The Nation Mar 26, 2014 by The Nation

Conference stuck on voting NEWS

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•Delegates ‘won’t gag press’

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•Fire at PDP secretariat •Bamidele is LP’s candidate •SEE •’Credible polls produce legitimate government’PAGE 8 •Anger over Fayose’s emergence as PDP flagbearer

Ibadan forest of horror: Tears, joy in hospital Victim, family reunite Rescued woman, 72, disappears again

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

HERE was some sunny side to the dark, gloomy Ibadan “forest of horror” story yesterday. A couple found their relation among the victims at the State Hospital, Yemetu in the Oyo State capital. “Yes. This is our son. He was born with this deformed hand,” Mr. Adewale Atoyebi screamed after seeing his niece, Adewale Atoyebi, who had been missing for three years. For Mr. Atoyebi’s wife, it was a mixture of joy and sadness. She burst into tears. The victim is among the eight brought to the hospital Saturday evening after the discovery of a forest in Soka where human parts and dying people were found. Mr Atoyebi and his wife said they heard through the media that Adewale Atoyebi was among the rescued victims. He said they (his own nuclear family) were not aware of his disappearance until their relatives in Ada, Osun State, called to instruct him to go to the hospital to confirm if Adewale was their child. “I live in Ibadan here with my family. I did not know that Adewale was missing because it has been long we last visited our home town, Ada in Osun State. My people back home just called us yesterday that

•The CBN office on Custom Street, Lagos on fire...yesterday

Continued on page 4

CBN building on fire in Lagos

48 killed in three states N

O fewer than 48 people were killed yesterday in various parts of the North on a day governors raised the alarm over the security situation. Boko Haram suicide bombers hit Maiduguri, the Borno State capital with two blasts, killing 11 people, including five policemen.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

From Bodunrin Kayode, Maiduguri, Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi, . Johnny Danjuma, Lafia, Tony Akowe, Kaduna

Seventeen people died in Nasarawa State’s communal clash in which a monarch’s palace was burnt down. Fulani herdsmen continued their onslaught on the

•SEE PAGE 57 •Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi speaking during the fifth TomTom Editors’ Roundtable in Lagos…yesterday. With him (from left) are: Former Green Eagles Captain Segun Odegbami; Managing Director, Cadbury West Africa Emil Moskofian and Marketing Director, Cadbury West Africa Amir Shamsi

Continued on page 4

•LIFE P15 •SPORTS P23 •MONEY P26 •INVESTORS P28 •POLITICS P45

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

NEWS

Delegates f F

GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza (left) exchanging pleasantries with the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) , Andrew Yakubu, at the dinner for delegates to Nigeria Oil and Gas Summit in Abuja. With them is Group Executive Director, Finance and Accounts, Mr Bernard Otti.

• Executive Secretary, Nigeria Health Insurance SchemeDr Femi Thomas (middle) greeting the CEO, Bufferzone Ltd, Mr Akin Fadeyi, at the maiden edition of Nigerian Health Insurance Scheme TV Talkshow in Lagos...yesterday. With them are Ace Comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (left), Nigeria Health Insurance Scheme Zonal Coordinator, Lagos, Nasir Ikhaor (second left); and AGM, Media , NHIS, Ayo Osinlu (right). PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH

•From left: Chief Financial Officer, Siemens, Olufunmilayo Akande; Managing Director, Accenture, Niyi Yusuf and Head, Corporate Service Division, Nigeria Stock Exchange, Bola Adeeko, at the Nigeria Summit 2014, titled: 'turning growth into prosperity' in Lagos...yesterday. PHOTO: ADEOLA SOLOMON

• Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology Adebiyi Mabadeje speaking during a seminar on curbing losses due to fire and Allied claims organised by continental Alarm Company in Lagos ... yesterday. With him are Representative of Managing Director/CEO Sterling Bank, Mr Segun Anako (left), Managing Director Continental Alarm Ltd., Mr Okwy Okeke. PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

OR the second day running, delegates to the National Conference engaged in a shouting match over the mode of voting. Just like it was the case on Monday, the contentious issue engendered a sharp North-South divide. Delegates were so divided on the issue that some of them ignored the Chairman of the conference, Justice Idris Kutigi who laboured throughout the session to restore order in the chamber. Kutigi’s continuous shout of “order, order, order,” was ignored by some delegates as most of them sprang from their seats to demand that they be allowed to speak. It took the intervention of the Deputy Chairman, Bolaji Akinyemi, who appealed to the conscience of delegates to restore some level of sanity in the chamber. He said delegates should give the chairman the opportunity to meet with delegate leaders on the issue of mode of voting to see whether a consensus will be reach on the issue. To save the conference from abrupt end, Kutigi accepted the suggestion of some delegates that the matter should be deferred to unspecified date to allow for more consultations and to allowed frayed nerves to cool. He also accepted that leaders of delegates should be consulted to obtain the aggregate of opinions on the issue. Northern delegates continued to insist that three quarter majority vote should be adopted to decide any issue the delegates failed to resolve by consensus. Southern delegates on the hand demanded that two-thirds majority should carry the day any time the conference failed to achieve consensus on an issue. The conference failed to resolve the thorny issue, which some delegates described as the “soul of the conference” before it adjourned for break. The contentious issue contained in Order 6 (4) and 11 (1) (2) states “Any question proposed for decision in the Conference shall be determined by consensus and when this is not achievable, by a three quarter majority of the delegates present and voting.” Former Akwa Ibom Governor, Obong Victor Attah said that the issue on voting should be settled. Attah noted that two-third majority vote has always guided deliberations in the country and all over the world. He prayed the conference to go by “the time honoured and time tested” two-third majority as the basis to decide any issue. He wondered why attempts were being made to introduce three quarter majority when even Chief Richard Akinjide used two-third majority to allow former President Shehu Shagari to win election and became president of the country. Chief Dan Nwanyanwu who came on the platform of the Labour Party in his contribution noted that wherever three quarter appeared in the 1999 Constitution, the drafters of the Constitution did not want the Section to be amended. Insisting that the conference should adopt two-third majority, he said that three quarter majority as the mode of voting should be sent back to wherever it came from. He said that a simply issue of “he and she” was difficult for the delegates to achieve a consensus. Nwanyanwu moved that decisions at the conference should be reached on the basis of two-third majority. What followed was a huge “no, yes, no, yes.” Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi, the Emir of Gummi in his contribution said that three quarter majority

•Gen Alani Akinrinade(left), Mr Fola Adeola and and Alhaji Magaji Dambata during the session... yesterday.

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

should be adopted to achieve near unanimity on issues. To Gummi, adoption of two-third majority was bound to do the country more harm than good. As he spoke, there was revolt from the proponents of two-third majority. Some of the delegates surged towards the chairman apparently to attract his attention. The conference chairman continued to shout “order, order, order” but the agitated delegates refused to pay attention. Akinyemi intervened and asked delegates not to disrespect the chairman. The Deputy Chairman said that any attempt to disrespect the chairman would spell doom for the conference and lead to anarchy. The Chairman noted that when the issue became hot on Monday, he ruled that full debate on the issue would be taken later. He also ruled yesterday that full debate on the issue would be taken when delegates returned from their break. Some of the delegates insisted that there was no need to postpone the evil day and demanded that full debate on the issue be taken. When the delegates resumed after their break, the chairman attempted to call for adoption of the “National Conference Procedure Rules 2014.” What followed was a resounding “no.” Chief Mike Ozekhome said that if there was a motion that the rules should be adopted, he had a counter motion that the rules should not be adopted. Ozekhome noted that on Monday because of the contentious nature of the issue on voting, whether it would be three quarter majority of two-third majority, the chairman advised that the matter should be stepped down. He said that before the conference went on break yesterday the chairman again advised that the matter be stepped down. He concluded that as far as he was concerned Order 6 (4) which deals with method of voting is an unfinished business. There was applause by the proponents of two-third majority. Chief Edwin Clark took the floor and advised that two-third majority should be adopted. Clark who noted that no delegate should claim that he owns the country more than others said that it was

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

s fail to adopt voting method ‘If you want to sleep, walk out’ From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

•A delegate taking a nap during plenary...yesterday.

PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE

And Kura goes for the mic

ASIR Kura, a representative of the civil society, lost his cool yesterday. He was shouting and dragging the wireless microphone from a conference staff. Kura’s action was not long after a delegate complained openly: “Must we behave like thugs before being recognised?” The defiant Kura was placated by an elderly delegate, Mrs Felicia Sanni, but when the delegate refused to be placated, the National Co-ordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Gani Adams, squared up to him and dared him to do his worse. Some pockets of “OPC, OPC” were heard across the hall. At this point, the floor got rowdy with noise reverberating across the auditorium until the Chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi, started shouting ‘return to your seats’. This later calmed the delegates and the debate resumed.

obvious that some delegates came to the conference with mind set. He cautioned that the only way the conference would achieve its purpose was for delegates to put Nigeria first. Bello Mohammed (Kebbi State) noted that voting or no voting delegates came to the conference to decide issues by consensus. Mohammed said that three quarter was chosen because it is near to consensus. He cautioned that “those who think that they will use their number to intimidate others will not succeed.” Mrs. Chidinma Uwajimokwu from Imo State said that two-third majority remained the best option for the conference. She noted that it was obvious that achieving three quarter majority would be difficult for the conference. Akin Arikawe who came to the conference on the platform of retired civil servants suggested that the issue should be deferred for another day to allow for consultation He noted that the Chairman might need to consult with leaders of delegates on the issue. Kutigi ruled that “decision on whether three quarter of two-third voting method is hereby further ad-

A visibly angry delegate, Naseer Kura (left) being calmed down by the President , Market Women Association of Nigeria, Felecia Sani during a debate on the voting pattern of the resolutions of the conference in Abuja yesterday PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE.

journed for further consultation.” He did not specify when the issue will be decided. Former Inspector General of Police Mohammed Gambo Jemeta said that the chairman should adopt the doctrine of necessity when it became necessary. He noted that there was no need for delegates to be too hard on minor issues of procedure. He said that since the conference will not be in session for two years, it was wrong for delegates to waste time on minor issues of procedure. It was also observed that some delegates were already lobbying to be placed on what a delegate called “special committees” But the chairman insisted that delegates would be given paper to indicate the committees that would want to serve. Pastor Tunde Bakare suggested that group leaders and delegate leaders should be involved in selecting committee membership. Bakare also cautioned that the right thing should always be done. He noted that there was no need for delegates to sit for three months and produce a document that will be marked “KIV” (keep in view.).

Some delegates suggested that the conference should work toward producing a new constitution for the country. Some opposed the proposed submission of the out come of the conference to the National Assembly while others wanted the conference resolutions to be ratified through referendum. Former Senate President, Ken Nnamani said there was no legal backing for the conference for delegates to arrogate to themselves the powers the conference does not have. He noted that the issue of referendum will be out of the way unless the National Assembly says so. He said that delegates should not assume that the conference is a constitutional conference especially when delegates were not elected. Attempts by Musa Elayo Abdullahi to guide the conference to make provision for secret meeting (executive session) was shot down. Elayo noted that if all discussions were held in the presence of journalists delegates would be exposed and the country would be exposed. Most of the delegates felt there was no need for secret meeting. Festus Okoye who came on the

platform of civil society said that he was worried that some delegates came to the conference with preconceived notions. Okoye cautioned that no delegate should grandstand He also cautioned that the media must be given unfettered access to cover the proceedings of the conference. He called for the deletion of Order14 (7) which gave the conference secretariat powers to bar or withdraw accreditation of a media establishment. Nduka Obaigbena also asked the conference to delete the offensive section. Obaigbena said that no attempt should be made to gag, suppress or restrain the press from its duty. The delegates agreed and deleted the proviso which states “provided that if the media publishes a report of the proceedings which the conference considers unfair, offensive and not a true reflection of what transpired, such permission may be revoked.” What was left of the section reads “The Conference may grant approval to the representative of any media to attend the sitting of the Conference.”

DELEGATE to the National Conference and Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Dan Nwanyanwu, yesterday advised his colleagues: “If you want to sleep, walk out.” This advice came up during a debate on a rule to gag the press through Order 15 rule 7. Nwanyanwu said: “Anyone who wants to sleep can climb this aisle and walk out. Once you are here, your two eyes must be opened. If you decide to help yourself by sleeping,nobody will help you to gag the press. “The press must report what they have seen and they are not lying by what was reported. It was the truth. If you are here for the true purpose of nation building, we must be serious. “With due respect to our elder statesmen, I see them, they are awake, but I say if there is any reason for anyone to take a nap for reason of health challenges, such person must not do it here, else the media will get you.” Nwanyanwu was one of several delegates who killed an attempt to gag the press. Former Senate President Ken Nnamani supported free press. Festus Okoye said the clause was offensive to freedom of expression and that the conditions attached to the clause should be expunged. According to him, the media has a responsibility to report the conference accurately and should not be intimated. His proposal that the conditions attached to the clause be removed was unanimously adopted. The clause now reads: “The Conference may grant approval to the representative of any media to attend the sitting of the Conference.” The draft procedure rules Order 15 Miscellaneous rule 7 stipulates that “The Conference may grant approval to the representative of any media to attend the sitting of the Conference provided that if the media publishes a report of the proceedings which the conference considers unfair, offensive and not a true reflection of what translator end, such permission may be revoked.” ThisDay publisher Nduka Obiagbuna and activist Yinka Odumakin found the clause repressive and against the rights of Nigerians to be informed of the true situation of things at the conference. Odumakin said: “We have not been sent here to come and sleep and if the media observed that some of us are sleeping, they are duty bound to publish those photographs.” Nwanyanwu, Odumakin and Obaigbena’s intervention were in response to a statement by a delegate, Mahmud Aminu shortly after the beginning of proceedings. Aminu, a representative of Civil Society Organisations (CSO), complained about some reports in some national dailies about some individuals that were caught sleeping at the plenary the previous day. “Some of us have followed the reports of the press since last week and we have observed slanted and negative reports about this conference. While it is not our responsibility to circumscribe the role of the Nigerian press,we call on the press to be responsible in its reportage.” He said a member asked the leadership of the conference if he was entitled to aides and assistants. “When the Nigerian press reported it, they said delegates to the conference were asking for assistants and aides.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

NEWS

48 killed in Borno, Benue, Nasarawa

Continued from page 1

Tiv communities in Benue, killing 20. There was panic in Kaduna over a bomb scare. The police detonated the explosive device kept in a polythene bag. About 10 people died in two separate bomb blasts in Dalori, Konjuga Local Government Area of Borno State. The dead included two suicide bombers. An eye witness said five police men were on patrol when their vehicle was blown up by the suicide bombers when they were confronted on the highway around Dalori, about five kilometres from the University of Maiduguri.

According to eye witnesses, at the Dalori check point area of the road, another bomb exploded about five kilometres from Dalori. The suicide bombers were alleged to have thrown an improvised bomb into a commuter vehicle, killing three people inside the vehicle. “It is the same vehicle that deliberately drove into the police vehicle, killing all five policemen inside the patrol vehicle. The Policemen had accosted the vehicle for normal stop and search which has been going on since the attack on Giwa Barracks by the insurgents but the suicide bombers drove their vehicle into them while simultaneously throwing an IDI into

their vehicle. “The police vehicle exploded instantly, killing them and destroying their patrol vehicle beyond recognition,” said the source. The two suicide bombers equally died inside a golf vehicle burnt down completely at the check point Soldiers opened the road and mounted a massive manhunt for the insurgents. Many people were injured. The charred remains of the Golf car and shredded police patrol vehicle were seen near the check point. Nurses at the casuality wing of the University of Maiduguiri Teaching Hospital said the charred bodies of the five policemen were de-

posited at the morgue. “We received the bodies of the five policemen while about 14 injured cases have been brought so far. “We have been tending to the injured and I do not think there is any very critical case that would lead to death now,” said a hospital source. Suspected Fulani herdsmen shot and killed 20 Tiv farmers in an early morning attack,in Agena, Mbtseda, Mbalom district ,Gwer Local Government Area. According to the federal lawmaker, representing Gwer/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Mrs Christina Alaaga, the attackers stormed Continued on page 58

Ibadan forest: Hoodlums scramble for human parts

ROWDS of curious residents continued yesterday to throng the Ibadan “forest of horror” where human parts and dying people were found. Some hoodlums were scrambling for human parts. It was not

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

clear what they planned to use the human parts for. Many of the people who came to the site were being molested by hoodlums who seemed to have taken over the control of the

forest. Some of the hoodlums even attempted to confront policemen , who barred them from the site. The Ministry of Environment has fixed today for the demolition of all the structures espe-

cially abandoned factories, in the forest, which is believed to have served as hideout for criminals for over 15 years. Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adebayo, confirmed that the demolition is slated for 11am today.

•A distraught parent seeking her daughter, Nneka, 9, who was kidnapped opposite their house in Ibadan

APC warns Accord against politicising ‘forest of horror’

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned the Accord Party against politicising the grief of the people with its comment on the Soka forest horror. The Interim Publicity Secretary of the APC in the state, Mr. Dauda Kolawole, in a statement said: “The people of Oyo State are in a state of grief and shock at the horrendous discovery of ritual killers’ den in the state. The situation calls for sober reflection from all and sundry. To be confronted with this cheap politicking in the name of infantile accusation by the Accord is like opening the fresh wound of the people of the state who are still mourning their dead and lamenting the ugly incident.” The APC said from emerging testimonies of the kidnap victims, it was obvious that the den had been in existence for almost 10 years, a period that covered what it called “the drab government of Senator

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Rashidi Ladoja” and his successor. They said rather than accusing the government of insensitivity, it was the security consciousness of the government that led to the discovery of the den and the prompt response of government had become a thing of commendation from all and sundry. “We are aware that the Accord had been attempting to use this unfortunate event to come back to reckoning by instigating the people and selling them cheap lies of government using the forest as a camp for mad people. We are also aware that Accord chieftains have infiltrated the rank of sympathisers at Soka with the objective of creating a violent scene and disrupting the peace of the state. Unfortunately for them, the evidence of victims who told the world that they were not insane, have put a lie to their campaign of destruction,” the APC noted.

Police arraign 14

HE Police yesterday took 14 persons before an Ibadan Chief Magistrate’s Court, Iyaganku for alleged demonstration, malicious damage and destruction of innocent people’s property. The accused were allegedly demonstrating over the Soka kidnappers’ den. The accused, Taye Lamidi,18, Samson Opeyemi, 22, Uchenna Anthony ,20, Sunday Ebedi, 19, Sakiru Ogunjobi, 19, Jamiu Oriolowo, 23, Jubril Bakare, 25 and Samuel Kayode, 25, were all in court. Others are Adeniyi Adetunji,

34, Pinnock Folorunso, 24, Habib Adekola, 22, Suraju Adeoye, 28, Bayo Okunlola, 26, and Ahmed Yishau. The accused were arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, demonstration and malicious damage. The prosecutor, Mr James Oriola, alleged that the accused conspired to commit misdemeanour with malicious damage. Oriola said all the accused wilfully and maliciously damaged the front and back wind screens of one Toyota Camry Continued on page 58

72-year-old Ibadan kidnap victim disappears again

•An unnamed victim...yesterday

•Adewale Atoyebi...yesterday

NE of the rescued victims from the forest of horror in Ibadan, Mrs Cecilia Obaikhena, has disappeared again. Mrs. Obaikhena, 72, disappeared while her fellow victims were being gathered by rescue workers on Saturday evening. It was learnt that the septuagenarian walked away during the chaotic rescue operation

•Two parents seeking their missing children

Ibadan forest of horror: Tears, joy in hospital Continued from page 1

I should go and find out if the rescued Adewale is our son. Here we are,” Mr Atoyebi said. On seeing Adewale, he became excited. “Yes, this is our son. He was born with this deformed hand. Here he is,” Atoyebi said. But the victim did not pay attention to him immediately. He went back to his bed after visiting the toilet. For Mrs Atoyebi, it was a mixed feeling. The joy of recovering her in-law was palpable. Yet she was disturbed by the state of his health. She sobbed. Adewale recalled how he was kidnapped on a journey he undertook from Ada to Osogbo. He said he was a commercial load carrier (alabaru) for yam flower sellers at Ada market. He said: “I boarded a vehicle to Osogbo. That is the only thing I remember.” Mr Atoyebi said Adewale was never insane. Another victim, Ola Michael, 28, recalled that he

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

Her family members, who arrived in Ibadan yesterday in search of her were disappointed when they did not find her among the rescued victims at the State Hospital, Yemetu. Investigation revealed that there was no female body among those recovered from the forest of horror.. Continued on page 58

We were raped, flogged and starved in the camp, say kidnap victims

WO of the rescued victims recounted yesterday how they were maltreated in the kidnap forest. Titi Adeniyi, 45, relived how women were serially raped, starved and flogged by their captors. She said she was spared the rape. Victims were served insufficient and poorly prepared rice once a day, she said, adding that they sometimes had no food for days. Her words: “The place looked like a coun-

‘

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

try. It is very big. They collected N9,000 from me. They served us very poor food and it was not regular. They could bring cooked four cups of rice for nine of us. It is ‘concoction’, most times. They flogged me. I begged them to buy drinks for me but they never did. They raped the women among us but they did not touch me. I didn’t eat for the first 16 days. They also served us poor water, and in small quantity.”

“They arrested us, saying we were mad. I am from the Tejuoso family in Oke Bola, Ibadan. I am not insane.”she recalled that she was suddenly grabbed by some men who claimed that she was under arrest. “But we did not see any police,” Titi said. Ola Michael said: “They just locked us up. They speak various languages. They served us water when they liked. They also served us food when they liked. But whether it was water or food, it was in very small quantity. They sometimes brought visitors.”

I live in Ibadan here with my family. I did not know that Adewale was missing because it has been long we last visited our home town, Ada in Osun State. My people back home just called us yesterday that I should go and find out if the rescued Adewale is our son. Here we are

was going from Oyo to Owode/Egbado in Ogun State when he was kidnapped on Iwo Road in Ibadan. “I am a native of Oyo town. I was going to Owode/Egbado. I boarded a bus to Ibadan. They dropped me off under the bridge on Iwo Road. That is the last thing I know,” he

said. One of the female victims whose name could not be ascertained was said to have blood on her body. She, apparently, had a baby, but none was seen with her. Other missing persons being sought by their relatives include a student of the University of Agricul-

ture, Abeokuta (UNAAB), Odunola Olosunde, 22 (as at the time of her disappearance); Olanrewaju Musa, 30, Nneka Peter, nine; Ramota Nimota, 45, and Odunayo, 22 (as at the time of his disappearance). Mr Olosunde said Odunola got missing during the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike in

’

2009. He said his daughter, who was studying Agricultural Engineering, went to do a decoration job at a church on Iwo Road in Ibadan. She never returned. The family lives in Apata in the Oyo State capital city. Families searching for their missing relations besieged the hospital. But, for most of them, it

•Mr Atoyebi, Adewale’s uncle

was like seeking the dead among the living as their hopes were dashed - their relations were not among the rescued victims. Continued on page 58

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

NEWS

Fed Govt okays N10b to curb desertification

NPA MD to senators: we’ll boost revenue By Oluwakemi Dauda

•40 million may lose means of livelihood

HE Federal Government has approved N10 billion for the Great Green Wall Programme to fight desertification in 11 northern states, Minister of Environment Mrs. Laurentia Mallam has said. She said over 40 million may lose their means of livelihood because of dersiftication. The minister spoke in Abuja when she received a delegation of the PanAfrican Agency of the Great Green Wall in her office. According to her, the ministry has put in place institutions including the National Council on Shelterbelt and Afforestation check desertification. The ministry also hopes to plant 12,500 hectares of shelterbelts and establish 800 hectares of grazing reserves in four states. She said: “The Federal Government has approved N10 billion while efforts are going on to ensure proper buy in states from this year. Efforts are on to sources addition resources from our development partners. “More than 35% per cent of our land area of 923,768sqkm is threatened by desertification affecting the livelihoods of more than 40 million people. “This programme will contribute to address these issues as well as play positive roles in our fight against the insurgencies being experienced in the northern part of the country.” The great green wall programme is part of the Government’s efforts to combat desertification in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Kastina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara.

Reps to establish Tax Board for FCT From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

THE House of Representatives is to establish a Federal Capital Territory(FCT) Internal Revenue Service for Abuja. This followed the partial consideration of the report of a bill sponsored by a member, Hon. Emmanuel Jime (APC-Benue), who is also the Chairman, House Committee on FCT. When fully established, the Revenue Board will have the powers to assess, collect and account for revenues due to the FCT. Yesterday, 14 clauses of the report were considered by the House, in a session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha. Further consideration of the report continues today.

•From left: Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group Mr Folusho Philips, GMD/GCEO, Verdant Zeal Group Tunji Olugbodi, former Minister for National Planning Commission Dr. Shamsudeen Usman and frontline politician Nana Akufo-Addo at the seventh Verdant Zeal Innovation Series and Olugbodi’s 50th birthday celebration in Lagos.

HE Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mallam Hanib Abdullahi, yesterday told members of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport that the agency would increase its revenue. Speaking when the committee visited the NPA headquaters in Lagos, Abdullahi said NPA is would boost its operations as part of its determination to be the leading port in the West Africa and generate more revenue for the country. He said despite the increase in efficiency at the port, the management was working to harness its potential to make it perform optimally. The terminal operators, Abdullahi said, have added value to their areas of operations by providing monthly and quarterly update information about their activities adding that they have acquired state-of-the art cargo handling equipment to reduce cargo dwell time.

‘Why Emirates can’t fly from Abuja to Dubai’ By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

•Ian Randolph, frontline Ghanaian politician and Statesman, Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo and one-time Commissioner for Finance, Lagos State, Wale Edun at Verdant Zeal’s seventh Innovation Series.

Dangote storms market with 3x cement brand

ANGOTE Cement Plc yesterday launched the ‘Dangote 3X Cement’ brand. At the unveiling of the brand, which comes in a 50 kilogramme bag of 42.5R grade, Group Managing Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Devakumar V.G. Edwin, said the product is the first of its kind in the country and Africa. The product, he said, has strength, extra yield and extra life, with good finish. He said the extra strength and rapid drying property of the product makes it the first choice for builders and contractors. Presenting the cement bag dubbed: “The Big Boss,” Group Chief Marketing Officer, Mr. Oare Ojeikere, said the cement was coming amid expectations from the Mortgage Refinance Company where developers can access fund on a single digit interest rate. This, he said was an improvement on the prevailing practise where banks give funds at double interest rate, which has stifled construction and home ownership, but also

By Chikodi Okereocha and Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

widened the housing gap to over 17 million units. He said the new product is timely as it will attract new users because of the need to check building collapse. Honorary Adviser to President, Dangote Group, Joseph Makoju, said the product came from long years of painstaking research and development. He said a bag of the new 42.5R variety is equivalent to one and half bag

of the regular bag and advised the public to patronise the new brand for better results. Executive Director, Stakeholder Management and Corporate Communications, Ahmed Mansur, an engineer, said the product is set to meet the needs of its customers. He said: “Every product we produce is to specification. The 3X brand is a market leader as we put in a lot of innovation to not only meet current demands, but also future needs.”

Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu, said the Dangote 3X brand met the standard specification for 42.5R cement. The SON DG, who was represented by an engineer in the civil/building department, Mr. Onipade Adeoye, congratulated Dangote Cement for the extensive research and development behind the new product and encouraged others to do same.

HE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) yesterday said the Emirates Airlines cannot operate a flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International, Abuja to Dubai because of bilateral agreements. FAAN was reacting to a statement credited to a former Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr. Tony Iredia, that he was informed that the airline could not fly from Abuja to Dubai until Nigerian officials are “seen”. “One can say categorically that the issue of ‘seeing’ aviation officials, in which bribes are supposedly collected in exchange for routes, is totally absurd.” Dati said. FAAN spokes Yakubu Dati said routes operated by commercial airlines were usually determined by economic factors rather than political sentiments. “If the Abuja to Addis Ababa route, for instance, is not profitable for the airline, it would not do it.”

2015: Jonathan will be the easy for APC to beat

OBE State Commissioner for Water Resources Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will defeat President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 election. Karasuwa said: “Actually as far as we are concerned, personally I will prefer Jonathan to contest. Why? Because, he is the one

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

we can easily beat because he has done so many things that he cannot be marketable. “There are a lot of things under this administration of Jonathan that one can tell Nigerians and it is not something hidden. See the corruption in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and all over the place. Today, hundreds of

billions of dollars are gone; tomorrow is the same; next tomorrow is still the same? Look at his Petroleum Minister who is spending over N10billion just for charttering aircraft. What about the tragedy recently at the Immigration recruitment? The list is endless. “So, politically talking, politics is about presenting the score card of the present administration for you to

criticise or support; so, we in APC have so many things now at hand that we can present to Nigerians and tell them that Jonathan is not competent to rule this country. “I heard some time that PDP wants to make him a consensus candidate and if that happens, we will have an upper hand. As far as APC is concerned, the contest will be a walk-over for us.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY MARCH 26, 2014

NEWS BPE, labour to begin dialogue on sale of refineries

HE Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Benjamin Dikki, said yesterday that the establishment would enter into a dialogue with the leaders of the oil workers, for the beginning of the privatisation of the four refineries. He said the leaders of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) are not opposed to the sale of the refineries, but expressed their willingness to enter into a dialogue with the government to develop business models for the refineries. “This will be followed up and should lead to the commencement of the privatisation this year,” Dikki said. He noted that the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) has approved the appointment of a liquidator for the guided liquidation of Nitel and Mtel. Dikki, who spoke to reporters in Abuja, said: “In the same year under review, NCP equally approved the appointment of a liquidator for the guided liquidation of NITEL/MTEL, pending a court confirmation. This process is continuing this year and is also reflected in the work plan.” The Director-General disclosed plans to commercialise the operations of public media organisations, such as the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He said BPE reported to the council that the court process for the appointment of a liquidator for Nitel/M-tel was concluded last Friday when a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja granted a petition for the winding-up of NITEL/M-TEL through a ‘guided liquidation’ process and the appointment of Otunba Olutola O. Senbore as the liquidator. Dikki said: “The transactions approved for the department include, to execute the guided liquidation of Nitel/Mtel and to review the policy, legal and regulatory framework, which will prepare ground for the commercialisation of the media enterprises: NTA, FRCN,

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

National Film Corporation and NAN.” He went on: “We reported to council that a concept paper for the reform of the media enterprises has been sent to the Minister of Information and his inputs are being awaited. “The objective is to review the policy, legal and regulatory framework, which will enable the enterprises to operate as commercial outfits, while still being owned by the government.” The BPE boss said there is a target of N535.3 billion from definite transactions and N211.3billion proceeds from prospective transaction this year. “In the 2014 work plan, the Bureau has proposed to handle 23 definite transactions and 29 prospective transactions. Consequently, we envisage gross proceeds of N535.3 billion from the definite transactions. We hope to realise about N211.3 billion from prospective transactions when they are executed,” he added. The BPE, according to him, would review and follow up eight reform bills before the Federal Executive Council for approval. Dikki said the eight bills are: Railway Bill; Inland Waterways Bill; Federal Roads Authority Bill; National Roads Fund Bill; National Transport Commission Bill; Ports & Harbour Reform Bill; Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill; and Postal Reform Bill. He said the passage of the bills would lead to the abrogation of monopoly sector laws, liberalisation of the sector and setting up of regulatory agencies. The Director-General added: “In pursuit of the President Goodluck Jonathan Transformation Agenda, these Bills seek to create an enabling environment for private sector investments in these sectors of the economy. “The expected outcomes are inflows of private sector investments, job creation and economic growth. Once the Bills are enacted by the National Assembly, the regulatory agencies would then be set up.”

Ihedioha seeks UN’s financial support for elections

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

HE Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, has urged the United Nations to financially support the 2015 elections. Ihedioha, who spoke when a delegation of the United Nations Department of Political Affairs visited the House, said the funds would enable the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to successfully conduct the poll. The UN delegation visit, led by Mr. Tadjoudine Ali-Diabacte, deputy director, UN’s Department of Political Affairs (Electoral Assistance Division), was not unconnected with the coming elections. The Deputy Speaker, while observing that the estimate of INEC in the 2014 budget for the conduct of elections in 2014 and 2015 was inadequate, called on the UN to aid INEC financially to enable the electoral body conduct free and fair elections. His words: “The budgetary recommendation made by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, appears insufficient. Therefore the request made by the INEC chairman for UN’s financial request is in order. We would appreciate UN’s financial assistance towards boosting our electoral process.” Ihedioha said the House Constitution Review Panel reviewed Section 202 of the constitution, thereby transferring the power to conduct local government elections from the State Independent Electoral Commission to INEC, to deepen democracy and ensure that council elections are conducted in a fair and free manner.

•From left: Director-General, Debt Management Office, Dr Abraham Nwankwo; Deputy Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Mr. Abdala Hamdok; and Director, Planning, UNECA, Mr. George Ogboro, at the 7th AU-ECA joint annual meeting in Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Why NNPC hires jets for minister, by top officials M ORE facts have emerged why the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) hired private jets for the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke and top officials of the corporation. A source said NNPC was empowered by law to own aircraft and that it had two jets in its fleet before 2012. “However, the two aircraft are unserviceable. One of the aircraft lost altitude on, at least, two occasions, while the second aircraft crash-landed at Osubi Airstrip in Warri, Delta State,” the source said. The minister has been under fire for hiring private jets and incurring N10 billion as costs. She is under probe by the House of Representatives. According to ministry officials, one of the aircraft, the Hawker 4000, which crashlanded at Osubi Airstrip, Warri, was manufactured by Hawker Corporation, United States. But, it could not be serviced for a long time because the manufacturers had wound up and no longer manufactured spare parts. The airport authorities, it was also learnt, had told the ministry that the plane lacked the valid warranty for its operations. The plane, said the source, had remained within the precincts of Osubi Airstrip after it crash-landed two years ago. Another source said the second NNPC aircraft was 30 years old and lost altitude suddenly at least on two occasions.

NNPC denies receipt of N59.7b from Service Wide Vote •Reps summon CBN, AGF, Budget Office over ‘missing’ fund

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

HE House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts is seeking answers to what became of the N59.7billon given to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) from the Service Wide Vote. According to the Solomon Adeola-Olamilekan-led committee, the fund was paid from the Service Wide Vote in 2006. The committee said there was need to have wider deliberations on the issue and summoned the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Jonah Otunla, the acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Sarah Alade and the DirectorGeneral of the Budget Office of the Federation, Bright Okogu. But the NNPC management yesterday denied receipt of the N59.7 billion allegedly approved from the Service Wide Vote for the payment of oil subsidy. According to Timothy Okor, NNPC’s GMD, (Strategy), the N59.6 billion was not remitted to the corporation as alleged. He said efforts to get the requisite documents from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and Budget Office on the payment of the N59.7 billion proved abortive. NNPC said attempt to make the Budget Office and the Accountant-General of the Federation Office to write a formal letter that the N59.6 billion was not cash backed was not heeded. The committee chairman said there was need to summon the parties to explain why the subsidy money, removed from the Service Wide Vote and meant for NNPC could not be traced. Olamilekan said the NNPC should write a formal letter explaining the non-receipt of the N59.6 billion from the Service Wide Vote. He said: “NNPC for now cannot be indicted until otherwise proven when AGF and Budget Office come out with evidence that the money was disbursed and cash backed. “This committee hereby summons the CBN, AGF and Budget Office to explain why such sum of money was disbursed without any documentary evidence.” By Emmanuel Oladesu

He said: “The HS125 jet had sudden descent twice from a 27,000 feet to 25,000 feet and

from 22,000 feet to 20,000 feet. It became risky to continue to fly such a plane and it was parked at one of the hang-

ars.” Also, it was gathered one of the aircraft in the presidential fleet was made by the same manufacturers and that the government recently approved that the NNPC plane be converted to scrap to service the jet on the presidential fleet. “What it means is that the NNPC has no serviceable plane, whereas its operations must not be hampered, if the nation’s economy would not suffer.” An official of the NNPC said the corporation has informed the Federal Government that it will cost $70 million to buy a new jet that fits into its operational schedules and that it will also cost more to maintain the jet. Also, the official said it would take about to two years to manufacture the plane, if it was paid for. “President Goodluck Jonathan has been reluctant in approving any money for the purchase of aircraft by the NNPC. That was why the corporation decided to continue to hire jets for operational and ministerial use,” added the official. He said: “There were instances when the corporation resorted to using jets owned by some companies operating under the NNPC and we saw that this is not ideal. The NNPC is a government parastatal and at the same time a business venture. It must conform with the challenges of the business environment, if it must be seen to be in serious business. But, the NNPC is handicapped in some areas.”

Non-payment of marketers caused fuel scarcity, says PPPRA

HE Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Mr. Ahmed Faruk, yesterday admitted that the non-payment of oil marketers caused fuel scarcity. Faruk, who spoke while defending the agency’s 2014 budget before the Senate

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) in Abuja, however, explained that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Federal Ministry of Finance have settled outstanding debts. He urged Nigerians to stop the current panic buying of

petrol because over nine vessels are discharging about 200million litres of fuel. Faruk also blamed rumours for the scarcity. According to him, marketers began to hoard petroleum products, following alleged moves by the Federal Government to increase the pump price of petroleum products,

based on the pressures from the International Monetary Fund. Faruk said: “As it is today from our report, we have over nine vessels engaged in discharging products in depots across the country. From Calabar to Oghara. We have lister depot, it is supposed to be discharging for Oando.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY MARCH 26, 2014

NEWS Obiano gets special advisers From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

NAMBRA State lawmakers have approved the list of 10 special advisers to Governor Willie Obiano. The approval was given yesterday in Awka at plenary, after a letter from the governor requesting the approval, was read.

Abia suspends commissioners From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

IVE days after market women protested in Aba, Abia State, over multiple taxes, government yesterday suspended the commissioners for Commerce and Industry, Chisom Nwanmuo and Transport, Ikechukwu Emesobum. It closed the Ministry of Transport premises in Aba used by the hoodlums, who disguised as government agents to extort money from motorists and residents.

APC calls 50 witnesses at Anambra tribunal

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has called 50 witnesses to testify on alleged electoral malpractices at the November 16, 17 and 30 governorship poll in Anambra State. Counsel to Senator Chris Ngige and APC Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, spoke yesterday at the Election Petitions Tribunal in Awka. Nineteen witnesses appeared at the tribunal yesterday. The figure was pruned from 101. Akeredolu urged the Jus-

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

tice Ishaq Bello led-tribunal to give him time to submit more documents before calling the witnesses. They included forms EC8A results for Idemili South, Aguata and Awka North as well as the list of ad hoc workers for Aguata. But the tribunal refused to admit extract from polling units 004, Eri Primary School, Otuocha in Anambra East, following objections by counsel to Governor Willie Obiano,

Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Osita Nnadi. Ikpeazu and Nnadi objected because they said it formed the central part of the dispute and should take place during cross-examination. They argued that the document related to the issue of multiple registration, which had been struck out. Ikpeazu said: “It is not only inadmissible based on the state of the pleadings now, it is also a contested document,

of which due process needs to be made.” APC’s first witness Mr. Uche Uzowulu, during crossexamination by Ikpeazu, Nnadi and counsel to INEC Mr. Ayotunde Ogunleye faulted the election of November 17. He said the poll witnessed low turnout because it was held on Sunday. According to him, “the election ought not to have been conducted on Sunday in an area inhabited by Christians.”

Okorocha denies plan to dump APC

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha said yesterday he has no plan to dump the All Progressive Congress (APC). He said a report in a national newspaper about this was false. In a statement, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, described the report as misleading and false, saying Okorocha has a cordial relationship with APC, contrary to the report of a strained relationship. The aide said the registra-

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

tion by APC suggested that it would spring surprises at next year’s elections. He described Okorocha as a colossus in Imo politics with his achievements, which he said prompted his opponents to resort to blackmail. Onwuemeodo said he wondered what could be so attractive in the PDP, PPA and APGA, which would prompt the Imo governor to dump APC. Okorocha, he said, plays a pivotal role in the leadership

of APC and won’t dump the party. “It is important to note that Okorocha has become an attractive figure in Nigerian politics, Southeast politics and Imo politics. Those threatened by his enviable personality have been responsible for this gossip. “The truth of the matter is that Okorocha cannot leave APC, with more people looking up to him in the party. ‘’He cannot contemplate joining PDP, PPA, and APGA

•Okorocha

put together. ‘’So the report was fictitious and frivolous,” Onwuemeodo said.

Obiano, rectors seek ways to end strikes in poly

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Obiano, represented by his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, said strikes in tertiary institutions had become worrisome, as they disrupt the academic calendar. He said they had equally discouraged scholarships. Obiano said: “I urge you to

make a resolution of outstanding issues, which could lead to further strike, a priority at this conference. “I advise you to seek creative ways to engage the relevant authorities in a more productive way that will ensure that the future of our youths is not jeopardised. “No country, which pays

Court remands proprietor over alleged rape of minor

N Ukwa East Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Akwete, Abia State, has remanded a 53-year-old school proprietor, Lemmy Amachi Chukwu, in Aba Federal Prisons for allegedly defiling a minor. Chukwu, the proprietor of Levicks International Nursery and Primary School, Ohuru in Ukwa East Local Government, was arraigned yesterday for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old primary five pupil.

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

The Nation learnt that after the suspect allegedly committed the offence, he went into hiding and police placed a manhunt on him. It was when he thought the matter had died down that he came out of hiding and the police arrested him. Police prosecutor and the Divisional Police Officer in Ukwa East, Chris Kpatuma, told the court the suspect committed the offence on February 20.

He told the court the suspect, who also works as a teacher at Mkporobe, invited the girl to his office where he allegedly defiled her. The prosecutor prayed the court not to grant the suspect bail since it took the police time to arrest him, saying he would jump bail. Chukwu pleaded not guilty, but the chief magistrate remanded him in Aba Prisons. The case was adjourned till Friday.

scant regard to its youths, has ever attained greatness. We have a role to play to give shape and form to the dreams of youths. “On our part in Anambra, we place premium on education as a veritable tool for training and moulding the character of youths.” Matazu said they were fac-

From Chris Oji, Enugu

THE Southeast Governors’ Forum met yesterday in Enugu and resolved they would tackle insecurity. Briefing reporters, forum Chairman Abia State Governor Theodore Orji said they discussed how they could tackle insecurity jointly. Governors of Enugu, Abia and Anambra states, Sullivan Chime, Theodore Orji and Willy Obiano were present at the meeting, while Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha was absent. Orji said they also welcomed Obiano into their fold. He said the forum reviewed and discussed the Southeast delegates to the national conference.

Cleric advises conference delegates

•Anambra State Deputy Governor Dr Nkem Okeke, flanked by Education Commissioner, Dr Uju Okeke and Prof Godwin Onu with the rectors...yesterday.

NAMBRA State Governor Willie Obiano and Chairman, Council of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology (COHEADS), Dr. Kabir Matazu, are seeking ways to end strikes in polytechnics. They spoke yesterday at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko at the 127th meeting of COHEADS.

Southeast governors to tackle insecurity

ing challenges in the education sector, one of which was strike. “The classes have been empty for months now. I enjoin the unions to put their house in order by dismantling the barriers in our education sector, especially in the polytechnics and colleges of technology,” he added.

From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

THE Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Abakaliki, Rt. Rev. Godfrey Agupusi, has urged delegates to the national conference to see themselves as equals. Agupusi spoke in Abakaliki at the 20th annual synod of the diocese, at Nkalagu circuit, with the theme: “Let my people move forward.” He said no group was superior to others by whatever consideration. The cleric noted that for the country to remain united and stronger, the elements of equality and equity must be given priority, adding that the delegates should identify the causes of insurgency and tackle them. He said the conference should not conclude without producing a new constitution. “Nigerians have said the country has no constitution and that the amalgamation was unconditional. The conference should not conclude without a generallyaccepted document called the constitution,” Agupusi added. The bishop condemned the use of the National Assembly as a place for political thuggery. Said he: “I enjoin the lawmakers to realise that their responsibility is to make laws, which will positively impact on the people. “It should be understood that the National Assembly is not for political thuggery, but for decency and decorum.” Agupusi urged politicians to stop making statements capable of stoking crisis.

Nasarawa electoral body gets ultimatum

ASARAWA State House of Assembly yesterday directed the State Electoral Commission (NASEIC) to ‘clear the air’ on the inconclusive three local government areas’ election. It ordered the commission to within 24 hours announce the results. The directive was issued by the Deputy Speaker, Elisha Agwadu, who presided over plenary. This followed a motion by Francis Orogu (PDP Keana) and Dogara Saaka (PDP Kokona-East), when NASIEC Chairman, Abdullahi Moddibo, ap-

From Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

peared before the House. The lawmakers demanded explanations as to why elections in Obi and Akwanga local government areas were declared inconclusive, even though the returning officers had announced results in the affected areas. Orogu said Moddibo breached electoral law by interfering with the process of collating and announcing results, saying that the decision of the returning officer was final. The NASIEC Chairman said

he had to invoke the doctrine of necessity in handling the case, citing insecurity as a reason for declaring the election inconclusive. He said the returning officers from Obi and Akwanga local government came with two different results alleging that their lives were threatened. Moddibo, who admitted that the commission erred when it declared the election in Obi and Akwanga inconclusive, however, maintained that the state electoral laws does not stipulate what to do in a situation where the lives of electoral officials were in danger.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

NEWS EKITI 2014

Bamidele emerges Ekiti LP’s candidate

HE Labour Party (LP) in Ekiti State affirmed yesterday Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele as its sole candidate for the June 21 governorship election. At the party’s congress at AjaLeye Civic Centre in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Bamidele emerged through a process of “open affirmation” by the 444 delegates in attendance. The congress was overseen by a delegation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by its Administrative Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Agboola. At the congress, the State LP Chairman, Akin Omole, recommended Bamidele to the delegation sent by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by the National Deputy Chairman, Chief Joseph Akinlaja, for ratification. The party’s flag was present-

•’I’ll be an unusual leader’ From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

ed to Bamidele by Akinlaja, who said: “As at March 19 when the procurement of the governorship nomination form closed, only Bamidele obtained the form. Whoever carries himself as the LP governorship candidate in Ekiti, besides Bamidele, would be treated as an impostor.” Bamidele pledged to “lead the state with humility”, if elected, saying: “I will not be a governor that will rule the people from the Olympian height. I will not be a governor that will promise to do certain things and later renege. “I promise to lead the party to victory in Ekiti. I was a member of the defunct Action Congress (AC) from the beginning to the end. I was an active player in

defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). I was the National Publicity Secretary of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) for three years. I was there from the beginning to the end. What I am trying to say is that I know the political tendencies in and out. “Beyond the hype, politics and media, I know what the All Progressives Congress (APC) is capable of doing and what it cannot do. I know that what they are afraid of is the language of the people; the language of mass mobilisation. I know the political and administrative tendencies. I will work with the leadership of our party as an organisational man. I will not govern from an Olympian height. “At 19 years, I had the opportunity of serving this country. I

was the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the National Association of Ondo State Students. I understand what it means to be an organisational man and have organisational discipline. “I started as a politician. I was a member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). After that, I became a member of the AC. I understand the role of the party leadership and know what it takes to recognise stakeholders when you are running a government. “Ekiti people will have an unusual leader. I will not provide typical leadership. I will not run a government that people will not have access to. Mine will be a leadership that will carry stakeholders along in decision making. I will draw a line between politics and governance.”

‘Credible polls produce legitimate governments’

Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Democracy Vanguard (DV), has said the legitimacy of governments is based on the credibility of elections. At a sensitisation workshop tagged: “One-man/womanone-vote” and the public presentation of the Voter’s Handbook in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, DV National Coordinator Comrade Adeola Soetan said the process through which political office holders emerge “must be sanctified to endow it with the needful credibility status”. At the event were Ekiti State Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Ayodeji Aluko; notable theatre practitioner Mr. Bayo Bankole; representative of the Independent

Fire at Ekiti PDP secretariat

HERE was a fire yesterday at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the fire affected a section of the secretariat’s first floor. This is coming barely five days after the governorship primary that produced former Governor Ayo Fayose as the party’s flag bearer in the June 21 election. The cause of the fire is still unknown. Police spokesman Victor Babayemi said it would be probed. PDP Publicity Director Kola Kolawole said people with “evil minds” might be responsible for the incident. An eye witness, who pleaded for anonymity, the incident would have been more devastating, if not for the early intervention of men of the State Fire Service.

Criticisms trail Fayose’s emergence as PDP flag bearer

ORMER Police Affairs Minister Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade (rtd.) and Senator Ayo Arise have rejected last Saturday’s congress of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State, where former Governor Ayo Fayose emerged as the party’s candidate for the June 21 governorship election. They called for the cancellation of the congress and the conduct of a fresh one. In separate statements yesterday, they said the congress was a sham and did not represent the wishes of the majority of PDP members. In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Olubolade Campaign Organisation, Mr. Remi Osabusua, the former min-

•The PDP secretariat...yesterday.

•Olubolade, Arise, want primary cancelled From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

ister urged party leaders to cancel the primary. He said after considering all sides to the issue, he “came to the conclusion that it fell short of acceptable standard”. The statement reads: “The exercise was clearly manipulated from Abuja in favour of Fayose, as other aspirants were shut out and election materials made available only to him, thereby turning the event into a one aspirant show.” Arise called for the “urgent” intervention of President Goodluck Jonathan, saying: “The way

things are going, PDP might lose Ekiti and that will be disastrous.” He said he had no problem with anyone who emerges as the party’s candidate, but “the process through which the candidate emerges must be free, fair and transparent”. Arise said: “Mr. President should intervene as the leader of the party before things get out of hands. I trust he would not allow the party to collapse because of the ambition of an individual. “My position was made clear from the beginning. I made it clear that I will support whoever emerges as the party’s candi-

date through a process that is free, fair and transparent. However, what happened on Saturday was a charade that cannot be acceptable to men of good conscience and I state it categorically that Ekiti PDP does not have an acceptable governorship candidate yet. “We all can see the results of the manipulated process. The State Legal Adviser, Hon. Kola Adefemi, who is the number one legal officer of the PDP in Ekiti State, has resigned, faulting the ward congresses and the primary election. The state secretariat was set on fire this morning and many of our men are threatening to leave the party.

“Notable stakeholders of the party are angry, not because of the person who emerged from the controversial primary, but because the process was openly manipulated. I doubt if any fullblooded Ekiti person will accept what happened on Saturday and queue behind Fayose as the PDP candidate.” A PDP member, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “This party will not know peace until the decision to impose Fayose on it is changed by those who lead us. Fayose represents a force that opposes the spirit of progress in the party. Should calls for Fayose’s removal be rejected, Ekiti PDP risks going into extinction. People will move en masse and there will be no remedy. This is the truth.”

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

National Electoral Commission (INEC) Mrs. Maureen Arinze; DV National Publicity Secretary Sina Odugbemi; State Chair, Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Bunmi Ajimoko and former National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Olusegun Mayegun. Speaking on “The diminished interest of the electorate in the exercise of voting”, Soetan said: “The only legitimate process for putting genuine representatives of the people in government is the election. “The electoral process, its freeness and fairness, is what gives government legitimacy and guarantees genuine representative democracy. Consequently, free, fair and credible election devoid of fraud, manipulation, violence and rigging is a condition precedent to genuine democracy and participatory government. “Voters should assert themselves with credible deployment of the power of their thumbs, as only this can remove unscrupulous politicians from the political space. He said DV is a non-partisan institution, which owes “allegiance to the electorate”. DV State Coordinator Miss Yetunde Fagbemigun said elections have continued to “fail” the people because the electorate have continuously shown a disappointing level of apathy and misplaced concern during voting, adding: “This is the reason DV has partnered the electorate to better their performance at elections, starting with the coming one.” INEC representative Mrs. Arinze said the conduct of politicians towards the 21 June governorship election would determine the credibility of the election. Speaking on: “Ekiti Election: Following the Rules of the Game”, Mayegun said: “INEC has been constitutionally empowered to conduct elections in Nigeria, but we have to admit that that (conducting elections) is possible only with the cooperation of all stakeholders, who include teachers, students, bankers, lawyers, traders, all segments and sections of the society.” Mayegun said electoral reform should include poverty alleviation, adding: “We cannot be speaking about reforming the electoral process if and when a large percentage of the people are unemployed.”

Suspected ritualist caught with human bones, tongues in Ibadan

ARELY four days after dying men and women, decomposing bodies and human parts were discovered in a forest at Soka in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, a suspected ritualist disguising as a mentally ill man, has been arrested by residents of Ring Road, Ibadan. The yet to be identified man, it was learnt, had been staying by the side of the pedestrian bridge at Oni & Sons Bus Stop for a long time. It was gathered that following the discovery in Soka, some residents decided to search the middle-aged man and discov-

•APC, Accord disagree over ‘evil forest’ From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

ered human bones and tongues, female clothes and underwear in his bags. Over 400 campaign posters of a Labour Party (LP) governorship aspirant were also found in the suspect’s bags. But for the quick intervention of policemen from Oluyole Police Station, the people would have lynched the suspect. The suspect was taken to Oluyole Police Station . Police spokesperson Olabisi

Ilobanafor said the suspect was a destitute. Ilobanafor said only a forensic test could confirm whether it was a human tongue or not. She said the suspect had been taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department. Ilobanafor said since the discovery at Soka, residents had become suspicious of everything around them. She warned the public against taking laws into their hands, urging them to report any suspected person to the police.

LP State Co-Chairman Bashiru Apanpa said he was not in town and could not explain how the suspect got the posters of the party’s aspirant. An Accord chieftain Chief Ayodele Adigun accused the state government of being responsible for the “horror forest” at Soka. He alleged that the government relocated destitutes there and abandoned them there when it could no longer maintain the programme. He said: “The Ajimobi administration, through its Envi-

ronment Commissioner, Wasiu Oladimeji, started resettling destitutes and lunatics taken off the streets there. Due to government negligence, the place could not be maintained and they were all abandoned there.” He did not rule out the activities of ritualists, saying: “Apparently, ritualists might have capitalised on this official lapses to turn it into a den.” The All Progressives Congress (APC) warned the Accord to desist from politicising the grief of the masses. In a statement by its Interim Publicity Secretary, Dauda Kolawole, Oyo APC urged all men of

goodwill to stop the Accord from capitalising on what it called the fresh blood of the dead people to gain cheap political advantage. He said: “The people are in a state of grief and shock at the horrendous discovery of ritual killers’ den in the state. The situation calls for sober reflection from all and sundry. To be confronted with this cheap politicking in the name of infantile accusation by the Accord is like opening the fresh wound of the people, who are still mourning their dead and lamenting the ugly incident.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

NEWS

Adeleke, Omisore, Olasunkanmi jostle for Osun PDP’s ticket

HREE former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators - Isiaka Adeleke, Iyiola Omisore and Akinlabi Olasunkanmi, are jostling for the party’s governorship ticket in Osun State. The governorship election will hold on August 9. Adeleke and Omisore, who submitted their nomination forms at PDP’s National Secretariat in Abuja yesterday, told reporters why they joined the race.

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

Adeleke said he had assured Olasunkanmi of his support, but changed his mind after stakeholders and PDP leaders “dragged” him into the race. When Olasunkanmi came to buy his form last week, he said he would be surprised if Adeleke joined the race, after assuring him of his support. He said: “The question of Adeleke joining the race should not arise because I

consulted him before I joined the race. He did not only give me his support, but he also directed his supporters to back me. “As far as I am concerned, Adeleke’s purported interest in the race is mere speculation. We are both from Osun West and I have no reason to doubt his sincerity.” Adeleke admitted giving Olasunkanmi his support but said events overtook that commitment. He said: “It’s true I gave

OAU don turns bitumen into asphalt for road repair

LECTURER at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Dr. Bayonle Ademodi, has converted untapped crude bitumen in Agbabu, Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State, to Cold Mix Asphalt (CMA). Ademodi, an associate professor of Chemical Engineering and Consultant on Bitumen and Heavy Crude Oil, now uses the substance to fill failed portions of roads in Ondo West Local Government Area. The lecturer hails from Ondo town. For years, the Federal Government has been importing bitumen to repair and build roads, although Nigeria has the third largest deposit of bitumen in the world. Speaking with reporters after demonstrating how he converted the crude bitumen to CMA, Ademodi said he had been using the resource to fill pot holes. He said motorists and motorcyclists were enjoying smooth rides in areas where the material was applied. Ademodi said a Ministry of Bitumen and Heavy Oil Resources should be established to exploit the resources for domestic and export markets free of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC’s) regulations. He lamented that the Federal Government refused to utilise the resources owing to “unnecessary politicisation of issues, ethnic consideration and because it is not an easy money spinner.” The academic said bitumen besides roads, bitumen could be used as fuel for power plants. He said: “Nigeria should

‘

Nigeria should take advantage of the fact that its heavy/ extra heavy oil did not fall under the OPEC quota From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

take advantage of the fact that its heavy/extra heavy oil did not fall under the OPEC quota. Venezuela developed the famous ORIMULSION fuel, which has been used for years domestically and exported to China, India and Japan as fuel for thermal power plants and land-based diesel engines. “Nigeria’s heavy/extra heavy oil can also be used as power plant fuel and progress has been made in this regard. Nigeria’s heavy oil has been used to raise steam in a mini-steam boiler, a precursor stage to electricity generation. “The resource is a potential substitute for natural gas, Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) and coal as process fuel in industries and ther-

’

mal power plants. Our work has shown that it can replace substantial quantities of LPFO, otherwise known as black oil, the cost of which has skyrocketed and which, in turn, is responsible for the high cost of goods, ranging from cement to sundry consumer products in Nigeria. “Similarly, Nigeria’s bitumen exists in the two forms of solid tar sands and liquid deposits. Considerable success has been achieved in the utilisation of these two types of bitumen for the manufacture of road asphalt. In this regard, there are two possibilities: Hot Mix Asphalt and Cold Mix Asphalt.” The don said he would continue to mount pressure on the Federal Government to fully utilise the resource.

Amaechi for UNIOSUN lecture

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi will today deliver the Distinguished Guest Lecture at the Osun State University. Amaechi will speak on: “Higher Education and Good Governance: Way Forward”. Vice-Chancellor of the multi-campus university Prof. Adekunle Bashir Okesina told reporters that the lecture is part of activities marking the institution’s third convocation. He said the Third Convocation Lecture, titled: “Repositioning University Education in a Depressed Economy”, will be delivered tomorrow by Prof. Toyin Falola of the History Department of the University of Texas, Austin in the United States (U.S.). Okesina said of the 1,200 graduating students, 20 made First Class; 328 Second Class Upper, 658 Second Class Lower and 178 Third Class. The best graduating student, Olaseun Rasheed Oladipo, hails from Kwara State. Eight of the 20 graduating students that made First Class hail from Osun State.

Ondo Varsity reinstates suspended ASUU leaders

HE management of the Adekunle Ajasin University, AkungbaAkoko (AAUA) in Ondo State has recalled the five suspending leaders of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). In a letter signed by the registrar, the management withdrew the query issued to the lecturers and directed them to resume at their duty posts. Counsel to ASUU and the affected lecturers Charles Titiloye confirmed they had

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

been recalled, adding that his clients told him to stay legal action against the university. The lecturers were suspended after ASUU’s zonal meeting in the university was allegedly disrupted by the institution’s internal security. AAUA-ASUU Chairman Dr. Busuyi Mekusi and a lecturer, Mr. Olusegun Ota Bolarinwa, were allegedly assaulted. The commissioner of

police ordered a probe of the incident. Mekusi and four other ASUU members were suspended by the university. Last month, Titiloye served a one-month notice on AAUA Vice-Chancellor Prof. Femi Mimiko on the lecturers’ intention to challenge their suspension at the Industrial Court. The one month notice expired last week. The lecturers resumed work on Monday.

him my support but stakeholders and the party leadership said they needed my services and that I should contest the election. “I have no choice under the circumstance. If the party says it needs my services, I cannot decline. I am sorry but there is nothing I can do about it.” Omisore, who described himself as the main financier of the party in Osun State, said he is the candidate to beat, adding he was confident of winning the party’s primary and the poll.

•Omisore

•Adeleke

•Olasunkanmi

Oyo Assembly urges govt to tackle malaria

HE Oyo State House of Assembly has urged the ministries of Health and Environment and the 33 local government councils to tackle malaria. In a motion by Mr. Fatai Salam (Iseyin/Itesiwaju) at plenary yesterday, the lawmaker said measures were yet to be taken to stop the breeding of mosquitoes. He said this caused the high spread of malaria, with its resultant waste in man hours, revenue loss and huge treatment cost. Salam said: “We are aware research has produced technology to decimate the population of male mosqui-

Schools should emphasise hy‘gienic subjects and councils should fumigate drains and stagnant waters periodically ’ From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

toes and make them sterile. ‘’The government, through the ministries of Health and Environment, has to employ and deploy the new findings. “It should establish a malaria control fund, if not in place, through the Public Private Partnership (PPP), to take care of preventive

measures and sensitise the public on the need for a clean environment. “Schools should emphasise hygienic subjects and councils should fumigate drains and stagnant waters periodically. The motion was seconded by Kolade Olagunju, Michael Adeyemo and Segun Olaleye and was unanimously supported.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

NEWS Man with N300,000 jumps Ibadan fly over for fear of robbers From: Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

IKE a scene in an action packed movie, a middle aged man, Abdul-Kareem Olalere, yesterday evening jumped from the Mokola fly-over to escape from suspected armed robbers. He broke his left hand after taking the risk, but his bravery prevented the robbers from robbing him of N300,000. Scores of residents hailed him, describing him as a courageous man. Speaking on his hospital bed where he was rushed for medical attention, Olalere, a principal agent at Premier Logo Company, said he had to take the risk to avoid being shot by the suspected robbers. Olalere said he noticed that the two suspected robbers were trailing him as soon as the commercial motorcycle he rode on was ascending the flyover. He said: “I told the motor cyclist to move faster when I noticed they were trailing us but he was afraid. So, I had to stop him immediately. When I saw them bringing out a gun, I had to throw down the money and jumped after it.” A relative, Olasunkanmi, who was at the hospital, said Olalere’s money was intact, adding that the money was still with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Mokola Police Station. A source at the Mokola Police station who would not want his name in print confirmed that the incident was reported at the station and that the money was kept in custody.

Gunmen kidnap couple in Bayelsa •Husband escapes •Transporter’s wife, daughter abducted

UNMEN have kidnapped Mr and Mrs Joel Kido in Konga, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Mr. Kido reportedly escaped by jumping into the river. A source said there was an attempt by gunmen to kidnap Mr. Kido last year. “This time, they came again when Kido and his wife were sleeping. They

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

bundled them into the boat. As they were escaping with them, Kido jumped into the river. The gunmen took his wife”, the source said. The hoodlums are yet to establish contact with the family. The police confirmed the incident and said two suspects had been arrested. Police spokesman Alex

Akhigbe said the suspects made useful statements. He said the police were making effort to locate the kidnappers and free their victim. In Benin, Edo State, gunmen abducted the wife and daughter of popular transporter, Abel Omoruyi, managing director of Iyare Motors. Sources said Mrs. Esohe Abel and Miss

Osarumwense Abel were kidnapped at 5 p.m. at Ugbor. It was gathered the hoodlums abandoned the victims’ car and took them away in their own car. Omoruyi said the matter had been reported at the Ugbor Police station and the victims’ car recovered by the police. The kidnappers had not contacted the family.

•Wife of Ogun State Governor Mrs. Olufunso Amosun giving relief materials to a rainstorm victim, Pa Ayinla Segilogba, at Ijebu North Local Government, Ijebu Igbo...yesterday

Ex-PDP spokesman loses dad

A Sylvanus Ugbe Ikem, father of a former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Venatius Ikem, is dead. He died on March 6 at his village, Begiaba, Obudu Local Government Area, Cross River State. He was 78. Pa UgbeIkem was an educationist, farmer and community leader. After his retirement as headmaster in 1993, he devoted his life to farming and community service, holding key positions in the community. He is survived by a wife,

Mimiko signs Contributory Pension, Land Use Charges bills into law •The late Ikem

12 children and 24 grandchildren, among who are Venatius Ikem and Vivian Ikem, head, Government Relations, Nigeria Breweries. He will be buried this weekend at his village Begiaba, Obudu.

NDO State Governor Olusegun Mimiko signed yesterday the controversial Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and Land Use Charges bills into law. Although workers earlier protested against the passage of the CPS bill, Mimi-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

ko said it would protect their interest. Addressing government officials at the Cocoa Banquet Hall of the Government House in Akure, he said poor sensitisation of workers on the benefits of the bill was responsible for their opposition to it. The governor, who said

the CPS is a matter of law and every civil servant must key into, denied insinuations that it was another means of taxing workers. He thanked Labour leaders for their cooperation and assured workers that the execution of the scheme would be transparent. Many civil servants alleged that the bill was introduced to “impoverish” them. They threatened to ground

government activities, if what they described as “the hurried and forceful commencement of the scheme’s implementation without their consent” is not reversed. The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Eyitayo Jegede, praised the lawmakers for the quick passage of the bills. The Land Use Charges bill is to check excessive cost of land.

Lawmaker arraigned for alleged forgery

AJORITY Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly Philip Shaibu was yesterday arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at an Edo State High Court for alleged forgery. Shaibu, who represents Estako West 11, was arraigned on a six-count of forgery of tax clearance certificates. The charge sheet signed by ICPC’s Assistant Chief Legal

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Officer Dennis Idoko, on behalf of the attorney-general of the federation, said the offences were contrary to Section 23 (1)(a) and punishable under Section (1)(b) of the ICPC Act 2000. One of the charges alleged that Shaibu in July 2010 at Abuja made a false statement to the officers of ICPC by claiming he was an employee of Zanote Ventures from 2003 to 2006.

The lawmaker’s plea was not taken yesterday because his counsel, Ken Mozia, told the court his client was served yesterday morning. Prosecuting Counsel Igbadume Godson argued that the plea be taken and the bail application heard because they could not reach Shaibu for court service. Justice Esther Edigin adjourned the case till April 14 to enable Shaibu respond to the charges and reply to the bail application.

Osun holds seminar on Yoruba Language

HE Osun State government will hold a seminar on Thursday on the need to promote the Yoruba Language and culture, lest they become extinct. The programme will hold at St. Charles Grammar School in Osogbo at 11am. It is organised by the Awolowo Centre for Philosophy, Ideology and Good Governance. Parents, pupils and other stakeholders are expected at the seminar. The key speaker is Dr. Taiwo Makinde,

an Associate Professor of Public Administration at the Obafemi Awolowo University (O.A.U.), IleIfe. Discussants are Mrs. Comfort Osungbohun, Principal 3, St. Charles Grammar School and Prof. Moses Makinde, Director-General/CEO of the Awolowo Centre for Philosophy, Ideology and Good Governance, Osogbo. The Chairman of the event is Mr. Gbenga Akano, Assistant Chief of Staff, Governor’s Office. The event is a pilot project to be followed by seminars in public and private schools.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY MARCH 26, 2014

NEWS

Police detonate IED in Kaduna

•Yero flanked by Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs Nasir Damau (right) and Emir of Zazzau Shehu Idris at the meeting in Kaduna...yesterday

Kaduna promises to rebuild burnt houses

ADUNA State government said yesterday that it will rebuild houses destroyed in the attack on three villages in Kaura Local Government Area. The government warned politicians against making inflammatory statements on the attack. Governor Ramalan Yero spoke while addressing traditional rulers at a retreat on peace and security. He said: “We need to know why people are killing fellow human beings the way they kill ants. People talk about differences in tribe or religion as the cause of what is happening, but we have had these differences in the past and we lived in peace. “So why can’t we live in peace now? We need to find out what has gone wrong. “Maybe it’s because we have deviated from the path of God and if that is the case we have to go back and seek His forgiveness.” The governor called on the monarchs to avoid partisanship. “Dialogue is the only answer; we need to dialogue to understand one another.

Ex-Yakowa’s aide held for posting attack pictures online

HE police in Kaduna State have arrested a former Senior Special Assistant to the late Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa on Media, Reuben Buhari, for posting pictures of the Kaura massacre online. He was invited for questioning on March 19 and detained for about six hours and made to write an undertaking not to post more pictures before he was released. Commissioner of Police Umar Shehu said yesterday Buhari would be transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja. In a text message to The Nation at 12.38 p.m., Buhari said: “I have been invited to the Force Headquarters again by the police commissioner. Right now on my way.” At 2:30 p.m., the police chief announced that he was taking Buhari to Abuja on the instructions of the inspector-general.

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

Shehu said: “No one has the power to tell me to transfer a case to Abuja, except the inspector-general. I don’t know how the case got to Abuja. I cannot transfer a case to Force CID on my own.” Efforts by Celestine Anwe, who led other lawyers to the police headquarters, to stop the arrest, failed. Buhari said to the police commissioner: “Sir, I thank you for your kindness. This has nothing to do with you. This is politics. We know where this is coming from. “All I want is to take permission to give my wife something for her upkeep since she just put to bed on Monday and I just brought her back home this morning from the hospital.” His request was denied.

• Govt warns against inflammatory statements From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

As I said there is no amount of guns or security that can guarantee peace.” Yero said a similar retreat would be organised for religious leaders. The governor said the government would rebuild burnt houses in the affected

villages to hasten the rehabilitation process. Deputy Governor Nuhu Bajoga, who visited the villages, said some politicians were making inflammatory statements. Bajoga said: “What I have seen is actually a disaster. You can see the extent of man’s injustice to man. “The government is ask-

ing: Do the people deserve this? It is rather unfortunate. “Government is taking measures to ensure we resettle the victims and ensure security is tigthened in the area. “It is rather unfortunate some parties are pointing fingers and capitalising on the incident to score cheap political gains.”

Umar sacks ‘controversial’ chief of staff

ARABA State Acting Governor Garba Umar has sacked his Chief of Staff, Ahmed Yusuf a.k.a Gamaliya. Sources said Umar took the decision, following an impeachment threat by the House of Assembly, who accused Yusuf of “destroying” the government. A statement by Umar’s Chief Press Secretary Kefas Sule said Yusuf willingly “stepped aside.” “Taraba State Acting Governor Garba Umar has approved the request of his Chief of Staff, Ahmed Yusuf, to step aside,” the statement said. But Yusuf told reporters he did not resign but was sacked. Some lawmakers said based on the condition they gave Umar, he has sacked Yusuf but decided to give him a soft landing. Umar would announce a new chief of staff “in due

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

course,” his chief press secretary said. “It is unfair to say Yusuf resigned. He has been sacked as chief of staff and we are glad one of our major demands has been met,” a lawmaker said. Before his appointment, Yusuf chaired the State Investments and Property Limited. Umar said Yusuf could return to his former position. There were allegations the ex-chief of staff gave the Speaker, Josiah Sabo Kente,

‘It is unfair to say Yusuf resigned. He has been sacked as chief of staff and we are glad one of our major demands has been met’ a proposal that Governor Danbaba Suntai be impeached. Yusuf refuted the allegation.

“It is not true,” he told The Nation. Umar’s supporters also alleged Yusuf was planning to contest the 2015 governorship, which the acting governor was interested in. But Yusuf said his ambition was to run for Senate in Taraba North. Yusuf, a former commissioner of Finance, had been an opposition leader in the state. He contested the governorship election on the platforms of the Action Congress (AC) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) before Suntai brought him to PDP.

Community hails Ahmed, Saraki

ATIGI community in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State has passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and Senator Bukola Saraki. The APC chieftains, supporters and loy-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

alists spoke at a caucus meeting in the local government, where they reviewed the state and council’s development activities. The people thanked the government for building Patigi-Kpada new alignment road. They also expressed their satisfaction on the compliance with specifications.

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

HE police in Kaduna yesterday detonated a high calibre Improvised Explosive Device (IED), allegedly dropped on the Sultan/Kashim Ibrahim Road Junction by an unidentified motorcyclist. The junction is a few metres away from Essence International School, one of the highbrow private schools in Kaduna. Police spokesman Aminu Lawan said: “We got a distress call that a polythene bag containing a questionable substance was dropped by a motorcyclist. So we ordered our anti-bomb squad team to the area. “The area was condoned off when it was discovered the bag contained high calibre IED. Our anti-bomb squad detonated it and the situation was brought under control. “As I speak, the area is calm and people are going about their activities, efforts to apprehend the suspect is on.” An eye witness told The Nation that when they noticed the motorcyclist drop the bag, they tried to apprehend him. He said: “When we saw the bag, we tried to see if we can catch up with the man. We called the police and it was discovered it was an IED.”

‘Ex-Taraba commissioner died a sad man’ X-TARABA State

Commissioner for Works, Mr. Jonah Agyo is dead. He died at Courage Clinic, Jalingo after a prolonged illness. He will be buried at his home in Wukari, Taraba South on Saturday, the family said. Agyo was sacked with eight members of the Executive Council by Acting Governor Garba Umar for allegedly failing to account for the N400 million intervention fund for flood victims. The sacked officials went to court, claiming they were fired for opposing a proposal to impeach Governor Danbaba Suntai. A source said: “The sack broke Agyo’s heart, which may have quickened his death. “Agyo was a sad man for what he felt tarnished his brilliant career. “He was on his hospital bed in Israel when the House of Assembly panel

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

constituted on Umar’s directive indicted him. “He (Agyo) was largely away throughout the period and never saw a penny of the flood fund.” House of Assembly Speaker Josiah Sabo Kente visited the family, announcing he would tell the acting governor the news. But Agyo’s family, led by first son, Magai, rejected the suggestion, it was learnt. The family reportedly said it would not want Umar’s involvement. The source said Agyo’s relatives insisted they would not accept any monetary donations from Umar, besides the deceased’s entitlements. “After tarnishing his (Agyo’s) image they want to come and play politics at his funeral. We won’t take that,” they said.

‘Why we arrested two pastors’ From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

HE police in Taraba State have explained that the pastors - Abinifus Akila and Hassan Umar, they arrested in Jalingo, beat up their younger colleague, Rev. Thomas Bakawu, on Sunday. Bakawu is being treated at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo, yesterday. Sources said Bakawu was posted to the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN) ,Nukkai, but the older pastors refused to hand over to him. “Instead, they beat up the new pastor,” eyewitnesses said. Armed policemen stormed the church on Sunday and arrested Akila and Umar. Hundreds of worshippers stormed the command, but the police shot teargas at them. Thirty-four parishioners, who tried to ‘rescue’ the pastors, were also arrested. At a Magistrate’s Court yesterday, the police said the pastors were arrested for causing “grievous hurt on another pastor” while the 34 worshippers caused “public disturbance.” The police described their offences as “criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, resistance and obstruction of arrest, causing grievous hurt, disturbance of public peace and theft. Sgt Fachang Bangnim told the court that Akila and Umar did not only lead a group, which injured the new pastor in the head, they stole his phone, valued at N25,000. “We also arrested 34 worshippers of UMCN, who stormed the Jalingo Police Division and the police headquarters, causing public disturbance. “The accused pastors also incited about 200 other church members to cause disturbance,” said the prosecutor. They pleaded not guilty. Their lawyer, D.E. Avong, made an oral application for bail but the Magistrate, Dikko I. Dikko, insisted on a written motion. Dikko remanded the accused in prison custody till April 8.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Boy loses manhood to suspected ritualist

EDICAL experts are battling to save the soul of a one-and-ahalf-year-old boy, Bashiru Akintoye, whose manhood was severed by a suspected ritualist on Sunday at 16, Lamidi Ariyo Street, Ago Palace Way, Okota, a Lagos suburb. The boy’s father, Mr Ibrahim Akintoye, who described the incident as shocking, said he was at work at a nearby Alhaji Kola Hotel, where he was “enjoying the El Classico between Real Madrid and Barcelona – both Spanish football teams - when he was informed about the incident. Sobbing, he said: “When I dashed home, I saw my son bleeding. It was such a gory sight. And I asked myself: ‘Who did I offend that refused to forgive me?” Akintoye, 38, said that night, he and his friend, Fatai, drove the boy in a tricycle to the Isolo General Hospital, where he was referred the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) because of the sensitivity of his case. Saying that the police were on top of the situation, he added: “I was at a police station around Pako Roundabout to file a report, following which investigations commenced. Akintoye said his wife had questions to answer because her excuse that she took food to his friend when the dastardly act was committed was not genuine. The land lady, an old woman, who is in her 80s, said the attitude of the boy’s mother was condemnable, adding

Strange pot threatens couple’s marriage By Basirat Braimah

•Bashiru at the hospital...yesterday By Wale Adepoju

that she was fond of abandoning her children. A neighbour, Master Abiodun Adelaja, said: “We usually don’t lock the gate until everybody comes in. On the day the incident happened, the fa-

ther and I were watching a football match. It was during that match that they came to inform us. It is so sad.” A security official who pleaded anonymity said Mrs Akintoye gave conflicting accounts of her whereabouts when the incident happened.

But he also blamed the father for coming in late at night. His body is lying helplessly at the Accident and Emergency Ward of the LUTH, where doctors said he would undergo a major surgery. Now the question on people’s lips is: Who did the havoc?

Woman ‘attempts’ to abduct girl, 10

WOMAN who allegedly attempted to abduct a 10-year old yesterday stripped herself naked at the Ajegunle Police Station in Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local

By Jude Isiguzo

Government Area in Lagos. It was gathered that the woman stripped as a ploy to evade arrest for the alleged

offence. The woman, who identified herself as Comfort, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), abducted a primary school pupil at Barra School. The little girl cried for help, but the woman claimed she was her child, whom she was taking to her “office” at Area ‘B’ Command, Apapa Eyewitnesses said some passers-by made fruitless effort to rescue the girl from Comfort’s grip. But the woman was said to have threatened to attack whoever tried it. An eyewitness said: “Out of curiosity, we decided to find out what the problem was and the girl said she did not know the woman. When asked, the woman said she was taking “her child” to Area B Command. A man asked the girl to give us her mother’s telephone number which she did. We put a call across to her mother and she rushed to the scene.” When the girl’s mother arrived and identified her daughter, a mob attempted to lynch Comfort, but a patrol team from Ajegunle Police Station rescued her and drove her away. At the station, the woman was said to be incoherent during interrogation. Suddenly, she stripped herself naked, threatening to deal with whoever tried to detain her. Sources said the woman, who is suspected to have mental challenges, had earlier hit another woman with a bucket because the latter demanded the N350 she owed her for the kerosene she bought from her. A resident of Olubukola Street, where the suspect allegedly resides, was said to have told the police that Comfort was mentally deranged, adding that she had stabbed an expectant mother during a fight in the neighborhood. Comfort was said to have been taken to the Psychiatrist Hospital, Yaba, Lagos Mainland, where she is currently receiving treatment.

MIDDLE-AGED woman, Tosin Elegbede, has prayed the Customary Court sitting at Agege in Lagos to dissolve her three-year marriage after uncovering a strange black pot wrapped in white cloth under her bed. “I was at my shop last December when my children came to inform me that their father brought a 25-litre keg filled with kerosene home. I was happy because I felt it would reduce our cost of living for a while. Surprisingly, on getting home, I realised that the keg was filled with herbal potion. I wanted to ask him questions, but he had left for the bathroom with a local soap and sponge. Afterwards, he forcefully had sexual intercourse with me,” Mrs Elegbede told the court. The following day, the woman said she was getting ready for a vigil when her children told her that their father had instructed that no one should check under the bed. She said: “The said order shocked me; then, I did. And to my surprise, I saw a black pot wrapped with white cloth. It was under the same bed where we had sexual intercourse. When in January, I felt I was no longer safe, I packed out.” Mrs Elegbede, whose marriage is blessed with three children, said her husband urged her not to involve the police or go to court. She, however, said it would be in their best interest to be separated. She said after questioning of her husband relentlessly over the strange developments, the latter told her that all he was doing was to curry her favour. However, her husband described her allegations as untrue, adding that he harboured no evil thought against his wife. Though he said his wife had posed a stumbling block to his success in his various endeavours, he insisted that he would not want to divorce her. The lawyer who appeared for the woman told the court: “We have been trying our best to sort out their differences; I pray this is settled amicably because their children need their parental love, care and support.” Mr Adekunle Philips Williams, who presided over the court, adjourned the case till March 31 for possible mediation. He asked the couple to come with two members of their families.

Ex-servicemen get new exco in Lagos

HE Lagos State Government yesterday inaugurated a new executive committee for the state chapter of the Nigerian Legion for improved welfare of members. The exco, led by Col. Samuel Fola Akande, was inaugurated by the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Mr Oyinlomo Danmole at the ministry’s conference room, Alausa, Ikeja. Danmole, who enjoined them to work together and promote love and unity among members, said the winner of the election emerged through a transparent process witnessed by duly-elected representatives of Local Government Coun-

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

cils and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). He appealed to the new leaders to provide a leadership devoid of crisis and carry all strata of the Legion along in all their dealings and actions. In his inaugural speech, Akande pledged his commitment to the welfare of the exservice men in the state. He also assured his members of an exemplary leadership style during his tenure. He also expressed gratitude to the state governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola for the vital contribution of the state to improving the lot of the Nigerian Legion.

Church holds prayer

HE Christ Apostolic Church, a.k.a Babalola Centre, has concluded plans to stage its annual three-day marathon prayer warfare at the Covenant Ground, Oba’s Palace, Ido-Ile in Ekiti State between Thursday and Saturday. This year’s crusade titled, ‘Let my people Go,’ according to its organisers, will be unique because it will feature Oba Mathew Oyekale, the Oba of Masifasile in Osun State, who is popularly called the Royal Evangelist by his subjects. He is expected to minister. The programme’s coordinator, Prophet Theophilus Oye-Adurota, urged people to come with great expectations “as God is prepared to release captives and perform wonders in their lives.”

By Adeola Ogunlade

He said: “People that have been in bondage of barrenness, poverty and all forms of diseases should come with great expectations. Also, those who find it difficult to have breakthroughs in their businesses and all other endeavours should try and attend this programme. It is for everybody and the Lord is ready to set people free and loose destinies from bondages. The only thing that is required of them is to have faith that God can do it”. Other ministers expected at the programme are: Pastor Sam Olaniyan, Evangelist Ojo Ade, Dr Bola Are and Evangelist J.A Adelakun of the Ayewa fame, among others.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

Life

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

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

Text only: 08023058761

Things fall apart in Gowon Estate – Page 17

Ounje Ale Oluwa: Artistic supper with mysterious – Page 48 tint

•Odika

Redemption of Africa – Page 49

Ewa Asa Asa:: Preserving Yoruba language – SEE STORY ON PAGE 16

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Ewa Asa: Preserving Yoruba language In the last 25 years, the Chief Executive Officer African Mind Foundation, Rose Odika, has maintained a consistent presence in stage theatre. Since the Ibadan-based actress debuted with Ododo-Eye, directed by Prince Wemimo Paul, her contributions have traversed various aspects of cultural life-acting, fashion designing, singing, skin care therapy and cultural activism. She spoke on her pet-project Ewa Asa, initiated to promote Yoruba language among students in Ibadan, Oyo State, why she has never acted in English movie and what she lost to acting, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

ER passion for stage theatre and love for Nigerian heritage kept her hands full of ideas. The Delta State-born thespian, who spent most parts of her life in Ibadan, Oyo State, believes her art knows no ethnic divide or race. Little wonder she founded African Mind Foundation solely for the preservation and promotion of Nigerian languages such as Yoruba and Ibo, which are facing extinction. Worried by the increasing security crises in the country, Odika is offering her current movie (still under production) titled: Salujo- a movie that interrogates why go to war when we can dialogue- as a panacea to restoring peace in the land. This, she said, is part of her dream and fulfillment as an actress- to make people happy and put smiles on their faces. She recalled that the Ewa Asa project (beauty of culture) was inspired by her desire to preserve Yoruba language, which many indigenes of the state can’t speak fluently because of love for English among the elite. “I have been in Ibadan since 1978 though born in Lagos. I discovered that many youths in the West are losing Yoruba language in preference for English. I

•Otunba Gani Adams, (third left), Odika (first right) and other guests at last year’s Ewa Asa at Ibadan said to myself, I hardly speak Ibo Language, where then is my strength? So I said let me celebrate where I have been all my life,” she said, adding that when the project has been successful in the West, it will move to Delta State. She said the essence of the project blends with her career as an actress, describing the response to the maiden edition of Ewa Asa as wonderful. “To my surprise, people embraced the project as students kept coming for the entry forms for the competition. So far the only challenge is funding, which is lean. The event, which featured competition in ability to speak Yoruba language fluently and Oriki as well as awards to distinguished Nigerians such as veteran poet and actor, Alagba Adebayo Faleti was held at K S Motel, Ibadan last October. For this year, she said forms for competition, which is open to students between ages 15 and 30 will be available by August through on-line. But paucity of funds and the seeming lukewarm attitude of government officials to supporting the event are giving the organisers some concerns. “I will continue to push in the direction of the private sectors because government officials have not demonstrated enough interest to back the project. I am therefore making the sourcing of the fund a private sector driven. The project is not about money but to rejuvenate Nigerian rich heritage. However, I am fulfilled running the programme after all I had some sponsors in the corporate world such as Learn Africa (former Longman Publishers,” Odika said with pride. On why most actresses are single mothers, she explained that becoming a single mother is never a deliberate choice for most career women, noting that it is circumstantial because of their career. “Most career women are however paying the prizes in terms of not having the desired married life. It is not easy to be a career woman as well as be a happy mother in a husband’s home. In fact, it is not peculiar to the actress alone as every career woman faces such problem in the world. Notwithstanding, if I come back to this world, I will be an actress again and again,” she boasted nodding her head in affirmation. Odika recalled that but for her poor results in JAMB examination she would have studied law because she loves mediation

a lot. She said at the moment, taking roles in movies has been slowed down because she is into production such that she can have time for the home front. The graduate of Health Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka released her debut music album, a 12-tracker, Ara Jesu in 2008. She sold about 200 copies of the album.

Her dream

“I want to be the best I can and as someone who passed through life as a mentor who is recognized as credible, morally upright intellectual. I want to be acknowledged as a point of reference in life-one who made it without much capital and get result. In fact, I want to be remembered that I can do it. Note that I was not born with silver spoon.

Marketers and cheap roles

Many marketers in the movie industry dictate to producers and actors on the scope and content of most movies. In fact, they determine close to 80 percent of what goes into a movie. All is to sell and make money not minding professionalism. Unfortunately, most young girls are embracing such cheap roles in order to get popularity. For me, before I take up any role in a movie, I will go through and decide, no matter the price I will turn down role. I have my credibility to protect. I will not stop low for money. I am a single parent but come from a humble background. And I still operate at that level. I don’t believe in gold and exotic cars, and I don’t owe anybody because of gold or car. Some of my movie include Iya Niyami, Alaporotu, Onfoloke, Aminu Madajo, Toriogun, Omo mi, Gbosewo,

Prize of being a movie star

My role has helped me a lot in relating with fans. I love eating rice (elewe) but because of my career I cannot do that in public. Also, to drink water from sachet (pure water) is a problem because you don’t know who is watching you. Again, I hardly see my daughter regularly because going to locations take me out of the home. However, you must win some and lose some. My role models are Iya Awero and Iya Rainbow. My first movie appearance fetched me twenty thousand naira in 1993. That was in Ododo Eye.”

Charting fresh path for art

ETERMINE to project the Nigerian art as authentic and priceless objects, an emerging group of fine artists is putting together an art exhibition that will serve as first platform to reaching the art market. The exhibiting artists include George Edozie, Gerald Chukwuma, Jefferson Jonah, Dominique Zinkpe (from Benin Republic), Tolu Aliki and Nyemike Onwuka. Tagged Serendipity the exhibition, which is cocurated by George Edozie and Patty Chidiac Masttrogiannis will hold at the Alexis Galleries on Victoria Island, Lagos on May 29. The show is being organized to project the Nigerian art that is good enough to represent the true state of African art. It will feature works in different media including oil painting, pastel and sculpture. The six artists will showcase five works each. Edozie said at a sneak preview of the exhibition that the group is working on remaining together as a unit and would use the platform to give back to the society. He said though there is no common theme for the exhibition but that the artists are sharing a common ideology of capturing the day-to-day happenings in the society using the art. “It is all about things that happen around us in the society. In fact, it is to promote African culture the best way we can,” he added. Among the works listed for Serendipity include Left Right, Left Right; Private domain, N70, Wazobia, Eko sikwa ike, The beginning of the matter and Sound

By Ozolua Uhakheme Assistant Editor (Arts)

code. Left Right one of Gerald Chukwuma’s works depicts the inconsistency of most Nigerian politicians who cross carpet from one party to another at will. It is a social commentary on political development where ideology is no longer an attraction or identity. Jonah’s Private domain is a painting of a child holding on to the mother‘s breast while sleeping. The painting rendered in pastel is a satire on how political leaders who are trusted with the nation’s wealth deprived the people of their earnings by looting the treasury. Also, N70 by Jobah simply sends message of frustration and child abuse to the viewers. The painting shows a child-hawker who expresses frustration at his sales of seventy naira. But Edozie’s Wazobia is a painting with a subtle push for women affirmation in governance as well as recognition. The artist who is known for celebrating women is using art not only to promote the aesthetics of female figures but also to call for the stop to using women as sex objects. Sponsors of the group exhibition are Veuve Clicquot, The Homestores, Chocolate Royal, Arra Vineyards, Avenue suits, Cool FM, Wazobia FM, Nigera Info, Internets solution Nigeria Ltd, Lostinlagos, Litho - Chrome Ltd, and Tolaram Group (Indomie). Aliki, is a self-trained professional artist but studied

Mass Communication at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. He works in several media, but with a flair for acrylic, oil and pastel. Most of his works address the concept of passion; love, music, family and everyday social interactions. And the uniqueness and originality of his works gives them the flair and authenticity no art lover could resist. Edozie studied Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Benin where he majored in Painting. BA (Hons Fine and Applied Arts) graduated in 1996. He has had 4 solo and over 70 group exhibitions within and outside Nigeria. He is also the co-author of the book 101 Contemporary Artist, A Celebration of Modern Nigerian Art, the first recent document on Nigerian contemporary art published in 2010. . For Onwuka, he is influenced by notions of both beauty and environmental decomposition as conflicting phenomena. His choice of mixed media– oil and latex combined with cosmetics; lip liner and eye pencils express his belief in the relationship between art and the alchemy of materials. Chukwuma studied Fine Art and Applied at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he majored in painting and made first class. He has 4 solo exhibitions and several group exhibitions in Nigeria and abroad. He was part of the exhibition ‘Heden Daagse Afrikaanse Kunst’ Galerie 23 Amsterdam; ‘Music Lesson’ an exhibition of wood panels at Alexis Galleries, Lagos.

•Sound code Zinkpe who hails from the Republic of Benin, has participated in numerous exhibitions, workshops and residences in Africa, Europe and South America. Zinkpe gained early recognition through the prix jeune Talent African awarded to him at the Grapholie in Abidjan in 1993. Serendipity will run till April 5.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

The Midweek Magazine

•One of the roads

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

•Protesters at the estate

Things fall apart in Gowon Estate

Poor infrastructure, dilapidating buildings, failed roads and shanty structures have turned Gowon Estate on the outskirts of Lagos, touted as one of the best Federal housing estates to a shadow of its old self. Residents are worried about environmental threats, reports SUNDAY OGUNTOLA

HE rot is there for all to see. It begins right from the main gate leading to the estate. Commercial motorcyclists popularly known as Okada operators give the entrance a distressing look. They park their motorcycles haphazardly, making passage a hell for commuters. But the worst is spared for the inside of Gowon Estate. Our correspondent, who visited the estate, last week noticed that most of the buildings are dilapidated. Many of the structures have caved in, showing signs of old age. Many of the structures, residents said, have not undergone refurbishment or maintenance of any kind since the estate took off in 1977 during the regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo (Rtd).

Living in past glories

Mrs. Lydia Ojeleye, who lives in one of the apartments, said the entire building has never been repainted, let alone renovated since they moved there in 1979. “As far as I know, there has been no renovation or maintenance of any sort since my family came here. “That is why our building is giving in. All the roofs leak and our apartments are just inhabitable.” The retired federal civil servant stated. Ojeleye, the retired Federal Civil Servant who saw the estate in its glorious years, lamented the decadence that have since taken roots in its nooks and crannies. She said: “This is an estate that was once the pride of all federal servants. Everybody wanted to live here. It was the place to be. The flowers, the lawns, the recreational facilities and well-lit roads made this place al-

PROPERTY most a haven. It is a shame everything has deteriorated in just a generation”. Most residents confirmed that the estate is simply living on past glories. They lamented that those who hear about it still relate with its beautiful, aesthetic atmosphere of the years gone. Last year, two children died after falling from the balcony of their parent’s apartment while playing. The incident, it was gathered, was caused by the dilapidated structures of the apartment.

A catalogue of failed roads

Our correspondent noticed that all the roads in the estate have failed. Motorists groan plying the roads while vehicle owners complained of heavy maintenance costs every week. Worst hits are 34 and 41 roads, practically the major roads in the estate. Potholes and gullies have become permanent features of the roads. This not only reduces vehicular movements but also causes gridlock, especially during peak hours.

A sinking, collapsed sewage

Flooding also contributes a lot to the deterioration of the roads. Residents, who spoke with our correspondents, said their greatest pain is the deplorable state of the central sewage in the estate. The facility sums up the story of deterioration in the estate. Overgrown by weeds, the sewage is a study in neglect and decadence. Built to generate fertilizers for residents, who were believed would be interested in farming

Omoba gives back to his US Alma Mata

S-based Nigerian cartoonist and former Punch newspaper cartoonist, Mr. Tayo Fatunla recently gave a lecture and presentation to some students of his alma mata, Kubert School, Dover in New Jersey, US. The event provided Fatunla the opportunity not only to inspire younger student-artists of the school, but also to talk on the principles of sequential art, craft of comics and digital art while giving back to his old school, where he first created the cartoon strip Our Roots. He described the experience thus: “It was such a wonderful experience I would never have exchanged for any other presentation. I felt I was lecturing the future of comic artists, men and women”. During the two-hour lecture and presentation he showed the students several of his works he did as a student at Kubert School. The event also featured some of his published works, humour, questions and answers and his Draw my life video done for London based HatTrick productions on JAY Z. He gave an insight into his growing up in Nigeria and drawing cartoons and the importance cartoons play in the Nigerian press.

after years of service, the sewage is anything but a waste facility. Wastes generated from the estate no longer find their way to the sewage; instead residents find difficult alternatives to dispose them. Owing to years of neglect and abandonment, the sewage oozes a terrible toxic odour that certainly poses a great health threats to residents. The sorry state of the facility is worsened by building constructions that have taken a large chunk of lands allocated to it. It was gathered by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has been allocating every available space, including designated portions, to willing buyers for constructions. The sewage’s poor state has worsened the flooding in the estate. Last year, five teenagers were washed to the popular Tinubu market during heavy rainfall in the estate. As the rainy season approaches this year, there are fears among residents that similar tragedies could be recorded in the estate.

The fears of flooding

A resident, Mr. Mike Ajara, said most of them dread raining like nothing else. “Whenever it rains here, we just know we are in trouble. We always wonder what next bad news we would hear. It’s been terrible in the years,” he confessed. Most of the residents, who are mainly officials of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, Customs and other security organisations, are already expecting the worst as the rainy season draws close. Many of them said they would willingly relocate should the opportunity arises. Ajara is incensed that spaces reserved for rec-

reational facilities and medical centres have been illegally allocated as people continue to erect structures on drainages. This development, it was learnt, has affected drainage network in the estate and further exacerbated flooding. Our correspondent observed the development of many shanties and make-shifts within the estate. While some are for residential purposes, others are strictly for commercial activities. Shops and illegal structures litter the length and breadth of the estate, further denting planning of the estate. Penultimate Sunday, youths in the estate, fed up with its deterioration, took to the streets. They protested against the neglect that has turned the estate to a shadow of its old self. Bearing placards with inscriptions such as ‘This estate is dying, please help’, ‘FHA, save our estate from rot’, ‘This is not what a federal estate should look like’, the youths called on the Federal Government to rectify the situation. They warned that the poor sewage and drainage systems in the estate might wreck more havocs. The youths also alerted that there could be an outbreak of epidemic going by the suffocating odour and poor sanitation around the central sewage system. They called on the relevant authorities to save their souls and help restore the estate to its former glory. Gone are the flowers, lawns and street lights that once gave the estate a befitting residential ambiance. In their places are weeds, grasses and refuses. Indeed, the estate named after former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, is another classic example of the neglect that pervades government’s housing schemes across the nation.

By Ozolua Uhakheme Assistant Editor (Arts)

Fatunla is a famous cartoonist in Nigeria and is well known for his Omoba cartoon panel at the back of the Punch newspapers. He left Punch to further his art education in the US. Since then he has drawn for different publications in Nigeria and abroad and for websites such as BBC, New York Times, Eurweb.com and Cagle.com. The event was attended by Fatunla’s former school mates and artist friends, professional artists working in the industry, many of them graduates of the school such as Michael Chen, Kim Demulder, Fernando Ruiz, Mike Kraiger and the first family of comics, Adam and Andy Kubert who now run the school after the passing of its founder, the legendary Joe Kubert in 2011. Joe Kubert founded the school with his wife, Muriel in 1978. The Kubert School offers students a high quality and challenging education in cartooning and graphic art. Fatunla was the first international student to attend the school that has 20 per cent of its population made up of international students.

•Fatunla with former classmate and X-Men comic artist, Andy Kubert.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

25 new judges •It prefigures the tasks ahead

HE appointment of 25 new justices to the Court of Appeal is a welcome development. This is particularly so, considering the expected demand on the judiciary arising from election petitions, with our country primed towards another general election, next year. So it is good that the existing vacancies in the Court of Appeal are filled up, ahead of the election year, so that the new justices will have time to settle down before that circle of assignment, as election petition tribunals, becomes due. According to Mr. Soji Oye, the acting Director of Information, the National Judicial Commission (NJC), the new justices were appointed to fill the vacancies occasioned by deaths, retirements and elevation of some justices to the Supreme Court. We join other Nigerians to congratulate the new justices of the Court of Appeal on their elevation, but we quickly remind them that their new appointment is a call to higher responsibility. As justices of the penultimate court of the land, the demand on their professional capacity, integrity, wisdom and work output is a notch higher now. The implication is that their erudition and competence must soar higher than when they were at the High Court. Again, there is a higher expectation with respect to their integrity and the rigour in their judgments. As justices of appellate courts, they must always bear in mind that their judgments would henceforth become precedents,

and as such guides for lower courts and the legal community. With their years of experience at the High Courts, we believe that they are aware of the public perception of the integrity of our judiciary. This is a matter of grave importance to our national wellbeing. Now as justices of appellate court, they own a higher stake in ensuring a better positive image for the judiciary. As individuals, they must strive to be above all genuine reproach, with respect to their professional conduct. As an institution, they must strive to exhibit an impeccable reputation and independence that will convince every fair-minded person that our judiciary is fair and just. In this regard it is our wish to see an austere community of justices who will dispense justice without fear or favour. For the new justices as well as the old justices of the Court of Appeal, we wish to remind them that the approaching general elections may rightly be described as a make-or-mar election for our country. If our experience is anything to go by, then they must brace up for the challenges of being ready to fairly and efficiently discharge their responsibilities as impartial arbiters. How well they deal with the election petitions might as well determine the survival and health of our republic. This is unfortunately so, because our politicians see elections as a do-or-die matter, for which they must seek to win at all times.

While congratulating the judiciary for the increase in the number of justices of the Court of Appeal to 90, we are worried that the budget of the judiciary has been dwindling in recent years. We hope that the authorities made adequate budgetary provisions for these appointments. The constitution envisages a well funded judiciary, which enhances its independence. Unfortunately in recent years, the budget of the judiciary has been on the decrease, instead of increasing. The executive and legislative arms of government must stop the common practice of appropriating more resources to themselves at the expense of the judiciary, which is also a critical arm of the tripod.

‘For the new justices as well as the old justices of the Court of Appeal, we wish to remind them that the approaching general elections may rightly be described as a make-ormar election for our country. If our experience is anything to go by, then they must brace up for the challenges of being ready to fairly and efficiently discharge their responsibilities as impartial arbiters’

Pot calling the kettle black

•Mugabe accuses Nigerians of corruption!

HEN one corrupt country is calling another corrupt country names, it should call for laughter by the international community. Corruption in Nigeria and Zimbabwe is legendary, the former in West Africa, and the latter in South Africa. President Robert Mugabe seized the opportunity of his 90th birthday luncheon hosted by service chiefs and the public commission to castigate Nigerians as corrupt. Comparing Zimbabweans to Nigerians would be offensive to Mugabe who feels that Zimbabweans are now almost behaving like Nigerians who have to take gratification before every service is rendered. Hear him: “Are we now like Nigeria where you have to reach your

‘What Mugabe might be saying, and was out to demonstrate might be that the ‘giant of Africa’ called Nigeria cannot lead Africa because of massive corruption in the country. The only sad aspect of it all is that the Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan, does not see what everyone else is seeing. To him, things are not as bad as they are being painted about Nigeria and corruption’

pockets to corruptly pay for everything”. He added: “You see, we used to go to Nigeria and every time we went there we had to carry extra cash in our pockets to corruptly pay for everything. You get into plane in Nigeria and you sit there and the crew keeps dilly-dallying without taking off as they wait for you to pay them to fly the plane”. President Mugabe’s swipe at Nigeria was followed by a huge laughter from the people at the luncheon. Disgraceful as Mugabe’s comments on Nigeria might be, we, in good conscience, find it difficult to defend Nigeria because everything Mugabe said about Nigeria is common knowledge, even to Nigerians. Instances of corruption in Nigeria and Zimbabwe are well documented. The current corruption rating in the world ranks corruption in Zimbabwe a lot worse than Nigeria’s. Nigeria is ranked 163rd most corrupt country in the world while Zimbabwe sits at an embarrassing 170th position, a third from the rear, apart from local and international criticisms of his (Mugabe’s) regime which he enjoys, in spite of his notoriously bad governance, old age and reputation as a sit-tight president. We have never hidden our feelings against Nigeria as a corrupt nation. Thus, while we could agree with the observations that led Mugabe to accuse Nigerians of corruption, we can say that there was nothing to warrant Mugabe’s outburst against Nigeria on

the occasion of such a celebration like his 90th birthday. But he has said it, whatever the occasion. What should worry us is the fact that Mugabe singled out Nigeria for attack. Why is it that he did not accuse Ghana, Ivory Coast, Gambia, South Africa or Lesotho of corruption? It is a pity that Nigeria has given Mugabe the license to say what he said about Nigeria, probably because Mugabe knows that Nigeria is only slightly better than Zimbabwe with regard to corruption. This is however a clarion call for Nigerians and their leaders. As things are today, President Mugabe knew what he was talking about. It does not matter whether we think Zimbabwe and Nigeria are corrupt, what Mugabe might be saying, and was out to demonstrate might be that the ‘giant of Africa’ called Nigeria cannot lead Africa because of massive corruption in the country. The only sad aspect of it all is that the Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan, does not see what everyone else is seeing. To him, things are not as bad as they are being painted about Nigeria and corruption. This is the real tragedy of the whole matter because if the person who is supposed to fight corruption says it is being blown out of proportion, it means he does not see any need to lead the anti-corruption war. This can only spell doom for the country. Anyway, thanks, but no thanks, President Mugabe.

Egypt’s miscarriage of Justice

GYPT has been on an alarming downward spiral ever since the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak in 2011. Even so, the court verdict on Monday that condemned 529 Islamists to death for the killing of a single police officer last summer was a uniquely shocking example of a judicial system run amok. The verdict could well be overturned on appeal. Nevertheless, it represents an outrageous escalation of the military-led government’s ruthless crackdown against the Muslim Brotherhood and Islamist supporters of its ally, Mohamed Morsi. It will further radicalize the group’s members. And it will almost surely worsen instability in one of the Arab world’s most important countries. There is no way that the proceeding can be seen as anything other than a show trial with a preordained political outcome. It was clearly intended to intimidate anyone who dares to challenge the military or shows sympathy for the Brotherhood and Mr. Morsi, who was elected president in 2012 in a democratic election and then ousted in a military coup last summer. According to legal experts, the verdict was the largest mass sentencing in modern Egyptian history. It followed a trial that lasted little more than two days — not enough time to make a case against even a single person, much less 529 people, charged with murder for the killing of a police officer in rioting that followed Mr. Morsi’s ouster. On the face of it, convicting so many people in one death is preposterous. The fact that 16 of those charged were acquitted does not legitimize the process in the least. Only 123 defendants were in the courtroom; the rest were either released, out on bail or on the run. It is impossible to know whether the court in the city of Minya where the verdicts were handed down was caught up in the animosity against Mr. Morsi and his supporters that has swept Egypt since his overthrow or whether the court was acting on directions from security officials. Either way, the case lays bare a prejudicial system that has been quick to punish Mr. Morsi’s supporters while ignoring gross human rights violations by the military-led government that replaced him. Among these violations were the shooting of more than 1,000 Egyptians who protested the coup, and the subsequent arrest of thousands more. These incidents, in turn, triggered a backlash by Morsi supporters against police around the country. The backlash included violent protests in Minya last year, including the killing of the police officer that led to the trial. Governments, of course, have a duty to protect their citizens and bring criminals to justice. But this trial had all the makings of a vendetta, not a fair and rigorous judgment. Even if the verdict is overturned on appeal, as lawyers predict, the process is illegitimate and perpetuates the government’s transparent effort to crush the Brotherhood. Mr. Morsi’s mistakes, authoritarian ways and efforts to monopolize power now seem almost modest compared with the official brutality of his successors. The verdict should also raise alarms about the fate of other prisoners, including several journalists for the pan-Arab news channel Al Jazeera, whose trial is underway in Cairo, as well as 600 other defendants, whose mass trial is set to begin on Tuesday. The possibility that all could be faced with death sentences, a barbaric and indefensible punishment, is chilling. Inexplicably, the United States and Britain issued separate, similarly weak statements, which said that they were “deeply concerned” about the death sentences. That’s unlikely to have much effect on Egypt’s military and a population that largely seems willing to tolerate its abuses. – New York Times

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

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: Governments across the country are not unaware of the infamous activities of motor park touts otherwise known as ‘Agberos’. In some instances, some state governments have had to proscribe them for their antisocial activities. In spite of this, it is baffling to discover that rather than diminish, their nefarious activities have increased. The reasons for this are, of course, not far- fetched. First, there is the issue of complicity of law enforcement agencies. This has always been a serious issue in tackling the menace of ‘Agberos’ in our cities. It has been alleged that the leadership of the police have links with leading sponsors of ‘Agberos’ in the country. In particular, some

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Curbing the menace of motor park touts Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) have been alleged to be on the payroll of prominent ‘Agbero’ linchpins. These are serious allegations that the police authorities must seriously look into. But so also is the lack of political will on the part of governments across the country to tackle their

menace. Some ‘Agberos’ top shots are alleged to be well connected to the corridors of power, the reason they are not afraid to break the law. If, indeed, it is true that some of have strong backers in high places as being alleged, such backers should know that a mad dog cannot be tamed for too long. It can always come around to bite its owners.

Governments at various levels need to take firm steps to curb the lawlessness of ‘Agberos’. They need to stick to tough-line policies in order to ensure that no group or individual in the society continue to act in ungovernable manners. The police and other security agencies should hunt down, arrest and bring to book any ‘Agbero’

To those boys, Aso Rock was like a farmland, industry and goldmine. That’s why they had the audacity to lash out at Professor Soyinka. Truth be told, these boys deserve our pity, because they were somewhere far away from home when their father introduced kleptomania- locracy ‘. Perhaps they were in school abroad.

So why will they ever understand the laureate’s point of view? I call on well meaning Nigerians to urge the Abacha children to run a quick check on their history books and if they do, the only option they will have is to apologise to the Professor and walk the street with their heads covered with shame. If

they have no books, they should google the life and time of their father. Somebody should please let them know that the money left behind by their dad in places far and near belongs to Nigeria. It is oil money. • Godfrey Ogbaisi, Benin City

their best, making efforts to cover adequately the prescribed syllabus so as to ensure that their pupils do well in the examinations. The pupils on their part are challenged to work harder, knowing that they can no longer predict possible areas of concentration since their teachers are no longer solely in charge. Consequently, the standard of public education is rapidly on the increase in Ogun State. The privately-owned schools, having observed the achievements so re-

corded, have also bought into scheme. The administration of Senator Amosun should be commended for this laudable effort. Once the foundation of the future leaders is properly laid, as it is being done currently in Ogun State, the larger Nigerian society will ultimately benefit.

Still on Abacha children and Soyinka

IR: I do not know whether the writer was right or wrong when he said “say nothing but good of the dead”. But I do know that the likes of such writers will stop at nothing to eulogize one of Nigeria’s most vicious rulers, late Gen. Sani Abacha. Sincerely, I have nothing against the late General but his children who like parrots with unquenchable appetite for loquacity rose against Prof. Wole Soyinka on pages on newspapers and other social media. These children who can not distinguish between earned and unearned wealth deliberately failed to comprehend Professor Soyinka’s reasons for rejecting the recent centenary award. Like children of Sodom and Gomorrah, they saw morality in immorality. They forgot that their father suddenly became one of the richest leaders on earth shortly after he assumed office.

Unified exams: Kudos to Ogun government IR: The introduction of unified examinations to public primary and secondary schools in Ogun State by the Senator Ibikunle Amosun administration is already improving the standard of education at these levels. The scheme entails pupils of the same class answering the same questions based on approved curricula by the supervising government agencies. Some school teachers, who were hitherto lackadaisical, have turned over a new leaf and are now giving

• Bola Adeyemi, Oyero Town, Ifo local government.

involved in anti -social activities. Nobody, no matter how highly placed or connected, should be allowed to go scot-free while inflicting pains on other members of the society. It has become a thing of necessity and urgency for relevant agencies to closely monitor the operatives of the transport unions so as to avert the incessant deadly clashes and deal with errant members if they infringe on the law and the rights of other citizens to operate freely. Plato and Aristotle were Greek philosophers who both developed important ideas about government and politics. Two of the many subjects that these men wrote about were tyranny and the rule of law. According to them, tyranny occurs when absolute power is granted to a ruler or set of individuals. In a tyrannical setting, the ruler or a group of people become lawless and live above the law. The rule of law is the principle that no one is exempt from the law, even those who are in a position of power. The rule of law can serve as a safeguard against tyranny, because just laws ensure that no individual or group in a society is permitted to be above the law. It is, therefore, important for relevant authorities in the country to appraise the activities of the various transport unions in the country. The transport sector is too vital to be left in the hands of lawless men. No group or individual must be made to operate above the laws of the land. The time for the appropriate authorities to act against unruly ‘Agberos’ is now, lest they become another monster that will consume the rest of the society. •Tayo Ogunbiyi, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

COMMENTS

NESG : Primary School Old Students Ass & Dev Board, Library Box, ‘CATFLE’, Enquiring Mind

‘

ETTER for a noose… and you be thrown into a river than to harm’.. steal or misappropriate children’s education funds’. The 2014 Nigerian Economic Summit on Tony education is over. Congratulations, Marinho particularly for children’s views. It covered all education bases from pre-school, postgraduate, policies, many regulatory bodies, corruption, cost, envelopes, five year curriculum change delays, strategies, teacher quality and qualifications, teacher/student motivation and public private partnerships. Were co-curricular activites discussed -volunteering, debating and athletics - moulding character, relationships, and teaching winning and losing coping skills? It was brilliant of NESG to have Channels TV. While we welcome policy/financial intervention of international bodies, such funds must not replace funds stolen or unapplied by Abacha etc. Nigerian states are well-funded but traditionally accord education low priority or a greedy leadership steals education money. This is a political crime against education rights of children. States must be honest, have bigger education budgets, not by throwing more DFID, Ford or Bill Gates Funds at the corrupt states to replace the stolen funds, soon to be stolen again. The summit also highlighted the private sector which is the smaller Old Students Associations, OSA, and Parent Teachers Associations, PTAs and the larger real private sector. Often old students help direct Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, funds to schools. Without Old Students Associations many schools would have collapsed. Imagine the state of Nigeria’s secondary/ tertiary education without Old Students Associations and corporate bodies. Strangely, OSAs/Alumni and even PTAs are absent in primary schools except when an old student dies and the playground becomes a funeral ground. Yet pre-school and primary school are the most important foundation layers in education. This fault has cost Nigeria a generation of education success. Almost every Nigerian went to a primary school, a

N the wake of the hullabaloo that greeted the unfortunate death of more than 19 applicants at the charade recently organised by the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, I reached out to Evelyn Abiodun, my niece, who participated in the event at the National Stadium, Abuja. Below are extracts from her account of the tragedy: “Exams into Nigeria Immigration Service holds (sic) Saturday, March 15, at 7am in your preferred exam state. Come along with a comfortable fitness wear” was what we were told. Harmless message, so it seems, but with unexpected consequence. The day before the ‘exercise’, Friday, March 14, I set out early to get all the necessary requirements ready. The preparation included shopping in the market for a pair of white shorts and shirt, white socks and running shoes. I also went to a government-owned hospital to obtain my medical fitness pass. I had arranged all my credentials, read up some past question papers and headed to bed with my alarm set for 4am the next day. “At 3:50am, earlier than my set alarm time, I was up from my bed, as I couldn’t put my head to rest from revising and envisioning how the day would look like. I was ready at exactly 4:45am, waiting for the taxi I had hired to come and pick me up at 5am (which cost me more than I would have paid anyway). I took off for the venue of the exercise, National Stadium, Abuja. In my excitement, I was already wearing my sport wear in the taxi because I couldn’t afford to be late or sloppy

100+million huge database for billions in funds, ideas, motivation and role models for development. Government policy must encourage OLD PRIMARY SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS, OPSA, or Primary Old School Associations, POSA, now! Imagine starting in 2014 over 80,000 new OPSA education bodies gathering funds for individual schools. WOW! Start one in your primary school! Each Nigerian school must distribute ‘A SCHOOL NEEDS LIST’ and set up a ‘LOCAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT BOARD’ to raise needed funds. Paradoxically, schools still suffer from government political policies that discouraged local fundraising/donations as they could be misused by the political opposition. Wrong! This policy has caused stagnation of education and turned teachers into zombies. Requesting donations by parents and neighbourhood businesses of newspapers/magazines/books are the cornerstone of foreign schools, filling an empty library box weekly and items should be requested for and accepted. Worldwide even private institutions like Oxbridge, Harvard ‘beg’ for funds and donations, so why not public schools? Nigeria must stop politics ruining education. Let children ask parents to send them to school with something -a book, ball, scissors, paper, pictures, marker-pens etc.. Also, you send a book to your old school. Our children are ignorant because they attend unfriendly empty schools-no library book/sport culture - a deliberate backward policy of governments which introduced the ‘theory of’ chemistry and other sciences so that the budget of chemicals/laboratories could be misappropriated for 40 years! No wonder Nigerian graduates know no practical steps- na so-so-theory. Even technical schools have little technical equipment! Shamefully there is a 6-10,000,000 ‘LIBRARY BOOK DEFICIT’ in Nigeria’s schools. The State of Osun uses computers to substitute for 100 books. Is this visionary high-tech project nationally practical or will ethnic rivalries refuse to fund progressive policies? Were strategies to eliminate this ‘Library Book Deficit’ discussed? Are library books even in Nigeria’s budgets? Librarians rightly want buildings or rooms but governments must immediately install a national/state/LGA emergency strategy of ‘ANNUAL LIBRARY BOXES’ of 100200books/school-one per year cumulatively creating a library of 1000 books over five years. Parents can equip schools

immediately under a ‘BRING A LIBRARY BOOK TO SCHOOL, PLEASE’ asking students to come with a novel for the class or school library at the beginning of each term or year. Each student can take the book back at term-end or lend it in a ‘HOLIDAY BOOK EXCHANGE PROGRAMME’. The following term they each bring another book. Introduce this ‘IRISH LITERATURE TRICK’ used in St Gregory’s College in the 1960s. Instead of purchasing 30 copies of one literature book X for a class of 30/term or year, we got six copies of five different books, A,D,C,D,E,F a title for each row of six students. At term-end all five books would have been enjoyably read for two weeks each by all students for the price of one. In three years, Classes 1-3, we read five books x three terms x three years = 45 books. Reading problems today are cheaply and easily solvable –variety and enjoyment –not just one literature title for which a bribe may have been paid. Education is not nuclear physics but simply ‘ABCDEFT’‘About Books, Chairs, Desks Equipment, Friendly and Toilets’, and a ‘Child And Teacher-Friendly Learning Environment’CATFLE. Why are public schools lacking these in 2014? Political and civil service greed - stealing from our children! Will we eat our children next? We have two education problems, creating and filling ‘Enquiring Minds’ in Nigeria’s students! These are hallmarks of civilised society achievable only with astute political leadership and personal sacrifice, the type our parents made for us! No Nigerian official or education policy should discriminate against any Nigerian child. Regular readers will see that these education solutions outlined above have been in this column for years. Any takers this time?

‘Education is not nuclear physics but simply ‘ABCDEFT’- ‘About Books, Chairs, Desks Equipment, Friendly and Toilets’, and a ‘Child And Teacher-Friendly Learning Environment’- CATFLE. Why are public schools lacking these in 2014?’

NIS: Extermination, not examination

as a result of not being properly dressed before the exercise would take off. “On getting to the venue, my head stopped thinking for a while. I was startled by what I saw. Thousands of people were already at the venue! What! At 5:30am? What were they all doing overnight? Watching the clock tick all night? Or they just woke up earlier than I did? I thought that was shocking, not until I waited 10 more minutes to see troops pouring in. And it wasn’t even 6am yet! Then, the reality of how the day would look like kept sinking into my head. I was beginning to panic at the sight of the crowd alone. It then dawned on me that this must be the jungle for ‘the survival of the fittest’ - although many people didn’t seem qualified to me (they were so old, I could have sworn they were my grandparents’ age-mate). “As the day went on, at 7am, there was no more air to breathe, even in an open space. I was suffocating many times, as well as the rest of us. Hungry and confused, (I didn’t have breakfast because I thought we were actually going to do a fitness test), I walked around, assessed people, listened to their conversations; at least, I thought, to console myself that the crowd might actually reduce, as I saw many people who didn’t meet the requirements and there could be other reasons to disqualify many. I saw a good number of pregnant women and nursing mothers. What were they doing in

‘We still sat there for hours, no sign of anything going on at the venue; everybody got impatient and frustrated at the long silence and lack of empathy shown to us. I mean we were out to look for job and not to be treated like refugees’

this kind of exercise? “We were tossed around like ‘zombies’ most of the time. Walking and running around, whichever direction the crowd was going, even if we didn’t hear any firsthand announcement from the officers present. Yet, there was no sign of us actually getting into the stadium and we were drying up under the sun like damp clothes, with the officers watching helplessly across the gates. We waited and kept the hope of getting into the stadium, but no sign, not even a simple address from any of the officials present. Like marooned people, we were left alone and confused for hours! “Sometime around 12noon, to my greatest astonishment, I saw people climbing over the gates to get in. Suddenly, we were all struggling to climb the gates together; it looked to me like it might be the only way into the stadium anyway. Men and women struggling to climb and jump over the gates; it was a jungle indeed! As I tried to squeeze myself through the squash, then I noticed they had opened a small gate on the other side. I began to change my direction towards the gate instead. But that was also not an easy way to go, as it was tightly guarded by the crowd of people trying to get through. Many sustained all kinds of injuries in the process of struggling, but I was lucky to have made it in one piece. “Having finally made it through the squash, what next? We were told to sit according to our qualifications - higher degree holders were to sit upstairs and the rest to sit downstairs. I made my way upstairs and noticed all the seats there were as dusty as a desert. The usual struggle was not as bad as it was downstairs. I got my seat cleaned and sat down, awaiting the next call. We’ve been seated for more than one hour

now; I was thirsty, hungry and tired at the same time. “I later went down to get something to eat and drink. The prices of refreshment had astronomically increased! Gala (usually N50) was sold at N100; Nestle bottled water (usually N100) sold at N200; pure (sachet) water (usually N10) was sold at N50. The most ridiculous of them all, a pack of jollof (white) rice with no meat and obviously no flavour was sold at N300! Why? N10 pencil was sold at N50, for those who didn’t come with their writing materials. Some people thrived on the suffering of others and were making cool cash on the spot. So sad! “As we sat, we noticed ambulances going in and out. People were being rushed into ambulances. Some of them had sustained serious injuries, while some had lost their lives in the midst of it all. May their souls find rest. That was the saddest point of the day for me. We still sat there for hours; no sign of anything going on at the venue. Everybody got impatient and frustrated at the long silence and lack of empathy shown to us. I mean we were out to look for job and not to be treated like refugees. “In no time, the anxious crowd started doing things to keep themselves busy. Some of the applicants entertained us with performances on the tracks – parades, football matches (sachet water bags were turned into football), running competition, funny kung fu practices and so on. I was sitting up there, clapping and hailing them (out of boredom). But as I watched people perform, I came to a realization: we actually do have many wasted talents in this country. If people could be so creative and entertaining, why on earth are these talents not adequately trained and utilised? “About 4pm, when everyone was

Dele Agekameh tired and many had lost hope (including me), the examination kicked off. As if the wasted hours were not enough insult, the examination was the biggest of them all! The question papers could barely go round (of course, the crowd was more than the number of papers they brought in); the questions comprised 30 objective mathematics questions only. There was no supervision or rules guiding the exam you could actually discuss the answers with the next person and just anyone around you who knew the answer. In fact, you could answer your phone calls while you write. Everywhere was noisy and rowdy. In short, it was my greatest point of discouragement because it was obvious to me that the examination was just a cover-up. “After I had submitted my paper (only God knows what I did in there), I left for my house, looking like I just got out of a mud fight. On getting home, I didn’t even have the energy to speak with anyone as I went straight to bed. As I lay there, I thought to myself: ‘Was it really an examination or extermination?’ Send reactions to: 08058354382 (SMS only)

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

COMMENTS ‘The very Nigerian strain of corruption is at the root of the NIS recruitment tragedy. The situation is made hopeless by the fact that those promising change are only nominally different . Jumbo pay highlights the moral bankruptcy of the legislative arm, and the fact that corruption is not just a PDP thing. It has become the vogue for a legislator to brag about helping constituents secure jobs that were never advertised. Such is the patronage that defines the Nigerian system and the odds against genuine job seekers. From Kuteyi R.R., Ondo’

•Abba Moro

For Olatunji Dare The Immigration bloodshed is a big national tragedy. For how long shall we continue to appoint incompetent people into high government offices in the name of politics? Abba Moro and his collaborators must not go unpunished. From Benson Nwobum,Kaduna Good morning sir, it is a great disaster. lndeed, why did the Immigration allow 520,000 candidates to apply for just 4,556 jobs. The ideal thing is to give the chances to just 5,000 appliicants in the country, but greed will not allow us. From Josephine lbi God bless you for speakìng my mìnd. May the souls of those who died during the shoddy exercise rest in peace and may God console their families. Since the minìster and the NIS boss have refused to resign on their own, President Goodluck Jonathan should sack them and make them refund ten-fold to each applicant the amount extorted from them. The Federal Government should also compensate the victims’ families by providing automatic employment to a member of each deceased’s family. From Reverend Abbayo Dogo , Kaduna. Your ‘’Our much-abused job seekers, again’’ was interesting. You did well in educating us and advising them. But my heart goes to the victims and sympathise with their families. I equally pity the mass of other candidates who ‘wasted’ their time, energy and resources. Yes, because in the final analysis, candidates of ministers, senators, representatives and others who did not even show up for the exercise would make the final list. The way politicians are recycling themselves in the services, ministries, departments and agencies does not leave room for the poor. This is dangerous. From Tope Vincent, Akure. What we need from government in a situation like this is mass employment for every applicant who applied and has the qualification. From Innocent Okede, Port-Harcourt Moro said what he said just to save his job. Let’s assume that some people went to the recruitment centre without applying for the job, is that the right thing to say by a minister of the Federal Republic. I expected him to apologise to the families of those who lost their loved ones. It also debunked the claims of the Minister of Finance that the government was creating jobs that don’t exist. From Gode Shehu, Jos It is most unfair to call out innocent citizens of Nigeria for an employment test only to send them to their early graves and turn around to blame them. Abba Moro should be made to pay for it. From David King, Uyo. Dare, there is no doubt the recruitment centre of Immigration Department, was a disaster. The Minister’s comment also was inconsiderate. But, in such circumstances, many people in his position usually misfire in their defence of the embarrassment unleashed on their offices. As a minister, he is a mere supervisor of the service. The administrative head of Immigration, who organised the recruitment exercise should bear the brunt; particularly with the hindsight of a similar scenario some years back. You too have a share of culpability on the issue. Perhaps a repeat of your piece of August 19, 2008, prior to the excercise, would have reduced the fatalities at the centres; if you were aware of the exercise ahead. However, families of the dead and injured should be well compensated. From Lai Ashadele. Dear sir, loss of lives at the Immigration job interview: May the souls of the departed,

through the mercy of God, rest in perfect peace, amen. May God give the families of the dead, the fortitude to bear the great loss, amen. The Minister of Interior and the Comptroller General must carry this ‘can.’ For once, some people must be sanctioned for the great lapse in organisation and admnistration in Nigeria. The passing game must stop. However, every disaster or setback is an opportunity for us all to learn. Mistakes are opportunities for us to re-appraise our modus operandi and vivendi. Yes, blames will come, but the most important is to rise after each fall. To dwell only on blames will be missing the lessons of the disaster in this particular case — Crowd Control and Disaster Management.Thanks. From Chukwuma Dioka. Owerri, Imo State. Further research would prove that the list of those that “passed” the exam had long been compiled. Naturally, such “successful” candidates never bothered to turn up for that murderous test. From Don Julian. Thanks for your write-up. The agitation for Moro and NIS boss’ sack should be sustained because what they did is an insult to Nigerian intellectuals. From Osigbemhe,I.G. One other wicked thing that attends this type of exercise is that many who will be considered for the job would not have participated in the recruitment.They are on the ‘Executive List’.The majority of Nigerian ‘children’ are not cared for and the truth is that no country can be truly great if it does not care for its children. From Eseyin I just read your write-up on our muchabused job seekers again. Are you surprised at the verbal outburst of Abba Moro. Shame on this rudder-less government. From Anonymous What is the morality of the Interior Ministry taking money from applicants to consultant’s bankers instead of from the internally generated revenue of the ministry. Anonymous It is unthinkable in this computer, electronic, internet and online wonders. Nigeria’s blind, greedy, archaic and senseless leaders can gather over 700,000 applicants in about 15 stadia to write a test. It is sad, indeed. Anonymous The massacre of over l2 jobless Nigerians by the Nigeria lmmigration Service remains an embarrassment to Nigeria and points to the leadership’s inertia.The world’s fifth largest oil producing nation cannot find jobs for it’s people, because of pyschotic corruption. After the ‘talk shop’ what’s next? The political armaggedon is around the corner and it must come to pass! May their souls hunt their killers. Enough is Enough. From Chief Bobson Gbinije,Warri. For Gbenga Omotoso Splendid piece, sir. The crass insensivity and chilling imperiousnes of comments by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and members of his administration are ridiculous and appalling to say the least. From Chike, Uyo The truth of the matter is that 85 percent of Nigerians are jobless.Madam Okonjo-Iweala and President Goodluck Jonthan are aware of this. But because we are living for politics, campaigsn and elections, our leaders are afraid of telling the truth. Unknown to Nigerians, the intimidating number of job-seekers that Saturday was only those with paper qualifications. If the opportunity was extended to all the youth, including those who are not graduates but are looking for jobs, we would have needed thrice Abuja Stadium in each state to accommodate them for such job recruitment. This is the mess PDP has plunged us into in the name of democracy. From Ifeanyi O. Ifeanyichukwu, Abuja. I read your write up”An extraordinary march” I dont know where the ship of the country will berth. Human live is like those of chickens or dogs. Who is ready to die for

his or her country? So, if you cannot die for your country, who is ready to fight to protect it. America hardly jokes with its citizens, hence, they go the extra mile to defend their country. But in Nigeria we pass-by. The government is playing a game that terrifies the youth. Death is nothing to the president. May be scanty votes will mean much to him. Their game plan is do-or-die. I think the latter will eventually manifest. From Akinyemi J.A Abba Moro’s resignation or sack is not enough in other climes. Prosecutions will follow. But, in Nigeria, other considerations play out, mostly 2015. From Biodun, Bayelsa Your Editorial Notebook is an extraordinary stinging satire on this adminstration. But does the man and his inexperienced crew care? Only time will tell. From Frank Eghomien, Delta State. Maybe, we are expecting another month of rebirth, ahead. Anoymous Three jobs for the families of the NIS job tragedy, yes good ones. Help me ask the government:What of the families of the soldiers and policemen who lost their lives fighting Boko Haram? What is their fate? Anonymous Well done! Mr editor. I just finished reading your Editorial Notebook, entitled: “An extraordnary March.” I say more grease to your elbow. Plese find out from Mr S D Tapgun, Mr Abbah Moro, Mr David Paradang, the fate of the long-stagnated officers in NIS who have stayed over 17 years on one rank because they do not have additional qualification? What does the Civil Service Rule say concerning anyone who does not have additional qualification? Are they supposed to be stagnant? Would they not have used those vacancies to give tripple promotions to the officers? This is suicidal and the attention of the National Assembly/Presidency should be drawn to this for their probe, please. Anonymous Re-”An Extraordinary March.” You captured, excellently, the occurrences of March 2014. Maladministration in the country persists, only God would save ‘the People’. The various electricity distribution companies are yet to yield the expected/desirable results. Output is worsening than the then PHCN! So, who will liberate us from the clutches of suffering? Another gory tale is the loss of 19 lives at the Immigration Service recruitment. May Almighty God make them rest in peace, amen and lead Nigeria onto the right path, amen. From Lanre Oseni. “An extraordinary March’ is a month nobody is praying for again. However, I hope your joke is real, because with the quoted sum on offer, millions of Nigerians are ready to take the risk. I am especially prepared to save Nigerians from the dangers of Boko Haram. Where is the form? We are waiting. From Alhaji Hon Ade Corsim, Oshodi, Lagos. For Tunji Adegboyega Re: ‘Immigration of death’. In as much as I agree that people must be up and doing in their respective official capacities/ responsibilities, it is apparent that beheading is not the solution to migraine. I disagree that every failure or error or accident must be penalisd with a sack, a forced resignation or dismissal except in cases of theft, fraud and glaring disobedience/non-compliance to rules. Death or and injury of some applicants for NIS jobs, quite unfortunate, I remain a minority who still admire the Immigration agency for at least advertising and seeking that tests must be written, insinuations that some would have been favoured ab initio notwithstanding. Where are other agencies, parastatals ,ministries, National Assembly, the judiciary and Aso Rock /Presidency? How have they been employing? By advertising? Man-know-man? Back door? Let us make

•Jonathan

suggestions to the NIS, police, army, etc. where mass recruitment may take place in future. If the manner of just wanting any government official to resign becomes a reality and if Moro should be made to resign, then, Okonjo-Iweala, and Mr. President must because that is the chain. From Lanre Oseni. Thanks for your speaking truth to power. The painful truth is that the authorities involved in this scam knew that they were not interested in giving anybody job. The reason for taking these young Nigerians to their early graves in the name of job recruitment was to extort money from them. The cabal must have calculated how much they would rake in by selling that falsehood to the desperate job seekers. Don’t forget that 2015 election is around the corner; politicians are scrambling for cash. From now on, I will keep my ears to the ground to know when the PDP-led Federal Government will organise another recruitment exercise so that I will go and die for three of my siblings who have been vegetating at home without jobs four years after graduation, to be given automatic employment. I love this country (apologies to Steve Nwosu). From Favour Ifeanyichukwu Jnr., Abuja. The very Nigerian strain of corruption is at the root of the NIS recruitment tragedy. The situation is made hopeless by the fact that those promising change are only nominally different . Jumbo pay highlights the moral bankruptcy of the legislative arm, and the fact that corruption is not just a PDP thing. It has become the vogue for a legislator to brag about helping constituents secure jobs that were never advertised. Such is the patronage that defines the Nigerian system and the odds against genuine job seekers. From Kuteyi R.R., Ondo. Let’s assume resignation is not in our dictionary, should the minister of interior and other people behind the Immigration recruitment stampede wouldn’t remain in office with what happened on March 15? They should have resigned honourably and apologised to Nigerians on the incident instead of waiting for Nigerians to tell them to resign. What a country! More than five hundred thousand people scrambling for only about 5,000 jobs, and paying a mandatory levy of N1,000 per person. What for? Collecting money from people looking for jobs? This is a clear indication that all is not well in job creation. We always believe in probe; let the government investigate the remote causes of the stampede and bring culprits to book, to serve as a deterrent to others who might intend to do the same thing tomorrow. From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State. Job seekers are dying and the president, the father of the nation went to Namibia! Who do we turn to now? Our leaders have turned to AIDS threatening the existence of Nigerians. Let us stand up against this impunity, otherwise, one day this dangerous government will consume all of us one day. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapal, Lagos. Tunji, just imagine how many unemployed graduates would have been employed directly and indirectly if we refine our oil locally for local consumption and export. Then imagine how much each household spends on fuelling and maintaining generators. If they are able to refine oil locally and fix power supply to at least 85 percent, no one will talk of subsidy again. From Kabir Ayodeji, Ibadan.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2014

BUSINESS THE NATION

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

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

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

CBN sets N15b clearing benchmark S for ‘Settlement Banks’ ETTLEMENT banks are to provide collateral of not less than N15 billion worth of treasury bills for clearing, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said. A settlement bank maintains accounts for clearing and those of other clearing members. This is contained in the CBN’s Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade and Exchange Policy Guidelines for 2014/ 2015. Part of the policy also states that a settlement bank must develop and implement a risk-based pricing model. It must also offer agency facilities to other banks for their clearing. “Banks that meet the specified criteria shall continue to be designated as ‘settlement banks.’ Consequently, nonsettlement banks, called ‘clearing banks’ shall continue to

Arco Group hosts oil and gas delegates MORE indigenous firms should be involved in the oil and gas industry in line with the 2010 Content Development Law, the Group Managing Director of Arco Group, Mr. Alfred Okoigun has said. He made the call at a dinner by his firm which was attended by chief executives of international and indigenous oil firms and other delegates to the oil and gas conference in Abuja. He said Nigeria is still struggling to grow local capacities in the oil and gas industry, an achievement that had been recorded in other parts of the world. He said: “I am glad that the government did not just put the law in place but is ensuring that the agencies put in charge are monitoring the situation. Our company, Arco Group, has, indeed, been working with Total towards the realisation of the objectives of the Law. Our relationships with other oil majors are showing signs along the same direction,” he said. Okoigun appealed to all concerned to recognise the changing trends in the industry and facilitate it instead of looking for loopholes to circumvent it. He said key players in the industry owe Nigeria an obligation to take advantage of the law to grow indigenous firms to be viable participants in the industry even at this late hour. “I am not saying that they shoud be philanthropic to a fault,” he added.

Why investment is low in Africa, by CBN chief - P 26

By Collins Nweze

carry out clearing through the settlement banks under agency arrangement. The terms of the arrangements shall be mutually agreed between the settlement banks and the clearing banks,” the CBN said. The apex bank said it would adopt the risk-based supervision (RBS) approach in supervising institutions under its 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 added. 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 their transactions. The lenders are also to disclose their prime and maximum lending rates as fixedspreads over the Monetary Policy Rate. According to the CBN, Open Market Operations (OMO) auctions will continue as the major tool for liquidity management. OMO is an activity of the CBN that entails buying and selling of government securities in the open market in order to expand or contract the amount of money in the banking system. The CBN said the conduct of OMO will be discretionary and will involve the sale, or purchase of Treasury Bills and CBN Bills through appropriate market mechanisms that

would include auctions and two-way quote trading. It said the securities will be of specified tenor and volume, linked to assessed liquidity conditions in the banking system. Participants at OMO auctions would be the authorised Money Market Dealers (MMDs) comprising commercial and merchant banks, noninterest financial institutions and discount houses. Also, based on market liquidity conditions and the subsisting Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), OMO will be complemented by repurchase agreements (repo/reverse repo), at the applicable rates. The CBN said commercial and merchant banks would maintain a minimum Liquidity Ratio (LR) of 30 per cent and 20 per cent. Discount houses would invest at least 60 per cent of their borrow-

ings in government securities while the ratio of individual bank loans to deposits, is retained at 80 per cent. It said the discount window at the CBN be available to give authorised dealers access to effective management of their temporary liquidity shortages or surpluses. Thus, standing facilities would continue to be open to them on overnight basis in line with subsisting guidelines. The facilities would be in the form of Standing Lending Facility (SLF); to address temporary shortfalls in liquidity, and Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) to aid effective management of short-term liquidity surpluses. The CBN would determine the applicable interest rates on the facilities would be determined by the from time to time. It would also allow outright rediscounting of eligible securities at the discount window promptly, and at rates it considers appropriate.

•From left: Executive Director, Commit Buka, Mrs Foluso Ojelade; former Cross River State governor, Donald Duke; his wife, Onari and Chief Executive Officer, Commit Buka, Mr. Jeff Enitan Fayomi, at the inauguration of the firm in Surulere, Lagos.

N11.5m pitches NTDC against landlord

S the Nigeria Tourism D e v e l o p m e n t Corporation (NTDC) owing its landlord, Union Properties Developers Limited (UPDL) N11.5 million? The agency claims it is not owing UPDL, an allegation which the landlord is denying. UPDL’s agent Alonge Ogunmoyero and Company, in a March 7 letter, claimed that NTDC is owing N11.5million in rent on the three-storey at 168 Obafemi Awolowo Way Ikeja, Lagos, which it is using as its office. In the letter addressed to the Director-General, NTDC, titled: Vacation of premises at 168 Awolowo Way, Ikeja, UPDL said NTDC’s stay after the expiration of its tenancy is hindering renovation of the property. He urged NTDC to

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

pay up its debt and leave the premises forthwith. The firm accused NTDC of trying to pack out without settling its debt. He alleged that NTDC in a letter by its Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Obafemi Ilesanmi, signified its intention to vacate the premises, citing financial constraints, describing such claim as bogus because it did not include the N11.5 million debt. It explained that NTDC has been its tenant for seven years and wondered why it would want to pack out without settling its rent. Reacting, NTDC’s lawyer Ibrahim Mark told The Nation that his client knows it is indebted to its landlord and

CBN’s, IFC’s push for sustainable banking - P27

would pay. He argued that the purported amount is not verifiable, adding that his client is not in possession of any letter of offer from the landlord and wondered how it arrived at the sum as NTDC never paid that much. He alleged that the agent took the law into its hands by blocking his client from vacating the property. Mark said: “There is no letter of offer no acceptance. On what basis will NTDC agree to pay the said N11, 500,000? There is no document to prove the said sum? It is true the former NTDC director-general wanted to buy the building, but he didn’t do that before he left office. But the new director-general feels the place is too small for their operations with additional

disadvantage of insufficient parking space. “In addition, my client has been paying a particular sum. What changed that caused variance in the rental figure. I advise that they sit down with my client and discuss the issue amicably in order to arrive at an agreeable figure since there has never been any letter of offer nor acceptance for over six years.” But the Principal Partner of the agency Mr. Alonge Ogunmoyero told The Nation that it is wrong for the tenant to blame the landlord for not having tenancy agreement. He asked why the tenant suddenly realised on the seventh year that there was no agreement, wondering on what basis it’s been paying its rent.

Pension savers lament inability to change PFA - P38

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS MONEY

e-mail: money@thenationonlineng.net

Why investment return is low in Africa, by CBN chief

ETURN on Investment (RoI) in many African countries is relatively low compared to most developed economies, Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Deputy Governor, Operations, Kingsley Moghalu, has said. Moghalu, who spoke at the Second Africa CEO Forum last weekend in Switzerland, said this was

Stories by Collins Nweze

due mostly to multiple taxes and tariff, high business registration costs and port charges. Speaking on the theme: “Competitiveness and economic transformation- Africa’s imperative,” he said the high cost of funds, policy inconsistency as well as high level of insecurity were also

affecting Africa’s ROI. “All these factors combine to heighten the cost of operation that undermine the realisation of corporate objectives. To make African economies competitive, the high cost of doing business must be drastically reduced through sustainable economic and institutional reforms. There is also a need for substantial

• From left: Executive Editor, The Economist, Daniel Franklin; Special Representative on African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Zhong Jianhua; Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, United States’ Department of State, Bisa Williams and GMD/CEO, FirstBank of Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Bisi Onasanya at the The Economists Conferences in Lagos.

Taxation Institute, EFCC, FRC, others to fight HE Chartered Institute of on one hand, and to corruption government, Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) the taxpayer on the other. It is,

is working out modalities with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), National Financial Intelligence Unit and Financial Reporting Council (FRC) to tackle corruption and economic crimes in the country. In a statement, the institute said it has taken proactive steps to educate stakeholders, particularly tax practitioners, on various statutory requirements stipulated in the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), the Financial Reporting Council Act of 2011, the EFCC Act of 2004, and the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 (as amended). CITN’s Acting Registrar/Chief Executive of the Institute, Mr. Adefisayo Awogbade, the steps are in line with the institute’s strict compliance to the statutory re-

quirements of the regulatory bodies designated, by the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended), as Non-Financial Institutions for the purpose of registration, reporting and conduct of customer due diligence. Awogbade described the rate of corruption in the country as alarming, adding that more often than not, many of the acts of corruption were facilitated by professionals for culprits. That is why the institute, in conjunction with these anticorruption agencies, is facilitating an avenue to inculcate in its rank and file the various statutory provisions that are obligatory on them in the process of performing their professional callings. According to Awogbade, “The taxman plays a dual role, to the

therefore, expedient to ensure that tax practitioners perform their duties professionally within the ambit and dictates of the laws of the land. We need to ensure that whatever we do as professionals are in tandem with the Charter of our Institute, as well as other statutory provisions.” He explained further that the Council of CITN was now better positioned than before to monitor all practitioners carrying the practising licence of the Institute. He said: “It is not enough for members to have practising licence to practice once and for all. “The Institute will continue to monitor each practitioner to the extent that re-certification would be done as regularly as practicable.”

reforms in the banking sector so that African banks will be able to finance long-term growth enhancing projects to guarantee competitiveness of the African economy,” he said. Moghalu said the major economic challenge in Africa is the need to diversify the productive base of their economies from commodity exports to manufacturing. He explained that economic diversification was vital to countries’ long-term economic growth, but many resource-rich countries in Africa rely mainly on revenues generated from export of primary products, mining or oil production, thereby jeopardising their chances for sustainable growth. “Economies heavily dependent on natural resources can face serious challenges in sustaining growth because of swings in prices of those resources. African economies depend heavily on commodities as the main source of their foreign earnings accounting for over 81 per cent,” he said. Moghalu said enhancing the competitiveness of economies transcends pricing to include

‘Nigerian banks remain best buys’

ENITH Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc, among others, have been recommended for investment because of their valuations and growth potential. Exotix Ltd., a leading investor in Africa, said the banks were an investors delight. “We strongly believe that now is the time to have a strong bias toward Nigerian banks,” Kato Mukuru, an analyst at Exotix Frontier Equities, told Bloomberg. “Nigeria also offers something that few sub-Saharan African banking systems can hope to offer — scale.” Almost half of Nigeria’s more than 170 million people don’t have access to finance, according to the country’s central bank. With loan penetration in the West African nation increasing by only five percentage points over the past 10 years, the potential for asset growth in Nigeria is probably much larger

than in other parts of the continent, said London-based Exotix, which started building an Africa equity team last year. Zenith may improve its return on equity to 22.4 per cent by 2017 from the 19.6 per cent that Nigeria’s third-largest bank by market value reported last year, Exotix said. Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe Ltd., Standard Chartered Bank Ghana Ltd. and Ghana Commercial Bank Ltd. are Exotix’s top sell recommendations, Mukuru said. The Zimbabwean bank runs the “risk of an acute deterioration in domestic liquidity and a rapid deterioration in its asset quality” amid macroeconomic turbulence, he said. The Ghanaian lenders face asset quality and operating cost risks due to increasing interest rates, Mukuru said. The Bank of Ghana raised its key lending rate to a four-year high of 18 per cent in April.

FMDQ, Bloomberg inaugurate e-bond trading platform

• From left: Founder, Trans4m Centre for Integral Development, Prof. Ronnie Lessem; Group Head, Non-Interest Banking, Sterling Bank Plc, Dr. Basheer Oshodi; Co-Founder, Trans4m Centre for Integral Development Prof. Alexander Schieffer and Chief Financial Officer, Sterling Bank Plc Abubakar Suleiman at the launch of Oshodi’s book, An Integral Approach to Development Economics, in Lagos.

critical factors, such as industrialisation, cost of labour and doing business, economic diversification, infrastructure, security, investment climate and institutions as well as corporate governance, transparency and accountability. He said Africa’s competitiveness is important because the continent needs to secure its position in the global market for trade, investment and services. “The continent should enhance its competitiveness by harnessing its huge endowments in natural and human resources in an efficient manner that promotes global and intra-regional trade,” he said. This, he said, imposes a strategic imperative for African countries to improve their individual investment and business environments through the development of infrastructure, strong institutions, human capital, stable political and macroeconomic environment, as well as technological advancement and innovation. All of this will translate into sustainable economic growth and transformation.

LOOMBERG and FMDQ OTC Plc have launched the Bloomberg E-Bond trading and market surveillance system, a new electronic trading system for Nigerian government bonds. Developed by Bloomberg, FMDQ and the local marketmaker community, the product provides e-trading and market surveillance tools for participants in Nigeria’s N12 trillion fixed income market. “As a newly established OTC market securities exchange, our goal is to empower the Nigerian OTC financial markets to be efficient, credible and globally competitive. With its potential to drive transparency and liquidity, we believe the introduction of the Bloomberg E-Bond system will help us to achieve those aims and we are pleased to work with Bloomberg to bring it to the Nigerian fixed income market,” says Dipo Odeyemi, the Divisional Head, Operations and Technology, FMDQ OTC. The Bloomberg E-Bond system

provides a complete, consolidated marketplace for government bonds, offering market participants a robust and flexible set of tools supporting the full trade workflow. This includes pre-trade price discovery and analytical tools, the ability to handle both multi-dealer request-for-quote (RFQ) and order trading, straightthrough processing (STP) functionality and integrated trade capture and reporting tools. In addition, market oversight entities and regulators can use the system to review market activity and audit transactions. “A well-functioning debt market needs an efficient technical infrastructure, bespoke trading rules, market surveillance and straightthrough processing,” says David Tamburelli, Bloomberg’s Head of Emerging Markets Product. “Bloomberg’s E-Bond system responds to those needs and we are delighted to collaborate with FMDQ to build a more transparent, liquid and efficient bond market in Nigeria,” he added.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

MONEY

CBN’s, IFC’s push for sustainable banking The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) are working to ensure that banks are cautious in financing transactions that may affect the environment. COLLINS NWEZE examines the steps banks must take to achieve this objective and avoid sanctions.

O sustain profitability in banking, there is need for lenders to ensure that their activities are not targeted at short term goals. This, experts say, can be achieved when the lenders think of the long term effects in financing projects that have negative impact on the environment. In this regard, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the International Financial Corporation (IFC) have urged banks to consider environmental and social policies in their decision-making and lending. According to the apex bank, if the oil firms that degrade the environment and their cohorts in other sectors are starved of funds by local and international banks, they will comply. The CBN said there is need to ensure that people do not conduct their businesses in an unfriendly manner and get away with it. The reason is that as an industry, banks cannot continue to take savings and deposits from Nigerians and then, lend to firms that are destroying the environment. To ensure that this is achieved and defaulters sanctioned, the regulator also developed a template for banks in filling their reports on loans to firms whose operations have negative impact on the environment. For the CBN, sustainable banking is aimed at minimising or mitigating the negative impacts of financial institutions’ operations on the environment and local communities in which they operate especially on agric, power and the oil and gas sectors.

Sanctions coming The CBN Acting CBN Governor, Dr. Sarah Alade said banks that fail to comply with the guidelines on sustainable banking practices will be sanctioned. She spoke at an International Sustainable Banking Forum organised by the CBN in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). She said lenders that consistently fail to comply with the guidelines would not be spared. Alade, represented by CBN Deputy Governor, Operations, Dr. Kingley Moghalu, said the regulator would not set guidelines for the lenders, but that their levels of conformity would be assessed at least every two years. “The banks are trying to apply those principles on their operations. Although the principles have become part of banking system supervision process, we cannot set a compliance timeline for that. However, if a bank does not comply, then we will take sanctions if non-compliance becomes consistent,” she said She also said the CBN directive on board membership would be assessed by yearend, adding that that would bring them to key board positions. She said the CBN is also partnering with the IFC to create a movable collateral registry that will make lending to women much easier. She said there was need to increase lending to women by ensuring that collateral to loans are creative. “The CBN recognises that unless social concerns, such as gender disparity and women economic empowerment are addressed, economic and environmental goals and overall sustainable development will be difficult to achieve,” she said. Alade added that sustainable practices will look at how banks are managing environmental and social risks in lending investment decisions, safeguarding human rights, promoting women economic participation and empowerment and leveraging collaborative partnerships to accelerate sector progress.

NDIC’s role Also, the CBN and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) want banks to shift focus from profitability and consider other issues around sustainability, before lending.

• Alade

• Ibrahim

• Moghalu

NDIC Managing Director Umaru Ibrahim said banks should ensure that activities of firms that pollute the environment were not financed. He said the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), through its UNEP Financial Initiative on the Environment and Sustainable Development at the Earth Summit in 1992, made it a priority for financial systems across the world. He said sustainable banking in Nigeria, therefore, is focused on energising the influence of the sector towards transforming the long term interest of environmental preservation and societal balancing into key parameters for allocation of capital.

lished to facilitate knowledge sharing and development of standards, policies and guidelines on environmental and social risk management for regulators in emerging markets. The Network members include Nigeria, Bangladesh, Brazil, China and Colombia. Others are Indonesia, Lao, Mongolia, Peru, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

for lending to the agricultural sector of the economy. This resolution stemmed from the reports from banks and discount house, which indicated that lending to the subsector, remains a high-risk, which should be followed with caution.

IFC’s position IFC’s Country Manager for Nigeria Solomon Adegbie-Quaynor said the CBN has encouraged the adoption of sustainable banking in Nigeria. “Today’s forum presents a platform for regulators to share insights on environmental and social risk management and sustainability-related tools for long-term economic growth,” he said. Adegbie-Quaynor also said sustainability is central to inclusive economic growth and aligns with IFC’s strategy for long-term economic development, adding that sustainable banking helps banks and financial institutions to better understand the benefits and risks of environmental and social impacts of their investments and loans. It provides a framework for them to further integrate these considerations into their policies, operations and procedures. This creates environmental and social responsibility in the financial sector and adds long-term values for clients and other stakeholders, he said. He said the International Sustainable Banking Forum is a voluntary platform of bank regulators and banking associations estab-

CBN’s roles According to the CBN, for the successful implementation of the principles, the institutions would be required to develop a management approach that balances the environments and social ( E &S) risks identified with the opportunities to be exploited through their businesses. “The adoption of the principles will not only help banks in mitigating the E & S risks associated with their business operation and those of their clients, but also help them to achieve greater efficiencies and better position them to take advantage of opportunities in the global market place where environmental and social issues are becoming increasingly important. “They will also enjoy higher productivity, higher staff morale, lower turnover and absenteeism due to strong employee relations and workplace practices. The CBN would need to provide the structural mechanism to encourage consistent and widespread implementation of the principles and develop its institutional capacity to support the banks in their implementation of the principles,” it added. While noting that the process of developing the sustainable banking principles and guidelines has so far been driven by the banks, the apex bank assured that it will create the enabling environment for banks to succeed in their implementation of the principles. The CBN has also recently set new rules

‘For the CBN, sustainable banking is aimed at minimising or mitigating the negative impacts of financial institutions’ operations on the environment and local communities in which they operate especially on agric, power and the oil and gas sectors.’

Women’s role in sustainable banking According to the CBN, sustainable banking entails ensuring that women are well represented in the banking sector. Alade said the apex bank will by yearend, review banks’ compliance with its directive that lenders give 40 per cent of board positions to women. She said the CBN has told the banks that compliance was important, adding that the sector is committed to increasing the number of women in decision-making: 40 per cent of top management positions and 30 per cent of board positions occupied by women within this year. “Although we want this achieved, we will have to wait till the end of 2014 to assess compliance. We expect that many banks will comply. We recognise that simply issuing the circular is the beginning of the journey. It is not an easy thing to comply, as witnessed in other parts of the world. Even in the United States, there are problems with women being represented on the boards of corporates. Even the European Union has made it compulsory, and mainly because there is a structural impediments, to getting women in corporate leadership position,” she said. She said the CBN has taken proactive steps to promote gender equality and women empowerment. The CBN, she said, is promoting women’s economic empowerment to achieve sustainability by launching the N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund, 60 per cent of which would be committed to women owned or headed businesses and enterprises. “The CBN recognises that unless social concerns, such as gender disparity and women economic empowerment are addressed, economic and environmental goals and overall sustainable development will be difficult to achieve,” she said. She explained that just like in every part of the country, there are qualified people to fill any position. It also follows that in firms, there are qualified women to fill vacant position.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

THE NATION INVESTORS

Mutual funds lose N36b in 10 weeks

UTUAL funds are trailing the bearishness at the stock market as net assets of collective investment schemes (CIS) dropped by more than N36 billion within 10 trading weeks. Reports on assets of mutual funds collated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and analysed by The Nation indicated that mutual funds have lost considerable value so far this year while they showed marginal growth over a year period. The performance of mutual funds generally appeared to fall below average benchmark performance at the Nigerian stock market. Mutual funds, otherwise known as collective investment schemes (CIS), are joint investment vehicles through which investors can pool funds and invest in chosen basket of securities under a professional management with a view to optimize returns and reduce risks. Net asset value is determined by subtracting total liabilities of a fund from its total assets. The net asset value can further be divided by the total number of units of the fund to determine the unit price. A mutual fund is usually categorized by the class of assets that forms the primary focus of its investments. Thus, there are equity funds, money market funds, bond funds, real estate funds, ethical funds and balanced funds among others. The latest report on mutual funds for the period ended March 14, 2014 showed that overall net assets of all mutual funds stood at N117.37 billion as against N153.54 billion recorded by the period ended January 03, 2014, indicating a drop of N36.2 billion over the 10-week period. The performance of mutual funds was adversely affected by the downtrend in the equities segment, which recorded a loss of 14.89 per cent during the period. According to the report, equity-based funds, which opened this year as the largest segment, dropped to a third place with a net assets value of N40.14 billion as against its value of N47.07 billion by January 03. Money market funds, which invest mainly in money market instruments such as treasury bills, shot up to the first position with net assets value of N48.02 billion compared with N27.25 billion that opened the period. Real estate funds sustained its second position with net assets of N43.81 billion, almost unchanged from N43.53 billion recorded at the beginning of the year. Bonds funds,

•Net assets drop to N117b

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

with nine mutual funds, witnessed marginal increase from N15.52 billion to N15.96 billion. The downtrend in the equities market also impacted on balanced funds- mutual funds that seek to invest in a balanced mixture of equity and debt instruments; as net assets value for the segment dropped from N10.22 billion to N8.23 billion. Ethical funds, which also depend largely on equities, also dropped from N7.17 billion to N6.46 billion. Umbrella funds, which are run entirely by Stanbic IBTC Asset Management, dropped from N2.5 billion to N2.44 billion. UPDC Reit remained the largest mutual fund with marginal increase in net asset from N27.29 billion to N27.56 billion. Stanbic Money Market Fund, the second largest fund, also saw increase in net asset value from N19.71 billion to N22.37 billion while the FBN Money Market Fund placed third with net asset value of N22.04 billion. Extended analysis for a year period meanwhile showed marginal increase of N9.77 billion in net assets value of mutual funds between March 15, 2013 and March 14, 2014. By March 15, 2013, total net assets value of mutual funds stood at N107.60 billion. The number of mutual funds has also increased from 49 in March 2013 to 52 by March, this year. The latest report again underscored the hangover of the 20082009 capital market recession on mutual funds. The Nation’s return analysis of mutual funds’ value change based on the opening and closing bid prices for 2013 had indicated that nearly all listed mutual funds fell below average return by the ASI during the year. The bid price is the price that the fund manager is willing to purchase a unit of a mutual fund at a given period. Most mutual funds’ returns fell significantly below average returns by some equities’ groups including the top-level 30 most capitalized stocks, oil and gas sectoral index, industrial goods index and the NSE Lotus Islamic Index; all of which outperformed the benchmark index. Returns by mutual funds, which included equities, fixed-income and mixed funds, ranged from -1.61 per cent to 31.5 per cent. Out of the 21 mutual funds tracked by The Na-

tion, five were static; one recorded a negative return while others recorded various gains. Afrinvest (West Africa) Equity Fund recorded a return of 31.5 per cent. Paramount Equity Fund posted a return of 28.7 per cent. Coral Growth Fund returned 25.9 per cent while Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund recorded a percentage change of 2.7 per cent. Other mutual funds with positive returns included BGL Nubian Fund, 15.4 per cent; UBA Balanced Fund, 3.1 per cent; Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund, 9.2 per cent; Nigeria International Debt Fund, 6.9 per cent; BGL Sapphire Fund, 3.5 per cent; The Frontier Fund, 8.4 per cent; Coral Income Fund, 7.9 per cent; Lotus Capital Halal Investment Fund, 1.3 per cent; BGL Sapphire Fund, 3.5 per cent; UBA Money Market Fund, 2.7 per cent; Canary Growth Fund, 6.1 per cent while FBN Heritage Fund recorded a return of 8.6 per cent. Static mutual funds included Intercontinental Integrity Fund, now known as Access Integrity Fund, ARM Aggressive Growth Fund, Continental Unit Trust, Fidelity Nigfund and Legacy Fund. The main index at the NSE, the All Share Index (ASI)-a common value-based index that tracks all quoted equities, had recorded fullyear return of 47.19 per cent in 2013

rising from its opening index for the year of 28,078.81 points to close the year at 41,329.19 points. The performance in 2013 significantly surpassed the much applauded return in 2012 when equities posted average return of 35.45 per cent, equivalent to capital gains of N2.44 trillion. Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) closed 2013 at N13.226 trillion as against its opening value of N8.974 trillion for the year. This represented a whooping increase of N4.252 trillion. Meanwhile, Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh, has said the apex capital market regulator is concluding arrangements on a uniformed global reporting standard for mutual funds. According to her, SEC is favourably disposed to the adoption of the Global Performance Standards (GPS) as the uniform reporting format for mutual funds in order to enhance the outlook of mutual funds in Nigeria. “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. One of the things we are looking at doing,

hopefully we will be able to achieve it this year, is to make sure that we have a common standard for reporting on performance so that the investors can compare one from another,” Oteh said. The Fund Managers’ Association of Nigeria (FMAN) has also said it plans to establish a robust nationwide distribution platform that will make mutual funds available to the nooks and crannies of the country. President, Fund Managers’ Association of Nigeria (FMAN), Mr. Micheal Oyebola, said FMAN aims to raise the profile of Nigerian fund managers as well as promote and increase awareness of their expertise in managing segregated investment mandates and mutual funds. According to him, one of the key objectives of FMAN over the next two years is to establish a robust fund distribution platform for all SEC-registered fund managers. Oyebola, who is also the managing director and head of FBN Capital Asset Management, a member of FBN Holdings Plc, said while there is dearth of knowledge about the investment market, there has been increased penetration in recent period. “Investors are showing more interest in income generating mutual funds and so we do anticipate a trend in either existing mutual funds paying a dividend or investment houses launching dividend paying products,” Oyebola said.

•From left: Managing Director, May and Baker Nigeria Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okafor; Managing Director, Greenwich Trust Limited, Mr. Kayode Falowo; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyeama and Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, at the CEO Dinner for HealthCare Sector co-sponsored by May and Baker Nigeria at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

Lafarge Wapco grows earnings by 92 per cent

AFARGE Cement Wapco Nigeria grew net earnings by 92 per cent last year, prompting the board of directors of the cement company to increase dividend payout by 175 per cent. The Board of Directors in a notice to investors indicated it has recommended increase in dividend per share to N3.30 for the 2013 business year as against N1.20 paid for the previous year. Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of Lafarge Cement for the year ended December 31, 2013 showed that profit after tax grew by 92 per cent to N28.2 billion in 2013 as against N14.7 billion recorded in 2012. Profit before tax grew by 30 per cent from N21.3 billion to N27.7 billion. Turnover increased by 12 per cent to N98.8 billion as against N87.9 billion in 2012. The company witnessed significant reduction in interest expenses N5.5 billion to N3.8 billion as a result of the reduction in interest charges due to the full repayment of the Naira syndicated bank loans. Consequently, basic earnings per share

grew from N4.90 to N9.42; an increase of 92 per cent. Chairman, Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, said the latest earnings report shows a steady growth and demonstrates the strength of the company in delivering value to shareholders and to other stakeholders. Managing Director, Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria, Mr Joe Hudson, attributed the improved results to a strong focus on performance culture. According to him, the effective implementation of innovative and value adding solutions for customers had continued to differentiate Lafarge WAPCO from competition. Chief Financial Officer, Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria, Mr. Fred Amobi described the performance as a very good performance noting that it was a reflection of careful execution of the company’s various process and cost improvement strategies during the year. According to him, the cash man-

agement initiatives resulted in a very strong balance sheet. He assured that the company remains positioned to deliver value on its promise to shareholders. Lafarge, the parent company of Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria, has said it plans to double its production capacity in Nigeria as part of a new expansion programme that would see additional investments by the foreign majority shareholders in its Nigerian subsidiaries. Lafarge is the majority core investor in two publicly listed companies-Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc and Ashaka Cement Plc, and Calabar-based Unicem. Executive Vice Chairman and Country Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria and Benin, Mr. Guillaume Roux, who noted that Lafarge had recently increased its capacity from three million metric tonnes to eight million metric tonnes, said the group would be making new investments in the next few years to double its capacity and strengthen its position as a leader in the Nige-

rian cement industry. He pointed out the historic importance of Lafarge Wapco as the oldest cement company in Nigeria and the operational spread of the group’s business from the south to the north adding that the expansions will also be across the regions. He underscored the importance of Nigerian market to the Lafarge global operations noting that the group has continuously demonstrated its commitments to the long-term development of its business and the Nigerian economy by sustained investments, development of new innovative solutions and building of Nigeria’s indigenous know-how and capacity. “We will make a lot of new investments in the next few years,” Roux said. He said contrary to recent speculations about presence of low-grade cement products in Nigeria, there could be no low-grade cement in the country as Nigeria has the most modern cement industry in Africa. He assured shareholders of good returns on their investments.

However, Roux’s assurance did little to stave the bearish trend at the stock market as equities went fully on panic sales yesterday. Most positions at the NSE closed on offer and there were 53 losers against eight gainers.

•Osunkeye

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHWEST STATES

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

PAGE 29

•AUD Elementary School, Isale-Osun, Osogbo

Inside Aregbesola’s big dreams for public schools in Osun

INSIDE

When Governor Rauf Aregbesola began the implementation of the public schools reclassification, doubts were raised about the intent of the new policy. The government insists the new grade system will improve education. Two years after, how has the policy changed the state of education? SEUN AKIOYE investigates •Continued on Page 30

I am the only paramount ruler in Igboho, says Alepata •PAGE 32

Senator empowers constituents with N120m tools •PAGE 34

Ex-soccer star turns destitute, pleads for financial assistance •PAGE 36

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

SOUTHWEST REPORT

•Inside Salvation Army Middle School

•Its meal time

Inside Aregbesola’s big dreams for I

T was 11:00am and preparations were ongoing at the AUD Elementary School, Isale-Osun, Osogbo for the mid-day meal. Meal times at this school are always a special time not only for the immaculately dressed food vendors but for the pupils, many of whom are from poor families. In Grade Two classroom, the children beamed with smiles as the vendors passed around a sizeable bowl of rice and vegetable, garnished with melon and chicken. A bottle of water was placed beside each student. Two pieces of banana completed the meal. The class teacher, Mrs. Mariam Aderinola, watched with glowing pride as the pupils performed this pleasurable duty of completing their meal. Everyday spent in that classroom, for her, was a reminder of what the school used to be and how in a spate of two years things have changed completely. “I used to teach in this school before the reclassification policy of the government, I was teaching this same class then known as Primary Two. Coming to school then was agony and we used to be fearful because the building had fallen apart and touts taken over the school,” she said, a small frown creeping to her brow. The teacher had a solid reason to be fearful. In 2011, AUD Primary School - as it was known, was a specimen of rot and mismanagement. The buildings, the ones still standing were dilapidated, while the roof in many places had gone off. According to Aderinola, the whole premises was overgrown with weeds and immediately the children left the school, touts took over the compound. “They will mess up the whole compound with faeces and we would see left over marijuana and drugs. Different things were going on here, the touts were sleeping here and in the morning we would cover our noses while we teach because of the stench,” she said.

New policy, new challenges The state of AUD Primary School was a reflection of the state of education in Osun’s public schools, when the Aregbesola administration came into office says the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Oyelade Oyeniran. According to the state government, public education had been so badly managed that only pupils whose parents could not afford private schools were left in the public schools. Primary school pupils, especially, were poorly dressed and malnourished while performance at both

internal and external examination dipped to an all-time low. But in February 2011, the state government convened an extra-ordinary education summit with the aim of finding a solution to the deep rooted problems. The summit paraded heavy weights in the education sector like Professors’ Wole Soyinka, former vice-chancellor of University of Lagos, Ibidapo Obe and Peter Okebukola of the National Universities Commission (NUC). The recommendations were far reaching and one of the vital points was the reclassification of schools, which implementation began in 2012. But the government knew the change will generate controversy so there were series of meetings with the stakeholders. Materials explaining government’s position were produced and distributed, while the Ministry of Education continued to engage with the public. Under the new school policy, the primary school system gave way to the grade system with the former Primary 1-4 with the age range of 6-9 years, merging into what is now called Elementary school, in Grades 1-4. Primary 5 and 6 and junior secondary 1-3 merged together to become middle school and now to be known as Grades 5-9 with the age range of 10-14, while the senior secondary students are grouped together in Grades 10-13, in what is now known as high school. In the new policy, the elementary schools will have a maximum capacity of 900 pupils in a purpose built state-of–the-art school. Other features will be provision of school uniform, books and balanced diet meals. The

schools were designed to be within the neighbourhood for easy access for all students. For the middle school, the maximum capacity will be between 9001,000 students, with the provision of state-of-the-art educational infrastructures and catchment to be between 23 kilometers, while the high school will have a maximum capacity of 3,000 students with hostel facilities. However, the curriculum did not change rather, what changed were physical infrastructure and more conducive environment. But fierce opposition began against the policy immediately it was announced. While the government may have anticipated some resistance, it probably underestimated how organised the opposition will be. Questions were raised about the merging of students from different schools and backgrounds under one roof, the loss of identity especially for mission schools and the problems of how workable the new “complicated” model will be. The government gave reasons for wanting to change the way public education is being conducted in the state, probably forever. According to Oyeniran, the new grade system is the global trend and approach to modern education for effective teaching and learning. In adopting the grade system, pupils of the same age bracket are grouped together with fewer students in classes. The government also claimed that multiplicity of schools had decayed infrastructure over the years, leading to poor funding, shortage of teachers and inefficiency. The new policy, the government said will reverse the rot

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and make quality education available to all children without discrimination making public school comparable to the private schools.

The promise of new infrastructure On October 2, 2013, the state government rolled out the drums to celebrate the commissioning of the stateof-the-art new school infrastructure, The Salvation Army Middle School, Alekuwodo, Osogbo. It was not the fanfare or the presence of top government functionaries that became the center point of the event but the arrival of Governor Aregbesola, wearing a middle school uniform and beaming with smile as he commissioned the first mega school that would accommodate students of the middle school. There are lots of promises in the new education policy of the state government. In moving students from different schools together under the same roof, the government promised to build 170 mega schools throughout the state. While elementary will have 100 schools, middle will have 50, while 20 high schools will be built. These mega buildings will have laboratories, libraries, clean toilet facilities and ICT centers. These new infrastructures will complement other schools that would be upgraded to acceptable standards under the reclassification policy. The government also promised to feed all students in elementary school under what it called the O’Meal

I want to say the reform in schools is good but I must caution that the government must maintain the standard so that it won’t become a distortion in the end. There has to be a balance too, so the other sector of the state won’t suffer

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•Omoluabi scholar bus

programme. About 3,000 food vendors have been contracted throughout the state and the students followed a regime of nutritional meals throughout the week. Under the reclassification, all public schools in Osun State will be free while government will also supply books and uniforms to the students. But how much of these promise have been fulfilled and what has been the impact of the new education policy on students?

Inside Aregbesola’s Grade Schools Passing through the busy Alekuwodo road, Osogbo, the imposing Salvation Army Middle School is unmistakable. Built in a rectangle shape and painted in bright yellow colours, when viewed from the opposite direction without the benefit of the equally imposing signboard, one would believe the building is part of a new private university. Three members of the Osun Peace Corps movement mounted guard at the gate while students continued with their studies in the classrooms. No student loitered around and an examination of the entire classroom revealed that the students were all studiously engaged. There were no blackboards but white boards and instead of the chalk, markers were used to write on the boards. The students sat two in a seat and none of the classroom had more than 40 students. At the same time, Eunice Yaya, the Head Teacher at AUD Elementary

‘ THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

SOUTHWEST REPORT

public schools in Osun School was having her first classroom inspection in the morning. Like the middle school, AUD is recently commissioned as a mega school, which catered for Grade 1-4 students of six primary schools. The students in Grade Two, on perceiving a visitor sprang to their feet in greetings, welcoming the visitor to the classroom and ending it with a prayer for God’s blessings on the visitor. “The difference is clear to what we used to have,” Yaya said as she exited the classroom. “We have a very conducive atmosphere for learning and our children loves to come to school because there is free feeding,” she said. Yaya also said the reclassification of schools has improved the education standards. “Now we have teachers commensurate with the students unlike what we had before. This is a far better system than what we used to run.” The AUD Elementary School also boasts of some world class infrastructures. “There are 12 toilets and bathrooms, electricity and running water and we have toys for the children. We have a multipurpose hall that can sit 200 pupils at the same time and we educate our children on how to use the facilities because we are determined to preserve and maintain it,” Agbelekale Serifat, the facility manager said. Currently, 39 mega schools have been completed across the state and many are still under construction. At the CAC Araromi Middle School,

work was about 40 percent completed when The Nation visited. But the old school built in 1998 by Theophilous Bamigboye’s military administration had been refurbished with the leaking roof replaced and temporary chairs provided for the students. One teacher who spoke anonymously said: “As you can see, work is going on our new school but the government has given this one a face-lift. It is not what we want yet but we will get there.” Also, at former Osogbo Grammar School, work is ongoing for the construction of a 3,000 capacity Model High School. While that was going on, the old building has been refurbished and given a face-lift. But questions have been raised about the distance of the high schools which has been mitigated by the purchase of 100 Omoluabi scholar buses, which according to a government official would be strictly for the students. The Nation can also verify that these buses are currently at the state Ministry of Finance. The impact of the new educational policy has also been generating interesting permutations among the

residents of the state. More than 90 percent of the people sampled by The Nation agreed that the policy has changed the landscape for education forever. “I have two children in school. I withdrew my son from a private school where I was paying N60,000 to join a public school. Now the money is back in my pocket because he attends school free and the facilities are better than the private school. I have a small girl in a private school, as soon as she is old enough, I will take her to a public school,” Toyin Barry-Ogwu, who works at Diamond Bank said. Barry-Ogwu said the reclassification and reforms in the education sector has changed the face of education. “In Osun State, no child is forced to go to school, the children are looking fine when you see them coming from school, everyone wants to be part of them now because they are well fed,” she said. Lolade Olanipekun, whose daughter attends AUD Elementary School, may have had a tiring day but the mention of the new school system brightened his face. “That is one reason I am happy. My daughter is in

Grade Two, she talks everyday about how good the school is. She said they eat food everyday and they have this car that goes round to play with,” he said enthusiastically. On the education standard, he said she is showing more promise. “I am so happy that she is even writing. Her handwriting is not too fine now but she is improving every day. She wants to go to school almost every day of the week, I have seen the school myself and it is a very good environment,” Olanipekun said. Aderinola, Grade Two teacher at AUD Elementary School said, a child came from one of the private schools and sat in her class. “She had a different uniform and she sat in the class. We inquired and found her school but she insisted she wanted to stay in our class. She must have been attracted by our facilities here and that is to show the improvements that have happened to this school, even the teachers are also looking very fine,” she said beaming with smile. One parent who declined to be named said: “You will not know what the governor has done if you don’t know how bad things used to be. I have a shop here and I used to see the students begging for money in the traffic or hawking, when they should be in school, but can you see any child on the road today?” he asked. The policy has also had a reverberating effect on private schools. According to investigations, many parents are withdrawing their children from private to the public schools, while to counter the Opon-Imo policy. The private schools are now selling a similar device to their high school students. The President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Osun State, Prince Wale Oyeniyi, who is also the proprietor of Mustard Seed School, Ode-Omu, told The Nation that while the new school policy is a welcome development; it should also incorporate students of the private schools. “I want to say the reform in schools is good but I must caution that the government must maintain the standard so that it won’t become a distortion in the end. There has to be a balance too, so the other sector of the state won’t suffer,” he said. Oyeniyi denied that private schools are losing their pupils. “I see no difference throughout the state, we have a symbiotic relationship, there is no problem. But I should say that government should also treat private school pupils the same way. They are all citizens and we too are electorate and we vote, all the children are the same, so they should all enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he said. But the situation was slightly different at International School, Abere,

Ede North Local Government. The principal, Babaremi Olusola, acknowledged frankly the educational reforms had affected his business. “To be candid, this is affecting us, I have seen parents withdrawing their children to public schools because of the free education and uniform and food.” Olusola also had knocks for the government: “The way they are going about it, it’s like they don’t want us to exist, look at everything they are doing, and we should be partners in progress. We also employ people here and we are voters too. He also implore the government to grant private schools tax reduction and give them what he called special grants to also upgrade their own facilities.

“We want our mega high school” At 2:00pm, members of the Christian students fellowship at St. Daniel High School 3, Ode-Omu, began a session of prayer. They prayed for progress of the state and also for a new high school. Outside the old building where they met, three of their teachers sat huddled together. “We are not happy because our school is split into three when we should all be in the same compound. Our buildings are not to be compared with the other schools, we are waiting for the government to build us a mega high school because we really need it,” the teachers said. About 150 meters from the high school is an imposing new building that will house St. Michael Elementary School, Ode-Omu. Inside the compound, workers put finishing touches to the painting. “We have 22 classrooms here; we have modern toilets, hall, playground and even a projector. But the best part is that it is dry construction, no brick was used, fire cannot affect it and if we need to move it away from here we just dismantle it and set it up somewhere else,” one of the workers said. Besides the new building is the old school refurbished by the state government, but compared to the imposing new building, it looked like materials made ready for the museum. The teachers of St. Daniel, while praising the new building insist they deserved it more. “That should have been our school, we need it more but they gave it to the children.” At the sound of a signal, students of AUD rushed to the playground where several toys have been provided. They played on the see saw, the swing and other toys provided by the state government, Elizabeth Ajala, the second Head Teacher stood by watching. “We will maintain this standard, we are determined. This is the only way we can show our appreciation,” she said with a smile.

‘Our literacy level has improved’ The reclassification of schools in Osun State has led to an improvement in the literacy level in the state according to the permanent secretary, Ministry of Education, Oyelade Oyeniyi

S school reclassification the only way to reform education in the state? When we had our education summit, reclassification was one of the cardinal recommendations of that summit. We have engaged various stakeholders and came up with the grade system against the former primary system. This allows for effective management of resources, where we had more teachers than students, the grade system has rectified that. The grade system is also the global trend and we ensure that it matches UNESCO recommendations. When the schools were merged, what criteria were used to select students? We didn’t use a single point. The policy is, there is no single sex school in the state, we moved 1,920 students from Fakunle Grammar School to the former Baptist Girls

High School, which is a stone throw from each other. We considered the land mass of the school, the nearness to the student’s residences. We considered the logistics and the furniture available in the schools, the year of establishment. We did our homework well in fixing students into a particular school. For the elementary, it’s all in the neighbourhood and for high schools, we have purchased school buses to be used solely by students, so it was very tight and we have no problem. What are the facilities on the ground now to accommodate this gigantic dream? We have gone really far in that. We plan to build 170 schools, 100 will be elementary, 50 will be middle and 20 will be high schools. Where we will not build new schools, government will upgrade existing infrastructure. We have

about 40 new schools now and many are under construction. There will be six high schools in Osogbo and they are under construction now, Fakunle will be in Unity road. It is under construction. There are so many issues about insensitivity to religion in the reclassification exercise. No, religion is not against reclassification because we don’t want to set any religious tension, we took cognisance of that and all the stakeholders were carried along. When schools were taken over by government, it didn’t classify any school as religious. But what we are doing will not affect religion, all the schools retained their names like The Salvation Army and AUD schools. What have all these done for educational standards, because this was the primary reason for the reforms?

•Oyelade Oyeniyi Our literacy level has improved. Osun has the highest elementary school enrolment because of the O’Meal. We are meeting and breaking standards and a model for many countries. Opon-Imo has also changed the way our students read and we believe that our educational standards cannot remain the same.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

SOUTHWEST REPORT

I am the only paramount ruler in Igboho, says Alepata T

HE traditional ruler of Igboho in Orelope Local Government, Oyo State, Alepata of Igboho, HRH, Oba Johnson Olayide Oyeyiola Igbaroola lll, has said that he is the only paramount ruler of the town and the only one with beaded crown in the kingdom. In the light of fresh controversy over who among himself, the Onigboho and the Onibode, is the paramount ruler of the town and the entire kingdom, the Alepata said, he is not only recognised and addressed as such by the Oyo State government but that the Supreme Court had equally ruled in his favour. Alepata, who disclosed this during an exclusive chat with The Nation in his palace at Igboho, said that contrary to insinuations from some quarters that there is any other ruler in the town, there is no longer any controversy about it after the judgment of the Supreme Court that declared him as the authentic beaded crown Oba of the ancient town. “Aside the facts that l am the only permanent member of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, l am equally the permanent Chairman of Orelope Traditional Council. Any other person(s) claiming to ascribe whatever title to himself is only dreaming and could not read the correct handwriting on the wall.” According to him, the tussle over the headship of the traditional stool in the historic town has been settled with the Supreme Court Judgment delivered on Friday, May 13, 1994, in the Suit No: SC.294/1991, titled: Alhaji Lawani Atoyebi & Anor v. The Governor of Oyo State & Others.” In the lead judgment, Justice Modibo Alfa Begore, affirmed the ruling of the Court of Appeal that “The trial Judge, after reviewing all the evidence of 3rd defendant and his witnesses and recent situation whereby he regarded Alepata as the superior ruler of Igboho and that Onigboho was under him. Trial Judge never relied on traditional history alone, but found that recent situation dating for several years convinced him that the Alepata must be overlord of

Against the backdrop of persistent claims by three traditional rulers to being the paramount ruler of Igboho, Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, the Alepata of Igboho, Oba Johnson Olayide Oyeyiola Igbaroola III, has restated his superiority to the other claimants to the title and he has the ruling of the Supreme Court and the backing of the state government on his side. SINA FADARE reports. Onigboho and not the other way round. He relied on the inquiry held in 1957 (Exh. 12) and that of 1982 resulting in the government of former Western Region of Nigeria recognising Alep-ata as the superior chief of Igboho.” Belgore averred that: “Upon the foregoing, the government has all along found in favour of superiority of Alepata as the overall ruler of Igboho and that any other chief in that town including Onigboho ranks after him. This conclusion is based on tradition history after various enquiries.” Aside this, Alepata, pointed out that in 1985; the Oyo State government sent him a letter of confirmation as the paramount ruler of Igboho town. The letter reads: “I am directed to inform you that government has received the report of Administrative Inquiry into the above subject matter and has, after a careful consideration of the report, approved that (1) The Alepata should be confirmed as the most Senior Traditional Ruler in Igboho. (2) The Onigboho should be recognised as a Traditional Ruler in Igboho and as the second in rank to the Alepata; and (3) The Ona-Onibode has no right to assume the headship of Igboho but his position as a traditional ruler in Igboho has been reaffirmed.” The said letter was dated January 2, 1985, was sent from the office of the military governor with reference no CB.141/13/1/Vol.1/ 238, signed by Mr F.B Adisa. He argued that going down the memory lane from the days of his forefathers when Alaafin first visited Oke-Ogun area of the state, he had been accorded a leadership role. “When there was Fulani invasion of old Oyo Empire, Alaafin and his people were forced to vacate their home. When he got to Ebiti, he met our forefather, Gbage, who came from Ilesha. Today, we can also contest the royal stool of Owa-Obokun of Ijeshaland. Alaafin Ofinran saw that Gbage was a powerful man, who

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Nemesis may have caught up with 31 suspected criminals in Ondo State, who were paraded by the police in Akure, the state capital last weekend. DAMISI OJO reports.

Upon the foregoing, the government has all along found in favour of superiority of Alepata as the overall ruler of Igboho and that any other chief in that town including Onigboho ranks after him. This conclusion is based on tradition history after various enquiries •Alepata installing Onibode as a chief of Igboho had a lot of charms and very formidable in the act of warfare and hunting expedition. Alaafin Ofinran was so amased that this (Ebiti) was a settlement that was so peaceful. So, he inquired, who was the head usually called Baale and Gbage was sent for.

“That time, Alaafin was very powerful in Yoruba kingdom, he was welcomed by Gbage. Alaafin Ofinran told Gbage that he was looking for where he could settle down with all his people and en-

tourage. Gbage, who knew all the terrain because of his hunting expedition after he had killed numerous, dangerous and carnivorous animal, told him that after they might have rested for seven days, they would embarked on a search mission, looking for a place to settle the Alaafin and his people. “Any time Alaafin wanted to see Gbage, he will say that “go and call me that hunter who used to killed animals with spots on its skin” (Baba to ma n pa eran patapata) that was how

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Gbage was changed to Alepata, “Baba to n le eran patapata pa” The traditional ruler pointed out that aside this; he was the only Oba in the town who the current Alaafin, HRH Oba Lamidi Olayiw-ola Adeyemi III, sent a letter of certification to after he was enthroned as the Alepata of Igboho. Against this backdrop, he explained that an official letter was written to him by the state government that made him one of the permanent members of the council of

•Oba Dr Johnson Olayide Oyeyiola Igbaroola III, Alepata of Igboho Obas and Chiefs. Part of the letter that was signed by Mr O. A. Akanmu and dated April 23, 2008 with reference No:CB.161/ 1/Vol.X1/306 reads; “l write to inform you that the Oyo State Executive Council at its 7th meetings of March 5, 2008, had noted the need to enlarge the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs in accordance with the provision of schedule 1 of Cap 37, Oyo State Law2000. It is the light of this development that you have been appointed as a permanent mem-

Centre invites professionals to help achieve jobs, wealth creation in Ogun S EVEN years old Technology Incubation Centre (TIC), Abeokuta, is repositioning itself, ostensibly to enhance its chances of creating not only wealth but also the targeted 5,000 jobs or more for budding young entrepreneurs, among the youth of Ogun State within a couple of years. It is a collaborative efforts of the Federal Government, state and local governments in Ogun to nurture the start-up development and growth of innovative business ideas and technologies via Technology Incubation Programme (TIP). And aside Abeokuta, the state capital, there are two extensions of TIP in the state – Odogbolu ( Ogun East) and Owode – Yewa (Ogun West). Penultimate week, the centre brought into its fold, professionals from tertiary institutions, marketing, NAFDAC, research institute, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Ministry of Commerce and Industry to help it evaluate feasibility studies and business plans of potential small and medium scale entrepreneurs desirous of using the facility to incubate their business ideas

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

and innovations. The professionals - are also expected to provide advisory role on linkages to other source of funding for financial support to the aspiring entrepreneurs as well as on product marketing and export potentials for products produced by them. The Nation gathered that since its establishment in May 2007, the centre has provided no fewer than 500 direct jobs to youths and there are about 20 young entrepreneurs producing different products using local raw materials and whose investment worth at inception, was put at N24m beside 200 unemployed, who were sponsored for training in various vocations by the Ogun State government. The TIC Manager, Dr. John Oni, who recalled that the facility was established by the Federal Government to serve as an “industrial nursery and designed to use locally gen-

erated technologies and raw materials” for wealth creation, said the invited professionals are needed to move the place forward. Members of the team include Olootu Layi Labode, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria(NIMN), Pharm. Ugochukwu Ilo (NAFDAC), Engr. Enebi Onucheyo (Standards Organisation of Nigeria) and eight others. The state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, who inaugurated the 11member committee, advised them to use their experience in various callings to assist the centre attain its objectives of “jobs and wealth creation.” According to Ashiru, the TIP is an avenue to engage the youth and other enterprising minds needed to diversify the economy and steer the nation away from dependency on the oil sector and imports. The commissioner urged the budding small and medium entrepreneurs of the centre to leverage on the

N1bn Ogun State - Bank of Industry Industrial Matching Fund and develop their various businesses to success stories. According to him, aside the link road, the state government built to the centre, also request for provision of Industrial borehole, 500KVA transformer and connection of the Odogbolu extension are being looked into. The chairman of the advisory committee, Olootu Layi Labode, assured that products and discoveries at the centre would be made to get to the public as well as get certification and approval by government regulatory authority. According to Labode, who was former chairman, Ogun State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), it served neither the manufacturer/entrepreneurs nor the public any purpose if goods produced do not get to those who would make use of them. He expressed the confidence that with the team, the centre could be positioned to create over 10,000 jobs in the state within a short space of time.

Police parade Pastor, 30 other suspects in Ondo

•Members of the committee and representatives of the state Commerce and Industry ministry

ber of the Oyo Council of Obas and Chiefs” Oba Alepata noted that around year 2002, when some chiefs were parading themselves with the title of an Oba, which the government did not recognise, a letter of warning was sent to all of them to stop such arrogation of such paraphernalia of office. The letter from the Oyo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters with Ref. No CB.161/ 5B/3/52 and directed to all the Chairmen and Traditional Rulers in the state reads: ”The state government has observed with dismay and surprise the bastardisation of the institution of traditional rulership in Oyo State in recent time. It is a rape on our revered custom and tradition and also a taboo for various professional organisations and societies assuming certain titles of our Traditional Heads and also parading themselves as His Royal Highness. “It is against the foregoing that the Chiefs Law Cap 21, Section 21 (1-4) forbids any one, who is not an Oba to address or parade himself as such. It is an offence punishable under the state law.” The traditional ruler of Igboho, therefore, enjoined the Oyo State government to separate the Council of Obas from that of the Chiefs so that those who are notable chiefs in their respective kingdom will not unnecessary arrogating to themselves the title they do not qualify to bear. “This at the long run will give total respect to the traditional institutions and most of the needless crises that had been witnessed in the past due to this anomaly will be a thing of the past.“

HE police in Ondo State have arrested a 28-year-old Pastor, Okpara Emmanuel Chigozie over his alleged involvement in the kidnap of a Two-year-old girl in Akure, the state capital. Pastor Chigozie, founder of a Pentecostal church in Owerri, the Imo State capital was one of the 31 suspects paraded by the Ondo State Police Command last weekend at the command headquarters in Akure, during the maiden press briefing of the new police commissioner Isaac Eke. The Pastor was arrested in his apartment in Owerri by detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Akure. His arrest followed a report lodged at the Okuta Elerinla Division of the command on March 12, that a two-year-old girl had been kidnapped in the area. Police detectives immediately swung into action and arrested a 25-year male suspect Chinonye Anufor, which eventually led to the arrest of the Pastor. According to the Commissioner of Police, socks of the kidnapped girl, her pair of canvass and about 15 SIM cards with eight assorted types of phones were among the items recovered from the Chigozie’s apartment. During an interview with reporters, the suspect said, “I was called at the age of 18 to preach the word. I am a graduate of Delta State University. When I finished from school, I was serving under Prophet Elijah Kalu, who later prayed for me and said I should go and open my own ministry. “I later opened Believers Prayer Ministry, at No. 36, Umudagu Road, by Veronica Hardel junction, Orji, Owerri. “Last week Wednesday, a boy called Lukman came with one brother (Sly) and said a lady gave birth to his child but wants to take

•The suspects

the baby away because he could not give her money, He said I should come and talk to the woman to release the child to him. “They came to me with a guy in army uniform and we all came (here) together. We were four in number and we came in a Toyota Camry car. When we got to the place they showed us the house. “So, in the morning he (Sly) just called us and said the wife was coming out, when we got there we saw her and we collected the baby from her. On our way we stopped, that was when he told us that it was a lie that he is a kidnapper, that the man owed him some money that he was working for the man before. So, we took the child to Yenegoa in Bayelsa State and dropped her there,” the Pastor narrated. He, however, confessed to the crime, stressing that he was very sad and remorseful. Similarly, another gang of kidnappers was arrested by men of the Ondo State Police Command and equally paraded before the public. The gang was led by a University undergraduate, Olanrewaju Adekunle, currently on teaching practice at a secondary school in Ibadan The gang was intercepted by the police along Ajagba/Agadagba Road, in Ese Odo Local Government, Ondo State. One 28-year-old, Gasiakpo Niakpo, a student of Niger Delta University Bayelsa was also apprehended on the spot with one Henry Doye Messiah, while another suspect, Edward Onwei escaped into the bush. Items recovered from them included a Toyota Solara car with Reg. No. AKD 731 AR and a case file, which the command said would soon be transferred to Oyo State command for further action. Niakpo who confessed to the crime said “we never intended to kidnap anybody, it was a friend that

called me that there was a fraudster (Yahoo boy) who has been evading police and EFCC, that we should go and collect money from him, we never intended to kidnap him” He said they were arrested by the police while coming to Akure to a new generation bank where the guy was supposed to get money and pay them as ransom. Niakpo said their plans were never to kidnap him but to harass him with the police in order to extort money from him. Among other suspects paraded were cultists arrested during police raids in the State Capital as a follow up to the murder of one Sunday Eniola who was shot dead during a fight between two rival cult groups last week at Tipper garage, Akure. The CP said in the course of the exercise, one Taiwo Olamilekan (a.k.a) Olorunwa was apprehended with bullet wound on the left leg. According to him, on interrogation, the suspect confessed that he is a member of “Eye” confraternity , saying he sustained the gunshot wound during an encounter with the other cultists The police chief said one Sunday Eniola who was earlier shot dead was equally said to be a member of the “Eye” confraternity. Other suspects paraded were armed robbers who stole motorcycles and goats. However, the new police chief has assured the people of the command’s readiness to combat crimes and flush out criminals in the state. He said the command would create a robust symbiotic relationship with member of the public, corporate bodies and the media through an open door policy. The commissioner however solicited maximum cooperation from the people on useful information to achieve the desired goal.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Why states can’t generate enough IGR by DFID From Damisi Ojo, Akure

HE British Department for International Development (DFID), has charged all states of the federation to fully utilise their capacities to generate revenue internally for development. Besides, the organisation said a study conducted between 2007 and 2011 revealed that the southwest region accounted for 44.3 per cent of the total Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the country. The Southern Regional Coordinator of DFID, Mr. Sina Fagbenro-Byron, said this at a conference on internally generated revenue for Southwest and Kwara states held in Akure, the Ondo State capital. He, however, regretted that many of the states in the country were yet to fully utilise their capacities to generate revenue as they still depend on revenue from the federation account. The DFID Coordinator explained that the IGR of the southwest region between 2007 and 2011 put at N926.6 billion was more than that of the four zones of Northwest, Northeast, Southeast and Northce-ntral which had N675.5 billion. He noted however that “while the picture may be rosy for the southwest compared with others, when compared with what should be the case and the potential for growth, we must admit that we are doing dismally poor. “The inability to bring in or formalise and serve the good and vibrant informal sector coupled with diminishing industrial capacity as a result of obvious infrast-ructural challenges, particularly inadequate power has contributed to low IGR.” While speaking on the ability of the state to improve on their IGR, Fagbenro-Byron said, “The states that recognise the role of the private sector in the development of the economy are doing well, those that place premium on data collection are doing fine because whatever you do not measure you won’t know how to make use of it. “The state should know that data collection and information generation are essential because when they don’t have the information, how will they know the area where they are to generate revenue or provide public services, so we are urging states to increase their capacities, but as we are talking we want to give kudos to states in the southwest.” The Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, while declaring the conference open said, the state had targeted an IGR of N15 billion in the 2014 fiscal years.

•Some of the cars donated

HE senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ayoade Adeseun, has given out several items, tools and equipment worth N120 million to his constituents. The empowerment, which was held at the Durbar Stadium, Oyo, set the ancient city agog for most hours of the day. Among the items distributed were 60 vehicles, 200 fridges, 200 grinding machines, 200 motorcycles, 200 hair-dressing equipment, 200 sewing machines and 15 cows. Adeseun said the empowerment project was one of the ways to thank voters for their support in the last election and thereafter. He added that more of such were on the way. According to him, constituents deserve as much empowerment and appreciation as possible because they have been supportive all these years. A former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, who chaired the occasion, commended Ade-seun, saying he is a kind person, particularly so because unlike some other politicians he described as insincere, he does not blow the trumpet of his charitable deeds to his people. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, also commended the senator, stressing that he has proved to be reliable since he won his first election as a member of the House of Representatives. The monarch advised beneficiaries to put the items into good use. To Adeseun, splashing N120 million items on constituents was nothing big. He said: “There is nothing novel about what we are doing today. To some, it may be rather surprising or unusual. Most of my colleagues know that over the years, I have been embarking on programmes such as this. The idea is to thank those who supported us in the course of our electioneering efforts and when somebody has done something good, it is only normal that you come back and show your appreciation to them. That is what we are doing. The scale, of course, is unusual and that is very much like me. “Half of the recipients were presented by the party in all the local governments. The other half are individuals and other stake-

•From left: Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III; Hon. Ayoade Adeseun with his wife

Senator empowers constituents with N120m tools From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

selves alone. This is also in addition to the various developmental programme we have been doing over the years. We have trained over 50 people in each local government in several skill

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holders. This is just a token for people to know that we did not just go there to represent our-

The idea is to thank those who supported us in the course of our electioneering efforts and when somebody has done something good, it is only normal that you come back and show your appreciation to them

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areas and empowered them. More of developmental and empowerment programmes are still coming. “In the course of service, we have had opportunities to facilitate employment into federal and state establishments for hundreds of our people. This is a kind of investment that you will reap in 10 to 20 years time.” Beneficiaries cut across the 11 local governments in the district with others from other local government areas in Ogbomoso land, his birth town. At the event were state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Akin Oke; Senator Kamoru Adedibu, local government chairmen and party leaders in the state.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

SOUTHWEST REPORT

HE son of a former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Labib Ayodeji, is gradually stepping into his father’s shoes. Since his election in 2011, as member of the House of Representatives representing Somolu Federal Constituency, the young Jakande, has silently embarked on projects aimed at improving his constituents. With a state-of-the-art, Information Communication Technology (ICT) Centre at CMS Primary School, training hundreds of youth, luxury buses conveying pupils to and from school, executing first phase of his ‘Operation hundred thousand books’ aimed at making 100,000 exercise books available free to school children and annual football competition, the lawmaker surely knows what it takes to keep young minds busy and focused. Also, to engage the adults, Hon. Jakande has built a Skill Acquisition Centre, where different vocational trainings are offered. Boreholes have also been provided in areas lacking potable water, while transformers have been given to at least four streets in Fadeyi, Bariga and Somolu to boost electricity supply in addition to the provision of street lights in six areas. As if these were not enough, on Thursday, February 20, Jakande empowered no fewer than 500 people at Baptist Academy School Grounds, Obanikoro. The event that coincided with his 44th birthday saw the beneficiaries turning out in large numbers, early enough to herald the commencement of the poverty alleviation and welfare programme. The materials distributed included grinding machines, sewing machines, hair dryers, generating sets, tool boxes, deep freezers and cash. Hon. Jakande thanked the people for their supports and used the opportunity to present his score card. He thanked his father for his presence and pledged to maintain the integrity, pedigree and virtue which “our family name has earned and which our patriarch worked hard for. It is my fervent prayer that I uplift and maintain the height of my family name.” Jakande did not forget to thank the people of his constituency. “I am indebted to you and promise not only to surpass my father’s pub-

•Tambuwal (second left) assisting Jakande (second right) to present trophy to winner of the football competition

Jakande’s payback time for constituents In one fell swoop, Hon. Ayodeji Jakande, a member of the House of Representatives and son of a former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, distributed materials worth millions of naira to empower 500 people in his constituency, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO lic service records but also to reward you for your overwhelming support to me at the general elections. You remain my hub around which I revolve at the National Assembly, hence the reason why we are gathered here today. “Since assumption of office, I have made it a personal duty to highlight a few democratic dividends for the peoples’ benefit and this will continue for long.” He rallied supports for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general elections. “May I at this juncture appreciate the effort of my mentor, the man who is for the total emancipation of the entire nation, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for helping me chart my

political course and giving me renewed relevance with the people of Somolu. I also thank Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the support over the years. When people come into your life and make a difference, it is only proper to acknowledge God in them. I consider myself lucky. “I equally appreciate my leaders in APC, the party with the vision of making a great change in the history of this country,” he said. While lauding the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal’s leadership style, Jakande said his presence has fired up his passion for governance. “Mr Speaker Sir, your leadership style which I call ‘Borderless Politics’ is no doubt huge on my mind. I make

bold to add that; since the advent of our democracy in 1999, you are the only Speaker truly with a Nigerian mandate and the good people of Somolu join me in thanking you for finding time out of your tight schedule to be with us. May you have your heart desires,” he prayed. Tambuwal, the special guest of honour, was full of praise for the father of the lawmaker, Alhaji Jakande, who was also present at the event. According to him, politicians all over the country should emulate the good works of the second republic governor of Lagos State. He hailed the young Jakande for his lofty ideals of presenting empowerment items to members of his constituency, describing the act as Godly

and timely. He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the items as it was a way of not only eradicating poverty but also make them self-reliant. Excited by the gesture, an APC stalwart, Senator Anthony Adefuye, described the programme as timely. Adefuye, a one-time member of the National Assembly canvassed a second term tenure in the lower chamber for Hon Jakande. Alhaji Jakande thanked the Speaker for being a true Nigerian noting that no leader of the House of Representatives has ever been non-partisan in relating with people like Tambuwal. The statesman urged other leaders to emulate the Speaker.

Lawmaker gives bursary to needy students

O fewer than 780 students of tertiary institutions from Badagry Federal Constituency benefitted from the bursary allowance given by a member of House of Representatives, Hon. Rafeequat Onabamiro, at the Badagry Grammar School, Lagos State. She said the gesture was to assist parents to reduce the hardship they face while training their wards at the higher institutions of learning. Onabamiro said, having faced with a similar challenges as a student, one of the ways to give back to the society is to assist needy students who struggle to receive education. She noted that the lack of access to education endangers the mind and exposes it to disease. She, however, expressed disappointment that her efforts to better the lots of people have not been well complemented. According to her, some structures she provided to make life better for them were compromised. She said: “It is with great sadness I report that despite all coun-

By Musa Odoshimokhe

sels given and promises made by recipients of three buses for commercial transportation, these young men have run them aground within a short time.” She advised parents to be more responsible in the growth of their wards. “It is very important that parents guide their children because if they are not well trained at home, it will influence their conduct in the public.” Onabamiro maintained that the beneficiaries of the bursary award cut across the 20 political wards in her constituency. They were chosen after a thorough scrutiny to ascertain that the students were actually in the institutions they claimed. “In the last two years and nine months, a number of economic programmes, financial and humanitarian services have been rendered for the benefit of our people. It is my hope that these programmes have bought about positive economic return to the beneficiaries.”

•Hon. Onabamiro (right) presenting a bursary allowance one of the beneficiaries. With them is High Chief Menu Toyi, at Badagry

One of the beneficiaries, Sule Sego said the bursary will assist most of the students because things were really difficult. “What our House of Representatives member has done is a big

relief to some of us, who are struggling to remain in the school. She has demonstrated that the progress of Badagry youths is in her mind.” He urged other politicians to

come to the aid of youths who deserve assistance not only in their educational pursuit but setting up small scale businesses as part of measure to arrest the escalating insecurity in the country.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Ex-soccer star turns destitute •Imogene pleads for financial assistance T the height of his football career, Peter Imogene, an indigene of Abraka, Delta State, was a master of the game. An accomplished footballer, with some of Nigeria’s great football clubs of the past, such as Bendel Insurance of Benin, Calabar Rovers of Calabar and Water Corporation of Ibadan. 57-year-old Imogene, built his life around football such that when his playing career was over he took to coaching and was making a success of it. That was until two years ago. Today, his world has been reduced to rubble so to speak as a strange ailment that struck him in 2012, while on the way from Bauchi in the northeast where he was employed as a coach to his home town, Abraka, in the southsouth region has left him unable to fully use his legs. The ailment later diagnosed to be stroke has left him paralysed and with a swollen leg. He now lives as a destitute on the streets of Akure, the Ondo State capital, where he now begs for alms to keep body and soul together. All his life savings had gone into treating the disease but no improvement to his deteriorating health condition. Though married to three wives and has five children, Imogene today is alone with no family member around, as they all abandoned him shortly after his problem started. “Oh! I have lost everything”, he usually laments when telling his story to passers-by most of whom have now become his friends. “I was a well known player in 70s, I played for Bendel Insurance, Calabar Rovers, Ibadan Water Corporation and so many other clubs. My wives abandoned me immediately I got this disease and they thought I am probably dead by now because none of them has made any attempt to search for me. I don’t know where my children are, but I think two of them might be in Delta State with their mother.” He has become the ‘landlord’ of one of the newly constructed bus stop built by Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s administration around State Library at Oyemekun road in Akure. This is where he stays during the day and also sleeps at night with neatly arranged empty cartons serving as his bed. Come rain come sunshine, Imogene has made the bus stop his abode and always keeps the place clean despite his challenges. “In the morning, I normally go to the back of this bus stop to clean myself because this is where I live. This place has been serving as a house for me. And God has been protecting me during the night. Akure people have been caring for me. Some of them will bring food and also give me money. That is why you will always see people around me. Some of them are my friends. “I got to Akure six months ago after I have spent about a year in Lagos State. Though, I don’t know how I got to Lagos State. I am just regaining my senses, I lost everything. My family abandoned me, they want me dead, by now they believe I am dead but I will always be grateful to God for saving my life. I am just getting myself back together gradually.” When asked how he got to Akure, Imogene told The Nation, “I came to

•Imogene From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

Akure by myself. Nobody brought me from Lagos. When I was in Lagos I was battling with my ailment (stroke) and I started going to a church from where I contacted this swollen leg. When I got this leg pain, I nearly ran mad because I could not recognise myself again.” Talking about his past, the exfootballer said, “I had my first son in 1984, but I don’t know where the boy is now. I think I have five children. I saw my last child four years ago, because we were both staying together at Bauchi. All my life, I was into sports. I think I have three wives. I take life so easy, nobody was after me. I am the only boy of my father who has so many wives. My belief was that I can do whatever I like. Though, I have never being in good terms with the other wives of my father. “The problem started when I was returning to my home town from Bauchi where I worked as a football coach with my immediate family when this breeze fell on me and that was how I became paralysed. I lost everything to this illness and my wives abandoned me. I don’t know how I got to Lagos. I was abandoned, I had nowhere to stay, I was also staying in a public place like this in Lagos. This place is cleaner

than where I was staying in Lagos. “I will continue to say that I am the luckiest man you can ever think of because I was almost going naked. I think it is a spiritual battle. It is only God who knows. All my family members provoked me including my father. I had little property when I was into football. We don’t save money that time. You know how footballers of those days do live their lives. I became a coach with some football clubs in Bauchi. All I know was that I lived happily. “It is now that my eyes are getting opened. I have started feeling where I am staying now. This is where you will see me from morning till night. I am very open to the people. God has always been my protector at night, as no evil person has come to me at night. Imogene is pleading with the government or philanthropists to provide him with an accommodation. “I am begging the government if they can provide an accommodation for me. I want to recover again, up till now I don’t know what is happening.” As for his family, the ex-footballer said, “I don’t want to meet or see my family again, except my children. They thought I am dead. I believe I am facing a spiritual battle and for this reason, I must be far away from them.”

Osun: Time for INEC to get it right

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is one of the vital commissions in the nurturing of our democratic processes and as such its roles must not only be guided by the law, but must be seen to be responsible and responsive to the electorate so as to assist the nation to midwife free and fair election. Election no doubt is vital to democracy and that is the major assignment of the commission that needs to be done with all its strength and wisdom. The Electoral Act 2010 section 2 subsection a to c spelt out the function of the Commission as follows: “In addition to the functions conferred on it by the Constitution, the Commission shall have power to: (a) Conduct voter and civic education; (b) Promote knowledge of sound democratic election processes; (c) Conduct any referendum required to be conducted pursuant to the provision of the 1999 Constitution or any other law or Act of the National Assembly. Section 9 and 10 made provisions for the compilation, maintenance and updating on a continuous basis of National Register of Voters. The implication of the sections 9 and 10 of the Act gives the citizens that are 18 years and above the rights to register for election purpose and be in a position to cast their votes as at when occasion demands. Registration of voters in any democratic system is highly important; this is because election is the bedrock that other political processes are laid upon. Elections sit at the heart of all democratic systems and no serious democratic society handles it with levity. The spread of democracy around the world has been a significant achievement of the modern government. Election, therefore, sits at the heart of this, making possible the act of self-determination. The capacity of an electoral management body cannot be treated in isolation, but one will have to consider the environment at which the body is operating from. Nigeria elections are characterised by rancour and violence, consequently the political class which is the major actor hardly bothers about free and fair elections, but is concerned only about how to win at all cost and as a result from the point of registration of the voters to the election result, politicians will wait at nothing to compromise the elections. The political class in Nigeria has been the greatest obstacle to peace and enduring democracy, its political arsenal is rabid opportunism and consummate greed. The just concluded registration of voters exercise in the Osun State requires urgent attention of the INEC, this is due to a high number of eligible voters that could not register due to logistic factors. From Osogbo, the state capital, to Obokun, Ila-

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The Jega-led INEC must of necessity do what is needful in the coming elections in Ekiti and Osun so as to ensure free and fair election, only this will make the people of Nigeria have hope in the 2015 general election

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From Yomi Obaditan, Osogbo

Orogun, Esa-Oke, Iwo, Okuku, Inisa, Ede, Ilesa and several other towns and villages the people could not be registered for the aforesaid factors. What then will be the fate of the people that could not register due to the failure of the INEC machines, shortage of staff and non-availability of both in some places? It simply means that a high number of the people have been disenfranchised and by implication the power to vote and be voted for which is guaranteed by the constitutional would have been lost and by implication the election may in the future not be said to have been free and fair. Similarly, what is the likelihood that the names of those that were registered would be well processed and published on time to allow the voters to exercise their right on claims and objections and at the end of the exercise the new names would be included in the comprehensive voter lists and published in the wards of the local governments and polling units for people to check up their names? The voters’ registers, would it also be made available for all the political parties to cross check in time in order to avoid the confusion that marked the Anambra State gubernatorial election of last year, where party candidates could not even trace their names in the voters’ registers on Election Day.

POOR ELECTORAL ADMINISRATION The administration of elections in Nigeria over the years is nothing to write home about. There are inadequate control mechanisms, poor logistics, poor level of preparation and corrupt electoral officials that connived with desperate politicians to rig election. For instance, in 1983, it was discovered that the rigging of election was done through the inflation of election register and subsequent elections including the 2007 election in Ekiti State suffered from this anomaly. It is important at this juncture, to tell the INEC to compare notes with some African countries that have improved greatly in the conduct of their elections in the last ten years. Ghana is one of the countries that conducted its last two elections far better than the previous ones. Similarly, South Africa has come of age and has improved in the cost of election, which has reduced drastically compared with ours that is always on the increase. The South Africans have also conducted free and fair elections as well. It is our demand that the INEC should revisit the registration exercise that was inconclusive in the state of Osun by extending the time of the exercise by one week for the sake of democracy and good governance. One man one vote should not be allowed to be a mere mantra, but should be seen and practiced by all lovers of democracy. Electoral violence is better avoided if the body in charge of the conduct of election conducts the processes in a way and manner that show that it is an unbiased umpire and gives its best by being responsive when complaints are made and providing equal grounds for the competitors before, during and after the election. The Jega-led INEC must of necessity do what is needful in the coming elections in Ekiti and Osun so as to ensure free and fair election, only this will make the people of Nigeria have hope in the 2015 general election. To do otherwise would not augur well for the Commission as well as the nation in general, INEC can conduct this coming elections in June and August in Ekiti and Osun respectively, if it so determined. Yes it can.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

THE NATION INVESTORS •From Left: Senior Manager, Corporate Communication, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Dante Martins; Head, Market Operations and Technology, Mr. Ade Ewosho; Head, Legal and Regulation Division, Ms. Tinuade Awe and Head, Surveillance Department, Mr. Abimbola Abdulazeez, at the NSE’s XWhistleblowing bell ringing ceremony in Lagos.

Standards & Poor’s sees heightened risks in banking

TANDARDs & Poor’s Ratings Services (S & P) has raised its profile for the banking industry risk by a notch, citing worsening risk scenario in the aftermath of the suspension of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Lamido Sanusi by President Goodluck Jonathan. In its latest ‘Banking Industry Country Risk Assessment (BICRA) Update’ obtained by The Nation, S & P stated that it moved Nigeria a notch close to its highest risk profiles due to heightened risk of political interference or governance issues. S & P lowered Nigerian banking industry risk profile to eight from seven, two points below the highest risk profile of 10. A BICRA is scored on a scale from ‘1’ to ‘10’, ranging from what S & P considered as the lowest-risk banking systems-group ‘1’ to the highest-risk-group ‘10’. According to the report, a BICRA analysis for a country covers all of its financial institutions that take deposits, extend credit, or engage in both activities, whether S & P rates them or not. In addition, the analysis considers the relationship of the banking industry to the financial system, and furthermore to its sovereign. For that reason, many of the factors underlying a sovereign rating are important in determining a BICRA score. “We lowered the industry risk score for Nigeria to ‘8’ from ‘7’ because of the change in leadership at the Central Bank of Nigeria, which in our opinion highlights a heightened risk of political interference or governance issues,” S & P stated The global rating firm however revised its industry risk trend to stable from negative on the belief that the newly appointed governor of CBN, Godwin Emefiele, will continue the regulatory reform process and not weaken the roles of regulators and the government in maintaining banking sector stability. The report outlined that the analysis of economic risk of a banking

sector takes into account the structure and stability of the country’s economy, including the central government’s macroeconomic policy flexibility; actual or potential economic imbalances; and the credit risk of economic participants— mainly households and enterprises. “Our view of industry risk factors in the quality and effectiveness of bank regulation and the track record of authorities in reducing vulnerability to financial crises, as well as the competitive environment of a country’s banking industry—including the industry’s risk appetite, structure, and performance—and possible distortions in the market. Industry risk also addresses the range and stability of funding options available to banks, including the role of the central bank and government,” S & P noted. It pointed out that part of the review usually involves an evaluation of governments’ tendency to support private banks, which may also influence issuer credit rating on systemically important banks in a particular country. In its main BICRA report on Nigeria, S & P had rated Nigeria’s overall economic risk as eight and banking industry risk as seven on a scale of one to 10. In a breakdown of the risk assessment, S & P scored Nigeria as ‘very high risk’ in terms of economic resilience, ‘intermediate risk’ in terms of economic imbalances and ‘extremely high risk’ in terms of credit risk in the economy. The report scored Nigeria’s banking industry’s institutional framework and competitive dynamics as ‘very high risk’ while the industry’s system-wide funding was adjudged to be of ‘intermediate risk’. The report however noted government’s support for the banking industry. According to the report, Nigeria’s economic risk was a balance between the country’s considerable natural resources and improving economic diversification and low wealth levels, persistent political risks, and large infrastructure defi-

ciencies. “The economy depends, however, on oil revenues, and we consider that there is a strong potential for future asset and equity price bubbles. The main source of economic risk stems from Nigeria’s very weak payment culture and rule of law, poor underwriting standards, and high credit concentrations and foreign currency lending,” the report stated. It explained that the economic risk score for Nigeria was based on economic resilience, economic imbalances, and credit risk in the economy. The report noted that Nigeria’s strong economic growth and improving diversification were being held in check by oil dependence, low wealth and infrastructure deficiencies pointing out that dependence on oil has been a major catalyst for corruption. According to the report, Nigerian economy is expected to expand by about 6.4 per cent per year through 2013-2014, which is strong in a global context. Considerable natural resources support the economy, but the non-oil economy has largely fueled growth for the past few years. Key non-oil growth sectors include agriculture, trade, and services. Positively, this should broaden economic diversification and create opportunities for the banking sector. “Nevertheless, we expect the economy, exports, and government revenues to continuing depending on oil in the near term, which exposes domestic economic stability to oil prices. The reliance on oil is also, in our opinion, a catalyst for corruption, political interference, and internal security problems, while the majority of the population has yet to receive any real benefit. Nigeria remains a low income country, with per capita GDP that we estimate will remain below $2,000 over the next two years. Furthermore, there are significant shortcomings in physical, commer-

cial, and legal infrastructure,” the report stated. S & P stated that ahead of the 2015 elections, political risk will likely increase and could stymied the reform process in the power, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors. “We remain more skeptical about real reform in the natural resource sector due to entrenched interests. Generally, we believe the country’s weak rule of law, along with corruption, will act to restrain growth and pose a continuing risk to the banking sector,” S & P stated. It pointed out that Nigeria’s restrained expansion understates the potential for high growth and large imbalances. “In our opinion, Nigeria could be exposed over the longer term to inherently high economic imbalances, including periods of credit volatility. This is because its wealth—supported by the country’s immense natural resources—is overly concentrated geographically, industrially, and among its population. In our opinion, this leaves asset prices vulnerable to systemic shocks, such as heightened political risk or a sharp drop in oil prices,” the report concluded. In the latest BICRA update, S & P also lowered BICRA for Turkey to ‘6’ from ‘5’ as a result of lowering the industry risk score to ‘6’ from ‘5’. The rating agency stated that it considered that system-wide funding risks have risen in Turkey, exacerbated by a weakening domestic economy and political developments, as well as sluggish global economic conditions. According to the report, there had been unprecedented credit growth in Turkey over 2010-2013, which was partly funded by foreign bank debt. At year-end 2013, net external debt funded more than 25 per cent of system-wide gross loans, versus about 18 per cent in 2010. “The Turkish banking system is now more vulnerable to domestic and external headwinds, particu-

larly if they become increasingly pronounced and sustained. We believe that Turkish banks will pay a higher premium for their foreign borrowings in 2014, consequently weighing down their already contracting margins,” S & P stated. Although it maintained its BICRA economic risk score of ‘6’ for Turkey, it changed the status from stable to negative. “This is in line with our recent revision of the outlook on Turkey’s long-term sovereign ratings. If the economy experiences a hard landing, credit risks would rise and asset quality would weaken for banks,” the report concluded. The report also showed a revision in Belgium’s economic risk trend from negative ton stable, citing economic resilience and modest rebound. “The Belgian economy has demonstrated some resilience in the past few years, and we forecast a modest rebound in GDP growth in 2014 and 2015. Despite the strong rise in residential real estate prices during the 2000s and the quasi absence of a correction since then, we do not foresee any material negative impact from the property market in Belgium on banks. In our base-case scenario, we foresee a trend toward stabilization in inflation-adjusted property prices by 2015, underpinned by low, single-digit growth in nominal prices,” S & P said. According to the report, there could be an incremental rise in domestic credit risk, but at relatively lower level than other Western European countries. Credit risk is also expected to remain contained by very low losses on exposures to Belgian individuals. Although there could be higher losses on loans to small and midsize enterprises, and to a lesser extent on loans to large corporations, Belgian banks are nonetheless believed to have the capacity to absorb greater provisioning for their domestic activities without hurting their financial profiles.

SEC contacted investment companies with Russian exposure

NITED States (US) securities regulators contacted public funds with investments in Russia to make sure they are properly managing risks and disclosing their holdings to investors as political tensions rose over Crimea, according to several people familiar with the matter. Attorneys with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) started to place calls to registered investment companies such as mutual funds and exchange-traded funds more than a week ago, the sources said. The calls are a routine part of how the SEC monitors asset managers through its Division of Investment

Management, and are not related to any investigation. But they come during a period of turbulence for Russian stocks, which have been volatile since March 3 when mounting tensions with Ukraine over the Crimean Peninsula sent Russia’s benchmark stock index tumbling 12 per cent. Russian stocks fell 14 per cent between February 28 and March 14, but have recovered 6.6 per cent this week. They are now down 12.3 per cent so far in 2014. The ruble hit a two-week high last Wednesday after dropping to record lows on Monday. The people familiar with the calls told Reuters that SEC lawyers are not trying to tell funds how to invest, ad-

vice which would not be in the SEC’s mission. Rather, the regulators are focused on whether funds are being open with investors, and whether the funds are thinking and preparing about how they might respond to different scenarios or outcomes. “We want to be proactive, so we are making sure the firms are thinking about it,” SEC Investment Management Division Director Norm Champ told Reuters. The SEC’s routine reviews include making sure funds are not omitting or misrepresenting material information to the marketplace. In at least one case, a source said, the SEC did not question the fund’s

existing disclosures, but urged the fund to consider updating its disclosures in the future to address the events in Crimea. The contacts by the SEC began well before White House spokesman Jay Carney warned US investors away from Russian stocks at a news briefing last week. In an unusual statement, he said those stocks could lose value because of sanctions that the United States and European Union have put in place and others that they could add. The United States and the EU imposed travel bans and asset freezes on a number of officials from Russia and Ukraine after Moscow declared the Crimean Peninsula a part of Russia.

The SEC has been particularly interested in speaking with funds that have more than 10 percent exposure to Russian securities, including stocks and bonds, one person familiar with the agency’s activities said. Fund companies that have received calls from the SEC told the regulator they believe their disclosures are sound and adequate, two sources said. Funds with at least 10 per cent exposure to Russian stocks include the ING Russian Fund, T Rowe Price Emerging Europe Fund, Fidelity Emerging Europe Middle East Africa Fund, Goldman Sachs BRIC Fund and the Templeton BRIC Fund, according to a list compiled by Lipper, a unit of Thomson Reuters.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS PENSION

Pension savers lament inability to change PFA P ENSION savers under the new pension scheme, the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), are craving to change from their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) as a result of the poor services. To this end, the workers and retirees are appealing to the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to fast-track the transfer window that will enable them to change their PFA. PenCom aims to introduce a software application window that will enable seamless transfer of Retirement Savings of Accounts (RSAs) from one PFA to another by savers who may wish to explore the window. This is in accordance with Section 11(2) of the Pension Act 2004, which provides that the employee may, not more than once in a year; transfer his RSA from one PFA to another PFA without adducing any reason for such transfer. The estimated date for the opening of the transfer window was December 2012, but the Commission has been unable to commence the

Stories by OmobolaTolu-Kusimo

process as it is still battling with challenges, especially biometric issues which are considered a clog to the transfer process. The Commission and pension operators will also deal with the huge capital involvement, data processing time, partnerships and the need to ensure an efficient system once it starts. Sixty-year-old retiree of Dangote Agro Sack Limited, Mr. Rotimi Ogunyemi said he had been having problems with his PFA before and after retirement in April, last year. Ogunyemi, who said he could transfer his RSAs account to another PFA. He lamented that his PFA has not paid him any of his benefit since he retired last year because they claim not to be able to locate his file. He explained that they kept promising him that they would sort the problem out for about a year.

He said: “I come from Ogun State to their office in Lagos State and I am finding it hard to survive. I cannot even pay the school fees of my daughter who is in the university. A Chevron pensioner said he retired in 2005 and had been battling to receive his pension contribution transferred from NPF to his PFA since July, last year. He also complained that the PFA’s service to him had been poor. He said: “I retired since 2005. My contribution to the NPF during the old pension scheme has been transferred to my PFA. I applied to them since July 2013 and I am just got a response from them last week. I also spend a lot of time in their office before I could get their attention”.

Welfare Manager, African Insurance Brokers, Julius Aluko, said his firm had been having problems with their PFA over two months’ omission of payment of the company’s employees between October 2010 and October 2012. He said he had written to the PFA twice, but the PFA kept pushing him around without a solution. He stressed that the staff were not happy, adding that it is affecting those that have retired from been able to receive their pension either in lump sum or monthly. He added the contributors in his office were anxiously waiting for the transfer window for them to move. Chairman, Pension Fund Administrators of Nigeria (PeNop), Mr. Misbau Yola said operators were concerned about having the window opened and that due to some

• Yola

challenges, operators and PenCom would not start the process soon. He noted that part of the process was ensuring that operators’ records were accurate, adding that the identification method was aimed at achieving a seamless transfer. According to him, data process has is a challenge in the subsector.

Budget 2014: The road to pension’s liberation

EVOLUTIONARY changes to the way savers can withdraw money from pensions, unveiled by George Osborne in the Budget last week, represent a remarkable victory for The Telegraph, which has repeatedly called for an end to years of rip-offs. From April next year the over-55s will be able to treat their pension funds like bank accounts, withdrawing as much as they require and using the cash for whatever purpose they deem fit. In a landmark reduction of the state’s involvement in British savers’ financial lives, the Chancellor said: “People who have worked hard and saved hard all their lives, and done the right thing, should be trusted with their own finances. “Pensioners will have complete freedom to draw down as much or as little of their pension pot as they want, any time they want. Let me be clear. No one will have to buy an annuity.” For the past nine months The Telegraph has worked tirelessly to expose how the broken pensions system has allowed the insurance industry to sell annuities to 400,000 people a year, locking them into a fixed annual payment for life. These products are a type of insurance, until now considered the “safest” route to a retirement income and appropriate for the majority of savers. However, last month the head of the insurers’ trade body, Otto Thoresen, finally indicated to reporters that too many people were sold annuities. The City regulator has concluded that hundreds of thousands of people are sold poorvalue contracts each year. Our articles have led the agenda, warning readers of the dangers involved in purchasing an annuity, which is an irreversible transaction. Last October we disclosed how thousands of men were locked into artificially depressed rates in the fi-

nal six months of 2012. We have implored readers to take matters into their own hands and approach their pension provider with extreme scepticism when they reach retirement. In November we called on Steve Webb, the pensions minister, to tackle excessive annuity charges. A report published that month in The Sunday Telegraph disclosed how insurers pocketed £63m a year by directing savers into pensions designed for “super-healthy” people who lived to an average age of 93. In the worst cases, savers were dying before their original capital was returned to them. We gave practical guidance on the alternative to annuities: keeping your pension invested and taking a gradual income through “drawdown”. However, our report in December exposed how insurers – which make hefty profits on annuity sales – were obstructing savers who wanted to use this option. Reporters from this newspaper have given presentations to members of the House of Lords and our reports have been used in Parliament to highlight the need for reform. Finally, our calls for action have been answered. As we explain on page 6, a raft of new measures is to be introduced next week to alleviate the burden on pensioners nearing or in retirement that have not yet purchased an annuity. Then, from April next year, the choice of whether to buy an annuity will rest entirely with customers. Simon Blowey of Brewin Dolphin, the wealth manager, said: “We now have pensions for grown ups; the nanny state has been withdrawn.” This is only the start of the pension’s revolution. The Telegraph will endeavour, over the coming weeks and months, to publish comprehensive guidance to help readers take advantage of the new rules.

• From left: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema; Chairman, Berger Paints Nigeria Plc, Mr. Clement A. Olowokande and Managing Director, Mr. Tor Nygard, at the company’s ‘Facts Behind the Figures’ presentation at the Exchange in Lagos.

Canada pension enters insurance business with Wilton Re

ANADA Pension Plan Investment Board, the nation’s largest pension fund manager, agreed to buy Wilton Re Holdings Ltd. for $1.8 billion to expand into the life insurance business. The reinsurer is being acquired from investors including Stone Point Capital, Kelso & Co. and Vestar Capital Partners Inc., the Torontobased fund manager said today in a statement. The purchase is Canada Pension’s first direct investment in the insurance sector. Wilton Re is “an ideal platform through which CPPIB can deploy significant follow-on capital at scale in the U.S. life insurance sector,” Andre Bourbonnais, senior vice president of private investments at the pension fund, said in the statement. Reinsurance is attractive for pension funds as they seek long-term cash to match their liabilities. Reinsurers such as Bermuda-based Wilton Re have found opportunities in recent years by taking on business from primary carriers that are seeking to simplify operations or limit risks. Wilton Re struck deals this year to assume liabilities from CNO Financial Group Inc. and CNA Financial Corp., the insurer controlled by Loews Corp. Wilton Re, run by exSwiss Re Ltd. executive Chris Stroup, won backing in 2004 from investors including insurance broker Marsh & McLennan Cos., and Vestar. Since its creation in 2005, Wilton Re has

invested at least $1.7 billion in acquisitions and risk-transfer deals, according to the statement. Canada Pension favors investments in closed blocks of coverage, in which insurers collect revenue and pay claims on policies issued in prior years, without seeking new clients. Such business accounts for about 40 percent of premiums written in the U.S. and U.K., according to a July 2012 report by research and consulting firm Celent. Stone Point, which counts former Goldman Sachs Group Inc. director Stephen Friedman as chairman, has backed insurers before, including Enstar Group Ltd. (ESGR) and

Harbor Point Ltd. Kelso also invests in the industry and worked with billionaire hedge-fund manager Dan Loeb to establish Third Point Reinsurance Ltd., which had an initial public offering last year. Reinsurance Group of America Inc., which also backs life policies, gained 2.5 per cent to $81.02 in New York, the most since January 31 and the highest since the company was listed in 1993. Enstar Group rose 1.5 per cent to $140.39. This is Canada Pension’s largest public acquisition since it led a consortium to purchase Neiman Marcus Group Ltd. last year. Canada Pension manages C$201.5 billion ($179 billion) for 18 million Canadians excluding the province of Quebec.

Businesstoday Online to hold maiden award

USINESSTODAY Online has concluded plans to honour insurance underwriters, brokers and firms in its maiden edition of Businesstoday Insurance award in May. According to statement by the Publisher/Editor Businesstoday Newsonline, Nkechi Naeche, the award which may be yearly will help to refocus the industry for better performance and be a leading voice in

the financial sector in the country. She said the award is aimed at recognising insurance companies and individuals that have distinguished themselves in 2013 and have contributed immensely towards increasing insurance penetration in the country. She added that the award is in five categories which will be contested by underwriters, brokers, and insurance/broking firms.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP The turn of the century has brought about a surge in the demand and ownership of laptops and other information technology gadgets. This has created a need for skilled technicians to fix accompanying problems with these equipment. Some smart Nigerians are smiling to the bank repairing laptops, phones and other electronic gadget. reports Daniel Essiet.

Making a living from laptop repairs W

HEN Nigeria joined the league of countries with Global System for Mobile telecommunications (GSM) in 2001, one of the advantages was its ability to create employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed population in the country. With the GSM revolution has come a revolution in the country’s information technology, (IT) compliance level. From available statistics, three out of every four Nigerians own either a smartphone or a laptop, with which he connects the world. And with the preponderance of these IT gadgets, the need to have competent skillful personnel to fix the problems that usually arises from the equipment soared. Today, not only has the market opened up astronomically for these gadgets, in its

stride has also come the need for repairs, necessitating technical competence. Now, young Nigerians are taking to the trade of repairing laptops, mobile phones, personal computers, amongst several other gadgets, and in the process, smiling to the bank.One of such young Nigerians that have keyed into this trend isChima Chikezie, chief executive officer,Queeneth Queeency Business and Services Nigeria, a firm that deals in computerand accessories supplying and installing of miniature IT machines. At theLadipo market, in Mushin, Lagos, where Chikezie has his headquarters,on regular basis, laptops and tablets are delivered to him from business associates who imports the gadgets from Europe, Asia, and the United States. On delivery of the consign-

ment, theyare sorted according to their brand either for sale or repair. At this point, technicians get all kinds of repair jobs, ranging from worn-out power supplies to fried disk drives. Some technicians get as much as 10 units of products to repair daily, which are later resold as”tested products.”This explains whyhis office buzzes with huge business activities as technicians tackle a seemingly endless supply of old devices requiring their attention. Though Chikezie refused to disclose the worth of his business now, he revealed that he ventured into the computer repair business with less than N100,000. This has grown so much that he beats his chest, saying that it is offering him “returns that are self-sustaining.” For him, his cutting edge is the quality of service he

renders since there are several outlets to purchase or fix used laptops and other gadgets. “If customers don’t have a good after sales experience, they won’t buy from one again. It’s all about after sales service,” he explained, adding that there will always be plenty of businesses and all the technicians needs to do is to simply adapt and get the requisite competence on the job. But as much as there are opportunities inherent in

this trade, there appears to be threat to the business. Dealers in this trade are seeking new business models as computers become more replaceable than ever before. This is because many Nigerians are very comfortable with their phones and using them exclusively. Others will be happy to settle for occasional tablet use. At least, these people will not be willing to spend as much to repair their computer since they have a good alternative. But gamers will hold onto their PCs for a long time to

come. For Chikezie, and other small computer business owners, the PC will never be replaced, since other devices are not convenient for power-hungry applications or comfortable typing. This believe is further strengthened given the fact that computer repair and sales shops have grown massively, meaning that there is still an opportunity for new entrants so long as they can afford between N200,000 and N300,000 to start a standard sales and repair business.

Sugarcane business booms in Kano

UGARCANE traders in Kano are recording sales boom since the beginning of the season, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. Some dealers confirmed the development to a NAN correspondent, who visited one of the sugarcane markets at Bachirawa, Ungogo Local Government Area. According to the traders, some customers come from the neighbouring states of Jigawa, Kaduna and Bauchi to purchase sugarcane in large quantities. Malam Muhammad Sani,

the secretary of the sugarcane dealers in the area, said the market, one of the biggest in the state, was providing means of livelihood to hundreds of unemployed youths. “Though it is a seasonal business, the business is indeed a profitable venture because I make a living out of it,” Sani said. MrAminuBala, a dealer along Katsina Road, said he was selling between 10 and 20 bundles of sugarcane daily and that most of his customers came from within and outside the state. Malam Mansur Ali, another

dealer in Kumbotso Local Government Area of the state, said between 15 and 20 trucks of sugarcane were offloaded in the market daily. According to him, a bundle of sugarcane of 50 pieces costs between N1,200 and N1,300, while a bundle of 35 pieces goes for N900. Ali said he made an average of N9,000 from sugarcane sales daily. “I was able to pay my children’s school fees and carter for my family from the proceeds of this seasonal venture,” he said

• A computer accessories shop

Well spoken and groomed in her chosen career, Chioma Isiadinso, a former member of the Admissions Board of Harvard Business School, United States, is a trained counsellor, with a deep understanding of students’ behavioural traits. She has converted her years of experience on the job to an entrepreneurial venture. DANIEL ESSIET tells the story of this amazing Nigerian.

Turning counselling into successful business T HE dream of all parents is to get the best education for their children. However, for some inexplicable reasons, some students cannot figure out what to do to get admitted to the school of their dream. This problem could stand between them and the education their parents desperately desire to get for them. This is the knotty problem Mrs. Chioma Isiadinso, former assistant director of admissions and a member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School has taken upon herself to resolve for the teeming number of students from various countries. This resulted in the establishment of Expartus® a global admissions consulting and personal branding company that helps applicants gain admission to elite colleges, graduate schools and executive programmes all over the world. with the growing number of Nigerians going abroad for tertiary eductaion, alot of them fall prey to sacmmers posing

as agents capable of facilitatingb their admission into elite schools abroad. While some are outrightly swindled, yet some few lucky ones get admitted into mushroom schools abroad, far below their expectations. This is where Isiadinso’s experience comes in handy. Her company brings together a unique team of admissions experts to provide clients with insight ful and knowledge of the entire admissions process. Asked why she chose to be an entrepreneur, she said she wanted to be in control of her time. “I had just left my post in Harvard Business School’s admissions office to move to New York with my family, and I took a few months off to think about what I wanted to do. I realised that I loved the admissions work, but that I wanted to work for myself, control my time and be the one driving my future.” Mrs Isiadinso started the company in 2002, and by the following year, there was a

• Mrs Isiadinso

need for expnsion having reached her maximum capacity; this necessitated an expansion. “I had reached capacity, and did not want to compromise the quality of service that my clients would receive,” she told The Nation. In 2003, she added a first consultant, who is still with the company to date, followed by two additional people later in the year- there are seven consultants and advisors in the firm. “We were very careful and

selective in our hiring, to ensure that we brought on people who fit well into our values and were committed to our clients’ success,” Isiadinso explained. How was it at the beginning?, Mrs Isiadinso said she started it as a virtual business from day one, so that there were no geographical limitations. “We work face to face with clients in Nigeria and mostly over phone and Skype for clients around the world, so it did not require significant upfront investment in the early days,”she said. She did not have outside funding. She had been approached a few times by angel investors but turned down funding because it was considered that the time was not right to do so. For her, the consulting process is definitely her biggest revenue stream. Many clients come to us for two or three years, to receive our comprehensive and transformational service. The business is thriving but should we decide to expand

more aggressively we would consider outside funding from investors. When she decided to quit she faced some challenges. “The biggest challenge was putting everything in place to start the business and making sure that I established the right brand in the marketplace and was clear about which part of the market that I was targeting. This business does not require a lot of startup capital- it is more about intellectual capital and experience capital. My work experience with Harvard was helpful in entering the marketplace, as that school has one of the most powerful brands in the industry. So, our biggest challenge was getting the infrastructure in place and creating the exact brand that we wanted., she said. She continued: “With any business, she said it was important to make sure she tapped into the right network. We were fortunate to have a very strong network and we became very busy right away. It was a good problem to have, but I was

the only one doing the consulting at the time, so there was a capacity issue. Once I reached a certain number of clients, I could not take any more and I realised that I needed to expand, find likeminded people and train them to represent my firm at the same level, if not better, than myself.” On where she draws her inspiration from, she said: “My husband gives me the inspiration. He is an entrepreneur and has started three businesses on his own. He is always looking for new ideas and provided me with a lot of support. I was also inspired by stories of my late grandparents, who were serial entrepreneurs in northern Nigeria, and used their businesses to impact a lot of lives. Both of my parents were academics, but hearing the legendary stories of my grandmother, who pioneered wholesale clothing in her area, and spending time with her as a child, was always something that inspired me.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

EMPOWERMENT CLINIC with

Promoting Yourself BOOK REVIEW Author: Publisher: Reviewer:

GOKE ILESANMI

OST employees face the challenge of getting promotion in the workplace. They adduce different (wrong) reasons for this. Such people need to read this book entitled “Promoting Yourself”. It is written by Hal Lancaster who spent more than 30 years at “The Wall Street Journal” as a reporter, bureau chief, editor and columnist. Lancaster reveals that today’s workplace requires you to compete against ambitious bosses, peers and subordinates, all seeking the brass ring of success. He assures that this text offers readers the street smarts and insight needed to tackle the highly-political and often-unjust reality of corporate life. The text is divided into seven parts of 52 chapters. Part one is generically christened “Selling yourself”, and contains the first eight chapters. Chapter one is interrogatively entitled “Whither goest resumes?” Here, Lancaster says when he first started writing on career management, he vowed that he would not waste much time on the intricacies of curriculum vitae (called “resume” in American English). The author adds that in truth, even the greatest curriculum vitae is not likely to get you a job, and the best it can do is to get you in the door. He expatiates that in the ultimate hiring decision, your interview and ref-

Hal Lancaster Free Press Goke Ilesanmi

erences carry far more weight. Lancaster adds that bad curriculum vitae can cost you a job by eliminating you from contention before you get a chance to dazzle. Chapter two is based on highlighting your hidden skills. Here, this author says you may not be able to fathom that miraculous little thing that finally makes a hiring manager hire you. Lancaster says it is necessary to keep an inventory of all your experience and skills, adding that part or one of them may someday land you the career of your dreams. In chapters three to eight, he examines subject matters such as promoting yourself online; how to tell good schmoozing from bad; being wary in job-hunting; who is likely to get a job; acting the interview and getting what you are worth. Part two is based on the eclectic concept of getting ahead, and has seven chapters, covering chapters nine to 15. Here, the author discusses concepts such as taking the road less travelled; hunting the elusive mentor; leading when you are not the leader; breaking out of your pigeonhole; chasing the MBA and dunning your boss for a raise. Part three is generally summarised as “into the management maelstrom” and contains five chapters, that is, chapters 16 to 20. Chapter 16 is entitled “Avoiding those firsttime manager blues”. Lancaster says making the leap to a managerial position is not quite that traumatic, but close to that. According to him, “Most get thrown into the arena under-trained and under-armed, uncertain how much authority they really have and just how to wield it without alienating this gaggle of needy humans they’ve been asked to lead.” In chapters 17 to 20, the author analytically X-rays concepts such as who said techies cannot manage?; managing techies when you are not one; managing a hostile

crew; and the art and craft of being a good number two. Part four has the overall subject of making midcourse corrections, and covers nine chapters, that is, chapters 21 to 29. Chapter 21 is entitled “Turnarounds and careers: Even a lemon has juice”. Here, Lancaster says if you want to make a name for yourself as a cando manager, find something broken that needs to be fixed. He stresses that turnaround managers must always stay calm and think clearly in the midst of turmoil and be able to envision both short- and long-term goals. In chapters 22 to 29, the author discusses concepts such as avoidance of crisis; learning from failure; adapting to continual turmoil; return of the living dead; and job-hop-

ping. The remaining concepts are how to survive your middle crisis; going home again and using a job hiatus to build a new career. Part five is based on the generic subject matter of swimming in a sea of change and contains seven chapters, that is, chapters 30 to 36. Here, Lancaster analytically X-rays concepts such as high-anxiety, low-esteem blues; reinventing your job; creating your own new job; taking a buyout and going byebye; wielding the broom; post-merger trauma; and chasing the start-up pot of gold. Part six is summarily woven together as “Office politics: Playing well with others”, and contains seven chapters, covering chapters 37 to 43. Here, the author examines concepts such as mastering office politics without becoming a jerk; getting noticed without being pushy; learning to negotiate in your career; living with bad bosses; surviving a new boss; going over the boss’s head, etc. Part seven has general thematic focus of alternate paths to glory, and covers chapters 44 to 52. Here, Lancaster beams his analytical searchlight on concepts such as the perils and promise of turning your hobby into a career; alternative work arrangements; getting branded for life; building a parallel career for fun and profit, etc. Conceptually, the X-rayed ideas are didactic and eye-opening. As regards style, this text is a success. The language is standard and simple while the presentation is superb. Lancaster lends credibility to the text by illustrating with stories of real-life professionals. Through this strategy, he is able to inspire readers to take action. However, the layout of inside pages needs to be improved upon, because graphics are not used. There is an error of punctuation on page four where the –ing compound noun “job hunting” is used without a hyphen so that it can be something like “job-hunting”. Also chapter one that is based on curriculum vitae needs to be made clearer and more definite. As a curriculum vitae consultant, I know the chapter needs to be beefed up. Finally, this text is fantastic and is thus highly recommended to those who want to bid their career stagnation farewell.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

Organisational crises and effective communication strategy (2)

AST week, we said corporate organisations are vulnerable to crises. We expatiated that it is inevitable to be in business without experiencing situations involving lawsuits, sudden changes in company ownership or management, and other volatile situations on which stakeholders often focus. We stressed that the good news is that organisations can better cope with crises if they have established sound and longterm relationship with stakeholders, that is, the people and organisations that are at risk from the decisions and actions of such organisations. We asserted that no organisation has enough resources to engage in the ideal twoway symmetric dialogue with every stakeholder, so management must allocate resources in the order of priority. We said there is therefore need for stakeholder relationship management as a priority task of management. We guided that stakeholders can be assessed and prioritised according to organisational impact. We stressed that stakeholders to a crisis will immediately form their perception about the content of an organisation’s messages in various ways. We explained that the first one is the communication speed as the first message received on a subject sets the stage for comparison of all future messages on that subject. Finally, we said organisations in crisis should be regretful, not defensive. We added that one of the crucial communication tasks is the preparation of holding statements in the initial stages while waiting for more definitive information to be available.

Continuation The statements should just state the known facts and incorporate key messages such as: “We are sorry the event happened, we are extremely concerned, and we are doing everything possible to contain the effects of the crisis”; “Not all the relevant de-

By Goke Ilesanmi

tails are available at this time. But investigation is underway. A spokesperson will be available to comment and provide an update later.” This effort shows willingness to provide accurate information openly and regularly. The organisation here makes no comment on the question of legal responsibility for the incident. That is best left to the proper investigation by the authorities. Some people are concerned that saying “sorry” and expressing regret will leave them exposed to possible legal action. There is no legal liability incurred in saying “sorry” – and aggrieved people will be much more forgiving. There are steps an organisation can take to prevent a crisis, quickly stop the crisis, or even create a positive opportunity from it. Let us examine some of them.

Have a plan through anticipation Having a plan through anticipation is one of the strategies of forestalling a crisis. Anticipate every possible crisis and ask “What if ...?” for every possible incident and the scenario that can be envisaged. Organise a crisis management and communication team, and then create a detailed plan to communicate and be in a position to control the message to the media and the public in general.

Immediate response Immediacy of response is another step. When a crisis strikes, respond immediately. Have the spokesperson prepared and ready to go. Follow the steps outlined in the crisis communication plan and put the team into action. The first few hours are most important in establishing credibility and building public trust and believability. René Henry, a renowned business communication expert says

you need to eliminate “No comments” from your vocabulary. “In a crisis, perception is stronger than reality and emotion stronger than fact. When those responsible do not communicate, the crisis still gets played out …,” adds Henry.

Avoid talking too much Another strategy is to avoid talking too much. Just the opposite of keeping quiet, do not overtalk or release information without having all of the facts. Never speculate on what may or may not be happening. Ensure you analyse each situation for its newsworthiness. Some information may not warrant media attention. You do not have to answer every question. Just because a question is asked does not mean you have to answer, but you should have some kind of response. In any crisis, there are questions that you simply cannot or should not answer. Hypothetical questions, proprietary questions and speculative questions should be politely avoided. The spokesperson needs to be trained and reminded that he or she cannot be expected to know the answer to every question asked. But he should not withhold information that should be disclosed.

Accept responsibility If there is a problem, admit it. Be accountable and accept responsibility. Research shows that in October 2004, Citigroup had banking problems in Japan because of ethical violations and lax controls that might have led to moneylaundering. Charles Prince, chairman and CEO, flew to Tokyo and with Douglas Peterson, CEO of Citibank Japan, confronted what happened by publicly apologising and making amends, Japanese-style. A photograph of the two men bowing deeply, bent forwards from the waist and heads lowered, was transmitted around the world. Prince then fired three top executives responsible for the violations.

Futility of cover-ups Cover-ups never work because today almost anyone can disseminate information quickly and widely on the Internet, where it can be read by millions of people. PS: For those making inquiries about our Public Speaking, Business Presentation and Professional Writing Skills programme, please visit the website indicated on this page for details. Till we meet on Monday.

Tell the truth at all times Telling the truth at all times constitutes another strategy of crisis prevention or management. It is all right to say “I don’t know” if you do not have the facts. The public will respect you for that, and know that you are telling the truth. According to a survey conducted by Porter/Novelli, a public relations firm, 95 per cent of people are more offended about a company lying about the crisis than the crisis itself.

•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 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

DISCOURSE CENTENARY FLASHPOINTS (Continued from yesterday)

Augustine Egbuiwe, the great mind who had refused the Ovie’s security plans in Ughelli was among the top civil servants, businessmen, professionals, that fell at Ogbeosowa. A pioneer without compare, a civil servant of the highest dedication, was shot without qualms. D.N. Mordi – “His Excellency” His car plate number read M. A. 1. His postal address was P. O. Box 1, Kings Street, Asaba. Standing opposite that address was a school established by the Anglican Mission in 1882. He was No. 1 and the community called him “His Excellency… Money Road. “By his comportment, orientation and mode of dressing, D. N. believed in the number One. President of the Pensioneer’s Union in 1967, he retired as the first African Chief Clerk of a trading unit of the United African Company in Sapele. He went on to become one of the greatest community leaders of his era. The sobriquet, “His Excellency” was won through his many exemplary deeds and many indeed were these. For instance, at some point he had been so concerned, upon learning, that most of the women who travelled into town from the neighbouring towns of Ibusa, Issele-Ukwu, Illah, Ogwashi-Ukwu and Issele Asagba were usually very thirsty, after covering distances on foot to the market. These women, in a pattern so typical of the continent, would arrive carrying all sorts of wares in their baskets and would need a place to refresh after selling off their goods in the morning hours. Mr. Mordi promptly commissioned very bid pots of water, and bought labourers to fill up the pots with clean stream water. A grin of satisfaction was his reward while watching these amazing, strong-willed women stop by at No. 1, Kings Street, quenching their thirst in turns. There was also another story of his generosity. In those days there had been no pipe-borne water. Most people went straight to a freshwater spring by the River Niger for refreshment. Subsequently, more reports reached him that during the rainy seasons the river’s stony beaches got slippery and dangerous for youngsters who want there to draw water for their parents. In fact, every year an ample number of people would drown in accidents resulting from those slippery falls. ‘His Excellency’ took it upon himself to correct that anomaly and within few days constructed and laid into the river’s approach stony steps that made it possible for the little hilly beaches to hold for stable descent either to the main river – or to the Ngene stream running out from inside the rocks as spring water. The Ngene stream is one of the several rivulets that fed the 1000-mile river that stretched from the Futa Jalon Mountains in Sierra Leone all the way to the creeks and swamps that emptied into the Atlantic ocean and whose oil deposits would be the foundation of Nigeria’s vast wealth of the late 20 century. Fanatically anti-pagan, D.N. Mordi avoided the native fetish or its glorified chieftaincy titles. In order not to be outstaged or ridiculed by the titled men, he decided to dramatize his own values and aspirations. For the exceptional Eze title, he bought himself an American Big One… a Chevrolet Limousine. No Eze in Nigeria had that type of car. On the other hand, the Ezes brandished white pieces of rope around their ankles as symbols of authority. In forsaking the very prestigious Alor title, Mordi bought himself a Vauxhall saloon car. For the Ogbu title, specially reserved for the foolhardy, “His Excellency” showcased a Jeep! All the three cars were custom-made with custom-designed numbers MA 1-the same car number he later shared with the Premier. Nevertheless, when the great man died his people knew his was not an Ogba Mkpisi.. a commoner’s death. They quickly rehabilitated him according to Asaba customs, with an Alor title; thus he was buried excellently, just the way he lived his life. Ironically, the day he fell at Ogbeosowa, Captain Olu of the Nigerian army had provided him with identification passes to ensure his safety. According to Mrs. Halim, it was on account of those promises of safety that

Obituary portraits •Victims of Asaba Civil War genocide the Idigbe family mistakenly re-surfaced from their hiding places. His Excellency was very close to Chief Alexander Idigbe, the father of the Chief Justice. He sent word to him and Idigbe’s brother, Okolie to join them at the Nnebisi Road address. “We were busy preparing meals for the Federal soldiers”, said Mrs.Halim, “when those “Gwodogwodo” people rushed in and ordered everybody to Ogbeosowa. Alexander Idigbe mentioned Captain Olu’s pass. The soldiers were evil and replied that they were not interested.” Meanwhile, the younger brother to D.N. Mordi came down from his ceiling hide-out at No.1 King’s Street, Gabriel could no longer tolerate the molestation his brother was receiving from the soldiers. He decided to be taken along with him to Ogbeosowa. At the square, D.N. Mordi, his brother Gabriel Mordi, and his relatives Alexander and Okolie Idigbe, were separated from their wives and children. George, a seminarian, refused and fought back the soldiers, who wanted him to let go of his father. When the machine guns exploded, D. N. Mordi, sensing the inevitable beckoned on his people to escape. In the end about four Mordis, three Gwams and two Idigbes, and many other relations from the same family and two Idigbes, and many other relations from the same family tree, lay still. It was a disaster for some families who lost all their male members in a single day, implying the permanent closure of lineages that might have been in existence since the dawn of time. ‘Goodbye, Your Excellency’. Christian and Eddy Chukwurah – A Television Nightmare It was prime time and Brigadier Adeyinka Adebayo, Military Governor of Western State was on the Ibadan Television Newsline. The Newscaster on that October 1967 edition mentioned Asaba and the Governor turned to face his audience. He said that he was returning to Ibadan after a tour of the war zones. He was sorry that the beautiful town of Asaba, noted for its pretty people, was burning, and civilians were being killed in large numbers. As Brigadier Adebayo was cued out, a chilling montage of burning houses and sprawling victims of the massacres filed out across the screen “as soon as I saw the first pictures, I knew it was my brother Chris lying face down. On his top in a bloody mess was my younger brother, Eddy.” That was how in one day, October 6, 1967, Olisa Chukwurah, Nigeria’s renowned constitutional lawyer, lost his father and two brothers. For him the everlasting nightmare of losing all these men, in one fleeting moment of time came through the immediacy of television news. These two brothers were among the first victims of the Asaba massacre. On October 5, due to the heavy firing in town, the family had moved to Umuezei quarters. The following day, the 6th, they were returning to their homes when they were arrested by the federal troops. Before the Post Office junction, the soldiers subjected them to a series of humiliating taunts, and at a point the eldest of the Chukwurahs a retired Sergeant of the West African Frontier Force (WAFF), questioned the discipline of the soldiers. He was no longer ready to take any more humiliation. Before his family he was his directly on the head. Among them was his younger brother Eddy, an Englishtrained engineer who had a contract for the reconstruction of the Isheagu-Asaba road. It was while he was in Onitsha purchasing materials for the contract that he was cut off from his Isheagu station. The soldiers hit the handsome man by the side of the face. Despite the close range of the shooting, he was still breathing for a long time and needed help. His sister, a

matron with the Anglican Girls Grammar School, Asaba saw her two brothers on the ground, and came running. “Chris was dead by the time I arrived on the scene at the corner of the Post Office road. Eddy’s face gushed out blood each time he managed to breathe”, lamented the matron. “Mama, look at Uncle”, was her little son’s cry. Later, her other brother Olisa was, without warning confronted with the same grotesque pictures in far-away Ibadan, put out by insensitive television editors. Sooner or later, “those who committed those havoc will pay for it”, he consoled himself. When the tragic news of the death of the two brothers reached their father, the old man lost his world. He needed explanation on why his sons were shot in cold blood. The soldiers out for more young blood ignored him. Papa Chukwurah, a Chief Clerk in the Nigeria colonial government since the 1930s’ was not the type to be ignored. He burst out on the soldiers. The soldiers were surprised at the old man’s audacity. Like his sons they crucified him. Those were the types of pictures seldom used by television in any civilized society, or one aspiring to attain such description. Television is a cool medium. On account of its transcendental powers, care is often taken in editing volatile commodities for the consumption of a restive audience trapped in the violence and exigency of war. Chuks Mommy Momah – For the Love of a Woman The civil war in Asaba presented to the federal soldiers a ‘romantic opportunity’ to get to and in many cases, kidnap, the famous beauties of the River Niger. That many top army commanders came eventually to share the same pillows with Western Ibo women is not unconnected with the 1967 Asaba operations. One of those house operations ended on very sad unforgettable note in the case of Chuks Momah, a debonair salesman from the “Coal City” Enugu, who had returned to Umuezei quarters, and was well known to soldiers in both armies. He was popular on both sides. Indeed, a Federal platoon had arrived at his one-storey building and steered clear. An officer however, apprehended his wife. Chuks Momah regarded his wife as a sacred cow. The beautiful woman should never be contaminated. For the love of his wife and with his bare hands, Chuks Momah fought off the invaders. A few bursts of the submachine gun, mortally felled him. For the love of a woman, a great soul was cut down in his prime. Babatunde Onukwu – A Family waste While Asaba and Isheagu may claim the blood prize for the highest number of the victims of the Nigerian

civil war, Ogwashi-ukwu stands out for producing the Onukwu family, the family that lost the highest number of filial casualties in one day-Iweadizia, Ndufodu, Anisimbili, Ogbogu, Babatunde and Augustine were on that fateful day lined up against a firing squad. Their names bore symbolic meanings worth recalling: Iweadizia – Anger is gone Ndufofu – While there is life Anisimbili – I shall live Ogbogu – The one to end the strive Babatunde – Our father has returned The Onukwu family proved to be so unlucky because their family house stood adjacent to the main crossroad of the town. A Federal Army Commander on the previous day had been killed in an ambush. As it was their normal practice, Federal troops dealt with anybody they encountered after such an incident. Christian Babatunde Onukwu, son of a Nigeria Police Inspector, had gone into hiding on the approach of the troops. He was already a medical student, having passed the entrance examinations to read medicine at Ibadan in 1967. This was the culmination of an academic excellence that Babatunde had maintained since leading his class at Government College, Ughelli. After graduating from High School, he taught Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics at Ozoro Teachers’ College, Ozoro. When the soldiers came he had taken refuge in the bush behind his father’s house. Later he argued with his mother that as long as he was not a soldier there was no need to continue hiding. When eventually, he came out, he was ordered to join his brothers who had been lined up facing a firing squad. The squad was merciless. Ogbogu was the only survivor. A huge hole, created by an exiting bullet almost separated his hips from his buttocks. He was writhing in pains and later in the night announced to Babatunde’s mother. “The Onukwu children have been wiped out; please take care of my children”. Captain Ebube – The Show me Pilot Captain Ebube was in that batch of the Nigeria Air Force personnel trained in West Germany, shortly before the war. Unlike his in-law, Captain Ozieh, who took sides with the Federal Army, Captain Ebube escaped to Biafra after the fall of his hometown OgwashiUkwu to the Federal troops. When he learnt of the Federal atrocities he jumped into his cockpit and started displaying sorties in the air that soon attracted crowds in Port Harcourt. He would fly up in those helicopters and suddenly in a dare devil turn around start plummeting tails down to the ground. War-weary Port Harcourt residents would whistle in appreciation and wonder. One day after inviting his relations, including then Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Okonjo, Captain Ebube almost crashed into the Kingsway Stores. But then just as he was about hitting the roof, the maverick pilot somersaulted and veered into Alice’s wonderland. After all, was he not the most respected chopper pilot in the force? One day to the end of the war, Ebube with his good old pal and fellow Western Ibo pilot Captain Ogbolu, went to one of those few parties that were reserved for the selected few in the enclave. The party over and with visibility very low, the Captain was advised to pass the night. But the young pilot must return to base. That night the chopper and its pilots did not go far. The helicopter collided with a palm tree and that was the last flight of this prince from OgwashiUkwu. He was the airman’s ideal. Indeed a brother of his, Martin Ebube, a Washington DC – based graphics de-

signer, would relate to the author in the United States that Captain Ebube used to land in their village in the heat of the war. Chris Ogbolu – Once upon a time The Nigerian civil war ended up being personal wars for so many Western Ibos. Carol Okonweze, the beautiful daughter of an Akwukwu civil servant had lost her celebrated husband, Colonel Gabriel Okonweze, in the counter-coup of July 1966. For a long time she and her family refused consolation. It was the bubbling effervescence and the strong support of her younger brother, Captain Chris Ogbolu, fresh from an Air Force training course in West Germany that kept her going. All through the family’s ordeal and refugee experiences in the Biafran enclave, Chris stood by his family. An old boy of St. Patrick’s College, Asaba, Chris returned from Germany in 1966, the youngest pilot of the Nigerian Air force. This group included Tony Ikhazaboh as well as the likes of Anumalor, Okpere, and so on. Ogbolu would fight on the Biafran side in defence of his people. Always loyal to friends and colleagues, it was this great personal virtue that prompted his decision to join his pal in the same ill-fated Ebube-piloted flight on a night when visibility turned out to be zero. That crash and the tragic death of these two Western Ibo pilots cut open the scars, and the sorrows returned to a Nigerian lady who in a single national strife lost the two great men of her life. Caro Okonweze, inconsolable, continued to fight her private wars whenever there is the clattering sound of a helicopter or a cracking ripple of a pistol. For once upon a time When the eyes lose their mists Nightmares succumb to sunshine Up with the Angles and the stars Rests my brother, Chris My sweetest memories Once upon a time Chief Utomi Onianwa – the IzomaOnyaa of Asaba He was a government gazette traditional chief, an indigene of Umu-Anumudu village, in Umu-Agu quarters town. About 70 years old, he was a retired Postmaster who had served in Enugu, Lagos, Owerri, Kano, Onitsha, Warri.etc. Chief Utomi Onianwa represented the Asagba of Asaba at the Ogbeosowa reception where the Asaba community gave a Civil Reception to the federal troops. At about 4:00 pm, he read the Welcome Address on behalf of His Royal Highness, the Asagba of Asaba, the AsagbaIn-Council and the entire Asaba Community. Thereafter, he made a presentation to the Federal troops. He explained that members of Asaba community were law-abiding and loyal and would give the Federal troops maximum co-operation. Shortly after receiving the typed welcome address and the presents, the federal troops separated the men from the women in the crowd of about 4,000 people who had come to receive them. The genocide-inclined troops had laid ambush in the bushes around the reception venue, where Asaba had ironically gathered to welcome them. These men in uniform adorned with the official insignia of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, “trained” professionals drawn from the battalions of the Second Division, led by officers trained at Sandhurst, name it – had without warning, opened fire on the unsuspecting, unarmed and innocent civilians. A lucky survivor among a handful, Obi Utomi Onianwa who was on the front line of the civil reception party was struck on the thigh by a bullet. He fell to the ground unconscious. Other civilian victims who were hit by bullets fell on him. Later in the night, at about 8.00 pm, Chief Onianwa re-gained consciousness, possibly because of the cooling night breeze. He pushed aside the dead bodies that had lain lifeless over him and managed to get up. He then started limping in pain and commenced to go home. (To be continued tomorrow)

POLITICS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

SOKOTO 2015

• Tambuwal

• Wamakko

• Bafarawa

• Shagari

• Maccido

Correspondent ADAMU SULEIMAN writes on the struggles of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to retain Sokoto State and the plot by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to effect power shift in the next election.

APC, PDP and succession battle in Sokoto

OLITICS is in the air in the caliphate. The two main political parties-the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)- have returned to the drawing board. Ahead of next year’s governorship election, a lot of scheming, permutations and other partian activites are on. Many aspirants are erecting billboards, pasting posters and organising rallies. Political watchers contend that a fierce governorship battle is underway in Sokoto State. The APC governor, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko, is locked in a supremacy battle with his predecessor and defector to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa. The governor has boasted that the ruling party will rule the state beyond 2015. But, Bafarawa has dismissed the statement as a product of illusion, saying that power will shift to the PDP next year. In 2007, the two gladiators became political foes. When circumstances brought them together recently, they could not cohabit under the same political roof. Although both emerged as leaders of the APC, following the merger of the legacy parties, Bafarawa had to opt out of the fold, citing irreconciliable differences. Wamakko was unperturbed by Bafarawa’s exit. He immediately fortified his structures and mobilised his supporters for action. The governor declared that, in 2015, there will be no vacancy in the Government House, adding that the PDP will lose its deposit at the polls. Wamakko will complete his two terms of eight years on May 29, next year. As a chieftain of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), he served as the deputy governor. As a PDP chieftain, he would be rounding off as the governor. But, as the APC leader, he wants to hand over to an annointed successor. The governor has always said that he would hand over to “an APC winning candidate”. Wamakko is attempting a succession project. This is an area where his predecessor, Bafarawa, failed. For Bafarawa, the failure of his annointed candidate in the 2007 poll is still painful. His party, the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) could not fly on the election day. Now, he is trying to spon-

• Map of Sokoto State

sor a candidate in the PDP to prove the point that he still has the muscle, structure and winning formula. But, there are hurdles to cross. Wamakko is of the opinion that change has occurred in Sokoto, following the launch of the APC in the state. At a rally, he said: ” Sokoto people are willing agents of change. We unanimously support the cause of total departure from bad to good governance for a new Nigeria in peace and unity where justice, security , respect for the constitution, rule of law, collective participation, transparency, accountability, infrastructural and human resources development, and economic stability would prevail and be sustained for the benefit of the state country as a whole.” Unlike Bafarawa, the governor has not moved against his deputy, Alhaji Mukthar Shagari, who has refused to defect from the PDP to the APC. The deputy governor’s co-travellers include Ibrahim Milgoma, Abubakar Sadiq Sanyinna, and Abubakar Kantoma, who now look up to

Bafarawa for leadership. In their view, the time is ripe for Wamakko to lose his grip on the state. It is believed that the most formidble PDP governorship aspirant is Shagari, who hopes to remain in office till next year, despite the political differences between him and his boss. The deputy governor told reporters that he is still loyal to Wamakko, although they now belong to different parties. “I have a harmonous working relationship with my boss, Wamakko. My loyalty to him as his deputy remains. We understand ourselves on personal and official transactions. Our political differences will not affect our personal or working relationship. I am still and will continue to be loyal throughout,” he said. Shagari is from the South Senatorial District. The PDP primaries will not be a walk over for him. He has to contend with other contestants, including Yusuf Suleiman, Abubakar Umar Gada, (East District) and Ahmed Mohammed Gusau (Central). In Sokoto, the Speaker of the House

‘The campaigns are also hot, ahead of the polls. The gladiators are firing salvos. To Wamakko, the PDP is day dreaming. He said that he left the party because of its record social injustice, disrespect for majority interest, lack of respect for the rule of law, corruption and lack of recognition for the federal constitution. On the podium, Bafarawa replied the missiles. He said that he could not share the same platform with his successor, who he accused of disrespect for his person, deception and egocentricity’ of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambawal is a factor. Although he has not officially defected from the PDP to the APC, it is believed that he does not enjoy cordial relations with the PDP leadership. Other APC chieftains in the South District, including Senator Dahiru Tambawal, former ANPP governorship candidate, Yusha’u Ahmed Kebbe, and Farouk Malami Yabo, could also lay land mines for Shagari. They all have governorship ambition. In Sokoto, there is poster war. Supporters are mobilised to destroy billboards of opponents. This is creating tension in the state. The campaigns are also hot, ahead of the polls. The gladiators are firing salvos. To Wamakko, the PDP is day dreaming. He said that he left the party because of its record social injustice, disrespect for majority interest, lack of respect for the rule of law, corruption and lack of recognition for the federal constitution. On the podium, Bafarawa replied the missiles. He said that he could not share the same platform with his suc-

cessor, who he accused of disrespect for his person, deception and egocentricity. However, Wamakko has been able to successfully convince some of his predecessor’s associates and supporters to team up with him in the APC. For example, in Isa, the home town of Bafarawa, the governor has many supporters. Also, the Dingyadis, Kwabos, Chisos, Alkalis, Danrabis, Harandes, and Margais, who previously looked up to Bafarawa for leadership, have now shifted their loyalty to the governor. The succession battle is now a matter of ego for Bafarawa, who had made three futiled attempts to wrestle power from Wamakko. In 2007 and 2011, the former governor had fielded Maigari Dingyadi. But, he was defeated by Wamakko. He had also supported Yusha’u Ahmed, but he failed at the poll. The question is: will the PDP now assist him to achieve the aim of installing a lackey as governor in 2015? A party source said that the PDP leadership is ready to support Bafarawa with logistics in his push for power shift. “We are doing our home work to tackle trade with the opposition, ahead of 2015. All our members are active and doing what is expected to return the state”, added the source. However, victory appears to be a tall ambition for the PDP. Recently, the party was decimated by the defection of many federal and state lawmakers, commissioners, council chairmen and other party chieftains to the APC. Prominent PDP chieftains who have not defected to the APC are Senator Ahmed Maccido and House of Representatives member Umaru Bature. Both of them are from the Central District and they are eyeing the governorship. It is believed that Wamakko is eyeing the senatorial slot. Maccido is a prince of the Caliphate. Sources said that he is likely to attract support from the traditional institution and the masses, who believe in the stool of Othman dan Fodio, his progenitor. There are fears that, if Maccido emerges as the PDP candidate and the monarchs support him, the governor may be on collision with the traditional rulers. But, a source said that this scenario is a figment of imagination.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

POLITICS Former Secretary to the Lagos State Government Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun counsels the delegates to the National Conference to take a cue from the recommendation of the 2005 National Political Reforms Dialogue. He spoke with WALE AJETUNMOBI .

‘Nigeria needs restructuring’

O you think something meaningful would come out of the national conference? We just have to be hopeful. As someone said, Nigeria has a history of throwing recommendations into the bin. The late General Sani Abacha did it in 1994; former President Olusegun Obasanjo did his own in 2005 and we did not get anything out of the dialogue. And now, we are being asked to come for another round of discussion. I am hopeful that something good would come out of it because, if you look at the list of the delegates, with all due respect, at least, about 60 per cent of them are those, who would make meaningful recommendations that will make the country better. There are some who are not supposed to be there. They are there without having anything to contribute, except to just be there. So, I am not going to say nothing good would come out of it. But, let us be hopeful, provided that President Goodluck Jonathan is not going to throw the recommendations of the confab into the dustbin. He should either ask the people of Nigeria, which is the best thing, to consider and approve whatever they decide there or he, on his own, would sit down with his own cabinet and implement the recommendations. But, critics have pointed out that the delegates are too old to make decisions on the future of the country. What is your opinion on this? Old people constitute the encyclopaedia of knowledge. I am one of the old people, but not a member of the confab. Although, I admit that there some there, who are not only old, but are also dead woods. They shouldn’t have been there. I am not going to mention names. But, old people have more experience. There are things you will ask younger people; they would still have to go to the library. There are things you can ask me now and I will start telling you. I can tell you the history of Abacha, Shehu Shagari and Tafawa Balewa regimes off hand. These are the things delegates must know before they discuss and make recommendations for the country’s future. So, they cannot wish away old people being part of the conference. I went through the list of the delegates and I found out that there are not too many old people there. I particularly saw the names of some elder statesmen and I found those who have not participated in anything in this country in the past 10 years, perhaps due to health issues or age. Why should they be there? Do you believe that the restructuring of Nigeria should be discussed at the confab? Yes. Restructuring is necessary. It is a condition for the devolution of power from the Federal Government to the federating states. There is too much power at the centre and that is what is making whoever occupies the Presidency to be power-drunk and act with impunity. If you take the police out of the central government’s responsibility; we take housing, we take health and education, and the Federal Government is allowed to do policy only, states would have more funds to carry out is functions and naturally, the allocation to the Federal Government would be reduced. As you are reducing power at the centre, you will also reduce the allocation. The allocation for the Federal Government is presently at 52 per cent. It should be brought down and give more money to the states and local governments. You would get better service delivery in the country. So, the case of the police we are talking about; any state government that does not spend on the police now would not have good service. Why should we not give state governors full autonomy to control the police? Like I said, I believe we can achieve a lot with this confab, provided the President acts on the recommendation of the confab, either through the referendum or he sits down and take the recommendations one-by-one. He should say ‘this one, we will do; and this one, we will not do’. And, he should give reasons for rejecting the recommendations. The confab is taking place at a time the nation is preparing for elections. Do you think the President is guided by altruism? The President has given three months time frame for the confab. It means they will finish in June. We still have a lot of time before the general election. Do you think that three months would be enough to discuss the fundamental issues militating against the progress of the country? In three months? What are they discussing? 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 states’ laws and the federal police to implement federal laws. They are not new. It is only those who want this country dissolved that will be playing with these recommendations. I am opposed • Basorun to power being concentrated at the centre.

Confab: Do traditional rulers deserve constitutional roles? In this piece, Okey Nnamani examines the limited role of trational rulers and how the institution can be strengthened to play complimentary roles governance.

ANY Nigerians have been agitating for constitu tional roles for traditional rulers. They point out that the monarchs are critical to the progress of their states. They make reference to Imo State, where the institution is perceived as a semblance of the fourth tier of government. though with flaws. If democracy had grown in Nigeria, there would have been a grassroots government headed by the royal fathers. Conversely, some have also argued that, given the enormity of respect and peculiar responsibilities performed by the traditional institution, they deserve definite constitutional roles in the polity. However, others have argued that the royal fathers should be shielded from trivial matters, especially those that tend to be divisive or sectional, and that royal stools should be kept sacrosanct while the occupants should strive at all times to live above board. Every act capable of lowering their esteem should be avoided. In the olden days, the only people that were known not to be blemish in any aspect were the traditional rulers. Their wisdom and technocracy in conflict resolution and enforcement of laws that promoted peace and good neighborliness were admired and celebrated. They were aptly described as reservoirs of wisdom. They offered good advice and moulded character. Considering their grassroots orientation, they represented the true reflections of the people. Both civilian and military administrations appreciated their strategic roles in nation building. Heads of Governments and visiting Heads of States paid them homage, apparently because they were completely detached from partisanship and sectionalism. During the phantom coup trial in the days of the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, traditional rulers were transported to the seat of power to take a look at the purported video tape of the incident. The aim was to convince them that, indeed, there was a plot and an attempt to forcefully topple the government. The monarchs were viewed as the custodians of truth. Over time, it has become a practice for their opinions to be sought before any crucial decision is taken. Borrowing a leaf from the Unites States of America, former Enugu State Governor Chimaroke Nnamani introduced the ‘Community County Council’, which was established in all the autonomous communities in the state. Frank Nweke (Jnr) was the Coordinator and it was visibly impactful as it fast-tracked developments in the rural areas. For either lack of political will or otherwise, the initiative could not be sustained beyond Nnamani’s tenure. But, it

• Kutigi

was laudable. His successor, Governor Sullivan Chime, has also ensured every community has a traditional ruler. He went further to make them relatively comfortable. Also, he kept harping on their impartiality and non-partisanship. They are to con tribute to governance by giving advice and maintaining peace in their domains. The governor has increased the welfare package for traditional rulers. But, the ovation was short lived. The events that followed showed that those largesse were merely Greek gifts. Heavy strings were attached. Among others, they must become very partisan at the appropriate time. They must be used as vehicles to drive the petty and informal interests of their benefactor and his favoured team. Failure to do so would cost them their staffs of office and the government vehicles they have in their possessions. Those whose children, spouses and relatives are in government or enjoying government patronage would be victimised. The riot acts were read gradually and their emotions were systematically manipulated. For instance, nobody can contemplate the grim prospects of deposed royal fathers and sudden loss of pre-eminence. When the governor unfolded his plan to retire many elders and contemporaries in Enugu State politics, he rhetorically informed the traditional rulers that the pay-back-time had finally come.Any suspected or confirmed dissenting voice must be ruthlessly dealt with. Four traditional rulers are today having their powers and authorities being questioned by the government. Their offence: they openly associated with the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, vis-

‘No automatic ticket in Abia PDP’

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

• Orji

BIA State Governor Theodore Orji has said that there will be no automatic ticket for any of the elected member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the next

year’s election. He assured party members of a level playing group, adding that there will be no imposition of candidates. Orji said automatic tickets will breed mediocrity and prevent a healthy competion during the electioneering. The governor spoke at the PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia, the state capital. He said: “ Competition is the best way to bring out the best in any society. Appointing people to contest for elective positions does not give room for true democracy to thrive”.

Orji charged party members to shun “money politics” and vote for candidates who have vision and the love of the peopple at heart. The governor described Abia State as the stronghold of the PDP, urging the stakeholders to sustain the tempo. He said: “There is no vacancy for any other political party, except the PDP, to exist in the state. There is no room for any other political party to survive in Abia State because we have set a very high standard, which will be hard for any political party to beat.” Orji recalled that the PDP won all the elections in the state in 2011, saying that the feat was unprecedented. He said that the state started to make progres when it refrained from worshipping idols.

The governor said that President Goodluck Jonathan is happy that the state is making progress. He added: “Whenever the President sees me, he will ask me how are my people and not how is Abia State. This shows the level of love and the value the Presidency has for the state.” The party chairman, Senator Emma Nwaka, urged the party chieftains to work for the peace and progress of the state at all times. Nwaka said that someone in a ruling party will not understand what it means to be in opposition. “Therefore those of you in the ruling party should hold tenaciously to what you have as being in opposition will not be to your benefit.”

ited his house and acknowledged the developmental projects he attracted to their domains. For fear of being visited with similar treatment, royal fathers in Enugu State are determined to play active politics. Majority are now state government contractors. This ignoble trend is more pronounced in Nkanu part of the state, which constitutes the Enugu-East Senatorial Zone where Ifeoma Nwobodo is scheming to replace Senator Gilbert Nnaji. On her entourage are council chairmen, monarchs and other party officials. Since the inauguration of the local council administration, no chairman has actually spent one full day in office. They always accompany Mrs. Nwobodo, who is on the political tour of the district, although she has not got the ticket. Traditional rulers in Enugu State today, apart from attending party rallies, also accompany aspirants to political campaigns under duress. To underscore the extent of misplacement of priorities, these royal fathers have now joined the campaign that, whether he performs or not, any senator in that zone must do only one term. The implication therefore, is that, once it is your turn to become a senator, you do not need to offer anything, except seeking to settle yourself, knowing that whichever way, you will not return to the Senate. What a backward and counter-productive political ideology being championed only in Enugu State and in a zone that has produced the likes of Ken Nnamani, Jim NWobodo, Chimaroke Nnamani, Frank Nweke, Bart Nnaji, Ogbonnaya Onovo and a host of retired military officers. It is more disturbing that those that should speak the truth dispassionately are being used to rubber stamp this wicked falsehood aimed at destroying some people. However, it is not in doubt that both Jim Nwobodo and Ken Nnamani had wonderful outings at the Senate, but Chimaroke Nnamani as the governor would not allow them to continue in office, due to the political maneuverings of the moment. He deployed state apparatus to frustrate them one after another for personal gain. His successor, Chime, used the same weapon on him. And now, Ifeoma Nwobodo, the de facto governor, is unleashing her arsenal to frustrate Senator Gilbert Nnaji. The traditional rulers who today are the praise-singers of Ifeoma Nwobodo were recently disgraced at a forum in the zone. Also, they did not see anything wrong in the way their son, Sunday Onyebuchi, the deputy governor, has been humiliated in the battle for the leadership of Nkanu Zone. The freedom of the traditional rulers has been mortgaged. In all ramifications, their senses of morality and dignity are now being ridiculed, owing to their involvement in partisan politics. Are they not being conscious of the legacies they should leave for their children and loved ones? Is it merely for material gains that they brazenly desecrate the highly revered institution? Their self respects are now being sacrificed. In the nearest future, they shall be discredited. But then, for how long do they still need to walk this destructive road to realise that their birthrights have since been up for grabs? They should be reminded of the sanctity of the royal palaces of the old, except one is being made to believe that it is only in Enugu State that such absurdity obtains. In conclusion, the Enugu State experience has greatly undermined the agitation for constitutional roles for the royal fathers, especially in the on-going national conference.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Ounje Ale Oluwa: Artistic supper with mysterious tint What is it about heaven that has captured the imagination of artists for many generations? Is it the mystery, the suspense, the moment of soul-searching or the silent crave for Utopia? These were the experiences at Princess Theresa Iyase-Odozi’s exhibition, titled: Ounje Ale Oluwa. EVELYN OSAGIE reports.

•From left: GHAEC Chairman, Mr Victor Odozi, Tarfa, Chief Iyase and Layiwola •Ounje Ale Oluwa by Iyase-Odozi

MAGINE standing on a line before a green magnificent building with scores of people. You are there before a silver and glass-framed door with the old and the young, royal fathers, bankers, businessmen and women, market women, artists, dramatists, teachers, students and more. And as if each were on a journey to the sublime or heaven, minute-by-minute the door opens to a single individual, who is received into a dark room by a tall young man in white, dressed like an ancient Jewish prince, who is believed to be an angel, with a blank expression on his face-one that you can barely see. You are given a small torch to serve as your guide in the darkness and left to find your path as you go along. You are ushered through a curtain that takes you into tunnel-like route of extreme quietness and sobriety. Groping in the dark with the torch in hand, you can barely see your way through. Then, suddenly, the faint light of the torch hits on a face staring at you from a frame on a stand. Like one on a discovery journey, one-by-one, using the torch, you begin to find other images: frames of other men, the dove with rose in its beak, jug of wine and a plate of meal and more. And when you think you have seen it all, you are led into an open hall, where you meet others who are holding the torches like yours. You are all made to wait silently-a wait that seems like eternity that is interrupted by the sudden blast of classical music and a light beamed on white curtain on the wall with two ladies dressed in Jewish costumes, which are also believed to be angels. And at the crescendo of the music, the curtain opens to reveal a magnificent painting of the last supper the Lord Jesus Christ shared with his 12 disciples before facing crucifixion. But this is not a dramatic presentation or scene from a religious movie. It is the onework exhibition of Princess Theresa IyaseOdozi’s entitled: Ounje Ale Oluwa (The Last Supper of Jesus and His 12 Disciples) at GreenHouse Art Empowerment Centre (GHAEC). Guests agreed it was a new, refreshing but soul-searching experience. Some said it reminded them of the artists and writers’ impressions of the journey to the great beyond. Others said it was a moment of sober reflection. But for the mother of the artist, Chief Topi Iyase, it was a spiritual experience. “It felt like being in another world because it is different from outside. Although I have not been to Heaven before, with what we are told and read, it felt like being to Heaven or Hell, as the case may be. It forces us to think of our lives here on earth, especially now that we are in the period of Lent,”she said. Mr and Mrs Mike Tarfa of Skye Bank said: “It creates an atmosphere with an element of fear and uncertainty.” On the part of art scholar, Dr Peju Layiwola, the suspense-filled exhibition was a unique

VISUAL ART artistic production that exemplifies what is happening in the country and the world at large. “It is a wonderful experience: very interesting and suspense-filled. This is not strange because the artist has always been spiritual. It is a fresh way of appreciating art work that is worthy of emulation. I think it is what children should see. “We are going through dark period in life and the history of our country and the world. That is what the whole experience of the exhibition depicts,” she said. Director, Radio Nigeria, Ike Okere, described the experience as “unique”, adding that “viewing the works with touch takes away distraction and makes you concentrate on them.” With the 9 X 5 ft. oil on canvass painting, which was accompanied by 12 prints from its scenes, Iyase-Odozi has added her strokes to the several attempts by artists of all generations to interpret that moment of religious history on canvas, most popular of which is Leonardo Da Vinci’s 15 X29 ft. work. However, Iyase-Odozi’s work comes with an interesting addition: behind the ‘Saviour’ is a veil drawn on both sides that reveals a ‘Sun’ that is locked in a blue horizon, shinning directly on the Lord’s Head. A feature, which art collector and author of The Sage, Ayo Dada, described as “A Window of Life” that is “open,” which gives the human spirit a vague idea of the unimaginable distances and lofty heights from which this Envoy had come, in order to mercifully grant us His Word!” While depicting moments of uncertainty and the suspense witnessed in the world and individual’s search for peace and happiness in the human existence, the dramatic blend in the exhibition presents a story of the search for light in life. The move, the exhibition’s curator and Deputy Editor (Sunday) and Editor (Art & Review), Thisday Newspaper, Mr Okechukwu Uwaezuoke, said, was a deliberate attempt to capture the attention of visitors. The concept, which is his brainchild, with a mind of transporting guests back in time and to the world of the unknown, was conceived about a month before the exhibition. “It is more like creating an illusion. Entering into a room of darkness takes you away from the present and focuses your attention and throws the hype around the work.” The ‘darkness’ symbolises the ‘human spirit’ lost in the world and the ‘light’ represents the Light of the world’, which is ‘Jesus Christ’,” Uwaezuoke said. For Iyase-Odozi, it is not a mere artistic experience. Painting the work, which she was first inspired to paint about 24 years ago, was also a moment of soul-searching for the artist, according to her. Being able to bring it to bear on the exhibition, she said, was source of fulfilment. The most challenging aspect of the work, according to the artist, was the

• Ugochi (left) and Okere

• Iyase-Odozi

• Uwaezuoke

conceptualisation of the work: in terms of the type of background, interior décor, vessel, towel, bowl, garments and headgears and colour of each, among others. “Every day, as I painted, I realised that this was a rare opportunity that comes perhaps once in a life time to be privileged to experience this process. As I proceeded with the work, I was struck by the radiance of Jesus and luminosity of the heavens which opened up and a dove appeared with a rose on its beak, depicting love and purity; the recognition that this was a wondrous spiritual event; the uncommon humility of Jesus as manifested in

His washing the Disciples’ feet and the exemplary comportment of the Disciples and the solemnity of the event as they listened with rapt attention to the words of the Lord,” Besides its opening on March 16, visitors have about four months to enjoy the exhibition until the end of June. Other guests at the exhibition were Baale of Olambe, Chief Abraham Adewusi; the CEO, ThisMate Water, Mrs Akinbanjo Kemi; art critic, Mr Adewale Maja-Pearce and his wife, Juliet Ezenwa; Mrs Zainab Dikko; Ugochi Lilian; Ato Arinze; Oke Ibem Oke; Evangelist Funke Ojo-Adetunji and her cultural troupe, among others.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Redemption of Africa (A review of Wole Soyinka’s Harmattan Haze on an African Spring)

N Harmattan Haze on an African Spring, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka condemns the notion that any of the major civilisations occurred in a vacuum. Most often, especially as it relates to Africa, these civilisations Roman, British, French, etc. - were erected on the ruins or ashes of other civilisations “by fire and the sword.” The recent discovery of the non-literate Kush civilistion in Sudan, whose organised society was at par with Meroic, Sumerian, Hittite, Egyptian, Greek civilisations, has led to a rethink on assumptions, adumbrations and generalisations on civilisation. The author laments the lacuna in much of the African experience when it comes to attachment, dialogue, conversation with past civilisations on the continent of Africa. He is left with no choice but to denounce some African leaders and scholars who lend their hands to the destruction of ancient civilisations of the continent in the name of development, modernity or ‘civilisation’. The location of the origin of the human species has continued to be a subject of debate, though all eyes seem to focus on Africa in recent times. In May, 2013, I was on the entourage of Governors Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State and Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun, in the company of Prof Wole Soyinka on a visit to the 250,000-year-old Igbale Aiye in the Republic of Benin, said to be the origin of man. The two governors, we must note, are doing their best to protect and promote the cultures and values of Africa. The playwright-historian then

By Soyombo Opeyemi

REVIEW posed the germane question, “If the primogenitor of humanity did indeed emerge from the continent, why should the first civilisation not have emerged from the same landmass? Whence came the break in continuity?” The dramatist, Wole Soyinka, believes that the description of Africa by the then imperial world as the Dark Continent is nothing but “the wilful cataract in the eye of the beholder.” We have attained the age when “that external world must come to terms with a tradition of selfindulgence that encouraged layers of visual cataract to accumulate and harden over centuries, obscuring a truthful apprehension of the continent.” Notwithstanding the accounts of the explorers, a truthful exploration of Africa is yet to take place. Interestingly, no one has ever claimed to have discovered Africa unlike the Americas and Australasia. Soyinka has done us the world of good by giving the lie to the narratives of some of these adventurers, the products of Herodotus’ school of thought. Frustrated by their inability to comprehend the cultures and mores of their hosts across the continent, these explorers transferred the aggression to their pens, dripping with half-truths, distortions, contortions and outright fabrications, which they presented as the gospel truths. They suffered from what may be pronounced as authoritative ignorance. Buoyed by personal gain, recognition and nationalism (in relation to other Euro-

•From left: Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka; and King of African Renaissance Mission, Olofindiji Akande in Commune de Ketou, Akpoutokou, Republic of Benin

pean competing interests), these adventurers suffered no compunction nor had any qualms in standing the truths on their heads, pronouncing mere embarrassing conjectures with a tone of finality as authoritative truths. Imagine the scabrous denigration of the entire Yoruba race by Frobenius (Yea, Leo Frobenius of the famed Ori lokun – bronze head of Ife), who lacked even a smattering of the language of the Yoruba, as quoted by the author in in the book under review: “There is an element of typical rigidity in the Ilifian (Frobenius’ name for the native of Ile-Ife) and his intellectual poverty struck me repeatedly as being his most distinguishing quality...The kernel of the conundrum offered by this singular African city is this, namely, that these people are managing an hereditary estate, whose spirituality is quite out of touch with their

present conception of life. The people of Ile-Ife lie like a slumbering dragon over the gold of a pre-historic treasure-house. Poverty-stricken in mind, because of their ignorance, they guard the old city which lends them respect...” (Italics supplied) In Wole Soyinka’s Harmattan Haze on an African Spring, we have a riveting and sobering account of atrocities by Europeans, Arabs and, of course, some African chiefs - as collaborators - in the trade in human flesh. The poet regards this as no different from genocide: “The history of any violent dispersal is the history of genocide.” The Holocaust, Hiroshima and African Slave Trade, which predates the two, all question the humanism of the so-called torchbearers of “civilising missions” to Africa. But then, what exactly is the nature of man - white, black or coloured? Former slave owners who endured the shackles of disgrace, victims of

Affinity on canvas

N art exhibition of watercolour paintings, ink drawings and sculptures, which opened recently at Temple Muse, Victoria Island, Lagos, with a theme: Affinity; depicts lot of creativities and techniques. Kehinde Adewuyi (Kenny), a sculptor and Chinwe Uwatse, a painter, may not be among topflight artists, but they are committed artists with over 20 years practice. In about 40 works, the exhibition is conveying the theme and ideas of the two artists; reaching out of the art to touch the viewers and appealing to a deeply universal aspect of human nature through methods and concepts. The exhibition will run till April 30. The exhibition reflects the artists’ state of mind, thoughts, emotions, dreams, and the like, by means of projection through a set of external objects, situations, events, etc., which have public reference. Adewuyi’s sculptures reflect a juxtaposition and combination of exaggeration and elongation while Uwatse’s works reflect symbols, abstract images and objects of effects, which she used to express herself. “The human existence is full of ups and downs but man must take courage and not lose hope despite the challenges of life,” said Adewuyi, a product of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and a former lecturer at Fine Art Department, Collage of Education, Sokoto. He works mainly with bronze and lost wax technique; a technique not widely used today, but can be traced to 9th Century Igbo Ukwu tradition in

By Udemma Chukwuma

EXHIBITION present day Anambra State. Adewuyi is personally fascinated by elongation and deformity of forms, creating sculptures with very small heads while the feet and other parts of the subjects serve as the focal point. Works such as Why are we Here? Why do we Suffer, What is the Meaning of Life, Time will Tell, Struggle, Mixed Feelings, Affection etc. are philosophical expressions of how Adewuyi interprets the world around him and the sculptures are unique in the way they are created in terms of the finishing as well as the interpretation of the human body. “I employ methods of exaggeration and elongation in human figure to best portray and express my inner feelings and subjects that I often see in my environment. “One thing I have found out about Western Art is that they are so refined and artistically in Africa we use symbols to represent things and you can derive meaning by mainly looking at the work and this is the approach to my work…that is why I chose to make my work suggestive but expressive,” he explained Each sculpture takes Adewuyi months of tedious work to produce even though the pieces look very simple. “The feet of my work interest me the most and that has helped me to an extent; I try to be as simple as possible in my creativity and make simple look complex and complex look simple.” Uwatse choice of watercolour, a

•The Universe is me, Chinwe Uwatse, 2002 rather difficult medium to work with it, perhaps is due to her contact with uli tattoo and body adornment at the early stage of her life during the civil war. This was later improved while she was studying at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, under the mentorship of Prof Uche Okeke and Obiora Udechukwu, who brought the Uli Art movement into global focus. She is also a poet which is another tool she uses to communication her thoughts. Most of her paintings on display focus on femininity, fertility, growth, power, life, which reflect in works such as Giver of Life, I am

the Centre of the Universe, I Want More, Lady of Leisure, She has the World at Her Feet while ‘Security’, inspired by an encounter she had with the uniform men on Falomo Road in 2010. In this painting you could see a uniform man glued to his weapon; using the work to express the agony many Nigerians go through on a daily basis in the hands of those who suppose to protect them. Still Waters; another inspiring painting she said was inspired by the sunsets and sunrises in the south of France where she lives: “I called this piece Still Waters because it looks like the Mediterranean Sea. The wa-

the barracoon, now free and wealthy, also became slave owners. After the two World Wars and the Holocaust, European humanism lay in debris. Can the claim of superiority of civilisation of one continent or race over the other stand the test of any objective appraisal? No. “Africa remains the monumental fiction of European creativity,” submits the activist-writer. “Workable or not, the external arbitrariness of such an act, undertaken without even the cynical expression of consideration for the histories, cultures, and economic usages of their peoples, but as mere conveniences of the external will, was doomed to have dire repercussions. Africa has paid, and continues to pay a heavy price for the upkeep of a European fiction.” •Soyombo, a media practitioner, writes via densityshow@yahoo.com •To be continued next week

ter look like they are part of the Mediterranean sky, despite that everything look very calm, you will know that they are a lot of activities going on which is what I have been trying to represent in the movement in the bottom of the work. “The water and land shows a sense of exuberant, the sense of being, and the sense of happiness. All these things actually go together but then to show that I have tried to use the movement from the symbols…you have the dot, lines, movement of the water, you also have the movement of animals, half moon, cola nut, circle, which indicate continuity, eternity, fertility and a sense of being,” explaining her painting. Their coming together to exhibit is not by accident, their works in Affinity share their similar views about the about life, bringing their rich cultural background in their works. They both do their studio practice here in Nigeria and France. “Their works complement each other, and show a unique African world view that is both traditional and very contemporary, realistic and also hopeful,” said Sandra Obiago, the exhibition curator. Their works have graced local and international galleries mostly in Nigeria and France. And they have had many solo and group exhibitions. No wonder the exhibition is being supported by Veuve Clicquot. “We are delighted that Uwatse and Adewuyi’s amazing works are kicking off our artistic season this year,” said Temple Muse Artistic Director Avi Wadhwani. Temple Muse has also hosted Nigerian artists including Prof Bruce Onabrakpeya, Chidi Kwubiri and Victor Ehikhamenor.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

HOW NOT TO PLEASE NATURE! A beggar taking a nap on a rail track in Lagos.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

• Director General Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Mrs Sally Mbanefo (centre) presenting a gift to Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, (left) and Board Member ( NTDC), Princess Miriam Onuoha during a courtesy call to her office in Abuja

World Theatre Day holds today

HIS year’s World Theatre Day (WTD) will hold today and tomorrow at Mini Garden of Queen Amina, and Cinema Hall 1, National Theatre , Iganmu, Lagos. The 2-day event will witness the investiture of Mrs Toki Mabogunje as distinguished personality of WTD.The theme of this year’s celebration is The present, Our future: The Renaissance of Nigeria Theatre in the 21st century. The event will feature advocacy walk from NTA compound to the National Theatre in

By Linda Ogudo

collaboration with sister association, nurturing and tagging ceremony of the 1st entertainment tree planted by NANTAP Lagos chapter and awards for patrons of the art, culture ambassador, awardees and certified thespians and the launch of endowment funds for NANTAP community theatre project. Guest speakers are, Mr Greg Odutayo and Mrs Toki Mabogunje.

HE Association of Nigerian Authors [ANA] has released the list of successful authors for its Nigerian Writers Series (NWS) programme. The list, the association said, is drawn from submissions received across the country, after about a year of painstaking activities. According to ANA, a total of 50 entries were received of which 38 were valid and 12 invalidated; after which 10 were shortlisted for the series. The shortlist and their publishers include: Souza Boy by Elias Ozikpu and Cupid’s Catapult by Hannah Onoguwe to be published by The Book Company; Burning Savannah by Hillary C. Anugba, The Right Choice by Zahradeen Kallah and The Oath by Habib Yaqoob to be published by Jemie Books; Kraftbooks will be published Crimson Clouds by Ayodele Arowosegbe and The Threshing Floor by Isaac Ogezi and Parrésia Publishers Ltd will be publishing Cat Eyes by Pever X, The Angel That Was Always There (Memoir) by Julius Bokoru and Patriots and Sinners by Nnenna Ihebom. Following an exhaustive preliminary reading of each manuscript received by the judges (Prof Tanure Ojaide, Unoma Azuah and Chuma Nwokolo) and ANA, the assication saidthe shortlisted manu-

ANA releases list of Writers Series ADVOCACY scripts were considered based on merit for publication in the series. It would be recalled that the series was announced on January 6, 2013, following the receipt of N10,000,000 grant covering it from the Niger State Government. The above four publishing and marketing consultants were then chosen to design the series and a call for submissions went out on last August which ended on November 29. “The series is part of the Prof Remi RajiOyelade administration committed to achieving its consolidated manifesto, of which the Nigerian Writers Series is a part, in line with its “New ANA” philosophy. “We remain most appreciative of our Series Editors now, particularly, as well as our benefactor, the Government of Niger State, Nigeria, led by its book loving Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu. We look forward to launching ten new quality voices into the arena of Nigerian and African writing in the coming months,” the executive said.

Children, protect yourself

HILDREN Emergency Relief Foundation (CERF) in collaboration with United Parcel Service (UPS) Foundation has embarked on a project tagged: Protect Yourself. According to Executive Director of CERF, Mrs Abosede Adeola Oyeleye, the project, which commenced last week, is aimed at reducing child abuse and HIV/AIDS in Nigerian children. Oyeleye said: “Nigeria has the largest number of children contracting the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the world as shown in the latest report by the United Nations. We have therefore embarked on the Protect Yourself project to

By Blessing Olisa

mitigate this scourge known as child abuse and also to reduce the number of children at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. It is a part of CERF’s contribution towards the reduction of Child Abuse and HIV/AIDS prevalence in Nigeria.” She added that the project was implemented in public primary schools in Ikorodu Local Government Areas to sensitise school teachers and school children between the ages of three and 18 years. CERF also intends to extends its training to other schools and parents in the state, according to Oyeleye.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

BUSINESS EXTRA Senate screens Emefiele, Bulkachuwa today

• From left: Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; Minister of State for Power, Mr Mohammed Wakil; Leader, NigeriaChinese Business Council, Mr Qianjing Yuan and Council Member, Chief Mathew Uwekwe, during their visit to the minister in Abuja ... on Monday.

Cost of borrowing may rise as CBN raises CRR T

HE Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at its meeting voted yesterday to continue its tight monetary policy stance on money supply, agreeing, though by a small margin, to raise the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of Private Sector Credit from 12 per cent to 15 per cent. The decision, which raised private sector credit CRR by 300 basis points was overwhelmingly supported by seven of the body’s nine members at the meeting. This will, ultimately, increase the cost of credit to the real sector. Acting CBN Governor, Dr. Sarah Omotunde Alade, who broke the news in Abuja, said the apex bank’s decision was informed by the need to build on recent gains, con-

tain inflation and address the continuous depletion of the foreign reserves. She said: “The committee unanimously agreed that a continuation of a tight monetary policy was needed to consolidate recent gains. Recent resurgence of core inflation, in spite of the downward trend in headline inflation reinforces this position. Thus, prudent monetary stance would also facilitate better reserve and exchange rate management in an environment where Fed tapering increases pressure on emerging economies’ financial markets.” Dr. Alade, who chaired the

94th session of the MPC for the first time as Acting CBN Governor, and the second this year, said members agreed on further monetary tightening, adding that the only area of divergence was on the instruments to drive it. Her words: “The MPC considered the success of Monetary Policy in attaining price and exchange rate stability; the potential headwinds in 2014; the ultimate goal of transiting to a truly low – inflation environment; and the need to retain portfolio flows. “The committee unanimously voted for further tightening of monetary policy, but was divided on the instruments. While some voted for an increase in the

Missing N19.7b police fund: Reps summon Acting CBN Governor, others

HE House of Repre sentatives Committee on Public Accounts has summoned the Acting CBN Governor, Dr Sarah Alade, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Muhammed Abubakar and Police Affairs Minister to explain the whereabout of the missing N19.7billion Police Equipment Fund. Earlier, the apex bank under the suspended Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said it sent the cash to the police to buy helicopters and other necessary equipment, but the IGP and Police Ministry denied receiving the money.

From Simeon Ebulu and Nduka Chiejina (Abuja)

Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to retain and attract more inflows, other members felt that such increase could impact access to credit and domestic growth negatively.” She explained that the lack of consensus led to a vote, the outcome of which informed the Committee’s decision. In announcing the result, Dr Alade said: “Five members voted to keep MPR at 12 per cent, while four members voted for an increase in MPR; Seven members voted to retain the MPR corridor at +/-2 per cent while two members voted for an asymmetric corridor; seven members voted to increase CRR on private sector deposits by 300 basis points to 15 per cent while two members voted to retain the CRR on private sector deposits at 12 per cent.

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

Sanusi in a response to the allegation of financial recklessness levelled against him by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), explained that the police project, carried out “upon the instruction” of President Goodluck Jonathan involved buying other security equipment at the cost of N19.7 billion. “Consistent with our policy of development, upon the instruction of His Excellency, the President, the CBN intervened by paying N19.7billion to the Ministry

of Police Affairs for the purchase of armoured helicopters and other security equipment,” Sanusi had said. But the IGP yesterday, who appeared before the House Committee headed by Hon. Solomon AdeolaOlamilekan denied receiving the cash. The IGP, who was represented by Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Air Wing, Ilesanmi Aguda, told the committee he had “no knowledge” of the payment. According to him, enquiries about the transaction should be directed to

the Ministry of Police Affairs. Olamilekan revealed that he had a response from Police Affairs Ministry denying receiving the fund, He said: “If the IGP and the police ministry denies receipt of the said N19.7 billion, then the Committee can rightly assume that the money is missing, until proven otherwise. All the major actors involved in the alleged transaction including the CBN have a case to answer.” The officials are to appear before it next Tuesday, the committee ordered.

Inactive telephone lines rise to 44m, says NCC

NACTIVE telephone lines in the country have in creased from 42, 069, 916 in December last year to 44, 665, 145 in January this year, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said. Aording to the “Monthly Subscriber Data’’ of the regulator, there was an additional 2,595,229 inactive numbers within the period, to make the dormant lines to increase to 44,665,145 in January. The data showed that of the 172,625,725 connected lines, only 127,960,580 numbers were active.

The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks had a share of 125,173,177 of the active lines, adding a total of 331,862 numbers to their December number of 124,841,315 active lines. The sick Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators had 2,421,970 active lines, as they added 17,193 lines to the December result of 2,404,777 active numbers. For the Fixed/Wireless networks, they had a share of 365,433 of the active lines, increasing their December last year record of 360,537

by 4,896 lines in January. The monthly data also showed that installed capacity on the telecoms networks reduced to 247,232,259 in January, as against the 248,353,725 capacity recorded in December last year. The data also showed that the installed infrastructure capacity reduced by 1,121,466 in January. Installed capacity refers to the total infrastructure a network puts in place to accommodate a certain number of telephone lines, in order to avoid congestion or poor

network quality. The reduced installed capacity was obviously on the GSM networks as the infrastructure they installed in the last quarter of 2013 reduced from 218,522,048 lines to 217,400,582 in January. Capacity installed on the CDMA mobile lines and the Fixed Wired/Wireless networks remained at 18.400 million and 11,432,677 capacities, respectively. The teledensity has also climbed to 91.40 per cent in January, compared to 91.15 per cent in December last year.

• Live transmission expected

HE Senate yesterday shifted the screening and confirmation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s nominees for the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele and President of the Court of Appeal, Hon Justice Zainab A. Bulkachuwa till today. Sources said the move is to allow for live television transmission of the exercise. Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba had moved a motion that Emefiele’s and Bulkachuwa’s confirmation be committed to the Committee of the Whole House for more work. Senate President David Mark announced that the exercise would be carried out today following the approval of the motion by lawmakers through a voice vote. The screening and confirmation of Mr. Adelabu Adebayo Adekola for appointment as Deputy Governor of the CBN was, however, committed to the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions for further work. Chairman, Senate Committee on Media, Information

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

and Public Affairs, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, confirmed that the screening of the two nominees would be transmitted. Abaribe, who spoke at a briefing said the transmission would afford Nigerians the opportunity to witness how the two nominees who are vital to the dispensation of justice and the nation’s economy would be screened. Abaribe said: “I want to confirm that tomorrow (today), in line with the constitutional provisions and the Senate rules, we will do the screening and confirmation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s request for two persons: Hon. Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa as President of the Court of Appeal and Mr. Godwin Emefiele as CBN governor “Both event will be aired live on the Nigerian Television Authority. I am very certain that it will give Nigerians the opportunity to witness, firsthand, the screening of the two individuals that are very vital to both the dispensation of justice in Nigeria and management of our economy.”

Senate issues fresh ultimatum over budget

HE Senate yesterday ordered its committees to submit their harmonised budget reports to the Appropriation Committee today or face its wrath. Senate President David Mark, who gave the order at plenary, said the report of any subcommittee that fails to meet the deadline would be rejected. Mark had given a similar directive about three weeks ago. He said the Appropriation Committee would have no alternative but to adopt the budget estimates submitted by the Executive for affected ministries and agencies. The plenary was, however, cut short at noon at the instance of Mark to enable the affected subcommittees to conclude and submit their reports today. Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe said the ultimatum became necessary to ensured that the 2014

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

budget is passed on time. Abaribe, who was responding to a question during a press conference, said: “The President has sent details of the Appropriation requests and every committee, being the sub-committee of the Appropriation committee and having finished their jobs, they are required to defend their appropriation in front of Appropriation Committee. “Some committees had yet to appear before the Appropriation Committee to defend their figures. Because we want to bring out the Appropriation Bill on time, tomorrow had been fixed as the deadline. “Every sub-committee must submit their reports and that was why we cut short our plenary today so that they will have enough time to meet with the Appropriation Committee.”

Bank’s sale: Court orders service on Sanusi

FEDERAL High Court in Abuja yesterday ordered the service of processes on the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Lamido Sanusi and two others in a case that seeks, among others, the review of the procedure through which Access Bank Plc acquired Intercontinental Bank Plc. Justice Ahmed Mohammed made the order after hearing an ex-parte application by plaintiffs’ lawyer, Chris Uche (SAN) for leave to serve processes on the suit on Sanusi by substituted means, by delivering them to any officer or adult person at his last known place

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

of business in the office of Governor of the CBN or by pasting same on the notice board of the CBN. The suit instituted by some shareholders of Intercontinental Bank - Abdullahi Sani, Adaeze Onwuegbusi and Chijioke Ezeikpe - has Sanusi, the CBN and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as defendants. It is the plaintiffs’main contention that the process through which Access Bank acquired Intercontinental Bank, during the banking reform supervised by the CBN under Sanusi, was untidy.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 25-3-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 25-2-14

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

EQUITIES

Fidson to float N2b bond in April

IDSON Healthcare Plc is rounding off pre-offer process and may issue a N2 billion bond in April to partly refinance its new multi-billion Naira World Health Organisation (WHO)-standards manufacturing complex. Operations Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Biola Adebayo, disclosed this yesterday during a media tour of the new manufacturing complex in Ota, Ogun State. He said the company is concluding arrangements for the bond issue noting that the bond may hit the capital market next month. According to him, the net proceeds of the bond issue would be used to refinance some existing bank loans with a view to consolidate the bank loans into a more amenable medium term bond issue. This is part of the company’s financing mix strategy to ensure that the benefits of its expansion impact on shareholders’ returns. Adebayo said the company has spent N7 billion on the new manufacturing plant and

Stories by Taofik Salako, Capital Market Editor

•New manufacturing plant to add N4b in 2015 all the equipment and machines are currently on site. The company has so far financed the new 7.5 acres-manufacturing plant with internally generated revenue and loans from banks. He said the new manufacturing plant, which will aggregate the existing manufacturing lines from other existing plant and add a new line for intravenous products, will likely be commissioned in the third quarter of 2014. He projected that the new business line of intravenous add between N3 billion and N4 billion to the company’s turnover in 2015. He said the new manufacturing plant is a game-changing investment that will further enhance Fidson’s leadership position in the

healthcare industry and position it in good stead to compete for global healthcare funds and orders. He said the new plant would further enhance the local manufacturing capacity noting that the company’s current product profile of 6040 importation/manufacturing ratio to 40-60, shifting the company’s operations towards local manufacturing. He added that the new manufacturing plant, which is being built to WHO standards and certification, will enable Fidson to engage in contract or tall manufacturing for many global pharmaceutical companies, which want to manufacture their products in Nigeria but do not want to establish full-fledged manufacturing plants. Adebayo noted that the prospects for the company’s growth is huge pointing out that there are no more than three companies manufacturing its new line of intravenous products and the volume needed by the country is so huge.

Stock market recovers on cement, oil rally

HE momentum of activities and pricing trend at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) picked up yesterday as increased demand for cement and oil and gas stocks stoked a nascent recovery. Both value-based and activity-based indices showed modest recovery as investors sought for bargains in leading oil and gas and cement stocks. The positive overall market situation was also boosted by the preponderance of gainers to losers. The All Share Index (ASI), the value-based index that tracks prices of all quoted companies, inched up by 0.34 per cent from 37,601.53 points to 37,728.50 points. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities added N41 billion to close at N12.119 trillion as against its opening value of N12.078 trillion. The modest recovery lowered the negative average year-to-date return to -8.71 per cent. Also, turnover volume, value and number of deals improved by 7.9 per cent, 6.1 per cent and 10.8 per cent respectively. Total turnover stood at 273.24 million shares valued at N3.56 billion in 4,945 deals. Banking stocks remained the centre of activities at the stock market. Financial services stocks accounted for 227.23 million shares valued at N2.50 billion in 2,862 deals. Guinness Nigeria topped the 31-stock gainers’ list with a gain of N6.99 to close at N175.99. Dangote Cement followed with a gain of N2 to close at N230. Forte Oil added N1.50 to close at N92. Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria gathered N1.48 to close at N110.58. UACN Property Development Company rose by 90 kobo to N20. Stanbic IBTC Holdings gained 65 kobo to close at N21. Total Nigeria garnered 60 kobo to close at N153.60. Ashaka Cement chalked up 41 kobo to close at N14.90. Berger Paints added 30 kobo to close at N9.60 while Presco rose by 28 kobo to close at N41 per share.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

MONEYLINK

AFC commits $1t to Africa’s infrastructure

HE African Finance Corporation (AFC) has invested over $1 trillion to fix Africa’s infrastructure deficit, its Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Alli has said. Speaking yesterday at the AFC’s inaugural summit held in Lagos, he said there is great potential in Africa which investors are keying into. “Our vision at the AFC is to bridge the infrastructure divide and seek a strong return for our shareholders at the same time. We believe our core role comes at the earliest stage of project conception and development. While international capital will be fundamental in bridging the investment divide, that capital will have nowhere to go if Africa does not focus on the development of bankable, sustainable projects,” he said. Economist and former Chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Jim O’Neill, said Africa’s fu-

Stories by Collins Nweze

ture depends on the continent’s policy makers doing the right thing. “That is working to create better governance, reducing crime, fighting corruption and delivering improved infrastructure. Infrastructure development is both a defining challenge and a standout investment opportunity for Africa and investors around the world,” he said. He said Nigeria is growing at seven per cent despite poor access to power, arguing that decent power could boost economic growth to between 10 and 12 per cent. The summit, which attracted more than 500 leading thinkers from government, academia, business and finance, fuelled energetic debate on both the opportunities and the challenges of the African infrastructure landscape.

Wema Bank promotes equity in workplace

EMA Bank has held a special Executive Management session to discuss pressing issues related to promoting gender inclusion and equity in the workplace during an event to commemorate this year’s Women Day. The event was chaired by Mrs. Funke Irabor who acted in the capacity of Managing Director for the day. She spoke on “Discrimination: Creating an enabling environment for breaking glass ceiling by women in the workplace.” Speaking after the special session, Irabor lauded the management of the bank for instituting womenfriendly policies. She advised female

workers of the bank not to see themselves at a disadvantage position despite what the society or various cultures might dictate. She therefore urged them to emulate the good virtues of women who are continuously breaking barriers in business, politics, and other spheres of life. Its Head, Human Capital Management, Olufunke Okoli, said the lender remained committed to addressing gender equity and building a representative workforce and management structure. She further reiterated the bank’s goal to achieve a minimum of 30 per cent representation at senior management levels subject to the identification of candidates with appropriate skills.

Tenor

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year

35m 35m

11.039 12.23

19-05-2014 18-05-2016

ICAN urges accountants to work hard

FORMER Institute of Chartered Accounants of Nigeria (ICAN) Registrar, Toyin Adepate has urged accountants to work hard to use their professional skills to bring about a better society. Addressing a seminar to enlighten students on the importance and benefits of becoming a chartered accountant, Adepate urged the youths to go into accounting, as the skill is key to the national prosperity. He praised the transformation of the accounting profession in the country, adding that such feat would reflect on the performance of chartered accountants. He said accountants have great potentials that needed to be harnessed for the good of the society. Adepate said the institute is committed to creating a larger pool of learners that would pursue careers in accounting. He advised the students to learn

By Alvin Afadama

basic accounting schemes after their West Africa Examinations adding that chartered accounts have great opportunity to work in private and public sectors of the economy. Some of the 22 schools that participated in the seminar include Command Day Secondary School, Ikeja; White Field High School and St Jude High School. It was also an opportunity for the organisers to conduct a group test was for the schools in Mathematics and English language during which White Field High School came first, followed by St Jude High School. Individual awards went to Chika Anthony of Command day secondary school who came first while

NDIC bags Kaduna Trade Fair award

HE Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has emerged the winner of the ‘Best Public Enlightenment Participant’ award at the just concluded 35th Kaduna International Trade Fair. Organisers of the fair, the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) conferred the award on NDIC following their visit to the Corporation’s stand on the NDIC Special Day and their assessment of its public enlightenment activities at the fair. The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NDIC, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, who was represented at the NDIC Special Day by

NIDF

OBB Rate

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

Price Loss 2754.67

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 25-3-14

SYMBOL COSTAIN UAC-PROP LEARNAFRCA AGLEVENT CUTIX VITAFOAM GUINNESS MANSARD INTENEGINS BERGER

O/PRICE 1.27 19.10 1.50 1.34 1.91 4.11 169.00 2.00 0.54 9.30

C/PRICE

CHANGE

1.39 20.00 1.57 1.40 1.99 4.28 175.99 2.08 0.56 9.60

0.12 0.90 0.07 0.06 0.08 0.17 6.99 0.08 0.02 0.30

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD NGN GBP

147.6000 239.4810

149.7100 244.0123

150.7100 245.6422

-2.11 -2.57

NGN EUR 212.4997 NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) 149.7450 (S/N) Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N)

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

O/PRICE

BETAGLAS AIICO DNMEYER CCNN DANGFLOUR NEM DIAMONDBNK OASISINS UBN TRANSCORP

18.25 0.84 1.28 9.15 8.99 0.73 6.46 0.58 10.44 3.81

C/PRICE 17.35 0.80 1.22 8.75 8.61 0.70 6.21 0.56 10.15 3.71

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%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917

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

Exchange Rate (N) 155.75 155.8 155.7

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

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

NSE

6-2-14

28-10-11

% Change

CAP Index

N13.07tr 40,766.16

N6.617tr 20,903.16

-1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS 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 -0.90 -0.04 -0.06 -0.40 -0.38 -0.03 -0.25 -0.02 -0.29 -0.10

Amount Sold ($) 399.9m 399.9m 399.9m

Name

LOSERS AS AT 25-3-14

SYMBOL

ward achieving this aspiration was put on a higher pedestal last year with a re-branding project embarked upon by the Corporation. The NDIC boss described the rebranding as a re-engineering initiative geared towards reviewing the Corporation’s processes, procedures and systems with a view to enhancing the effective discharge of its mandate. He pointed out that the new NDIC slogan: “protecting your bank deposits” clearly distinguished its from conventional insurance companies, adding that its re-branding initiative was not about change of logo and colours but distinguishing it for its service delivery to depositors and other stakeholders.

the Director of Administration, Mrs Christiana E. Afabor, said the corporation had adopted multifaceted initiatives in its efforts toward enhancing public awareness on the Corporation’s mandate and activities. Umaru said NDIC had been participating in major international trade fairs in the country since 2007 as part of its public awareness drive. He said the thrust of the Corporation’s public awareness initiatives was to win public trust, appreciation and confidence through better understanding of its core mandate and activities. According to him, the drive to-

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33

•ICAN President Kabir Mohammed

Chukwulobe Chukwuemeka, also from the same school came second.

UBA BALANCED FUND UBA BOND FUND UBA EQUITY FUND UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

Movement

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

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Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000

Movement

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

NEWS NUT chief makes case for traditional schools

Fire at CBN Lagos office •Security agents molest photojournalists

From Jeremiah Oke, Abeokuta

HE Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State, Comrade AbdulFatai Gbeko and the National Secretary of Orunmila Youngsters International, Fayemi Fakayode, have made a case for the establishment of traditionalist schools in the country. The men, who spoke at the Second Annual Inter-House Athletics Competition of Olokun Asorodayo Primary School, Iseyin, said such development would avail them of the opportunity to teach children, based on the provisions and principles of the traditional religion. Olokun Asorodayo Primary School, according to Gbeko, was part of what the Yoruba inherited and it must be preserved.

•Acting Auditor-General, Pension Scheme Mrs Anohu Amazu speaking at the National Pension Commission Forum at the University of Lagos, Lagos...yesterday. With her are Commissioner (Finance) Mr Adesoji Oboba Efuntayo (left) and Head, Benefit and Pension Scheme Mr PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA Olulana Loyinni.

North’s Governors to govt: unmask Boko Haram terrorists, sponsors T

HE Northern State Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has called on the Federal Government and the security agencies to unmask the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists and their sponsors. The governors made the call in a communique at the end of an emergency meeting, held at the Niger State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja. Chairman of the Forum and Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, who read the communique on behalf of his colleagues expressed apprehension over security situation in many parts of the north. The Governors were particularly alarmed by the increasing number of people that are being killed by the Boko Haram insurgents and other criminal elements. “The crime rate and general insecurity in the region, in particular and the country in general are increasingly becoming a growing concern, ranging from mayhem being perpetrated by insurgents characterised by sporadic killings and attacks on schools and communities leading to several deaths and thousands being displaced”, the communique stated. The Forum called on governors in the north to establish security trust fund in their various states, with members states articulating a coordinated ap-

The crime rate and general insecurity in the region, are increasingly becoming a growing concern, ranging from mayhem being perpetrated by insurgents characterised by sporadic killings and attacks on schools and communities leading to several deaths and thousands being displaced

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

proach towards fighting insurgency in the region. The governors noted that the ongoing National Conference was intended to provide a more inclusive and focused forum for candid discourse on the daunting challenges confronting the nation and it’s citizens. They listed security, observance of rule of law and corruption among the key areas of focus. “Therefore, the Forum came up with a common agenda that would put the northern delegates in a better position to tack-

le the interests and aspirations of the north and the nation at large”. The governors said the outcome of the recent symposium organised by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and attended by 12 of the governors in Washington DC was fruitful. They listed some of the gains of their participation to include: “Provision of strong platform for meaningful discussion and enhanced cooperation that will elaborately address security, social, economic and governance issues peculiar to states of northern Nigeria; “Conveying the support of high-level US, Norwegian and Danish Governments through their officials alongside other united key participants to achieve the desired objectives; “Articulate common position on how to attract support to address issues of common concern to northern states”. According to the communique, the Forum resolved to consolidate on the gains of the symposium by constituting a committee to articulate issues of common concern for a follow up and implementation with the agencies through the Nigerian Embassy in Washington. Members of the committee

How we attacked Giwa Barracks, by Boko Haram

NEW Boko Haram video in which the deadly sect relives Giwa Barracks attack has been made public. In the video, the sect’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, boasts about its bloody exploits, saying: “We carried out the attacks in Maiduguri. This is a message from the leader of Jama’atu Ahlissunah Lidda’awati Wal Jihad. We carried out the attacks in Maiduguri as we were responsible for the other attacks being carried out all over. The Giwa Barracks attack is worth narrating. “Allah killed his enemies in Giwa Barracks. We launched the Maiduguri attacks and killed infidels in Giwa Barracks. He warned members of the Civilian JTF, the group of youths strengthening security in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital that is often attacked by the insurgents.

“You either flee, take up arms, conscript into the army or police...what I’m telling you is that I have started a war against you,” Shekau said, adding: “There are only two groups of people in the world. There are either those with us or those on the other side, which I’ll kill once I spot them. This is my only focus now.” “Allah gave us the courage to break into Giwa Barracks (where) we killed and we burnt. We rescued over 2,000 of our brethren, and most of them commanders!...One of them even took up a gun and started fighting there. They all got away. “And for your information, western education is forbidden. University is forbidden. You should vacate university. You should leave university.” He advised girls to shun education, adding: “In Islam it is allowed to take infidel wom-

en as slaves and in due course we will start taking women away and sell in the market.” “We carried out the Maiduguri attack. And those you killed included freed detainees who were not our members but ordinary people who on being freed headed to town, thinking they were safe. They were dressed in shorts and when you encountered them you mistook them for us and killed them. That was what really happened,” Shekau said, adding: “We rescued all of our brethren, we gave them clothing, shelter, vehicles, food and all they needed....Our brethren are in good state; we thank God.” He gave a rather clumsy insight into why Boko Haram is fighting. “We are not fighting the north; we are fighting the world. And you will see us fighting the world. This is our job,” Shekau said.

include the Secretaries to the Governments of Niger, Zamfara, Borno and Kogi States. Others are the Commissioner for Information of Niger State and the representative of the Nigerian Embassy in the United States. Besides Aliyu, other governors that attended the meeting included Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); Idris Wada (Kogi); Murtala Nyako (Adamawa); Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara); Ramalan Yero (Kaduna); Garba Umar (Taraba); Deputy governors of Borno and Jigawa States.

By Precious Igbonwelundu and Collins Nweze

HERE was fire yesterday at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Lagos complex. The dusk fire affected the administrative offices on the third floor. In the course of battling the fire, on the third floor, a fire service official collapsed, no thanks to suffocation. According to National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) Southwest spokesman, Ibrahim Farinloye, the yetto-be identified fireman was rescued and rushed to the hospital. Farinloye said nobody died, adding that the Lagos State Fire Service personnel were on ground on time to contain the situation. Lagos fire service Director, Rasaq Fadipe, said his men were clamping down the offices and breaking the windows and doors to check for any small fire that might not have been put off. In a statement last night by Isaac Okorofor, the CBN said:”The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) wishes to inform its stakeholders and the general public that a fire incident occurred at its Lagos Branch Office at about 5:30 this evening (Tuesday, March 25, 2014). “The fire, which occurred on the first floor of the building, has been put out by a combined team of fighters from the CBN and other institutions. “We wish to assure our numerous stakeholders that the records of the Bank are intact, as the Bank has an effective backup of all its records, as part of our disaster recovery infrastructure” Two photojournalists with the National Mirror Newspapers, Yinka Adeparusi and Samuel Adetimehin, were yesterday brutalised and had their cameras vandalised and confiscated by men of the Nigeria Police Force at the scene of the fire. Both photojournalists were ordered to surrender their cameras. Adeparusi was later whisked to the Area ‘A’ Police Station where he was detained before he was released. Adetimehin, who was the first to be attacked was left to writhe in pain after he had received punches from the policemen. The two photographers have been placed under medical care.

NEWS

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

Ibadan forest of horror: Tears, joy in hospital Continued from page 4

The hospital’s Chief ConDr Osamor sulta nt, Jonathan, said no fewer than 30 families had visited in search for their missing relations since Sunday morning. As early as 8:00 am, security guards manning the gate of the hospital as well as members of the staff had begun the battle to control the crowd. Many came just to catch a glimpse of the rescued victims; others came searching for their loved ones. They were armed with photos of the missing relations, pleading with nurses and other health workers to allow them see the victims being treated at the Emergency Unit. They were asked to produce police reports, showing details of the missing persons and the dates of their disappearance before being given access to the victims.

Some of them burst into tears on learning that their relations were not among the victims. The situation forced a recall of the memory of their missing relations on them as some visibly fought back tears. Just like the forest, the hospital became a Mecca of sort, hosting all manner of people eager to satisfy their curiosity. Jonathan said the victims were responding well to treatment, adding that they may be discharged within 48 hours. “Among them, two women and a man can respond to conversations appropriately now. We are able to identify their family compounds in Osogbo and Ibadan. Some are still weak and unconscious, but they are being revived through treatment. They are coming out of their stopour and the trauma they went through. “Five gave their names.

•Two missing persons being sought...yesterday

Those talking are coherent. They described how they were abducted. Some of them were kidnapped in the course of seeking daily bread.” The doctor confirmed that one female victim had put to bed twice while in the “forest of horror”. On caring for the victims, Jonathan said: “Initially, there was some aggressiveness on the part of the victims as they felt threatened. They felt we were part of the kidnap team. But, gradually, we counselled them. We served them food and they later calmed down. They started seeing the humane feeling that they were in a different environment. They are disoriented, in traumatic shock. Some are delusional.” But, the doctor does not feel comfortable that the victims have taken over the Casualty Unit of the hospital, denying other patients of space. The hospital invited policemen who stormed the premises in three vans to dislodge the crowds. The crowds have been insulting the nurses continuously, Jonathan said. He went on: “Some of them were agitated, emotional and curious. But this won’t let the service go on; we have to work. Their presence has disrupted our services and placed much pressure on our resources. We bathed them, brushed for them Monday morning, but they are better now. They did all of that by themselves this morning.”

48 killed in Borno, Benue, Nasarawa Continued from page 4

Agena village, a popular railway settlement in Mbatseda, Mbalom district, at about 6am. “They opened fire on the houses and as people attempted to escape, they gunned them down. We counted 20 bodies. Many others sustained serious injuries and were taken to the hospital in Aliade and Makurdi”, she said. Hon. Alaaga expressed shock that were brutally murdered. Chairman of Gwer local government council, David Maor, said the bodies were taken to the Federal Medical Centre morgue. Police Spokesman Daniel Ezeala said only seven people were killed adding that investigation had commenced. The palace of the paramount ruler of Giza chiefdom in Keana local government area in Nasarawa state, Umaru Elegu Abu, was razed in the early hours of yesterday. More than 17 people were killed in the raid carried out by yet to be identified gunmen. Police Spokesman Umar Ismaila who confirmed the incident said only five people died. He said: “Armed Tiv militia attacked Giza town of Kadarko development area. “On getting the report, a combined team of conventional police and Mobile Force led by the Kadarko DPO, Ikojo Sunday, mobilised to the scene and repelled the attack” Information available to the

police according to him indicated that “three inhabitants and two attackers were killed in the process” He said normalcy had returned to the affected area. One of the victims who craved anonymity said “the gunmen killed several people. As I speak to you, we have been able to recover nine bodies from the surrounding bushes while some are still been searched for. The ones so far discovered have been taken for burial”. The police in Kaduna yesterday detonated a high calibre Improvised Explosive Device (IED), allegedly dropped at the ever-busy Sultan road/Kashim Ibrahim road junction by an unidentified motorcyclist. There was pandemonium in the area. The junction is located a few metres away from Essence International School, one of the highbrow private schools in Kaduna . Kaduna Police Spokesman, Aminu Lawan, said: “We got a distress call that a polythene bag containing a questionable substance was dropped by a moving Okada man. So we quickly ordered our Anti Bomb squad team to the area. “The area was immediately condoned off when it was discovered that the polythene bag contained high calibre IED, and our Anti-Bomb Squad was able to successfully detonate the IED and the area was immediately brought under control. “As I speak to you now, the area is calm and people are already going about their normal activities.” Lawan also said men of the

surveillance and SID personnel were deployed in the area to monitor movements of persons with questionable characters and advised that people should maintain some level of vigilance.

Police arraign 14 Continued from page 4

valued at N100,000, property of one Mrs Josephine Jolayemi. He also explained that all the accused conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of the peace by demonstrating and destroying innocent citizens’ property. Oriola said the offence was committed on March 23 at Soka, Ibadan. He said the offence contravened sections 249 (d) , 451 and 517 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol.II, Laws of Oyo State 2000. The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Risikat Ebelokun–Mustapha, granted all the accused bail in the sum of N20,000 with one surety in like sum. She adjourned the case till April 23 for hearing.

Kidnap victim disappears again Continued from page 4

But an eye witness of the rescue operation said Mrs Obaikhena walked away while rescuers were busy with others too frail to walk. A distraught Mr Victor Obaikhena, her son, appealed to residents and security agents to help find his mother. According to him, his mother was kidnapped in Edo State in 2008.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS

Malaysia Airlines MH370: Chinese families vent fury

NGRY relatives of passengers on board the missing Malaysia Airlines plane have clashed with police outside Malaysia’s embassy in the Chinese capital, Beijing. It came after Malaysian PM Najib Razak said a new analysis of satellite data showed the plane had ended its journey in remote seas south-west of Australia. China has asked to see the data on which Malaysia’s conclusion was based. The search for missing flight MH370 has been suspended because of bad weather. A multinational search effort has focused on seas some 2,500km (1,500 miles) to the south-west of the Australian city of Perth. Flight MH370 disappeared on 8 March as it flew from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. It

was carrying a total of 239 people, including 153 Chinese nationals. In Beijing, relatives of passengers on board the plane released a statement accusing the Malaysian government of trying to “delay, distort and hide the truth”. Dozens of them then left their Beijing hotel on a protest bound for the Malaysian embassy, carrying banners asking Kuala Lumpur to be truthful with the relatives. Police stopped their buses from leaving, so they left the buses and walked there themselves, with scuffles then erupting outside the diplomatic mission. The protesters threw water bottles at the embassy and tried to storm the building, demanding to meet the ambassador. There was a heavy police presence at the embassy, and

there was a brief scuffle between police and a group of relatives who tried to approach journalists, according to the Associated Press news agency. The families also appear to be becoming more critical of the Chinese authorities themselves, the BBC’s Celia Hatton reports from Beijing. While some defended the authorities, other relatives shouted slogans denouncing the Chinese government as “corrupt”, she reports. The protest in Beijing came a day after the Malaysian leader said it had to be concluded “with deep sadness and regret” that according to new data “flight MH370 ended in the southern Indian Ocean.” Mr Najib said the conclusion the plane was lost was based on new satellite analysis by British firm Inmarsat and in-

Obama: pray for Washington’s mudslide victims

RESIDENT Barack Obama has called on Americans to pray for the victims of a mudslide in the US state of Washington which has claimed at least 14 lives. Officials say as many as 176 people remain unaccounted for after the 177-ft (54-m) wall of mud hit near the town of Oso, north of Seattle, on Saturday. Emergency officials said they expected the death toll to rise throughout Tuesday as they comb the debris field. Search crews have worked day and night, using helicopters and laser imaging. “The total fatality rate remains at 14 and we’re expecting that number to go up throughout the day,” local fire chief Travis Hots told reporters on Tuesday. President Obama, speaking during a news conference at a summit in the Netherlands earlier in the day, asked all Americans to send their

thoughts and prayers to the victims. “We know that part of this tightly knit community has been lost,” he said. “We hope for the best,” he added, “but recognise this is a tough situation.” He has declared an emer-

gency in Washington state and ordered federal authorities to co-ordinate the disaster relief effort. Washington Governor Jay Inslee - after surveying the area from the air - said it was “devastation beyond imagination.”

Iraq’s election board resigns

HE board of Iraq's election commission has resigned in protest at what it says is political and judicial interference ahead of April legislative elections. The joint decision was made to preserve the independence and impartiality of the commission, a statement said. It had faced huge pressure as a result of a dispute over the interpretation of the electoral law, it added. A clause approved last year allows for the exclu-

sion of candidates considered not "of good reputation". Prime Minister Nouri Maliki, who is seeking a third term, has been accused of using the law to The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) was facing huge pressure stemming from the conflict between parliament and the judiciary over the decisions issued by both sides relating to Clause 3 of Article 8 of the Electoral Law, a statement published on its website said.

•Angry relatives marched on the Malaysian embassy...yesterday

formation from the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). But Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Xie Hangsheng issued a statement saying: “We

Ukrainian ultra-nationalist leader has been shot dead in what officials describe as a Special Forces operation. Oleksandr Muzychko, better known as Sashko Bily, died in a shoot-out with police in a cafe in Rivne in western Ukraine, the interior ministry said. He was a leader of Right Sector, a far-right group which was prominent in the recent anti-government protests. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s parliament has voted to accept the resignation of Defence Minister Ihor Tenyukh. Mr Tenyukh had been accused of indecision in the face of Russia’s military takeover of Crimea. The shooting of Muzychko happened just hours after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had held talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Deshchytsia - their first meeting since Russia’s move into

Theme: Trust God- not man!

do all everything but God isn’t (Psalm 24:1, 89:11). Anyone who has absolute trust in the Almighty God will be given latitude to perform extraordinary feats. Apostle Peter, for example, walked on water, which was and is still an impossible feat, when he had his gaze on Jesus Christ but the moment he started looking at the boisterous wind, he began to sink ( Matthew 14:28-30). When you put your trust in God, He has promised that you shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water. What this means is that you will bring forth fruits in its season. Suffice to say that delay in admission to institutions of higher learning will be a thing of the past, employment will come without fail, promotion will manifest without delay, disappointments will end, marriage will come at due time and there will not be hiccup concerning pregnancy and childbirth etc. Not only that, trust in God

will ensure that your leaves does not wither; meaning that God will ensure that everything is well with your family. You will live in peace and be secured in God. Lastly, it does not matter what you decide to do or where you are posted or assigned to, you shall prosper and where others are failing and falling, you shall celebrate and be celebrated ( Psalm 1:3;Job 22:29) During this season of Lent and as politics is very much in the air with political jobbers all over the place smiling nicely and speaking wisely, you are encouraged to look up only to Jesus Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith for direction ( Hebrews 12:2). Men will surely fail but God doesn’t fail. When you call on Him, He would open your spiritual eyes, unveil the masquerading personalities around you, reveal your unfriendly friends and great shall your testimonies be in Jesus’ name. Prayers: Almighty God, I look up to you at this time, I know you are the only One

Crimea triggered a diplomatic crisis. Ukraine’s Deputy Interior Minister Vladimir Yevdokimov said Muzychko died after opening fire at police and Sokol Special Forces, who had raided a cafe to arrest him and fellow ultra-nationalists. The authorities described Muzychko as a criminal gang leader. During the raid, Muzychko fired at police as he was trying to flee, wounding one of them. Police then returned fire and captured him and three

others in his “criminal gang”, Mr Yevdokimov said. “He was still alive as they were arresting him - but then the paramedics, called to the scene, found that he had died,” Mr Yevdokimov said. The three arrested gang members have been taken to Kiev for questioning.

PUBLIC NOTICE SIWONIKU

I formerly known and addressed as Bolanle Rita Siwoniku, now wish to be known and addressed Bolanle Rita Akeredolu. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE KIRIKIRI TOWN DEPOT OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION

Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for registration under part C of Company and Allied Matters Act, 1990. TRUSTEES: 1. OTUNBA TUNJI DUROSINMI ETTI 2. GBEMISOLA HASSAN ADEDAMOLA 3. TONY AGU 4. HON. NNAMDI EZEANI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: (1) To unite in the pursuance of the welfare of members especially in the area of Depot operations. (2) To embark on viable projects beneficial to members especially in minimizing risk to the operational environment (3) To promote corporate social responsibility by assisting in the provision of amenities such as good roads, fire fighting station and equipments, water hydrants, and scholarships to indigent students of the society. (4) To cooperate with the community, Government and its Agencies in achieving the above and also in ensuring security of lives and properties in the community where we operate. 5) To promote peace and harmony through advocacy practices. (6) To ensure compliance with laws and regulations for safety and best practices. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja. Within 28 days of this publication. Signed: Chief E.A. OTOKHINA, (Solicitor)

PUBLIC NOTICE KIRIKIRI TOWN STAKE HOLDERS’ ASSOCIATION

Text: “....Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17: 5) By The Revd. Henry O. Adelegan

analysis. “The search and rescue work cannot stop now. We demand the Malaysian side continue to finish all the work including search and rescue.”

Ukraine’s far-right leader Muzychko shot dead

LENTEN MESSAGE

S human beings, we have a natural tendency to look up to certain individuals, church elders, mentors, god-fathers and political leaders with seemingly justifiable reasons to lean on them for direction, rely on their words for guidance, trust in their promises and believe their body languages. The Almighty God from our passage drew a line between what necessitates blessings and the root cause of curses. He said that anyone who puts trust in man and takes his heart or eyes from God is a potential victim of disappointment, heart break, failure, weeping and death. Human beings are not solely dependable or reliable. The Creator of man(Almighty God) attests to it when He said in Jeremiah 17:9-10 that the heart of His creatures are deceitfully wicked and no man can interpret the goings on in the heart of man, apart from Himself. Therefore, anyone who desires to be blessed must shift gaze, trust and dependence from man, no matter who the person is - his vocation, pedigree, confidence, what he says or what he promises to do. Human beings are not only transient but they are limited in knowledge and capacity to

demand the Malaysian side state the detailed evidence that leads them to this judgement, as well as supply all the relevant information and evidence about the satellite data

•Revd Adelegan

that can help me, hearken to my cries O Lord and bless me indeed in Jesus’ name.

Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for registration under part C of Company and Allied Matters Act, 1990. TRUSTEES: (1) CHIEF WAIDI SUNMONU (2) OTUNBA TUNJI DUROSINMI ETTI (3) MR. J.M. OMOGBEMI (4) TONY AGU (5) HON. NNAMDI EZEANI (6) GBEMISOLA AJIBOLA KABIRU (7) CHIEF OTOKHINA, EBOH ANDREW AIMS AND OBJECTIVES (1) To embark on viable community development project in Kirikiri town Lagos such as good roads, drainage, provision of portable water, electricity power projects, educational projects, sporting facilities and also ensuring good environmental order and practice. (2) To achieve the above objects through self-help and co-operation with the relevant Governments and their agencies. (3) The co-operate with Government and security Agencies in ensuring security and lives and properties in Kirikiri town. (4) To promote peace and harmony among residents, commercial concerns and Government Agencies in the area. (5) To work towards youths empowerment through education, skill acquisition and development. (6) To assist deserving and needy members through welfare projects and scholarship. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja. Within 28 days of this publication. Signed: Chief E.A. OTOKHINA, (Solicitor)

SPORT EXTRA

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

2014 WORLD CUP

Keshi—Selection‘ll be fair

IGERIA coach Stephen Keshi has revealed that the final 23-man list for the 2014 World Cup will be fair and free from sentiments, adding that the Super Eagles will not be going to the mundial just for participation sake but to compete. Keshi who had managed the Nigeria national team since 2011 added that as difficulty may pose a major threat in selection of the national squad; he assures Nigerians the best squad to play in Brazil come June. Speaking with NationSport on Tuesday in Lagos, Keshi said: “Nigeria is blessed with lot of players, and unfortunately you cannot have all the players, so we have to do with a 23-man team and for us is a little bit difficult, because the World Cup is the biggest stage every football

•Eagles not going to make up the numbers in Brazil By Bowale Odukale

player wants to play, so every player is doing what has to be done, to be seen and given opportunity for the World Cup”. "We will try our best, and the most important thing is to give Nigerians the best 23-man team to be happy about, no sentiments, no negotiations", he added. Keshi also noted that in order to achieve this aim, the team needs to work hard, be focused, and play each game professionally at the World Cup. “We just have to do all we need to do, simply need to work hard and be focused, and know the reason why we are going to Brazil. Brazil is not a jamboree, we are going there to compete

and not participate just like the other 31 nations". “Better organisation, better planning, all hands must be on deck. We need to play our game professionally, taking it game by game till the end of the competition and 100 percent", he added. However, Big Boss further stated that commitment, team work and respect for the team are the requirements he needed in a player for his squad. "What I need from my players is commitment, team work and not individual work because you cannot play alone, also respect for the team because this country is just too big for one player, we all have to know that" he said.

•Edin Dzeko celebrates with his team-mates after his first minute goal

City cruises to 3-0 derby victory over United

ANUEL Pellegrini's City underlined their status as kings of Manchester after they brushed aside David Moyes' United 3-0 with alarming ease at Old Trafford. Edin Dzeko scored after just 42 seconds to put City ahead and the big striker struck again after the break before Yaya Toure rounded off yet another miserable night for Moyes. Further questions will surely be asked about Moyes' ability to bring the glory days back to United. There was no fortune about this victory from Pellegrini's team, who are now three points off the top of the Barclays Premier League with two games in hand on Chelsea. If anything, it was a minor miracle that City did not win by four or five. David Silva, Toure, Fernandinho and Samir Nasri

overran and outclassed a weak United midfield and Dzeko - a surprise starter ahead of Alvaro Negredo - did the rest up front. It seems, after all, that Pellegrini had a point when he said there has been only one club in Manchester this year. United lacked confidence, tempo and cohesion. There was no cutting edge up front while the back line was exposed for its lack of pace, just as was the case against Liverpool. Moyes made life easy for the visitors too. Antonio Valencia was left on the bench and Adnan Januzaj did not even make the squad, leaving United with no width at all. Moyes placed his faith in Tom Cleverley as has been common in the big games this year, and once again the England midfielder failed to deliver. Things could have been worse

had Marouane Fellaini received the red card he deserved for an elbow on Pablo Zabaleta or had David de Gea not prevented Dzeko scoring his third with a superb save. There were plenty of glum faces by the final whistle, and one of them was Moyes'. The statistics do not make for good reading for the Scot. United are now guaranteed to end the season with their lowest points total in Premier League history. They have been defeated in six home games for the first time since 1978 and they have now lost three successive derbies for the first time in 45 years.

RESULTS Arsenal 2 - 2 Swansea City Man Utd 0 - 3 Man City Newcastle Utd 0 - 3 Everton

Edo holds ‘walk for life’ road walk on Friday

O prevent sudden death, especially among g o v e r n - m e n t functionaries, the Edo government says it would on Friday, hold a road walk tagged, “Walk for Life.” The maiden edition of the road walk which covers major roads in the capital City and terminates at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, is expected to be a monthly affair. The state commissioner for

From , Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin Youths and Sports, Chris Okaeben stated this when he briefed sports journalists on the walk for life event on Tuesday in Benin. Okaeben noted that the road walk which is an all inclusive event, would be led by the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole. He said participants include all government appointees,

voluntary and non-voluntary organizations, civil society groups and private organisations. He said the mechanism to ensure a hitch-free maiden edition of the road walk has been put in place. “The walk for life road walk is an initiative of the state’s ministry for sport to encourage our parents, citizens of Edo, sports men and women to remain healthy.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

NEWS (SHOWBIZ)

Lawyers' absence stalls Emeka Ike's suit against AGN

HE suit filed by Nollywood actor Emeka Ike before a Federal High Court in Lagos against the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) could not be heard yesterday following the absence of lawyers. Justice J. T. Tsoho ordered the service of hearing notices on parties in the suit and adjourned the hearing till June 26. The actor had dragged the guild to court on July 25, last year over a leadership tussle. Through his counsel, Malcom Omirhobo, he sought an order nullifying an alleged National Unity government established by the defendants to run the affairs of the AGN. He also sought an order of court for the review of the AGN's 2007 Constitution in relation to the tenure of members of board of trustees. Ike alleged that the guild's board members-Segun Arin-

•Emeka Ike

By Precious Igbonwelundu

ze, Prince Ifeanyi Dike, Emmanuel Oguguah, Murphy Stephen, Sunny McDon and Okey McAnthony- have remained in office since July 13, 1999 when the guild was incorporated. He also sought for an order setting aside the appointment of Segun Arinze as President of the guild. At the last adjournment, Justice Tsoho granted an interim order for status quo to be maintained while the matter was adjourned for hearing of the substantive suit. Meanwhile, Ibinabo Fiberesima, has since succeeded Arinze as the incumbent National President of AGN. Fiberesima was sworn in as the first female president of the guild in September 2012, amidst claims by a fellow aspirant, Emeka Rollas, that he won the election.

•Ibinabo Fiberesima

LANIKE Olaiya, the woman allegedly raped by Fuji musician Abass Akande, a.k.a Obesere, has said that she has stopped bleeding about two weeks after crying out for help. Olaiya said though she had not fully recovered, she would not speak on the issue any more. In an interview with Encomium Magazine, Olaiya, who said she cooked for the artiste on the fateful night, was quoted to have said: “In the middle of the night, he came to me and demanded sex. “Despite being clever, I fell that night. He raped me. Not only that, he also inserted a ring in my private part. That was why I started bleeding. Even as I speak to you now, I just stopped bleeding. I am not okay yet. But I thank God that their plan to sacrifice me for wealth has failed.” When asked why she had gone into hiding and re-

Artistes scout for their doubles

ELECOMMUNICATIONS Company, MTN, has begun a programme through which fans now seek striking resemblance with Nigerian music stars. The project, while seeking to get artistes acquainted to their fans, is also meant to promote the MTN brand, which some of the stars represent. Notable stars such as Don Jazzy, Iyanya, Tiwa Savage and KCee have launched the campaign through a social media initiative tagged MTNCelebdouble. The youth-centric initiative, according to sources, is for the MTN ambassadors to keep their commitment to the brand active, by creating fun and excitement among the Nigerian youth. It would be recalled that through a similar initiative, the MTN Songstar Karaoke, a mobile App was launched in September 2013, allowing customers on the MTN network to select, listen, sing and share a karaoke version of their favorite songs on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. The MTNCelebdouble is a digital-based engagement platform, that has other artistes such as Davido, Wizkid, Chidinma, Praiz, iMike, D’Prince and Harrysong. According to Kcee, the essence of the project is to connect fans who cherish stardom with the country’s leading music artistes. “Music and entertainment are two strong passion points of young people; they (Nigerian youth) look for opportunities to as-

By Victor Akande

sociate with their favourite artistes online or offline, as they literally admire these artistes. The concept of the Celebdouble will be a lifetime experience for young persons who become the Celebdoubles, as they get to hobnob with their musical hero.” Kcee who is trending for his song, Pull Over, explained that the platform is using the MTN Twitter handle, Facebook page and Instagram account, because “the company has the largest number of subscribers, followers and likes on these social media and better technology that will aid the selection process.” He urged interested youths to tag their pictures with the name of the artiste they think they share resemblance with,

•Tiwa Savage

hashtag their entries with “#MTNCelebdouble” and subscribe to a callertune of their look-alike artiste. In a bid to generate more excitement, the artistes have decided that the top-two most look-alikes, will be selected for a VIP day,and treated to the full perks of stardom. “Through this service and more in the pipeline, we hope to continue to support the Nigerian entertainment industry,” says Larry Annetts, Chief Marketing Officer at MTN. According to Annetts, a key strategic focus for MTN is to connect the Nigerian youth with their passion for music and their favourite artistes, which the organisation constantly demonstrates via innovative marketing initiatives.

•Tiwa Savage’s double

By Ovwe Medeme

fused to appear for investigations at the Adekunle Police Station, Panti, Yaba, Lagos Mainland, Olaiya said: “They knew what they did to me. They begged me to forget everything, but I refused. I also refused to go to Panti again because I suspected that the man handling the case is Obesere’s friend. All I know is that the truth shall prevail. But I thank God I am alive. God will judge the three of us.” Meanwhile, Obesere has concluded plans to shoot a movie on the rape saga. The artiste is said to have written a script about the incident and is contacting artistes who will fit into the characters. It is not yet certain if the musician will be playing the lead role, but prominent artistes will feature in the movie, according to sources. Unconfirmed reports said that about N20 million had been budgeted for the movie. The musician was arrested by the Police in Lagos for allegedly raping the 29-year-old businesswoman at his Okota, Lagos residence, an allegation which the artiste denied. The victim said she was in Obesere’s house to discuss a business matter on the night she was allegedly raped.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.9 NO.2,799

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘Education is not nuclear physics but simply ‘ABCDEFT’- ‘About Books, Chairs, Desks Equipment, Friendly and Toilets’, and a ‘Child And Teacher-Friendly Learning Environment’- CATFLE. Why are public schools lacking these in 2014?’ TONY MARINHO

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

HE death of more than 16 young applicants in Abuja and other venues during the Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS) recruitment is a mirror of dysfunctional leadership and government. The tide of greed and inequality unleashed by the ruling elite through their selfish system of capitalism is the root of the nation's problem. It is therefore important for the ruling elite to stop extracting undue leadership mileage out of the people’s misery and poverty. However, the most serious struggle facing our generation is bad leadership values, corruption, the struggle against terrorism, and violent extremism, which are forces for disorder and conflict. Nigerians value diversity, moderation, tolerance and pluralism, freedom of speech, religious freedom and good living condition. Against these values the ruling elites, terrorist and other extremist groups see and use the masses’ democratic ignorance as a vulnerability to exploit. The ruling elite are corrupting the tenets of democracy just as Boko Haram is decontextualising Quranic passages, thereby distorting the tenets of Islam. They rely on the fanciful doctrine of abrogation to promote violence, using extreme religious interpretations of the Sharia Law to justify killing innocent souls and suicide bombing. The Quran elaborates the right to life, respect, equity, justice and liberty, the right to acquire knowledge, to work, the right to basic needs and to privacy. The global struggle is that when extremist and especially terrorist values go unchallenged, according to Alexandra Downer, a former Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, more and more people, mainly young men, risk being recruited … This is happening in the Middle East, it is happening in South East Asia and is happening in Western countries. Nigeria is not an exemption, hence, the challenge is that extremist ideology demands a joint campaign because silence or siddon look - a sign of submission - is not an option in such a time as this when Nigeria is heading towards a bleak future through extremist cultural values. Beyond Boko Haram is therefore a call to counter the extremist ideologies and narratives in Nigeria before it is too late. The activities of Boko Haram insurgents in Northern Nigeria and its ideology is more or less what is called the terrorist narrative shaped by the writings of Islamists, like the Egyptian militant Sayyid Qutb, that ignore the authoritative mainstream views of the Islamic world. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have also crafted an ideology shaped by the terrorist narrative which is sharply at variance with Islam's emphatic renunciation of aggression and violence. The argument is that Islam is under attack from the West and that the only way to unify the Islamic world is by eliminating all Western influences, especially in Nigeria. The aim is to pursue this with total commitment as a religious duty, hence slaughtering of innocent people has become the order of the day, especially in the North East of Nigeria. Terrorism is now alternative and legitimate tactic for Jihad due to their lack of military and technological means. The condemnation and rejection of this 'nihilistic terrorist ideology and murderous methods' of Boko Haram by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III and other Muslim leaders needs to go a step further. This is because 'the terrorist narrative does still seem

RIPPLES

51 MILLION NIGERIANS DON’T SLEEP WELL -Sleep disorder specialist

How would they sleep when there’s BOKO HARAM, BLACKOUT, FUEL SCARCITY AND HUNGER?

OPEN FORUM

By DEJI OKEGBILE Beyond Boko Haram: Countering the greed/ extremist ideology ‘This is because 'the terrorist narrative does still seem to strike a chord in many Muslim communities and it does wins recruits,' coupled with the poverty ravaging most of our communities. •Boko Haram Leader Abubakar Shekau to strike a chord in many Muslim communities and it does wins recruits,' coupled with the poverty ravaging most of our communities. The Muslim leaders need to unwrap and counter the terrorist narrative/religious mantles Boko Haram is using as agents of insurrection to spread their ideology because they indoctrinate passive sympathisers to commit different atrocities. The Boko Haram and other extremist/ militant groups in Nigeria are capitalising on the corruption, injustice, lack of economic and democratic freedoms in the country, thereby drawing 'strength from the natural tendency of people to turn to religion (or ethnic affiliations) in times of change and uncertainty.' Generally, most Nigerians are uncertain about the leadership and the performance of government, hence, greed and extremism breeding in such uncertain contexts are less than ideal. It is argued that 'the virtue of democracy is that where there is a capacity for people to offer alternative plans to improve lives, extremist ideology becomes less appealing.' The challenge is 'if there aren't alternatives, people will stray to the extremist ideology because extremism offers a simplistic kind of utopian ideal.'

O, no, the curse of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Nigeria’s president, is no curse at all. It is rather a deleterious attitude to rush when he should tarry but tarry when he should rush. That way, he loses the best and retains the worst. Losing the best: once upon a time, there was a Barth Nnaji, the Power minister. Even when all seemed lost, and the president and commander-in-chief appeared indeed sincerely clueless, Prof. Nnaji appeared to have figured out the power problem. It was not yet Uhuru, but things were looking up. But pronto, Nnaji had to go! The official line was he had a conflict of interest in the power privatisation, even if he made public his interest, active or dormant, in one of the interests contesting for the power utilities. The Economist, the London weekly, also darkly hinted the former minister was edged out because his power interests collided the one of another “Oga at the top”. Whatever it was however, clash of interest is anti-transparency. So, maybe on sheer principle, Prof. Nnaji needed to go. But with him, appears to have gone the putative power magic, for the Nebo Chinedu power regime is more

Extremist ideology not only indoctrinates passive sympathisers, including the Almajiris (migrant students), and jobless youths negatively, it also empowers the active political and religious players to promote their economic interests. Nigerians are becoming more religious day by day but this does not translate to responsibility and integrity. People now use and see religion that 'offers simple, utopian solutions to complex problems, a method that has attracted recruits to radical causes down through the ages.' In a nation where democracy is just about elections without manifestos and accountability, extremism will flourish. Kidnapping is now a demonic and extremist challenge in Nigeria. Human life is now a major trade in Nigeria on the altar of ransom payment or killing, and atimes both. The pro-Biafra group, Biafra Zionist Movement recently invaded Enugu State Government House to hoist the flag of the Republic of Biafra. The Ijaw warlords and Odua Peoples Congress are not resting over the 2015 election. The greed and extremist tendencies in Nigeria are becoming a cancerous wound that needs an urgent approach. A well developed democratic system is about the checks and balances to prevent leadership abuse and unending looting of the nation's commonwealth. Democracy in

HARDBALL

Nigeria has been captured by the ruling elite hence no judiciary independence, no security, and oppression is breeding extremism and militancy all over the country. Just as Boko Haram is becoming, more or less, a political masquerade and weapon with religious piety, other extremist/militant ideologies are protestant politicians with cultural undertones and agenda. The challenge is how to overcome extremist narratives politically, socially, and religiously. According to Arthur Koestler who wrote about the burning of Berlin's Reichstag in 1933, an event which gave rise to Nazi Germany, if you don't quench those flames at once, they will spread all over the world …' The flames of greed and extremist narratives are all over our beloved country and urgent action must be taken as we approach another season of election. As a people, we must arise and promote common values, accountability, love for others, leadership as a service and peoplesshaped democracy. If the only thing the ongoing Confab would achieve is to confront the greed and extremist ideologies and defend peoples-shared values, let it be, rather than just another assembly of 492 tongues of the ruling elite and political godfathers. The paradox is that some of the ruling elites and political godfathers with a whooping N12 million for the three-month duration of the Confab uses the jobless youths and vulnerable masses to win elections and thereafter abandon them. The idle hands later become serviceable hands for extremist practices. Who is fooling who in Nigeria? A visit to some towns and villages outside the state capitals and local government headquarters will show the depravity and depression average Nigerians are going through without any hope. It is only in an insane society that the flagrant display of stolen and ill-gotten wealth is acceptable. Nigeria is blessed by God but 'jinxed and cursed' by the few greedy elite exploiting the human and natural resources for personal gain. According to the NNPC, Nigeria lost 109.5 barrels of oil in 2013 but our ruling elies are now flying in state-of-the-art private jets. God has blessed us with creative, strong, intelligent youths coupled with good weather and the best crude oil (Bonny Light) in the world but today, Nigerian youths rank among the top unemployed youths in the world. Our man-made problems may be solved by man if we obey God's commandments. The fate of our country is in God's hand but we must do our part by repenting and using our challenges as opportunity to overcome the menace of Boko Haram and also counter other extremist ideologies and narratives. Nigeria's problems are not beyond Nigerians because the masses are the decisive element of their common destiny. Our peace and prosperity are not in disintegration but in our peaceful coexistence, justice and discouraging flagrant display of stolen and ill-gotten wealth. God bless Nigeria. The Very Rev Dr Deji Okegbile is of the Nigerian Methodists Chaplaincy, United Kingdom/Ireland. •Mohammed Haruna returns next week

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Jonathan’s curse? of the same old darkness. Again, losing the best: figuratively yesterday, there was Bolaji Abdullahi, the Sports minister, who won virtually all there was to win in African and global football: 2013 African Cup of Nations, 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, qualification for 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, and steady ascendancy of the Super Eagles in Africa. But again, Mallam Abdullahi had to go, not because of his bad job record but because his political godfather became an emergency presidential “enemy”. In Jonathan’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) court, loyalty and stellar service to the country are not enough. Only grovelling, flag-waving loyalty to self and party would do! Retaining the worst: and the Stella Odua’s Stella-gate readily comes to mind. Ms Odua, accused of blowing public money on fancy armoured vehicles rode her scandal as a whale would ride the boiling ocean, supremely convinced she would triumph. She didn’t triumph

at the end, but it was not for lack of trying. Despite Stella-gate, Jonathan lost his appetite to fire, even if according to him, he has “absolute power” to hire and fire. Still, retaining the worst: and the latest Abba Moro eyesore is the latest of Jonathan’s stonewalling, when his presidential ire should be at its whitest. After the death-for-job scam, which claimed no less than 19 Nigerian job-seekers and youth, Jonathan has suddenly forgotten his absolute power to fire. If you add the case of Diezani AllisonMadueke, who continues to sit pretty in office for presiding the alleged NNPC scams and CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who promptly got booted out for blowing the whistle, it is easy to figure the Jonathan curse is a peculiar one. And the cheek of it: Diezani is talking of subsidy removal, after the scandalous opacity she presides over at NNPC! Who will cure Jonathan of his curse? Perhaps the electorate at the next vote.

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