Mar 24, 2014 by The Nation

Newspaper of the Year

No nation has ever survived a religious war... This is why the current •SEE on religiously divisive politics our current leaders are playing will not augur PAGE 6 i t c s n well for our body politic. Religion has been elevated to a point where it is a now used as a tool to curry and win votes... We must resist leaders who o s CEO t appeal to our religious sentiments because they want our votes. N k GE

•Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at inauguration of a church in Lagos •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 9, NO. 2797 MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

CB ban

PA 13

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Delegates get N668m as conference plenary begins

ATIONAL Conference delegates will earn sitting allowances for only 60 days when they are likely to hold plenary, it was learnt yesterday. But they will, however, earn accommodation allowance for 90 days - in line with the timeline for the conference.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

In spite of agitation for other allowances, the Federal Government has directed the secretariat to keep to the budget for the conference. Although about N668million was disbursed to the delegates at the weekend at the rate of about N1.4million per head, the government has told the

conference’s leadership that it will not tolerate extra expenditure. The financial advisory from the government to the conference secretariat indicated that the delegates would earn sitting allowance for only 60 days. A highly-placed source said: “There is no question of blanket payment of

N4million per month as being reported. In fact, they may earn less than the assumed N12million. “From the financial advisory to the secretariat, delegates will earn sitting allowance for 60 days. We do not expect the plenary to extend beyond 60 days before we break into committees. Continued on page 4

•FAYEMI OPENS CAMPAIGN WITH CALL FOR PEACE P9 •BOKO HARAM ‘S BOMB KILLS 20 P4

Ibadan forest of horror: Police arrest six suspects Ten survivors in hospital

From Bisi Oladele and Oseheye Okwuofu,

Ibadan

HOUSANDS of curious residents flooded yesterday the “evil forest” where dying men and women, human skulls, and decomposing bodies were found. The crowds started to throng the site as early as 8:00 am, increasing by the hour till nightfall when visibility became poor. The entrance of the site (in Soka) from the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was also fortified by armed policemen who stationed three patrol vans at the site. People screamed continuously on seeing human skulls and other body parts in the expansive forest. Some youths insisted that more victims were still trapped in an underground apartment where victims were murdered. Angry youths carrying logs led others to several areas of the site to see the human parts. They vowed to maim any of the perpetrators who may be found in the bush but none was seen. Ten survivors found in the forest are receivContinued on page 4

•A crowd at the Soka, Ibadan forest...yesterday. Right: Some of the victims

•NLC BACKS PROBE OF MINISTER’S EXPENDITURE ON HIRED JET P6

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

NEWS

Controversy trails N

•From left: Head, Benefit Administration, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Bunmi Dayo-Olagunju, Pension Desk Officer, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Aderemi Adebayo, Director of Contributory Pension, Ogun State Bureau of State Pension, Mrs Taiwo Adebiyi, and Executive Director, Operations, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Steve Elusope, PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU at the inauguration of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers' Abeokuta Office.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and members of the Water Producers Association of Nigeria (ATWAP) are enmeshed in a cold war over new levies, writes SINA FADARE

•Innitiator, Project Smile,Dr. Amy Traore Shumbusho speaking at the media launch of Project Smile in Lagos ... at the weekend. With her are Brand Communiocation Manager Oral B,Tomiwa Ajewole (left) and Brand Operations and IntegraPHOTO: BOLA OMILABU tions Manager Oral B,Ojo Folarin.

•From left: Director, Air Transport Regulation, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Justus Wariya , Managing Director Bytol Travel and Tours, Mrs. Biyi Tunji Olugbodi and Commercial Manager Gambia Bird West Africa, Sodieri Osei - Bonsu at the unveiling of GAMBIA BIRD Airline in Lagos.

• From left: Managing Director, Save Mart Global Stores Limted, Philippe Boulos, Group Managing, Director/CEO, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, Group Chief Executive Officer, Blowfish Hotels, Imad Kanaan and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Nigeria, Dirk Verheyen, during the opening ceremony of '9To7' Supermarket in Lagos. PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

EMBERS of the Water Producers Association of Nigeria (ATWAP) are unhappy with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over new levy the regulatory body imposed on them. The controversial levy is N25, 000. All water producers throughout the country are to pay the levy. A circular from the DirectorGeneral’s office was sent to all the zonal and state offices of NAFDAC for prompt action. The new levy is in addition to the N16,000.00 renewal fee all water producers in the country are accustomed to. According to the circular dated February 10, signed by Mrs. O. N. Mainasara on behalf of the DG, Dr. Paul Orhii, the levy, which took effect from January, should get to the agency via its consultant, Emani Global Network Nigeria Limited before June ending. The circular titled, “Re: Annual monitoring of water quality standard and compliance (AMWQS&C) for all water manufacturing facilities nationwide using mobile laboratory modern equipment for on-site physicochemical and microbiological test analysis/method,” compelled the state coordinators to make sure that the money should reach the agency through the consultant. Part of the circular reads: “I have been directed to inform you that the Annual Monitoring of Water Quality Standard and Compliance (AMWQS7C) for all water packaging facilities nationwide by Emani Global Network Nigeria Limited in collaboration with NAFDAC has been approved by the DG (NAFDAC). “A lot of producers have not been carrying out regular laboratory evaluation to ascertain their water quality whether portable or otherwise fit for drinking. A review of the laboratory analysis of both sachet and bottled water submitted for registration recorded a high percentage of failure rates due to pathogens. The cost is twenty five thousand naira (N25, 000:00) for ATWAP members and thirty thousand naira (N30, 000:00) for non ATWAP members.” According to the circular, nine commercial banks were involved in the transaction. Each water producer is expected to pay into designated banks using NIBSS payment service. All the zonal and state coordinators are expected by the circular to “liaise with the Director, Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate, Yaba, and Emani Global Network Nigeria Limited on implementation and kickoff of the annual monitoring of water quality.” Investigation has, however, revealed that the levy has

•NAFDAC’s Headquatres in Abuja

polarised members of the ATWAP and non-members. The Nation gathered that the levy has generated a lot of hiccups among water producers. It was learnt that while some of them who have big companies did not mind paying the amount, others felt that it was exploitation . Speaking on the development, the Managing Director of Heritage Water , Lagos, Mr. Olu Makinde, said that the new levy was like double burden on producers of water, especially those who are trying to get their bearing in the business. “Most of the money we got goes to procurement of diesel to power our generator, which is almost running everyday because of poor supply of power. By the time you put all other logistic into cost of production, there is little left after payment of salary of my workers. If people like me could be complaining, what do you think those who are struggling to survive in the business will be experiencing?” he asked. One of the regulatory officers of NAFDAC in Abuja, who spoke to The Nation on condition of anonymity, said the situation was sad because it is capable of discouraging small businesses, adding that NAFDAC will rake in nothing less than N1.6trillion nationwide from this levy. He explained that before any water producer could be registered with NAFDAC, it takes a detailed process. “They have to engage the service of water experts that will certify their products before bringing it to NAFDAC for laboratory test. After it has been certified okay for public consumption, the agency will approve it for NAFDAC registration. Therefore, the engagement of another consultant that will collect the new levy from ATWAP members and nonmembers alike is absurd,” he said. Speaking on the implications of imposed levy on water producers in the country, Wole Aladewolu, a water expert, said the situation is not only sad but worrisome. He explained that if the agency is sincere, the NAFDAC laboratory at Oshodi is one of the best in Africa and it is competent enough to test the hygienic level of any water in the country without engaging any consultant. “See what has just happened at the recent recruitment at the Immigration, you can see that politicians are trying to play a fast game on Nigerians and just using some innocent comptrollers in the service who are not aware of what is going on. l hope

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

ils NAFDAC’s new levy on water producers

‘ It is difficult

to fight an agency like NAFDAC and not pay dearly for it. Therefore, it is better to let the sleeping dog lie •Dr. Orhii

that NAFDAC issue will not turn to such. “How can NAFDAC justify a situation where all the water producers in the country will pay the sum of N25, 000 into a consultant’s account through some designated banks? It is not only odd but very suspicious. The sad aspect of it is that the regulatory officers of NAFDAC will now be on the neck of water producers in order to rake in the illegal money,” he lamented. The negative implication of this, according to Aladewolu, is that a lot of water producers will go underground to produce water that may

not be hygienic and pump same into the market, especially in rural areas. When The Nation contacted some of the top executives of ATWAP for comment on the issue, they kept sealed lips, fearing that NAFDAC may swoop on them. But, the few who spoke on condition of anonymity said they are helpless on the issue as “it is difficult to fight an agency like NAFDAC and not pay dearly for it. Therefore, it is better to let the sleeping dog lie.” Getting NAFDAC to comment on the issue was frustrated, as its Director of Communication, Jimoh

Abubakar, was hostile to this reporter. He said there were a lot of good things happening in the agency apart from the one this reporter was seeking confirmation on. “l don’t know how your organisation can sponsor you to go all over the country to investigate NAFDAC if you are not sponsored by some people,” he alleged. His counterpart in Lagos, NAFDAC Public Relations Officer, Mrs Christy Obiazikwor, did not pick her calls and failed to respond to the sms sent to her phone requesting to know why NAFDAC embarked on

such venture. But a member of the Board of Trustees of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) introduced another angle to the introduction of the levy when he said the issue is beyond the NAFDAC DG. Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said some notable agencies and parastatals have been directed by the Presidency to generate fund for the party ahead of the 2015 general elections. The Nation could not confirm this information. “This was the decision of a powerful clique in the Presidency champi-

‘

oning Jonathan’s second-term ambition and the money is going to be handled by a consultant who is very dependable and a confidant of the Presidency who will be paid handsomely after the deal might have sailed through,” he said. He explained that the committee beamed their searchlight on the Custom and the Immigration Service to provide such a fund no matter how and where they are going to get it. “So NAFDAC is just a victim of powerful power brokers and top PDP echelons who are ready to return Jonathan to Aso Rock,” he added.

Dangote, firm in ’cement war’ in Senegal

A Dangote Group cement plant, started about four years ago in Senegal as part of its expansion project and with the capacity to create 4,000 jobs, has run into trouble as competitors throw punches to stop it from starting production in June, writes AFP

TS shimmering azure chimney stacks towering into the sky, the latest cement works launched by Africa’s richest man lies idle in a Senegalese meadow — stopped in its tracks by legal action and cut-throat competition in a rapidly growing industry. Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote’s cement business has been flourishing elsewhere in Africa and the Senegalese project, first conceived four years ago, was due to start production in June. But the west African nation’s government is being taken to a regional arbitration court in Ivory Coast by French manufacturer Vicat, which claims that the plant represents a “distortion of competition” in a country where the market is already saturated. “This is the first time in the history of Senegal that we have seen a plant built in violation of all the rules,” said Boubacar Camara, president of Sococim, a Senegalese subsidiary of Vicat. Dangote, 56, made his first fortune in Nigeria more than three decades ago when he started trading commodities with a loan from his uncle. His cement business is the jewel in the crown of the Dangote Group, the largest industrial conglomerate in west Africa according to Forbes magazine, which describes Dangote variously as “the richest black person in the world” or “Africa’s richest man”, with a personal fortune of $25 billion (18 billion euros). He has been expanding his empire outside of Nigeria in recent years — Dangote Cement now has operations in 15 African countries — but the Senegal project and the court case aiming to stop it may come to represent a frustrating inability to leverage his influence across the entire continent. 4,000 jobs “A cement plant is dangerous, you need permits, prior authorisation and you also have to

•Sall

•Hollande

conduct an environmental impact study. That hasn’t been done,” Camara told AFP. The water-cooling technology involved in the $630 million (457 million-euro) plant would require a daily withdrawal of 4,500 cubic metres of groundwater, a precious commodity in an arid Sahelian country like Senegal, according to Camara. “It’s a race against the clock. Once production begins, it will be much more difficult to intervene,” Camara told AFP. “Given the conditions in which he has installed his plant, Dangote could come and set whatever prices he likes.” Dangote has said the operation would create 4,000 jobs and, in any case, the state has no power to oppose it, a source close to the Senegalese Ministry of Mines told AFP.

•Dangote

“Initially, there was were certain procedural irregularities that Dangote fixed,” said the source, adding that “the main problem was the environmental impact”. French President Francois Holland wrote to his Senegalese counterpart Macky Sall in January about the plant “in order to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by Sococim”, according to a source in the Senegalese presidency. Sall responded to the effect that “the rule of law and the Senegalese courts” must be allowed to decide whether the project could go ahead, the source told AFP. Welcomed with open arms It is not the first time that the controversial project has run into problems. Senegalese courts ruled during construction

that it encroached on a sacred forest owned by the descendents of Cheikh Amadou Bamba, a Sufi Muslim mystic and religious leader who was revered by millions of Senegalese. Construction was only allowed to recommence when Dangote offered the family a persuasive $12.6 million in compensation. Villagers in Galene, the tiny settlement on the doorstep of the cement works 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Dakar, say it has been installed on land once used by thousands of farmers and their animals. “We fear that it is going to stop us growing and raising our animals,” said Oumy Ba, the village chief. Community leader Bougouma Thiongane said however that the project had been “welcomed with open arms”. Galane and the surrounding villages have no electricity or tap water and Dangote promised to change that, while also raising employment prospects for every young person in the area, Thiongane said. The plant, one of the largest in Africa, will be ready to begin operating “within 90 days”, Aramine Mbacke, the CEO of Dangote Senegal, told Financial Afrik magazine earlier this month. It will produce three million tonnes of cement annually, three-fifths of which will go onto the local market, he said. The operation is being launched amid increased competition between Sococim, which has a 65 percent market share, and Ciments du Sahel, which makes up the rest. “Both plants already have a combined capacity of six million tonnes for a market of two million tonnes. They produce below capacity. That explains the reason for this war,” an official from the Ministry of Mines said. “In the sub-region, everyone wants to make cement,” he added. The management of Dangote Senegal declined to comment.

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

NEWS Boko Haram’s market bomb kills 20

USPECTED Boko Haram insurgents at the weekend detonated a bomb in a crowded market in Bama, Borno State, killing no fewer than 20 people, witnesses said yesterday. Although no group has claimed responsibility for the incident, security officials said the attack on Saturday bore the hallmarks of an attack by Boko Haram. “I travelled to Bama ...to buy bags of beans. Suddenly, there was a deafening bang at the middle of the market. It was in the late afternoon and commercial activities were at their peak,” said Shuaibu Abdulahi, a trader at the market. He estimated the

death toll to be as high as 29. Abba Tahir, a bus driver who was offloading passengers at the market, said he counted 20 bodies. “People were helping in evacuating the bodies after the confusion had died down. Some people who were injured were taken to the general hospital,” Tahir said. The military spokesman for Borno State did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The state has ordered all of its schools shut before the end of term to protect children after sect members killed dozens of pupils in an attack last month.

Fulani herdsmen kill 25 in Benue village attack

•National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (second left) with (from left) Pastor J T Kalejaiye; Pastor Sam Ogedenbge; Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Obafemi Hamzat and Rev Ogedengbe during the 18th Founders Day Church Convention and Dedication Service at Overcomers Pentecostal Prayer Ministry, Abule-Egba, Lagos...at the weekend.

Ibadan forest of horror: Police arrest six suspects Continued from page 1

ing medical attention at the State Hospital, Adeoyo, Yemetu, Ibadan. The surging crowd, wielding cutlasses, clubs, shovels and iron rods insisted on demolishing the abandoned buildings, formerly used by factories. The police fired teargas to ward off the crowd. Speaking on the Saturday discovery, the Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Hon. Abass Aleshinloye, who witnessed the evacuation of the kidnapped persons on Saturday, described the action of the captors as criminal, adding that the matter is being handled by the police.

“I can’t stand the gory sight; it’s horrible. What we only did was to arrange for an ambulance to take the survivors to Adeoyo , Yemetu State Hospital for urgent medical attention. So, I believe the state government has taken over the matter,” the council boss said. There was tension in Soka, with youths combing the bush. No fewer than 20 decomposed human bodies were either dumped in a ditch or thrown underneath the damaged heavy equipment that were also abandoned at the site. Also at the site were various parts of human bodies,

including skulls, bones and hands. A hall within the building was also full of personal effects, such as clothes, shoes and necklaces. Some abandoned vehicles on the site were also full of wearing apparels which residents said might belong to the victims. Most of the apparels are ladies’. Residents called for the demolition of all the structures on the site, insisting that there could be more human beings trapped underground. Some of the residents have also constituted themselves into monitoring groups at

the site, combing the bush for another possible discovery. A one-time member of defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) Alhaji Kayode Adekojo, told reporters that until the government discourage capital flight from Nigeria, the urge and lust for money will always lead people with criminal mind to carry out bizarre incidents such as seen on the ‘Soka’ gory site. “The lust for money can lead to any ungodly act, such as the one we are witnessing now. For God’s sake, how can human beings do this to their fellow human beings, killing and dumping them and selling their parts. I will urge the Fed-

Stormy session likely over rules

HE National Conference may experience a stormy session today as members resume to adopt the draft rules of proceeding. The delegates went on a break last Tuesday after the inauguration of the conference by President Goodluck Jonathan on March 17. The conference’s “rules of engagement” was released and distributed to delegates to the conference last Thursday by the Conference Secre-

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

tariat. Before adjourning proceedings on Tuesday, delegates raised concerns over how the proceedings would be conducted ranging from sitting arrangement to the presentation of issues by individual members. Some raised concerns over prominence of ethnicity and religion during plenary and committee sessions. Others

were poised to make an issue out of allowances for personal aides which the Secretariat had said was not provided for. It was also gathered that some members are poised to express their concerns over what some of them described as punitive measures in the draft rule. Some of the delegates claimed that 14 days suspension for any delegate for flouting conference rule of procedure was too harsh.

Continued on page 58

Some delegates also criticised the section that criminalizes “the so called offensive and insulting language”. One of the delegates wanted to know “what constitutes offensive and insulting language” and “who determines what amounts to offensive and insulting language”. According to the delegate, who did not want his name in print “nothing should be done to encumber free exchange of ideas”.

Continued on page 58

ENUE State’s Guma Local Government Area headquarters Gbajimba was under fire yesterday from Fulani herdsmen who turned the town to a killing field. No fewer than 25 farmers were killed by the militia who bore sophisticated weapons. No fewer than 50 were injured. A few of them were taken to the hospital in the state capital, Makurdi, where they are receiving treatment. The attack is a continuation of the onslaught on Tiv villages by the Fulani herdsmen who were suspected to have attacked Governor Gabriel Suswam’s convoy when he visited the area. Minister of State for Trade and Investment Chief Samuel Ortom who hais from the local government, cried out yester-

“But they are expected to collect accommodation allowance for 90 days to cater for when they will be working at committee or syndicate levels.” Responding to a question, the source added: “We are actually sticking to the budget for the conference because the Federal Government has said that it will not give extra funds. “So, we cannot accept any extraneous demands in terms of allowance from members.” Each of the 492 delegates was paid about N1.4million for accommodation and other expenses to enable them settle down for the conference. It was learnt that the account of each member was credited electronically. About N668million was disbursed to the 492 delegates. Five rejected the allowances. The Assistant Secretary to

O fewer than 200 Fulani herdsmen were evicted at the weekend from Niger State under tight security. They were taken back to Kaduna State. It was gathered that the nomadic herdsmen arrived last week in Biri forest from Rijana in Kaduna State in search of green pasture for their animals. But they were advised to leave because the area is used as a military shooting range. A set of herdsmen who went in search of a more conducive place later settled for Gunu village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger state. But the large number of the herdsmen and the cattle scared Gunu residents, who de-

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

scribed the development as an invasion of their peaceful community by the Fulani. The elders of Gunu took up the matter with the local government authority, the police and the Department of State Security (DSS). In an attempt to prevent the scenario in Benue and Taraba states and based on security advice, it was gathered that the Niger State government ordered the immediate eviction of the herdsmen. It provided trucks that evacuated them back to Kaduna State. But the North Central zonal chairman of Miyetti Allah Continued on page 58

David-West slams ‘jumbo pay’

FORMER Minister of Petroleum Resources, Prof. Tam David-West, has faulted the ‘jumbo pay’ offered delegates to the national conference, their acceptance of the offer as well as the huge population of the delegates. David-West, who spoke to our correspondent in Ibadan yesterday, described the conference as a village. He expressed disappointment in both the government and the delegates for offering and accepting the huge amount of financial rewards, despite the economic crunch confronting the nation. The former minister said it was disturbing that President Goodluck Jonathan could offer each delegate N30,000 as feeding allowance per day when his administration can not pay workers N18,000 minimum wage. A disappointed David-West said: “At last, President Jonathan has inaugurated the jamboree of 492 Nigerians for his socalled national conference. Like a number

the National Conference (Media and Communications), Mr. Akpandem James, who refused to divulge how much was paid to each delegate,

Continued on page 58

Niger evicts 200 herdsmen

Delegates get N668m as conference plenary begins Continued from page 1

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

day. Ortom lost his house in an earlier invasion. Narrating how the invasion was carried out, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Investment, Abraham Kwaghga, who also hails from the local government, said: The Fulani militia, numbering over 200, launched the attack on the town at 10am, when residents were in the church. “Some came through the bank of River Benue. Others came through Nassarawa State road and positioned themselves on the west side of Gbajimba town. Those that came through the River Bank launched attack first. Others started shooting and killing

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

of Nigerians, I am not enthusiastic about the outcome of the Abuja jamboree. I am not only skeptical; I am cynical about the whole charade. “Why 492 people? It is like a village. What is even more obscene and disturbing is that each one of them will have N30,000 for food per day in a country where the government cannot pay N18,000 minimum wage per month. Now, it is giving N30,000 per day to selected Nigerians. In addition, they have N4 million each as housing allowance per month. Government has not faulted these figures. “The statistics show unseriousness on the part of the government and members. No doubt, some of the members are very eminent Nigerians, but I am surprised that they did not refuse the huge pay. Why should any responsible and patriotic Nigerian receive any money from govern-

simply said: “I am aware that some of the allowances have been paid.” The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps

ment to come and discuss the national question of how the country can be better governed or better exist? None of them has deemed it fit to reject the pay in view of the crunching economy of the country, just on moral grounds. They have lost the moral ground to discuss the national question. This is very disastrous.” David-west added that the delegates could not produce anything better than what has been done before within the three months given them. He also faulted the listing of discussing true federalism as a priority for the conference, saying it shows poor understanding of the concept. According to him, true federalism is already enshrined in the 1979 constitution, but it is only achieved when the masses press the government to practise it. “A country does not become a federation by mere paper pronouncement but by the people believing in it and defending it,” David-West said.

(NSCDC) has deployed surveillance equipment and monitoring vehicles in strategic locations of the Federal Capital Territory as part of the se-

curity measures to ensure a hitch-free conference. According to a statement by the Head of Public Relations

Continued on page 58

•Justice Kutigi

ADVERT HOTLINES: 08023006969, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 08099365644, ABUJA – 08099650602 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

NEWS 2014 Hajj: NOA set up Pupils’ killings: Visit Yobe now, APC committee for smooth exercise advises Jonathan T T

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has advised President Goodluck Jonathan, as the father of the nation and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, not to be afraid to visit any part of the country for whatever reasons. In a statement in Lagos yesterday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party reminded the President that he has not yet visited Yobe State, one month after the killing of many school children in the state, to commiserate with the government and the bereaved families. It said the first month of the killings, which is tomorrow, provides another opportunity for the President to visit the state.

APC said since the President’s planned return from his latest foray abroad on Tuesday coincides with the first month of the killings, he should fly straight to Yobe. ‘’As we said in our earlier statement on this issue on March 10th, ‘far from being a mere formality, such a visit will provide great succour to the families of the victims, reassure them and other residents of the state that their government has not abandoned them to their fate, and also serve as a morale booster for our gallant troops who are battling the terrorists, against all odds’,’’ it said. APC reminded the President that since the killings,

he has hosted a wasteful centennial celebration, travelled across Nigeria to illegally kick-start his campaign for the 2015 elections and journeyed to Namibia, Italy and The Netherlands, in a needless junketing that belies the massive security problems facing the country. ‘’Mr. President, charity begins at home. You cannot be engaging in photo-ops abroad when your country is burning,’’ the party said. It said President Jonathan’s insensitive junketing and law-breaking campaign rallies across Nigeria best illustrate the old saying ‘’Nero fiddling while Rome burns’’.

APC advised President Jonathan, as the father of the nation and Commander-inChief of the Nigerian armed forces, not to be afraid to visit any part of the country for whatever reason. ‘’In this case, President Jonathan’s pointed avoidance of Yobe, where the death of innocent school children highlights the senseless nature of the Boko Haram insurgency, is a morale booster of sorts to the cowards who murdered those children ‘’If however the President has any reason why he does not want to visit the scene of the gruesome murders to commiserate with the bereaved families, he should tell Nigerians who have continued to wonder why he has been avoiding the state,’’ the party said.

Fed Govt votes $1b to curb crude oil theft

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that the Federal Government has earmarked $1 billion to check crude oil theft, vandalism of oil and gas infrastructure and prosecution of crude oil thieves. He disclosed this while speaking at separate meetings with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr. Mark Rutte and the Chief Executive Officer of Shell International, Mr. Ben van Beurden at The Hague. He is in the Netherlands for the

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

2014 global Nuclear Security Summit. According to him, a technical committee has already been set up to look into all aspects of the implementation of the programme. The programme, he said, will include further action to enhance the security of pipelines and other oil industry infrastructure, resolve community-related issues, boost youth empowerment in oil-produc-

ing areas and enhance the commitment of oil companies to the discharge of their corporate social responsibilities. Jonathan said the new moves against oil theft by his administration would require the cooperation of the international community, especially countries such as the Netherlands, which are major stakeholders in the oil industry. He said: “Oil theft is an aspect of global terrorism, which has become a big industry on its own. It has become a major threat to the Nigerian

How govt can create jobs, by Ezekwesili

economy and we need to work with all stakeholders to curb it. The thieves must be traced, apprehended and prosecuted.” The Dutch Prime Minister assured the President of the commitment of the Netherlands to curb crude oil theft and global terrorism. Rutte said Jonathan’s visit affirmed the strong ties between Nigeria and the Netherlands and assured the President of the willingness of The Netherlands to collaborate more with Nigeria on environmental and security issues, particularly in the Niger Delta.

HE National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) have promised a smooth pilgrimage. Inaugurating a committee on the hajj, the Director-General of NOA, Mr. Mike Omeri, urged members drawn from both organisations to develop a framework for nationwide public enlightenment. “We intend to re-kindle the fire of our existing relationship with the NAHCON. The Agency (NOA) has massive structure required to undertake this task. We should reorientate pilgrims on the rules, regulations and general conduct,’’ Omeri said. The committee has Dr. Sheik Saleh Okenwa as chairman. Other members are: Dr. Aliyu Tanko, Alhaji Maigari Ahmad, Alhaji Balarabe Gambo, Hajia Amina Elelu-Ahmed and Alhaji Galadima Z. Soba. Terms of reference includes: to enlighten pilgrims on all the Hajj reforms, to orientate pilgrims on general conduct among others. The Chairman of NAHCON, Mallam Muhammad Bello, thanked NOA for its ‘continued partnership’ and optimistic that the newly inaugurated committee would deliver on shared goal of both organizations, adding that pilgrims must be well enlightened and equipped with ‘relevant’ information necessary for overall conduct of pilgrims to holy land in Mecca.

Rep warns against sudden removal of petrol subsidy

MEMBER of the House of Representatives, Peter Apkatason (APC, Edo State) has warned the Federal Government against the sudden removal of petrol subsidy. Apkatason, who was President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG),spoke with reporters in Abuja. He said though it is desirable to stop the pilfering of trillion of Naira by government officials through the subsidy regime, a sudden removal of the subsidy should

ORMER Minister of Education Mrs Oby Ezekwesili has urged the government to create an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive as a way of creating jobs and solving unemployment challenges. Dr Ezekwesili spoke at the weekend during the Youth Empowerment Summit (YES), organised by the Deeper Christian Life Ministry at the auditorium of the Deeperlife Campground on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. She said the decline in the education system caused the teaching profession to lose its prestige. This decline in the education sector, she said, has accounted for the 40 per cent rate of jobless youth population. She addressed the children and youth on the topic: ‘Skills for excellence and Employability in the Modern World.’ Suggesting a way out of the menace, she urged government to set up micro, macro and structural policies. Mrs Ezekwesili said the low quality of governance over the years has been a contributing factor to what has led the education sector to a bad state. She said: “The structure of the economy must be diversified so that new sectors can open up to provide more jobs and employment opportunities. also, the quality of the teachers

•The crowd at the programme...yesterday.

PHOTOS: ADEJO DAVID

By Nneka Nwaneri

makes all the difference in the society because the profession is too important to be left behind for the low minds.” Dr Ezekwesili urged the participants to be accountable to their talents and use them for the good of the communities. She described the recruitment exercise conducted by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) as the most outdated human recruitment process, describing it as a •Pastor Kumuyi scam. “This is contemptuous of the government must bring the citizens of this land and back the dignity of the coun-

•Mrs Ezekwesili

try by providing jobs, not by offering jobs on a platter of

death, and by according prequisite punishment for bad behaviour,” she said. General Superintendent of the Deeper Christain Life Ministry, Pastor William Kunmuyi, also spoke to the children and youths on the topic: “Growing to Glow and the Price and Prize of a Significant Life’. Pastor Kumuyi said the aim of the programme is to allow the young ones know the purpose of God for their lives and to expose them to skills that can enable them know their talents which will enable them grow and glow.

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

be the last option. Akpatason said: “We must have a master-plan for addressing the issue of subsidy, this ad hoc pronouncements cannot help the situation either. “ You cannot wake up one day and say we’re stopping subsidy. Try it and see what happens. It is not a threat, but from my experience, I know that if you just wake up one day and remove subsidy, there will be serious trouble. “There should be a planned programme that would ensure that removal of subsidy would not create more problems than the solution anticipated.” The lawmaker, who said subsidy is wrong from the economic point of view, added that though there is a need to stop the subsidy, it must be done in a way that would not put economic and political pressure on the government and cause additional problems for the masses. He said: “Now you’re talking about the removal of subsidy, AGO ( diesel) has been deregulated, but has the situation changed? In some places in the country, it sells for N150 per litre even when marketers are importing massively. “If you just jump to remove it, the economic pressure that will follow, the political consequences and the rest of them would be enormous. He described subsidy as “ a reflection of the failure in our system,” adding that “we must address those failures.” “ from the economic point of view, I think it is wrong. We at some point must talk about stopping subsidy. We can’t continue with subsidy forever. “We have been talking about subsidy removal and the need to remove subsidy for many years and each time those discussions come up people come up ideas of what to do in the immediate to ensure that the situation that gave rise to the subsidy itself is addressed, but unfortunately, that is not being done. “So if we’re talking about the desirability or sustainability of subsidy, we must go back to 2006, look at what happened in 2006 and 2011 and look at the jump in 2011 and the factors responsible for that.”

THE NATION MONDAY MARCH 24, 2014

NEWS

NLC backs probe of Diezani’s expenditure on hired jet T L

Tinubu urges clerics to pray for peace, success

ABOUR yesterday threw its weight behind the probe of Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke’s spending on a hired private jet. In a statement titled “Create Jobs; Stop the Private Jets Jamboree NOW!,” Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Abdulwahed Omar, urged the lawmakers to also probe the ostentatious lifestyle of some governors and other public office holders Omar said: “We support the move by the National Assembly to probe Mrs. Alison-Madueke. The probe should equally be extended to the governors and other public office holders involved in this national shame.” According to him, the NLC is alarmed at the reported level of waste by public office holders in Nigeria, particularly high profile public officers such as governors, ministers and even their aides in the use of hired private jets. The NLC boss added that the allegation that AlisonMadueke spent N3.120 billion in two years maintaining a private jet and this will be subject to probe by the House of Representatives, is a welcome development. Omar described the probe as timely, coming at a time that other public office holders, including governors had also been alleged to have squandered as much as N130 million monthly to hire and maintain private jets. He expressed concern that in a country in urgent need of development infrastructure capable of lifting up lo-

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja and Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

cal industries, create real employment, deliver quality social services; “it is not only sad that public officers are enmeshed in financial recklessness, it is equally condemnable that so much public funds are being expended on acquisition and hiring of private jets even to destinations conveniently plied by commercial airlines. “It is abhorring that governors who have always complained of inability to pay the minimum wage to public servants in their states under the pretence of paucity of funds could embark on such wastage at the expense of the sweat and sacrifice of workers and to the detriment of the development of their states. “The governors, in particular, have collectively made attempts to sponsor bills at the National Assembly to undermine workers’ interests, particularly on the minimum wage. Each time issues of wages come up, they are the first violators, insisting often times that their states lack the resources to accommodate increase in wages while their tastes and thirsts for high profile life styles go on unabated. The statement added: “It is nauseating that the Minister of Petroleum Resources, whose ministry supervises the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, which has become the most prominent in financial scandals involving public institutions in Nigeria, will chose to be flying in hired private jets while the petroleum in-

dustry is sliding in stinking rots. “Refineries and other infrastructures under her supervision have totally collapsed; management of resources meant to uplift the industry has become subjects and sources of several scandals in recent times. “While the alleged disappearance of over $20billion from the accounts of the NNPC is still a subject of probes by both arms of the National Assembly, the public is still groaning under shortages or complete absence of petroleum products at pump stations. “This same minister was recently quoted as advocating further excruciating hardships for Nigerians through complete removal of petroleum subsidy, including kerosene which the poor and the working class depend on. “Indeed, what is further required is a holistic, transparent and result-driven probe of the entire financial recklessness of public resources on adventures that contribute nothing to the development of our country. “The lifestyles and greedy thirsts of our public officers are completely deceptive and inconsistent with our collective reality as a country with a non-performing economy, high unemployment rate, mass poverty and near total infrastructural collapse.” Also yesterday, the proposed N4 million monthly allowance for each of the delegates to the National Conference has been described as tantamount to adding to the cost of governance in the

‘Chime ‘ll complete projects before end of tenure’ THE Enugu State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Goddy Madueke, has said Governor Sullivan Chime will complete projects before the end of his tenure. The commissioner spoke during a tour of the project sites. Madueke said: “Time is no longer on our side. We are in a hurry to complete projects and the ones, which may be awarded before the end of the tenure of this administration.” According to him, the governor directed that the tempo of work be increased. The commissioner, who visited some road projects, including the 19.5-kilometre Ikedimkpa-Amaofia-Agu rural road in Ezeagu Local Government awarded to Greylines for N1.8 billion, said: “There is a desire to achieve much before the rainy season.” He said the contractors would have no excuse not to deliver. “I am always on site monitoring what is going on, because I have a governor, who can visit the site at anytime to confirm the information you have given him. So we are on our toes,” Madueke added.

country, NLC Vice President Issa Aremu said. Comrade Aremu, who is a delegate to the conference, told reporters in Ilorin that the prohibitive allowance was unacceptable, as the country had already been impoverished by high cost of governance. He hailed the healthy debate by Nigerians on the allowances of the delegates. “Of course, there is no easy answer. But the issue is not for grandstanding or playing to the gallery or sheer insensitivity. Whatever the rates will be; delegates must be sensitive to the fact that millions of workers live on miserable minimum wages that are either not paid or paid late monthly. “A country that unacceptably asks for N1000 from an unemployed applicant cannot justify paying few some prohibitive allowances. We are in a country of fast spreading baby factories, in which scandalously teenage girls on account of absolute deprivations get pregnant and deliver babies for sale as cheap as some N300,000! Polytechnics and colleges of education are under lock and key on demands that call for more funding. Also Nigeria is already impoverished by high cost of governance. “This conference should not unjustifiably add to the existing cost of governance and frozen resources for education or health. I agree with the late Mahatma Ghandi of India that the world has enough for everyone’s need, but not everyone’s greed,” he said.

President Goodluck Jonathan (left), greeting the Dutch Prime Minister, Mr. Mark Rutte, during his arrival at Cathuis residence for a bilateral meeting in the Hague... yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

CLO to power firm: your bills are outrageous

HE Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) in Akwa Ibom State has challenged what it called “crazy bills” distributed to electricity consumers in the state. Speaking with our correspondent at the weekend, CLO state Chairman, Clifford Thomas, said the bill regime of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company was one of the “most outrageous injus-

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

tice against Nigerians.” He noted that the billing system was either an act of sabotage by the former operators, who wanted to make the new operators look like they were incompetent, especially when viewed against the backdrop that there was steady deterioration in the quantum of electricity generated and distributed to consumers; or, the new

company was not only incompetent, but also exploiting consumers as extreme capitalists. Thomas said: “It is wrong for the electricity company to fix unjustified bills without holding a public forum where consumers meet them to understand what is happening. “How did they arrive at these funny bills, which further impoverish the people and defeat one of the main objectives of the government?”

HE National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has urged clerics to pray for peace. Tinubu, who spoke at the weekend at the 18th Founder’s Day and Convention/ Dedication Service of the Overcomers Pentecostal Prayer Ministry, Abule Egba, Lagos, also enjoined clergymen to pray for Nigeria’s success. He said: “Clerics have been praying for peace and development. They should not relent. I don’t want them to be tired of praying because their prayers are essential. I want them to pray so that together we will make our country great. “I congratulate the General Overseer, Pastor Sam Ogedengbe, for turning 60. He and others have been praying for Lagos State and Nigeria. I want them to continue.” The APC National Leader, who was the chairman of the occasion, inaugurated the church auditorium at 72, Jibowu Road, Abule Egba. He thanked Lagosians for supporting Governor Babatunde Fashola. Said he: “When we brought Fashola as our governorship candidate, sceptics criticised us. I am happy that he has proved

•Tinubu By Tokunbo Ogunsami

them wrong by performing.” Ogedengbe, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Fashola on Religion (Christian), urged politicians to think about the welfare of the masses. He said they should improve the people’s living condition “because they voted them into office.” The event was attended by personalities, such as the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Femi Hamzat, who represented Fashola. Others are Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Mr. Oyinlomo Danmole, former Health Commissioner, Dr. Leke Pitan and exCommissioner for Agric and Cooperative, Mr. Enoch Kolapomoye Ajiboso. Pastor J.T. Kalejaiye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God was the special guest speaker.

Full text of his speech

LORY be to God in the highest, for His mercies endure forever. Such should be the songs on our lips and the praise in our hearts as a church as we witness today’s double celebration: the dedication of the building and the birthday thanksgiving of Rev. Samuel Ogedengbe. I rejoice with you as a congregation, as a family and as Nigerians who love this country dearly. •Today, this church can look back and be proud of its testimony because it has abided under the shadow of the Almighty. More importantly, because both the leaders and followers have taken the right steps and embraced progressive thought and change. Your adherence to the word of God and love for your neighbour as yourself is no doubt part of your testimony today. • No nation has ever survived a religious war. No religion has ever been able to wipe out another. History bears me out on these two counts. This is why the current religious divisive politics our current leaders are playing will not augur well for our body politic. Religion has been elevated to a point where it is now used as a tool to curry

and win votes. While we cannot take morality out of our politics, I must serve notice that governing the country along religious lines and manipulating religious sentiments will endanger our body politic. •Nigerians love democracy and are willing to make the sacrifices needed to make it work. They will not negotiate their constitutional rights to vote out or vote in at prescribed intervals their representatives. A sense of citizenship responsibility and patriotism must guide our actions as citizens. We must resist leaders, who appeal to our religious sentiments because they want our votes. •I have known Rev. Ogedengbe for nearly two decades now and I can attest to his character and love for God. He is a mobiliser, a lover of people and a courageous spiritual leader not afraid to speak truth to power. I urge you to continue on this path. As you turn 60, I celebrate with you and wish you the best of God’s blessings. •Let us not hold back, but give generously to the work of God and support the good work of the CHURCH. Thank you and God Bless. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

Court strikes out suit against ALGON leadership

FEDERAL High Court in Abuja has struck out a suit seeking to sack the leadership of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON). Ruling, it upheld the objection filed against the suit by the defendant, Nwanbueze Okafor. The judge held that the suit was incompetent and that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain it. By the ruling, the Okafor leadership of ALGON is sus-

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

tained. The plaintiff, Umar Kassim Ibrahim, had, by the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/449/ 2013, sought the removal of Okafor as the National President of ALGON on the grounds that he had ceased to be a local government chairman, contrary to the provisions of the ALGON constitution, which provided for a three-year tenure for its elected officials.

THE NATION MONDAY MARCH 24, 2014

NEWS IMT freshers advised to face studies

Fire guts Anambra market

ESIDENTS of Awka, the Anambra State capital, were shocked yesterday, following a mystery fire, which gutted the Eke Awka Market. The cause of the fire is unknown, but Governor Willie Obiano and the Commissioner of Police, Usman Gwary, have vowed to unravel it. They were at the scene of the incident about 8am to see the damage. Fire fighters, security operatives, including vigilance groups, salvaged the situation. A source said the inferno began about 12:41am and it was put out about 2am. Obiano hinted that some markets would be relocated. He urged market leaders to ensure that explosives were not sold in the shops. The governor hailed the Police Commissioner, the Director of State Security Service (DSSS), Mr. Alex

APC members accuse chieftain of embezzlement •’Allegation baseless’ From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

EMBERS of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State have moved to suspend the interim Deputy Financial Officer, Mr. Jacob Chukwu, for alleged gross misconduct, embezzlement and causing disunity. This is happening ahead of the state congresses. A stakeholders’ meeting yesterday ended in a fiasco, following an attempt to suspend Chukwu. Members accused him of causing disaffection and disunity in the party. They alleged that he embezzled over N1 million. The members alleged that Chukwu said during the meeting that the state interim management of the party had been dissolved “and that he is in-charge of APC, pending the conclusion of the congresses.” Chukwu, however, dismissed the allegation as baseless, unfounded and an exercise in futility by political jobbers. He said: “We will find out those people behind the motion for my suspension. The noise they were making did not even allow me to hear what the motion was about. The allegation is unfounded.” The interim Secretary, Mr. Chaka Nweze, said the crisis would be resolved.

•Debris being evacuated after the fire...yesterday.

•Obiano, police chief vow to unravel cause From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Okeiyi, the leader of vigilance groups, Chief Kenneth Okonkwo and the fire service for their response.

He said: “We are likely to relocate some of these markets. My administration has a plan for Awka. Whether this market will be here or not is a thing we are going

to look into. “But I advise traders to have fire extinguishers.” Gwary told The Nation that the command would investigate the cause of the fire.

He said nobody died, adding that only a part of the market was affected. Awka South Local Government Chairman, Prince Azubuike Iloh, said when the fire was noticed, he contacted the CP, SSS and Governor and they took action.

Eight arrested in Enugu for piracy

PERATIVES of the Nigerian Copyrights Commission, Enugu zone, at the weekend arrested eight persons involved in piracy and confiscated contrivances, worth over N30 million. The arrests, carried out in 10 locations, yielded results at Ogbete market where five people were arrested and in the Enugu

From Chris Oji, Enugu

metropolis where three were caught. The Enugu Zonal Director of the commission, Mrs. Ngozi Okeke, told reporters that the development followed a complaint by the cable network providers, such as Multi Choice Nigeria. She said two teams of copyright inspectors and

20 ATUs embarked on an enforcement action. “This resulted in the arrest of the suspects and recovery of items, such as QSats and A-Z skys. Various “dongles”, which are used for broadcast piracy, were recovered,” Mrs. Okeke added. According to her, the action was in continuation of the war against piracy,

which the commission had been waging over the years. The zonal director said: “This is a signal to pirates, who have refused to listen to the appeal of the commission to desist from piracy and engage in meaningful ventures. The contrivances are items of infringement.” She said the suspects would be prosecuted.

Imo pupils receive monthly allowances

MO State government has paid pupils in public primary and secondary schools monthly allowances, as part of its free education programme. Secondary school pupils are to receive N500.00 monthly. Primary school pupils will get N300.00. Launching the payment and the distribution of educational materials at Owerri City School, Governor Rochas Okorocha said the Rescue Mission introduced the payment of stipends to pupils to appreciate the Imo child and give him a sense of ownership and participation in the affairs of the state. He said the gesture would inculcate the culture of financial prudence in the pupils at their early stage and give them a sense of pride as stakeholders. “It’s a way of saying thank you to our children for doing the right thing. This will encourage them to go to school. Since the state is yet to begin a feeding programme in schools, the payment of stipends will be sustained as an alternative,” the governor added. Besides the stipends and distribution of sandals, uniforms and other materials, Okorocha also launched the Parent-Teacher Child Assessment Programme (PT-

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

CAP) and Mentoring Programme. He said the PTCAP and Mentoring Programme were fashioned to create a platform for collaboration between the teacher, parents and child to have a continuous assessment on the welfare of the child, with a view to ensuring proper upbringing of every child. The mentorship programme comprises credible and accomplished individuals, who have volunteered to provide moral and financial support to pupils and visit the schools to discuss their problems.

The governor urged teachers and head teachers to keep a communication line with the parents and pupils to know the position of the child at any time. He warned them not to sell the materials, but should ensure that every child gets sandals, canvas, socks and other materials. The Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, who is also the mentor of Owerri City School, hailed Okorocha for his interest in education and welfare of the children. He said he would visit schools and assist them. The Secretary to the State Government and Mentor of

primary schools, Prof. Anthony Anwuka, enjoined the pupils to go through their schools with a determination to overcome challenges. He assured them that with determination and hard work, they would achieve success. Wife of the governor, Mrs. Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha, expressed joy that Imo children were being positioned to be future leaders. She lauded them for their good conduct. Responding on behalf of the pupils of Owerri City School, Miss Blessing Nwele thanked the government for the love shown them.

HE Chief of Staff (CoS) at the Enugu State Government House, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo, has urged the new students of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu to face their studies. She said this is essential to enable them succeed and become good citizens. Mrs. Nwobodo, who delivered a lecture on the topic: “Youth Empowerment through Education and Good Governance”, at the institute’s 32nd matriculation, told the students not to forget their purpose of being in the school. She said: “Never forget that you are here to learn, arm yourself with knowledge and empower yourself with a bright and guaranteed future.” The CoS added that as a mother, she owed it a duty to advise students. She enjoined them to “shun cult activities, examination malpractices and other vices, which will distract you.” Mrs. Nwobodo warned female students against selling their bodies for money or marks. “I am here today to speak on a topic, which I am passionate about. I am even more excited addressing this subject to youths, the matriculating students. “No nation can thrive without the strength and spirit of its young; not only through innovative ideas, but also by the energy of the youth.” The woman, who has indicated her intention to run for a Senate seat next year, was endorsed by stakeholders. Said she: “Many youths in Enugu State are employed, contributing in the capital projects being executed by the government; from road construction to transport and water supply.” A community leader, Mrs. Ebere Nweke, who attended the lecture, described it as a “motherly advice by a woman, who has done much for the state through her office,” adding: “Mrs. Nwobodo deserves to serve the nation at a higher level, which is the Senate.”

•Mrs. Nwobodo

Retired paramilitary officers decry ‘non-payment of pension’

ETIRED paramilitary officers, including those of Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Prisons Service, have decried alleged irregular payment of their pensions and gratuities. They urged the Federal Government to intervene. The pensioners also urged delegates to the National Conference to bring up the matter. They lamented that they are dying, following the al-

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

leged non-payment of their gratuities and pensions. The retirees, who spoke to reporters in Owerri, Imo State, also condemned the alleged non-payment of their 53.7 per cent pension increment as approved for retired police and para-military officers since July, 2010 and the alleged non-harmonisation of their pensions, as applicable in other sectors. Speaking on behalf of the retired officers, the Imo State

Chairman of the National Association of Retired ParaMilitary Officers (NARPO), Mr. Abaa Tsha Jabez, said the alleged irregular payment had affected them. He said many of the retirees had died after waiting for their money, while others are still dying. The NARPO chairman alleged that a wrong salary structure was used in paying the gratuities and pensions of officers, who retired from 2005 to 2006. Calling for Federal Government’s intervention “to

save the lives of these suffering retired para-military officers and their dependants,” Jabez said the paramilitary salary structure should be used in paying the pensions and gratuities of the officers, in place of what he called the outdated salary structure or unified paramilitary salary structure of 2002. The officers blamed Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Office (CIPPO) for the woes, which had befallen them over the years.

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

NEWS Aregbesola for honour By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola will receive the National Infinity magazine’s Man of the Year 2013 award next month. He will be presented with the award during the Third Babatunde Jose Lecture on Media and The Society. The presentation will be preceded by a lecture to be delivered by eminent journalism scholar, former Executive Editor of The News and Managing Editor of Premium Times.com, Dr. Dapo Olorunyomi, at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding in Osogbo, the state capital. The magazine’s Editor-InChief, Olajide Ige, said the editorial board singled out Aregbesola for the honour because of his “radical approach to governance”. The magazine listed Aregbesola’s ground breaking achievements in youth employment, infrastructural development, education and agriculture as the basis for his choice. In a notification letter to the governor that he is the Nigerian of the Year 2013, the magazine said it is proud to be “celebrating a man, who took over a state that was moribund and near comatose and turned it into a viable and fast developing state through ground breaking, innovative and progressive policies that have revolutionised the state and set it on the path of progress, economic and infrastructural development, which has gained international attention over the past three years.” Past winners of the magazine’s Nigerian of the Year are businessman Alhaji Aliko Dangote in 2010 and House of Representatives’ Speaker Aminu Tambuwal in 2011. The honour comes with a N100,000 prize, which will be donated to the winner’s charity organisation of choice.

‘Primary education is vital’

HE Affordable and Qualitative Education policy of the Ogun State Government is aimed at revamping the education sector, Commissioner for Information and Strategy Yusuph Olaniyonu has said. He said this while addressing pupils and staff of his alma mater, Oke-Ona Primary School, Ikereku in Abeokuta North Local Government Area, during an unscheduled visit to the school 36 years after he passed out. The commissioner, who described primary education as the greatest foundation, said the government would continue to make education a priority. He said: “The primary school is the greatest foundation that sustains a solid building, thus, I would not have become a commissioner today if I did not pass through this school.” Olaniyonu lamented the neglect of the school, which was established in 1900, by past administrations, noting that durable classrooms in the school were built by the Amosun administration. He said: “My visit to this school today is a homecoming. It is my first time of coming here since I passed out in 1978. As an old boy, I will exploit all avenues to assist the school.” The commissioner urged the pupils to be serious with their studies. Conducting Olaniyonu round the school premises, the Assistant Head Teacher, Mrs. Iyabode Oluga said the school lacked security and needed new classrooms and furniture.

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (in white); his deputy, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori with executives of the Nigeria Automobile Technician Association (NATA), Osun chapter, who endorsed the governor for a second term at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo...last Thursday.

Ekiti varsity inaugurates Advancement Centre Board

HE Ekiti State University (EKSU) has inaugurated a 25-member Board of the Advancement Centre to oversee the institution's development. The board is chaired Prince Julius Adeluyi-Adelusi. Members include the institution's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Patrick Aina; Prof. Pat Utomi of the Lagos Business School; Sir Remi Omotoso, an industrialist; Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Mrs. F. Olaniyan. The inauguration was witnessed by EKSU Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Akinjide Osuntokun. The board is expected to garner support for EKSU's growth. Osuntokun said he was

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

confident that the team would impact positively on the institution. Adeluyi-Adelusi said: "We congratulate the university management for identifying, inviting and assembling into this Board distinguished and tested persons of character, accomplishment and capacity. "Havard University in the United States had a humble beginning at its foundation in 1636. Its story changed in 1638 when its first benefactor, John Havard, after whom the university was named, willed his library of 400 books and half of his estate to the institution. Today, Havard is globally known for its enduring history and

‘Havard University in the United States had a humble beginning at its foundation in 1636. Its story changed in 1638 when its first benefactor, John Havard, after whom the university was named...’ innovation in education. "This occasion is not meant to lament unattained heights but to commend the subsisting attainments by the past and present management of the institution. There is no doubt that great strides have been recorded to put EKSU on firm footing

and enhance its reputation and quality. "With the full cooperation of the leadership of the university, may we together extend the school's profile to a global and first class institution of learning. "We have set a tall order for ourselves. Most of the

LASAA proposes formation of regulatory body

HE Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency (LASAA) is spearheading the formation of an association, the Outdoor Advertising Regulatory Association of Nigeria (OARAN), to protect the interests of outdoor advertising regulatory agencies. Sources in LASAA said the proposed body would help promote a sustainable economic growth in a vibrant outdoor advertising sector. Speaking on this development, the Managing Director of LASAA, Mr. George Noah, noted that outdoor advertising regulatory bodies are faced with similar challenges, including the decline of out of home advertising spending, due to competition from Internet, radio and TV. “It is important to have a platform, which allows for ideas sharing, protection of industry interests and a gen-

eral collaboration for sustainability in the emerging world.” Noah listed other challenges as varied standards, rates, human resource capacity and outdoor sites in military and police formations. LASAA, the first structured outdoor regulatory agency in the country, was established in 2006 to regulate and control the display of signs and outdoor

advertisements in Lagos State and, following its successful operation, it has become a model for other states. Some of its key initiatives include the signage and outdoor advertising master plan to improve the visual communication environment in the state, and it is expected that this collaborating effort of pioneering the first outdoor advertising regulatory asso-

ciation in Nigeria will bring about the much- anticipated change and growth within the outdoor advertising landscape across the country. Other agencies expected at the launching of OARAN include the Ogun State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OGSAA), the Ekiti State agency, EKSAA and their Kwara State counterpart, KWASAA, just to mention a few.

Ojokoro residents petition Fashola over growing insecurity

NDIGENES and residents of Ojokoro, in Ijaiye-Ojokoro area of Lagos State, have petitioned Governor Babatunde Fashola, over the increasing state of insecurity in the area. In a letter addressed to the governor, a copy of which was made available to The Nation, the Ojokoro Descendants Union, urged the governor to investigate on allegation that a traditional ruler, is involved in cases of ritual murders, armed robberies

unmitigated violence and lawlessness witnessed in the area in recent times. The letter, which was signed by the union’s President, Chief M. Oguntona, said have been living in abject fear, particularly given the allegation of complicity on the part of the traditional ruler. He said there were reports that a son of the notorious Oba was arrested for armed robbery and the possible murder of some persons in the area in recent times.

members of the board are sufficiently tall in resources and physique and with God's help, we should be able to deliver on our mandate." Lamenting that a large chunk (at least two-thirds) of the institution's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) was spent on personnel emoluments and infrastructural development, Aina said less was left "to effectively run the system". He said: "The result of this excruciating resource constraint is that expansion and appropriate maintenance of facilities cannot be provided to respond to the intense pressure that a growing student population and contemporary global realities have called for."

Youths fault minister’s appointment From Damisi Ojo, Akure

GROUP, the Ijesa Youth Development Association (IYDA), Ondo State branch, has faulted the appointment of Mr. Jelili Adesiyan as the Police Affairs Minister. In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Boluwaji Faseyi and Coordinator Olusayo Ogunleye, the group criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led federal government for nominating Adesiyan, who was accused of complicity in the murder of former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige (SAN). IYDA said it was sad that even though the three All Progressives Congress (APC) senators from Osun State kicked against Adesiyan’s nomination, the senate confirmed his appointment.

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

NEWS

Fayemi begins re-election campaign with prayers for peace •Governor warns politicians against violence

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi was yesterday in his hometown, Isan in Oye Local Government Area to tell his kinsmen that he is running for a fresh tenure. Dr Fayemi kicked off his re-election campaign in a grand style. The day began with a church service at St. Martin’s Catholic Church, where the governor warned politicians against violence in the pursuit of their ambitions. Fayemi, who intends to contest the June 21 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said he dedicated the day to pray to God for the peaceful conduct of the poll. He said he does not want anyone’s blood to be shed on the altar of politics, urging aspirants and their supporters to go to the election field, which he described as a “marketplace of ideas”, to sell their programmes and allow the electorate choose the best person to lead them. The four-in-one event featured a campaign rally at Isan-Ekiti, the opening of Fayemi’s Campaign Office at Ado–Ekiti and unveiling of the JKF re-election campaign logo, which were attended by the governor’s kinsmen, government officials, APC members and the public. On the need for a peaceful poll, Fayemi said the state has witnessed peace since he assumed office in October, 2010, adding that Ekiti is no more a state that experiences “one week one trouble”. Urging politicians, security agencies, voters and other stakeholders to ensure that the peace is not disturbed, the governor said: “If there is an election that should be issuebased and devoid of violence, it should be this one. We are all witnesses to the fulfillment of God’s purpose in our land. “Our people are not stupid. They will make up their minds on whether they want to return to the sordid past of one-weekone-trouble or maintain the path of peace and development we have been experiencing since I assumed office threeand-a-half years ago. “We are here to pray for the peaceful conduct of this election and in my broadcast earlier this morning, I emphasised the importance of a peaceful

•Fayemi, flanked by his wife, Bisi (left), and Prof. Adelabu at the rally…yesterday.

•Fayemi adderessing a crowd at the rally. With him are Prof. Adelabu (fourth left); Mrs. Fayemi (fourth right); (from left) Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker Adewale Omirin (second left); Adebayo (left); Secretary to the State Government Ganiyu Owolabi (third left); Chief of Staff to the governor Yemi Adaramodu (second right) and APC Woman Leader Mrs. Funke Owoseni...yesterday.

election and why we must contribute to its peaceful conduct. No ambition, not even mine, is worth the spilling of any person’s blood and I urge everyone to conduct him/herself in a non-violent manner. “This is a contest of ideas and the people can judge us on how we have conducted ourselves since October, 2010. Those who believe they have better ideas are free to take them to the people and leave the people to decide the direction of our journey. “The people know the difference between the good and the bad, light and darkness. The people have seen the difference between what Ekiti used to look like and what it is today.” In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rev.

Felix Ajakaye, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be independent in name and in deed, saying “Ekiti people are honourable and would not take nonsense”. He warned politicians to stop disrespecting the electorate by giving them money in exchange for their votes, adding: “This is another season of politics when people will be running after politicians and this is the time for highest bidder politics. For people who collect money from the highest bidding politician, they will lose at the end because such money never last.” The bishop, who said he heard some people complaining that Fayemi does not throw money around like some poli-

ticians, urged the governor to maintain this attitude. He said Fayemi’s refusal to throw money around resulted in the delivery of many life-changing policies and projects. Bishop Ajakaye said even though the people of Israel murmured against Moses in the Bible, he led them to the Promised Land. Urging Fayemi to remain focused, he said: “You cannot satisfy everybody. If you want to satisfy everybody, things will end in shame. Some of the people that are benefiting from you are the same people that will go out and say that they have not gained anything from you. “If you construct roads, they will complain; if you do not construct roads, they will complain. Continue to be stingy because

the era of sharing money to the people is over in Ekiti.” The cleric urged Fayemi to protect the good name he has built over the years and always remember that everyone is watching him. He suggested that lawmaking should be made part-time to give room for people who have a genuine passion for working for the people without monetary motivation. Isan-Ekiti indigenes, under the aegis of the Home Support Group, at the rally said Fayemi has performed well in office and merits another term. They donated a car to aid the governor’s campaign. The governor was joined on the campaign podium by his wife, Bisi; deputy, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; the first civilian gov-

ernor of the state and APC National Vice Chairman, Southwest, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo and top government officials. The Onisan (traditional ruler of the community), Oba Sunday Ajiboye, prayed for the governor, saying his ancestors will back Fayemi to win the poll. President of Isan Progressive Union (IPU) Chief Bade Gboyega said all indigenes will support Fayemi, who he said had done the community proud by his administrative style. Addressing a crowd at the rally, Fayemi thanked them for their support. He said all parts of the state have felt the impact of his administration, adding that he is encouraged to contest for another term by his desire to serve Ekiti people better. Fayemi said he has represented Isan people well as his administration has been corruption-free and ensured development. He urged the people to be wary of “the party of looters”, which he said is desperate to return to power, saying Ekiti people have resolved not to go back to the era of criminality and brigandage. Fayemi said: “In our threeand-a-half years, there is no place the dividends of democracy have not reached. There is no road in Ekiti now that will make you change your brake pad or make your engine knock. No government official has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) since we assumed office and we are enjoying peace. I heard the looting party is threatening to come back, but we say forward ever backward never. “Ekiti State shall not return to the era of criminality, brigandage, trouble, thuggery, oneweek-one-trouble. In this journey, I will never walk alone. Ekiti will not go back to darkness. The light has come to Ekiti and the light will stay in Ekiti.” After the rally, the campaign train moved to Ado-Ekiti, where the governor opened his campaign office in Ajilosun and unveiled his campaign logo. Fayemi said the building had witnessed many cries and struggles, but it is time to experience laughter. Explaining the significance of his campaign colours, he said: “You can see the dominance of blue, which represents love and peace. The red here symbolises energy, not blood. It stands for energy, drive, commitment and compassion, not violence or criminality. The white represents purity. That is the purity of our minds and purpose.”

Osun, foreign firm to build N5b mechanic villages

IVE state-of-the-art mechanic villages worth five billion naira are to be built in Osun State. They will be built by the state government in collaboration with a company from the Netherlands and the National Automobile Council. They are part of the 11 auto cities to be built in the country. Governor Rauf Aregbesola announced this at the weekend in Osogbo, the state capital, at a programme organised by the National Automobile and Technician Association (NATA) of Nigeria, Osogbo and Olorunda chapters, to declare their support for the governor’s second term bid. The mechanic villages would begin operation this year. They

•Artisans, councils’ board, Ondo indigenes back Aregbesola From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo and Damisi Ojo, Akure

will be located in Osogbo, IleIfe, Ikirun, Ilesa and Iwo. Aregbesola said: “A mechatronic village will soon be built on the premises of the Osun State College of Technology, Esa Oke, for the training of NATA members on modern ways of automobile repair. “The mechatronic villages will cost the state government N1 billion. They would be manned by a team of 30 engineers, who are undergoing training on modern day automobile repair in Germany.” The governor described NATA as vital to the growth of the state’s economy and

thanked its members for their support. Chairman of the occasion and chairman, Oranmiyan Worldwide, Prince Felix Awofisayo assured NATA of the government’s continued support. NATA Vice-President, Southwest, Comrade Dele Odewale said: “Aregbesola is a God-sent governor; that is why he is getting things right. Automobile mechanics support his second term ambition in recognition of his brilliant performance. “Technicians have benefited immensely from the present administration’s efforts to put smiles on the people’s faces in every facet of life. The adminis-

tration has impacted on our lives and profession positively.” Also at the weekend, the board of Local Government Education Authorities endorsed Aregbesola for a second term. They said the governor’s achievements in education, infrastructure, youth employment, health, security and environment are unprecedented. The board members and people from their councils assembled at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, where they declared their support for the governor’s re-election bid. The board’ Chairman, Isa Ojewale, said: “The Aregbesola administration has simplified governance by involving the

people in it. The state has been relatively peaceful since the inception of the administration, an achievement that was made possible through the Osun Youth Employment Scheme (OYES) and other programmes that engage youths”. Aregbesola said his administration would continue to meet the people’s needs. Members of the Market Women Association, led by Alhaja Awawu Assindemade, top government officials and state executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were at the event. Also at the weekend, a group of Ondo State indigenes resident in Osun State,

Aregbesola Sunshine Movement (ASM), pledged to work for the governor’s re-election. At the group’s meeting in Akure, the Coordinator and Ondo All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, said ASM was formed to work towards Aregbesola’s re-election. Yusuf-Ogunleye said the group was impressed by Aregbesola’s performance, particularly on regional integration. He said Aregbesola spent his youthful days in Ondo State and deserves to be supported by Ondo indigenes in Osun. Yusuf-Ogunleye said the group would launch its campaign soon at the APC secretariat in Osogbo.

CITYBEATS Man ‘assaults’ Who‘ll save this baby? FRSC official •Needs N2.7m for heart surgery L By Olalekan Ayeni

“THIS embarrassment would not have happened if government had allowed the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to carry arms like other security agencies in the country.” That was the lamentation of the Ota Unit Commander of the commission, Mr Sunday Ngbede Omafu, on March 21, while narrating his experience to The Nation. A man, Muritala Oyetola, he alleged, had slapped him while on his duty post. Oyetola was remanded in the Federal Prisons, Ota, Ogun State, for the offence after pleading guilty. The offence, it was learnt, contravenes Section 10, paragraph (4)(aa), and punishable under Section 27 of the FRSC (Establishment) Act 2007. The case, which was adjourned, will be further heard tomorrow. The FRSC boss said Oyetola committed the offence on the LagosAbeokuta Expressway, Tollgate Ota, where the commission was having its joint monthly mobile court exercise, which was organised by the RS2.22, Ota, RS2.26, Idiroko and RS2.27, Agbado Unit Commands. Oyetola, he said, was a passerby who had no link with any of the arrested offenders. “He just came from nowhere to harass the marshals and slapped me in the process,” the FRSC boss, said. Omafu urged government to allow FRSC to be armed as other security agencies to curb incessant harassments by motorists.

Group tackles maternal death By Amidu Arije

Merciful Assistance Foundation (MAF), a non-governmental body, has revealed that 40,000 Nigerian women die during pregnancy and child birth annually. The association explained: “All these deaths are preventable if routine medical screening is imbibed into the culture.” The foundation’s President, Chief Wale Oduyoye, spoke with reporters at an event marking its tenth year anniversary. He urged Nigerians to desist from self-medication and be willing to share their problems with medical personnel for quick solution. The association carried out free medical screening and gave out 80 eye-glasses to needy residents of its community, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate, Ejigbo, Lagos. The group’s Project Manager, Alhaji Ahmed Saka, said: “MAF uses the approach of routine medical screening to assist the people; those that show positive symptoms of diseases are advised and assisted in accessing treatment. The association’s medical team carries out the screening exercise on regular basis throughout the year.” Oduyoye added: “The focus of our organisation is to provide medical care services to the people; we, therefore, want other NGOs to emulate us and start impacting positively on the communities.”

ATEEFAT Ogunleye is just three years old. But since August, last year, her tender heart has never known peace for a split second. Reason: A troubling hole has turned it a tough project in the hands of medical experts. A Nursery One pupil, she was diagnosed of the ailment at the Lagos State General Hospital, Odan in Lagos. Her parents and relations have since been running from pillar to post to make her live well again. The headache of her cashstrapped parents has been further compounded by the prescription by experts that Lateefat be flown abroad for final solution to her problem. And they must cough up a whopping N2.7 million for her to undergo corrective surgery in India. Her mother, Mrs Aisha Ogunleye, could not control her emotion when last weekend, she bemoaned

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

her situation in a chat with this reporter, maintaining that the family could not afford the cost of the surgery. Hence, she appealled to Nigerians for financial assistance. “Since Lateefat was diagnosed almost a year ago, we have committed a lot of money to managing her condition. But considering our limited means, it is impossible for us to raise the N2.7 million that is needed for her medical treatment in India, where she will undergo heart surgery. I am now seeking financial assistance from the public to enable Lateefat live,” Mrs Ogunleye said, sobbing profusely at their EbuteMetta, Lagos Mainland home. In pains, Lateefat struggled to mutter a few words. “I n...eed mo…ney.”

Foundation, nurses fight mental ill-health

HE International Association of Psychiatric Nurses of Nigeria (IAPNN) with headquarters in United States of America (USA) has expressed its willingness to partner with Mr Latin Foundation to promote the wellbeing of the society. Mr Latin Foundation, an initiative of the famous comedian, Bolaji Amusan, had established a rehabilitation centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, to cater for the need of drug addicts in the society. The association, which comprises Nigerian psychiatric nurses worldwide, wrote to the foundation to notify it of its genuine interest in partnering with Amusan because of his establishment of the drug rehabilitation centre for individuals with drug-related problem. The body, through a letter signed by its General Secretary, Charles Oguntade, said it had keenly followed the in-

volvement of the foundation in promotion of health and wellbeing of the society. He explained that guided by principle of self-determination, ‘we are united actively to pursue a positive focus to improve all facets of mental health care services in Africa’. “Our goal was to positively impact upon mental health of mother Africa with possible effect upon the mental health of Black communities across the globe. The association is designed to support quality delivery of care and services, improvement and innovation in mental health care services in Africa,” the letter emphasised. It added that the association had concluded arrangements to confer award of Excellence In Community Leadership in Mental Health Promotion on Amusan at its next annual conference slated to hold in New Jersey, USA, between May 28 and 30.

Council chief inspects projects

HE Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government in Lagos State, Comrade Ayodele Adewale has led members of his cabinet on an inspection of on-going projects, especially road rehabilitation, in his domain. The essence of the site inspection, he said, was to ascertain the current position of the projects and see how the deadline set for their completion could be met. The team inspected road rehabilitation works on 41/40, 401, 22,322 and 311 roads. Adewale, while speaking with reporters after the tour, expressed satisfaction with what he saw. However, he said members of his cabinet would meet with a view to making necessary arrangements to speed up some of the road projects that were

Shaking her head in selfpity after a pathetic stare at her daughter, Mrs Ogunleye broke down in tears, praying to God to send good Samaritans to help her daughter. “Her father has no job; I earn a paltry salary as a private school teacher. Practically, we can’t help her situation. “We are financially handicapped. This is why we are appealing to goodspirited Nigerians to help rescue our only child from the brink of death,” she further pleaded. Mrs Ogunleye, who gave her phone number, as 08029525692, said prospective donors to the cause could do so through an account with the name: Aisha Ogunleye, which was domiciled at First Bank Plc with number: 3069507220.

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014 CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

• Lateefat

‘Urinate in public, face trial’

AGOS State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has directed officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), the state anti-indiscipline body, to arrest people that defecate and urinate in public places. Fashola gave the order at the Eko Free Health Mission, which was held in the Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of the state. He said such acts contravene the state’s environmental laws and pose great hazards to the citizenry. Fashola, who expressed concern about the flagrant manner in which some residents urinate in public, said he sighted about six persons while driving through Shomolu and Ogba area last Thursday. He said: “This is a violation of our sanitation law and I will ask KAI to move out enmasse and prosecute those who violate our laws”. The governor also urged residents to shun the practice and adopt healthy lifestyles, saying: “The biggest doctor you can have is prevention. If we all imbibe better habits, the incidence of ill-health will be reduced. Citizens must be ready to take re-

• Fashola By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

sponsibility for their own healthcare to live a healthy life. He said the gesture was government’s way of showing its commitment to improving grassroots healthcare. Fashola noted that about 17, 213 people had been attended to by the health personnel deployed by the state Ministry of Health to the area since the inception of the exercise in the area. He listed cases of hypertension, diabetes, toothache, eye defects, hernia, HIV/ AIDS as some of the interventions provided to residents during the

programme. The governor also said the state was working on adopting a health insurance scheme similar to the ObamaCare made popular by the United States of America, which sees residents enjoy qualitative healthcare services for all manner of illness. “Cases of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and more complex problems cannot be catered for by this mission. With a health insurance in place, where residents contribute like N2,000 on a yearly basis, it becomes easier to take from the pool of fund to tackle such cases that might need treatment abroad. Some communities have started doing it, we are looking at how we can make it global for the whole state to benefit, when we are ready, we would come back to you,” he said. The LCDA’s chairman, Hon. Julius Oloro, praised the state government for the programme, saying that healthcare was one of the major challenges of the area. He explained that the primary healthcare centres in his domain needed expansion to cater for ante-natal cases.

By Basirat Braimah

yet to be completed. The council boss pleaded with residents to remain calm, as he assured: “Our efforts at re-positioning grassroots governance cannot be compromised. We remain committed to serving you.” Residents of Festac Town hailed the on-going road rehabilitation works in the area, adding that the situation would bring socio-economic growth to the area. “It is still a surprise to us that our roads could be rehabilitated after long years of neglect by the Federal Government. God has brought a young, dynamic and pragmatic leader. Comrade Ayodele has proved that the country belongs to the youth,” a resident, Mr. Adio Olaosebikan said.

• Adewale (middle) with members of his team during the inspection.

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Row as police impound motorbikes in Lagos By Precious Igbonwelundu and Tajudeen Adebanjo

INCE the birth of the Lagos Traffic Law, 2012, fears have gripped motorcyclists in the state. Reason: The police have allegedly capitalised on the policy to feed fat on them through unlawful arrests, especially on unrestricted minor roads. The motorcyclists had on many instances alleged that the police unlawfully arrested them, demanding between N15, 000 and N20, 000 from them to bail their motorcycles. These reporters have witnessed such an incident. It was at about 3.30pm. Shellshocked, onlookers gathered along the popular Ladipo Road, Mushin, to behold what they described as policemen’s “recklessness and injustice against other Nigerians.” Down the road, about four police vehicles, marked, ‘Taskforce,’ drove against traffic in an attempt to arrest motorcyclists who had allegedly run foul of the traffic law. As it obtains in horror movies, the policemen brandished their batons and used their guns to hit motorcyclists in a desperate bid to impound the bikes. Not satisfied at the number of motorcycles they had impounded, two of the vehicles (marked FKJ449AM and FKJ450) drove against traf-

fic and screeched to a halt behind a stationary lorry. Behind the lorry were four well-cleaned motorcycles, which were chained down by their owners, who presumably live within the area. The reporters parked their vehicle off the road and trekked towards the direction of the vehicles only to see the policemen shattering the chains on with hammers. They eventually packed the bikes into their vehicle. The reporters sought to know if impounding motorcycles parked off the road was the position of the law. One of the police officers - Sunday Kolawole - who drove the vehicle marked FKJ449AM, hollered: “What is your business here? Won’t you people go where you are going or do you want to teach us our job? The law empowers us to arrest every motorcycle we see; whether on or off the road!” “But these motorcycles are not plying the major roads at the moment. They were washed and even parked behind this lorry. What you people are doing is unlawful and unjust. Why do you want to punish the owners for doing

Senator empowers artisans

IXTEEN artisans, whose businesses had collapsed, have had reasons to smile again as the lawmaker representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Gbenga Ashafa, gave them a lifeline. The beneficiaries, who were not members of any political party, received free tools and goods to revive their businesses. They were independently selected in Kosofe Local Government Area, Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and the Lekki LCDA, to benefit from the non-political empowerment scheme. Ashafa’s constituency office on CMD road in Ikosi-Ketu was aglow with revelry when the recipients came for the items, which included welding and vulcanising equipment, power-generating sets, sewing machines, hair-dryers, barbing tools, phone business kits and soft drinks worth thousands of naira. Presenting the items to beneficiaries, Senator Ashafa said he considered the scheme imperative to strengthen and deepen Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the district. He said: “This scheme is about touching lives of people who are willing to start small. It is a random empowerment that does not have any political undertone. We went out to search for people, who are in need of help to boost their businesses. None of them were nominated by any politician or group. “It is for the beneficiaries to be self-reliant and use what we have given them to generate employment for other jobless people. We are not just rendering the help to them and leave;

•Lagos police chief Umar Manko

nothing?” The reporters and bystanders cut in. One of the policemen ignored the condemnation, saying: “You people should come to Alausa to prove that the okadas were parked. You are only making things difficult for the owners by asking all these questions; we did not plan to carry them to Alausa before, but we will now. Since you are their lawyers, follow us to Alausa to argue their cases.” As people booed the policemen for the “illegality,” Kolawole threatened to slap one of the reporters for attracting the crowd. Their vehicle almost hit him as they zoomed off. An affected motorcyclist,

•Some of the impounded motorcycles inside a police van at the scene.

who was simply identified as Taye, said: “Since the passage of this law, the fear of the police is the beginning of wisdom. Instead of sanctioning okada riders on the expressways and other major roads, the police have turned it against riders in the streets. We no longer work freely; every Sunday you see police vehicles inside all the streets in this Mushin - from Alausa and Area Command - and even OP MESA. They all go after us as a cheap way to make money. “What is our offence now? I did not even work today; my bike has been parked since morning and I washed it in preparation for tomorrow only for them to come here, cut the chain and impounded

it. Do they want us to go and start stealing? The government should look into this law because it has created an avenue for the police to extort money.” “They (police) have “area boys” who collect money on their behalf from those guys plying the expressway. The governor should intervene in this matter. He should put spies in place to monitor the activities of these policemen and he will see that they are just making illegal money,” said Taye. Police Deputy Public Relations Officer Damasus Ozoani said: “We have been hearing these allegations since Okada was banned on some roads. The allegation is untrue;

rather, it is a ploy to distract our duty-conscious policemen. Visit police stations and area commands and see the number of seized bikes. “If their allegations were true, the command would have known. We have policemen whose duty is to monitor how others perform their duties. Police will continue to perform all lawful duties including enforcement of traffic laws.” However, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye said parked motorcycles can only be impounded if the police have video evidence showing that the arrested motorcycle was plying a restricted route before it parked.

By Wale Ajetunmobi and Balikis Moyosore

we will monitor their progress every six months and see what they have achieved with what we have given them.” The lawmaker enjoined the beneficiaries to use the equipment to provide for their daily needs, urging them not to sell the tools for quick cash. “We are not happy with unemployment rate in the country, but people must also not depend on government to provide everything for them. I congratulate the beneficiaries and I want to advise them not sell the equipment for quick cash or food,” he added. Quadri Olalekan, an artisan in the Kosofe area, who got vulcanising equipment, praised the lawmaker for helping his collapsing business. Hassan Olumide, who got welding equipment, said: “I have just changed my opinion about politics because of this gift from Senator Ashafa. I am not a politician and he does not know my parents from anywhere, yet he is supporting me to grow my business. I will forever be grateful to him.”

•Ashafa

• ViceChairman, Lagos Island Local Government, Hon Adetoyese Olusi (2nd right), receiving an award of Best Local Government Chairman on behalf of the council’s chairman, Hon Wasiu Eshinlokun Sanni, from Dame Olufemi Sonola of The Compassionates for Senior Citizens, a non-governmental body, during its 10th anniversary. With them is Sir Festus Olu Coker, the group’s president (1st left), and the council’s manager, Mrs Florence Peters.

Agency re-launches programme in Lagos

FTER three-year lull, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency has relaunched its Ward Development Committee (WDC) programme at Ipaja in the Ayobo Ipaja Local Council Development Area of Lagos State. The maiden inauguration of the programme took place in October, 2011. The enlarged 20-man committee is headed by Elder Joseph Olushola Esan, the immediate past chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC) of the Ayobo/Ipaja LCDA in the

Alimosho Local Government of the state. Re-launching the programme during a oneday workshop in the CDC Hall of the LCDA, the facilitator, Mrs. R.A Usman, from the Headquarters of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Abuja, assisted by Comrade Francis Ade Balogun from the Alimosho Local Government, said the programme was essentially based on HIV/AIDS this time, but urged members not to lose sight of the healthcare services such as ante-natal, delivery, pre-natal and growth.

Stressing further, Usman said that since HIV/AIDS was prevalent among the youths and the middle-aged who engaged in immoral sexual activities, members should strive hard to reduce the spread of the killer disease through sensitisation and awareness creation. Esan assured the facilitator of the determination of his committee to live up to expectation, stressing that it was a challenge not only to the committee but to the entire people of Ipaja to improve on the healthcare delivery services and reduce infant mortality to zero

level. On HIV/AIDS, Esan promised to use advocacy and counseling in the community, stressing that youths commit immoral sexual activities in uncompleted buildings. Esan reminded the facilitator of some of the constraints facing his committee such as mortality, identification and funds. He, however, promised to liaise with the chairman of the council, Alhaji Shakirudeen Yusuf Adisa, for an office accommodation within the council’s secretariat to be used as HIV/AIDS Local Office.

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

NEWS

Investor to employ 15,000

N investor, Festrut Conglomerate, is to establish a farm, covering 100 hectares of land at Uzebba, Edo State. This will provide about 15,000 jobs for the people. The firm’s Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Festus Asikhia, announced this when he visited Governor Adams Oshiomhole at the Government House. Asikhia said: “I have acquired about 100 hectares of land for the take-off of the company. Apart from the farm land, we have come to Edo State to discuss with the governor on building a new Edo City, a city with all the infrastructures, with recreational centre, a city where people can come in and rest.” He said when completed, the new city will attract investors, thereby increasing government’s revenue through taxes. Asikhia said similar ventures have been established in Lagos and Abuja. Oshiomhole said: “In Edo State, we have made substantial investment in both urban and rural areas, investment in roads, urban renewal and drainage control, linking rural communities so that people can go into mechanised farming and businesses. “So your coming fits well into our vision that the primary purpose of government is to make the rural/urban areas neater, creating infrastructure to attract investment.”

Case against abortion

CROSS section of the members of Knights of St Mulumba, Nigeria, Lagos Metropolitan Council, at the Prolife programme, themed: The Human familyA fountain of grace. Nigerians have been called upon to preserve sanctity of life by abstaining from abortion and use of contraceptives. The Parish Priest, Catholic Church of Transfiguration, Victoria Garden City (VGC), Father Francis Anyanwu spoke at the Prolife Programme held by the Knights of St Mulumba, Nigeria, Lagos Metropolitan Council. According to him, God is against anything hat terminates life, “And babies are so innocent that their blood is so clean and full of life, hence terminating them either by use of contraceptives or outright abortion is tantamount to killing, which is against the commandments of God. “Anybody that is not ready for responsibilities of catering for children should not engage in sex, but abstain. And most people that engage in abortion or use of contraceptives are doing so for convenience sake. “Conveniences that amount to excuses before God. For example, people will say am not ready to be a parent, I do not have what it takes to nurture a child that I did not plan for. It was a mistake etc. Assuming God permitted your own parents to terminate you, would you be alive? Would you be a celebrity today or even be in a position where you are now. Please repent.” In the same vein, parishioners and members of the Council trekked from the Church of Annunciation, Abraham Adesanya Estate, Ajah to the Church of the Transfiguration, to create awareness on the evils of abortion in the Prolife programme themed: ‘The Human family- A Fountain of grace’. According to Associate Priest, Our Lady Mother of Perpetual Help, Ajah, Father Sylvester Oladunjoye, Nigerians, especially the youth should endevour to have respect for babies, either n the womb or already kicking.

Snow resort coming in Akwa Ibom

KWA IBOM State Government is to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SnowValley Europe Limited for the building of a snow valley resort. Governor Godswill Akpabio announced this when the Chairman of Snowvalley Europe Limited, Thomas Alexander Stewart, visited him at the Governor’s Office, Uyo. Akapbio said: “This project is not only essential in Nigeria but also in West Africa. We want to move the country forward with this type of project. “The world is a global vil-

•Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson (right) with South African Ambassador Mama Boco at the Africa Movies Awards dinner organised by Africa Film Academy with Bayelsa State Government at the Civic Centre, Lagos

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

lage and we need our children to compete with the rest of the world by creating quality facilities. “That is why you see in Akwa Ibom State, we build projects and we are into massive infrastructural development through road maps, housing schemes, building of the Ibom International Airport, among others.” Alexander said the resort is designed to introduce children to sports. He said the resort is a multi-million dollar project that includes an in-built artificial snow, water parks, cinema, shopping mall.”

Group seeks more jobs

HE National President, Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP), Michael Ale, has advised the Federal Government to create opportunities for entrepreneurs. The association also urged the government to assist its members to create more jobs. Ale spoke the World Water Day and Energy endurance walk tagged; “Clean water; challenges and pros-

By Jeremiah Oke

pect” in Osogbo, Osun State. The AWDROP president faulted the government for giving drilling jobs to foreigners, saying it was another way of complicating unemployment among Nigerians. “It is not good enough for government to neglect professionals and embrace non- professionals, who are either political associates or foreigners. “I also want to urge the Federal Government to implement Presidential Water initiative communique of 2013.”

PHOTO: JOHN EBOTHA

Bayelsa indigenes to Jonathan: you must contest B AYELSA State indigenes from Ogbia, President Goodluck Jonathan’s local government, insisted yesterday that the President must seek reelection, “whether he likes it or not”. They dismissed claims of poor performance against their kinsman, saying Jonathan remains the best president ever. According to them, there is sentiment in politics and they will not settle for any other person. The indigenes took the decision in Ogbia Town, where they gathered to pass a vote of confidence on the President. Two lectures, a rally and a book presentation on Jonathan’s achievements were the landmarks of the event that was organised by the Ogbia Graduates Forum

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

for Positive Change. Delivering a lecture on “A call for President Jonathan’s re-election bid: A collective responsibility”, Awudumapu Agorodi, said there was no vacancy in Aso Rock. He said people trying to intimidate Jonathan out of office would fail, noting that the Ijaw nation would resist moves to deny the first Ijaw president a second opportunity. Agorodi said: “We must not forget that it is no secret that Nigeria is the six largest producer of oil and petroleum in the world, and that is the mainstay of the economy. “This accounts for well

‘He must run whether he likes it or not because our lives and destinies are in his hands. 2015 is a must project, though it is not a do-or-die affair’ over 90 per cent of the exports and more than 95 per cent of the oil is drilled from the Ijaw soil. Ijaw soil has been feeding Nigeria for over 50 years. “Our resources are good for the country but we are not qualified enough to be president. “Despite the financial meltdown, Boko Haram,

militancy, piracy, and opposition antics against the programmes of Jonathan, he has remained unruffled. “Returning Jonathan in 2015 is a collective responsibility. Let’s work together for the actualisation of the Jonathan presidency in 2015. There is strength in togetherness,” he said. Also in his own lecture, an aide to Governor Seriake Dickson on Mobilisation, Austin Iworibo, insisted that Jonathan must run. “He must run whether he likes it or not because our lives and destinies are in his hands. 2015 is a must project, though it is not a do-or-die affair,” he said. Speaking on “The roles of graduates toward the realisation of 2015”, he appealed to graduates to reach out to their colleagues from other ethnic groups to galvanise support for Jonathan.

Fumes: Residents blame landlords for deaths

OME residents of Port Harcourt, the Rivers capital, have blamed deaths caused by generator fumes on lack of available space to keep generators. The residents, who are mostly tenants, said landlords do not create spaces for their tenants to put their generators. Their comments followed the death of Victor Oluluwe, his expectant wife, Precious and his niece, Nneka, who died after inhaling generator fumes at the weekend. The only survivor is Sopuruchi, who is receiving treatment at the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH). The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). A tenant, Jude Madume, said he keeps his generator close to his window because there is no other place to keep it. In his view, nobody should blame the couple for keeping their generator close to

•The space where the generator was placed •The late couple From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

their living room, when there is no space to keep the generator without complains from the neighbour. “I heard the news of the death of a family of three. But sadly, this is not the first time we are hearing this kind of news. Landlords should be cautioned about building houses without space. As I speak to you, I keep my generator at the back of my window.”

Another tenant, Onyema Yejieme, said from last December till date, Elekahia community has witnessed seven deaths caused by generator fumes. He added that most of the houses in that area have no space for generators. “People are dying from generator fumes. The landlords are to blame. The family which died had no space to keep the generator, which was why they chose to keep it where they kept it. I will

say people should not pay for any house that has no space.” A landlord, Pius Amadi, said the landlord association never supports building without space. “Lack of land in Port Harcourt town has forced many landlords to build without plan. I don’t like the kind of building I am seeing in some places in Port Harcourt, how can a landlord build in every available space in this compound?”

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

NEWS Court registrar gets three years in jail

HE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission(ICPC) yesterday that the Registrar of a Magistrate’s Court in Enugu State, Anikwu Ambrose Ifesinachi, has been sentenced to three years imprisonment for demanding bribe in the course of discharging his official duty. He got no option of fine. The commission arraigned the convict in the High Court of Enugu on two counts for demanding and receiving bribe under the ICPC Act. A statement by the commission’s Resident Consultant (Media and Events), Mr. Folu Olamiti, said the convict asked for N80,000 bribe to process suspect’s warrant of release. The statement said: “In the judgment delivered by Justice A. A. Nwobodo on 17th March 2014 convicted the accused person for contravening section 10 (a) (ii) of the ICPC Act of 2000. “Ifesinachi was accused of demanding a bribe of N80, 000.00 (eighty thousand naira) from the relation of a suspect before he would process the warrant of release of the suspect who was in custody for about two years. “After persistent demand, the relation approached ICPC and the Commission gave him marked money. As soon as the accused collected the money from the relation, he was arrested by the operatives of the ICPC. “Consequently, the accused was charged on two counts for demanding and receiving bribe under the

NLNG: we’ve no business with federation account

HE Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited has faulted claims that it has not remitted money due to the Federation Account. The company, in a statement yesterday, said as a private limited company, its dividends are paid to shareholders, which include the government-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) . It said it has always followed due process in its dealings with the government. The statement reads: “Nigeria LNG Limited’s attention has been drawn to recent reports in sections of the Nigerian media on allegations of non remittance of funds to the Federation account by the company from 2004 till date. “For the avoidance of doubts the facts are as follows: “Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has independently verified this issue and in its last report, confirmed that NIgeria LNG Limited had fulfilled all its due obligations. “Relevant committees in the Federal House of Representatives in 2009 and 2013 have also similarly reviewed this issue without any adverse findings against Nigeria LNG Limited “For the sake of clarity, Nigeria LNG Limited is a Private Limited Liability company incorporated in 1989. It is not a government agency or parastatal and its dividends are paid to its shareholders” “NigeriaLNGLimited’sshareholders are NNPC which holds 49 per cent ofshareholding,Shell25.6percent,Total LNG(15%)andENI10.4percent “Nigeria LNG Limited conducts its business in accordance with regulations and Nigerian laws.”

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

ICPC Act in the High Court of Enugu. “The ICPC had in the charge sheet filed before the court averred that Anikwu Ambrose Ifesinachi ‘m’ on or about June 2010, whilst being the clerk of the Magistrate Court, Awgu, received the sum of N80,000 from one Arukwe Charles purportedly for Chief Magistrate J.S Ede of the same Magistrate Court, Awgu before the warrant of release could be processed to effect the release of one Maduabuchi Oji from prison custody “In the course of the trial, the prosecution called three witnesses and tendered some exhibits while the accused gave evidence without calling any witness.”

CBN to sack bank CEOs with unpublished accounts

OBS of some bank Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and their Chairmen may soon be on the line. A Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directive has warned that bank CEOs and chairmen who fail to publish their institutions’ accounts 12 months after the end of the financial year will be removed from office. The order was contained in the CBN’s Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade and Exchange Policy Guidelines for Fiscal Years 2014/2015 released at the weekend. The regulator will continue to hold the Board chairman and CEO of a defaulting bank directly responsible for any breach and impose appropriate sanctions, which may also include barring the CEO or

By Collins Nweze

his/her nominee from participation in the Bankers’ Committee and disclosing the reason for such suspension. In accordance with Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act -BOFIA (2004)–banks are required, subject to the written approval of the CBN, to publish not later than four months after the end of each financial year, their audited financial statements (balance sheet, and profit and loss account) in a national daily newspaper. The CBN said to facilitate the implementation of consolidated supervision, all banks, discount houses and their subsidiaries shall continue to adopt December 31,

as their accounting year end. The CBN also said other sanctions may include suspension of the foreign exchange dealership licence of the bank and its name beingsent to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, where such offender is a public quoted company. The CBN said it would continue to adopt the risk-based supervision (RBS) approach in the supervision of institutions under its regulatory purview. “The objective of the RBS approach is to provide an effective process to assess the safety and soundness of banks and other financial institutions. This is achieved by evaluating their risk profile, financial condition, risk management practices and compliance with applicable laws and regulations,”

it said. It enjoined banks to pursue profitability in their business models through efficient operations, adding that they should charge competitive rather than excessive rates of interest in the course of their transactions. The lenders are also to disclose their prime and maximum lending rates as fixed spreads over the Monetary Policy Rate. The CBN said it would sustain the use of macro-prudential regulation, and top-down quarterly solvency and liquidity banking industry stress testing, in assessing the health of banks. Similarly, banks would continue to conduct and submit to the CBN their quarterly bottom-up solvency stress testing report.

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL

FROM OTHER LANDS

Let the subsidy be

•Nigerians should not carry the burden of govt’s inability to tame corruption in the downstream sector

policies were intended. Now, they are so wearisome. In vain did this newspaper struggle to detect any shift in the position of government – on a subject on which the government and the governed have been in diametric opposition all these years. It is as tragic as it is unfortunate.

of marketers is sustainable either now or in the long run. In the 2014 budget for instance, N971 billion was voted for the subsidy. Perhaps more than the government would care to admit, the citizens appreciate the massive distortions foisted by the subsidy regime, the vicious spiral of negative macro-economic waves indi-

National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) that the drumbeats for the removal of subsidy hit high octane levels in the last one week or so. After confessing to their complicity in the making of the latest round of fuel scarcity that paralysed economic activities across the country, perhaps only the insensitive duo would dare to broach the idea of removing the subsidy at this time. But then, it is not only the Federal Government that wants the subsidy removed. If reports are anything to go by, the body of states’ finance commissioners in the 36 states has since enlisted in the remove-the-sub• Alison-Madueke sidy orchestra. The position of the latter would seem understandNow, to start with, the very idea that the able – most of them have fallen on hard Federal Government has the monopoly times in the last one year, courtesy of the of knowledge – or that it could do no wrong shrinking accruals into the federation ac- – is not only absurd but baseless. Howcount, hence their need for additional ever, in this case, conceit appears not to sources of finance – earned or unearned – be the only affliction suffered by the govto bridge financing gaps in their budgets. ernment; as far as the issue of the subSo, where else to look if not in the direc- sidy goes, the government has opted to tion of the subsidy, with its seduction to be so blind in its fixation with an outrevenue without sweat? moded paradigm – to the extent that it The truth of the matter is that the nation now elevates the debate on the subsidy is no less hung on the old debate on the above everything else. fuel subsidy now as it was some 10 years What do we know about the subsidy ago. Clearly, to the extent that the views arithmetic or economics? Given the revcredited to the Minister of Petroleum Re- elations at the various subsidy probes, it sources, Diezani Alison-Madueke at the would appear that not even the governOil and Gas Conference in Abuja last ment is in a position to deny that a huge week represents the latest thinking at the chunk of the figures bandied around for highest levels of government, nothing ap- the purpose of claims payment do not pears to have changed. It was the same even qualify. Unfortunately, rather than old arguments about the hefty subsidy concentrate on measures to reduce graft payout (on imported Premium Motor Spirit in the fuel supply and distribution chain, and Kerosene) to fuel marketers being the government would seem content to unsustainable; the usual argument about punish its innocent victims – the fuel conthe deregulation of the downstream sec- sumer. tor of the petroleum industry being overContrary to what the Federal Governdue; the current regime of petroleum pric- ment prefers to think of Nigerians’ attiing not just unsustainable but discourages tude to the subsidy issue, Nigerians are investment and benefits the rich and not neither dumb nor stupid as to believe that the masses in the society for which the the annual payout to the merchant club

cated in the annual outflow of the foreign exchange on the importation reckoned in billions of dollars and exchange rate pressures, and, not least, the dangers that these pose to the economy in the long run. But they also understand these to be the direct effects of the current regime of importation. It seems that the main issue is government’s narrow interpretation of what the policy of deregulation should be. For sure, citizens have nothing to choose in the current laisez faire, all-comers policy of unbridled importation, or its twin, the hollow, incoherent policy of abdication conveniently encased in some jaded policy mumbo-jumbo. Citizens surely know enough to recognise deliberate, guided policy to usher in multiple players in the refining sub sector when they see one. And if we may well add, this is where the difference between the throng opposed to subsidy removal and the government comes in bold relief: the former see the subsidy as a symptom of a troubling malaise – if you like, an opportunity cost for the road not taken; for the latter it is a terminal disease that citizens must put up with – a folly of tragic proportions that must be shunned. To allow government to have its way on the subsidy is to expose the economy to the risk of macro-economic instability of hyper inflation. Moreover, in a nation where the cost of doing business is humongous, and where no forms of social protection exist for the poor, it seems the surest path to further constriction of business and impoverishment of Nigerians. This is where, unlike the Federal Government, we find no pleasure in framing the debate in terms of the option of either retaining the subsidy with its dire implications for the national treasury, or shifting the burden from the treasury to the motorist. To the extent that both do not come close to being palliatives in the context of the aspirations of OPEC’s sixth largest producer of crude, we consider them to be at best, false choices. At this time, the question we ought to be asking the Federal Government is how further we have to wait before the three promised Greenfield refineries come on stream. What about the billions poured into the Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) of the four refineries – including those from SURE-P; shouldn’t the funds have put them to work? In the meantime, the government should let the subsidy be.

HY would the Federal Government – after inflicting the latest round of crippling fuel scarcity – turn round to exploit it to ramp up its jaded idea of removal of subsidy on petrol and kerosene? It seems an inevitable part of the strange ways of the government and the Nigerian

‘Given the revelations at the various subsidy probes, it would appear that not even the government is in a position to deny that a huge chunk of the figures bandied around for the purpose of claims payment do not even qualify. Unfortunately, rather than concentrate on measures to reduce graft in the fuel supply and distribution chain, the government would seem content to punish its innocent victims – the fuel consumer’

Obama doesn’t grasp Putin’s Eurasian ambitions

T’S EASY to conclude that Vladi-mir Putin’s passionate defense of Russia’s takeover of Crimea “just didn’t jibe with reality,” as Secretary of State John F. Kerry put it. In a speech on Tuesday, the Russian ruler repeated mendacious charges that the Ukrainian government had been hijacked by “nationalists, neo-Nazis, Russophobes and anti-Semites”; voiced his paranoid conspiracy theory about supposed Western sponsorship of popular revolutions, including the Arab Spring; and brazenly compared Russia’s abrupt annexation of Ukraine with the reunification of Germany. It’s necessary, however, to take some of what Mr. Putin said seriously, because of the implicit threat it poses to European and global security. Mr. Putin advanced a radical and dangerous argument: that the collapse of the Soviet Union left “the Russian nation” as “one of the biggest, if not the biggest ethnic group in the world to be divided by borders.” That, he suggested, gave Moscow the right to intervene in Crimea, and, by extension, anywhere it considers ethnic Russians or their culture to be threatened. Mr. Putin’s doctrine would justify Russian meddling not just in other parts of Ukraine — he claimed that “large sections of the historical south of Russia” now “form the southeast of Ukraine” — but also in other former Soviet republics with substantial populations of ethnic Russians. Western officials seem to be betting that Mr. Putin won’t dare to extend his aggression beyond Crimea. But then, just last week they were saying they did not expect Moscow to move quickly on Crimean annexation. The Obama administration and its European allies have been too slow to grasp that Mr. Putin is bent on upending the post-Cold War order in Europe and reversing Russia’s loss of dominion over Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Worse, some in and outside of Western governments may be feeding Mr. Putin’s imperialism by rushing to concede “Russian interests” in Eurasia. President Obama and Mr. Kerry are among those who have said they recognize such “interests” in Ukraine. But the fact that there are ethnic Russians in a country should not give Mr. Putin’s regime a privileged say in its affairs. The idea that areas populated by Russians must be ruled or protected by Moscow is less the ideology of the 19th century, as Mr. Kerry would have it, than of the 1930s. Mr. Putin’s claim that Russia should have a say in the political orientation of its neighbors, and whether they join alliances such as the European Union or NATO, is equally unacceptable. (Mr. Kerry recently renounced, gratuitously, any such U.S. claim on Latin American states, several of which have close military ties with Russia.) Perversely, some in the West are echoing Mr. Putin’s argument that his aggression is an understandable response to Western encouragement of the former Soviet Bloc states that embraced democracy and free markets and sought NATO and European Union membership. The two countries that Mr. Putin has invaded since 2008, Ukraine and Georgia, were rejected for NATO membership action plans that year. Can it be argued seriously that Estonia and Latvia, with their large Russian minorities, now would be less vulnerable to Russian aggression had they had not joined NATO? The crisis in Europe has come about not because Western institutions expanded, but because they did not fulfill their post-Cold War promise of “a Europe whole and free.” – Washington Post

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

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THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: First, there was the scramble for Africa by European colonial masters. Thereafter, neocolonialism bred the scrambling for naira by fine dressing Nigerian politicians. They put out the best smiles before the public and make the most heartfelt promises to their audience. In their minds, they are blinded by greed as they unconscionably share the wealth of the nation. Like prostitutes working hard to satisfy their transient customers, they run from one political party to another to position themselves for the next scheme. If one may rhetorically ask, could it be that the nation got the definition of leadership wrong from independence? The founding fathers were not without their weaknesses, especially those stemming from the poisonous seeds of rancour and avarice sowed by the colonial masters, though they single-mindedly pursued their political ideologies till the end. Contrastingly, oil boom politicians have no flair for discipline or sacrifice for the people. They will fall face down on a slush of the national cake fighting madly for a staggering share. The surplus natural resources of the nation have produced an exclusive bazaar strictly for the rich and mighty. And they are overdosing in the frivolities with stupor. The buffoonery is rapidly turning the nation into a one big party family. Everyone is hopping in on the

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The scramble for the naira

groovy train. Cheerleaders consider it committing a political suicide to constitute a meaningful opposition party. The jolly politicians throw crumbs from their sumptuous table to the gullible citizenry to make them feel like they are welcome to the party. With impunity, they loot the treasury and leave the nation impotent. The bell of democracy peals beyond the shores of shallow politics.

The institution of good governance is a tenet that dwells in the psyche of rational citizens. Conscientious Nigerians watch with concern to see where this ‘moving boat’ will sail to. Slightly hopeful that political prostitution is beginning to be abhorred like a vile act that it is. One will suppose, owing to the benefit of time and circumstance, that the feet of philanderers are getting clogged in the mud of their antecedent. Nigerians

are no longer fooled by muddied politicians defecting from one party to another; they see the exploitation. The cheats plot for a chance of a winning ticket and lack ideological conviction. Though, on the reverse, one can take the view that the nation’s political institution has not graduated to the level of polished ideological underpinning. As such, politicians may be allowed the pandering of politi-

IR: We are saddened by the shameful and avoidable loss of innocent lives that characterized the recent recruitment drive by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS). Coming on the heels of myriads of deaths, tears and sorrow caused by the activities of Boko Haram in the north, Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) wonders why applications that were received several months back could

not be handled with greater caution and care and in a timely fashion. It is unacceptable that having extorted a thousand naira each from millions of applicants nationwide in the name of processing fees for jobs that are apparently not there, precious lives should in addition be lost in such a cruel manner. A situation where only 4,500 positions are to be filled and applications and extortions are entertained for sev-

eral millions who would never be considered for placement, smirks of wickedness and gross impunity on the part of the interior ministry and immigration authorities. Although President Jonathan has already summoned and queried the duo of the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro and the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, David Shikfu Parradang, as well as announcing some palliatives for

demonstrated corruption at its best. The desperation of more than 693,000 youths to secure a job meant for 4,000 people represents the catastrophic nature of the country today. For crying out loud, Nigeria is said to be the sixth largest oil producer in the world but ironically, has more unemployed people than employed. This is sad. Recently, the suspended governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said NNPC had not accounted for $20 billion. This money could have been used to build factories in different states and create job opportunities for youths.

The question is how can the nation move forward when our leaders are conniving to steal and loot our commonwealth? The time has come for Nigerians to join forces with anti-graft agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and others to flush out these termites that have eaten deep into the root of the nation. With what the EFCC has achieved since its establishment, if it is fully supported by the government and the people, corruption can be reduced to the barest

minimum, which will be better for us all. It is time for the masses to stop celebrating these thieves who gives them peanuts when we can all enjoy much more. Nigeria needs a moral revolution because we are sick and tired of our future leaders dying every day due to the negligence of our leaders. We must all attack this monster which is designed to rob the youths of Nigeria a better future.

Sack Moro and Parradang now

Corruption and unemployment

IR: When will Nigerians learn that the people governing this country do not care or love the citizens? In this time and age where recruitment can be done via the internet, an agency of government instead, decides to conduct a paper based test for thousands of suffering unemployed graduates. The sad menace of unemployment manifested during the Nigeria Immigration Service recruitment, resulting in many deaths and becoming a national embarrassment. The unfortunate deaths of many of our youths during the exercise

cal expediency. This seems plausible since fine politicians have emerged by defecting to a dominant party to achieve their mandate. That being said, a wise person knows the ground that is swept while the moon is shining. This piece is not an overture for denigration of Nigerian political system per se but a commentary on the inevitability of the power of democracy. Those who engage in politics solely to exploit will find out that their career will die hastily like the life of an armed robber. Politicians must see it best to use Nigeria’s wealth to develop its land for a bountiful harvest for all to share. It is not too much for Nigerians to ask for. Nature blessed the country with abundance. • Pius Okaneme, Umuoji, Anambra State.

• Ngozi Alexander Mararaba, Nasarawa State

the victim families, TMG commends all that but wish to add that the duo must be forced to step aside as the best way to placate the families of lost victims. Their mismanagement of the recruitment drive did not just start with the unfortunate deaths, but the moment they approved the N1,000 extortions from millions of innocent job seekers when indeed they know the jobs have been shared - is reprehensible and should be punished. TMG believes that the only appropriate way of mourning the dead is to ease the concerned officials out of their respective juicy positions so that they will appreciate the responsibility that go with service. Nigerians and their leaders at all levels should begin to emulate the Western countries on the respect and sanctity of life. One life lost in the West must be well-accounted for. A situation where deaths and loss of precious lives are treated as ‘business as usual’ is unfortunate and must be accounted for if not here, but before God Almighty. •Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi & Chief Eddy Ezurike, TMG, Kado Estate, Abuja

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

COMMENTS

LEPTOCRACY is in the news again through a March 10 note to the Federal Government by the United States (US) Department of Justice highlighting how the late General Sani Abacha who ruled the country dictatorially from 1993 to 1998 stole $2 billion from the treasury. No doubt, the unending tale of his mammoth loot stashed away in banks across the globe continues to stretch the imagination 16 years after his death in strange circumstances, which was a major premise of the popular condemnation of his posthumous centenary award on February 28, quite apart from his equally deplorable despotism. Preceding the revelation of Abacha’s methods, the department reportedly froze $458 million in corruption funds linked to him in secret bank accounts around the world. The action was described as “the largest kleptocracy forfeiture ever in the US”, and according to Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the US Justice Department’s Criminal Division, “Gen. Abacha was one of the most notorious kleptocrats in memory, who embezzled billions from the people of Nigeria while millions lived in poverty.” The greater tragedy is that the people are still tormented by poverty through apparently advanced kleptocratic behaviour by the country’s current political leaders who, ironically, impoverish millions on the platform of democracy. Abacha was a military dictator after all, which means that he was, by definition, not answerable to the people. Obviously, the same defence cannot apply in the case of democratically elected representatives who are meant to work in the interest of the people, which certainly shouldn’t include looting their resources. Although Abacha has earned the image of an iconic kleptocrat, the reality is that it may well be a mistake to judge him as the worst in the country’s political history. His unprecedented ruthlessness tended to attract far more attention, and encouraged a scrutiny of his leadership style, a process that inevitably uncovered the scandalously fraudulent underbelly of his reign.

‘Evidently, it is correct to observe that the repugnant entertainment has developed well beyond the standard of the Abacha era, and the new kleptocrats belong to a different class, particularly as their ruinous looting is carried out in an ostensibly democratic environment. The charge of stealing by muscle may not hold in this evolved category, but it is theft all the same, perhaps even more devious since it is done under the cover of representative government’

ODAY is world Tuberculosis TB day. This year, the theme is “Find TB, treat TB, working together to eliminate TB”. A decade ago, little attention was given to the problem of TB in Africa and reasons adduced to this was that TB incidence was low and falling in most of the parts of the continent. In actual sense, the burden of TB in sub Saharan Africa is very much far from what is observed in the developing nations. Progress towards global target for reduction in TB cases and deaths in recent years has been impressive. After the Alma-Ata declaration in 1978, emphasis has been on infectious communicable diseases in population health programmes for developing countries. Initiatives and focus have been directed at Malaria, Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS with observed decrease and death rates achievement globally. Worldwide, Tuberculosis is second only to HIV/AIDS as killer disease due to single infectious agent. Over 95% of TB occurs in low and middle income countries and it is among the top three causes of death for women aged 15 to 44 years. TB is a leading killer of people living with HIV causing one quarter of all deaths. People infected with TB bacteria have a lifetime of falling ill with TB of 10%. However persons with compromised immune systems such as people with HIV, malnutrition, diabetes or people who use tobacco have much high risk of falling ill. When a person develops active TB disease, the symptoms (cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss etc) may be mild for many months. This may lead to delay in seeking medical care and results in transmission of the bacteria to others. People with TB can therefore infect up to 10-11 other people through close contact over the course of year. The most significant thing to mention here is that young adults especially those at the productive phase of their lives are mostly affected with the socio-economic brunt of TB. Tuberculosis is inextricably linked to conditions associated with poverty and more precisely socio-economic inequalities for instance poor housing, inadequate nutrition, unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene as well as unsafe sex have linked individuals with infectious agents. The aforementioned conditions are prevalent in societies where there is inadequate access to financial resources, information and basic amenities. Consequently health systems in sub Saharan Africa that are still battling with infectious diseases are potentially faced with a fresh challenge namely double burden of disease. The definition of the burden of diseases as determined by WHO incorporates the effects of diseases on premature death and disability. The connotation of term burden can however be extended to describe the effects of disease on the livelihood of household and on society. It is very evident from many public fora and national journals and literatures that TB has placed considerable financial and economic burden on patients and households in sub-Saharan African. The patient cost can be particularly burdensome for TB affected household where poverty is high. It must also be stressed that Tuberculosis is treatable and the vast majority of TB cases can be cured when medicines are provided and taken properly. Patients with TB are treated with a standard six months course of four antimicrobial drugs with

Kleptocratic continuity More subtle leaders, both military and civilian, have proved to be vastly superior managers of kleptocracy, and they are luxuriating in their loot. It is worthy of note that the US Department of Justice identified Abacha’s own style of stealing, which, interestingly, has not gone out of fashion. According to the report, “ The prosecutor believes Abacha and his associates conducted three fraudulent schemes during his time in office: (1) the “security votes” fraud, through which more than $2 billion was embezzled from the Central Bank of Nigeria; (2) the Ajaokuta Steel debt buy-back fraud which defrauded the Nigerian government of more than $200 million through overpayment of non-performing debt; and (3) extortion of Dumaz Group, a company operating in Nigeria, which was used to invest in Nigerian Par Bonds that were managed and traded in the United States.” This information shows that little has changed in the approach to amassing ill-gotten gains by the country’s public officials, especially those at the apex. It would appear that those who seek essentially status and personal gain at the expense of the governed think alike, irrespective of different epochs. The “security votes” camouflage is still in vogue, not only at the centre, but also at the level of state governments; and it is perhaps the least problematic path to illegal earnings. In elaboration, the report pointed out, “In order to execute this scheme, Gwarzo submitted letters to General Abacha in his capacity as National Security Advisor, requesting millions of US dollars, British pounds sterling, and/or Nigerian naira, to address unidentified ‘emergencies’ that threatened Nigeria’s national interest, General Abacha approved these requests and disbursed the requested funds.” It continued: “These funds, however, were not used to en-

sure national security or stability of the regime. Instead, these funds were diverted to shell companies and personal accounts created by Mohammed Sani Abacha or Bagudu.” Against the background of such appalling abuse of “security votes”, it is relevant, for instance, to reflect on the central administration’s counterterrorism; specifically, the fact that the economic cost of the engagement with Boko Haram, the Islamist rebel group, is in the realm of conjecture in the absence of authoritative official figures. It is also apt to note that there are grave allegations suggesting an anti-terror racket by which easy state funds for the campaign end up counterproductively in private pockets, which may partly explain the insignificant progress in achieving the desired objective of crushing the terrorists, even after a year-long emergency rule in the affected areas. As for the shady strategy of “overpayment of non-performing debt”, it is strongly reminiscent of the great 2012 multibillion dollar fuel subsidy sleaze, only that while the former was about the inflation of actual debt to make for overpayment, the latter involved primary fabrication of debt. In both cases, the goal was fraud and the effect was corrupt depletion of the treasury. More recently, the emotionally charged contention over the allegedly missing $20 billion dollars of the country’s oil revenues triggered by suspended Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido represents a continuation of the narrative of kleptocracy. The fact that the country’s petroleum exports revenue accounts for about 70 per cent of total exports revenue is indicative of the extent to which such official corruption undermines its socio-economic potential. Evidently, it is correct to observe that the repugnant entertainment has developed well beyond the standard of the Abacha era, and the new kleptocrats belong to a different class, particularly as their ruinous looting is carried out in an ostensibly democratic environment. The charge of stealing by muscle may not hold in this evolved category, but it is theft all the same, perhaps even more devious since it is done under the cover of representative government. What is lost to official corruption may not be quantifiable, but the tip of the iceberg can be glimpsed from the fact that Transparency International’s 2013 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which is widely regarded as a reliable measurement of public-sector corruption, ranked Nigeria 144 out of 177 countries surveyed. It is food for thought that in 2012 the country ranked 139 out of 177, indicating degeneration rather than change for the better. Tragically, the country may be far from redemption, given President Goodluck Jonathan’s remarkably pretentious remarks last week, which played down the height of corruption. During a meeting with the Nigerian community at the Country Club, Windhoek, Namibia, he said, “Corruption is everywhere but it is over-celebrated in the country to the extent that the nation and its people are stigmatised.” With the weight of contradictory evidence available, he sounded like a kleptocrat, or a friend of kleptocrats.

Reflections on World Tuberculosis Day By Ayodeji Faremi, needed information, supervision and support to the patient by a health worker or trained volunteer. The current understanding of risk factors leading to emergence of TB crisis provides opportunity for action. Smoking as a major risk factor can be modified. Evidence has shown that these risk factors act cumulatively over the life course of individuals. Today, as we join the rest of the world in recognizing world TB day, all stakeholders must wake up to their responsibility and strife to recognize not only the role of external regulations or partners as one of the central impetus to the management and control of infectious and non-infectious diseases, but also creating innovative strategies to improve testing and treatment among the high risk population with the potential impact to double burden diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Such strategies and approach must also consider the benefits of human developments. Committed evidence based in this direction will be well worth it. Historically, this annual event commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch surprised the scientific society at the University of Berlin Institute of Hygiene with the discovery of bacterium tuberculosis – the bacillus that cause TB. The world TB day was announced on March 24, 1982 of the centenary of Dr Koch’s appearance by the international Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung diseases (IUATLD). In 1996 world Health Organization WHO joined the union and other organization to promote the date by raising awareness about the burden of Tuberculosis worldwide. Over the years, progress towards global targets for the reduction in TB cases and death has being impressive. Governments and stakeholders at all levels must continue to recognize that better health care and public health policies are vital to local populations when fighting TB and other diseases in Africa. With regards to infectious diseases, the fall in prevalence in developed countries has been linked to improvements in standards of living encouraged by national income growth and provision of social amenities. Therefore all stakeholders must continue to ensure policies aimed at improving water sanitation and housing and general welfare of the citizenry especially the lower social economic status of the population, since the effect of a health problems at household, community and overall societal levels can be detrimental to overall human development. It is undeniable that health leads to massive difference in how well a country manages to develop as a society and it has unspeakable impact not only on humans lives but also on the economy (through the loss

of productivity in work force). In addition, government must seek to reduce income disparities and absolute poverty through job creation and empowerment of teaming populace beyond political motives. Also there is an important role for everyone and civil society organizations in reaching the vulnerable and underserved populations with health care, advocating for policy and monitoring policies, initiating mechanism that stop the spread of fund mismanagement within the donor and receiving agencies. For world TB day 2014, partners must call for a global effort to find, treat, and cure all people with TB and accelerate progress towards the bold goals we expect to see in TB strategies post 2015, a world with zero TB deaths, stigma and infections. We must recognize that world TB day theme 2014 has challenged the state and local programmes to reach out to their communities to raise awareness about TB and partnering with others who also are caring for those most at risks for TB such as people with HIV infections or diabetes and the homeless. As highlighted earlier on, the estimates of the number of people falling ill with TB each year is declining, although very slowly which means that the world is on track to achieve the millennium development goals to reverse the spread of TB by 2015. Further progress will therefore be dependent on addressing the critical funding gaps of the economy. On a final analysis, since it is agreed that the fall in prevalence of infectious diseases in the developed economies has been linked to improvement in standard of living, encouraged by robust national income growth and provision of social amenities with a strong political will and passion, for us what is at stake is our health as a population, our wealth as a nation, and our development as a region. • Faremi, a medical laboratory scientist is of the Osun State Hospital Management Board.

‘Progress towards global targets for the reduction in TB cases and death has being impressive. Governments and stakeholders at all levels must continue to recognize that better health care and public health policies are vital to local populations when fighting TB and other diseases in Africa’

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

COMMENTS

HE outrage that trailed recent recruitment test by the Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS), which left about 19 dead and scores of others injured is to be expected. Job seeking Nigerians had trooped to the various test centres by 7am as advertised by the officials. But on arrival, they had to wait for hours before being let into the stadium where the test, including some physical exercise were billed to take place. While struggling to enter the venue in some of the centres, there was stampede as the huge crowd defied all control measures put in place. In the resulting confusion, many were trampled on the ground resulting in some deaths with others sustaining varying degrees of injury. Since the unfortunate incident, blames have been freely bandied with much of it heaped at the door steps of the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro. Some have even called for his resignation or outright sack for the turn of events that brought about the unfortunate pass. But he has sought to exculpate himself from the unfortunate incident. He claimed the stampede was caused by applicants who refused to obey the rules for the exercise and others who were not invited for recruitment. To share in the blame in Moro’s calculations, are the social media for allegedly sending out messages publicizing the test which in turn, attracted those who had no business there. But as the recrimination goes on, 19 of the applicants have paid the supreme sacrifice for daring to aspire to serve their fatherland. In place of elusive jobs, they have harvested deaths in return. What an uncanny irony of fate! President Jonathan has cancelled the test and ordered automatic employment for three relations of each of the dead persons as well as employment for those hospitalized as a

‘Between the minister and the consultants, there are serious questions to answer. It is not enough to offer employment to relations of the dead and the injured. Some people must be made to take responsibility for the avoidable tragedy’

Emeka OMEIHE 08112662675 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Immigration test: matters arising result of injuries sustained at the flawed test exercise. He has also ordered a repeat that is to be anchored by the Civil Service Commission. Even then, the House of Representatives has equally commenced public hearing to unravel some of the allegations that have been placed within the public domain since the incident. Without prejudice to what may come out of the public hearing, there are salient issues that have been brought to the fore by the flawed recruitment exercise. It has highlighted once again, the debilitating high level of unemployment in the country and the urgency for serious intervention to stem the tide. A situation where 700,000 people were scouting for about 4,500 job vacancies is that desperate. Moro had argued that a great majority of those who came for the test are actually not unemployed. He talked of some professionals who are employed but needed to change job for better career prospects. That cannot be ruled out even as its value in justifying the calamity the recruitment exercise turnout to be is very weak. Perhaps, if the organizers had admitted applicants into the venue as they arrived, the ensuing stampede would have been averted. That is the key point that is being glossed over. The stampede has little to do with professionals desiring to change job. That such people are still in search of jobs indicates that they may have been underemployed in whatever place they are engaged. Underemployment thrives within a high unemployment matrix. For people to take anything in the name jobs that have no bearing with their specialization only depicts how bad

HE recent botched recruitment exercise of the Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS) has once again brought to fore how terrible the unemployment situation in the country has become. With thousands of candidates turning out at various locations across the country for an exercise that was meant to employ just a tiny fraction of the applicants, it is obvious that the joblessness condition in the country is no longer a child’s play. For the first time in the history of the country, candidates vying for employment in a government institution were so desperate and disorderly that some were actually trampled to death with countless injured in the ensuing pandemonium that exemplified a shabbily organised recruitment exercise. It was, indeed, the shame of a nation and a reflection of how bad things have gone in the country. Many analysts and commentators have already written to condemn the primitive approach of the NIS to its employment exercise, and rightly so, hence that would not form the basis of this piece. However, in Nigeria today, growing unemployment has become a major concern. Official figures from the Bureau of Statistics puts it at about 20% (about 30million), but this number still did not include about 40million other Nigerian youths captured in World Bank statistics in 2009. By implication, it means that if Nigeria’s population is 140 million, then 50% of Nigerians are unemployed, or worse still, at least 71% of Nigerian youths are unemployed. This is particularly disturbing and counterproductive because at least 70% of the population of this country are youths. Viewed from the perspective of the recent events in the Middle East where unemployment and poverty, among others, played a key role in the uprising, one can only conclude that Nigeria’s unemployment poses a threat to its development, security and peaceful coexistence. Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, recently revealed that while the Nigerian economy grew at the rate of seven percent for the past five years, unemployment has actually doubled at same period. He stated that the present security crisis and internal uprising across the country are products of chronic poverty and mounting joblessness. In times past, things as choice jobs were selected by graduates and consequently unemployment was low or at best non – existent. Then, in Ibadan, Lagos, Onitsha, Kaduna, Enugu, Port Harcourt, there were industrial complexes where factories produced goods for both local and export purposes while an army of workers (skilled and unskilled) earned a living from these factories. The industrialisation wave of the 70s in Nigeria was so phenomenal that government had to introduce a number of measures, including the Land Use Act, in order to remove obstacles in the path of industries. Companies rushed to the universities every year and later to the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) camps to recruit skilled workers. That time, a certificate guaranteed a job, and hence a better life. Even artisans had jobs to do. Unfortunately, the reverse is the case now. Everywhere, it is an army of unemployed youths that define our communities

the unemployment situation is. It was therefore not surprising that applicants were prepared to go to any length including putting their lives on line to take the test irrespective of the very slim chances of success. The outcome of such a fatal disposition is what we have reaped in the high rate of fatalities. The federal government has been beating its chest on the jobs it claimed to have crated in the last couple of months. Though this claim has been challenged by the opposition, the fact remains that even if it is true that such volume of jobs have been created, it is still a tip of the iceberg considering the huge army of the unemployed in this country. The Jonathan administration has been blamed for the suffocating unemployment rate. It has also been chided for mismanaging the economy. Since the buck stops at their table, they have to take responsibility. But it will be uncharitable to infer that unemployment started with this administration or it is solely to blame for it. Definitely, the conditions for the embarrassing unemployment were laid long before this regime came on stream. But it gets worse as days roll by. Apparently prodded by political exigency, universities and other institutions of higher learning were replicated in geometric progression across the country. But the creation of industries or other employment avenues have only progressed arithmetically. Such a policy dissonance can only produce the situation witnessed in the immigration recruitment exercise. There is also the issue of corruption at all levels of government which

has made it difficult for the citizenry to take maximum advantage of the immense resources nature bountifully placed at our backyard. Our perception of governance and government in prebendal terms has not helped matters. This is a country where many are qualified to work and are prepared to work but there is nothing for them to do. Yet, a few individuals wallow in questionable affluence because of the undue advantage political power confers them. Is it surprising that politics has turned out the quickest means of wealth acquisition in this country? Notwithstanding these more generalized issues, the conduct of the test itself left much to be desired. Questions have been raised as to the propriety in collecting N1000 from applicants in search of jobs that may turn out elusive. There are also posers as to why after collecting the so called processing fees the consultant could not even shortlist the qualified ones to prune the number. Worse still, it remains inexplicable why the three categories of applicants including those in the junior cadre were invited to be tested on the same day and venue. It was certain the organizers of the event paid scant attention to crowd management. They failed to let in the applicants as they arrived. And when they eventually flung the doors open to a surging crowd, the outcome was quite predictable. The point remains that the planning and execution of the exercise were poorly handled. It is curious that 70,000 people could be invited to the test in a stadium without writing chairs and tables and we expect miracles to happen. As it tuned out in some centres, question papers were freely hurled on the air for the fittest applicants to scramble. Off course, scramble ensured. Many of the scripts were torn as applicants struggled with one another. Many others, for fear of their lives kept off and could not write the test. And if one may ask, what type of outcome do we envisage in a test where candidates had to fight for exams scripts in the open field? In sum, it is obvious that the exercise was ab initio primed to fail. This is more so with the complaints by the immigration officials that they were sidelined from the exercise only to be drafted at the last minute. Between the minister and the consultants, there are serious questions to answer. It is not enough to offer employment to relations of the dead and the injured. Some people must be made to take responsibility for the avoidable tragedy.

Unemployment as a time bomb By Lateef Ibirogba while many graduates have turned to Okada riders, labourers at construction sites, etc to make ends meet. This is why there is so much youth restiveness and insecurity in the land. The trend and level of public insecurity in our country now portend a serious threat to our nationhood. Already, some foreign countries have begun to issue travel warnings to their nationals. This is strange as nobody wants to live or do business in an environment where there is much crime, violence, strife and political instability as the country is gradually turning into. Public security and safety is a necessary foundation for economic growth and social development of any society. It is therefore necessary for us to give more attention to security for the world to take us serious. A situation where violent killing of innocent souls by or in the name of Boko Haram is now a daily occurrence is not in our best interest, especially since they have now mastered how to unleash terror on our military barracks with impunity. It will not attract investors (local or foreign). As a nation, we need to urgently fix the economy, most especially the power sector. A survey of recently apprehended criminals in the country will reveal that most of them are unemployed artisans whose businesses have been crippled by the energy crises in the country. The best systematic approach to reducing crime in any society is through the provision of an enabling environment for entrepreneurship to thrive and catalyze employment generation. It is therefore not out of place to consider massive employment generation as an issue of major focus on national development and economic growth plan of the Nigerian government. All levels of governments in the country must redouble their efforts in taking off our teeming youth off the streets. Proactive steps must be taken to induce job creation initiatives that are capable of providing employment opportunities to our restless youths. The agriculture sector is one area where governments across the country could creatively provide employment opportunities. Interestingly, the Lagos State government is already leading in this direction with its Marine Agriculture Development Programme for Accelerated Fish Production. Till date, the programme has created over 6000 direct jobs and over 35,000 jobs indirectly to cage manufacturers, fingerlings producers, feed millers and sellers, fish marketers, processors and storage personnel amongst others with the possibility of specialization. The Ikorodu Fish Farm Estate, which has been fully subscribed, is currently producing at 70% of its capacity. An average of 3,000 tonnes of fresh fish is produced annually from the estate with over 400 jobs created directly and over 100,000 others indirectly. The Rice for Job initiative has equally successfully

offered employment opportunities for over 5000 youths that are currently engaged in rice cultivation and sales across the state. In the same vein, the AGRIC-YES initiative, designed to produce first class entrepreneurial elite farmers, is a threephased intervention programme that has so far produced over 3,000 elite farmers in the state. Equally, through the state’s greening programme, a total of 12,000 people are directly employed while the cleaning exercise has generated over 6000 jobs. To forestall a looming disaster in the country, governments at all levels need to ingeniously devise programmes that would incorporate the youths into the centre stage of the nationbuilding process in the country rather than debasing human value through a primitive and selfish programme like the shameful NIS recruitment. For this to be effectual, the course of action must commence with a fundamental revamping of the education sector. We need to alter the curriculum of our tertiary institutions to do away with courses that no longer fit into the present day’s socio-economic reality. Indeed, we need to lay more emphasis on technical education as well as courses that de-emphasise the craze for non-existing white collar jobs. Similarly, we should make efforts to promote social entrepreneurship among the youths. This could be done through the establishment of internship programmes aimed at giving youths the opportunity to learn valuable skills in contemporary fields such as Information Communication Technology, (ICT), fund development, public relations, programme development, project management and such other courses that are in high demand for now. Equally, corporate organisations, NGO’s, individuals and government institutions should be committed to mentoring of the youths to choose rightly in line with the contemporary needs of our society. God bless Nigeria. •Ibirogba is Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State

‘All levels of governments in the country must redouble their efforts in taking off our teeming youth off the streets. Proactive steps must be taken to induce job creation initiatives that are capable of providing employment opportunities to our restless youths’

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

JOBS

We want a SONCAP programme that would serve its purpose; a programme that would be dynamic, where all the identified loopholes would be effectively plugged thereby making it difficult for the plaque of substandard products to continue to dominate the Nigerian business space. -Dr Joseph Odumodu, DG, SON

THE CEO

Job opportunities for financial planners - P. 37

‘How to stop illegal bunkering, oil theft’ - P. 28

News Briefing

‘Stable power by June not feasible’

‘Insecurity, others threaten broadband’ EXECUTIVE Vice Chairman (EVC) Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Eugene Juwah has identified multiple taxation/regulation, premeditated and accidental vandalism, insecurity, right of way (RoW) bottlenecks as some of the problems that will hurt broadband penetration in the country. –Page 26

By Akinola Ajibade

Interbank rate falls on N300b bond THE interbank lending rates closed on Friday at 10.41 per cent, about 8.59 percentage points decline from 19 per cent the previous week. –Page 29

NCAA mulls third party passengers’ liability cover THE Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is planning to provide third party passengers’ liability cover, The Nation has learnt. –Page 34

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil

-$117.4/barrel

Cocoa

-$2,686.35/metric ton

Coffee

- ¢132.70/pound

Cotton

- ¢95.17pound

Gold

-$1,396.9/troy

Sugar

-$163/lb MARKET

CAPITALISATIONS NSE

-N11.4 trillion

JSE

-Z5.112trillion

NYSE

-$10.84 trillion

LSE

-£61.67 trillion RATES

Inflation

•From left: Regional Senior Partner, West Market Area/Country Senior Partner, Nigeria (Designate),Mr Mr Uyi Apata; his wife Obosa; retiring country Senior Partner, Nigeria and Senior Partner, West Africa, Mr Ken Igbokwe and his wife, Vivian PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA during the send off for Igbokwe at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos ... at the weekend.

Stockbrokers kick against NSE’s demutualisation S TOCKBROKERS have kicked against the de cision of the National Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to proceed with the demutualisation of the Exchange without a resolution to that effect from a general meeting of owner-members of the Exchange. A cross section of leading stockbrokers, who spoke to The Nation, said it was against the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the NSE and good corporate governance practice for the NSE to initiate any process of demutualisation without the consent of the owners of the Exchange, who are mainly stockbrokers. The criticism comes on the heels of announcement by the National Council of the NSE seeking to engage the services of a consortium of two financial advisers in preparation for the commencement of the demutualisation. The advertisement titled

Prime lending

-15.87%

Savings rate

-1%

91-day NTB

-15%

Time Deposit

-5.49%

MPR

-12%

Foreign Reserve

$45b

FOREX CFA

-0.2958

EUR

-206.9

-242.1

-156

-1.9179

SDR

-238

RIYAL

-40.472

“Invitation for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for Financial Advisory Services towards the Demutualization of the Nigerian Stock Exchange” indicated that the invitation was in “furtherance of the efforts of NSE to commence its demutualisation” and that the consortium of two financial advisers will advise the NSE through the process of demutualisation. Industry leaders, who preferred anonymity for the meantime in order not to aggravate brewing crisis of confidence at the Exchange, said the advertisement and the purported mindset on demutualisation were like putting the cart before the horse. The NSE has not responded to request for comment on the brewing crisis of confidence. While stockbrokers gener-

ally appear to be in support of the demutualisation, they said the process appeared to be under a tele-guide to achieve predetermined objective. “The decision to demutualise should come from the owners of the NSE, the broker-dealers. Has there been an annual general meeting (AGM) or Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) where such decision was taken?” a leader of the industry practice regulatory group queried. Stockbrokers appeared to be unanimous about the absence of a valid resolution or an AGM or EGM on such issue as demutualisation. “That is a valid point, before anything can be done, there has to be the consent of the owners, it has to go through an EGM,” another leader of a trade group for active brokers responded

Fed Govt earmarks N15b to combat oil theft

-8%

Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30%

By Taofik Salako

when told about the concerns of other brokers. Stockbrokers said they suspected foul play in the manner that the council and management of the NSE have been handling the demutualisation claiming that the process might shortchange the members of the Exchange who had laboured to build the platform to what it is today. They said by failing to organize an AGM or EGM, which would have determined the real owners with the right to vote on the affairs of the NSE; the Exchange may be working with a wrong list of members. “In taking a decision on demutualisation, there is the need to identify the owners, there is need for the owners to be told in clear terms what they are doing, and we all have to agree on the list of the owners. They have admitted some ordinary members in questionable circumstance in recent time, we need to determine their sta-

HE National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has faulted the June deadline given to the private sector power firms to stabilise power in the country, saying it is not possible. Its President, Mansur Umar said there was no way the firms can meet the deadline, considering the enormous gas problems in the sector. He said: “If the government knew the problem was gas, why did it hand over the sector to the private sector operators? The government should have addressed the gas supply problem. Even within six months, will the gas problem be over especially with the ways and manners power stations are sited. Rather than site the station close to the source of gas, they site it in places where it would be difficult to connect gas pipelines to the plants. ‘’The same minister had equally said before that he was afraid whether some of the investors have the capacity to revive the sector or change some of the facilities sold to them. This has raised the question whether there was due diligence or whether they knew the capacity of these investors before selling the plants to them.’’ On workers’plight, Umar said the workers are daily being disengaged by the new power investors. He said: ‘’The kind of private sector you have in Nigeria is such that operators ask workers to go orally. It is a terrible private sector and we have tried to condone them for the first, two and three months because Nigerians would say we disrupted their activities that is why they are not performing.

HE Federal Govern ment has set aside an initial N15 billion to deal with oil theft, the Chairman, National Economic Council on crude oil theft, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has said. Uduaghan, also Delta State Governor, who chaired a special session at the just-concluded Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference, said the amount is for the take off of the programme, meant especially for security agents and legal services. He said the Federal, State, Local Governments and oil firms agreed to pull the money together, noting that the committee had not re-

• Oil firms, others in alleged complicity By Emeka Ugwuanyi

ceived the money. Although he stated that he was being careful in choosing his words during his comments because issues that border on oil theft are risky, he accused oil firms, security personnel, communities and international communities of complicity in the crime, which he said is crumbling the economy. He advised the oil firms not to exonerate themselves, but look inward into the operations of their workforce to understand the situations. On the security agencies, he

pointed out the need not keep a particular group of joint task force in an area for a long time as there would be the tendency of conniving with the oil thieves. “When people stay at a place for so long, there is temptation to be involved,” he said. He also noted that there is international collaboration in crude oil theft as over 80 per cent of the stolen crude is sold to international buyers. He said: “Dealing with crude oil theft is a very risky business because of the nature of the problem. But I have to raise some posers to

enable us understand what we dealing with. Some of the posers are: Why crude oil and product theft? How is it carried out? What is done with the stolen crude? Who are those involved? What can we do to be able to stop it?” Explaining some of the posers, he said breaking into the pipeline or removing the valve or wellhead from a pipeline is not what can be done by a lay person. According to him, initially, the breaking of pipeline was very crude because the thieves use axe, take fuel, and leave the pipeline

spilling oil all over the place. “But today, the thieves have become more technical, in the sense, that they carefully insert their own valve and when they want to take the fuel, they remove the valve, put their own pipe or hose, which sometimes run several kilometres. Sometimes, their pipes and hoses run from the pipeline to the high sea where their vessels are. “The technology of breaking that pipeline is not known by the community people or by any lay man; it involves somebody who has expertise in pipeline operation. This crude theft business is about collaboration,” he added.

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

BUSINESS NEWS Flight Schedule

‘No alternative to oil subsidy removal’

MONDAY - FRIDAY LAGOS – ABUJA Departure Arrival 1. Aero 06.50 08.10 2. Associated 07.00 09.30 3. Air Nigeria 07.00 08.20 4. IRS 07.00 08.20 5. Dana 07.02 08.22 6. Arik 07.15 08.15 7. Chanchangi 07.15 8. Air Nigeria 08.15 09.35 9. Dana 08.10 09.20 10. Aero 08.45 10.05 11. Arik 09.15 10.15 12. Chanchangi 10.00 11.00 13. IRS 11.15 12.35 14. Dana 12.06 12.26 15. Aero 12.20 13.30 16. Air Nigeria 13.25 14.45 17. Chanchangi 13.30 14.30 18. Arik 13.45 14.45 19. IRS 14.00 15.20 20. Aero 14.10 15.30 21. Air Nigeria 14.50 16.10 22. Dana 15.30 16.50 23. Chanchangi 15.30 16.30 24. Arik 15.50 16.50 25. Aero 16.00 17.20 26. IRS 16.30 17.50 27. Arik 16.50 17.50 28. Dana 17.10 18.30 29. Chanchangi 17.30 18.30 30. Air Nigeria 17.35 18.55 31. Air Nigeria (T/TH) 18.30 19.50 32. Arik 18.45 19.45 33. Aero 19.20 20.40 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

LAGOS – BENIN Arik 07.30 Associated 08.30 Aero 10.50 Arik 11.45 Associated 13.00 Aero 14.25 Arik 15.30 Associated 16.00

1. 2. 3. 4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1. 2. 3. 4.

LAGOS – CALABAR 07.30 11.20 12.50 16.00 LAGOS – JOS 10.55 11.15

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

12.15 12.45

If subsidy is removed, it will help states create better jobs.” He expressed displeasure at the current job creation efforts of some state governments that engage university graduates to cut grass by the road side and trim trees. He said: “What we are advocating is that the subsidy should be removed so that every state or any member of the federating unit sharing from FAAC will take its own money then decide to use it or grant subsidy in a level that it will be able to afford. “The states will grow their own industries, there will be much more

employment. A situation where subsidy alone takes away much of what could be used for the purpose of industrialisation is not acceptable; there will be investment; there will be employment and in that respect, you will discover that the vicious cycle of poverty will be eliminated.” He described SURE-P job creation as retrogressive, lamenting that Nigeria ought have grown beyond the use tricycles (Keke NAPEP) as a means of transportation. Though Odaah did not say that all state governments were in support of the planned removal of subsidy, he said governors were responsible people who listen to the voices of their people and will act

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

1. 2. 3. 4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

09.1 12.50 12.55 15.55

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

LAGOS – KANO Air Nigeria 07.10 IRS 08.00 Dana 08.10 Arik 12.20 IRS 14.00 IRS 18.15

08.50 09.45 09.40 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

LAGOS – UYO 10.35

11.35

LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 1. IRS 11.15 13.15 2. Arik 15.50 18.00 08.00 18.00

LAGOS – ABUJA SAT/SUN Arik 7.15; 10.20; 2.20; 5.20pm – 7.30; 9.15; 10.20; 2.20; 4.50; 6.45 Aero 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 – 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 Air Nigeria 08.15; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30 – 08.15; 13.30; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30

in the overall best interest of their people many of whom he said are now in favour of the removal of subsidy. “The voice of the people is the voice of God, every responsible government does what is good for its people. It is what the people say that they will do. “The intended benefit of SURE-P is not getting to the poor people. It is not helping the average poor man in Nigeria. It’s been diverted by organised few and all the members except the leaders of labour unions were deceived into going against the removal of subsidy in 2012,” he said.

ADH posts N1.8b profit

• From left: Col. J. A. Adesina; Commander, 407 Equipment & Supply Department, Nigeria Airforce, Ikeja, Air Commodore Sani Zakari; Director, Special Projects, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mrs Funmilola Akiyode; and Director, Public Affairs, Mr Tony Ojobo, during the opening of SECUREX Lecture and Exhibition at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.

09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

LAGOS – OWERRI Aero 07.30 Arik 07.30 Air Nigeria 13.40 Arik 14.00 Arik 16.30

LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

(Asst. Editor), Abuja

08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

1. Dana

From NdukaChiejina

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40

LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT (CIVIL) 1. Aero 07.15 08.35 2. Arik 07.15 08.35 3. Arik 09.00 10.20 4. Dana 09.27 10.40 5. Aero 10.50 12.30 6. Arik 11.40 13.00 7. Air Nigeria 12.00 13.10 8. IRS 13.30 15.00 9. Arik 14.00 15.20 10. Dana 15.03 16.20 11. Air Nigeria 16.00 17.10 12. Arik 16.10 17.30 13. Aero 16.15 17.30 14. Arik 17.10 18.30

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik

HE call for the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) is growing louder with the states insisting that there is no alternative to its removal. Chairman, Finance Commissioners Forum, Timothy Odaah was optimistic that President Goodluck Jonathan would approve the recommendation to remove subsidy when their letter is submitted to him after next month’s Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting. Odaah insisted that there is “no alternative to subsidy removal,” stressing that its removal would ensure that “states develop at paces commensurate with their strength.

Insecurity, others threaten broadband, says Juwah

XECUTIVE Vice Chairman (EVC) Nigerian Communi cations Commission (NCC), Dr Eugene Juwah has identified multiple taxation/regulation, premeditated and accidental vandalism, insecurity, right of way (RoW) bottlenecks as some of the problems that will hurt broadband penetration in the country. He, however said the successful auctioning of one slot of 20 megahertz (MHz) bandwidth in the 2.3 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum and the launch of the National Broadband Plan by the Federal Government are part of steps that have positioned the country to join the league of

By Lucas Ajanaku

knowledge driven economies. Juwah, who spoke over the weekend in Lagos, during the 10th anniversary of Telecoms Consumer Parliament, said: “In the drive towards the provision of pervasive broadband infrastructure, challenges do exist. Some of these are issues of right of way; multiple regulations; multiple taxation by several government agencies; vandalism of telecoms infrastructure; and security challenges in some parts of the coun-

try.” He said the spectrum auctioned last month will facilitate the rollout of broadband using the open access model which will ultimately grow the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). “The economic impact of broadband is positive as shown from studies of the World Bank which showed that 10 per cent points increase in broadband penetration leads to a 1.38 per cent in GDP. “Although this percentage appears small, if you relate it to the trillion Naira national GDP, the increase is quite enormous.”

SSOCIATED Discount House Limited (ADH) said it has recorded group profit before tax (PBT) of N1.803 billion in 2013 as against N1.225 billion in 2012 representing a growth of 47.18 per cent. In a statement, it added that profit after tax (PAT) also rose to N3.122 billion during the same period, adding that it represents a PAT growth of 32.64 per cent from the N2.103 billion achieved last year. Its Chairman, Mr.Aigboje AigImuokhuode said the PAT is higher than the profit before tax given ADH focus on its core business of securities trading and attendant tax advantages. Aig-Imoukhuede, who spoke at the 20th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of ADH in Lagos, said despite a difficult operating environment which saw some discount houses go down last year; ADH was able to grow its assets to N70.743 billion as at December 31, last year. He said this impressive result culminated in 41.70 per cent improvement in shareholders’ funds from N6.728 billion as at December 31, 2012 to N9.535 billion as at December 31, 2013. Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede attributed this performance to the significant progress made by the board and management of the company in the areas of corporate governance, risk management and operational efficiency. He also said the CBN has approved new shareholders from its recent private placement exercise. The company’s shareholders fund has therefore exceeded N15 billion. Its Managing Director, Abubakar Jimoh, said: “Our performance for the year was in line with the group expectations justifying the effectiveness of our strategy and implementation proficiencies. We achieved these results by focusing on our “core business” while recording significant improvement in our operating efficiency.”

How to fight corruption, by ACCA

HE Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has identified the placement of people who are not professionals in positions where professionals are supposed to occupy as reason for thriving corruption in the country. Its sub-Saharan Africa Director, Jamil Ampomah, who spoke in Lagos during Career Summit for its students, said any member of the global accounting body that is caught enaging in corrupt practices automatically loses membership. Ampomah said the body takes ethical issues seriously. He said: “Any of our member who engages in corrupt practices, automatically loses his/her membership. “We know the role professional accountants can play in the fight against corruption and that is why we have always advocated that the right persons be put in the right positions. “Let professional and chartered experts, who understand the implications of cutting corners or not following due process be allowed to do their jobs,

By Precious Igbonwelundu, Staff Correspondent

and corruption will be reduced.” He said it is aimed at enhancing the employability prospects of job seekers. Ampomah said ACCA was propelled to organise this year’s edition across three major cities because last year’s edition, which was the first, recorded huge successes. “We may not be able to give you statistics as to how many people got jobs through the exercise last year because that is really not our focus. But, many employers told us they got good materials and some students also disclosed that they had either internship or job offers from the companies they interacted with. “This year, we have moved it to another level where we have brought in mentors who are experienced ACCA members. What they are doing is to share their career experience with the respective students. “Our objective has always been to create opportunities for our members and students. I think it is always important to find out ways of creating

• Ampomah and Mrs. Ademola

opportunities for them,” said Ampomah. The director noted that the body was poised to also add value to its members that are entrepreneurs, as well as build entrepreneurial drive among its students. “A lot of our members are running their own businesses and this type of summit brings people who can share experiences about what they are doing. “As an organisation, we do proactively engage with employers and policy markers to understand

what the key issues are in the financial ecosystem,” ACCA’s Country Manager, Mrs. Toyin Ademola said: “The summit had larger number of people in attendance, compared to last year’s. “So, in terms of value added, whatever we did last year worked and that is why it is generating a lot of interest. “We feel that matching these students with potential employers can benefit the accounting profession in Nigeria, which will eventually dovetail into improving the economy.”

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

THE CEO

‘How to stop illegal bunkering, oil theft’ Nigeria loses billions of dollars daily to illegal oil bunkering. How can the problems be solved? The President, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association of Nigeria (LPGAN), Dapo Adeshina, says it is by stakeholders teaming up to fight the ‘powerful’ oil bunkerers and thieves. Government, he tells AKINOLA AJIBADE, in this interview, must harness the nation’s huge gas reserves to drive the power sector.

HAT is the consumption level of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) popularly known as cooking gas in Nigeria today? Nigeria’s LPG consumption is very low compared to other countries in the West African sub-region. LPG consumption is in thousands of metric tonnes, not millions in Nigeria. We produced 158,000 metric tonnes in 2012, and hope to surpass it in 2013 whenever the figure is released. This is insignificant, considering Nigeria’s population of over 160 million. The problem was compounded by the recent face-off between the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). The crisis affected deliveries from NLNG, making it difficult for people to access LPG during that period. The country needs to consume at least five million metric tonnes per annum to compete with other developed markets. What is the worth of the LPG market in naira terms? To determine the worth of the LPG market, we need to look at the size of the population vis-a-vis the number of people using the cooking gas. Research has shown that larger percentage of the population use kerosene, and firewood for cooking. Based on this, it would be difficult to say precisely the worth of the market. Giving a figure to determine the worth of the market would be subjective, and that is not good for a sensitive industry like oil and gas. We need to

• Adeshina

Profile Institutions attended

University of Wolverhampton and Cranfield University’s School of Management in United Kingdom (UK).

Qualification

B.Sc Business and Finance

Previous position

Deputy President, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association of Nigeria (LPGAN).

Present position

Managing Director, Strategic Energy Limited; Chairman, Caproco International Nigeria and Council member, World LPGas Association.

Experience

Over 25 years.

get more people into the LPG value chain to maximise its potential. We need to produce five million metric tons to achieve this objective. This would enable us compete with Indonesia and other developed countries. Would you say the awareness level about LPG is low in the country? Though the awareness level is high, two factors are responsible for the low consumption of LPG in Nigeria. First is the purchasing power of people. An average Nigerian has a very low purchasing power. This made him to be economical. He asks himself questions before buying a particular product. For instance, he would ask himself questions such as: How much is it going to cost me if I

use cooking gas? How much is it going to cost me if I use alternative method? In economics, price determines the movement of demand and supply. Nobody would see something cheaper and go for the expensive ones. Nobody would see something that is available, by-pass it and go for something that is not available. Many people prefer to buy a bottle or five litres of kerosene for N100 or N600, to buying a 12.5kilogramme cylinder of gas for between N12,500 and N15,000. If you do simple calculation, you would realise that it is more economical to buy a 12.5kg cylinder, fill it and use it for two months. Cumulatively, gas is cheaper. Secondly, there is a misconception that gas

is dangerous. Many landlords do not want their tenants to use cooking gas because they believe it is highly inflammable. They don’t know that LPG is a cleaner and better fuel, compared to kerosene which is more dangerous to health. They do not know that kerosene is an aviation fuel, and that it is not good for one’s health. But even some elite do not use cooking gas. What is responsible for that? I do not agree with that. Go to highbrow areas,, such as Ikeja, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki and others, you would see that the elite use gas a lot. Also, people use gas in the areas where the poor and the uneducated live. Can you quantify the loss by the LPG subsector in the crisis between NLNG and NIMASA last year? The loss was relative because stakeholders incurred losses too. Individuals, gas plants’ owners, NLNG lost in one way or the other. It took some time before normalcy returned to the sub-sector. Channels were blocked and re-opened after the crisis. Vessels waited for days before they were cleared, discharged their content and went back to load. There was a long queue at the terminal. At a point, the LPG tanks were empty. A vessel is dedicated to LPG and it comes from NLNG base in Rivers State. At the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) jetty known as NOJ, anytime LPG vessel gets there, the •Continued on page 28

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

THE CEO

‘How to stop illegal bunkering, oil theft’ •Continued from page 27

Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and aviation fuel are given priority. So, LPG vessel had to wait outside, resulting in the payment of demurrage. The demurrage runs into millions of naira. It took two months for normalcy to return to the subsector. Can you put a figure to it? I don’t to like to bandy figures that are not correct. But considering the number of vessels that waited for days to load and discharge, it was a lot of money. A vessel is supposed to load, discharge and reload. When vessels wait for days at the terminal, their owners pay millions of naira as demurrage. It is a running cost. It is difficult to quantify. The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association of Nigeria (LPGAN) comprises about 200 operators. Why has the body not looked for alternative source of procuring LPG other than the oil marketing companies? Oil marketing companies are not the major stakeholders in the gas industry. NLNG services 95 per cent of the gas market. Before NLNG was established, refineries were supplying the product. The refineries were unable to meet up to expectations due to certain problems. This made the regime of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to mandate NLNG to supply the domestic market with LPG. NLNG exports the bulk of the LPG. It supplies the bulk of the LPG market. Another area where LPG comes from is Niger Republic. But there are issues bordering on specifications and the needs of the Nigerian market. The Nigerian specification is 95 per cent butane and five per cent propane. What is coming from Niger Republic is 50 per cent butane and 50 per cent propane and that is not acceptable. Can you expatiate on this?

LPG is made up of two properties namely; butane and propane. Because we are in a tropical climate, butane is best suited for us. The other climate uses higher propane content because of the vapour pressure. That lapse was highlighted to us by one of our members last year. We have approached the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for a review of the product. The review has been done, We are waiting for SON to tell us the outcome of the review. Typical specification is 80 per cent butane, 20 per cent propane. That is what is allowed in terms of the mix. NLNG supplied 95 per cent butane. We are in a butane country. A lot of gas is being wasted through flaring. How can Nigeria reduce wastage and conserve enough gas for export? Nigeria is the second largest gas flaring nation in the world, after Russia. What we are flaring can power the whole of Africa, if the right policies are put in place. We do not need to flare gas since there are other areas it can be channelled into for revenue generation to the government. For instance, the power firms are battling gas shortage. We are producing less than 6,000 megawatts (Mw) of electricity. We are hovering between 4,000 Mw and 5,000Mw. We have been targeting 10,000Mw for sometime now. Have we achieved it? The answer is no. Instead of flaring gas, we can channel the product to the power sector for a more productive use. We need to come up with what I can call Third-Party Gas Agreement. Through this, there should be an organisation that intermediates between the government and the NLNG on the use of gas. The organisation plays the role of a third-party in the gas value chain. The organisation would be involved in natural gas processing and sale to the government for on-

‘What we are flaring can power the whole of Africa, if the right policies are put in place. We do not need to flare gas since there are other areas it can be channeled to for revenue generation to the government’

• Adeshina

ward supply to the power firms. Also, it would strip the liquid and use it for LPG for domestic market. The idea would fast-track the gas utilisation project and further generate money for the government. A lot of money would be generated at both the domestic and international end of the gas market for Nigeria. It was not economical to do all those things years back. This is the time to do and take a cue from Qatar, a country that is getting the bulk of its revenue from gas. Is gas flaring part of the problems in the power sector? The sectors of the economy are inter-dependent; one needs the other to survive. What is considered waste in one sector can be turnaround and useful in another sector. It is true that gas is being flared; it is also true that there is no infrastructure in place capture the gas. To take the gas to where it is needed requires processing. This is the problem. What has Nigeria done in this regard? Nothing. Infrastructural facilities such pipelines, pressure stations, central processing facilities (CPFs), gas stripping plants, and others should be put in place to foster the growth of the gas sector. Given the enormous challenges in the power sector, do you think the country will ever achieve energy sufficiency? We are a blessed nation. We have 170 trillion proven gas reserves. We have got energy resources. Harnessing the resources for optimum performance should be the next thing on our agenda as a nation. We have privatised the distribution and generation aspects of power. Fortunately, the one with the biggest investment is with the government – the Transmission. We need to invest in a whole lot of transmission lines, sub-stations to make the sector work. The Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) plans to increase natural gas production from 410,000 standard cubic feet per day to 600,000scf/d by 2015. What are the benefits to the economy? The idea is a good one. Yes, NPDC has taken some oil fields from Shell and other major oil companies through divestment process. The company has the capacity to enhance the growth of the gas utilisation project through the fields it took over from the International Oil Companies (IOCs). I’m sure the company has arrangements with ‘Off-Takers’ that would help in taking the gas to wherever it is needed. Through this means, NPDC would be able to invest in gas and help grow the power stations that have suffered gas problems. It is even more attractive for NPDC to invest in gas, giving the fact that the power firms need gas for growth. Now the firms would be struggling to get gas at a market value for growth. Before now, gas was heavily subsidised. What the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) was paying for gas was not attractive. NPDC would derive greater incentives from the fields it has taken from Shell. United States has just discovered Shale Gas. To what extent can the development affect Nigeria’s earnings from natural gas? The development would not affect Nigeria in the short term. The reason is because it would take sometime for US to develop its gas infrastructure and make it a good source of generating revenue. The longterm effect is that Nigeria would be forced to look for other markets to deepen her revenue base. We are going to become a net exporter, and not a net importer of natural gas. Is it not high time Nigeria looked for other gas buyers? I’m sure NLNG for example, is

• Adeshina

‘The crisis affected deliveries from NLNG, making it difficult for people to access LPG during that period. The country needs to consume at least five million metric tonnes per annum to compete with other developed markets’ looking in the direction of Asian market for more buyers. A lot of demand is coming from China, India and other countries. I’m sure NLNG in doing something along that line. I’m not sure the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the NNPC and others are doing something about it. The stakeholders need to move fast to prevent the issue from having major effects on the economy. The lOCs are divesting from the industry. What are the effects on the country? The effects are many. First, the IOCs have started sacking their workers. This means more people would be in the labour market. Secondly, Nigeria is going to lose a lot of revenue because the major oil companies generate money for the economy. Domestic operators contribute about 10 per cent to oil exploration. Do you think they have what it takes to take over from the IOCs? We have to start from somewhere. If you don’t try, you don’t get. The 10 per cent was not overnight, it took some time. There is nothing impossible. You need to sustain your efforts, do more investments. Funding is the major issue. Technology is available. A lot more JVs would take place. It is not impossible. I foresee a situation where many local oil companies would partner with foreign companies that have the technical and financial capacity to engage in deep-offshore projects. The reason is because deep-offshore projects require huge funding. Billions of dollars, not millions of naira is needed to play in that segment of the oil and gas industry. How can crude oil theft be stopped? The government, security agencies, oil companies and other stakeholders have important roles to play in this regard. To steal crude

oil, you don’t use small vessels. The vessels are bigger vessels. When the vessels move, somebody should be able to intercept them. We are losing huge revenue to oil theft every day. What are the implications of oil bunkering liberalisation introduced by the Federal Government? Bunkering in the real sense of it means you are fuelling ships. You are the petrol stations for ships. It is similar to driving to the filling station to fuel your car. It is the same situation; you are fuelling ships for them to power their engines- that is legitimate bunkering. However, there is illegitimate bunkering. This involves stealing of crude oil, and selling it outside the country. Is there any link between the government and people involved in illegitimate oil bunkering? The people that engage in illegal oil bunkering are looking for money. Mind you, money and power go together. That is why we need to let all the stakeholders come together and agree on how to stop the illicit trading of crude oil. Is the 40,000 megawatts of electricity target of the government feasible? How to meet the target of 40,000 megawatts should not be our concern now. Our concern is how to meet the needs of increasing population. Do not forget the fact that the population size keeps increasing. This means that the demand for energy would increase as well. Lagos is highly populated and can as well take the entire 6,000 megawatts which Nigeria is producing. As the infrastructure gets better, more people would come to the grip. That is why, planning is important. The whole value chain needs to be looked at. We are supposed to be adding 5,000 mega watts to the national grid periodically to bridge the gap.

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

MONEYLINK ‘Nigeria faces huge capital rush’

Interbank rate falls on N300b bond repayment, F budget disbursal T HE interbank lending rates closed on Friday at 10.41 per cent, about 8.59 percentage points decline from 19 per cent the previous week. Bloomberg said the decline followed a liquidity boost from N300 billion matured bonds and budget disbursals that reached banking. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last Wednesday paid N300 billion ($1.82 billion) to retire matured bonds, in addition to the disbursal of government budget allocations and

Stories by Collins Nweze

cash call payment to joint oil production partners by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Dealers said the cash balance that lenders hold at the CBN opened at N527.21 billion in surplus on Friday, compared with N158 billion the previous week.

up sharply to 19 per cent for overnight placement after Nigeria’s Deposit Insurance Corporation charged lenders about N100 billion for insurance premiums against bank deposits. The secured Open Buy Back eased to 10.25 per cent, from 18 per cent last week, 1.75 percentage points below the CBN’s benchmark rate of 12 per cent. The overnight placement and call money fell to 10.50 per cent each, compared with 19 per cent and 20 per cent last week

“We see rates stable at the present level ..., but the outcome of the central bank’s policy meeting next week could alter liquidity,” one dealer said. The CBN is likely to maintain a tight monetary policy at its next interest-rate meeting on Tuesday, to curb liquidity and support the naira. Last week, the cost of funds shot

Access Bank partners oil sector players

CCESS Bank is working with independent and small producers in the oil sector to improve their governance structure, its Group Managing Director Herbert Wigwe has said. He spoke at the Nigerian Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference in Abuja. He said this would enable the operators to attract more cash for their operations. He said the lender has noted the challenges confronting indigenous operators and is helping them to address these by strengthening their governance structure, as well as helping to address the issue of infrastructure in the sector. He explained that despite the problems and challenges facing the subsector, banks are working together with international institutions to support the sector. According to Wigwe, local banks working together with international institutions have been able to support much larger projects, so the capacity is building. “There are several problems that have to do with the companies

themselves. The first and most important one is governance. Most of them lack the corporate governance structure to support that kind of debt and even when they do have the structure, there are issues around capacity and how much equity they have built in and there are also issues of those that are growing a bit too rapidly and the

capacity to manage their growth,” he said. He expressed confidence on the viability and bankability of indigenous oil companies, stating that some of the companies have put in place the right structures from the governance standpoint, while a number of them have also built up enough equity which they are de-

ploying into the business. He maintained that the bankable oil companies will stand the test of time, while the weaker ones will fizzle out overtime. He noted that the bank will support the gas sector the same way it supported the oil sector, saying, “It is often said that Nigeria has oil, when in actual fact, we have much more gas than oil.”

Ecobank rewards winners in card promo

COBANK has rewarded winners of its Card-4-Prizes promo in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja. The 15 lucky winners, who emerged from electronic draws, went home with different prizes, including smart phones; LCD TV; air conditioners; home theatres and generating sets. Some of the winners from Port Harcourt centre included Nwite Okoroafor ( generator); Ejiroghene Josephine (home theatre); and Ojo Omorovbie (air conditioner). The Abuja winners are Ogunsola Adewale Waidi (generator); Sarki Abdullahi Move ( home theatre); Agharite Dorah Derume (air condi-

various parts of the country. To select winners, Kuponiyi affirmed that “a point based rating” will be applied “meaning winning customers will be awarded points for every transaction done on the bank’s alternative channels.’ Kuponiyi said customers were expected to accumulate a minimum of 20 points to qualify for the monthly draw, while the grand finale draw which will also hold in the three centres,, would be based on total accumulated points during the promo. According to him, the alternative channels are cash withdrawals from Ecobank’s ATMs, transactions made on PoS terminals and internet payments.

tioner) while in Lagos, the winners were Sani Musa Mairiga (Samsung Galaxy Mega Mobile Phone); Iwara Obeten (LED TV 32’’) and Agboola Sunday (air conditioner). According to Tunde Kuponiyi, the bank’s Head, Cards and e-banking, the promo is part of efforts aimed at supporting the use of alternative payment channels by customers and also strengthening the CBN’s cash-less policy. He explained that the promo planned to run for three months will see customers of the bank winning prizes that includes sedan cars, all-expense paid trip to Brazil and scholarships worth N300, 000 each by winners to be drawn from

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year

35m 35m

11.039 12.23

19-05-2014 18-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 400m 400m 400m 400m 400m 400m

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF

•Onaolapo

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33

OREIGN investors with huge capital are queuing to invest in Nigeria because of high returns, Chief Executive Officer, Eczellon Capital, Diekola Onaolapo has said. Speaking at a briefing in Lagos at the weekend, he said though the market faces some challenges, the returns cannot be beaten by most emerging markets. He said there is the need for the government to bring creativity to governance, especially internally generated revenues, adding that this would attract more investors to the economy. Onaolapo said his company was incorporated in 2011 to carry on the business of consulting, investment banking and financial advisory services. The firm, he said, is also licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to operate as an Issuing House. He said the entertainment industry is one of the fastest growing economic sectors in Africa. The sector, however, is not enjoying adequate financing to enable the harnessing of latent opportunities. He said despite the $200 million Fund provided by the Federal Government of Nigeria, many financial institutions are not engaging projects in the sector.

Price Loss 2754.67

Amount Sold ($) 399.9m 399.9m 399.9m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.75 155.8 155.7

Date 2-5-14 2-3-14 1-29-14

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency OBB Rate

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day

Amount 30m 46.7m

Rate % 10.96 9.62

Date 28-04-2012 “

GAINERS AS AT 6-3-14

SYMBOL IOANDO UBCAP FIDELITYBK ZENITHBANK AFRIPRUD TRANSCORP SKYEBANK AIICO FCMB MAYBAKER

O/PRICE 14.56 2.08 2.01 20.79 2.63 3.78 3.40 0.80 3.25 1.85

C/PRICE 16.04 2.28 2.15 22.00 2.78 3.98 3.57 0.84 3.41 1.94

Year Start Offer

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N)

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N)

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

DISCOUNT WINDOWx Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00%

LOSERS AS AT 6-3-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

FLOURMILL BERGER PORTPAINT PZ TRANSEXPR LEARNAFRCA COSTAIN LIVESTOCK CONTINSURE

74.50 9.01 4.41 32.30 2.62 1.64 1.33 3.38 1.00

C/PRICE 67.25 8.56 4.19 30.69 2.49 1.56 1.27 3.23 0.96

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days

28-10-11

% Change

CAP Index

N13.07tr 40,766.16

N6.617tr 20,903.16

-1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96%

Offer Price

AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 155.16 ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.03 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.17 CANARY GROWTH FUND 0.68 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CORAL INCOME FUND 1,618.91 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,090.40 FBN HERITAGE FUND 114.02 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 1,087.30 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 INTERCONTINENTAL INTEGRITY FUND 1.05 KAKAWA GUARANTE ED INCOME FUND 143.11 LEGACY FUND 0.78 NIGERIA INTER DEBIT FUND 1,894.68 • • • •

CHANGE -7.25 -0.45 -0.22 -1.61 -0.13 -0.08 -0.06 -0.15 -0.04

6-2-14

Name

CHANGE 1.48 0.20 0.14 1.21 0.15 0.20 0.17 0.04 0.16 0.09

NSE

UBA UBA UBA UBA

Movement

BALANCED FUND BOND FUND EQUITY FUND MONEY MARKET FUND

1.2557 1.2916 0.9156 1.1552

Bid Price 1548.58 9.08 1.02 1.17 0.67 1.33 1,616.04 1,090.11 113.22 1,087.00 1.62 1.03 142.62 0.76 1,894.36 1.2446 1.2916 0.8987 1.1552

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000

Movement

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 3-2-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 3-2-14

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

EQUITIES

Stakeholders explore funding for healthcare sector

TAKEHOLDERS in the healthcare sector and the capital market have called for continuous collaboration with a view to deepening funding and unlocking the immense opportunities in the healthcare sector. At the quarterly sectoral dinner of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) for the healthcare sector, the Federal Government, NSE, capital market operators and chief executives of healthcare companies brainstormed on the ways the capital market can foster the development of the healthcare sector. The dinner themed "Tapping the Opportunities in the Capital Market for the Development of the Health Sector' was partly sponsored by May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Africa Prudential Registrars Plc and Fidson Healthcare Plc. Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, said there are several opportunities in the healthcare sector that capital market operators and investors can collaborate on that will contribute to national development and yield good returns for investors. According to him, facilities such as specialist hospitals, diagnostics centres, ambulance services, trauma centres, mobile clinics, pharmaceutical manu-

Stories by Taofik Salako, Capital Market Editor

facturing, generic drugs and small holder specialist clinics among others are investment opportunities with good prospects. He highlighted the impressive prospects of the healthcare sector noting that a robust and growing economy, large market as denoted by high demand for healthcare services and incentives such as zero duty on medical equipment and flexible expatriate personnel quota make room for enormous potential in the sector. Managing Director, May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Mr, Nnamdi Okafor, called for a special collaboration among capital market regulators, operators and pharmaceutical and healthcare companies to create a special funding window for the industry. According to him, the NSE, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) , pharmaceutical manufacturers and other healthcare operators need to work together to create a special window of investment funding for the healthcare industry through the capital market. He noted that the demand for drugs

CBN approves Aso Savings' acquisition of Union Homes

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has cleared Aso savings and Loans Plc to proceed with its acquisition of Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc, paving the way for the two quoted companies to conclude shares purchase and transfer side of the transaction. A regulatory filing by Aso Savings made available by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) indicated that the CBN, which supervises the two financial services companies, has issued a "no objection letter" to the Transaction Implementation Agreement (TIA), which spelt how the acquisition transaction between Aso Savings and Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) Plc, the parent company of Union Homes; Union Homes and Union Homes Investment Nigeria Limited. UHNL is the special purpose vehicle through which Aso Savings will acquire the UBN divestment shares and recapitalised UHSL. The "no objection" from the apex bank is required to enable Aso proceed with the signing of a share purchase agreement (SPA) between Aso and UBN. In furtherance of the acquisition, Aso Savings last week filed notice of intention to notify the NSE about the impending acquisition. Both Aso Savings and Union Homes are quoted on the NSE. As part of the listing requirements, NSE requires all quoted companies to inform it of any information ahead of its release to the public and before the party takes any action on it. As part of Central Bank Nigeria's

(CBN) approved restructuring exercise, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc decided to sell UHSL Plc. After a bidding process, Aso Savings was selected as the preferred bidder in October, 2013. Towards achieving this objective, Aso Savings proceeded to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with UBN Plc under the supervision of the CBN. The board of Aso had approved and subsequently submitted the TIA to the CBN on December 31, 2013. UBN is divesting from its noncore-banking subsidiaries to comply with CBN's regulatory regime which requires banks to either sell non-core-banking subsidiaries or form a holding company to hold such businesses. The Scope of Banking Activities and Ancillary Matters No 3, 2010 requires banks to fully concentrate on core banking functions. The new model requires banks to either sell all non-core banking businesses or form a holding company to hold such non-core banking businesses including activities such as insurance, asset management and capital market operations. Most other banks including Access Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Plc, Skye Bank Plc, Sterling Bank, Zenith Bank, Unity Bank and Wema Bank have chosen to divest from non-banking subsidiaries. However, First Bank, Stanbic IBTC and FCMB have formed holding companies to sustain their non-core banking businesses.

•Okafor, Ayebae extol gains of listing and medical care remain an advantage to domestic producers as well as an opportunity for growth and development of the sector. "With an improved situation, pharmaceutical manufacturers have confidence to approach the capital market for funds knowing that their investments will be quick to recover. The market has capacity to identify foreign investors interested in the pharmaceutical business and I hope it will not be improper to arrange collaborative meetings for local companies with such investors," Okafor said. He pointed out that May & Baker Nigeria had undertaken several significant investments in recent period through its internally generated revenue and borrowed funds noting that the recovery at the capital market provides opportunity to better funding through the market. "With the recovery in the capital market it is our hope that more conducive funding windows will be available to us and we shall count on the support of the NSE and other operators in the capital market if we decide to approach the market," Okafor said. Encouraging other healthcare companies to list their shares, Okafor said that listing has added values to May & Baker Nigeria pointing out that it will in November celebrate its 20 years of

listing on the NSE. According to him, the company has gone to great lengths to improve value for its shareholders as it invested heavily in the construction of a world class pharmaceutical manufacturing facility which its asset holding by more than 100 per cent by an additional N4 billion. He commended the courage and patience of shareholders and investors who willingly sacrificed their dividends when the company was building the Pharmacentre, assuring that with the progress it has made, the company is in good position to continue its tradition of robust dividends to shareholders soon. "With the PharmaCentre, we have been able to raise our capacity for producing medicines by about 200 per cent. From a total capacity of 2 billion tablets and 19 million bottles of liquid preparations of 60 ml, we now have capacity to produce 6.5 billion tablets and 56.5 million bottles of 60 ml liquid preparations annually. With that investment also we are at the forefront of the country's pursuit of international quality standard. Along with few other companies we have reached an advanced stage in the process of WHO pre-qualification for locally manufactured pharmaceuticals. When that is accom-

plished, we shall be in a position to compete for international tenders, export our products to all parts of the world and reduce drastically the use of foreign drugs by international agencies who are undertaking intervention programmes in Nigeria and other African countries," Okafor said. He pointed out that May & Baker PharmaCentre has capacity for contract manufacturing for local and foreign brand owners adding that some foreign pharmaceutical manufacturers are currently signing up with the company to manufacture their products in Nigeria. Managing director, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Fidelis Ayebae, said listing on the NSE will provide major boost to healthcare companies. He outlined the benefits of listing on the NSE to include easy access to adequate and amenable capital to grow and expand the business, diversification of shareholders' base and resultant broadened idea base for the company, perpetuity of the company irrespective of the absence of the original founders and wealth creation. Relating his experience, Ayebae, who founded Fidson, said listing the company has proved to be a beneficial decision than any disadvantage. "The advantages of listing far outweigh the disadvantages, my experience in the lst seven years has been more sweet than bitter," Ayebae said.

Private equity fund eyes Nigeria, Kenya

NE Thousand & One Voices LLC, an Africa-focused private-equity fund, said it’s in talks about investing in two Nigerian companies and another in Kenya. In Nigeria, “one is a purely consumerfacing opportunity the other is also in the manufacturing space with a consumer theme to it,” Hendrik Jordaan, president and chief executive officer of the fund, said in an interview yesterday. “The companies we’re looking at are all private.” One Thousand & One Voices, started by John Coors, the great grandson of Coors Brewing Co.’s founder, is hunting for private-equity investments that tap Africa’s growing consumer markets. The fund, which hired former TPG

Capital partner Dag Skattum, has received commitments from more than 15 of the world’s richest families since starting last May and expects to meet a goal of raising $300 million by December, Jordaan said. “We have sufficient capital from over 15 families that allows us to close on all the transactions in our pipeline,” Jordaan told Bloomberg in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, adding that the fund is also in talks with potential family investors in Latin America, Southeast Asia and Africa. “I’m going to be in London and Paris later this week, meeting with leading families in those geographies.” The fund is in talks with wealthy Nigerian families, said Jordaan, who de-

clined to be more specific. Since November one South African family has joined the fund, he said. One Thousand & One Voices will probably lead a delegation of families to the World Economic Forum’s conference in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja in May, Jordaan said. The fund, which expects to close at least one deal in southern Africa in the second quarter of this year, said today that Skattum, 53, will be the firm’s London-based managing director. It also hired Kate Matheny, 45, as chief financial officer, based in Denver, according to a statement from the fund. She held the same position at KRG Capital, the fund said.

JPMorgan, HSBC plan to bid for $4b Saudi IPO

PMORGAN Chase & Co. and HSBC Holdings Plc (HSBA) are among banks planning to compete for a role in the largest Saudi Arabian share sale in at least 12 years, according to five people with knowledge of the matter. The banks will vie with local lenders including Banque Saudi Fransi (BSFR) and Gulf International Bank to be appointed as financial adviser on the sale of a 15 percent stake in Jeddahbased National Commercial Bank, the people said, asking not to be named as the information isn’t public. NCB, as the lender is known, sent out a request for proposals to banks to manage the initial public offering earlier this

week, the people said. The first Saudi bank IPO since 2008 could raise about 16 billion riyals ($4.3 billion) based on NCB’s profits and trading values of other Saudi banks, according to Asim Bukhtiar, head of research at Riyad Capital, the investment-banking unit of Riyad bank. That would surpass the 15 billion-riyal offering by Saudi Telecom Co. (STC) in 2002, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is selling part of its 69 percent holding in NCB, bank chairman Mansoor Al Maiman said Feb. 27. A request for proposals “was sent to a selected number of authorized per-

sons to act as the financial advisor for the IPO process as per CMA requirements,” NCB said in an e-mailed statement yesterday, referring to the Saudi financial market regulator. “Once the selection is made, the selected financial advisor will be announced.” Saudi Arabia’s stock market is the Gulf’s largest, with a market value of about $506 billion. Foreign investors cannot trade directly on the exchange, instead they have to invest through swaps or funds. Bloomberg reported that NCB is one of several companies planning IPOs to take advantage of the surging Tadawul All Share Index, which has gained 9.2 percent this year.

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

ISSUES Nigeria’s dream is to become a regional hub for agro exports. But the road seems not too smooth. Reason: producers and agro-allied companies seeking export markets have to contend with stiff regulations and standards, lengthy certification processes and other barriers, such as limited transport infrastructure. DANIEL ESSIET points the way forward.

Agro exports

Bumpy road to Nigeria’s agric dream U NDER the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), Nigeria aims to become an export hub for agricultural goods in Africa. In the thinking of experts, that may hold the key to diversifying the economy. It is also capable of creating new jobs and generating economic activities in diverse areas. At the moment, Nigeria’s soybeans, cotton, sesame seeds, cashew nuts, mangoes, green beans, melons, vegetable tropical products are in high demand in the international market. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, recognised that much when he said there is huge potential in agriculture,

particularly in agro exports. The minister is right. Already, some agrientrepreneurs have seen the new vista of opportunities in agro export and are ready to grow, process, package and export fruit and vegetables. One of such entrepreneurs, who have seen the opportunity in agro export is Sunday Anjorin, Chief Executive, Anjorin & Atanda Investment Limited, Lagos. He has since carved a niche in the business where he exports cashew nuts, ginger, sesame seeds, moringa, pepper and vegetables to Europe, Asia, and the United States. He is looking at selling more produce overseas, having learnt export processes, from field preparation to clearing produce. President, National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Tola Faseru has also keyed into agro export business. Today, he is large

cashew exporter. He relies on a national network to get supplies. He has agents across villagers, who search for nuts. During the harvest season, which starts in January, agents and traders looking for supplies for processors and exporters, go to the villages. During the peak months of April and May, the farms literarily become a theatres of war for exporters scrambling for farmers’ loyalty. For Faseru, cashew makes a substantial economic contribution. The major importers are the developed countries. Although, the kernels are used in food preparation and confectionery and are important in Asian cuisine, the principal outlet is the snack food market, and this sector is growing rapidly in markets in the developed countries. Foreign buyers, according to him, prefer

kernels without defects or blemishes for confectionery, biscuits and bakery products, and other prepared foods. Faseru and other agro experts say that a lot is happening around the cashew sector, as growers of cashew are buoyed by demand from India and China as well as resurgent consumption in Europe and North America. Demand for cashew has grown about seven per cent a year over the past decade on the back of healthy snacking habits. However, as Faseru, Anjorin, and others agri-entrepreneurs, are striving to key into the agro export business, they are met with stiff challenges. For instance, Anjorin lamented that export of agricultural • Continued on page 33

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

ISSUES

‘

Indeed, experts say that Nigeria could have achieved far higher growth in the export of agro products if it had come up with a suitable policy providing, among other things, the facilitation of the movement of export cargo within the country

• Continued from page 32

’

products, especially those meant for human consumption, is often fraught with various impediments part of which is the rigid and cumbersome sanitary testing procedures by most importing countries. This, he said, is quite challenging, particularly, for a relatively new entrant in the agro export business. On his part, Faseru lamented that entrepreneurs are losing a lot because most cashew output is exported in raw nut form. According to the Programme Coordinator, Farmers Development Union (FADU), Mr. Victor Olowe, agricultural products and processed foods shipped from Nigeria have been rejected by foreign buyers. The rejections, complaints and restrictions, he said, were from Vietnam and India. In addition, many countries have imposed restrictions on peanuts, rice, poultry products, curry leaves, okra, groundnuts, and cassia seeds for different reasons. Also, some countries imposed temporary bans on various products. The European Union (EU) maintains such data online on its website. Indeed, experts say that Nigeria could have achieved far higher growth in the export of agro products if it had come up with a suitable policy providing, among other things, the facilitation of the movement of export cargo within the country, bulk storage at the airports, and space for carrying the export merchandise by the national carrier, where applicable. Besides, it has been found that short shelf-life is a major constraining factor and this has yet to be addressed through intensive and extensive laboratory research. Some of these issues are believed to be responsible for why many agro-based consignments from Nigeria frequently face confiscation and rejection at destinations. This not only causes economic loss to the exporters, but also puts a question mark on the credibility of Nigeria as an exporter of quality produce. About 264 Nigerian agrocommodity products were rejected at the international trade market between 2004 and 2012, according to the Deputy Director Export and Port Inspectorate Directorate National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Sylvia Ajoku. This was made known at a stakeholders’ forum on export proceeds recovery through cargo defence fund held last week in Lagos. She explained that one of the problems that led to trade rejects was substandard packaging, adding that the specified nylon and other buyers’ specifications were not strictly adhered to in most cases by the exporters. Continuing, Ajoku said: “The nutrition analysis, batch number, expiring date and the manufacturing date as well as moisture content should be evaluated and printed on the specified nylon as these were some of the causes revealed by investigation.” She maintained that some exported products were rejected on the grounds of being preserved with prohibited chemicals, advising exporters to attend training organised by NAFDAC. She urged exporters to get approval for every product to be exported, adding that getting a certificate was necessary to avoid subsequent rejection on export. She said that export certificate and laboratory analysis for exportable products are issued free by NAFDAC. Ajoku advised agro exporters to imbibe the culture of sending their exportable

•Adesina

•Anjorin

•Olowe

Bumpy road to Nigeria’s agric dream products to the quarantine department to be certified and fumigated with the proper chemicals. President, Federation of Nigerian Shippers Association (FONSA), Ayobami Omotoso urged exporters to adopt a secured means of payment to reduce the risks of loses. He said a bank account was the least secured method of payment to the exporter but most attractive to the importer, adding that it is only recommended when an exporter is sure that payment would be received. Omotoso said some exporters do not comply with the key terms of the contract relating to documentary requirements such as quality and quantity, noting that the practice could result in issuance of NonNegotiable Certificate of Inspection by the inspecting agencies which often leads to litigations and delay of payment. Nigeria’s aging transportation infrastructure has also been a pain on the neck of agro exporters, as most of them are unable to move produce from farms to the ports. Inadequate infrastructure is seen as one of the major challenges to doing business in Nigeria, a situation that puts the country at a competitive disadvantage when compared to its neighbours. Besides, as the global trading environment becomes ever more competitive, the fragmentation and geographical separation of commodity value chains compound traditional challenges faced by exporters. Today, it is no longer enough to meet quality and packaging standards, have storage facilities, possess the appropriate skills, and have access to technology; participation in value chains requires superior infrastructure and transport as well as swift crossing of borders. Anjorin said that entrepreneurs must have a deep understanding of the export markets by keeping abreast of changing consumption trends; for example, the move towards organic products in some segments and the reality that more consumers wish to know where their food comes from. For instance, traceability and certification standards are of growing importance to agrientrepreneurs. He said he has taken note of these because he is planning to go into fresh produce export, which requires a facilitated pack house, refrigerated trucks and cold storage. Ordinarily, the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) is supposed to take care of some of the challenges facing agro exporters and by implication, help achieve Nigeria’s dream of becoming a regional hub for agro exports,

‘

but the scheme has been allegedly abuse. The EEG is supposed to be a critical incentive stimulation package to drive the non-oil export sector. It is a Federal Government’s initiative aimed at encouraging exporters of non-oil products, including agrocommodities, through the reduction of high cost of production occasioned by inhospitable business climate at home. EEG beneficiaries in various categories mainly – manufacturing/ processed to finished products; and merchandise exporters/exporters of primary products (including commodities and Solid minerals) – whose products are evaluated based on local value added, local content, employment of Nigerians, priority sector, export growth and capital investment; gain between 10 and 30 per cent EEG (financial assistance). To be eligible to enjoy the benefit, an exporter must be registered with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC); shall be a manufacturer, producer or merchant of made-in- Nigeria products for the export market; must have a minimum annual export turnover of N5 million and evidence of repatriation of proceeds of exports; and shall submit baseline data like audited financial statement and information on operational capacity to the NEPC. Violators of the guidelines are supposed to be dealt with by the Presidential Committee on Trade Malpractices (PCTM) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in conjunction with members of the EEG Implementation Committee. However, the EEG has been grossly abused. Crooks and cronies of top government officials allegedly claim the grant. Cases of over-invoicing and fraudulently claiming the entitlement of manufactured products when raw commodities are exported also abound. Reports say Nigeria lost about N27.8 billion it would have earned as Customs duties and other charges in the first half of the year to the corrupt and inept implementation of the EEG, while about N74 billion was lost between 2003 and 2007. The calculated loss for the first half of 2009 was put at N12.5 billion. Customs authorities allege the huge fraud was perpetrated through the use of Negotiable Duty Credit Certificates (NDCCs) to cover import and excise duties that would have been paid by fraudulent beneficiaries of the EEG. The matter was made worse by reckless compromise in the issuance of duty waivers and concessions on the orders of the Presidency, especially in 2007.

However, the EEG has been grossly abused. Crooks and cronies of top government officials allegedly claim the grant. Cases of over-invoicing and fraudulently claiming the entitlement of manufactured products when raw commodities are exported also abound

’

Bad as the situation is for agro exporters, experts say the situation can be salvaged if the government could frame appropriate policies in consultation with stakeholders aimed at boosting agro exports. Apart from ensuring access to mainstream markets, there is need for technical support in the areas of product promotion and product diversification and adaptation to suit the choices and preferences of consumers abroad. Also, there is the need to continue to educate farmers on the technical requirements of selling to certain markets. For example, exporters of agricultural products to the US must comply with the rules set by the US Food and Drug Administration. Other nations have similar regulatory organisations. At the level of policy, experts say the government could at the possibility of establishing Agri Export Zones to boost agri exports. Their argument is that since Nigeria is a producer of a range of commodities, such as coconut, mango, banana, , cashew nuts, pulses, ginger, turmeric and black pepper, there is need to leverage the production capability in these range of commodities for economic gains and to be self sufficient to meet the domestic consumption by setting up agri export zones. To promote agriculture and get returns to the farming communities, the Agri Export Zones (AEZs) should be considered. The AEZ focuses on the cluster approach of identifying the potential products, the geographical region in which these products are grown and adopting an endto-end approach of integrating the entire process right from the stage of production till it reaches the market. There would also be a need to identify problems encountered at each stage. These difficulties could be procedural in nature or may relate to a particular quality standard. AEZs can yield benefits such as strengthening backward linkages with a market oriented approach; product acceptability and its competitiveness abroad as well as in the domestic market; value addition to basic agricultural produce; bring down cost of production through economy of scale; better price for agricultural produce; improvement in product quality and packaging; promote trade-related research and development; and increase employment opportunities. That is not all. Experts also canvass the establishment of centres of perishable cargoes. The thinking is that as exporters work to increase agricultural exports, some players are seeking more perishable centres to boost agro exports, a Centre for Perishable Cargo (CPC) at airports would boost, perishable cargo volumes. Such facilities improve the nation’s position in the global cargo industry by attracting global players and international freighter aircraft. The centre will also encourage farming for export in the area through production agreements with exporters, as well as a proliferation of sorting and packing centres. Also, plant quarantine centres at such facilities would ensure export quality is maintained. The centres should have facilities for temperature and humidity control, and cold stores.

THE NATION MARCH 24, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS INSURANCE

NCAA mulls third party passengers’ liability cover T

HE Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is planning to provide third party passengers’ liability cover, The Nation has learnt. This is coming on the heels of accusations by insurance operators of encroachment on their business by government agencies in the aviation sector. The operators said NCAA is planning to provide insurance protec-

Stories by OmobolaTolu-Kusimo

tion to aviation passengers. NCAA spokesman, Mr. Sam Adurogboye told The Nation that the agency is championing the course to provide the third party cover. He said: “On the additional third party passengers’ liability cover claim, the NCAA is championing it and it is still at the formative stage. NCAA has, through the ministry of aviation, gone through the due

process and gotten the necessary approval. Also, private Nigerian insurance firm has been selected to participate in the project. “It is pertinent to point out here that the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is an ally of NCAA on insurance matters as they provide the necessary guide to the authority on the credible and accredited insurance firms that are qualified to operate in the country. “At present, Nigerian airlines are

in compliant of the local content law and NCAA ensures that the operators abide by this law before going to place their insurance abroad. This is upon satisfaction that the full content or cover cannot be fully provided locally”. Adurogboye added that one of the key elements an airline must put in place before NCAA allows it to operate is insurance. If the insurance of any aircraft has expired, it’s required that the plane

• New NCAA DG, Captain Usman Muhktar

must not fly. Violation is viewed seriously and it is,s in fact, a criminal case.

Practitioners lament exclusion from National Conference

HE exclusion of insurance practitioners from the National Conference is an error, a former member of the House of Representatives and Managing Director, Leverage Insurance Brokers Limited, Lanre Laoshe has said. He told The Nation that the inclusion of members of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the exclusion of his colleagues was an aberration. According to him, insurance is Item 33 in the Second Schedule Part 1 in the exclusive legislative list of the 1999 constitution and has been in previous constitutions. He added that Item 49 of that list says National Assembly will designate professionals and if it has passed two legislations, which is the 1993 and 2003 Insurance Act and is adopted by the Chartered Institute of Insurance of Nigeria (CIIN) and the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), it means the Legislature designates these bodies as professionals.

• Laoshe

• Olowude

He said: “The Nigeria Labour Congress has 12 members and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) have two members. Yet, in-

surance professionals are excluded. This is an indication that the government does not understand the role insurance play in the modern economy. It is even more disheartening that the NURTW members are

more recoginsed than professionals like us. “I don’t understand what has happened and I think it’s a tragic error and I believe the government must begin to recognise us as a major economic group. Insurance practitioners are conservative and quiet because of the nature of the business which includes risks. We don’t like to talk too much because the security and assets of people are with us. But our silence should not be misconstrued,” he said. Similarly, the Chairman, Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA,) Mr. Remi Olowude, who also decried the exclusion of his colleagues from the conference, regretted that the industry is relegated in national discourse. He said there are daunting challenges that have continued to stifle growth in the sector, noting that the obstacles have been responsible for its abysmal contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. He said: “The challenges, perhaps, explain why the industry is not

deemed worthy of representation at the upcoming National Conference. The situation is regrettable, to say the least, and must not be allowed to happen. “We believe that with the support of the new Board Members of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), chaired by Hon Prince Chibudom Nwuche and its management and the concerted efforts of all operators, the industry would experience a reversal of this glaring omission. “To make this happen, it is imperative that we dust up the laws governing insurance business, many of which have become obsolete and completely out of tune with the prevailing circumstances.’’ He added: “It is against this background that we want to appeal to NAICOM to always take cognisance of this fact in the course of its regulatory duties, so that the industry is not made to bear the brunt of inappropriate legislations.”

Osborne delivers blow to annuities with ‘radical’ pension changes

NNUITY purchases will no longer be the default option for pensioners retiring with defined contribution pension pots, Chancellor George Osborne has announced. His Budget included a host of what Osborne called ‘radical’ tax reforms to help pensioners and savers who have to been hit by low interest rates. He said the government was ‘backing a Britain that saves,’ adding that he would scrap a number of tax restrictions on defined contribution pots, putting pensioners in charge of their own finances and bringing the tax treatment of DC pensions ‘in line with the modern world’. Under the changes, some of which will take effect from March 27, pensioners will have much more flexibility over income drawdown. The income requirement for flexible drawdown is to be reduced from £20,000 to £12,000, while the capped drawdown limit will rise from 120 per cent to 150 per cent. In addition, the size of the lump sum small pots is to be increased five-fold from £2,000 to £10,000 and the government will almost double the total pension savings that can be taken as a lump sum to £30,000. Osborne said: ‘These measures alone would amount to a radical change. But they are only a step in the fundamental reform of the taxation of defined contribution pensions I want to see.

‘I am announcing today that we will legislate to remove all remaining tax restrictions on how pensioners have access to their pension pots. Pensioners will have the freedom to drawdown as much or as little of their pension pot as they want, anytime they want. ‘When it comes to tax charges, it will still be possible to take a quarter of your pension pot tax free on retirement, as today. ‘But instead of the punitive 55 per cent tax that exists now if you try to take the rest, anything else you

take out of your pension will simply be taxed at normal marginal tax rates – as with any other income.’With no caps and no drawdown limits, no one would have to buy an annuity, Osborne said. But for those who still wanted to buy annuities he said he would introduce a new guarantee, so that everyone who retires on DC ‘will be offered free, impartial, face-toface advice on how to get the most from the choices they will now have’.

‘Those who still want the certainty of an annuity, as many will, will be able to shop around for the best deal,’ he stated. The chancellor said he would provide £20million over the next two years to work with consumer groups and industry to develop this new right to advice. Responding to the announcement, the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries welcomed the chancellor’s changes as ‘useful immediate steps’ to create a new flexible retirement landscape for DC savers.

But President David Hare said it was important that the same opportunities for members of defined benefit schemes as well. He said: ‘Undertaking this will not be easy. There are a number of issues that need to be addressed by any proposal to extend the flexibility to those in DB, including making sure that DB members realise what they could be giving up (e.g. longevity protection) in exchange for increased flexibility.’’ • Culled from TheActuary

Health insurance firms partner IRS

ITH just two weeks to go before the March 31 deadline for applying for health insurance on a government-run exchange, more than five million people have signed up for the new plans. It is expected that approximately 30 million previously uninsured Americans are expected to have health insurance, either through a government exchange, employer or Medicaid. So, following that logic, the health insurers behind these plans should be raking in profits from millions of new customers, which, even at reduced rates, should allow them to reap huge rewards. Along with the influx of new customers, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is bringing health insurance companies new IRS obligations that could have a major impact on their profitability. While not all of these obligations are outright taxes, the

ACA has effectively turned the IRS into a monitoring and enforcement mechanism for many of the health law’s administrative provisions. The cost of meeting these requirements will act as a tax of sorts.

Insurance excise tax Chief among these is an $8 billion fee, which, effective this past January, is levied on all health insurers based on their total market share of net premiums written for different health risk pools. As the recent Thomson Reuters Checkpoint special report Tax Changes in Health Care Reform Legislation explains, this fee will be allocated based on the risk pools each insurer covers. Those who take on more customers with higher levels of health risk will pay less, while those who take on primarily low-risk new customers will pay more. This fee is essentially structured as

an excise tax on insurance companies. The flat fee for the industry starts at $8 billion this year and will increase to $14.3 billion by 2018. To put that in perspective, the widely derided medical device tax, which imposes a 2.3per cent excise tax on several medical technologies, is only expected to generate about $2.9 billion in tax revenue per year. This is a big number that will have a material impact on insurance company cash flows starting this year. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office has said that it expects the tax to result in an overall increase in premiums as the insurance companies pass along the increased costs to their members. Consultancy Oliver Wyman has taken the estimate one step further, suggesting that the tax will result in an increase in insurance premiums of $500 per covered worker by 2020.

Another significant tax hurdle for insurance companies isn’t really a tax at all, but rather a new tax form called the 1095-B, which is required for all covered lives, starting in tax year 2015. Essentially, because the Affordable Care Act requires all U.S. citizens to have some form of insurance, the burden of proof of coverage now falls on the insurance providers who must file this new form with the IRS each year to document that each of their members has insurance. That sounds reasonable enough, until you factor the herculean challenge of having to mail a copy of the IRS tax forms to policyholders, totaling 317 million Americans. As of December 2013, the two largest health insurers in the U.S., United Healthcare and WellPoint WLP +0.06per cent, had a combined 106 million members.

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

BUSINESS MOTORING

The new Ford EcoSport, designed for the urban environment, has arrived the country. Powered by the award winning one-litre EcoBoost engine, the Ford EcoSport offers impressive fuel economy with the performance feel of a larger engine, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO.

Ford EcoSport: versatile, spacious T

HE all-new Ford EcoSport is part of Ford’s arsenal of vehicles in Nigeria, making it the fourth Sport Utility Vehich (SUV) in Ford’s expanding line-up for the country. The urban SUV combines the agility, affordability and fuel efficiency of a compact car with the versatility and spaciousness of an SUV. The EcoSport’s high driving position, rugged capability, superior fuel economy, easy maneuverability, and convenient features make it the right vehicle for both city streets and adventurous pursuits. The well-rounded EcoSport is just as comfortable wading through flooded areas as it is entertaining the driver through hands-free phone calls and music selection. “True to the company’s One Ford strategy, the all-new EcoSport showcases Ford’s global design DNA,” said Senior Manager, Sub Saharan Africa, Ford, E u g e n e Prinsloo. “Based on Ford’s global B-segment platform, the EcoSport is a stylish choice with the perfect blend of practicality and smart connectivity for fun-loving customers ready to explore their urban surroundings,” Prinsloo said. The Ford’s 1.0l EcoBoost engine is big on power, torque and refinement. Producing 125PS of power with a peak torque of 170 Nm, the quiet and smooth-running engine delivers power and performance that rivals traditional 1.6-litre petrol engines. The 1.0l EcoBoost engine has won the coveted title of International Engine of the Year for the last two years running. With 25 per cent fewer moving parts, the three-cylinder EcoBoost is able to deliver superior fuel economy and lower emissions. Ford’s EcoBoost technology, which holds more than 125 patents, combines direct fuel injection, turbo charging and variable valve timing to enable a downsized engine to gain fuel economy by up to 20 percent over larger engines with no loss of performance. “It requires a shift in mind-sets,” explains Prinsloo. “Traditionally we have equated performance with larger capacity engines but advancements in technology now mean smaller displacement engines are able to outperform their larger counterparts.” Ford has continue to launch new products in key segments to increase its customers’ satisfaction in Nigeria. In 2012, up to 80 per cent

of Ford’s products line-up in Nigeria was new or significantly refreshed and by the end of 2013, EcoBoost engines were offered in about 70 per cent of the vehicles sold in Nigeria. From the B-size Ford Figo to the Es-

signature Ford face, dramatic rising beltline and a ready-to-pounce stance, the EcoSport conveys a dynamic spirit of energy in action. The spare tyre, with an exclusively designed wheel, is mounted on the tailgate as a classic SUV cue. Inside, softtouch

tive with an array of smart features. The urban SUV offers Ford SYNC®, the voice-activated in-car connectivity system powered by Microsoft. The award-winning system allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel while choosing their favourite music and making phone calls using voice commands. The cabin also has 20 practical storage spaces, including a glove box that can keep up to six beverage cans cool. Its cargo space at the back is just as versatile. The rear seats can be easily folded down for additional cargo space. With the rear seats tumbled against the front seats, the boot space increases to 705 litres, big enough to fit a washing machine. Alternatively the rear seats can be split 60:40 to transport long objects such as flatpack furniture while still carrying passengers at the back. Safety The EcoSport h a s b e e n d e signed t o provide high levels o f protection and driver support

cape and Explorer SUVs to Ford’s Built Ford Tough Ford Ranger trucks, Ford offers a full range of vehicles, in every segment, to meet a variety of customer needs. Ford now has 12 vehicles in its line-up for Nigeria. They are Figo, F-Series over 8500 Focus, Expedition, Fusion, Edge, F150, Escape, Taurus, Explorer, Ranger and the EcoSport. These products are available through Ford’s dealerships in Nigeria: Briscoe Ford and Coscharis Motors. “The all-new EcoSport demonstrates how Ford is extending its global product development capabilities,” said Prinsloo. “We believe this exciting new addition to our line-up will appeal to a new generation of Ford customers.” The EcoSport will also be available with the global 1.5l four-cylinder petrol engine, which delivers peak power of 110PS at 6,300 rpm and peak torque of 138 Nm at 4,400 rpm. Quality that speaks to the senses with its

fabrics and the global Ice Blue dashboard illumination all convey a feeling of superior quality and craftsmanship. Controls and knobs are ergonomically placed while seats are designed to be soft enough for comfort and firm enough for longer journeys. Meticulous efforts to reduce noise, vibration and harshness ensure a quite cabin. Add to this a very effective climate control system, and the customer will be very comfortable in the EcoSport. The EcoSport’s compact sub-four metre dimensions and the electric power-assisted steering with Pull-Drift Compensation help drivers tackle the stress of city driving, be it parking in small spaces, maneuvering in heavy traffic, or making tight U-turns. The EcoSport’s high ground clearance of 200 millimeters also means customers won’t have to worry about driving over speed bumps and potholes. And with its exceptional ability to wade through 550 millimetres of water, drivers can confidently drive through large pools of water. Clever capability The EcoSport makes driving fun and intui-

half of the urban SUV’s body structure is made up of highstrength steel and ultrahigh-strength steel, such as boron steel, making the EcoSport’s frame especially strong yet lightweight too. The SUV’s array of airbags, including airbags for the driver and front passenger, as well as side airbags and curtain airbags, provides additional peace of mind. To take the stress out of driving, the EcoSport comes with an array of driver-assist systems. Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is available on all models and helps prevent the wheels from locking up and helps the vehicle to stop quickly on slippery road surfaces. Other advanced safety technologies such as Electronic Stability Control, which is available on some high-series models, also helps customers remain in control at all times, especially on slippery roads. When it detects that the car is potentially losing control, it automatically reduces engine power and selectively brakes individual wheels to stabilise the vehicle and keep it travelling on track.

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

MOTORING

•From right: CFAO Group Nigeria, Country Manager Steve Faderin; Spangenberg; Director CFAO H/Q Paris, Thierry Guillemont; Levigne; and Head, Inter Motors CFAO Ladi Abiodun at the event.

PAN Nigeria Limited Managing Director, Ibrahim Boyi (right), presenting a gift to the Corp Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Osita Chidoka during a courtesy visit.

GM, CFAO to re-introduce Isuzu

HE Isuzu brand of trucks that once rule the auto market in the country is set to return, courtesy of a partnership between General Motors and CFAO. President/Managing Director, GM Africa, Mario Spangenberg made this known during a visit to CFAO Corporate Office on Victoria Island, Lagos. The event featured the inauguration of Adeola Odeku Chevrolet Isuzu showroom in Lagos and the cutting of a cake. CFAO Nigeria Managing Director Olivier Levigne, said Isuzu offered an extensive product line-up to meet customers’ needs, boasting of its robustness and dependability, incorporation of the latest technologies and highquality materials as well as powerful and efficient engines. “Isuzu pick up truck is a very competitive truck and it is doing very good in South Africa and we expect to do well in Nigeria as well,” he said. Levigne said that Isuzu cabs were renowned for their corrosion resistance due its sophisticated treating and painting technologies on the market. CFAO Motors, he said, has concluded plan to launch the new Isuzu and Trailblazer automobile brands into the market. Isuzu and Trailblazer automobile vehicles are built by General Motors with its six of its internationally renowned brands, such as Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, Iveco, DAF, Aveo and

Stories by Tajudeen Adebanjo

Fuso. Spangenberg described Isuzu as competitive and designed to meet the African demand. “All our vehicles and spare parts sold through our network are covered by automakers’ warranties. We are present in 39 areas where we use our first-rate knowledge of the local terrain to provide our partners with ideal conditions for entering often-fragmented market,” he said. He expressed confidence in the sales team, noting that CFAO Automotive ensures that vehicles and spare parts were available. “Our network is part of an efficient supply chain and we have invested $30 million spear parts depot in South Africa so that both vehicles and spare parts are readily available in all corners of Africa to satisfy customer requirements everywhere. We are constantly striving to be better and this is why we continually invest in expanding and modernising our points of sale, training our sales and technical teams, and upgrading our plants to boost performance,” Spangenberg noted. GM, he said, was also set to build a training centre for technicians who will provide high quality after-sales service, in the country. It will also offer test drive as an option for its potential customers.

• A cross section of the winners

Winners emerge in Toyota contest OYOTA (Nigeria) Limited (TNL) has announced winners of the yearly Toyota Dream Car Art Contest. The event took place in three different geographical zones of Nigeria among pupils in the Junior Secondary Schools and Primary school pupils. Out of the over 1000 participants, a panel of Creative Arts professionals selected eight best entries. The winners, accompanied by their parents/guardians and art teachers, were at the prize and certificate presentation in Toyota’s office in Lagos to receive certificates of excellence from the

•Usiakpor and his wife, Efe displaying the plaque. With them is Vervelde.

IGERIAN Breweries Plc has honoured a provider of modernised fleet management solution, Joza Global Logistics, at its Customer Forum and key transporters category Award Nite. Joza won the Overall Best Transporter Nationally in the year. NB Managing Director Nicholas Vervelde led other top management staff to present the award to Joza’s Managing Director Usiakpor Emmanuel. Vervelde thanked NB’s customers and other stakeholders for keeping them atop with their various brands

Firm wins award

as premium market leaders. He promised to continue rewarding outstanding customers. Joza, who also picked the same award in 2012, has over 1,000 employees. The firm has fleet of over 400 units of various trucks ranging from Man diesel, Howo, Foton, Daf trucks, noted as the number one in fleets income earning.

YUNDAI Motors Nigeria has announced another sales offer in partnership with First Bank PLC to enable customers to experience Hyundai’s cutting-edge technology. The offer, which is tagged ‘Always first with Hyundai’ promises seamless transaction, starts from as low as N47, 000 monthly instalment for Hyundai model, including the i10, Accent, Elantra, Sonata, iX35 and Santa-Fe. Announcing the offer in Lagos, Mr Jatin Nadkarni, Head, Sales and Marketing, Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited said: “We understand the evolving needs and preferences of our customers going by the overwhelming requests we have received to inaugurate another sales offer that would enable desiring customers own and drive Hyundai engi-

General Manager Corporate Services, Mr Bunmi Onafowokan who represented the duo of the Managing Director Mr Chandraskeker Krishnadas Thampy and the Executive Director, Mr Kunle Ade Ojo. In addition to the certificates, the children were presented with lap tops and other beautiful corporate gifts. Speaking on behalf of the winners, Master Tomide Olunloyo, described Toyota as a standard setter in Nigeria. Toyota, he said, has been engraved in his mind. He thanked the company for providing the platform for him

and other contestants to showcase their talents. TNL Public Relations and Advert Manager, Mrs Bukunola Ogunnusi wished the participants the luck. She expressed optimism that, at least, one of the entries would bring out a winners when the result is announced in May in Japan. Winners in each category are sponsored to Japan to attend the award, which will feature presentation of Special Jury’s Award as well as Finalist Award by the President Toyota Motor Corporation.

Hyundai partners FirstBank neered vehicles.” Nadkarni said the objective of the campaign was to provide the best of Hyundai products and services to customers seeking to experience Hyundai cutting-edge technology. Prospective customers, he added, is to contribute only 10 per cent equity of whatever vehicle model of choice and would thereafter enjoy up to 48 months tenor at designated equal monthly installments. The offer also assures free vehicle registration and first three services free-of-charge in line with Hyundai Service Schedule. Hyundai last year inaugurated similar campaign to reaffirm Hyundai’s ‘live brilliant.’ Nadkarni recounted the offer

was part of the dealership effort to implement Hyundai’s brand essence of ‘Modern Premium’ designed to help customers including fleet and individual patrons to procure Hyundai vehicles without hidden charges. “The offer is exclusively seamless without any hidden charges and is open to individuals and fleet buyers,” he said. He explained that the offer is open to all, including those without account with FirstBank but wants to take advantage of the scheme to procure any Hyundai vehicle of choice. According to Nadkarni, “The Hyundai experience begins from the moment a customer walks into any Hyundai Motors’ showroom to apply.

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS JOBS

• NSE trading floor

From the pure to applied social sciences, planning is a common denominator. For graduates in the financial services discipline and qualified chartered accountants and administrators, opportunities exist to earn a living as financial planners and advisors, reports TAOFIK SALAKO.

Job opportunities for financial planners F

INANCIAL planning is widely regarded as the livewire of every system-corporate or personal. In institutions, the roles of the accounts department mainly revolve around financial planning, to ensure proper cash-flow and liquidity to allow for the continuous operations of the institution, while simultaneously optimising and protecting the financial assets of the institution. An otherwise “buoyant” and “healthy” company could become bankrupt overnight due to poor financial planning. This may orchestrate terminal distress and liquidation.

For individuals, personal financial planning is the key to sustainable living. Hallman and Rosenbloom (2003), define personal financial planning as the development and implementation of total coordinated plans for achieving one’s overall financial objectives. Oftentimes, private wealth management is used inter-changeably with personal financial planning to underline the peculiarities of each individual planning for his/her peculiar situation. While people’s financial objectives may differ due to their peculiarities, there are common threads that usually run through

and these include, protection against risks, such as premature death, unemployment and disability; building up of strong capital base to meet current and future needs, tax and liability management, generational transfer of financial assets and sustainable management and investment of assets. Personal financial planning cuts across cadres-from the poor to the rich, young and old, and thus is a sort of unending preoccupation of the people. That is why it is a selling topic, irrespective of the economy, population or location. Unfortunately, people usually lack adequate knowledge of financial planning.

While companies employ professionals and consulting firms to help with financial planning, personal financial planning remains detached, or alien to some, if not most people. The question is, how many people really understand their pension plans? How many people know their taxes and benefits, or how many people know about financial assets? The knowledge and participation in most variety of financial instruments used in personal financial planning, such as •Continued on page 38

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

JOBS

Opportunities for financial planners •Continued from page 37

shares, bonds, mutual funds, insurance, certificate of deposits, bank accounts, personal trusts and real estates, remain low. For instance, SEC indicates that only 200,000 Nigerians out of a total population of about 170 million participate in mutual funds, otherwise known as collective investment schemes, while only some five million people participate in the capital market, less than three per cent of the population. Therein lies the opportunity for personal financial planners. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the apex capital market regulator, is spearheading a short conversion programme for graduates of various disciplines to train as personal financial planners. Just like the proverbial washman, this has the dual-benefit of cleaning off the personal ignorance and serving as sustainable source of personal source of incomes. SEC is working through the Nigerian Capital Market Institute, its training subsidiary, and the Financial Planning Association to train graduates, certify them and attach them to fund investment management companies to serve as out-growers for the investment management industry and the capital market, in general. Director-General, SEC, Ms. Arunma Oteh, said the commission believes that a short-term course in financial planning can make several graduates to be able to earn their living and reduce the excruciating search for paid jobs. “We can train young people to become financial planners, may be those graduates from Law School, in economics among others, we can put them through a BoothCamp programme and then prepare them to affiliate with some of these Fund Managers and to sell their products to investors. That is something that we are very keen to do because we think it will also help the job situation in Nigeria,” Ms.Oteh said. According to her, training and working as a Financial Planner is a viable source of livelihood as investing and personal financial planning, are critical. “First and foremost, what I tell everyone is that investing is very critical. If you are going to invest, you must have some level of familiarity on what you are going to invest in. Even if you have an expert that is helping you, you must be able to ask the right questions. So, my advice to people is to focus on building their knowledge because it is a skill that you will need through your life because saving and investing help you to raise your standard of living, to save for your retirement, to save for any health challenge you may face or to save for the education of your children. So it is a skill that people

• Ms Arunma Oteh

should learn about,” Oteh said. She said there is enough potential for personal financial planners in the gap between the investing public and the Nigerian population as well as the depth and participation in the collective investment scheme (CIS) or mutual funds industry. “Today, we have less than 200,000 who are leveraging into CIS funds to save and invest. There is clearly room for more to be done. We have about $1 billion of funds under management; that is very small for a country of 167 million people. So the potential is enormous,” Oteh said. She said participation in mutual funds can be a way for Nigerians to leverage their incomes and build up a strong base against the waves of ups and downs that come with changing market situations. “We are recommending mutual funds. Mutual funds allow you to invest a small amount, but to have the opportunity of investing that amount in several companies or several types of products. So, if you have N5, 000, you can buy a money market bond fund and that fund can invest in various treasury bills. Also, if for example you bought mutual funds that invest in companies, the funds can invest in banks, fast moving consumer good, construction companies, in an oil and gas com-

pany and so on, so that when there is a problem in one sector, the problem from that sector is balanced by the benefit that you are getting from another sector. That is what a mutual fund does for you; it allows you to reduce your risk by spreading it over several companies. If it is a mutual fund that invests in equity, it allows you to use a small amount and tap benefits in several areas. So, my guidance is that use mutual funds, you also take the benefit of financial experts. We have a number of such funds, about 44 of them and there is still opportunity for many more to come to be,” Oteh said. Besides, such training in investment and financial planning also provides opportunity for others to earn additional incomes alongside their other jobs. President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr. Ariyo Olushekun, said there is opportunity for non-finance professionals to participate in the investment market. Managing Director, GTI Securities Limited, Mr Tunde Oyekunle, added that the market has enormous potential that remain untapped. Oyekunle, whose firm has built Nigeria’s first private trading floor, said ambitious young graduates can find opportunities in the ongoing innovations at the market.

‘We can train young people to become financial planners, may be those graduates from Law School, in economics among others, we can put them through a Booth-Camp programme and then prepare them to affiliate with some of these Fund Managers and to sell their products to investors. That is something that we are very keen to do because we think it will also help the job situation in Nigeria’

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

EMPOWERMENT CLINIC with

Empowering your business with right management team (2)

GOKE ILESANMI

AST week, we said it is natural, in the early days of running your own business, to try to do as much as possible alone. We added that this is the most sensible, cost-effective and comfortable way to do things at the initial stage. We said however, as your business continues to witness appreciable growth, you will find yourself not being able to cope effectively, and when it gets to this stage, then it is time to think about bringing other high-level managers on board to help you out. We educated that building your team demands matching jobs to people’s strengths. That is, giving people responsibilities according to the level of skills rather than based on how close they are as friends or how closely related they are to you or their irresistible personality.

We stressed that research shows that one challenge that existing and prospective entrepreneurs are likely to face when it comes to building a management team for their business is the number of posts they are going to create and the functions of each post. We therefore itemised and discussed some of the management team positions. We said the first of such posts is that of a chief executive officer (CEO). We explained that the fact of the matter is that the CEO is the boss of everyone and is responsible for everything, including the determination of the company’s strategy, recruitment and building of the senior team. We added that the CEO’s skills must include the ability to rise above the daily details and decide where the industry and business are headed. We said this role involves strategic thinking as the CEO must be able to decide the company’s best path for navigating the future market conditions. We stressed that another post is that of a chief operating officer (COO). We explained that the chief operating officer handles a company’s complex operational details and ensures that the business can deliver as and when necessary. We added that he also figures out just what needs to be measured to ascertain if things are going well or not. We submitted that in a one-location retail business, the store manager is effectively the COO

and when you expand to multiple locations or when ensuring smooth operations becomes a big part of your business, it is time to hire someone who revels in measurements, operations and details. We also X-rayed the post of a president. We disclosed that Stever Robbins, a human resource development expert says no one knows just what a president does. This is because some say a president oversees staff functions—human resources, finance and strategy—while the COO oversees daily operations. Others proclaim that the president is a synonym for COO, especially in smaller companies. We said yet sometimes, the president fills gaps left by the COO and CEO, or sometimes, the title goes to someone you want at the strategy table but who does not have an obvious C-level title.

Chief financial officer

Plain and simple, the chief financial officer (CFO) handles the money. He creates budgets and financing strategies. He also figures out if it is better for your business to lease or buy and builds the control systems that monitor your company’s financial health. The CFO is the “bad guy” who would not let you buy that re-

ally cool video conferencing equipment, and makes you pay down a commercial loan instead.

Amplification

“Believe me, you’ll know when you need a CFO. Do you lie awake at night dreaming about numbers? No? Then you need to bring someone on board who does. You want a person whose dream birthday gift is a calculator and a blank book of ledger paper. Money is your business’s blood, and in entrepreneurship, cash flow is everything. You don’t know the difference between cash flow and profit? Run—don’t walk—to the nearest phone and go find yourself a CFO,” submits Robbins.

Chief marketing officer

The post of a chief marketing officer (CMO) is another you may need to create. Research shows that recently, companies have been bringing in a marketing expert at the C-level rather than as just a vice president. The reason for this is that many current business battles are battles of marketing, so corporate strategy often hinges on marketing strategy. The chief marketing officer owns the marketing strategy—

and that often includes the sales strategy—and oversees its implementation. The chief marketing officer will know (or learn) your industry inside out and helps you position your product, differentiate it from your competitors’ products, enlist distributors, and make sure customers learn to crave your product.

Addition

According to Robbins, “If your business’s success depends mainly on marketing, you need a CMO. That might be you—but only if you have time to keep up with competitors, oversee the marketing implementation, and still do the rest of your job—and do it well. Otherwise, you need to look for the person with the sunny disposition, Blackberry in hand, keeping up on what’s hot and what’s not.”

Last note

If you aspire to record tremendous success in your business, endeavour today to know what each post covers and build a winning management team. 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 detail. Till we meet on Wednesday.

WORKPLACE MATTERS

How to effectively hire best employees

T is said that the end justifies the means. Therefore, when organisations fail to achieve the desired productivity and profitability, one of the reasons that can be adduced for this is the failure to employ the right or best employees. Most entrepreneurs only have a dream not a goal of productivity and, by implication, profitability. This is because a dream is mere wishful thinking while a goal is a dream with an action plan. So you need to go beyond your dream to taking action to achieve your desire. As I said in my keynote address tagged “Achieving Greatness through Right-thinking” during the inauguration of Thinkright Foundation in Lagos recently, organisations that think right do not blindly adopt the conventional or archaic recruitment procedure in the course of employing their employees.

Effective approach Findings show that leaders of the best workplaces enjoy greater success. In such workplaces, 92 per cent of employees believe their management teams hire people who fit in well. This percentage falls to 82 per cent for their peer organisations. The leaders of these successful organisations are able to achieve the enviable feat because they make the hiring and interview process as much about the match between the organisation’s culture and a candidate’s personality, as about finding the right technical skills and

By Goke Ilesanmi

experience for a position. Marcus Erb, a senior research partner with the Great Place to Work® Institute says driven by recruiting philosophies like ‘hire for attitude, train for skill’ and ‘hire our type of people’, the best workplaces invest in extended interview processes, personality assessment and internal training programmes to ensure candidates are given a clear view of the culture and are thoroughly vetted on how they would fit in.

Beyond personality Beyond the issue of personality, studies indicate that emotional intelligence (EI or EQ) accounts for 15 to 45 per cent of one’s job success, whereas one’s intelligence quotient (IQ) accounts for less than six per cent. Mike Poskey, vice president of ZERORISK HR, Inc., a Dallasbased HR firm corroborates this fact by educating that EQ is the pattern of how people’s biases in their thinking lead them to think one thing or choice is better than another, as well as their clarity in differentiating within those biases to exercise clear and sound judgement. Poskey adds that Emotional Intelligence Quotient (EQ) is a term being heard more and more often in humanresource departments and even in executive board rooms.

Between personality

and

How is EQ different from personality, and how has it proved to be capable of affecting the bottom line in the workplace? Well, just wait for the answer to this. Dr. Tim LaHaye, the author of “Spirit-Controlled Temperament” educates that temperament is the basic impulse of our being that seeks to satisfy our wants, and to properly understand the temperament’s control of our actions and reactions, we need to define three terms temperament, character and personality and carefully make a distinction among them. In Psychology, personality refers to the emotion, thought, and behaviour patterns unique to an individual. LaHaye says personality influences one’s tendencies, such as a preference for introversion or extroversion; but personality cannot be used to predict EQ. However, EQ can identify both the biases and clarity in one’s thinking patterns that allow them to make good sound decisions, personality only refers to the biases in the behaviour themselves.

Addition Poskey says having a ‘good’ personality does not necessarily imply success in the workplace. He adds that a ‘good’ personality tells you nothing about the fact that the employee can also make errors in judgement due to lack of ‘clarity’ when making decisions within his or her own biases. Poskey asserts that this is why people with varying per-

sonality styles can successfully perform the same job.

Managing impulses He says an employee with high emotional intelligence can manage his or her own impulses, communicate with others effectively, manage change well, solve problems, and use humour to build rapport in tense situations. These employees also have empathy, remain optimistic even in the face of adversity, and are gifted at educating and persuading in a sales situation and resolving customer complaints in a customer-service role. This ‘clarity’ in thinking and ‘composure’ in stressful and chaotic situations is what separates top performers from weak performers in the workplace.

EQ and workplace success Experts say social abilities, that is, abilities that determine how we handle relationships; and personal abilities, that is, abilities that determine how we manage ourselves, etc. outline a set of emotional intelligence qualities that have proved to contribute more to workplace achievements than technical skills and cognitive ability combined.

EQ benefits and findings Research shows that in jobs that involve sales and mechanical skills, employees with high EQ are 12 times more productive than employees with low EQ. According to Freda Turner, Ph.D. with University of Phoe-

nix, USA, insurance sales professionals and account managers with high emotional intelligence are 127 per cent more productive. A Fortune 500 company in financial services in the US proved that its high EQ salespeople produced 18 per cent more than the lower EQ salespeople. One recent study conducted by a Dallas corporation revealed that the productivity difference between the low-scoring emotional intelligence employees and highscoring emotional intelligence employees is 20 times.

Last words Organisations that cherish success must consider emotional intelligence in their selection process and training. By doing this, organisations can avoid the stress of high employee turnover, with attendant low productivity and eroded profitability. Till we meet on Wednesday. •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

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

TAXATION

Tax system in Nigeria: Issues and challenges T

HE tax system has undergone several reforms geared at enhancing tax collection and administration with minimal enforcement cost. The reforms include the introduction of TIN (unique Taxpayer’s Identification Number which became effective since February 2008), automated tax system that facilities tracking of tax positions and issues by individual taxpayers, e-payment system which enhances smooth payment procedure and reduces the incidence of tax touts, enforcement scheme (Special Purpose Tax officers), these are special tax officers in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure strict compliance in payment of taxes. The tax authority has autonomy to assess, collect and record tax. This enabling environment which came into being on the basis of (Section 8(q) of FIRS Establishment Act 2007) has led to an improvement in tax administration in the country. The tax system has undergone significant changes in recent times. The tax laws are consistently being reviewed with the aim of repealing obsolete provisions and simplifying the main ones. Under the law, taxation is enforced by the three tiers of government, i.e. federal, state, and local governments, with each having its sphere clearly spelt out in the Taxes and Levies (approved list for Collection) Decree, 1998. Despite this improvement, there are still a number of contentious issues that require urgent attention and among them is the issue of the appropriate tax authority to administer several taxes. The crisis between Lagos State and the Federal Government on the tax jurisdiction of Value Added Tax (VAT) in the state is still a contentious issue that has been taken to the courts. Other states, such as Ogun, Oyo and Benue have joined Lagos, while states like Abia, have gone against this. Also, there is the issue of multiple taxes administered by all the three tiers of government which sometimes imposes welfare cost. Furthermore, the issue of the paucity of a data base, which contributes to tax avoidance in the country. The issue of corruption is still a perennial issue in the country; this reduces the confidence and trust of the taxpayers in discharging their civic duty. The issue of infrastructural development is also a crucial issue, in Nigeria, the level of infrastructural facilities is in a deplorable state, most of the facilities are often privately sourced, thus a number of people wonder what the taxes collected are used for, hence the tendency to evade tax payment. Furthermore, the problem of the tax language that is legally codified makes it difficult for an average Nigerian to understand. Policy recommendations Disclosure and sharing of information There is a need for mutual cooperation among different government agencies and parastatals, this collaboration should enhance exchange of information, and reduce the incidence of tax evasion as well as fraudulent tax practices. Beneficial /welfare schemes. To elicit voluntary compliance, the government should be more responsive to the welfare needs of the citizens. The Nigerian tax system can effectively generate more revenue when the citizens have trust and confidence in the authority. Lagos state in recent times is generating huge revenue due to the fact that many corporate bodies and individuals feel that they can visibly feel the development impact of their contributions Patriotism and positive tax culture There is a need to enhance a positive tax culture; this can be done through the re-branding efforts of the ministry of information. In most developed countries, tax payment is considered a moral and civic responsibility, thus tax avoidance is frowned upon. This implies that our leaders should demonstrate patriotism through leadership that is worthy of emulation by timely payment of their taxes and discharging other civic duties. Religious education /responsibility: In Nigeria, most of the citizens are religious and faithful people. Thus, with religious provisions that explicitly sup-

By Asuquo Richard Gregory

port fulfilling religious obligations, tax payment could be enhanced. Therefore, tax education can be encouraged to be part of religious education among the adherents. Evoking religious injunctions could elicit more voluntary compliance and reduce tax evasion and avoidance. For instance, the Biblical saying of “Give unto Caesar, what is for Caesar and to God what is for God” is apt and relevant to the Christians while the Qur’an calls on the Muslims thus: “O you who believe, fulfil all obligations” (Q5:1). Civic education Civic education was part of the educational curriculum in the early 1960s and 1970s; however, this was stopped in the mid-1980s and 90s. A re-introduction of this into the school curriculum would not only improve civic responsibility but also infuse a sense of patriotism and commitment to national ideals and interests. There should be vigorous enlightenment and public awareness about tax payment and its importance in the economy. Hot lines There can be dedicated lines or emails, where issues, observations and queries can conveniently reach the authority; this will contribute to the reduction of tax fraud and avoidance. Harmonisation of taxes to reduce double/ multiple taxation on a single taxpayer There is a need to harmonise the different taxes that are being levied by the different tiers of government so as to reduce the negative impact on the taxpayer. A situation where an individual pays rates and licenses to local government, pays sales tax and personal income to the state government and at the same time pays VAT is not one that will encourage voluntary compliance. Improving our record or database, to be able to track all potential taxpayers In Nigeria, an improvement in our tax revenue can be enhanced through a regularly updated, comprehensive database. This would enable the country to be able to track all potential taxpayers as well as to reduce incidences of tax avoidance. Elongated tax operation (Twilight shift) To maximise the revenue accruing from tax collection and especially to fulfil the principles of convenience and economy on the part of taxpayers, collectors of tax should be made to operate on shift throughout the day. Tax laws should be codified in simple, non-technical language, if possible in the three major languages: Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba. Need for an effective judicial process to adjudicate on tax issue List of approved taxes and levies for the three tiers of govt A list of approved taxes and levies for collection by the three tiers of government: (A) Taxes collectible by the Federal Government (1) Companies income tax; (2) Withholding tax on companies; (3) Petroleum Profit Tax; (4) Value-added tax (VAT); (5) Education tax; (6) Capital gains tax - Abuja residents and corporate bodies; (7) Stamp duties involving a corporate entity; (8) Personal income tax for: - Armed forces personnel; - Police personnel; - Residents of Abuja FCT; - External Affairs officers; and - Non-residents. (B) Taxes/levies collectible by state governments (1) Personal income tax:

• Acting Executive Chairman, FIRS, Alhaji Kabir Mohammed

Mashi - Pay As You-Earn (PAYE); - Direct (self and government) assessment; - Withholding tax (individuals only); (2) Capital gains tax; (3) Stamp duties (instruments executed by individuals); (4) Pools betting, lotteries, gaming and casino taxes; (5) Road taxes; (6) Business premises registration and renewal levy; -urban areas (as defined by each state): §maximum of N 10, 000 for registration and N5, 000 for the renewal per year. -rural areas -registration N2,000 per annum -renewal N 1,000 per annum (7) Development levy (individuals only) not more than N100 per year on all taxable individuals; (8) Naming of street registration fee in state capitals (9) Right of occupancy fees in state capitals; (10) Rates in markets where state finances are involved. (C) Taxes/levies collectible by local governments (1) Shops and kiosks rates; (2) Tenement rates; (3) On and off liquor licence; (4) Slaughter slab fees; (5) Marriage, birth and death registration fees; (6) Naming of street registration fee (excluding state capitals): (7) Right of occupancy fees (excluding state capitals); (8) Market/motor park fees (excluding market where state finance are involved); (9) Domestic animal licence; (10) Bicycle, truck, canoe, wheelbarrow and cart fees; (11) Cattle tax; (12) Merriment and road closure fees; (13) Radio/television (other than radio/tv transmitter) licences and vehicle radio licence (to be imposed by the local government in which the car is registered); (14) Wrong parking charges; (15) Public convenience, sewage and refuse disposal fees; (16) Customary, burial ground and religious places permits; and (17) Signboard/advertisement permit.

BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL

EVENTIS Motors , a division of AG Leventis Nigeria PLC, has launched two new JCB equipment in Lagos. At the ceremony, it also launched New Foton truck models. The firm is the authorised dealer for Foton trucks and JCB equipment for PAN Nigeria. Leventis Motors has sales and after sales team and support facilities at Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Benin, Port Harcourt, Aba, Kano and Kaduna. JCB is one of the Top 3 manufacturers of construction equipment with operations in six continents, and over 150 countries. It has 300 models and 22 factories in the United Kingdom, United Kingdom, Germany, India and China. The new JS 205 LC is designed to work in the tough working environment in Africa. The 21.5 ton 360 tracked excavator has 140 HP Cummins engine, six cylinder inline D.I pump. The excavation bucket is 1.02m3 with 600mm tracks and designed cabin operator friendly cabin provides more pro-

JCB trucks arrive ductivity with less fatigue. The machine has hammer pipework. The unique compact Back HoeLoader 2DX ican handle many things at the same time. The 2DX has 49.5 HP KOEL engine with shovel of 0.55 m3 and 0.18 m3 excavation bucket. The compact 2DX can works like a forklift; it can replace many jobs of skid-steer machine, works like a mini- excavator. All JCB equipment have a fiveyear warranty. Leventis Motors also introduced to its new FotonDaimler single axle tractor and the new 25-ton Tipper at its office in Apapa, Lagos. In 2009, Foton and Germany’s DAIMLER AG established partnered for the production of trucks. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao attended the signing ceremony.

FOTONDAIMLER use of Mercedes Benz technology optimises the match to the chassis and has increased transmission efficiency by five per cent and fuel saving up to eight per cent. The new 18 tons single axle tractor with 43 tons GCW, is versatile and offers, longer life performance, less down time and lower costs. Its new 336 hp is optimal as it combines the power needed with fuel economy. It is equipped with fully synchronised transmission with advanced technology. The multiple Axles Differential Locks (inter-wheel, inter-axle & steering) for mandatory bearing locking are very effective in muddy roads. The cab meets the EN safety standards as it adopts anti-collision fourpoint full floating technology for strong energy absorption.

World Bank releases $70m for Rwanda

HE World Bank signed off on a $70 million financing package for Rwanda on Wednesday, the last tranche of a three-year aid program, which will be partly used to make poverty-fighting programs more effective at combating natural disasters. The deal, which will include a $46 million loan and a grant of $24 million, was signed shortly after typically tropical rains lashed the hilly capital, Kigali, sending torrents of water cascading through the streets. President Paul Kagame has led Rwanda's transformation into one of sub-Saharan Africa's most investorfriendly nations in the two decades since the end of a genocide that killed 800,000 people. Political stability and a raft of reforms to cut red tape and streamline regulations are luring investors to the country, which Kagame wants to become a middle income nation by 2020. His critics accuse him of being

authoritarian and trampling on media and political freedoms. World Bank country manager Carolyn Turk told reporters the funds were the last installment of a three-year spending program worth $650 million that ends in June. She said the size of the next program had not yet been decided but that "she was fairly optimistic." The government's latest data showed the number of Rwandans living in extreme poverty fell to 24 percent in 2011 from 40 percent a decade earlier. The Washington-based World Bank forecast in January that Rwanda's economic growth will accelerate to 7.5 percent in 2014, broadly in line with the government's own projection. Heavy rains and landslides killed at least 77 people and displaced thousands in neighboring Burundi last month, reflecting the risks natural disasters pose to regional economies.

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

POLITICS

MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Three political parties-the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)- are battling for the soul of Imo State. The PDP is scheming to bounce back. But, the ruling APC is consolidating its hold. APGA is also not sleeping. Who produces the next governor? Correspondent SANNI OLOGUN examines the struggles of the parties for power in the Southeast state.

2015: PDP, APC, APGA battle for Imo

OR eight years, Imo State was the stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). That was between 1999 and 2007 when Chief Achike Udenwa was the governor. But, things took a dramatic turn for the party in 2011 when the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) produced Governor Rochas Okorocha, who has now defected to the All progressives Congress (APC). Ahead of the next elections, the three parties-the PDP, the APC and the APGA- are in the battle for the soul of the Southeast state. The PDP National Leader, President Goodluck Jonathan, has said that the party will bounce back in 2015. The APC Governor, Okorocha, has described the statement as a joke, saying that the PDP leaders are day dreaming. The APGA is also mobilising ahead of the poll. The question is: who produces the next Imo governor? The PDP’s Southeast/Southsouth rally at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, where the President made the statement, was a carnival of sorts. The rally was organised to welcome Senator Chris Anyanwu, Udenwa, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume and Chief Mike Ahamba back to the fold. But, the President used the opportunity to flag off the battle for the Imo Government House. The PDP has a formidable APC governor, Okorocha, to contend with on the field. He has raised the stakes in the state. However, the defection of some politicians to the PDP has motivated the to renew its spirited fight for power. Senator Anyanwu returned to the fold to position herself. She was voted to represent the Imo East Senatorial District in 2011on the platform of APGA. Her return to the PDP was not a surprise. Her sojourn in the APGA was borne of political exigency. She would not have moved to the APGA, if she was not robbed of the PDP ticket to return to the Senate. The PDP ticket was given to former Minister of Aviation and now, National Woman Leader of the PDP, Mrs Kema Chikwe. Anyanwu moved to APGA where she was welcomed with open arms by the leaders of the party and was handed the party’s senatorial ticket. Today, APGA is not as formidable in the Southeast as it was in 2011. The death of its National Leader, Ikemba Chukwuemeka Odimegwu - Ojukwu, and the leadership tussle that plagued the party have made it unattractive to its members who have ambition for 2015. Although the APGA defeated the PDP in the governorship and legislative polls in 2011, the defection of Governor Okorocha to the APC changed the political calculation in the state. Most PDP and APGA members, are banking on the support of the PDP government at the centre to relaunch their struggle to recapture the Douglas House, Owerri, in 2015. The recent Southeast/Southsouth rally was meant to rev up the PDP’s 2015 electioneering machinery. Those who were received into to the fold also included Mr. Cosmas Iwu, Mr. Lambert Ihenacho, and Hon Independence Ogunewe. The calibre of PDP dignitaries at the oc-

• President Jonathan (Second right) Chief Olisa Metuh, Senator Anyanwu and Chief Ohakim at the rally.

casion underscored the priority the party accorded Imo State. President Jonathan, was accompanied by Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark the PDP National Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Emeka Ihadioha, Chief Emmanuel Iwanyanwu, and ex-Governor Ibrahim Shekarau. Others are Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mrs. Viola Onwulriri, Prince Arthur Eze, Senator Barnabas Gemade, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator Hope Uzodinma and ex-Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu. Governors at the rally included Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Theodore Orji (Abia), Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Captain Idris Wada (Kogi), Martin Elechi (Ebonyi), Liyel Imoke (Cross River) and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa). To Anyanwu, the defection underscored the party’s resolve to reclaim Imo State in 2015. The lawmaker said: “We are positioned now to recover power for the real people of Imo. We are ready to join forces with our brothers and sisters under the large umbrella of the PDP to rescue power from the confused, deceptive and misguided adventurers, who have aborted the people’s dream for a more promising and assured future. We have returned home and I hope that nothing will stop us.” She added: “Today is a great day. If look around here, you will see the grand masters of Imo politics, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Arthur Eze, all the former governors are here. The intellectual power house

of Imo Stateare here. The business movers and shakers of Imo State are here, and, if all these people are all here, who is left in Imo State? It is good to be back home. I have come home with thousands of APGA members, including 27 Local Government Chairmen, half of the State Executive and over 800 APC members from my local government alone. Imo is for the PDP now. The children of Imo have decided to come under one roof. I have brought the children of Imo State. The PDP should open its hands and receive them. It should not let them run away again.” Addressing the Imo State Executive Committee of the PDP at its state secretariat along Okigwe Road, prior to the rally, Anyanwu described her return to the PDP as a home coming. She said although she represented APGA in the Senate, she had remained emotionally bound to the PDP. She said she was pained to see the PDP losing grounds in the Senate and therefore, decided to return home to join like minds to salvage the party. She said: “I was hurt watching the PDP being plummeted like that and I had difficulty coping. I just made up my mind at that time that it was time to go home. We are back to lend our energies and our strength to your energies and strength to rebuild the PDP and make it strong, viable, on top and centre in this state and in this country.” Anyanwu insisted that Imo State had no business being on the periphery of national politics. She added: “We must return Imo State to its rightful position. Things went wrong in the past, we all know. We hope we have all learnt the lessons of our past mistakes.

Never again do we go back there and do those things that made us wobble. “We hope that our experience, what we have learnt out of this experience will strengthen us to now pursue and fulfill the mission of the PDP as the strongest, the largest, the most viable, but also the party that has all the strength, compassion and sense of justice, where people can feel a sense of belonging and be assured that things would be done right.” Udenwa, Ararume and Ahamba, said that the accident that led to the whipping of the PDP in 2011 would not happen again. Udenwa, said: “The accident that happened in Imo State in 2011 shall not repeat itself because it is not everyday that accidents happen. Imo today is completely a PDP state. We are on a rescue mission to re-rescue Imo State.” Ararume said the party leadership would not allow the division that led to its defeat in 2011 to reoccur, while Ahamba noted that the defection marked the beginning of the battle to reclaim Imo for the PDP. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) added: “Today, I have returned to my ranks because we found ourselves in a situation where the opposition in power has nothing to offer except disruption. The battle to rescue Imo has just begun.” President Jonathan described the rally as a clear demonstration that the PDP has regained Imo State. He promised that the party would not discriminate against the returnees. The President said: “The political timbers of Imo State are all here, which is an indication that the PDP has regained the state. This state has been a PDP state and would continue to be so. We for-

‘What shocked me was that, aside, from the funfare of the rally, not one of them was able to request from Mr. President what he can do for Imo people, nothing. All they were talking about was how they will capture power. But after capturing the power, what next?What have they done with the power given to them in the last 12 years in the state’

mally welcome our brothers and sisters, who for one reason or the other, became angry and stepped aside. But everybody has stepped back and we have listened to all of them. These are great men and women. Imo State knows their worth in the politics of Imo State. Without them, there is no politics in Imo State. “So, where is the other party? There is no other party in Imo State. The time to join us is now. The party is open to everybody. It is the party that believes in justice and equal rights. For us, Imo State PDP has come to the level where everybody has to preach equal right. There is no discrimination.” To Anenih, the desire of the PDP to “capture” Imo State in 2015 would not succeed, if the party continues on the path of political squabbles. Anenih said: “It is only when we are united that we can get things right. The PDP is the pan-Nigeria party that will take care of everybody. Unless you are united, we will lose Imo State again and God forbid.” Mu’azu blamed internal wrangling for the loss of the state in 2011. He was however, optimistic that the party would regain its lost glory in 2015. Ma’azu said: “With the returnees and other members of the PDP in Imo State, we will sweep all elective positions in 2015. I want to appeal to all aspirants to know that this is the dawn of a new era. We must ensure that only our first eleven is presented in any election.” The former Bauchi State governor urged for the Imo PDP to work together victory in the next elections. “Part of our visit today is to receive our members who strayed and went to see the other side of the world. They have seen that there is nothing good on the other side and they are back home,” he added. Mark, said that the PDP was on the path of regaining Imo State. He said he was particularly overjoyed that Anyanwu, who earlier “strayed” from the party, decided to retrace her steps. He said: “PDP is Imo and Imo is PDP; you cannot separate the two. Whatever mistake was made in the past is now history, whether we counted rightly or wrongly is for historians to judge. The fact is that Imo has returned to PDP. “I welcome all of you my brothers and sisters of the PDP family to the gathering here today. For me, it is a joy because we are getting one of our own, who mistakenly strayed back today and she is here live. When she comes back, I believe that Imo State would have completed the circle and the light in the state would be brighter. There is no harm in missing step, but when you miss a step and you realise and trace it back, then, you are a good person.” Former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, said that the PDP’s defeat in 2011 was not due to lack of “votes,” but loss of “calculation.” He said the incident was a lesson well learnt. According. “What happened in the past was a lesson. We did not fail. We went to school; we have learnt •Continued on page 44

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

POLITICS Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU highlights public expectations about the National Conference as delegates resume today from their one week break.

Will conference end in jamboree? F

OR the next three months, eyes will be on the National Conference holding in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). As delegates resume today from their one week break, stormy sessions are expected. Pro-Sovereign National Conference delegates are warming up for discussions on the fundamental issues that necessitated the convocation of the conference by President Goodluck Jonathan. Those bent on sustaining the status quo will also not relent . The All Progressives Congress (APC), the only political party that has distanced itself from the exercise by refusing to send delegates, will not sit on the sideline. Its officials will be firing salvos at the conference. The National Judicial Institute (NJI) Hall, Abuja, was filled to the brim during the inauguration. A mini-carnival unfolded as many delegates alighted from their luxury cars, exchanging banters. The assembly was a blend of septuagenarians, octogenarians and men and women in their late 50s and 60s. Except the couple, Mr. Yinka Odumakin and Dr. Joe OkeiOdumakin, and the rights activist, Wale Okunniyi, who are under 50, other delegates are old men. Majority of them are powerful and influential Nigerians, having been part of the previous administrations. For the retired Generals, former governors, ministers and legislators, who are also delegates, it was a reunion of sorts. Seven categories of delegates attended the opening session, which was opened by President Jonathan last week. The first set comprised few patriots, who were in sober reflection. They had embraced the conference as a call to duty to salvage Nigeria. These eminent Nigerians did not supply their account numbers on the accreditation sheet. Leading the pack is the activist cleric, Pastor Tunde Bakare, a delegate from Ogun State. The founder of the Latter Rain Assembly and APC chieftain also suggested that delegates who were accompanied by aides should not expect any extra-allowance for their upkeep. A National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) chieftain, who refused to fill the space for account number, said that he came to render a selfless service. “I am skipping that. I am not here for a jamboree. I am not interested,” added the retired university don and pro-democracy activist. The former governors, ministers, and legislators were in a class of their own. They are likely to form a powerful bloc and lobby group at the conference. This group is led by the veteran journalist, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former governor of Ogun State. During the discussion on sitting arrangement, a delegate had suggested that participants should sit according to states of origin. But, Osoba held a contrary opinion. He suggested that, since the conference is expected to acquire a national outlook, delegates should sit as they arrive the venue. His advice was received with acclamation and adopted by the chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi (rtd). The retired Generals are also a factor. This class has been blamed for

the political and economic adversity of the country. These men of affluence do not represent the diverse tribes, but the Armed Forces on which back they rose to limelight. As soldiers, who displaced legitimate authorities and foisted the unitary system on the beleaguered country, they may not have the solution to the mess they created when they were in power. In their blissful retirement, they have aligned with a political party and joined forces in heating up the polity. Critics have pointed out that it is debatable that they are now eager to correct their past mistakes, which continue to take their tolls on the component units. There were also the ‘President’s men’, who, it is believed, are in the confab to protect his interests. Among them are the eminent Ijaw leader, Senator Edwin Clark, and former Bayelsa State Governor Diepreye Alamisyeseigha. A source said that the proposal for a single term of five or six years for the President, the Vice President, governors and their deputies may emanate from this category. But, another delegate from Bayelsa State said that it is not true, saying that the President has no agenda. At the accreditation centre, a drama unfolded. When a delegate sighted his old friend, he exclaimed: “You made it too”. They hugged and started a long discussion. It was evident that, for many delegates, the conference is an extension of political empowerment and another avenue for sharing the national cake. N7 billion has been voted for the exercise, and if it does not wind up in three months, the conference budget may be adjusted. A delegate to the 2005 Abuja Conference, Mr. Olorunfunmi Basorun, was irked by the presence of some people at the conference. He said: “There are many people there who should not be there”. The former Secretary to Lagos State Government pointed out that many delegates lack the understanding of the issues on the front burner. Many Northern delegates are tribal irredentists like many of their Southern counterparts. Since oil is domiciled in the South, the prime motive of the North is to retain political control for the pur-

•Okorocha •Continued from page 39

the lessons; and we have come back together.” Ohakim said the PDP was ready to fight with the last drop of its blood to regain its lost ground. “I

• President Jonathan (third right), Vice President Namadi Sambo (second right), Justice Kutigi (fourth right), Chief Justice Muktar Aloma (right), Depty Senate President Ike Ekweremadu (left), Dr Valeria Azinge and Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, shortly after the inauguration of the National Conference in Abuja by the President.

pose of allocating its proceeds. While delegates from the South were reiterating their call for fiscal federalism, many Northern delegates, who spoke with reporters, shsorthly before the in auguration, packaged a tactical response, avoiding a categorical statement. Yoruba and Igbo and Southsouth delegates, including Ayo Adebanjo, Olaniwun Ajayi, Chukwuemeka Ezeife and King Diette Spiff, said that true federalism is the answer to the defective system. But, Ambassador Yusuf Mamman, a representative of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the conference was evasive. He said, diplomatically: “We will discuss the contentious issues”. There are also the political war horses. These old men supported themselves with walking sticks. They were assisted into the hall by aides. Some of them were around during the constitutional conferences preceding independence, either as delegates or lieutenants of the three pathfinders-the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the late Dr. Nnamidi Azikiwe and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. They had participated in all the political dispensations, served under discredited administrations and collaborated with the military to wreck havoc on the country. As these delegates resume from their one week break today, opinion is still divided on the desirability of the national dialogue. A lawyer, Tunde Kolawole, objected to its composition, saying that many delegates are unfit for any rescue mission. He said that Nigeria knows how to recycle delegates. “They are responsible for the problems and they are not likely to find solution to them”, he stressed. The lawyer also chided some of them

for complaining about accommodation problem. He said it is curious that they are raising accommodation issue because many of them have big mansions in Abuja. Flaying them for expensive lifestyles, he said that they may like to live in five star hotels at the expense of the state. “Many see the conference as a meal ticket. They only deserve sitting allowance. Those who have said they will not collect can collect and give to charity,” he added. However, Basorun’s view differed slightly from Kolawole’s. He said there are good people at the conference. He also said the work of the conference has been made easy by the previous Abuja conference. The elder statesman said that what the Kutigi-led conference should do is to retrieve the dumped report and adopt its relevant recommendations. “They should go back to the archive and check the recommendations of previous confabs. For instance, I was at the 2005 conference and we decided that local governments should be ceded to the states. That is not new. They should look at our reasons for the decision that power should be devolved to the states. Everything is stated there. We recommended that there should be state police to implement federal laws. They are not new”, he added. Basorun said the main task before the conference is the decentralisation of power. If this is done, he said there will be the revival of federalism in Nigeria. “It is only those who want this country dissolved that will be playing with these recommendations. I am opposed to power being concentrated at the centre”, he emphasised.

For the Methodist Church prelate, Dr. Chukwuemeka Uche, the delegates can only succeed in the arduous task, if they shun personal interest and focus attention on the suffering of the masses. The priest said that the process is important. But, he also emphasised that the end is more important. Thus, he enjoined the President to implement the report of the conference faithfully. In a statement by his media aide, Rev. Oladapo daramola, the Prelate said that the debate is timely. “The deliberation can only be successful and fruitful, if it guarantees and secures a meaningful life for the ordinary Nigerian. I am happy about the quality of persons appointed for the Conference and I have faith in the quality of deliberations that will be witnessed. I also trust that President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Assembly, working hand-in-hand with all relevant agencies and institutions, will see that the reports that will emanate from the conference will be fully implemented because the future of the country is dependent on it,” Uche added. Rev. Uche lamented that the country is suffering, despite its huge resources and opportunities. The prelate said the recent tragedy, whereby job seekers lost their lives, should guide the thoughts of the delegates. Uche urged them to proffer solutions to state fragility to prevent state failure. “The conference must bring lasting solution to the home grown terrorism, religious intolerance, endemic corruption, failed schools, failed hospitals, failed roads, failed security, failed power supply, Niger Delta militancy, oil bunkering, kidnapping, the vanishing opportunities for our youths, the widening gulf between the rich and the poor, the receding faith in Nigeria by Nigerians”, he said.

right talk. But the luck we have today is that great men and women have joined us.” Governor Okorocha described the defections as good riddance to bad rubbish. He insisted said the defectors have lost political relevance in Imo State. He said Imolites were angry to hear that the PDP is plotting to “capture” the state. Okorocha described as cheap propaganda the insinuation that he was not disposed to receive President Jonathan to the state. “In fact, they are making the people even angrier by saying that. It is not true that Imo is PDP. Imo is not the PDP, it has since left the PDP. But what shocked me was that, aside, from the funfare of the rally, not one of them was able to request from Mr. President what he can do for

Imo people, nothing. All they were talking about was how they will capture power. But after capturing the power, what next?What have they done with the power given to them in the last 12 years in the state? “But, I am happy, if you listened to them very well, none of them has said that this government is not performing. I think they did not find any reason at all to advance. And again, it is very important to set certain records right. Those who have joined the PDP today are very expired like expired medicine in a medicine shop. So, for me, it was rather painful that the Presidency can spend as much as N200 million, mobilising who is who in Nigeria to come to Imo State to buy products that are not up to N1million put together, politically in value.”

Race for Imo governorship hots up want to say that joining with our brothers and sisters here, we will resist with the last drop of our blood, anything that would create division in this party again, because we don’t have anywhere else to go. This is our last bus stop, as far as politics is concerned. We want to protect this party. “Let everyone who comes to this party respect himself. And I demand respect from everybody. Political party is like a football match. The person at the goal post is not the one that scores goals. If your position is the mid-field and you abandon it and go ahead to do another thing, thinking that the defense man would come to score a goal, before you know it, a goal has been scored. No matter what we say here, if you don’t come together, it will not be a

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

THE NATION MONDAY MARCH 24, 2014

NEWS Fulani invasion: Tiv seek divine help

• Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal (left) with the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, when the Speaker visited the Oba in Lagos... yesterday.

IV people in Plateau State have resorted to seeking God’s intervention in the attacks by Fulani herdsmen on their kinsmen in Benue State. Hundreds of Tiv people have been killed in attacks by Fulani gunmen and property worth millions of naira destroyed in the last two months. The Tiv Community in Plateau State yesterday dedicated their church services to prayers for God’s intervention to halt the bloodshed. The special prayer service, which was held at the NKST church in Jos, attracted worshipers from both states. Rev Solomon Igyor, who led the prayers, said:

•Hold special prayers From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

“As Christians, we have been warned by God not to seek revenge, no matter the grievances. “We don’t know how to use guns to attack our neighbours, the only weapon God gave us is prayers and the situation in Benue State has reached a level we have to deploy our prayers to end the violence. “God promised to wipe our tears, if we come to him in prayers. Today, we have gathered before him crying and we have confidence he will hear our cry and intervene appropri-

•From right: Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima, Nebraska Governor David Heineman, President, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, Chris C. Roth and manufacturers of irrigation equipment during a meeting on export of irrigation equipment to boost agriculture in Borno State held at the State House in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Two doctors suspended for contempt, unethical practices T

WO doctorsTheophilus Masha Dabkana and Friday Wokoma- have been suspended for contempt and unethical practices. The Chairman of the Council of Medical and Dental Practitioners Tribunal, Dr. Jonathan Azubuike, said Dabkana and Wokoma were found guilty of the charges brought against them and suspended for three months. The charge against Dr. Dafe T. Adiki, an employee of the Delta State government, was struck out to avoid double jeopardy because he had been punished by his employer. Adiki was caught by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan engaging in private business during work hours. The tribunal, which sat for three days, adjourned till May 6, to consider the remaining cases.

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

Ten doctors were to stand trial but only three cases were concluded. Dabknana did not appear throughout the tribunal’s session. He was tried in absentia in pursuant to page 63, Rule 6 subsection (1) and(2) of (Medical and Dental Practitioners Act Cap M8 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. The tribunal in its judgment said: “ Dr. Theophilus Masha Dabkana has conducted himself infamously by acting in contempt of the Medical and Dental Practitioner Investigating Panel contrary to Rule 28 1(a - d and g of the Code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria 2008 edition. “He is, therefore, sus-

‘Dr. Theophilus Masha Dabkana has conducted himself infamously by acting in contempt of the Medical and Dental Practitioner Investigating Panel contrary to Rule 28 1’ pended from practice as a medical doctor for three months.” Wokoma, who is an associate professor at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers

State, is found guilty of professional negligence, contrary to Rules 29 and 43 of the Code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria 2008 edition. He was said to have failed to manage the health of Victor Afego. The Chief Medical Director, Taraba State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Zakari Aliyu, was among those expected to appear before the tribunal. He is accused of divulging information on the health status of Governor Danbaba Suntai, contrary to the ethics of the profession. Others still expected to appear before the tribunal are: David Emmanuel Udo, Godwin Ugbam, Temitope Gabriel Onile, Nzurumike Charles Nnanna, Danmusa Ademu Ochala, Omotayo Oluwadamilola Akinro and Udezue Nnameka Obumneme.

APC to PDP: you’ve 11 months left

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) said yesterday that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has 11 months to hand over. Interim Deputy National Secretary Mallam Nasir ElRufai, who spoke at a stakeholders meeting in Kaduna, said the PDP is aware its time is running out. El-Rufai said: “APC is a

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

government in waiting. Even people in power now know that they have 11 months to pack their bags, because we are taking over.” Dispelling his rumoured governorship ambition, the former FCT Minister said it was premature to start talking about such ambition,

adding that, at appropriate time, party members in the state will elect their candidates. He said: “My priority as the Deputy National Secretary is to ensure that APC is a very strong party in Kaduna State and other parts of the country. “And the question of contesting for office will be determined by the party at the

appropriate time”. Also speaking, the senator representing Kaduna Central, Sani Saleh, said there was no crisis in Kaduna APC as speculated. He said the challenges the party had, bordered around implementation of national guidelines. He said the party was ready to wrestle power from the PDP in 2015.

ately. “We must return to God in prayers because prayer is the only weapon that can save every situation. “The current insecurity challenge facing our land today is as a result of lack of faith in prayers.” Among the congregation was a former governorship aspirant in Benue State, Eugene Aliegba, who said: “The Tiv community in Plateau State has chosen the right part, because prayer is the only key to every situation.” Aliegba said the attacks in Benue State were professionally organised and targeted at farmers in five local governments.

Danjuma urges court to bar media from court

ORMER Defence Minister Lt. Gen Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) at the weekend urged a Federal High Court, Lagos, to bar media coverage of a N208million damage suit on rights abuse instituted against him by the former Executive Director, Tita-Kuru Petrochemicals Limited, Manasseh Obadiah Zorto. Tita-Kuru is one of the companies chaired by Danjuma. Danjuma’s request to bar media coverage may draw the ire of the Media Rights Agenda(MRA), which just hosted a two-day African Regional Conference in Abuja on the implementation of the Freedom of Information. Zorto, through his counsel, Rickey Tarfa(SAN), brought the suit against Danjuma, Inspector General of Police,

Commissioner of Police in Special Fraud Unit(SFU) and five others, alleging unlawful arrest. He also asked the court to declare that his arrest at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on January 17 was “wrongful, illegal and unconstitutional and a gross violation of his rights. The police through its counsel, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), contended that Zorto’s arrest and detention was “valid, legitimate, constitutional and lawful”. Danjuma’s lawyer A.E Moyede filed a motion to restrain Zorto or his agents “from further commenting or publishing and or addressing third parties petitions on the subject matter pending the hearing and determining of the matter”.

‘Blame PDP for Southern Kaduna attacks’

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

ORMER Kaduna State Deputy Governor James Bawa Magaji has said the misrule and insensitivity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was responsible for the recent killings in some villages in Kaura Local Government Area. Speaking while donating relief materials to victims, Magaji said the present administration was insensitive to the plight of the masses. He said: “Nigerians must work for change. The problem of security has raised a big question about the role of the government. “The present administration must change, if we must get out of these crises quickly. If a government cannot protect lives and property of its citizens, such a government should be shown the way out.” Kaura Local Government Chairman Kumai Badu said they were unlucky to have neighbours, who he accused of harbouring the attackers. “If God was not with us, there won’t be a house standing around the Ganawuri Plateau border. These things are happening because we have neighbours who are keeping the people coming to kill us”.

Kano spends N18b on water supply

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

HE Kano State government has spent not less than N18 billion on the provision of potable water. Commissioner for Water Resources Yunusa Dangwani said this at a briefing to commemorate the World Water Day in Kano yesterday. Dangwoni said N10 billion was spent on laying ductile iron pipes, especially in the state capital. “When we came on board, the water being supplied to Kano State and its environs was 75 million litres per day but today I am happy to tell you that we are pumping 300 million litres of water daily. ‘’The water is of the best quality as required by the World Health Organisation. “Our major challenges are the breakages and leakages of pipes due to the high pressure of the water being pumped to the city. “This project has greatly improved water supply to the city, especially in Bachirawa, Rijiyar Lemu, Kurna, Fagge and Dala areas, which had not been getting water for over 20 years.’’

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

NEWS (SHOWBIZ)

Femi Segun to be buried Friday •Ejiofor in Half a Yellow Sun

Half of a Yellow Sun hits Nigerian cinemas

IYI Bandele’s Half of a Yellow Sun, an adaptation of Chimamanda Adichie’s book of the same title, will be showing in all Nigerian cinemas on Friday, April 25, courtesy of FilmOne Distribution. The movie made its first outing last September at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Canada. Though it enjoyed 70 percent finance from Nigeria, it was promoted at the festival as a British movie. The film gave the lead character, Chiwetel Ejiofor, the Best Actor’s award at the recently held British Academy Film and Television Awards (BAFTA). Shareman Media, the Nigerian producer, and FilmOne Distribution, the Nigerian distributor of the feature film, have announced that sequel to the Toronto premiere, the film had gone to Europe, premiering at the BFI London Film

Festival. According to them, the movie will also be released in cinemas in Australia from March 27, in the UK from April 11, and in the US in the early summer. Other stars in the movie are Thandie Newton, Genevieve Nnaji, Onyeka Onwenu, O. C. Ukeje, Zack Orji and Anika Noni Rose, who led the supporting cast. Set in 1960s Nigeria, Half of a Yellow Sun is an epic love story, weaving together the lives of four people caught up in the turbulence of the Nigerian civil war. Shot in the Tinapa Studios in Calabar and other locations in Creek Town, Half of a Yellow Sun is said to possess a technical quality that demonstrates the possibility of high quality production in Nigeria, with the appropriate budget and technical input. The Nigerian premiere, according to Filmhouse Distribution, is sponsored by Etisalat, Wheatbaker Hotel and Arik Air.

Femi Kuti backs BlackREALvolution Day

FRO-BEAT legend, Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, has thrown his weight behind the BlackREALvolution Day coming up on Friday. Kuti, a multiple Grammy nominee, described the BlackREALvolution movement as a non-partisan and peace-advocating group of individuals seeking an end to the oppression emanating from governments and organisa•Fem i Kuti tions. “I lend my voice to the BlackREALvolution movement. Though I am one of Africa’s most respected and notable musicians, I have thrown my weight behind some struggles that seek to support the masses and the down-trodden of the society. I have always advocated non-violence and peace. Music is my only weapon and it is my medium of support for the BlackREALvolution movement,” he said. The first-ever gathering of the BlackREALvolution movement holds on Friday at the Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos.

•Segun

•Yeni, her daughte r Rolari and step-dau ghter, Fakemi

HE late veteran broadcaster, Femi Segun, who died last Friday, will be interred exactly eight days after his death. The deceased’s ex-wife, Yeni Kuti, told The Nation in a shaky voice on the telephone. “The wake will hold on Thursday, while the burial is on Friday. The wake will hold at his house, the Quadrangle Millennium Estate, Lekki. But the funeral will be at the House on the Rock. We have not finalized on the burial ground. By tomorrow (Monday), we should be able to determine the burial ground. The reception will be at the house after internment,” she said. Segun, son of renowned writer, Mabel Segun, died of injuries sustained in a fatal power bike crash in Lekki, Lagos.

intensely and we are proud to present them to the world. Tony Oneweek is solid, tested and trusted. K Slim is fresh and promising. Our expectations are high. We will, as always, activate the support mechanism and go for it,” he said. It will be recalled that when Tony Oneweek released his album, Gyration Master, in 1998, it was massively received by music lovers, especially tracks like Everybody gyrate, Onwa December and Okocha. Last year, he released Ife Di Mma, featuring 2face Idibia. The track is an infusion of gyration, highlife and Afrobeat. The outfit already has 2face, J. Martins, Romeo and Rocksteady in its portfolio.

His death was first reported by a fellow broadcaster and Igbobi College alumnus, BolaWola Makinde, on the Facebook. “Who can question the Lord? Requiescat in pace, Femi Segun,” condoled Makinde who, for several days, had prayed for the late Segun’s recovery on the social media. He had two girls: Rolari, 26, Yeni’s only child, and Fakemi, 14, from another relationship. He was 55. His marriage to the daughter of the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, crashed a long time ago. But both remained quite close until he passed on. Segun had stayed close to the Kuti family, participating in the family functions, including the annual Felabration concert in honour of the late Afrobeat

king. One of the celebrated moments for the two was in 2010, when Rolari graduated from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom. Sadly, Rolari who had returned from the United Kingdom, on account of her father’s illness, did not meet him alive. “Rolari is back, she came back the day her father died. She didn’t know her father had died when she was coming. He died a few hours after she returned. I had told her that her father was very ill and that she should come. But she didn’t get to see him alive. She’s very sad,” Yeni revealed. Speaking to The Nation yesterday, Makinde noted that the Igbobi College Old Students’ Association was also planning to meet soon to decide its participation in the deceased’s burial.

Make a Move targets mega box office sales

AST-RISING actress, Ivie Okujaye, has disclosed that she is targeting N30 million in box office sales for her debut movie, Make a Move, which is scheduled to be released nationwide on June 6. “I heard Nollywood movies haven’t had it so good at the cinemas in recent times. Even cinema houses seem wary to give Nollywood movies much attention and space. Make a Move is set to redefine that. Our target is to sell as much as N30million from the box office-that is our minimum target. I know it is a daunting task, but be assured that we will make that figure and earn some respect back for Nollywood,”

Now Music signs Tony Oneweek, K-Slim

N line with the desire to make the nation’s music industry better, the management of Now Muzik has announced the duo of Tony Oneweek and Kosiso Henry Onwuekwe, alias K-Slim, as new additions to the outfit. K-Slim expressed confidence at the new development. According to him, “Now Muzik is among the biggest names in the industry. I am very sure they will do everything possible to make my career a great one.” For Efe Omorogbe, Head, Now Muzik, it is a matter of presenting good music to music lovers all over the world. “Tony Oneweek and K Slim have materials that we enjoy

By Victor Akande

He described the late Segun “as a perfect gentleman, with adorable talent.” “Like me, he was a broadcaster and master of ceremonies. But Segun was a polyglot, who spoke more than five languages. He spoke French, Portuguese and German; he had a working knowledge of Spanish, Italian, Ibo and Hausa.” The deceased was CEO of Coltrane Nigeria Ltd., a multi-sector and ancillary logistic solutions provider. He was also the director of research and protocol at the Lagos Black Heritage Festival from 2010 to 2013. Born in 1959, Segun obtained a Master’s degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies. He attended numerous training courses in diplomacy, government, banking and public relations. In November, 1983, he was honoured as the ‘Officer of the Order of Rio Branco’ by the government of Brazil.

•Poster of Make a Move

the actress stated. According to Wale Adebayo, popularly known as Sango, Make a Move is the kind of story every young person can relate to. It is a story of self-belief, doubt and fight against an unfavourable environment. The film tells the story of two sisters who find dance as an escape route from a non-pleasant past. They must dare to make a move to get to the land of their dreams. Themed along music and dance, the flick stars 2face Idibia, Omawunmi, Majid Michel, Tina Mba, Wale Adebayo, Ivie Okujaye, Beverly Naya, and popular VJ, Denrele Edun. It is directed by Niyi Akinmolayan.

By Mercy Michael

AUL Okoye of P’s Square, on Saturday, got married to his long-time friend and mother of his son, Anita Isama, at the popular Aztech Arcum Event Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The elaborate traditional wedding, which was witnessed by family members, friends and celebrities from various sections of the nation’s entertainment industry, will remain the talk of town for a long time. Anchored by popular standup comedian, Julius Agwu, it was aired live on television, as Hip TV was reportedly given exclusive rights to cover the wedding. It will be recalled that Paul and Anita had earlier had a prewedding shoot at Raddison Blu, Victoria Island, Lagos. During the shoot, Paul and Anita reminisced on their first meeting. “We’ve married since. It’s just now that we want to make it official. We’ve known each other for 10 years. That was when I was in my final year. She was a Jambite then. I’m glad that we are finally doing this. She gave me a lovely boy, who is everything for me. I’m happy that I am finally settling down,” Paul revealed. Anita also confirmed that they were involved in a lot of mischief in school. According to her, “It was fun and exciting. We had plenty adventures back in school. But we had to wait for the right time when we are both ready,” she said. Among the dignitaries at the colourful ceremony were Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Tourism, Chief Edem Duke, Bisi Olatilo, Kenny Ogungbe, D’banj, Banky-W, Sound Sultan, Ice Prince, Pasuma, J-Martins, Phyno and Darey, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Omotola JaladeEkeinde, Ejike Asiegbu, Uche Jombo, Funke Akindele and Ini Edo, among others.

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

NEWS

Speakers condemn Immigration jobs tragedy, Boko Haram killings

HE Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (CSSLN) has condemned last week’s deaths of 19 job seekers at the recruitment conducted by the of Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS). The Speakers also decried the incessant killings in the North-east. Its Chairman Alhaji Inuwa Garba, who spoke with reporters at the end of its quarterly meeting in Abuja at the weekend, called on the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the problems. According to the Conference, the killings have depleted the nation’s socio- economic activities drastically. Garba, who is also Gombe State House of Assembly Speaker said: “We gathered here to hold a meeting of the conference of speakers of state legislators in order to discuss issues that have bearing on the membership of the conference itself and the nation at large. “It is a tradition of the conference to have meetings quarterly. Sometimes, if there is emergency we call for a meeting and discuss some certain key issues that will support the

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

conference and appreciate democracy. “One of the key issues we have discussed is insecurity in Nigeria. The Conference condemns totally the killings in so many parts of this country and appreciate the security agencies and the Federal Government for taking a deliberate positive steps towards achieving and ensuring security in Nigeria and we asked them to do more so that peace and security will be in place so that socio- economic development of the country will improve. “Apart from that, we discussed other issues that affect democracy itself. One is unity. We believe we are all Nigerians and we believe in the unity and harmony of this country. We equally called on all the stakeholders in the Nigeria’s democracy and other areas to continue to contribute towards ensuring that Nigeria remains one indivisible united country.” Garba called on the government and private sector to create enabling opportunities for

jobless youths in the country. “It is part of the killings we have condemned and we call on the Federal Government to improve the socio- economic development. All those that are running up and down for employment are supposed to be employers if the enabling environment is available. So, we call on the Federal Government and the private sector to create opportunities for the teeming populace we have in Nigeria that are jobless and ready to contribute towards the socio- economic development of the nation. The conference also condemned “any kind of corruption be it in the government or outside the country,” It said: “We call on the government to expose any person or any group involved in any corrupt practice that will create more problem to the economy of this country.” On the ongoing National Conference, he said: “We are to to advice the delegates from our states that the issue of unity is very paramount. The issue of unity of this country should not be played with or politicized. But we are looking at the outcome.”

IPMAN chief reassures Nigerians on of Nigeria (JEPTHE new leadership of fuel supply Owners FON) and PPMC to continuthe Independent Petro-

leum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), has assured Nigerians of uninterrupted supply of petrol. The association’s spokesman, Chief UkadikeChinedu and Counsel to the association, Mr. Reuben Wanagho, told reporters in Lagos yesterday that the new IPMAN leadership, led by Chief Obasi Lawson, decried the recent

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

fuel scarcity that subjected Nigerians to hardship. Ukadike said that the new leadership will collaborate with the Major Oil Marketing Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA), Jetty and Petroleum Tank Farm

Nigeria, Netherlands sign MoU on migration

HE Federal Government and the Netherlands yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on migration matters. President Goodluck Jonathan is currently leading Nigeria’s delegation to Netherlands for the 2014 global Nuclear Security Summit. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali, who signed the MoU on behalf of Nigeria yesterday, said the agreement will improve the cooperation between the two countries. He said: “I am pleased to note that the long outstanding Memorandum of Understanding on Migration matters between Nigeria and the Netherlands has at last been concluded and ready for signature after many years in abeyance.” “The objective of the MoU is to improve cooperation between our two countries with the aim of better implementation of provisions relating to migration of person and guarantee of their fundamental rights in conformity with international norms and best practices.” “The MoU deals with cooperation in combating irregular migration, human trafficking, readmission and reintegration of returnees, return assistance, document fraud detection, capacity building, identification and repatriation.” He went on: “We are, there-

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

fore, pleased to sign the MOU with the hope that it will guarantee the fundamental human right of our people and also create new areas of cooperation to further strengthen our relations.” “There is no doubt that migration and development play a big role in our bilateral relations in view of the large number of Nigerians in Diaspora working in the Netherlands and vice versa. This should be encouraged as a win win situation for both countries of origin and destination.” Netherlands Minister of Migration Fred Teeven, who signed on behalf of his country said that the MoU is an area that affects both countries and therefore of mutual concern. He said: “The fight against illegal immigration is important for several reasons. First and foremost to prevent human tragedies that can occur when people risk their lives investing in an uncertain future in an unknown country. We know of the obvious risks involved with illegal border crossings, orchestrated by traffickers.” “But unfortunately we also know of too many examples of illegal migrants that are exposed to dangers living as illegally residing citizens in the countries of destination in Europe or elsewhere.”

ously wet the country. A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt last week quashed the presidency of Alhaji Aminu Abdulkadir and declared Lawson as the president of IPMAN which Chinedu described the development as a victory for the rule of law. He enumerated faults of the sacked leadership and said that the new leadership is people-oriented and committed to serving Nigerians by ensuring that members meet their fuel demand across the country. He said: “The Federal High Court, Port Harcourt presided over by Honourable Justice LamboAkanbi dispensed justice courageously, without fear or favour, and restored members’ hopes in the rule of law and the efficacy of the judicial process.

•Director, MTN Foundation, Mr Julius Adelusi Adeluyi (left); President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Mr Olumide Akintayo and Dr Margaret Ibru at the inaugural meeting of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmaceutical at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos. PHOTO: ABIOUDN WILLIAMS

•Representative of the Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr. Olumide Oshineye (second left) cutting the tape to inaugurate the new multi-million naira Cargo Screening Machine procured by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2), Lagos, for the airport terminal. With him (from left) are the Chief Financial Officer, BASL, Mr. Olusola Olayinka; Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Adebisi Awoniyi; Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Christophe Penninck and others.

•Principal Consultant, Rare Gem Consulting UK, Miss Chinwe Maduike speaking at a news conference on he forthcoming Foreign Business Investment in Lagos. With her are President, White House Group, Mr Austin Eruotor (left) and Chief Executive Officer, White Waters Limited Mr Nsikak Daniels.

Delegates urge Nigerians to access conference website

OME delegates at the ongoing National Conference have urged Nigerians to take advantage of the conference’s website:www.nigerianationalconference2014.org, to offer useful suggestions that would enrich deliberations. The delegates told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja yesterday that Nigerians should access the website and pass on their suggestions to them. An activist, Mr Yinka Odumakin, said the idea of a website for the conference was well-thought out. According to him, the world is now in the digital age where information is passed through the internet. “One should even suggest to the conference secretariat that there should be dedicated e-mail for all the delegates on the website through which people can reach the delegates on certain issues.

Rally for Fayemi today

POLITICAL group, Fayemi 2014 group will today hold a rally to sensitise the people of Ekiti State on the re-election of Governor Kayode Fayemi in the June 21 poll. The rally, according to a statement by the group’s convener, Mr Adegboyega Sunday Dahunsi (aka Omo eyeluajire), will begin at Governor Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation, Ajilosun, on Ikere-Ekiti Road, Ado-Ekiti. The time is 8am. Dahunsi, who lives in Baltimore, United States said the rally is to let people realise the development effort of the governor and for them to vote massively for his re-election.

“The public should be able to reach us because we are the citizens’ representatives. “We should prove that it is very possible for appointed or elected leaders to serve the interest of Nigerians who elected them into their positions. “So, Nigerians should have unhindered access to us, to push their issues to us for inclusion in our deliberations,’’ Odumakin said. A delegate of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, Mr Steve Aluko, said the website would give public access to information about the conference and the delegates. Aluko, an Executive Director, Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), suggested that the contacts of every delegate should be published on the website. According to him, it will enable the people, particularly, the major stakeholders, the opportunity to monitor and also give their inputs into the agenda of the conference. “The people we claim to be representing should have our phone numbers, email, twitter and facebook addresses. “By this, those who nominated us can contact us on any issue they feel we should canvass for or stand against at the conference,’’ Aluko said. The Secretary-General, Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr Isaac Ighure, said the website was going to be a mutual benefit to the delegates and the general public. Ighure said the platform would make it easy for the public to have an indepth knowledge of issues that the delegates would be discussing about them and the country.

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS

Nato warns of Russian army Turkey shoots down Syrian build-up on Ukraine border warplane ‘in airspace violation’ N

URKEY’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan says its armed forces have shot down a Syrian military jet which had violated its airspace. He warned such action by Syria merited a “heavy response”. But Syria accused Turkey of “blatant aggression”, saying the plane had been over Syrian territory at the time. The incident reportedly occurred in an area where Syrian rebels and government forc-

es have been fighting for control of a border crossing. Turkey and Syria - once allies - have more than 500 miles (800km) of common border. The BBC’s James Reynolds in Istanbul says Turkey and Syria have been on opposing sides in Syria’s war since October 2011 and the two sides have been involved in occasional skirmishes and confrontations. However neither side is interested in a direct, sustained, open war or conflict between the two countries, our corre-

spondent says. Speaking at a rally of supporters, Mr Erdogan congratulated his air force on its actions yesterday. “A Syrian plane violated our airspace. Our F-16s took off and hit this plane. Why? because if you violate my airspace, our slap after this will be hard,” he said. A Syrian military source, quoted by state television, said Turkish air defences had shot down a Syrian jet as it attacked rebels on Syrian territory - an

act of “blatant aggression”. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights - a UK-based activist group - said initial reports from the area suggested the plane came down on the Syrian side of the border. “Turkish air defences targeted a Syrian fighter bomber as it struck areas of the northern province of Latakia. The plane caught fire and crashed in Syrian territory,” the Observatory said. According to one report, the plane’s pilot was able to eject.

ATO’s military commander in Europe has issued a warning about the build-up of Russian forces on Ukraine’s border. Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen Philip Breedlove said Nato was in particular concerned about the threat to Moldova’s TransDniester region. Russia said its forces east of Ukraine complied with international agreements. The build-up has been allied with Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, following the removal of Ukraine’s pro-Moscow president. Moscow formally annexed Crimea after the predominantly ethnic-Russian region held a referendum which backed joining the Russian Federation. Kiev and the West have condemned the vote as “illegal”. Russian flags have now been hoisted at 189 Ukrainian military units and facilities in Crimea, the Interfax news agency reports. Moscow’s ambassador to the EU told the BBC the “re-

unification” had not been preplanned but was the end of an “abnormality” which had lasted for 60 years. Vladimir Chizhov also said said Moscow did not have any “expansionist views” and that “nobody should fear Russia”. Yesterday, Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council chief Andriy Parubiy told a big rally in Kiev: “The aim of [President Vladimir] Putin is not Crimea, but all of Ukraine... His troops massed at the border are ready to attack at any moment.” The comments by Gen Breedlove came at an event held by the German Marshall Fund think-tank in Brussels. He said: “The [Russian] force that is at the Ukrainian border now to the east is very, very sizeable and very, very ready.” He added: “There is absolutely sufficient force postured on the eastern border of Ukraine to run to Trans-Dniester if the decision was made to do that and that is very worrisome. “Russia is acting much more like an adversary than a partner.”

Four shot dead in Kenya church attack

F •A Lebanese Army soldier takes his position after clashes erupted between supporters and opponents of Syrian President Bashar Assad, near the Sunni neighborhood of Tariq Jadideh, in Beirut, Lebanon...yesterday.

Lebanon clashes: Violence in Beirut among Syria rivals

RESH clashes have erupted in Lebanon’s capital Beirut among supporters and opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Lebanese troops were deployed after a number of casualties were reported in a predominantly Sunni Muslim area. The clashes come after more than a week of factional vio-

lence in the northern city of Tripoli that has left 25 dead. The fighting there is between supporters of Syria’s rebels and those backing Mr Assad’s Alawite sect. Mr Assad has been fighting a three-year uprising against his rule. More than 100,000 have been killed since the conflict began. Yesterday’s fighting broke

out before dawn. The state-run National News Agency quoted Shaker Birjawi, head of the pro-Assad Arab Movement Party, as saying four of his followers were wounded. The army deployed troops to the area and the clashes appear to have decreased. They follow more than a week of violence in Tripoli.

Battles there have raged between members of the predominantly Sunni district of Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Muhsin, which is populated mainly by Alawites, the heterodox sect of President Assad. The war in Syria has exacerbated tensions between the two districts in the northern port city.

Spain’s first post-Franco PM, Adolfo Suarez, dies at 81

LENTEN MESSAGE Theme: Your location and your allocation

HE Resource control agitation of the Delta region is not only justifiable, legal, appropriate but has Scriptural backing. Solomon in his wisdom said that when you cast your bread upon the waters, it automatically becomes your inalienable right to find it floating after many days. He continued further that when the heaven is loaded, rain comes down (Ecclesiastes 11:3b). Suffice to say therefore that there is a reward for whatever one does on earth, either openly or nocturnally, lovingly or wickedly, selfishly or sacrificially, truthfully or deceitfully. Beloved, the determinant of your altitude is your attitude. An attitude of giving like a Delta region is a guarantee of a great harvest of rainfall, particularly during this season. While the Delta region has legal right of downpour however, the Desert region will experience little or no rainfall at all because it has not sent up same. Beloved, where you are located is a determinant of your allocation! What this presupposes is that

Text: “ Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1) By The Revd. Henry O. Adelegan

nothing is forgotten in life. There is a reward for whatever one does in this world. The initial reward will come during this lifetime and the eternal one will surely come in the world hereafter (cf Luke 16:25). Jesus Christ said that “ He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be (Revelation 22:11-12). When the little boy gave his breakfast to Jesus Christ, he got a reward of 12 baskets full of the fragments and fishes (Mk. 6:35-44). The same went for the widow of Zarephath and her only son during a time of severe famine. The only hope of survival for her fami-

ly was a last meal that they wanted to cook, eat and die. Suddenly, a man of God came to the scene and requested her to give him that last meal. When she obliged, her heaven of blessings opened and so gratifying to note that during that time of famine when people were crying and dying, the widow was laughing and rejoicing. She was not only blessed during the time of famine but the angel of death that wanted to take her only child from her was rebuked (1Kgs. 17:8-23). Brethren, during this season of lent, make it a habit to eschew evil, do good, be compassionate to the less privileged, show love to everybody and do unto others only what you want them to do unto you. You must always be conscious of the fact that whatever you do unto others shall surely return to you, either good or bad (Eccl. 12:13-14; 2Cor. 9:6-7; Lk. 6:38).

OUR people have been killed after gunmen opened fire in a church near the Kenyan city of Mombasa, officials say. They say a number of people were injured after at least two gunmen walked into the church in Likoni and started shooting indiscriminately. The attackers managed to escape on foot before police arrived. No group has claimed responsibility for the shooting, but officials have blamed Islamist militants from the al-Shabab group for similar attacks. “They were ordinary looking guys, one of them tall, dark and wearing a long-sleeved shirt. They walked casually as if all was OK,” eyewitness Peter Muasya was quoted as saying by Reuters. “Then they started shooting at those of us who were standing outside.” Blood-soaked Bibles and overturned chairs lay strewn across the church’s floor after the shooting. Security has been stepped up in the area in recent days following the arrest of two men last week who police said had bombs hidden in their car. There have been several incidents of violence in Mombasa in recent months, involving the security forces and Islamist extremists. Mombasa and Kenya’s capital Nairobi have suffered a series of attacks since Kenya sent troops into Somalia in 2011 to crush the al-Shabab militants

S •Revd Adelegan

I pray that during this season of Lent and as you do more of giving to the poor, caring for the needy, loving the loveable folks cum the detestable lots and supporting the less privileged, the Almighty God will respond to your case, meet you at your points of need, give you what you require that money can buy, ice it with all that you desire that money cannot buy, make your case different during this economically perilous times, bless you exceedingly abundantly above all you ask or think and rebuke the angel of death for your family in the name of Jesus. Prayer: Father, give me a heart of love, bless the works of my hands and rebuke the angel of death for my sake in the name of Jesus.

PAIN’s ex-PM Adolfo Suarez, who guided the nation through the turbulent years following the death of fascist dictator Francisco Franco, has died at 81. Mr Suarez was taken to hospital on Monday suffering from a respiratory infection. King Juan Carlos turned to him upon Franco’s death in 1975 to try to unite Spain’s disparate political factions. Mr Suarez served as prime minister until 1981 and became one of the country’s most respected politicians. He had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for about a decade, and died yesterday afternoon at Madrid’s Centro Clinic hospital. King Juan Carlos has paid tribute, calling Mr Suarez an exceptional colleague and a true friend. In a televised message, the king said Mr Suarez had been “guided at every turn by his loyalty to the crown and all that it represents, the defence of democracy, the rule of law,

•Suarez

unity and the diversity of Spain”. Mr. Suarez’s son, Adolfo Suarez Illana, praised both his father’s and the king’s role in the post-Franco period. He said: “Thanks to the king, he was head of government. Thanks to the king, he was able to do what he liked at a unique moment in the history of Spain. Together, they changed the course of history.” Mr. Suarez was a relatively unknown Francoist official in 1975, and faced criticism by both the left and right following his appointment by the king. But in 1977 Mr Suarez contested and won Spain’s first democratic elections since World War Two.

THE NATION MONDAY MARCH 24, 2014

FOREIGN

•Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy with his wife Carla BruniSarkozy after voting at a polling station in the first round in the French mayoral elections in Paris...yesterday. The French go to the polls to cast votes in the tworoundMunicipal elections and on March 30 to elect city mayors and councillors for a six-year term. PHOTO: REUTERS

Belarusian president: Crimea is ELARUSIAN Preside-facto part of Russia dent Aleksandr

Lukashenko has stated that his country accepts that Crimea is now de-facto a part of Russia. “We agree with the Russian Federation on that,” the leader said. Lukashenko stressed that no one has asked Belarus to recognize or not to recognize Crimea as the federal subject of Russia. “Crimea isn’t an independent state. It’s part of the Russian territory. One can recognize or not recognize that, it will change nothing,” Lukashenko told journalists in Minsk yesterday. “I am asked where my country is in this situation. Taking into account historical processes, in the framework of the CIS, we’re linked with agreements, and we’ll be with [on the side of] the Russian Federation,” the

Hamas: Israel to pay if it attacks Gaza

AZA’s Hamas premier Ismail Haniya warned Israel yesterday it would pay dearly if it heeded its foreign minister’s call to reoccupy the Palestinian enclave to try to halt rocket attacks. “We tell the enemy and (Foreign Minister Avigdor) Lieberman who is threatening to reoccupy Gaza that the time for your threats is over,” Haniya told a rally in Gaza City. “Any aggression or crime or stupidity you commit will cost you a very high price.” On March 12, during a twoday flare-up in which Gaza militants fired at least 60 rockets into Israel and the Israelis responded with dozens of air strikes, Lieberman said Israel would have no

choice but to reoccupy Gaza, from which it withdrew all troops and settlers in summer 2005. “There is no alternative to a full reoccupation of the entire Gaza Strip,” he told Channel 2 television. Speaking to around 40,000 supporters at a public rally marking 10 years since an Israeli air strike killed Hamas spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Haniya warned Israel that Gaza militants had “far more capabilities than you imagine”. Palestinian supporters of the Hamas movement rally to mark the tenth anniversary of the assassinatio … He also restated his Islamic movement’s opposition to peace talks between Israel and the West Bankbased Palestinian Authority

of president Mahmud Abbas. “Stop negotiating with the enemy,” he told the PA. “We will not recognise Israel.” The memorial rally for Yassin — the wheelchairbound co-founder of Hamas killed on March 22, 2004 — took place under the watchful eyes of hundreds of Hamas policemen who closed off streets around the central Al-Sarraya square and took up positions on rooftops. Senior Islamic Jihad officials and members of smaller groups attended the event but Abbas’s Fatah, Hamas’s bitter rival, stayed away. The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing, sent threatening text messages to Israelis and foreign reporters in Israel on

Saturday, the anniversary of Yassin’s killing. “If Gaza will be attacked the life of the Zionists will be hell” and “In the next war all the Land of Palestine will return,” some read. “Al Qassam has chosen you to be the next Shalit,” another message stated, referring to Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who was abducted and held in Gaza for five years until Hamas freed him in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. The email account of an Israeli security affairs newsletter, Israel Defence, was hacked and an email posted on Yassin’s killing. “We don’t forget the blood of our sheikh, We swear again to take revenge, and this time by taking off the head of your leaders,” it said.

Search continues for survivors of Seattle mudslide

RAIN-drenched mudslide swept across a highway north of Seattle, killing several people, destroying homes, and causing evacuations. Search-and-rescue efforts continued Sunday. Rescuers continued the search yesyetday morning for survivors of a massive mudslide north of Seattle. So far, three people are known dead, about a dozen were injured, and at least six homes were destroyed when the slide blocked the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River, which prompted an evacuation notice because water was rising rapidly behind the debris. The number

of homes lost is expected to increase. The rain-drenched landslide, which hit midday Saturday, completely covered State Route 530 near the town of Oso, about 55 miles north of Seattle. It was at least 135 feet wide and 180 feet deep, Snohomish County authorities said. Authorities worried about severe downstream flooding if water suddenly broke through the blockage. Local rescue units, plus units of the Washington State Patrol and US Army Corps of Engineers, continued the search through Saturday night. Helicopters, hovercraft, and thermal

imaging cameras have been part of the search-and-rescue effort. “We have people who are yelling for our help, and we are going to take extreme risks,” Snohomish County Fire District 21 Chief Travis Hots said at a news briefing late Saturday. “This is a massive slide, and we are in a very, very fluid and unstable situation,” Chief Hots said. “This is still a rescue mission until we determine otherwise. We don’t have a firm idea of how many people are out there.” The power, speed and severity of the slide were spectacular, as it swept over a 360-yard-long section of

roadway with mud and debris up to 20 feet deep, the Seattle Times reported. “In three seconds, everything got washed away,” Paulo de Oliveira, who was driving on Highway 530, told the newspaper. “Darkness covering the whole roadway and one house right in the middle of the street.” “I came within about 50 feet of being washed out,” Mr. De Oliveira said. “Along the river, I saw one place where there were two homes and they were just gone. Nothing left but a portable toilet … destruction all around.”

Flight MH370: New data ‘shows possible debris’

EW data from a French satellite shows potential debris from Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in the southern Indian Ocean, France’s foreign ministry says. Radar echoes had picked up several objects about 2,300km (1,430 miles) from Perth, a statement added. It is the third possible sighting in the area off western Australia that has become the focus of the search effort. Flight MH370 disappeared on 8 March while en route

from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, with 239 people on board. Malaysian officials believe the plane was deliberately taken off course. Based on information received from a satellite, the search has been in two distinct corridors - one stretching to the north-west of the last known location in the Malacca Straits and one to the south-west. However, none of the countries on the northern corridor have reported any

radar contact, and the satellite images of possible debris in the south Indian Ocean have concentrated the search there. Yesterday, a statement published on the Malaysian ministry of transport’s Facebook page said: “This morning, Malaysia received new satellite images from the French authorities showing potential objects in the vicinity of the southern corridor. “Malaysia immediately relayed these images to the

Australian rescue co-ordination centre.” An unnamed Malaysian official told the Associated Press that the new satellite image was taken on Friday, and that one of the potential objects was estimated to be about the same size as one spotted by a Chinese satellite that appeared to be 22m (72ft) by 13m (43ft). The possible debris was located about 930km (575 miles) north of where the objects reported by China and Australia over the past week, the official added.

Belarus president added. However, he stressed that Belarus isn’t against NATO. “If the question arises, we’ll be with Russia forever,” Lukashenko said. On the other hand, Lukashenko “as a person, not as a politician” is of the opinion that Ukraine should “remain an integral, indivisible, non-aligned state.” Speaking on the territorial integrity of Ukraine, Lukashenko said, “Would you like it if a state’s sovereignty is breached? But who pushed towards that? When Russia saw how the Russian, Slavic world was being stifled, the country interfered immediately.” Finally, he pointed out that if Ukraine is determined to join NATO, “evidently, Belarusian reaction to that

will be harsh.” Belarus will build a relationship with the new Ukrainian government after it is elected, Lukashenko also stated. “Whoever is elected by the Ukrainian people, we’ll support them. They are our neighbors, not some strangers to us,” the Belarusian leader said. He added that Belarus can’t scrap its partnership with Ukraine, as their combined turnover of goods was 7 billion dollars last year.

PUBLIC NOTICE GYANG

I formerly known and addressed as Anna Dagwon Gyang, now wish to be known and addresed as Anna Garos Dooshima Ngbea. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

NEWS •From Left: Vanguard Publisher Sam Amuka, his wife Rita; Ex-Governor Olusegun Osoba, his wife Derin, Chief Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma; Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, his wife Roli, Minister of State (Works) Bashiru Yuguda and Ahmed Monsur (representative of Aliko Dangote) during the Vanguard Personality of the Year Award in Lagos...at the weekend.

Boko Haram label can’t stop me from criticising govt, says El-Rufai

FORMER Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir el-Rufai yesterday said despite the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s desperation to link him with Boko Haram insurgency, he won’t stop criticising the administration of President ?Goodluck Jonathan. He said it was unfortunate that PDP has formed the habit of making wild statements and irresponsible conjecture. He asked either the PDP or the Federal Government to stop trivialising its failures to provide adequate security for Nigerians. El-Rufai, who made his position known last night through his spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye, challenged the PDP or Jonathan administration to provide evidence in court linking him to Boko Haram insurgency. The statement said: “Terror is a crime, as is abetting it. No competent government will use evidence of terror links only for purposes of propaganda. But what do we see from the PDP? A pathetic effort to criminalise the speech of its

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

opponents, and somehow transform that into “evidence”. Why is this “evidence” not being tested in a competent court of law? “Nigerians will not be fooled by specious arguments, not least from people mired in the PDP’s medieval ethos that mistake presence in or closeness to a government with patriotism. “Mallam Nasir El Rufai will continue to discharge his patriotic duty of speaking out against incompetence and electoral skulduggery. He wishes to remind Metuh and his likes that political banter is no justification for libel.” He dismissed PDP allegation as “ irresponsible conjecture.” The statement added: “The PDP has made a habit of wild statements and irresponsible conjecture. This posture reflects the strong synergy between that party and its government whose record is a long litany of incompetence, insensitivity, impunity and needless deaths. “In place of governance, the PDP government offers excuses or blames others for its glar-

ing failures. If its officials are not blaming jobseekers for the poor crowd control that led to fatalities, its officials will be busy shirking their duty to uphold the welfare and security of the people. “Yet every attempt by the PDP government to politicise and trivialise its abject security failures merely reminds everyone that it is not governing. “The latest statement from PDP spokesman Olisa Metuh is a poor and vain effort to distract attention from governance deficits. His tool is to distort words from leading opposition politicians, and them misname his resulting concoction as evidence. “Yet the PDP ought to be wary when it comes to the subject of twisting speech; a terrain where it is vulnerable. “After the 1 October 2010 bombing in Abuja, President Jonathan was engulfed in the unedifying spectacle of trying to absolve the organisation that had claimed responsibility for it. “When the United Nations building suffered a terrorist outrage, the president visited the scene to assure Nigerians

that it is their turn to experience some of that global scourge. “Weeks after a presidential aide was caught employing the ruse of a pseudonym to disseminate poison, mum has been the response of the government. Like Metuh’s statement, that effort was aimed at smearing someone at odds with the government with allegations of links to terror.” The ex-Minister said the Jonathan administration has become desperate over 2015 poll that it is neglecting its basic duties to Nigerians. It said: “Media commentaries have already reflected some concerns about whether terror persists because the government sees political advantage in it. With schools, towns and army barracks still being attacked in the North-East, it is clear that our gallant security forces need to be better resourced and led to secure lives and property. “That solemn duty is what should exercise a government worthy of the name. But this current regime is so seized by electoral calculations that it neglects its basic duties. “

supplier to Boko Haram, had been arrested. Ogunsakin said that the command had achieved the feat with the assistance of other security agency, particularly the Nigerian Navy. He said that some of the arms were smuggled into the state through the water ways but assured that with strict policing of the water ways by the navy, illegal arms movement would be checked. He also assured that the command would put an end to kidnapping, which had become a major challenge in the state. “When I discovered that kidnapping was the main crime, I studied the operation of the kidnappers, the time and how they carry out their crime.

“I deployed officers and men accordingly and we carried out stop and search operation in all routes. The number of arms recovered within two weeks was mind-blowing and people were also arrested. “One of the suspects arrested was caught with explosives that can bring down many buildings same time, and he confessed that he supplies arms to Boko Haram in Yobe. “We are still investigating him. “We need more equipment to police the water areas and other black spots in the state.’’ On the House of Assembly crisis, the police commissioner said that the complex was still under lock, adding that that the issue was a legal one.

Police Special Fraud Unit recovers N6.45bn in two years, says Ogunsakin

ORMER Commissioner of Police, pecial Fraud Unit (SFU) in Lagos Mr Tunde Ogunsakin said the unit, under his stewardship, recovered N6.45 billion from fraud-related cases in two years. Ogunsakin, who was deployed to Rivers last month as commissioner, spoke yesterday with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. He said that the Naira component of the recovered money was N6.3 billion while 931,069 dollars (about N152.69 million) was recovered. Ogunsakin said that during the period spanning March, 2012 to February 14, 2014, the unit handled a total of 1,142 fraud cases. “We had about 600 cases un-

dergoing prosecution during the period,” he said, adding that the unit recorded nine judgement, including four convictions and recovered more than 13 vehicles. Ogunsakin said many arms and ammunition had been recovered from hoodlums in the state since he resumed duty in February. He described the quantity of recovered arms as “mind blowing”, adding that kidnapping, armed robbery and cultism were the major crimes in the state. He said various arms and ammunition were being recovered on a daily bases, adding that AK47 Riffles topped the list of the recovered arms. The police boss said that many suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, and a suspected arms

Delegates get N668m as conference plenary begins Continued from page 4

of NSDC, CSC Emmanuel Okeh, the equipment, which were recently provided by the Office of the National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd), were for effective policing across the country. The statement said: “While commending the government for the provision of the facility, the Commandant-

General of the corps, Dr. Ade Abolurin disclosed that his agency had already deployed over 2000 security personnel and sniffer dogs to beef of security around the venue of the National Conference. “Briefing some of the commanders of various units of the agency at the weekend, Dr Abolurin said apart from protecting the venue of the National Conference the agency is also tackling the is-

sue of vandalism of Critical Infrastructure and National Assets of government in various parts of the country. “As the lead agency saddled with the responsibility of protecting the critical infrastructure of government such as PHCN cables, telecommunication installations, oil pipe lines and gas, railway, transport sector and other assets, some of its new surveillance equipment could detect dan-

gerous weapons or IEDs that may be orchestrated by enemies of the Nation. “So far, we are committed to national security with the strengthening of our special units, including Counter-Terrorism Unit, The Armed Squad, Special Force, Special Weapon and Tactics Units (SWAT), Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Weapons Unit and the AntiVandal Unit of the Corps.”

Fulani herdsmen kill 25 in Benue village attack Continued from page 4

indiscriminately. I saw about 20 bodies on the ground,” said Kwaghga. The governor’s assistant said he took five wounded victims to the Benue State University Hospital Makurdi. He put the number of injured at about 50. Kwaghga alleged that the Divisional Police Officer(DPO) and his men fled the town, leaving the unarmed peasant farmers at the mercy of the militia. Doctors of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital recommended x-ray for the victims so as to determine where the bullets were lodged in their bodies. Mr. Cephas Hough, said five persons with bullets wounds were on admission. Police spokesman Daniel Ezeala said he was yet to get in touch with his men in the crisis area. Ortom, a one-time chairman of Guma Local Government told The Nation on phone that “Fulani hired mercenaries

have taken over Gbajimba, shooting and killing”. Benue State Deputy Governor Steven Lawani pledged that residents would reclaim their land being occupied by Fulani herdsmen. He spoke at a thanksgiving service organised yesterday by the family of the late Conrad Wergba, the deceased Water Resources Commissioner, at NKST Central Church, Wadata in Makurdi. He described the invaders as terrorists who took the peaceloving people by surprise, adding that working with the Federal Government the state would work towards pushing the invaders out of the land. Lawani said distribution of relief materials to the displaced would begin today adding that the delay was as a result of the sorting out of logistics details. The mother of the deceased, Madam Christiana Wergba, said it would have been better if she had died and her son buried her. She said God, however, took him when he was prepared to meet Him.

Niger evicts 200 herdsmen Continued from page 4

Cattle Breeders Association, Alhaji Isma’ila Rebe, faulted the government’s action. He described it as “a harsh directive on harmless herdsmen who were forced to relocate to the state after losing their grazing land in Rijana village of Kaduna State”. Recounting how they migrated to Gunu, Rebe said: “They are from Rijana in Kaduna state. They relocated to Biri in Niger state after their grazing land in Rijana was sold to members of the public. They are harmless herdsmen.” A security official, one of those who supervised the eviction, said Governor Babangida Aliyu approved the action.

“The governor frowned at the sudden invasion of the state by the Fulani. Though he sympathised with them, he was left with no option, considering the insecurity in the country. The governor even advised them that if the need for movement in such number arose in future, they should always liaise with their association so that government would be adequately informed,” the source said. But the Special Adviser on Nomadic matters to the governor, Malam Sadiq Abubakar, said only 40 herdsmen, all members of the same family, and not 200, were evicted. He said the government provided four trucks for the evacuation of the herdsmen. It was peaceful, Abubakar said.

Police arrest six suspects Continued from page 4

eral Government to stop capital flight. The government should not allow people to keep money abroad. When this is done, people will not be pushed into carrying out dastardly acts like this.” A resident of the area, Wale Rasheed urged the government to increase security in the state, particularly among abandoned sites and isolated buildings. The police confirmed the arrest of six men, including

five security men in nearby companies, in connection with the incident, adding that three dane guns, three single barrel guns, one bow, 16 arrows, 22 cutlasses, 40 live cartridges, seven table knives, one axe and two iron bars are among items recovered from the scene. Police Spokesperson Bisi Clet Ilobane, a superintendent of police (SP) said five persons, two women and three men - were rescued from the site.

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

DISCOURSE CENTENARY FLASHPOINTS

Obituary portraits

•Victims of Asaba Civil War genocide ‘Obituary Portraits’ is a chapter in Emma Okocha’s book, Blood on the Niger, detailing victims of the Asaba killings, allegedly by Nigerian soldiers during the Nigerian Civil War (1967--70). Okocha insists in his book those killings were a genocide, since they involved unarmed and defenceless civilians. We start the serialising of the chapter today, after a two-part interview with the author, in the last two Sundays, under our new series, ‘Centenary Flashpoints’. DR. Eugene Akwule – A Martyr on Duty In 1962, a Scottish newspaper astounded its British audience with an unusual story. An African for the first time would be named Scotland’s “medical Student of the Year”. That accolade was for a bright Nigerian, Eugene Akwule, graduating as a medical doctor from Glasgow University. Dr. Akwule, a very principled, brilliant practitioner, would go on to serve in rural hospitals at Uromi and Auchi after leaving the Glasgow hospital in 1964. Later, he was to take over as the Senior Medical Officer (SMO) in Asaba General Hospital, his hometown. When the war approached Asaba, Eugene’s family clan advised him to leave with his immediate family. In fact, his father begged him to jump into his car and cross the River Niger into safety. But Eugene’s disposition and mind were for the dying and the wounded civilians now within the range of the invading Federal troops. “A doctor is trained to treat and remain within the reach of a war-torn community”, he reasoned. He must not desert his responsibility. When the war caught up with Asaba, many families, unsure what to do, would abandon their children at the Akwule family home and take off, knowing that they would be safe. But that fateful day of the dance of death, soldiers later came by and asked the Akwule brothers to file out. Hoping to be taken to the wounded or to the hospital, Dr. Eugene Akwule, mid-way to the major procession to Ogbeosowa and seeing the carnage on the road, made his last statement. “I’m a medical doctor!” But what uses were doctors in a procession of death? In the end, Eugene Akwule and his brother Elvis, were sacrificed alongside his condemned community. Sydney Asiodu – A Tragic Comet In 1967, in the heat of the Nigerian Civil War, the National Radio Broadcasting Station, at every 30 minutes interval broke off scheduled transmission. In almost those break-times, a two-minute dedication of airtime was reserved for Nigeria’s finest Olympian, Sydney Asiodu. “The Igbo Horse”, 1963 Sportsman of the Year, Governor General’s Special Scholar – University of Nigeria’s relay anchor leg, Graduate of Zoology, Sports Master, Hussey College, Warri-is dead!” The national radio echoed the shocking news repeatedly. He died before Major Ibrahim Taiwo, Federal Troops Brigade Commander in Asaba, could act on the frantic message from his elder brother, Chief P. C. Asiodu, then holding a cabinet position in the Federal Government. The Asiodu family is prominent and the members are identifiable by some peculiar characteristic. They are usually bespectacled and ebony black, but the most famous in the Asiodu family was a six-foot power – horse of athletic beauty covered in buttery hue. The semi-literate soldiers could not understand the sports ambassador as he desperately brandished his tons of medals, mementos and prizes that had brought so much glory to Nigeria before the war. From 1957 to 1963, he was the undisputed “Quimbus Frestris”, the sports star at Igbobi College, leaving behind unbroken records in 100 and 220 yards, long jump and the hurdles. Reproduced here is a firsthand account of the impact Sydney Asiodu had on Igbobi College, as recalled several years after his death: SYDNEY ASIODU By Dele Sobowale (0.1.1958-1962), Editor-in-Chief, Igbobian College

Sydney B. Asiodu (SBA) entered Igbobi College, Yaba, in 1957, as a Form One student, a member of Townsend House whose house colour was cherry red. Up to Form Three which was in 1959, SBA as he was fondly called, had not shown any extraordinary ability as a sportsman. He was reasonably good in athletics, football, cricket and table tennis, representing Townsend House in all of them, but not the school. All that changed in the middle of the Trinity Term, as the first term was called in those years; it was also the athletics term and SBA emerged as a rising star from one inconsequential bet he had with one of his classmates, Victor Omotago Aiyela, also from Townsend House. Victor Aiyela was up to the fateful day, the first leg of the Igbobi College 4x100 yards relay team. And for some unknown reason an argument had developed, and a challenge was thrown by Aiyela that he would give SBA 10 yards handicap in 100 yards, and still beat him. SBA accepted on one condition: no handicap. The rest is now history. They raced five times, Sydney Asiodu won four times and the fifth was a dead heat. Igbobi College had acquired a new first leg. SBA went on to beat all the leading sprinters of that era and became the school’s 100 and 200 yards sprinter, long jumper and hurdler. He was not done yet. In the same year he emerged as a fine mid-fielder, fast, strong and accurate. The cricket season again found him amongst the school’s cricketers. And as if that were not enough, he was amongst the school’s top fivetabletennisandlawntennisplayers. In every sport, SBA brought into the game three elements: speed, strength and his own unique style of playing the game once he had mastered the techniques. By the time he left Igbobi College in 1963, he was deservedly the Senior Prefect, the Football and Athletic Captain as well as a role model of junior boys because despite his star status and unequalled achievements, he was a modest, unassuming individual, very approachable and well-liked. Nobody who was a contemporary at Igbobi College from 1957 to 1963 who knew Sydney Asiodu, can fail to end up feeling that in him, the civil war took not just anybody, but a great leader of men as well. These activities had won him the Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe scholarship, and admission to read Zoology at the University of Nigeria. From the University, he was in Nigeria’s contigent to the Tokyo Olympics of 1964 and the Jamaica Commonwealth Games in 1966. His international competitions and travels attracted him respect and admiration and his accomplishments for the university’s various sports programs transformed his Akpabio Hall residence into a sports citadel. The students therefore enjoyed going to Akpabio Hall to meet and talk with him. Few months to the outbreak of the war, Sydney converted his Hall’s porter’s lodge into a debating platform. He stood for one indivisible Federal Nigeria; indeed, preaching against secession cost him a

lot of his popularity. This apathy against secession got him stuck into Asaba. At a time when others were running for survival, the fastest runner in town failed to run for his life. It is not a surprise that, as the letter reproduced above from Igbobi College, plans are still afoot on how to immortalize this outstanding athlete and victim of the madness of war and destruction. The Enigma of Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu Many scholars of Nigeria politics and government would continue to ponder over the exact motives behind the first coup d’etat that toppled the civilian government in 1966. While it is true

that the six principal actors in that coup were Igbos who eliminated mostly non-Igbos within the corridors of power, there is the possibility that structurally, the coup was antiIgbo. For instance, the January 15, 1966 coup dismissed an Igbo President, an Igbo President of the Senate, an Igbo Foreign Minister, Igbo Ministers of Education, Transport and Aviation. That coup also dismissed Igbo Premiers in two regions out of four regions of the federation. The end game was to install Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a Yoruba as Prime Minister. Whatever happens, when Major Nzeogwu’s background, lifestyle and beliefs are put in historical perspective it would be very tempting to observe an enigmatic personality misrepresented by actions that were ahead of his time. It was to revisit the unending romance in the Nzeogwu phenomenon that a 1982 excursion to the late Major’s family is hereby produced. A serial that first appeared on the provincial Sunday Satellite newspaper in May 2, 1982, winning the “Reporter of the Year Award”, revealed for the first time the close relationship existing between General Obasanjo, Nigeria’s former head of state and Major Nzeogwu’s family. Because he was more committed to the nation than to his community, Nze-

•Okocha

ogwu’s death at Obollo Eke in the opening days of the war had no immediate repercussions on the family. Not even Madam Elizabeth Nzeogwu the ageing mother of the late Nigerian army officer, had any official knowledge that her son was no more. “I did not know that Chukwuma died. Nobody told me that my son died. The last time I saw Chukwuma was in Enugu, shortly before the war. After few days stay at Enugu, Chukwuma arranged for a vehicle to take me back home. I was living at Jarret Street, cable Point, Asaba”. In tears and with a ruffled face, told me how after some 10 months, many people started streaming into her house, including the top brass of the Nigerian Army and the then Commander of the Nigerian Army Unit in Asaba, Colonel Godwin Alley. She said it was quite easy locating her because she lived in her house with the Nigerian Army officers during the operations in Asaba and Onitsha. Asked why she refused to run away or be evacuated by the Nigerian Army Madam Nzeogwu said, “I did not run away because Ojukwu, Gowon, all had mothers. Anytime any Nigerian soldier came near my house, I always told them I am Chukwuma Nzeogwu’s mother and they all respected me”. According to a reliable military source, Nzeogwu was almost a psychotic case by the time he was released from detention. With his life-long dream of changing a decadent society frustrated by a bunch of petty-minded officers in the army, Chukwuma must have languished in General Ironsi’s detention a paranoid. There is evidence that he never forgave those bunglers of the January 15 uprising. On meeting Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna after his release, Chukwuma reproached him: “See what your callousness has caused the nation!” he was probably most of the time out of his mind in anguish. Not surprisingly, together with the rising literary pan-Africanist of the 20 century, Christopher Okigbo, Nzeogwu decided that the Nsukka sector would be the last wandering field. For men of mission either stay to accomplish their mission or quickly return to the higher plane, where they belong. Leo Okogwu – Death of a Sacred Cow By the time of his retirement, Mr. Leo Okogwu had married four wives. His children would live to become nationally known. Among them is His Excellency , Leo Okogwu, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Bucharest, Romania. Others are Nkechi and her sister, Ndidi, former Nigeria’s first lady – better known as Maryam Babangida. Her

brother, Sonny “Sparkle” Okogwu, now the Ojise of Asaba, is a reputed Nigerian businessman. But three decades back, that fateful October when the federal troops invaded Asaba, a young Nigerian Major apparently well known to Mr. Okogwu, entered his home. Mr Okogwu was lavishing in entertainment, serving his visitor with home-made lunch of pounded yam and okro soup. The meal was followed by bottles of drink and hearty discussions in Hausa. Suddenly, the now tipsy Major pulled out a revolver and exploded in a fit of rage, “can you tell me why I should not kill you now?” he asked Mr Okogwu. Reading immediate danger, the younger Okogwu brothers in the house advised that the Major should be rushed and eliminated at once before he carried out his threat. But Mr Okogwu countered, “Not in my house”. The Major immediately ordered everybody out to Ogbeosowa. It was while they were in the street that borders the ogbeafor market that a bizarre rattling noise of crying women caught them cold. At that moment, the Okogwus realized that they had made a fatal mistake. Mr Okogwu was brought back home in a wooden truck. He had been shot point blank on the nose and the stomach. Joseph Onyemen – Last Call from the Bank A first generation banker, Mr Onyemen who hailed from Ibusa was instrumental to the building up the services of the Barclays Bank at Asaba, giving it such a positive image as to attract customers not only from Asaba but the whole of the Anioma area by 1967. Barclays Bank of Nigeria on Nnebisi road, was virtually the only major bank in that area. After the operations of October 1967, Mr Onyemen and his large family returned from hiding to resume work at the bank. It was while serving customers, now desperate for money that he received his last call. Shortly before Easter in 1968, a disoriented three-man squad bent on mischief had decided on their own to inflict more pain and death in the streets of Asaba. They arrived at the bank and called on the bank manager and his branch accountant. Mr. Anuchi, to surrender the keys to the safe. The astute bank manager refused, and he, Mr. Auchi and a prisons officer, were abducted. Mr Efozia, a police officer who was also deliberately invited to the meeting at the bank later discovered the bodies of Onyemem and Anuchi while driving to the meeting at Asaba. In total panic he raced for his life and at the IsseleUkwu junction still in stress crushed eight natives to death. Later pressurized by the World Press the Army Commander at Asaba quickly arrested the murderers and court-marshaled them immediately. When it was learnt that they were mainly from Benin, they were executed in front of the Oba’s palace. That was the first Nigerian public execution of war criminals and the story was widely carried by the BBC and the World Press. Afamefuna Elue – Sacrifice at the Palace Afamefuna Elue was the Secretary of the Ogwashi-Ukwu Development Union during the civil war. He was a retired government printer, educated at the highly respected Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha. As the secretary he encouraged a lot of development projects in the town placing a lot of emphasis on rubber and palm plantations. When the Federal troops entered the Ogwashi Ukwu area, Mr. Elue had become the Secretary of the Obi and the Council of Chiefs. It was his appointment that led to the incidents that culminated in his disappearance when the palace was stormed during the Easter of 1968. Before a helpless Obi of Ogwashi-Ukwu, he was taken away by federal troops who suspected that fellow “Igbirra natives” living in his house at No. 9 Ishekpe had been killed by Biafran soldiers. On further interrogation at St. Mary’s Hospital and after testimonies from the Irish doctors and nurses, Mr. Elue was implicated for nursing Biafran sympathies. .Continued tomorrow

THE NATION MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014

SPORT EXTRA

Don’t force Osaze, Uche on Keshi—Taribo West

RESULTS PREMIER LEAGUE Chelsea 6 - 0 Arsenal Cardiff City 3 - 6 Liverpool Everton 3 - 2 Swansea City Hull City 2 - 0 West Brom Man City 5 - 0 Fulham Newcastle 1 - 0 Crystal Palace Norwich 2 - 0 Sunderland West Ham 0 - 2 Man United Tottenham 3 - 2 Southampton Aston Villa 1 - 4 Stoke City SERIE A Torino 3 - 1 Livorno Chievo 0 - 2 Roma Parma 1 - 1 Genoa Inter 1 - 2 Atalanta Bologna 1 - 0 Cagliari Sampdoria 5 - 0 H/Verona Udinese 1 - 0 Sassuolo LA LIGA Celta de Vigo 0 - 2 Málaga Granada 1 - 0 Elche Espanyol 0 - 0 Levante Real Valladolid 1 - 1 Rayo Vallecano Athletic Club 1 - 0 Getafe Osasuna 1 - 2 Sevilla Real Betis 0 - 2 Atlético. M BUNDESLIGA Freiburg 3 - 1 W/Bremen Schalke 04 3 - 1 Eintracht.B Stuttgart 1 - 0 Hamburger SV Hannover 96 0 - 3 Dortmund Wolfsburg 1 - 1 Augsburg Mainz 05 0 - 2 Bayern M’ gladbach 3 - 0 Hertha BSC Nürnberg 2 - 5 E/Frankfurt LIGUE 1 Lorient 0 - 1 PSG O/Marseille 0 - 1 Rennes Bastia 2 - 0 Reims Bordeaux 1 - 1 Nice Nantes 2 - 1 Montpellier Toulouse 1 - 1 Evian TG Valenciennes 2 - 3 Ajaccio Saint-Étienne 3 - 1 Sochaux Guingamp 0 - 1 Lyon CAF CONFEDERATION CUP How Mine 2-1 Bayelsa United Warri Wolves 0-0 CA Bizertin GLO PREMIER LEAGUE Heartland 0-0 Sharks Rangers Int’l 2-1 Kano Pillars FC Taraba 1-0 El-Kanemi Lobi Stars 2-0 Gombe United Crown FC 2-1 Dolphins Akwa Utd 2-0 Kaduna Utd NIGERIA NATIONAL LEAGUE: DIVISION A Nigeria Prisons 2-1 Kogi Utd Jigawa GS 0-0 Kwara United. Adamawa Utd 2-1 Spotlight Plateau Utd 2-0 Supreme Court Wikki Tourist 4-0 TEAP FC Niger Tornadoes 2-0 Ranchers Bees Mighty Jet 2-0 DSS DIVISION B Gateway United 3-2 First Bank Prime 2-2 MFM Go Round 3-0 Gabros Int’l Bendel Insurance 2-1 Ekiti United Abia Comets 2-0 Shooting stars COD Utd 1-1 Akwa Starlet Remo Stars 1-1 Unicem Rovers Stationery Stores 0-1 ABS FC

Peter Odemwingie tucks home Stoke's equalising goal

Osaze on target in Stoke’s win against Villa P ETER Odemwingie got a goal for Stoke City as they hammered hosts Aston Villa 4-1 in the English Premiership game staged at the Villa Park on Sunday afternoon. The former Cardiff forward’s goal in the 22nd minute stirred a comeback win for Mark Hughes’ men after they had gone a goal down in fifth minute of the five-goal

thriller. Aston Villa still basking in the euphoria of their 1-0 defeat of Chelsea last week got the lead on the early minute when Christain Benteke slotted home from a cross from Fabian Delph but Odemwingie leveled scores for the visitors 17 minutes later. The Nigerian got on the end of Crouch's knock-down before muscling his way

through and slotting the ball between the legs of the advancing Brad Guzan. Goals from Peter Crouch, Steven Nzonzi and Geoff Cameron then ensured that Stoke City made a mince meat of their hosts to move to the 10th position on the EPL log. Odemwingie was also on target in the Potters 3-1 bashing of West Ham last Saturday.

Yobo to be 100% fit for World Cup

UPER EAGLES’ captain, Joseph Yobo wants to keep doing all he can to help Norwich City win their relegation fight - as well as boost his own hope of earning a place in Nigeria’s World Cup squad. The 33-year-old Nigeria international played only twice for parent club Fenerbahce this term before he secured a January loan move to Carrow Road, where he has already featured seven times as Chris Hughton’s side battle against the Premier League drop. Speaking before leading the Canaries to a 2-0 victory Sunderland, Yobo told the Daily Mirror: “My main priority is Norwich, the World

Cup after that. “I need to be 100 per cent ready for the World Cup. Whatever I am going to do, going to the World Cup or my next move, this position gets me ready for anything. “Fighting for relegation, I haven’t really been there in a long time. At Everton were pushing for Europe, at Fenerbahce we were pushing to win the league. But when you are down the bottom it is about grinding out results. “It is strange and a different type of football. But I strongly believe Norwich will stay up. “At home we are very dominant, we just have to improve our away form. It is not down to the manager - the players have to stand up and

take more responsibility. We have made a few mistakes. It would be a big achievement (to keep the Canaries up).”

•Yobo

CAF CONFEDERATION CUP

Wolves, CA Bizertin in stalemate

IGERIAN club Warri Wolvesmissedaplethora ofchancesintheirfirst-leg, second-round CAF Confederation Cup game against Tunisian club CA Bizertin as both sides settled for a 0-0 draw in Warri on Sunday. Wolves trainer Paul Aigbogun opted for a strong lineup with Goodluck Onamado, Joseph Eyimofe and Ike Thankgod providing cover in front of goalkeeper, Okiemute Odah. The Seasiders were, however, without inspirational captain Azubuike Egwuekwe who got marriedhoursearlierandwasduly ruled out of the game. Wolves had gilt-edged opportunities in the first half through Efe Yarhere, Musa Najere

and Joshua Obaje but failed to score. Obaje’s deflected strike from the edge of the penalty area in the seventhminuterepresentedthebest opportunity for the Nigerians in the first stanza as Bizertin defended stoutly. It wasn’t all Wolves though. Bizertin occasionally showed flashes of brilliance with Hadhria Nour pulling the strings admirably in midfield. M’bengue Youssoupha also caused havoc in the Wolves’ penalty area with deft touches and intelligent runs off the ball, while Rejiabi Adem was extremely unfortunate not to score late in the first half. Bizertin’s best performer, however, was captain and

goalkeeper Ben Mustapha, who produced several top-class saves that sometimes defied logic to keep the scores even. He was called to action time and time again in the second half as Wolves played with more urgency in the final third. Thankgod thought he had won it late on for Wolves when his powerful goal-bound header seemed destined for the top righthand corner but Mustapha somehow clawed the effort away for a corner. Aigbogun threw on former Enyimba playmaker Josiah Maduabuchi late on in a bid to unlock the stubborn Tunisian rear guard, but the visitors defended heroically to see out the game.

ORMER Super Eagles’ defender Pastor Taribo West has warned critics to desist from forcing both Osaze Odemwingie and Ikechukwu Uche on Super Eagles’ Chief Coach Stephen Keshi and begged them to allow the coach to pick his players without any interference from any quarters. Speaking with sports journalists in Abuja at the weekend, the former Inter Milan defender warned against any bickering and distraction at this point in time when all hands supposed to be on deck for the final preparations for the 2014 World Cup holding in Brazil as from June 12 this year. He also declared that the Super Eagles’ team is blessed with the spirit of grace from God which makes it very difficult for anybody to underrate the team or predict how far they could go at the World Cup. Taribo said the Eagles have been enjoying the grace of God and are still enjoying it up till now and that with that they could go on to surprise the world at the World Cup. “The inclusion of Osaze Odemwingie and Ikechukwu Uche in the World Cup bound Super Eagles should not be a controversial point. During the last CHAN (Africa Nation Championship) competition, Stepken Keshi did not play with Osaze and Uche in the competition, although we need the experience of Osaze in the

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja team. But in as much as the man (Keshi ) has made a choice that he wants to play with certain kind of players, I think room should be given for him to do what he feels is good for his team. “There are players you need to know that they are good especially in their club side but in the national team they are not so good. I think Uche is doing well in the club side but sometimes when you go to a major competition like that there is a major pressure fear or fever in that tournament that the player cannot cope to that level. “So people should understand and this should not be a controversial point. We will pray for him (Keshi) to make the best selection for the national team and for the entire nation. I believe we will be happy at the end of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. “I am satisfied with the technical crew of the Super Eagles and if there should be any assistance for Keshi it should be from the home front, not a foreign assistant. Time has come that we have to celebrate our own and Keshi is doing well so everybody should be behind him, pray for him and the team as well as support him and the team and I believe that this year major surprise will happen.”

LOCAL GOVT. PRIMARY SCHOOL INTER-HOUSE SPORT

Green House emerges overall winner

HE playground of the Local Government Nur/Pry School Egbe was set agog on Friday as it held its annual inter –house sports which saw Green House emerging as the overall winner of the competition. Green House garnered eight gold, three silver and two bronze medals while Pink house was second runners-up with five gold, seven silver and one bronze medals. Blue house could only manage to pick four gold, five silver and six bronze medals for the third position. In the welcome address of the school’s headmistress, commended the chairman of the Parents Teachers Association(PTA) Mr. Bidemi for his diligence in ensuring that the competition was well organised. She said: “We express our profound appreciation to the Chairman, Patrons and Matrons, Parents and our Special Guests and all other

By Oderinde Kudirat, Israel Sodipo sports officials for making this inter house sport competition and for your generous contribution in cash and kind for the time given to make this day a success”. In different chats with NaionSports , some parents, were overwhelmed by the skills and talents displayed by the students . They noted that the school sports competition will greatly enhance the psycho-social development of the children. They appreciated the school for a well organized event and vowed to continue to encourage the sports development curriculum of the school. The competition also produced other sports such as parents and school officials’ race, as well as 4x100m relay races by invited schools. Winners were awarded trophies and medals at the end of the sports competition.

Oyatogun for burial March 28

HE remains of the late ace veteran sports broadcaster, Walter Oyatogun, will be laid to rest on March 28, at the Ikoyi Cemetary in Lagos. According to a two-day funeral programme released by the family of the deceased broadcaster, Oyatogun’s final journey will begin on March 27, with a novelty match between the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and the MITV/Star FM team in his honour. The release signed by his children, Moyo and Mofe addressed to NationSport, there will also be what the family described as ‘The Last Lap’ to mark Walter’s love for jogging. “Our intention is to take him, for the last time, round the National Stadium, which used

to be his favourite jogging spot. He used to take off from the front of the NTA, round the back to the football pitch, the NIS and back to the NTA”. The last lap will be followed by a service of songs at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. The service of songs will feature a number of choirs, singing groups, including the grand children of the late Oyatogun. To respect his last wish, the body of the late ace broadcaster will lie-in-state at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on March 28 and interment will follow thereafter at the Ikoyi Cemetary, while entertainment of guests follows by 1:00 pm at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

WHO SAID WHAT

‘No nation has ever survived a religious war. No religion has ever been able to wipe out another. History bears me out on these two counts’ MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL 9 NO 2,797

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

AM looking for Jonathan the shoeless. It is a quest I take seriously. Since the half-dusk when President Goodluck Jonathan proclaimed his humble beginnings a few years ago, Nigerians have tried to reconcile him with the rural, maritime misery of the Niger Delta. Imagine him around Otuoke, without shoes, walking the water-logged streets. All kinds of spikes, jutting stones, entwined weeds, worms, water-borne diseases lurked. He suffered in that morning of simplicity. He might have defied his fate with play. He might have jumped and laughed in the soggy terrain, splashing the brown water, making balls out of mud and flinging them at other boys who tried to toss same at him. He wanted an education then. Today, he has a PHD and he is president presiding over 160 million souls. Like the tale of Joseph, he rose from bowing down to being bowed to, from ordinary to king. He has soared from the prison of the poor to the palace. But since he became president, I have tried to see the shoeless man. I have not yet found luck. Two things made me begin that search recently. His minister of immigration, Abba Moro, invited ordinary people to apply for jobs at the ministry. It seemed he was doing something good. But I learnt he asked those who had no money to feed themselves to pay in order to apply for jobs. A profit of six billion naira resulted. Some of the applicants probably had no shoes in their beginning. They tried to get through school, just like the president. Thank God they succeeded. They were asked to pay to apply. Even private companies don't do that. Yet the public establishment buoyed by taxpayers' money and our oil money were asked to pay. Over 500,000 young men and women applied for about four thousand positions. Not only did they not have an interview, about 19 of them died of suffocation. Sources say the jobs had been allotted to top politicians. The president, who once had no shoes, was missing in action. All he has done so far is to query the minister, according to the media reports. But the president of shoeless origin would not show more passion. What about asking the minister to step aside, a minister who accused the dead of impatience? Maybe I made a mistake. The shoeless president was not in that incident. The other incident was in the story of the oil minister, the royal Diezani-Alison-Madueke, who now has to answer the query from the National Assembly about spending about N10 billion on a jet travelling around the world. This is not the first time such a charge has hit the peacock madam. Once a N2 billion charge ricocheted the airwaves about her junketing mania. We must admit she is not alone in this jet-set jamboree. Many ministers and governors do this routinely. But she is the Teflon minister. We would think that a president who did not have enough

RIPPLES CHELSEA WALLOPS ARSENAL 6-0 –News

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 Thanks to Chelsea for Spelling WENGER

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchnation@gmail.com 08054501081(sms only) Twitter: @samomatseye

His shoeless majesty

‘

Here again, the president of shoeless origin is missing. How many shoes can N10 billion buy? Let us forget the cheap ones. How many Amani, Gucci, Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Brooks Brothers, etc shoes will N10 billion buy? • Jonathan money to buy a pair of slippers would show public discomfort. At least, he would summon the minister and make a public show of alarm at the matter. Here again, the president of shoeless origin is missing. How many shoes can N10 billion buy? Let us forget the cheap ones. How many Amani, Gucci, Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Brooks Brothers, etc shoes will N10 billion buy? I also pondered all the noise over the power crisis in the country. He said he would face it head-on. He probably did, but it is the heads of the poor that are drowning in sweats of sleepless nights because they cannot have power. He said he would follow due process, but it turned out to be doomed process. The people who secured the DISCOs and GENCOs are not those who really want to work. No due process was followed. Rather the friends

’

of government secured it. They are complaining today that what they anticipated was not what they found. If they followed due process, won't they know the costs of transmission and transportation and the inventory of functioning and damaged equipment? Now they are complaining. We don't have power because those in power did not contemplate the poor. I know that if the president did not have shoes, there was no way he had power growing up in the village. The irony is that their lack of due process has backfired on the elite. If they followed due process, the wrong people won't get the contract. Now that they have the contracts, they are on the wrong end of the stick. We the people have to suffer as usual. But the man of shoeless origin has constant supply, whatever the adversity. Now, they have announced that they are

HARDBALL

OW what mischief is Hardball getting to, you are quick to ask with your antennae up like the ears of an agitated rabbit's? Has Hardball cottoned on to the great declaration for 2015 unbeknown to the rest of the world? Yes, the much awaited bombshell declaration by President Goodluck Jonathan. Yes, the contest-or-not-to-contest declaration. Yes, that declaration that could make or mar us for good. Perhaps Hardball has a lead on it; perhaps he has scooped it with his extra-sensory devices? Well, sorry to disappoint, Hardball is not in possession of any such hot, news property and if perchance he has, such stuff is never consigned to the back page; that would be sheer journalistic sacrilege. So what is this tempting amour with "declaration"? Hardball is only pussyfooting and playing the game of the Federal Ministry of Health, FoH. You may have noticed the two-page newspaper advertorial by the FoH recently in which it showcased its: "Presidential Summit on Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria: THE 2014 DECLARATION." The headline of the FoH's newspaper supplement (as above) was so bold you would be quick to accuse the ministry of deliberate mischief. In fact, were the message from the Ministry of Information it would have been nothing but a sublime piece of propaganda.

ASIWAJU BOLA TINUBU

contemplating the removal of subsidy again. About two years ago, the nation crawled in protests over the same issue when fuel prices soared. Soldiers were deployed on the streets of Lagos, the hotbed of resistance, to maul and silence everyone. They succeeded. They promised that it was the right thing to do. They promised palliatives against shocks the price rise would inflict on us. They included the revamping of the old refineries, the installation of three new green field refineries, the SURE-P project to help build infrastructure, transportation and other welfare efforts. In spite of the insensitivity of the subsidy removal, it seemed the president's shoeless origin could be sighted in the promised palliatives. But where are the green field refineries? His shoeless majesty has not explained. The old refineries now are so in poor shape that the same government is contemplating selling them. It is still a matter wrapped in a stalemate. SURE-P has so failed that even the government has not found the words to explain why. Where are the palliatives? Forget also that what they promised to do are the routine assignments of government. They secured extraordinary money from us and still could not accomplish ordinary work. So, why do they want to remove subsidy? Supporters say we are still importing fuel and it makes it difficult to make money for the country. Listen. Is it not incompetence that makes Newcastle to import coal? When learning figures of speech in school, we were told that it was wrong to take coal to Newcastle because Newcastle had it. It was like taking coal to Enugu. Enugu as a city is a metaphor for Nigeria as a nation. There is scarcity in abundance and abundance in scarcity. Back to the immigration tragedy. Is it not enough that the government takes money from the people indirectly through taxes, subsidy removal, contract inflation, power projects, life on the jet sky and inflated car deals, etc? Now, they take the money directly from the poor who want jobs and the poor die to the bargain. If in the past, they could not account for all the gains in the removal of subsidy, why should we trust them this time? As Cicero quipped, "to stumble twice over a stone is a proverbial disgrace." President Jonathan has to dialogue with the young boy Jonathan. To paraphrase the short story, Going to meet the Man, by black American novelist James Baldwin, the small boy Jonathan should go to meet the man Jonathan or vice versa. Maybe the shoeless boy can redeem the man. So far, I am still looking for the boy without shoes. Poet William Wordsworth crooned: "the child is the father of the man." Is the shoeless child in touch with the man? In the same poem Wordsworth connects the child with the man: "So was it when my life began/so is it now I am a man/ so be it when I shall grow up." So, let it be with President Jonathan.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Here's "The 2014 Declaration" But what was the FoH up to? It apparently had a summit on what it terms Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a Presidential Summit (PS) for that matter (please don't ask me what constitutes a PS) and how it is different than an ordinary summit. But from the full page colour photo splash it was a grand talkshop with so much colour, so much grandeur but of an indeterminate outcome. For instance, after reading through the full page of "THE 2014 DECLARATION", Hardball could not make head or tail of it. There is no proper articulation or explanation of what UHC is all about (probably a new fad from our foreign donors). For instance, one of FoH's 23-point declaration states that it is "DEEPLY CONCERNED that Nigeria's attainment of the target of 30% health insurance coverage by December, 2015 is threatened by the non-institutionalization of universal Health Coverage." How is this so? Who is to be blamed? Health insurance has been with us for nearly two decades and we have visited that albeit efficient concept of health care management with our usual mendacity mixed with toxic insouciance; thus ideas

that blossom in other climes meet their graveyard in Nigeria. Yet we are creative at shifting blames for our failings. Another phony example in this declaration is the one (No. 14) on "STRENGHTENING and expanding financial risk protection mechanisms for the poor and vulnerable groups as part of the broader social protection efforts in the country." Phew! Utter gibberish! It is sad to say that the FoH under the current minister, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu has been lackluster and sucked up by mundane stuff. The dashing professor has shown neither creativity nor a desire for legacy. About the time this odious presidential summit was going on, it was World Kidney Day (March 13) and it was reported by experts that about 16 million Nigerians suffer from kidney disease. Thousands of hapless Nigerians are being worsted by this near-terminal ailment without even a word of succor from FoH. There must be something we can do beyond vacuous summitry and photo-ups. Ordinary generation and dissemination of basic health information for poor Nigerians can go along way. Let's get serious please.

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