How do you turn an angry or complaining customer into a happy and satisfied one?”, etc.

LeBoeuf says one of the single greatest keys to long-term business success can be summed up in the phrase “Quality customer service”. He adds that yet, there is painful awareness that outstanding service is far too rare. LeBoeuf expatiates that the reason for this is as a result of these three problems: (1) employees do not know the basics; (2) the moments of truth, those crucial points of customer contact that can make or break a business, are not being properly identified and managed; and (3) poor reward system,

that is, most managers fail to reward workers for giving excellent service.

This book is segmented into three parts of 22 chapters. The first part is thematically labelled The basics and contains nine chapters.

Chapter one borders on the greatest business secret in the world. Here, this author stresses the importance of the consciousness of customer satisfaction and care as a secret of customer retention and business success.

“Stop for a moment and consider just how valuable customers are. They alone make it possible for you to earn your livelihood in the way that you do. Treat them well and satisfied customers will be your best source of advertising and marketing,” he submits.

Chapter two is entitled “Better than selling”. Here, LeBoeuf says the “better than selling” principle is about focusing on what customers want and need, helping them to buy what is best for them and making them feel good about it. According to him, this principle is important for everyone who works and not just those in sales.

In chapters three to nine, he examines concepts such as the greatest customer you will ever win; the only two things people ever buy; buying much more when they buy you; the importance of customer perception; asking the golden question to win new customers; asking the platinum question to win new customers; and five best ways to keep customers coming back.

Part two is generically christened “Managing the moments of truth: Ten action-ready strategies”, and contains ten chapters, that is, chapters ten to 19. In chapter ten, LeBoeuf discusses what to do when the customer ap-

pears, calls or inquires. “The most crucial contact of all is the first one that the customer makes with your business, because if you lose him here, he’s likely lost forever,” says this expert.

In chapters 11 to 14, LeBoeuf discusses what to do when the customer is angry or defensive; what to do when the customer has special requests; what to do when the customer cannot make up his mind; as well as what to do when the customer raises objections to buying.

In chapter 15 based on what to do when the customer gives buying signals, the author says it is all too common for salespeople to spend half an hour selling their services and two hours buying them back. There is a time to talk, a time to listen, and a time to close, he educates, adding that the best time to sell is when the customer is ready to buy.

In chapters 16 to 19, he analytically X-rays concepts such as what to do when the customer buys; what to do when the customer refuses to buy; what to do when the customer complains; and what to do when the customer is going to be disappointed.

The last part is summarily tagged “The triple-win reward system”, and contains three chapters, that is, chapters 20 to 22. In chapter 20 titled: What gets rewarded gets done, LeBoeuf submits that people behave the way the reward system teaches them to behave. “The single greatest obstacle to effective performance in most organisations is the giant mismatch between the behaviour needed and the behaviour rewarded. Organisations of all kinds fall into the trap of hoping for A, rewarding B, and wondering why they get B,” discloses the author.

In chapters 21 to 22, LeBoeuf beams his analytical searchlight on how to keep the spotlight on the customer and the quality customer service action plan. According to him, when it comes to providing excellent service, many business owners and managers realise that their service quality needs improvement, yet opt for Band-Aid solutions.

There is no denying the fact the ideas radi-

ated examined in the twenty-two chapters of this book are very didactic, creative and brilliant. What’s more, they reflect high level of research on the part of the author.

Stylistically, this book is excellent. For instance, there is simplicity as regards the language of the book. Additionally, the fact that the text is segmented into three parts that are well articulated makes it easy to study. At the beginning of every chapter, LeBoeuf uses either a legendary quote or classical allusion to achieve conceptual reinforcement. He also employs reflective illustrations to achieve analytical clarity.

However, one major language correction that needs to be effected in the book is that “And”, the coordinating conjunction of adding should have been used instead of the symbol “&” in the title of the book to convey linguistic formality.

Generally, this text is a classic. If you want your business to survive through the knowledge of how to win and retain customers, you need to read this book. It is strategically revealing.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

Other areas of business and effective e-mail communication (2)

L

AST week, we said another area worthy of note in effective email communication is email and job application. We said before you even conceive the idea of sending an email cover letter, you need to first make sure that you understand all the rules and guidelines for writing a dynamic cover letter. Also, we examined the concept of replying e-mail from your angry customers and discussed some of the guidelines. This week, we will discuss more.

Personalising your response

You need to personalise your response.

Research has confirmed that nothing infuriates an angry customer more than the feeling that no one is listening. Instead of “Dear customer, thank you for your e-mail. We take our customers’ problems seriously and are glad to hear from you”, personalise your e-mail to an angry customer to reassure him or her that he or she is being heard loud and clear by using the customer’s name and title, e.g.

Mr..., Mrs..., Ms... in place of the word “customer”.

Review the customer’s account information and incorporate it into your response.

“We appreciate that you have chosen us as your ... for the last ... years, and we would like the opportunity to keep you as a satisfied customer.”

Sign your e-mail because an angry customer needs to know a real human is trying to solve his problem.

Specification and good news

Another tip is to tell the customer how you will respond to the problem. Angry people want action, so you must specifically explain how you will resolve the problem.

If the resolution is complicated, outline the steps you will take. If possible, tell the customer when actions will commence.

Experts say another strategy is that if you have good news, put it first. If you can make the customer happy, put the good news first and the empathy second:

By Goke Ilesanmi

Good news: “We are happy to refund your money, as you requested.”

Empathy: “We understand the frustration of receiving the goods in bad condition.”

But if you cannot make the customer happy—if you have to tell the customer No— put the empathy first and the “bad news” second: Empathy: “We understand the frustration of receiving the goods in bad condition.”

Bad news: “We cannot refund your money because you ordered the goods after our guaranteed shipping date.”

Politeness

Avoid scolding the customers. According to Marilynne Rudick and Leslie O’Flahavan, partners in E-WRITE , a training and consulting company in the Washington, D.C. area and co-authors of Clear, Correct, Concise E-Mail: A Writing Workbook for Customer Service Agents, it is better to emphasise the pronouns I and We rather than You. That is, try as much as possible to sound courteous and impersonal. That is, do not write: “Your order was not filled because you did not include your mailing address on the order form.” Instead write: “We did not fill your order because we did not have your mailing address.”

Hard work

Answering angry e-mails is hard work.

And unlike when you resolve a problem for a customer on the phone, e-mail does not give you the chance to hear the relief in the customer’s voice or experience, in real time, the gratification of turning the customer’s anger into appreciation. Your satisfaction may come from keeping problems from escalating out of control.

In the words of H.L. Mencken, an acclaimed social commentator, “Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his

hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.” You have done your job well if you have defused your customer’s anger while he is still spitting upon his hands.

Customer service e-mail

Excellent customer service e-mail does more than answer the customer’s question; it solves the customer’s problem, and makes the customer feel valued. What differentiates “adequate” customer service e-mail from “excellent” customer service e-mail?

Rudick and Leslie say, “We’ve analysed hundreds of customer service e-mails and we’ve found that many companies do an adequate job of responding promptly, within 24 – 48 hours. And some companies do a good job of answering the customer’s question. So, what more could customers want?”

To answer the question, customers want and deserve excellent e-mail responses. And excellent customer service e-mail exhibits two qualities that sets it above adequate.

First, it does not merely answer the customer’s question — it solves the customer’s problem. Second, it makes the customer feel valued.

Extension

The companies that provide these excellent responses recognise that customer service e-mail should be used for more than answering customer questions. Customer service e-mail is a powerful marketing tool, an effective form of permission-based marketing. Excellent customer service e-mail solves the customer’s problem. To illustrate the difference between answering the customer’s question and solving the problem, we will use an example. A customer e-mailed a catalogue store about whether she could exchange the size eight pants she had bought for a size six.

The customer wrote: “I purchased a pair of pants, size eight, at your outlet store.... I’d like to

exchange them for a smaller size. I’ve been told that no size six pants are available. I’m wondering whether the pants come in petite sizes, and if so, whether a size six petite is available...

Thanks!”A merely adequate response would have been something like this: “Thanks for your e-mail. Unfortunately we are sold out of size six in the pants you inquired about. If you have any further questions, please call or e-mail us again.”

Anticipation

Excellent e-mail anticipates what else the customer needs to know. The adequate response, above, has certainly answered the customer’s question. But it has not solved the problem of how to get the pants in a size that fits. Solving a customer’s problem in a phone call can be easier than in e-mail. In a phone conversation, the customer asks follow-up and ‘what if’ questions to get more information that will solve the problem.

However, in answering an e-mail query, the customer service representative has to anticipate the follow-up questions that the customer would ask and supply the answers.

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.

PS: For those making inquiries about our Public Speaking, Business Presentation and Professional Writing Skills programme, please visit the website indicated on this page for details.

GOKE ILESANMI, Managing Consultant/CEO of Gokmar Communication Consulting, is an International Platinum Columnist, Certified Public Speaker/MC, Communication Specialist, Motivational Speaker and Career Management Coach. He is also a Book Reviewer, Biographer and Editorial Consultant.

Tel: 08055068773; 08187499425 Email: gokeiles2010@gmail.com Website: www.gokeilesanmi.com

42

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

POLITICS

WEDNESDAY JUNE 4, 2014

43

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

EKITI POLITICS Political parties are warming up for the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State. Their candidates are campaigning vigorously across the 16 local governments. SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN highlights the issues that will shape the poll in the Fountain of Knowledge.

T

APC, PDP, LP battle for Ekiti

HE die is cast in Ekiti State. On June 21, the governorship elec tion will hold in 16 local government areas. The candidates are boasting that they are going to win with a wide margin. But, it is only when the results are announced that the boys would be separated from the men.

Three weeks to the election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) counterparts; Mr. Ayo Fayose and Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele; are campaigning vigorously to gain an upperhand. Out of 18 parties, only the APC, the PDP and the LP passed the certification test by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The assessment was based on many factors including, financial muscle, the spread and popularity of the parties and their campaign strategies.

The open air campaigns, which started about two months ago, may not necessarily determine who emerges as the governor at the end of the day. According to observers, more fundamental is the strength of the parties. This observers say, would be complemented by the campaigns.

The parties appear to be leveraging on the partisan campaigns to beat the INEC directive, which stipulates that open air campaigns must end by 6p.m. This is because there is no limit to the period that any of the candidates or their accredited representatives could call at the residence of anyone for consultations and ralllies.

In spite of the violence that has characterised the campaigns, the major contenders are banking on the promise that votes would count.

Therefore, the campaigns have gradually into the door-to-door and person-on-person mode to woo voters.

Many rallies and campains have been held in the past weeks. There have been numerous ‘cross-carpeting’, as splinter groups across the parties switch loyalty.

It was the LP that set the pace by admitting members of the APC into its fold. The PDP, on the other hand, has been reconciling members, following its rancorous primaries. As the campaign progressed, the focus shifted to the ruling APC. Everyone was eager to see the party’s joker.

Four weeks ago, former Governor Segun Oni disclosed that he would team up with the APC candidate to sustain the development pace in Ekiti State. Alhough the three contenders had promised to restrict their campaigns to issues, the fear that violence may mar the poll has continued to disturb major stakeholders. This has compelled the police and traditional rulers to broker peace among the parties. Now, the situation may have been brought under control as the candidates have vowed to deal with overzealous supporters crying more than the bereaved.

There is a sensational adulation of Fayose by some spectators at campaigns more circumspect segment queue behind Fayemi, based on a number of factors. Pundits rank Bamidele third, behind Fayemi and Fayose. Though the PDP and the LP candidates have assured their supporters that they would win the elec-

• Dr Fayemi (middle) and wife, Erelu Bisi, and Senator Babafemi Ojudu at a rally In Ado-Ekiti.

•Fayose addressing supporters at a rally.

tion, many are of the view that it was a show of bravado. The critical success factors include the public rating of the incumbent, party structures, membership drive and established voting patterns.

Incumbency factor So far, the public assessment of Fayemi has been favourable. Today, Ekiti people cutting across the academia and other professions have rated the governor high on performance. They are openly supporting him based, on excellent performance.

To them, Fayemi’s Eight Point Agenda has revealed the test of leadership. The governor has performed in critical sectors, including infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, empowerment/employment, tourism.

Professor Ladipo Adamolekun, explained that “Fayemi’s performance in governance has ranked him well in the class of achievers in the mould of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”

Afenifere leaders, after visting the project sites, described Fayemi’s performance in superlative terms. They were among the 50 different groups and individuals, who have endorsed the governor for another term and volunteered to campaign for him. On the

‘The die is cast in Ekiti State. On June 21, the governorship election will hold in 16 local government areas. The candidates are boasting that they are going to win with a wide margin. But, it is only when the results are announced that the boys would be separated from the men’ contrary, it is believed that, if Fayemi had done poorly in governance, the assessment would also have reflected such and have affected his public rating.

According to observers, no town or community in the 17-year-old state is shortchanged in the distribution physical projects and political appointments. Monarchs are carried along through their involvement in the state-sponsored Community Self Help Project.

Party organisation According to observers, the APC

is the best organised party in Ekiti State. The party has also promoted internal democracy. This is evident in the selection of its candidate for the June 21 poll and its membership drive. To such observers, this attribute has contributed to the coherence and unity of purpose in the fold.

The APC has updated its membership records and mobilised it members to obtain permanent voter cards. According to one of the observers: “What the APC has done is more than enough, but they are not taking any chances. It is the only party, which has no faction in whatever guise and therefore, no ‘disgruntled elements’. It is also the only party that promoted an open drive for members, at the end of which it netted 326,000 members.

“It took the lead in the commencement of open air campaigns. It has gone round the state two times and still not relenting. The party has also conducted two successful mega rallies, bringing together members across the 16 councils.

“But, the PDP can be regarded only to the contrary, having shown far less seriousness and brothely love among themselves. No observable membership drive and no intra-party coherence. Although it claims its membership base is over 300,000, it was just one haphazard fixture backed neither by moves nor

evidence.” While the APC held its primaries without any rancour and chose its candidate’s running mate in an atmosphere of peace, the PDP, is perceived as moving from one confusion to another.

The PDP primaries was a failure.

It was marred by irregularities, which further exacerbated the already strained intra-party relations.

Fayose is seen essentially as an unfaithful interloper in the PDP brought to satisfy the party leadership, a leadership which does not connect with certain realities in the organisation of the party. Owing to the way Fayose emerged, many PDP members have dumped the party for other parties, especially the APC while some “have decided to remain and work against Fayose”.

Also, instead of using the opportunity of choosing the running mate to assuage feelings and launder the party’s image, Fayose’s choice of Dr. Olubunmi Olusola from Ikere Ekiti, instead of Dr. Dare Bejide, one of those aggrieved by the outcome of the primaries, has not helped matters. The aggrieved aspirants are now spoiling for war, not only with Fayose, but the national leadsership of the party for breaching the agreement with them. They have consequently threatened to call it quits with the party. The collapse of a podium in Ifaki-Ekiti while Fayose and whole legion others were campaigning has been described as a bad omen.

According to observers, the creation by Fayemi of a separate campaign outfit to take care of strategies and operations is further affirmation that the APC operates on ‘hard reason and logic’, rather than on “emotions”. This, according to analysts, is unlike the PDP and the LP, where campaign organisations exist only in name, while all arrangements and strategies, including the branding of vests and other outfits and printing of posters and pamphlets, revolve around the candidates.

Membership drive The APC and the PDP have roots in all the 177 wards and 2,195 polling units in the state and recent campaign efforts have further complemented the fortunes of the parties.

The PDP, which was been disorderly initially, has had a better showing lately, especially after the emergence of Fayose who, in a way, has been able to oil the party machinery. Even, the LP candidate, using his position as a member of the National Assembly, has reached out to most wards, especially those in Ekiti Central.

But, the APC seems to be ahead, in terms of the communities networking effort, using the projects Fayemi has executed across the 132 towns. The success of the social security scheme in which 25,000 elderly citizens get N5,000 monthly, has bolstered the governor’s campaign efforts in many ways. Further, the fact that all three senators representing Ekiti, five out of six House of Representatives members and 25 out of 26 state as•Continued on page 44

44

THE NATION WEDNESDAY JUNE 4, 2014

POLITICS EKITI POLITICS

‘Fayemideserves second term’

In this piece, social critic Dare Babalola contends that Governor Kayode Fayemi will have an edge over other candidates because of his impressive performance in the last three and half years.

‘I am running on my record of the last three and half years. .’

- Dr Kayode Fayemi

A •LP leader Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko and Bamidele acknowledging cheers from supporters in AdoEkiti

One crown, three major contenders •Continued from page 43

sembly members belong to the APC is equally a boost for Governor Fayemi’s re-election campaign effort.

Also in the party’s favour is the established voting patterns across zones. The swing communities of Ado-Ekiti, Ikere-Ekiti and Ido/Osi seem to be tilted towards the incumbent governor.

Ekiti South Ekiti South has been the stronghold of the APC, since Fayemi came on board. In the last presidential election, Southwest states voted for President Goodluck Jonathan.

President Jonathan in 2011 won only in Ekiti North and Central, but not in the South, suggesting that the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) now APC has a massive support in that zone.

Senator Lawrence Agunbiade, and former Ondo State governor, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, the federal lawmaker, Ife Arowosoge, Bamidele Faparusi, are few of the formidable political players from the zone.

But, the highest vote from the zone is always from Ikere, being the second most populated town in Ekiti. However, the town has always been voting for opposition.

For instance, in the 2003 governorship election, Ikere voted for former Governor Fayose against Adebayo. In 2007, when Fayemi contested againt Segun Oni, Fayemi won in the town. However, given the fact that the town has enjoyed a lot of developmental projects and political appointments from the current administration, Fayemi has a big following in the town.

Ekiti North Ekiti North, the base of the governor, also parades high-ranking politicians and government officials that can swing the votes in favcour of Fayemi. Among them are Segun Oni from Ido-Osi; Babatunde Odetola, another strong party member from Ido-Osi; the Head of Servive (HOS), Mr. Olubunmi Famosaya, from Oye; Secretary to Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Owolabi, from Oye; Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation’s Director General, Bimbo Daramola from Oye; and a PDP stalwart, Mr. Ben Oguntunase, from Ikole.

Chief Paul Alabi, another PDP chieftain and former deputy governor are believed to be supporting Fayemi. The PDP is particularly disadvantaged in this regard, as no high-ranking government official at the federal level is from

the zone.

The Ido/Osi local government has been the enclave of the PDP since 1999. Former Governor Oni, former Ambassador and Education Minister, Prof. Tunde Adeniran and former Aviation Minister, Prof. Babalola Abori-shade are from the area.

After Fayemi had assumed office, the PDP still proved its dominance by winning a seat in the House of Assembly. Hon. Bunmi Oriniowo, who recently decamped into the APC alongside his political father, Oni, emerged despite the incumbency power of the defunct ACN. Now, Oni is a chieftain of the APC. His foot soldiers; Taiwo Olatunbosun, Kayode Babade and Ben Oguntunase, have not been playing any critical role in the PDP. It was even gathered that they were among the lot who opposed the emergence of Fayose as the party’s flag bearer.

When former Vice President Atiku Abubaka was about to defect to the APC, Borishade played very significant role in the deal, which means that he would work for Fayemi. Analysts have predicted a resounding victory for the APC in Ido-Osi and the Northern axis.

Ekiti Central Ekiti Central is the most difficult zone. It is the home of Bamidele, Fayose and Fayemi’s running mate, Prof. Modupe Adelabu. In 2003 and 2007, Ado, like Ikere, voted for the opposition party.

But, this had resulted from the irreconcilable differences between the incumbent and the people of the town. In 2003, they accused Adebayo of not developing the town to a befitting status 2007, they accused Fayose of opposing the town’s monarch.

The Ewi of Ado, has openly supported Fayemi for a second term in office. He is pushing for his success. Ewi’s support not unconnected with Fayemi’s urban renewal programmes which is believed to have elevated the capital into a modern city.

The swing communities of Ado-

‘The critical success factors include the public rating of the incumbent, party structures, membership drive and established voting patterns’

Ekiti, Ikere-Ekiti and Ido/Osi, the APC maintains a clear lead. Ido Osi, from the analysis, is a clear axis of strategy and possible tragedy. Fayemi’s is backed by Oni who is popular in this area. Although the PDP has dismissed Oni as “a mere paper tiger,” towns people hold him in high esteem.

Rigging There are challenges for the APC. While the party’s performance has been responsible for its popularity and acceptability among the enlightened segments, including teachers, lecturers, lawyers, civil/public servants, doctors, nurses, the market men and women, it has also been strangely responsible for its alienation from other segments, including commercial motorcycle riders and others whose understanding of responsible governance is nill.

The PDP, has launched attacks from the rear, bolstered by opportunistic recourse to the initial strained relationship the administration and teachers, following upon the insistence on the Teachers’ Development Needs Assessment (TDNA) test, the promotion examination and staff audit, which led to the sack of some senior workers across the 16 councils.

But, Fayemi may have doused the tension through recent meetings with both groups which, according to sources, “have started yielding results. Some officials of the teachers’ and council workers’ unions even clarified in a meeting: “They often say a known devil is better than an unknown saint. But given this ‘fight’ (the June 21 election) between Fayemi and Fayose, it is just a case of a difficult saint against a well known devil. We have made decisions, based on what we know about the two candidates and our members will act wisely.”

To further nullify the effects of the strained relationships with teachers, Fayemi recently announced the cancellation of the TDNA and approved the payment of 27.5 per cent Teachers’ Pecuniary Allowance, for teachers since his administration came on board.

Fear of rigging Although, the APC leadership has continued to allay fears about socalled federal might for the PDP candidate, analysts maintain that the possibility of rigging ‘is high. The Anambra State poll was bungled.

While the INEC has allayed fears about rigging the decision of President Goodluck Jonathan to foist a candidate believed to be unpopular on the Ekiti PDP has not doused the anxiety. There are two issues, will the police protect the votes.Will INEC prevent rigging? June 21 will tell.

S the countdown to the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State begins, the candidates have been delving into their respective individual histories to convince the electorate to vote for them. For former Governor Ayo Fayose, his singsong has been that he is no longer the Fayose that was governor 10 years ago. From one rally to the other, especially in locations where many of his actions had alienated the people from him, Fayose repeatedly claimed that he is now ‘born again’ and would be a different governor if given another chance.

It has been another ballgame with the incumbent governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who is leveraging on the execution of his eight-point agenda to convince the electorate that he deserves a second term on the crest of his performance.

The flagship of the Fayemi government is the infrastructure development of the state. Fayemi has used his campaign rallies to point at many roads he has constructed or rehabilitated in all parts of the state, bringing the attention of every community to how they have benefitted under the scheme. He had promised in 2010 that the scheme is to establish optimum communities that will improve citizen’s lives and attract investments so much that by 2014, all parts of the state is accessible by major roads, making water dams in the state functional to increase water supply by 80per cent and engage in private-public partnership for independent power projects. To actualise the vision, he embarked on the construction of five kilometre road in each of the 16 local governments bringing the total to 81.5 kilometres in the first phase. The second phase covered another 91 kilometres across the 16 local councils. A total of 958 kilometres of federal, state and local government roads have been rehabilitated, reconstructed and/or constructed in the last three and half years. The highpoint is the dualization of major highways in the state capital complete with road furniture that has transformed the face of Ado Ekiti into a modern state capital. The government is also currently laying 400 kilometres long water pipelines to provide pipe-borne water for every community in the state as envisioned in the eight-point agenda.

The vision of the Fayemi Government is to establish a knowledge economy that will ensure that skilled manpower, for which the state is renowned, becomes an economic advantage. In three years, the government renovated 836 primary schools and 183 secondary schools. The government also established 24 new primary schools in 2011 and another 18 in 2012 bringing the number of primary schools from 776 in 2010 to 836 by 2012.These initiatives has led to remarkable increase in primary school enrolment which jumped from 155,296 in 2010 to 170,768. This trend has been repeated in secondary school enrolment making Ekiti State the highest per capita in terms of public school enrolment in the country.

In its effort at promoting e-learning and making the students competitive in the global economy, it distributed 33,000 laptops free of charge to students and 18,000 laptops to teachers at a subsidised price. The government also introduced the payment of Rural Allowance to teachers in the rural areas. It introduced the payment of Core Subject Allowance to teachers of subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Biology to promote the teaching of science and ensure that Ekiti students are competitive in this age of technology. In tertiary education, the government restored peace and industrial harmony to Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti; reduced fees paid in higher institutions and introduced various scholarship schemes to help many indigent and brilliant students of the state. Between 2011 and 2013, a total sum of N315.7Million was disbursed as scholarship to 2,329 students while bursary awards of N148.2Million were paid to a total of 9,919 beneficiaries.

These initiatives have not taken time to yield fruits. Although Ekiti State has always being renowned for high literacy level, the level of literacy in the state has further gone up from 67 percent in 2011 to 72.2percent by 2012. In the formal sector, the state has recorded many recognitions of the advancement in education. The state has won the Best Overall Performance State in the Annual National Mathematics and Science Competitions by Science Teachers (STAN); first position in Mathematics for Senior Secondary School Category in the National Quiz competition organised by MAN in 2013; first position in ANCOPPS National Stage Quiz/Essay Competition in 2013; Best Male Student in 2013 WAEC Result and for two years running; has produced the best student in the Nigerian Law School.

It is in recognition of these remarkable strides that the World Bank recently announced a $10 million support for the state under the State Education Programme Investment Project (SEPIP).

Fayemi has also recorded significant strides in the provision of healthcare services. He introduced free health care for pregnant women, children under the age of five, elderly citizens, the physically challenged persons and people living with HIV/AIDS. He renovated all general hospitals in the state and constructed a new one, Oba Adejugbe General Hospital, in the state capital, to bring healthcare service to the doorsteps of the people. He constructed a Cancer Diagnostic and Wellness Centre, named after his late deputy, Aduni Olayinka, in Ado Ekiti. In general, Fayemi has increased the number of health care facilities in the state from the 350 he inherited 2010 to 495.

Beyond the walls of the hospitals and the health facility centres, Fayemi introduced a regime of health missions through which specialized teams of medical personnel travel across the communities to provide healthcare services to the people. At the last count, 363,050 persons have benefitted from the programme. Another 7,850 persons have benefitted from the Ilera Lafin programme through which health care services are taken to the palaces of the traditional rulers for the benefits of the communities, bringing number of beneficiaries of the health outreach programmes to 370,900.

The benefits of these initiatives are beginning to manifest. The state now has the lowest infant mortality in the country. It has the lowest maternal mortality in the country as well. It presently has the highest life expectancy in the country at 55 years; against the national life expectancy of 47 years.

These records are not surprising given the response of the people to the healthcare initiatives of Fayemi. For instance, in-patient attendance of public health care facilities jumped from 9,448 in 2010 to 11,867 by 2012. Delivery of birth in the secondary health facilities increased from 2,190 in 2010 to 2,823 by 2012, while out-patient attendance at secondary health facilities rose from 62,374 in 2010 to 85,730 by 2012.

A major initiative of the Fayemi administration is the enactment of the Ekiti State Senior Citizen Welfare Law under which citizens above the age of 65 are entitled to a monthly stipend of N5,000. The government has enrolled 25,000 senior citizens of the state under the scheme. The senior citizens also enjoy free medical service.

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NEWS

Nyako’s impeachment plot T suffers setback

HEAdamawa State House of Assembly’s plan to impeach Governor Murtala Nyako has hit the rocks.

The plan was botched following a split in the House on plans by a former National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, to make his son, Awwal, the next Deputy Governor.

Ten of the 25 lawmakers have opted out of the impeachment plot.

The lawmakers are suspecting that Tukur might still enthrone his son as the next governor in 2015 after Nyako may have been removed from office.

Their fears were borne out of the fact that Tukur installed over 70 per cent of members of the Adamawa PDP Executive Committee.

A source said: “The euphoria of the 100 per cent PDP majority in the House of Assembly appears to be shortlived, especially following the visit of Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso to

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•Stakeholders protest Tukur’s grip on party

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operations

Adamawa.

“Kwankwaso, who met with Nyako and some lawmakers, succeeded in gaining some grounds for the embattled governor.

“Already about 10 members, though remaining in PDP, have pledged their loyalty to Nyako because of Tukur’s perceived role in the PDP crisis which seems to be resurfacing again.”

A lawmaker said: “Ten lawmakers have accepted a “ceasefire”, following the Kwankwaso’s intervention.

“It will be difficult to secure two-thirds to remove Nyako from office. To make matters worse, our leaders are busy plotting on who should be deputy governor.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “I think the presidency is a circumspect

that the impeachment move against Nyako may not fly because we are yet to receive any security brief or report on the governor.

“With Tukur trying to position his son for deputy governor, the impeachment plot is dead. We want a break from the past; we won’t allow Tukur have his way. Nyako would not have left for the All Progressives Congress (APC), if not for the face-off with Tukur.”

Some PDP stakeholders have protested Tukur’s continuous grip on the party.

A source, who spoke with some newsmen, alleged that Tukur is in control of the party’s State Executive Committee.

He asked the party leadership at the national and state levels to make sure that no caucus is given advantage, if PDP wants to win the

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

cies to come to our aid.

“Bachit district is under risk of gunmen attack, if nothing is done to improve security surveillance in the areas.”

A member of a vigilance group in Riyom, Dangyang Bulus, said: “We discovered their plans because one of the Fulani living with us was invited to join them but he refused to go.

“Our Fulani neighbour revealed the secret to us, we have told the police and se-

curity agencies in charge of the areas.

“But from all indications, they are afraid of going there, some of them even said we are raising false alarm.

“These gunmen can strike anytime and we don’t know where and when they will strike that is why we are raising this alarm.

“If this planned attack is not prevented, we will hold security agencies responsible for any loss of lives and property.”

The member representing

Army reviews curfew in Adamawa

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HE 23 Armoured Brigade in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, has extended the curfew hours.

The curfew will be observed from 7pm to 5am, instead of 11 pm to 5am.

A statement by the Army spokesman, Capt Jaafaru Mohammed Nuhu, said the

From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

review took effect from June 2.

“The headquarters of 23 Brigade wishes to bring to the notice of residents of Adamawa State of the review of curfew period from 7pm to 5pm in all the local governments.

“This review affects all towns and villages.The people are urged to be law abiding and comply strictly with the timing of the curfew.”

The command sought the cooperation of the public in reporting any suspicious person or movement to the nearest security post.

NJC directs most senior judge to act as Rivers CJ

HE National Judicial Council (NJC) yesterday directed the most senior judge in the Rivers State High Court and Customary Court of Appeal to oversee the assigning of cases to judges.

This is contained in a statement by Acting Director of In-

formation, NJC Office, Soji Oye. The statement said the two senior judges would also perform other related administrative duties.

It said the NJC took the decision at its 67th meeting held on May 27 during which it deliberated on the non-appointment of a substantive or

11 die in Niger boat mishap

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From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

•Ahmed

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HE Kwara State Government has spent N600million to rehabilitate hospitals in Offa and Irepodun local government areas, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has said.

He assured the people that implementation of projects in all sectors will not be influenced by political partisanship but equity and fairness.

Ahmed, who spoke at the inauguration, promised to ensure healthcare delivery that is modern, affordable and accessible to the people.

His words: “My administration’s strides in the health sec-

Armed men training near Jos, allege residents

ESIDENTS of Riyom and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau State have raised the alarm on alleged plans by armed Fulani militants to attack their villages.

The villagers said they had discovered a training camp of unknown gunmen behind a hill in Rim near Riyom.

There have been more than 25 deadly attacks in Riyom Local Government in which over 300 people were killed.

The villagers said: “The alarm has become necessary so as to attract security agen-

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state in 2015.

He said: “All is not well within Adamawa PDP even though we seem to have a common political obstacle in Governor Murtala Nyako.

“Already, our leaders are split along pro and antiTukur’s caucuses having realised that Tukur had positioned 70 per cent of his loyalists in the State Executive Committee.

“The former National Chairman recently called a caucus meeting of the elders/stakeholders, together with the loyal trusted PDP Executives in the state he installed, to strategise on how to make his son’s aspiration a reality.

“At one of such meetings in Abuja, it was resolved that any member of local government or state Executive Council who is not willing to support the ambition of Awwal Tukur must be flushed out.

“There was a follow up meeting in Yola where the same position was reiterated by Tukur’s caucus.”

Kwara spends N600m to rehabilitate hospitals

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

HE Niger State Disaster Management Agency has confirmed the death of 11 persons in a boat mishap between Garafini-Kodo and Garafini in Borgu Local Government

Area.

The Special Adviser in charge of the agency, Mohammed Shaba, said the accident occurred on Monday.

Shaba said 18 passengers were aboard the ill-fated boat when the accident occurred between 5pm and 6pm.

He said seven persons survived while the bodies have been buried.

Governor Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu has condoled with the Emir of Borgu, Senator Haliru Dantoro and the people.

Aliyu said: “This is no doubt a dark moment for us here in Niger State. These were people who were hale and hearty, pursuing various legitimate courses until they met their untimely death. “

acting Chief Judge for the state.

The statement noted the attendant consequences of this development on administration of justice.

It said NJC decided to correct the impression created on NJC’s decision on the appointment of the chief judge.

“Suffice it to say that the law abhors a vacuum, therefore, where there is a vacuum, the law must fill it,’’ it stated.

NJC had on March 27 suspended Justice Peter Agumagu as the Chief Judge. He was sworn-in by Governor Rotimi Amaechi on March 18.

Agumagu, until his appointment as chief judge, which NJC said breached Section 271 of the 1999 Constitution, was a former President, Rivers Customary Court of Appeal.

Agumagu has challenged his suspension and the suit is before an Abuja Federal High Court.

Riyom in the House of Assembly, Daniel Dem, confirmed the danger his people are facing.

Dem said: “This is an act of terrorism against my people, they can no longer go to farms because they are consistently been attacked

by Fulani herdsmen.

“The Fulani come to their farmlands and will deliberately lead their cattle to graze on crops, if they complain they are killed instantly.

“In most of the villages attacked, there are Special Task Force (STF) soldiers. Why are they not going after the attackers?”

tor testify to our recognition of quality healthcare as a precondition for sustained human capital development.

“We have demonstrated this commitment through the remodelling of Offa, Ilorin, Omu-Aran, Share and Kaiama General Hospitals as well as the distribution of drugs and equipment to 13 general hospitals and 43 primary healthcare centres.”

The governor restated his administration’s resolve to compliment its determination to build the state’s human capital development through functional education, entrepreneurship and access to quality healthcare.

The governor called for greater synergy between the government and the communities in order to have a state built firmly “on the foundations of equity, justice and inclusive governance; that guarantees all citizens a chance to achieve their highest aspirations subject only to the limits of their capacities”.

The Commissioner for Health, Kayode A. Issa, said the rehabilitated hospitals have locational value of serving as referral centres for surrounding primary healthcare centres.

This, according to him, will aid the attainment of the target of Millennium Development Goals.

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NEWS

Clark accuses military chiefs of oil theft

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JAW leader and a delegate to the National Conference Chief Edwin Clark yesterday accused military chiefs of oil theft.

Clark, who was nominated by the Federal Government, spoke as delegates continued debate on the report of the Conference Committee on Public Finance and Revenue.

The former Federal Commissioner of Information recalled that during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure, he drew his attention to the nefarious activities of military officers, who were aiding and abeting oil theft.

He noted that Obasanjo directed the then Minister of Defence, General T.Y. Danjuma, to probe the situ-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Abuja

ation.

Danjuma’s investigation, Clark said, led to the arrest of three naval officers.

Of the three, he said, one was eventually exonerated.

The Ijaw leader said: “The military officers who are in the Niger Delta are guilty of stealing the oil.

“What I will suggest is that the troops in the Niger Delta should be changed periodically.

“In doing so, you will find that oil theft will reduce.”

He urged the conference to take a stand on the issue to end oil theft.

Clark supported the committee’s recommendation that fuel subsidy should be

abolished.

Fuel subsidy, he said, was an euphemism for corruption, urging the conference to adopt the recommendation to abolish it.

Clark said: “In 1972 as a commissioner for finance in the old Midwest, I travelled with President Shehu Shagari, who was the Federal Commissioner of Finance, to Forcados Island, where our crude was being exported.

“We discovered that the government officials, who were there, were more interested in what they can get than protecting the nation’s interest.

“You hardly know how much oil was taken away from our shores.

“Till today, I do believe that if you go to Forcados

terminal the same story will be told.

“We are talking about oil theft, I have always said that our young men at home do bucket bunkering.

“They have no facility, they also lack the technology, but those who steal this oil are people who come from abroad.

“Have we forgotten the case where three admirals were involved? They were court martialled” The Ijaw leader said the revocation of the contract given to ex-militants for the protection of oil pipelines could be responsible for the resurgence of pipeline vandalism.

Some of the pipelines, he said, were over 50 years old and needed to be changed.

Don’t embarrass me, Benin monarch tells museum boss

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IRECTOR-General of the National Museums and Monuments Yusuf Usman has incurred the wrath of the Benin Monarch, Oba Erediauwa, over the return of two Benin Bronze works by a great grandson of Captain Philip Walker.

Captain Walker was a British soldier who took part in the 1897 Benin massacre and the two bronze works were part of the loot from the war.

Oba Erediauwa, in a letter, warned Usman not to embarrass him by changing the venue of the reception from Benin to Abuja.

The Oba had planned a grand reception for the receiving of the Benin bronze works in his palace on June 22, but was surprised to receive a letter from Usman that the venue has been changed to Abuja.

Mark Walker is to present the bronze works to the Oba as gifts.

Palace sources told The Nation that Mark told the monarch’s younger brother, Prince Edun Akenzua, that he was not at peace holding onto the loot.

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From Osagie Otabor, Benin

It was gathered that invitation was extended to the Minister of Culture and Tourism, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria and other dignitaries.

Usman’s letter said the reception would be held in Abuja where the two bronze antiquities will be handed over to the Minister of Culture and Tourism.

Oba Erediauwa, who faulted the change of venue, said: “Your unilateral attempt to scuttle the arrangement is an act of disrespect and embarrassment to the monarch.

“His Majesty has always turned over to the museum any antiquity that was previously brought to him.

“You are requested to cooperate with the palace in receiving the objects Mr Walker is bringing to Benin City instead of dissipating energy on bureaucracy or allowing it to over shadow our sense of history and scuttle the process initiated several months ago by the monarch.”

Rivers CP cautions bankers

IVERS State Commissioner of Police (CP) Tunde Ogunsakin has decried the inability of banks to provide modern equipment that would protect policemen on escort duties.

Ogunsakin, who addressed bank executives at a bankers’ forum meeting yesterday, said: ‘‘It is not the number of policemen escorting cash that matters, but the quality of equipment available to them.

“Two weeks ago, some policemen were pulled out by a bank official from their bank guard duty post and made to escort them with some cash worth about $400,000.

“The men were ambushed

From Clarice Azuatalum, Port Harcourt

and killed by robbers who also carted away the cash.

“There is a difference between policemen on guard duty and those who serve as special escorts.

“Policemen on guard duty are to act as stationary units while special escorts are released based on written request to the police headquarters and should have on them body armour and should use Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC).

“This command will no longer tolerate indiscriminate killing of policemen who are posted on normal guard duty.”

Community worried over territory loss

•Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson presenting a souvenir to the Chief of Training and Operation, Defence Headquarters, Maj. General Ebibowei Bonna Awala at the Government House, Yenagoa

Two in court for stealing from the dead

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WO mortuary attendants- Osaro Benjamin (50) and Idowu Eriemator (26)- have been arraigned before an Evboriaria Chief Magistrate’s Court in Edo State for stealing jewellery worth N4million from a dead woman.

The suspects were employed at the Stella Obasanjo Hospital where the crime was committed.

P olic e P r os ec ut o r E mmanuel Obakpolor told the court that the jewellery was in the casket of Mrs. Esther Akora.

He listed the items to include earrings, necklace, and wedding ring, adding that the offence was committed on May 12.

Conspiracy and stealing contravene Sections 516 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

Chief Magistrate Frank I d ia ke gr a n t ed t hem N500,000 bail each and a surety in the like sum.

A 16-year-old-girl has been remanded in prison custody for allegedly mas-

Man arraigned for ‘ATM fraud’

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From Osagie Otabor, Benin

24-YEAR-old man, Omoregie Ikhelue, has been arraigned before an Oredo Magistrate’s Court in Benin City, the Edo State capital, for alleged fraud.

He was accused of stealing money from another person’s bank account with an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card.

Police prosecutor Sylvester Omor told the court that on May 15 the accused and three others at large committed the offence at a bank on Airport Road.

He said the accused stole N9,000 from Shuaibu Abu’s account.

Omoregie pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit felony and stealing.

Chief Magistrate Mike Osayi granted the accused N50, 000 bail with a surety in the like sum.

Also, the court sentenced Braimoh Stephen (25) to five years imprisonment for stealing his friend’s car.

Stephen was convicted after he pleaded guilty to theft.

Prosecutor Sylvester Omor told the court that the convict visited his friend, Odigie-Bernabas Ikpia, last December to join in the Igue festival celebration.

Omor said the convict drove the vehicle valued at N1.4million away when his friend was asleep.

Magistrate Osayi said: “The sentence is without an option of fine to serve as deterrent to others who want to take what do not belong to them.”

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

ter minding the raping of her 14-year-old friend.

The accused was charged with conspiracy to commit felony.

She was said to have con-

spired with her lover and Destiny Idehen to commit the crime.

Prosecu tor I nspector Omoruyi Osayomwanbor said the offence was committed on April 16 at 15, Uwwelu Maternity Road in Benin.

The prosecutor said the accused asked the victim to accompany her to a family friend’s home.

Omoruyi informed the court that when they got to the place, the accused made a phone call and two men came into the room.

He said after introducing her lover to the victim, the suspect went outside with her lover and Idehen locked the door behind them.

The prosecutor said Idehen raped the minor and stabbed her in the head with a kitchen knife.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 516 of the Criminal Code.

Chief Magistrate Mrs Igho Braimoh remanded the accused in prison custody.

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HE border communities of Danare and Biajua in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State yesterday raised the alarm over attempts to cede part of their land to Cameroon.

It was gathered that the Nigeria/Cameroon Mixed Commission under the auspices of the United Nation had resumed the demarcation of the boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon in Danare and Biajua communities.

A community leader, Cletus Obun, alleged that: “Nigerian troops are here now, forcing protesting youths in the border communities of Biajua and Danare to accept the ceding of parts of Boki to Cam-

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

eroon via the use of wrong map and voided treaty of the League of Nations.”

But the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Atta Ochinke, dispelled the rumour.

He said: “The demarcation going on there is to re-establish the Anglo German boundary line which the International Court of Justice adopted as the boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon.

“It is not a new line and it is not cutting any territory of Nigeria into Cameroon. The action now is not demarcating any new territory but re-establishing a boundary line that has existed for over 100 years.”

Bayelsa publishers warn govt

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OCAL publishers, under the aegis of the Independent Bayelsa State Newspaper Publishers (BIPA), yesterday warned the government to stop intimidating newspaper distributors.

The group issued the warming after its emergency meeting in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Government agents were said to have stopped local newspapers from circulating for allegedly publishing anti-government stories.

The communique issued af-

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

ter the emergency meeting was signed by seven publishers-Evans Tubonah (Golden Pen); Francis Dufugha (Niger Delta Herald); Ebi Ozegbe (The Light); Easterday Ayibatari (National Investigator); Richard Ogbage (Spynet Weekly); Dei Badou (Hardnews) and Bomolaghon Ereku (Atlantic Express).

The publishers condemned the use of security agencies in the state to harass and intimidate the sole newspaper distributor, Alaka Oko.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY JUNE 4, 2014

59

NEWS

Why we killed ex-Anambra deputy governor, by suspects

Okorocha dismayed over Oputa’s funeral plan

I

T

HREE suspected kidnappers, said to have killed the former Anambra State Deputy Governor Chudi Nwike, have given reasons for their action.

Monday Odieto (32), Godspower Ovwigho (31) and Stanley Efetobor (29), were arrested by operatives of the Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State Police Command. They were paraded yesterday.

They were also accused of kidnapping the wife and daughter of Supreme Court Justice Rhodes Vivour.

Ovwigho said Dr. Nwike was murdered, following the uncooperative attitude of his wife.

He said her refusal to pay the balance of N25million of the N30million ransom demanded from the family angered the gang.

His words: “We killed the deputy governor because his

•The suspected killers...yesterday

By Jude Isiguzo and Ebele Boniface

wife became difficult. When we kidnapped him, we demanded N30million ransom, but we were shocked when we received N5million. Our leader, Rufus, became angry. He drove the victim and his family away in a vehicle and a few minutes later we heard gunshots.

“When Rufus returned, he called the deputy governor’s wife on the telephone and told her to use the N25million balance to bury her husband. Rufus also told her that the two persons, who came to pay the ransom, had been killed.

“Kelvin blamed Rufus for killing the victims. He told him

that he was fond of bringing illluck to the gang because he caused the death of warders in Delta State. It was Rufus we wanted to rescue before the warders were mistakenly killed.

“He called the deputy governor’s wife on the phone, demanding why the ransom was slashed.

The woman said that was all they could raise. He told her to use the balance to organise her husband’s funeral.

“We kidnapped the wife of the Supreme Court judge and demanded N20million ransom. We got the exact amount. My own share was N1.3million. Kelvin and Rufus took the lion’s share.

That was the last assignment we did before Kelvin and Rufus were killed by security agents.”

Ovwigho, who became the leader of the gang after Rufus’ death, said he got N1.3million as his share from the N5million earlier paid to them.

Commissioner of Police Alhaji Umar Manko said the arrest followed the apprehension of Monday Odieto from Benin, the Edo State capital, by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ikoyi Police Station, Superintendent of Police (SP) Aisha Haruna, for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of the wife of Justice Vivour and his confession during interrogation that he was a member of a 30man gang of kidnappers, who operated in the Southsouth and Southeast.

Judge refuses commissioner’s bid to join suit against Obiano

J

USTICE Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja yesterday refused an application by a Commissioner, Mr. Tony Nnacheta, in which he sought to be a party in a suit challenging the competence of Governor Willie Obiano to contest the November 16, 2013 election.

Nnacheta participated in the governorship primaries of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as an aspirant and lost to Obiano.

Justice Mohammed held that Nnacheta would become “a strange bedfellow” with the existing plaintiffs if his application to be made a co-plaintiff was granted.

“I am of the view that the application for a joinder, if granted, will

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

only make the plaintiffs strange bedfellows. They are being represented by different counsel and the causes of action or interests are fundamentally different.

“I find no merit in the application for a joinder dated May 6 and same is accordingly dismissed.”

He upheld the argument of the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Olusola Oke, who opposed Nnacheta’s application on the grounds that the case had nothing to do with APGA’s primary election.

The judge held that there was “an apparent conflict of interest” between the existing plaintiffs and the party seeking to be joined as a plaintiff.

“Conflict of interest with the plaintiffs on record is being played out in this suit. A plaintiff seeking to be joined as a plaintiff must not have conflicting interests with the plaintiff on record.”

He adjourned hearing till today.

The plaintiffs, who are lawyers, said they are registered voters in Anambra State. They contended that Obiano, having obtained the voter cards in Lagos and Anambra, should be disqualified from participating in the election in line with the provisions of sections 12(2), 16(2) (3) and 31(5) of the Electoral Act. The plaintiffs, Ugochukwu Ikegwuonu and Keneth Moneke, filed the suit before the governorship election was held, asking the court to disqualify Obiano for be-

‘Finance Ministry director is qualified’

A

GROUP, the Committee of FCT Federal Appointees, has condemned an online report that the Director of Economic Research and Policy Management of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr. Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, is not qualified for the position.

In a statement by its chairman, Ambassador Ayuba Ngbako and secretary, Alhaji Alhassan Sokodabo, it said the publication was baseless, malicious and a cowardly attempt to soil Aduda’s reputation.

The report, allegedly published by Premium Times, said Aduda’s work experience is limited to the Power Holdings Company of Nigeria (PHCN); that he

By Joseph Jibueze

failed an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) examination, and that his appointment was not on merit but was influenced of his father, a Senator.

The group said the writer got the facts wrong as Aduda never worked at PHCN; his resignation from the EFCC after four year was voluntary; and that it is his brother, not father, that is a senator.

It added that duda has a robust track record of excellence in public service and came top in the process that led to his current appointment.

“He is, without doubt, a high performer and an achiever eminently qualified for his current position in the Federal Civil Service.”

It said Aduda earned several academic degrees both locally and intentionally, and that his experience in public service cut across the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), EFCC, Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution, Nigeria Building and Roads Research Institute, World Bank, European Union, among others.

“We are proud that a deserving son of the FCT (Aduda) has been given an opportunity to contribute to national development. We shall, therefore, resist this sponsored effort to tarnish his reputation, not just because he is our son but because given his antecedents and track record, it is the right thing to do,” the group said.

Chibok: Lam’s son urges Fed Govt to dialogue with leaders

D

R Ayobami Lam Adesina, eldest son of the former governor of Oyo State, Late Alh Lam Adesina has urged the Federal Government to invited all leaders in the country to dialogue on a way to release the Chibok School girls abducted by Boko Haram in Borno State in April.

Adesina stated this yesterday while addressing journalist on the state of the nation, at his home in Felele, Ibadan According to him, the girls can be released only if all the

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

leader in this country from different parts come together to provide a way out for the release of the ov2er 200 innocent girls.

He said with the acumen of experience of the leaders they should be able to profound a lasting solution to the problem of Boko Haram.

Adesina went further that the government needs to that the issue of security is preserved in order for its citizens to be protected and for it not to have aneg-

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

ative effect on the socio-economic sector of the country.

“The issue of the missing girls is quite pathetic and I sympathise with the parent and families of the abducted girls because as a parent I know how it feels for ones child to be abducted by a deadly sect, but I know in no time the missing child will be released and united with their family members.

“I urged all our religious leaders to continue to pray for the peaceful co-existence of the country” he said

ing in possession of two valid voter cards. Named as defendants are Obiano, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and APGA. APGA was only joined as a party by an order of the court on March 10.

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha decried yesterday the plan by the family of the late eminent jurist, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, to organise his funeral without liaising with the government.

According to him, government had made efforts to ensure that the deceased was given a befitting funeral.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, said government frowned at the funeral programme published by the family and signed by the deceased’s eldest son, Mr. Charles Emeka Oputa popularly called Charly Boy, accusing them of making the event a family affair.

He said: “The funeral programme did not go down well with the Imo State government because government showed interest right from when the man was ill till he died. Governor Okorocha told the world that government would give the late judge a state funeral befitting of his status.

“Government expected that the family would liaise with it to come up with a funeral arrangement that would suit what the late jurist represented in Nigeria and Imo State in particular. Reducing the funeral to Oputa family affair is unacceptable to the Imo State government.”

Ultimatum for vehicle owners

T

HE Lagos State Commissioner of Police has warned owners of abandoned and accident vehicles parked at Area D Command Mushin, Aswani, Alakara and Ijesatedo Police Stations to come and remove them or lose them to members of the public through auction, two weeks after this publication.

The vehicles are: Rio car BL 45AKD, Mazda car AZ396EPE, Toyota Camry GE 480 EKY, Suberu Bus unregistered, Toyota Camry BU 680KRD, Mitsubishi Space Wagon KRD949AE, Honda City CZ823LSR, Volkswagen Bus KJA320XF, Mitsubishi Galant FF204AAA, Toyota Camry DN359LSD, Volkswagen Golf AGL 707 AC and Hyundai unregistered

T

Church holds revival

HE Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim & Seraphim (Peter Omojo Tunolase Memorial General Headquarters), 2/4, Lake Street, Olowogbowo, Apongbon, Lagos Island will hold a three-day revival from today till Friday. It will start at 6pm. The revival will be rounded off with a prayer session from midnight till dawn.

Pastor Oladimeji Bello said God would liberate people from problems.

Akpabio bows to pressure on pension law

A

KWA Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio yesterday urged the House of Assembly to expunge the contentious clause in the law, which places a N100million and N50million ceiling on the annual medical treatment of former governors and deputy governors and their spouses.

This followed an uproar generated by the controversial Akwa Ibom State Pension Laws.

He said in a statement in Uyo, the state capital that the ‘Governors and Deputy Governors Pension Law’ was first enacted in 1998 and that the law did not place a ceiling on the amount that would be spent for the treatment of former governors and their deputies annually, insisting that the latest amendment was to protect the law from abuse by placing a ceiling on the amount that could be spent.

“Let it revert to the open-ended situation inherent in the law, before the amendment,” Akpabio said, adding that he would institute, through extant circulars, a medical insurance scheme for the management of former governors, deputy governors and their spouses, to ensure that the open-ended nature of the law was not abused.

He said the other false claim was that government excluded some categories of eligible exgovernors and deputy governors.

“This is absolutely incorrect,” he noted, saying that through a 2006 amendment to the law, the previous administration spelt out a new eligibility provision beyond just being a former governor or deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State origin.

The governor’s statement was full of abusive words for those he described as “agents of falsehood in Akwa Ibom State.”

By Raymond Mordi

He expressed hope that “with the excision of these sections from the amendment, the agents of falsehood will lift their siege on truth and not distract the people of this state from the task of uncommon transformation of our dear state.”

The House of Assembly came under a barrage of criticisms for passing the controversial bill forwarded to it by Governor Akpabio. The governor also signed it into law.

Akpabio in the bill urged the lawmakers to enact “a law to provide for the grant of pensions and other benefits to elected former governors and deputy governors and for other matters related there with”. He was specific that the implementation of the bill, when signed into law, would begin on June 1.

According to the new law, the entitlement of former governors or deputy governors are pension for life at a rate equiva-

lent to the salary of the incumbent governor or deputy governor; a new official car and a utility vehicle once in every four years, one personal aide and the provision of adequate security for his person during his life at the expense of government; provision of funds to employ a cook, chauffeurs and security guards for the governor at a sum not exceeding N5million (or equivalent of USD 50,000.00 in Nigeria currency) per month and N2million now N2.5 million (or the equivalent of USD 20,000.00 in Nigerian currency) per month for the deputy governor; and provision of free medical services for his person and spouse at a sum not exceeding N100 million (or the equivalent of USD 600,000.00 in Nigerian currency) per annum for the governor and N30 million now N50 million (or the equivalent of USD 200,000.00 in Nigerian currency) per month for the deputy governor.

60

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

NEWS

Police make u-turn on protests ban Continued from page 4

Chibok Secondary School, Borno state.

“Ours has been a single-issue campaign for the safe return of the abducted girls. In the last 34 days we have done so through peaceful daily sit-outs, and some marches to key governmental actors urging them to act swiftly to rescue the girls from the terrorists.

“We received with shock the statement credited to the FCT Commissioner of Police Joseph Mbu that “...All Protests on the Chibok Girls is hereby banned with immediate effect…”

“We wish to remind the Commissioner of Police Mbu that he

Ojudu defies police ban on protests

cannot take any action that violates our Constitutionally guaranteed rights as citizens, particularly our rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, amongst others as enshrined in Chapter Four (Section 40) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“We are puzzled about the inconsistencies in the communication emanating from the Nigerian Police. We recall that on 12th May, 2014, the Nigeria Police Force on its website published a news item with the title: “Police Not Against Peaceful Assemblies” in which the Inspector-General of Police, M.D. Abubakar restated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force

to the protection and enforcement of the fundamental rights of citizens.

“Over the last 34 days, we have been widely acknowledged, including by the Police and the Federal Government delegation, which represented President Jonathan at one of our meetings for the peaceful, disciplined, and decorous manner we have always conducted the activities of our movement.

“In consonance with our approach, we shall be in court with our lawyers, Femi Falana SAN to file a suit challenging this purported ban by C.P. Mbu. “We hope to obtain an immediate restraint on this unconsti-

tutional, undemocratic and repressive act. Our Movement is legitimate and lawful and cannot be arrested by the police whose responsibility is to enforce, not betray the law.

“We, the members of the #BringBackOurGirls Abuja Family, remain resolute and will persist in using all lawful means to sustain our peaceful advocacy for the safe rescue of the Chibok Girls.

“We, therefore, encourage all those in Nigeria and other Nations that have similarly taken a stand for the cause of the girls to continue to do so with the clarion call: BRING BACK OUR GIRLS, NOW AND ALIVE!!!”

CHANGE OF NAME OGUNTOYINBO

I formerly known and addressed as MISS. ABIMBOLA VICTORIA OGUNTOYINBO, now wish to be known as MRS. VICTORIA ABIMBOLA AANUOLUWA. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

•Ojudu (second left) and his aides protesting at the Unity Fountain in Abuja…yesterday.

turn to the park and continue their protests because nobody can gain victory without struggle.

Ojudu described the protest ban as illegal, unjust and immoral, adding: “For anybody to say they should not protest is

very wrong under the law, it is wrong in morality and it is unjust.

OIC partners Borno to end terrorism Continued on page 4

upholding Islamic social and economic values, cohesion and solidarity among member states.

“Other ideals of the OIC are: increasing cooperation in social, economic, cultural and scientific affairs; international peace and security, and most critically, the advancement of education, particularly in the area of science and technology.

“It is clear that these great ideals, aims and objectives of the OIC are in direct contrast with the weird ideologies of the extremist terror group, Boko Haram, that preaches violence and destruction by masquerading under the guise of Islam.”

Shettima said his administration had gone far in addressing the root cause of the Boko Haram insurgency through well documented policies and programmes.

He said that the programmes were checkmating extreme poverty, social exclusivity, ignorance, and underdevelopment whose consequences manifested in extremism and terrorism.

“With cooperation, support, partnership and collaboration with the OIC, we would conceive an organic and strategic partnership to bring development to our state to positively transform the lives of our people.

“The presence of the Secretary-General is a resounding testimony that the OIC is ready and willing to partner with us in this tortuous journey.

“The OIC and the Borno state government have already commenced processes of partnership through the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in the areas of education and human capital development, health, agriculture, urban and rural renewal projects.”

stitutions which screened them.

Committee Chairman Bassey Otu, said the nominees met the criteria for appointment.

The Senate also confirmed the appointment of Alhaji Hassan Bashir (Bauchi State) and Mr

Olarewaju Fayemi (Ekiti State) as members of the National Population Commission (NPC).

They were confirmed after scaling through the screening conducted by the Senate Com-

mittee on National Identity Card and National Population.

Senate President David Mark urged them to assist the commission to resolve the controversy surrounding the population figure.

Mark said: “Population is a very serious issue in this country and I believe that they would bring something on board so that we know our true figures.

“Every time we talk about statistics in this country, depending on who you are talking to, we don’t appear to have the accurate figures.

“I hope that they would help to bring something on board so that we can know our true population in this country.”

CBN Governor Emefiele to unveil agenda tomorrow Continued on page 4

(Monetary and Fiscal Policy).

Their confirmation followed the approval of the recommendation of the report of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial In-

P

Jonathan, PDP caucus meet at Aso Rock

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday met with members of the national caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

The meeting will be followed by a meeting of the PDP Board of Trustees today at the Banquet Hall of the

State House.

A meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) is scheduled for the PDP National Headquarters, Abuja, tomorrow.

Protesters seek N200m damages from Mbu Continued from page 4

Development Association (KADA).

Members of the group and their sympathisers, dressed in red shirts, were at the FCT High

Court premises in large number, while their lawyers, from the firm of Femi Falana (SAN), were filing the case. They insisted on proceeding with their rallies, which they have held for about 31 days.

They later moved to the office of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), afew meters away from the court in Maitaima, to protest the ban.

By Tonia ‘Diyan

He said: “Konga.com collaborated with Infinix device manufacturers to ensure Nigerians have continuous access to internet wherever they are in the country. Rewarding a customer with a brand new car would make others to also purchase the product.”

At the event were Konga.com’s Chief Exective Officer, Sim Shagaya, Commercial Officer, Mr Mark Rusell, Head of Project and Online Market of Infinix, Mr Bayo Shobanjo among others.

Konga.com rewards customer with car prize

U

ZOAMAKA Anyanwu has won a brand new Hyundai car in an Infinix Mobile promo held by Konga.com to reward customers, who purchased Infinix products, includinmg mobile phones and tablets.

Anyanwu screamed in disbelief when she was notified of the prize on telephone after a raffle draw that was held in the online retail store’s office.

She said: “How can I win a brand new car for buying a phone whose value is less than

the like of which the nation has not experienced. I have the pedigree to lead the opposition.”

On the emergence of three other aspirants for the office, Oyegun said: “Of course, naturally, that is good for the party.

“I know about three credible people too. But I think I am the only one that has not crossed that divide between the progressives and the conservative tendencies.”

Asked if with his lean personal resource, he could win the seat, he added: “I don’t have money but I am offering them qualities that they can trust; that will bind the party together and turn it into a formidable political fighting force.

“I am offering APC members change, principled leadership,

PUBLIC NOTICE

Continued from page 4

members of APC? “Any right-thinking human being must be outraged and do something about this situation.

We must not allow ourselves to be cowed.

“We must not allow ourselves to be blackmailed.

Whether I am APC or no APC. There was no APC between 1992 and 1998 for God’s sake when constantly I was writing and protesting against military regime in Nigeria.”

He urged the women to re-

‘My plan for APC’

Continued from page 4

a hundred thousand naira? I am speechless but I am grateful to Konga.com for this unexpected reward.”

Customers, who only purchased Infinix 8s Tablet from the online store, qualified for the draw that was held last Monday.

The mall’s Head of Marketing, Mr Gabriel Gab-Umoden, said the aim of the promo was to ensure that the Infinix mobile products were made available to Nigerian consumers.

totally incorruptible leadership; leadership with a vision and that is totally passionate about both the party and the nation.”

Oyegun urged Nigerians to give the APC a chance to change the country for good.

He said: “The APC is a party whose time has come. We are espousing policies and principles whose time has come.

“I will only put it this way: The nation in February 2015 will be faced with a choice between business as usual or the new principled and focused party-the APC. And we are saying to the people, judge wisely, vote for change, vote for APC. “So, by the same token, I am offering myself for the National Chairman of APC, I am urging party leaders and members nationwide to vote wisely for me because I am offering change.”

PUBLIC NOTICE CHANGE OF NAME OGUNTOYINBO

I formerly known and addressed as Master.

EMMANUEL OLANREWAJU OGUNTOYINBO, now wish to be known as EMMANUEL OLANREWAJU AANUOLUWA. all former documents remain valid general public please take note.

TELLA

OGUNTOYINBO

I formerly known and addressed as TELLA ABIMBOLA RONKE, now wish to be known as ONIFADE ABIMBOLA RONKE. all former documents remain valid general public please take note.

OGUNTOYINBO

LOSS/DAMAGE OF REGISTERED TITLE DEED NO.78/78/38

I formerly known and addressed as MARY ADESEWA OGUNTOYINBO, now wish to be known as Miss. ADESEWA MARY AANUOLUWA. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MATHAR WUMI OGUNTOYINBO, now wish to be known as MATHAR WUMI AANUOLUWA. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

OGUNTOYINBO

I formerly known and addressed as Master DAVID KAYODE OGUNTOYINBO, now wish to be known as DAVID KAYODE AANUOLUWA. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

We hereby notify the General public that the original statutory Certificate of Occupancy Registered as No 78 at page 78 in volume 138 of the Lands Registry, Umuahia in respect of the property lying and situate at No. 29 St. Finbarr’s Road, Umuahia, Abia State belonging to MESSRS B.B. APUGO & SONS LTD is now damaged by rain.

Signed: O.O. AMUZIE, ESQ., PP: O.O. Amuzie & Associates, Eagle chambers, No. 50 Finbarr’s Road, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.

Tel: 08068347273, 08055929326

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

61

FOREIGN NEWS

Obama in Warsaw, pledges solidarity with Eastern Europe

A

S he began a four-day trip to Europe, President Obama announced new measures intended to bolster security in Central and Eastern Europe in response to Russia’s intervention in the crisis in Ukraine, including its annexation of Crimea.

Mr. Obama tried to make a point of demonstrating solidarity with America’s friends in the region as soon as he landed in Poland, the first stop on his itinerary. Striding across the tarmac from Air Force One, he visited a hangar where four American F16 fighter jets were parked, and addressed about 50 American and Polish airmen and soldiers with a message of resolve.

“I’m starting the visit here because our commitment to Poland’s security as well as the security of our allies in central and eastern Europe is a cornerstone of our own security and it is sacrosanct,” Mr. Obama told the troops, with President Bronislaw Komorowski of Poland at his side. “As friends and allies, we stand united together and forever,” Mr. Obama said.

Later he announced that he would ask Congress for $1 billion for a “European reassurance initiative” that would increase the American troop presence in Eastern Europe with additional exercises and training, and would send American Navy ships more often to the Baltic and Black seas. The plan would position more equipment in Europe for quicker military responses and dispatch American experts to augment the allies’ capabilities. It would also provide aid to Ukraine and two other former Soviet republics, Georgia and Moldova,.

It was not clear whether Mr. Obama’s announcement would satisfy leaders in the region, who have so far been unimpressed by the relatively small forces the United States has sent in recent

months. Mr. Obama has dispatched about 600 paratroopers to Poland and other allies in the region and rotated more aircraft and support personnel through the area.

Anxious about the threat from Moscow, Polish leaders have been pressing for a more robust deployment, and even creation of a permanent base on their territory. NATO reached an agreement with Russia after the Cold War ended, promising to refrain from deploying substantial forces in Eastern Europe, but Polish officials have argued that Russia effectively abrogated that agreement by annexing Crimea.

“For the first time since the Second World War, one European country has taken a province by force from another European country,” Radoslaw Sikorski, the Polish foreign minister, said in a telephone interview before Mr. Obama’s arrival. “America, we hope, has ways of reassuring us that we haven’t even thought about.

There are major bases in Britain, in Spain, in Portugal, in Greece, in Italy. Why not here?”

Joined by Secretary of State John Kerry, Mr. Obama met on Tuesday with Mr. Komorowski and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, reaffirming repeatedly what he called America’s “rock solid commitment” to Polish security. He also met with the leaders of Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Slovakia, all of whom traveled here to hear a similar message.

On Wednesday, Mr. Obama is scheduled to meet for the first time with Petro O. Poroshenko, the president-elect of Ukraine, whose inauguration is set for Saturday. Mr. Obama hopes to reinforce American support for the new government in Kiev as it tries to stabilize a rocky economy and quell a violent pro-

Russian insurgency in the eastern part of the country, where there was fresh fighting on Tuesday.

Later on Wednesday, Mr. Obama plans to address a public rally marking the 25th anniversary of elections in Poland that led to the end of Communist rule. The fresh confrontation with Russia, coming at a time when this part of Europe is commemorating the end of the Cold War and Soviet domination, lent symbolic potency to the event.

Then Mr. Obama plans to fly to Brussels to meet with leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan in a Group of 7 format. That meeting was originally supposed to be a Group of 8 summit in Sochi, Russia, hosted by President Vladimir V. Putin, but Russia was suspended from the group following its annexation of Crimea.

From Brussels, Mr. Obama is to travel to France for meetings in Paris and a ceremony in Normandy marking the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Mr. Putin plans to attend the Normandy ceremony as well, setting up his first encounter with Mr. Obama since the Ukraine crisis erupted.

Because Article 5 of the NATO charter obligates the United States and other alliance members to come to the defense of any member that is attacked, American and Western European officials doubt that Mr. Putin would use military force or the threat of it against a NATO ally like Poland, the way he has with nonmembers like Ukraine or Georgia, which was invaded by Russian forces in 2008 after a skirmish in a breakaway republic.

Still, the nervousness was palpable in Warsaw as Mr. Obama arrived. “Russia is testing the strength of the international system set up by the United States

S •President Obama

after World War II,” Mr. Sikorski said. “She tested it in Georgia, which was an implied ally of the United States. She has now tested it in Ukraine. And I don’t think we can discount the possibility that she will test it again.

And therefore our security guarantees have be credible, which is to say physically enforceable.”

Russia objected strongly when the former Warsaw Pact nations of Central and Eastern Europe sought to join the NATO alliance in the 1990s, saying that Western troops on their soil would be a threat to Russia. In the 1997 agreement, NATO said it did not intend “additional permanent stationing of substantial combat forces” in Eastern Europe, while Russia agreed to refrain “from the threat or use of force” that would violate the “sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence” of its neighbors.

The American airmen whom Mr. Obama visited in the hangar at Okecie Airport are here as part of a full-time United States Air Force detachment stationed in Poland in November 2012. Since then, American F-16 jets and C-130 transport aircraft have rotated into the country temporarily for training exercises, and the United States added additional rotations after the crisis in Ukraine heated up.

“Poles and Americans stand shoulder to shoulder for freedom,” Mr. Obama told the troops in the hangar. “And we’re so grateful to all of you for your service.”

•A fighter of the people's militia and local residents evacuate a militiaman wounded during a battle with Ukraine's border guards in the Mirny neighborhood on the outskirts of Lugansk ...yesterday

181 killed, 293 injured in Kiev military op in eastern Ukraine

K

IEV’s military operation in eastern Ukraine has left 181 people killed, including 59 of ruling regime troops, and 293 injured, according to the country’s Prosecutor General.

Ongoing operation: 8 die in admin HQ blast as fighter jets deployed to Ukraine’s Lugansk Oleg Makhnitsky announced the recent figures at a press conference. However, it was not clear whether the death toll included casualties among selfdefense forces.

The Prosecutor General has also added that over 220 people have been abducted, including 12 foreign citizens, since the uprising started in Lugansk and Donetsk Regions.

"Six hundred and seventyfive criminal enterprises connected with subversive activities, terrorist acts, and violation of the territorial integrity of Ukraine are currently being investigated,” Makhnitsky told the media.

The spokesman for the antiterrorist operation, Vladislav Seleznev, put the number of

self-defense force personnel killed at 300, according to RIA Novosti.

Kiev has been conducting its “anti-terrorist operation” in eastern Ukraine since April, following a mass uprising against the coup-appointed government, demanding broader independence from the capital.

Following the May 11 referendums, in which the Lugansk People’s Republic and Donetsk People’s Republic voted for the two regions’ independence and proclaimed themselves sovereign states, the military opera-

Syria election: Assad win expected amid civil war

tion by Kiev troops has intensified.

The day after the presidential elections on May 25, the likely winner, billionaire Petro Poroshenko, announced that the military operation in the southeast of the country would continue, demanding “it must be more effective, and military units must be better equipped."

This is despite Kiev’s troops already actively using heavy artillery units, mortars, aviation, fighter jets and helicopters, APCs and tanks in their operation in the south-east.

YRIA is holding a presidential election in government-held areas, amid heightened security.

President Bashar al-Assad is widely expected to win a third seven-year term in office.

However, critics of the Syrian government have denounced the election as a farce.

Syria is three years into a civil war in which tens of thousands of people have died and millions more have been displaced.

Analysts say Syrian officials have gone to great lengths to present the vote as a way to resolve the crisis.

This is the first time in decades that more than one name - just a member of the Assad family has appeared on the ballot paper.

Correspondents say the other two candidates - Maher Haj-

jar and Hassan al-Nouri - are not widely known and have been unable to campaign on an equal footing with the president.

No votes will be cast, and there won’t be a single ballot box, in what opposition supporters call “liberated” areas.

The practical reason is that voting would mean allowing access for the agents of the regime. But the emotive reason is that people involved with the uprising would regard casting a vote while the regime’s bombs are falling as an act of treason.

In towns and villages in Idlib over the weekend, people told me the election meant nothing to them: President Assad was a “butcher”, a mass murderer - and anyway the regime would steal the election to give him 99% of the poll.

Egypt’s electoral body declares Sisi winner of presidential election

T

HE former military chief, who won by a huge majority, last July overthrew Egypt’s first democratically elected president, Mohammed Morsi.

Sisi won 96.91 of legal votes cast in last week’s election.

Accepting the result, Sisi urged his countrymen to work to restore stability and achieve “freedom” and “social justice”.

Turnout was recorded at 47 per cent, lower than Sisi had called for, and despite the voting period being extended from two to three days. Sisi’s only rival in the election, Hamdeen Sabahi, won 3.09% per cent of the vote.

The results and the swearing in on Sunday, confirm the rise of the retired field marshal who has suppressed Morsi’s supporters.

He promised to restore stability and the economy after three years of turmoil.

Sisi has said it would take 25 years to bring about real democracy and has spoken out against too many freedoms that cause turmoil, amid an already shrinking space for political activity.

He is expected to be sworn in on Sunday before Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court, in front of a large gathering of supporters from across the region.

Shortly after the announcement of the final results of the election, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia hailed the day as “historic” and called for the supporters to help the country.

“To the brothers and friends of Egypt… I invite all to a donors conference… to help it overcome its economic crisis,” he said.

The British foreign secretary, William Hague, congratulated Sisi and said he looked forward to working with the new administration.

North Yemen clashes 'leave 120 dead'

A

T least 120 people have died in the latest flareup in the conflict between government forces and Zaidi Shia rebels in northern Yemen, reports say.

Warplanes and troops attacked positions held by the rebels, known as Houthis, in Amran province on Monday.

About 100 Houthis were killed, along with some 20 soldiers, Amran's deputy governor told the Reuters news agency.

The fighting ended on Monday evening after a ceasefire was agreed. No clashes have been reported on Tuesday.

The Houthis have staged pe-

P

riodic uprisings over the past 10 years in an effort to win greater autonomy for their strongholds in the far north.

In February, they seized areas of Amran in fighting that left more than 150 people dead.

Monday's clashes reportedly erupted after troops and members of the Sunni Islamic Islah party tried to expel rebels from a strategic position near the provincial capital of Amran, officials told the AFP news agency.

Air force jets supported the assault on the position, which is on the main road to capital Sanaa, 45km (28 miles) to the southeast.

Pakistan MQM leader Altaf Hussain arrested in London

OLICE in London have arrested the leader of Pakistan’s powerful MQM party, Altaf Hussain, on suspicion of moneylaundering.

Officers are searching a residential address in north-west London where they say a 60-year-old man was detained.

Mr Hussain has lived in the UK since 1991, saying his life would be at risk if he returned to Pakistan.

His party, which controls Karachi, has urged supporters to stay calm amid outbreaks of violence there.

The British and Pakistani authorities have in the past expressed concerns that any arrest of Altaf Hussain could lead to violent protests in Karachi.

Shootings have been reported from some parts of Pakistan’s largest city, which BBC correspondents say is tense.

Traffic jams were reported in Karachi and other cities in Sindh province as businesses closed and people headed home fearing violence.

One man in the city, who gave his name as Tahir, told the BBC that MQM supporters were firing guns in the streets and setting fire to any shops which remained open.

Another, Nabil, said there had been “turmoil” and “massive confusion” about whether Altaf Hussain had been arrested or not.

62

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014

NEWS

63

Tom Ikimi and politics of deceit

“Wealth without work, Pleasure without conscience, Science without humanity, Knowledge without character, Politics without principle, Commerce without morality, Worship without sacrifice.” –Mahatma Gandhi

T

HE All Progressives Congress party today holds the best hope that Nigerians have to send the Jonathan-led Federal Government out of power and usher in a new era of progressive and forward looking government.

The APC has in its ranks progressives, pseudo –progressives, a few reactionary elements, conservatives and of course political spies. That is the unfortunate truth.

A truth that threatens to undermine its cohesion as some of the reactionary elements who are driven by selfish ambition continue to threaten that the battle line is drawn.

But first, what does progressive mean and who are these reactionary elements within APC?The word progressive has been overused in our political space so much that it has become slightly devalued especially when you look at the caliber of individual going around with the sobriquet of being progressives. But what does it mean to be called a progressive. My online dictionary defines the word Progressive as “favouring or promoting progress”. It also sees the word progressive as “promoting reform in government”.

We may therefore say that a progressive in political terms is that individual or a collective of individuals who seek to make changes from the status quo or people who intend to change the way the business of government is run from a static or negative perspectives to more robust and positive action which will enhance and promote the standard of living of the majority of the citizens within a particular political space.

Over the years, Nigeria has been really unfortunate to throw up bogus characters who, due to the short attention span (SAS) of most of us, have taken political brigandage to such stratospheric level that even the

W

HEN Nigerians spoke up about insecurity in the North, they were labelled as detractors, when the opposition party and concerned leaders spoke up, they characterized them as power hungry, Islamists fundamentalists and exponents of janjaweed ideology.When the international media did, they were termed APC opposition collaborators, apologists or even pawns. When Hilary Clinton did, she was ridiculed as incompetent, and infact the cause of the problem and the reason why the girls were abducted, when the American Government did they were called busy bodies who have their own unresolved problems, when former PDP governors and other politicians did, they were immediately described as disgruntled.

Whatever the case maybe, those who complain, object, criticize, observe or even perceive that PDP or Jonathan administration should have, could have, or could be doing more, or should be, or could be doing more are simply labelled enemies of the Jonathan administration . They are considered “sick”, senseless conspirators and saboteurs, and they are described in many other unprintable words that should never be used in the kind of discourse that is the subject of the matter. The kind of language that must never be bequeathed to any coming generation, language that is uniformly condemned and rejected all over the world, yet used freely and repeatedly by key operatives of Nigerian government, and Nigeria’s ruling party, PDP. But now, a past president, leader of PDP, and former chair of PDP BOT,

By-Alfred Atoyebi Morgan

devil, who is globally acknowledged as the master of disguise, will bow at the insidious ness of such men.

Such men have been widely credited with the sobriquet of AGIP, an acronym for any government in power.

We have them in large number today and since most of such men can literally do nothing but survive on government patronage, the moment they are out of power, you see them scheming, using any means possible to either remain close, or claw their ways back to the seat of power.

They do whatever they wish, knowing they will get away with whatever they can since Nigerians are always quick to forget and if we ever remember, we can always forgive and move on...sad but true.

Chief Tom Ikimi B.Arch (Hons) FNIA KSG is an Architect and Politician. His later profession as a politician is what he is trying to masquerade as a progressive one. No, Ikimi does not fit the bill. His antecedents are in public domain and his stewardship and thirst for political gain at all costs is common knowledge. It is too late in the day for an Ikimi to expect Nigerians to line up behind him in his fight against persons who Nigerians know how they fought to return Nigeria to democracy. If he has forgotten, millions of Nigerians who suffered and died under military rule will never forget. We still have the newspapers and images of his arrogance on television before the Nigerians and international community defending the brutal hangings of environmental activists, Ken Saro Wiwa and others.

Tom Ikimi had been active in the Nigerian political space but he rose to prominence when he was appointed the national chairman of the defunct NRC (National Republican Convention) in July 1990 during the

ultra-expensive but moribund transition program of the Ibrahim Babangida led military junta. Under his guidance, the NRC won gubernatorial election into 16 states of the then thirty states of the federation.

Ikimi remains on record as one individual who signed away the electoral victory won by Nigerians and sent democracy into the wilderness.

Sadly after the presidential election was annulled by Babangida and his cohorts, Ikimi, an eternal opportunist, wasted no time joining the late Gen-Sani Abacha government as a Special Adviser in February 1994. He became Foreign Affairs Minister in March 1995 and retained the portfolio until the Federal Executive Council became dissolved on 8 July 1998.

It was a classical opportunistic move by the old wily fox. He wasn’t interested in democracy, all Ikimi needed was where his selfish bread could be buttered. Remember there had been lots of complaints about his mismanagement of the NRC. Party funds were reportedly mismanaged; proper book keeping of the party account was non-existent.

Tom ran the party with military alacrity as he listens to no one. He was the antithesis of democracy.

It was no surpris that he became the man that the Abacha Junta leaned on to help launder the pariah image of Nigeria on the internationally, after an election that was adjudged to be the freest and fairest in Nigeria history was brutally and insanely annulled.

As NRC chairman, Ikimi exhibited anti-democratic tendencies. He was dictatorial and ran the party like a personal estate. Ikimi was unstable and rude. You may recall his altercation with the late MKO Abiola during the 1993 presidential debate. He was also allegedly disre-

spectful of his party members and it was no surprise that he publicly exhibit such traits during a nationally televised presidential debate.

Ikimi is a friend of military dictators who served Abacha and publicly celebrated and defended the hanging of ken Saro wiwa even when the national and the entire world believed the hanging of the environmental right activists was in bad faith.

These are some of the antecedent of a man who today claims to be a progressive.

While the PDP has been a scourge in the lives of Nigerians over 15years and counting, we can’t afford to pretend that anything will do. While I don’t believe that those who will run a political should be saints yet even a sinner should be one who can be trusted. As one who is easily sold out, Tom ikimi is not a man serious people should be associated with. A man who will sell hard fought democracy on the altar of political appointment is not a man to be trusted.

We truly need an opposition and by God I believe the APC has come in at the right time, yet we need to have a perspective.

Ikimi and the likes of Ali Amodu Sheriff are the reason why sane people see the APC as an unserious party. While they are not alone, these two are mostly dangerous because they have been shown to be reckless, unreliable and will go to any length, including less than altruistic ones to get their selfish desires satisfied. The problem of Boko Haram ravaging the land today, cannot be too far from a man of Modu Sherriff standing. He was the governor when this madness started and if the government of President Jonathan has any balls, Modu Sherriff should be answering questions and helping the security agencies to find solu-

•Ikimi

tions to the monsters he created.

Nigeria needs a viable opposition and in the opposition there will be various individuals, some good, some bad. But even evil should have its own limits. Tom Ikimi and. Modu sheriff have no business strutting their stuff and pretending to be opposition stalwarts.

If the APC will be taken seriously, then it is time to begin to define the sorts of characters that we can associate with them. No serious athlete eats and grow fat without care even after coming back from an injury, rather a serious athlete watch his weight and work to burn excess fat.

Weight shedding is a pre-requisite to be in top form which qualifies an athlete to win a race. For the APC to win in Nigeria, it must shed some unnecessary weight.

While we are not asking for angels to come and govern us, even the devil we know must have some human face. We may not remember the evil of most past politicians as history is not really our greatest forte, but for the those who claim to wish to serve us, we will put your lives to great scrutiny. The time when any clown will come jostling for power unchallenged is far in the past, today we call on all political gladiators in Nigeria to come to equity with clean hands.

APC must begin to shed unnecessary weight starting with Ikimi and Modu Sheriff. Let us see you shedding that weight today. APC get cracking NOW!!!

The chicken has come home to roost

By Lai Mohammed

and more importantly, a benefactor of the current President, one to whom the President has in the past owed his allegiance, and repeatedly credited as the instrument of God in his meteoric rise in politics and leadership, and one who is the catalyst of his name and luck, Goodluck , has spoken. He said the President did not believe the Chibok girls were missing initially. According to him, Jonathan considered it a political gimmick, and chose not to err on the side of caution when the lives of some of the most vulnerable Nigerians were at stake.

The former president from his military and presidential experience expressed the thought that this unfortunate approach adopted by the President wasted the most vital window of opportunity in rescuing the girls, and taking them out of harm’s way, the vital initial twelve hours. In the words of former President Obasanjo, President Jonathan finally, slowly and reluctantly answered the call to act only when the international community put pressure on him and the matter overshadowed the World Economic Forum being hosted in the nation’s capital.

The former president described the current president as slow, and failing to meet Nigerians expectations!

This is historic and unprecedented!

There is no record of a former democratically elected president describing a successor in this manner.

Over the weekend, on account of the wondrous technology of communication, broadcast and cable television, we were treated to the “American Wonder” of the value of

citizens, and to what lengths nations should go to secure them. The news as monitored demonstrated the real role of the President of a nation with the deployment of the best of America’s special forces to secure a non-contentious release of a soldier who though in captivity for five years, remained unforgotten by his country.

America, of the “AmericaWillKnow# fame, swapped five dangerous terrorists just to secure the life of one noncommissioned officer - a Sergeant.

The president got personally involved and spoke directly to the King of Qatar who took custody of five dangerous prisoners from Guantanamo Bay, who America gave for just one of its own.

What was most touching and telling was that Mr. Obama personally took charge of securing the release of “just” one low level American soldier. One whose existence in many ways should not mean much to him, going by Nigerian warped standard, one whose capture and detention did not stop him from winning elections. He called the parents, brought them to the White House and shared his podium and moment of glory with them. They hugged, backslapped, and walked away together holding each other fondly, endearingly and so ordinarily, perhaps to eat brunch together in the White House.

Days before this happened, no security report of danger to his life could stop President Barrack Obama from flying across the world to celebrate Memorial Day in the heart of the war, and where he was most

likely to be in harms way. He chose the epicenter over the attentioncenter. He chose Bagram, Afghanistan, over the White House in Washington DC. Nothing could stop him.

Contrast this with what is happening at home. When recently we had Children’s day, our own President Jonathan didn’t go to visit the children who are in despair, children who have been unable to attend school on account of the Boko Haram insurgency, children whose lives have been changed forever by fear, tragedy and loss, children who have lost parents or siblings, some of whom want to be like him in the future. Our only connection with them is the technological wonder of cable TV, with CNN meeting with them, touring their school, meeting their teachers, listening to them and transmitting their pain, their hopes, their aspirations to the world. CNN could go, but our own President could not.

We are today a people traumatized more by our leaders than our attackers. Our attackers have banked on the failure of our leaders to traumatize us even more. We are a people in despair, in pain and sorrow, not just for the lost souls or missing girls, but for the soul of our nation and the missing leadership. Traumatized by terrorists, traumatized by an incompetent government, traumatized by poor infrastructure, traumatized by darkness, traumatized by impunity, traumatized by our helplessness when those who steal go unpunished, traumatized when children are missing and the president is dancing, traumatized when he, and the leadership of his

party deny the obvious, when they belittle the lives of our children by disputing their abduction, when they insult the pain of parents, the fear and grief of communities, traumatized when we realize we can’t depend on our government to protect us, or come to our aid. Traumatized when the government spokesperson labels us who are victims of this government as opposition controlled states, traumatized when to them, those who are concerned enough about the safety and destiny of our girls, are reduced to mere “campaigners” who are 90% opposition. Traumatized to discover that our president only sees electoral capital, not human capital, not Nigerian capital, not citizens of Nigeria, traumatized at the reality of our exclusion by the president and the PDP. At a point, trauma leads to delusion and irrationalbehaviour. How much more trauma can we take? As a nation, we are unraveling, things are falling apart, the center is not holding, anarchy is upon the land, but the reason is simple. There is a failure at the center. There is rot, incompetence, callousness, ineptitude, a scale of corruption and stealing,a level of impunity that is emanating from the center. The stench is so bad, you can smell it far north, far east, far south, and far west.

That is why things are falling apart, that is why the center isn’t holding, that is why anarchy is upon the land, that, I submit is the reason for, and our greatest trauma.

•Mohammed is Interim National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC)

TODAY IN THE NATION

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.9 NO.2,867

‘When will the federal government see itself as servant and guardian of all and work complimentary to the efforts of each state in helping the citizens to survive? The federal government should not destroy selected states because they are not from the ruling party’ TONY MARINHO

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

Regular readers of this column may recall that several months ago I announced that reactions to this column should be no more than 300 words to have any chance of getting published in the column.

I am sorry I am breaking the rule so soon, but I believe the significance of credible elections in Ekiti and Osun raised by the author and the clarity of his thinking justifies breaking the rule. I should, however, declare that the author, Chief Emenike, a veteran journalist, publisher and politician, is also a close friend.

Next week, God willing, I will publish some of the other reactions to my article.

A

By Ikechi Emenike

CE columnist Mohammed Haruna’s piece on Governor Kayode Fayemi’s chances at this month’s polls in Ekiti State provokes a closer look at the man’s inner motivation for seeking another shot at the Government House. How does Dr Fayemi view the essence of his mandate? What does it mean to serve the people?

Anyone in doubt about the meaning of “service to the people” should visit Ekiti State and engage any of the 25,000 beneficiaries of the social security scheme for the elderly.

Every month, each senior citizen (over 65 years old) of this small South-western state receives a stipend of N5,000 from the state coffers to help cope with the ravages of old age.

Token though it may appear, the stipend is a life-saver for many senior citizens cut off from the state-run pension scheme, having not been on the public sector’s payroll in their more productive years. They all have Dr Kayode Fayemi, who only received the keys to the governor’s office less than four years ago after a protracted, bitter fight to reclaim a stolen mandate, to thank. The social security scheme is only one of Fayemi’s practical demonstrations that governance is about touching people’s lives. “Remove service to the people from my mandate and I would humbly tell you that I have no business in politics” is one of his insightful statements.

Now the man who eminent academic, Prof.

Akin Oyebode, says has done virtually all he promised before the last election is asking for another term, to ring-fence, as it were, his people-driven programmes and make them the norm in Ekiti State. Any visitor to Ekiti today would attest that the people are eager to, with their votes, demand for four more years of Fayemi. The billion naira question, however, is: will Nigeria’s now thoroughly discredited electoral system redeem itself and allow the people’s will to prevail? I shall return to this vexed question shortly.

A practised strategist, Fayemi has approached the House of Assembly to back up the social security scheme by ‘locking in’ the benefits for the people by law, much like the UK’s National Welfare Scheme which has remained untouchable since 1945 in spite of numerous efforts to scale it back or scrap it outright.

He is a campaigner for the sustainability of sound projects. His administration has assiduously worked to clear the backlog of projects it

RIPPLES FANI-KAYODE QUITS APC, REJOINS PDP -News

No Suprises...He is now BROKE!

People and Politics By

MOHAMMED HARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

Why Ekiti 2014 is important to Nigeria 2015

•Dr Fayemi

met and in so doing, completed many road projects that were only 20 per cent done when Fayemi took the reins of power. He would be the first in the state’s 18 years of existence to treat government and governance as a continuum.

“Government projects”, he says, “shouldn’t be considered personal projects”, which many an egotistical leader believe they are.

Dr Fayemi’s solid record as a civil society activist and board member of such organisations as the Open Society, Justice Society and Baobab for Women’s Rights would not permit him to be less alive to the people’s cause. The scholar in him blended with the street activist in the troubled days of the Abacha dictatorship. Fighting on the side of the people, Dr Fayemi was instrumental to the success of the opposition’s soft weapons of communication, such as Radio Freedom/Radio Kudirat that exposed the junta for the callous power usurper that it was. His encounter with such pan-Africanist leaders as Ethiopia’s the late Meles Zenawi impressed in him the moral imperative of leadership of service and people-driven development agenda.

When Dr Fayemi prioritised the upgrading of infrastructure, education, agriculture, gender sensitivity, the social sector and governance in his eight-point agenda for Ekiti’s development, he was merely building pro-people policies like his mentors did, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo included. He is on record as the first governor to

F

endorse the Freedom of Information Bill and the first to publicly declare his assets alongside his late deputy. All these he did while maintaining an open-door policy, meeting the people on their turfs and welcoming dissenting voices with his now familiar gap-toothed smile.

Will the people of Ekiti remember Dr Fayemi come June 21 when they return to the polls?

Methinks they will, just as they have imprinted in their minds, the N5,000 stipend for elders; the N10,000 allowance for the 5,000strong Ekiti Volunteer Corps members; the Samsung Centre established to promote ICT in the state; the enhanced pay/allowances for teachers in rural areas and how this has helped to lift the state’s school certificate success rate from 22 to 70 per cent; the YCAD programme that engages some 20,000 youths in viable commercial farming...The list is endless. Even his main rivals agree that he has performed, just as they shamelessly think up other means to ensure the people’s will does not prevail. One says that whatever Fayemi has achieved would not count in the elections, proclaiming that “we must remove him”. He is relying on thuggery and rigging. Another simply snapped: “So what?” But that one’s ship is sinking.

Try as they may, it is hard to see how the people of the Land of Honour will not queue behind a man who has been so faithful to his promises, come June 21. While Fayemi speaks of and works towards a future of transparency, good governance and prosperity, Ayo Fayose evokes retrogression, a fall-back to the bad old days of brigandage the intelligent citizens of Ekiti would rather forget. In a sense, Ekiti 2014 may indeed turn out to be a contest between the past and the future.

Regrettably, in these climes things are not as straight-forward as they should be. I now return to the question of the fairness of our electoral umpire.

Last week, in devoting his popular column to the forthcoming Ekiti general election,

HARDBALL ROM all indications, those who thought Mbu, the puppet they had seen the last of Mbu Joseph

Mbu were terribly wrong and must now have a rethink. Four months after his redeployment to Abuja from Rivers State where as Police Commissioner he proved to be a thorn in the flesh of the governor, Rotimi Amaechi, he is back in public consciousness and, as usual, in controversial circumstances.

Now Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Mbu’s latest outrageous manifestation was his ban on Bring Back Our Girls protests for reasons that may not be unconnected with political considerations, or more precisely, for reasons that may lie in the realm of political influence. Understandably, the protests have been held daily in Abuja by the Citizens Group led by Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, a former minister of education, in response to the April 15 abduction of over 200 students at the Girls Senior Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, by members of the Islamist terror gang Boko Haram.

Significantly, the ban has been reversed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar, who diplomatically called it “an advisory notice enjoining citizens to apply caution in the said rallies, particularly in the FCT and environs.”

Perhaps not surprisingly, Mbu cited security

issues as the grounds for the prohibition. He declared to reporters in Abuja, “Information reaching us is that too soon dangerous elements will join groups under the guise of protest and detonate explosives aimed at embarrassing the government.” He added that the Fountain of Unity, the place where the protesters gathered in the city, was unacceptably being turned into a space for “cooking and selling.”

Curiously, Mbu’s move appeared to be an extension of official displeasure at the protests in the presidency. Specifically, President Goodluck Jonathan in a media chat last month alleged that the protests were calculated to bring down his administration; and last week, Information Minister Labaran Maku accused the opposition of funding the protests to damage the reputation of the Jonathan administration. Was it a coincidence that Mbu’s act followed these remarkable instances of farfetched reasoning? Or was his action a nextlevel progression that was meant to give force to the utterances of Jonathan and Maku?

If anyone was puzzled, Mbu supplied the answer that gave the game away. He said:

Haruna posited that given his antecedent, Governor John Kayode Fayemi should ordinarily secure his second term quite easily. Like earlier commentators, the veteran journalist is worried about the role of INEC. He joined several other previous commentators to urge INEC to use electronic card reader for the election both in Ekiti this June and Osun in August. None of the parties is objecting (at least publicly) to the use of this device that is meant to weed out ghost voters and ensure transparency and fairness in the elections. The commission stands to lose nothing if it bends to this consensual demand. To say the least, INEC’s silence on this popular clamour is very worrisome.

INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega needs the Ekiti and Osun elections more than he is willing to admit. He came to office with so much goodwill following the woeful performance of his predecessor, Prof. Maurice Iwu. Four years into his tenure, he has virtually dissipated that goodwill on the platter of shoddy performance. He wobbled during the 2011 general elections, fumbled with the Ondo general elections and failed in the Anambra polls.

At each turn, he presents bags of excuses even as he promises to umpire a better 2015 general elections. But any discerning observer would note that Jega’s voice is no longer as firm as it once was.

Fortunately, Ekiti provides a unique opportunity to begin a sorely needed redemption. If the electronic card-reader, as all stakeholders demand will assist INEC, prudence demands that it should be adopted.

It is also important for the INEC chairman to put aside his three-piece designer gowns for a workman’s gear and personally deliver on Ekiti.

That is called leadership by example. His mere presence would check some of his recalcitrant and venal officers and place him smack at the centre of the action. Since 1999, INEC has been unable to deal with recurring complaints about shoddy distribution of electoral materials. The worst case was in the recent Anambra governorship election where materials meant for some local governments simply developed wings.

Jega would be well-served to lead a team of his top 16 commissioners to Ekiti and assign to each a local government for the purpose of distributing materials while the chairman himself takes charge of the central distribution centre in Ado-Ekiti and does the hand-over to the electoral commissioners personally and publicly, starting from 6am prompt. The process of distributing these materials should be broadcast live to enhance the credibility of the process and secure authentic real-time documentation of events, which may aid future forensic analyses. That done, electoral officers across the country and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s election processes will watch and learn from the boss how sensitive electoral materials are to be handled. Well executed, Ekiti 2014 will cause Nigerians to be less cynical about the conduct of the 2015 general elections.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above “People have been protesting over a month now…it is the issue of terrorism, it is not solved in one day. Then, when you continue to do it persistently, it becomes nuisance to the government.”

Aha! So the protesters have become a source of irritation to the administration and cannot be tolerated any longer, even if their campaign is inspired by social conscience and the need to push for the rescue, or release, of the kidnapped schoolgirls.

This is certainly not the kind of attitude, or measure, expected of a sensitive and empathetic administration; and it gives the government away as a circle of small-minded and self-serving characters.

More importantly, the ban had the quality of irresponsible high-handedness, not to describe it as tyrannical; and it had no place in any truly democratic environment. It needs to be emphasised to Mbu and the puppeteers that banning peaceful assembly of any group of persons represented a primitive and outdated approach to governance, and could only further ridicule the country in the eyes of the world, especially with the global interest in the fate of the abducted schoolgirls.

The most important thing is: Bring Back Our Girls.

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