The Nation Mar 5, 2014 by The Nation

Newspaper of the Year

APC defends its manifesto •‘We didn’t copy PDP’

NEWS

Page 6

News Explosives found in Osogbo bank Sports Yobo ruled out of Mexico clash in U.S. Business CBN orders closure of 83 finance banks

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VOL. 9, NO. 2778 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

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Aviation agencies’ chiefs sacked •New MDs for FAAN, NCAA, NAMA, NCAT From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja and Kelvin Osa Okunbor

MASSIVE shake-up hit aviation agencies yesterday – three weeks after Princess Stella Oduah was removed as minister. The sudden sack gale provoked mixed feelings at the headquarters of the agencies in Lagos. A statement from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, said President Goodluck Jonathan approved the reorganisation. Only Dr. Tony Anuforo retained his position as Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET). The statement by Sam Nwaobasi, Special Assistant (Media) to the SGF, said: “Mr. Saleh Dumona (Director Projects, FAAN) is to replace Mr. George Uriesi as ManagingContinued on page 4

Y OF A LANDL ORD: Mr Abayomi Sylvester Akitoye, one of the winners of the Lagos State houses being congratulated by former •THE JO JOY LANDLORD Military Governor Brig.-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson after the raffle draw ... yesterday. Watching are (from right) Governor Babatunde Fashola, Commissioner for Housing Bosun Jeje, Secretary to the State Government Dr Ranti Adebule and industralist Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas

SEE

30 winners emerge at Lagos HOMS maiden draw Page 8

•JONATHAN OKAYS SACK OF JUDGES P5•CAMPAIGN OPENS IN EKITI MARCH 23 P8

11 elders burnt to death as Boko Haram kills 40 We can crush Boko Haram, says Air Chief

Air Force ‘kills dozens’ of suspects Tambuwal writes CDS on visit

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

From Bodunrin Kayode, Maiduguri

ELEAUGERED Borno State yesterday had another taste of horror, with Boko Haram terrorists killing more than 40 residents of Jakana, a village in Konduga Local Government Area. Among the dead were two policemen and 11 elders, who were too weak to flee the massacre. The insurgents set ablaze houses, shops and the only standing police station on the Maiduguri-Damaturu road. But there were reports that dozens of the terrorists were killed in nearby Sambisa forest while fleeing after the attack. The Air Force, The Nation learnt, pounded the insurgents as they fled. Jakana is about 40 kilometres away from Maiduguri, the state capital, and almost 20 kilometers away from Mainok, the village which was destroyed by terrorists on Sunday night.

TION: A woman and her kid stand in front of their burnt house at Mafa in Borno on Tuesday after •DESOLA DESOLATION PHOTO: NAN Monday’s insurgents attack, in which about 40 persons died and 300 houses razed.

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The gunmen came in droves in Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles; and started shooting, killing and at the same time pouring petrol on our houses and huts to set fire.

HE Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, is sure that the Armed Forces can crush the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast “as soon as possible”. Air Marshal Amosu spoke yesterday while receiving the Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Air Vice Marshal John Ifemeje, who visited him at work in Abuja. He said there was a synergy between his office and that of the Chief of Army Staff, with a view to designing an appropriate approach to counter the insurgents’ onslaught.

’ P28 •POLITICS P43 •LIFE P15 •SPORTS P24 •MONEY P26 •INVESTORS Continued on page 4

Continued on page 4

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

NEWS

How democracy

•Minister of Agriculture Adewumi Adeshina (middle), Permanent Secretary, Ibukun Odusote (left) and Director of Procurement, Sunny Echono during the budget defence of the ministry at the National Assembly, Abuja...yesterday. PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Many courts evince infrastructural decay and neglect, lacking essential modern facilities and amenities. Unfortunately, there seems to be no end in sight for the woes besetting the judiciary as poor funding is increasingly weakening the third arm of government. ADEKUNLE YUSUF reports that the judiciary’s lack of fiscal autonomy endangers democracy and imperils access to justice

D •From left: Representative of Plateau Governor, Prof. Shedrack Best; representative of the Supervising Minister of Education, Mr Lambert Oparah and Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos, Prof. Hayward Mafuyai at the 7th West African Research and Innovation Management Association (WARIMA) Conference in Jos...yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

•From left: President, Taiwan African Industry Development Association, Mr. Mike Hung, National President, Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agricultures (NACCIMA), Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar and DirectorGeneral, NACCIMA, Dr. John Isemede at the third Nigeria and Taiwan Joint Business Meeting in Lagos. PHOTO: ABUIODUN WILLIAMS

•From left: Enugu State Commissioner for Commerce, Dr Jude Akubuilo; Commissioner For Finance, Mr Godson Nnadi And Representative of the Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr Balarabe Hassan at the Presentation of cheques to 1st Batch PHOTO: NAN of Sme Loan Beneficiaries in Enugu...yesterday.

URING the ongoing debate of the 2014 budget proposal, a melodrama of sorts erupted on the floor of the Senate, over what a member considered as a systematic annihilation of the judiciary through paltry funding. However, like many disappointing and compromising resolutions and decisions of the Senate lately, an issue that should have been treated with utmost seriousness was consumed by mere theatrics. While the country’s budget has witnessed a geometric incremental pattern annually, the third arm of government has been slowly but steadily crippled by a downward trend in its yearly capital allocations. That was the kernel of the submission of Senator Umaru Dahiru Tambuwal, a lawyer and chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. At a point, the Senator’s voice, which reverberated through the hallowed chambers, was so persuasive and convincing that even the Senate President David Mark had to interrupt him, asking tongue-in-cheek whether the thirdterm senator from Sokoto State is a lawmaker or a judicial officer. Unfortunately, Senator Tambuwal, like a repentant gang member who wants his colleagues to change their ways, prodded his colleagues to no avail over the issue. And at the end of the day’s proceedings, there was no inkling that the lawmakers, judging by the body language of those who attended the session, may hearken to the clarion call to liberate the judiciary from its lingering financial hemorrhage. As The Nation learnt, many lawyers are happy that Tambuwal echoed angry sentiments already rumbling in the belly of officers and workers in the judicial arm of government. According to some senior lawyers, it is an open secret that the judiciary is gasping for breath as a result of paltry capital allocation. This, they say, is making it increasingly difficult for judges to perform, thereby constricting access to justice. If the financial gully in which the judiciary is enmeshed is deep, investigations have shown that it is not as a result of want of constitutional bulwarks, for the 1999 Constitution safeguards the principle of separation of powers between the three arms of government. By the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, which grants direct funding status to all the superior courts of records, there are three sources of funding for the judiciary. The superior courts of record are courts established by the Constitution, including the Supreme Court,

•Jonathan Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, State High Court, Sharia Court of Appeal, Customary Court of Appeal and the National Industrial Court. And by the Constitution, all the aforementioned courts are to be funded from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State, and the Federation Account. According to section 84 (2) (4) and (7) of the Constitution, the capital and recurrent expenditure of judicial officers of superior courts shall be taken from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation. In other words, the remuneration, salaries and allowances of judicial officers in the superior courts are to be charged on the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation. And for the states, section 121 (3) of the same document provides that any amount standing to the credit of the judiciary shall be paid directly to the head of courts concerned. That is to say, section 124 (1) (2) and (4) says the remuneration, salaries and allowances payable to judicial commission shall be charged upon the Consolidated Revenue of the State. Unfortunately, all these provisions are often observed in the breach - to the detriment of fiscal autonomy for the third arm of government. Desirous of seeing the above constitutional provisions upheld in the country’s annual budgeting ritual, foremost human rights activist and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) has elected to lead the struggle to ensure direct funding for the judiciary from the Federation Account. Last year, he filed a suit at the Federal High Court to this effect. The suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/63/ 2013, is against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the National Judicial Council (NJC), and the National Assembly by originating summons. In the suit, Agbakoba contends that section 81(1)(2) 1999 Constitution excludes the remuneration, salaries and allowances and recurrent expenditures of the judiciary from the President’s Appropriation Bill, being charges upon the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation. He said section 81(3)(C) of the same Constitution also guarantees direct payment to the NJC of any amount standing to the credit of the judiciary in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation. Among other things, the Plaintiff’s position is that sections 84 (2) and 84 (7) of the 1999 Constitution make the remuneration, salaries and allowances and recurrent expenditures of the judiciary charges upon the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, placing them on the

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

y is underdeveloping the judiciary

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The judiciary is several states still goes cap in hand to the executive begging for funds. The plight of the state judiciary is compounded by the fact that, in spite of the best efforts of the NJC, the processes of appointment and removal of judges/security of tenure is the subject of political theatrics • Justice Mukhtar “first line” of funding from the Consolidated Revenue Funding above Executive Appropriation Control. The defendants, therefore, are in joint and continuing breach of sections 81 and 84 of the 1999 Constitution, Agbakoba said. Therefore, the human rights activist seeks to establish the following: One, that by Sections 81 (2) and 84(1), (2), (3),(4), and (7) of the 1999 Constitution, the remuneration, salaries, allowances and recurrent expenditures of the Judiciary, being constitutionally-guaranteed charges (or “First Charge”) on the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, do not form part of the estimates to be included in the Appropriation Bill as proposed expenditures by the President as is the present practice. Two, that by virtue of the constitutional guarantee of independent funding of the Judiciary under Section 81 (1), (2), and (3) (c) and Section 84(2), (3), (4) and (7) of the 1999 Constitution, the National Judicial Council (NJC) ought not to send its annual budget estimates to the Budget Office of the Executive arm of government or any other Executive Authority as is the present practice but ought to send the estimates directly to the National Assembly for appropriation. Three, that the continued dependence of the Judiciary on the Executive for its budgeting and funds release is directly responsible for the present state of underfunding of the judiciary, poor and inadequate judicial infrastructure, low morale among judicial personnel, alleged corruption in the judiciary, delays in administration of justice and judicial services delivery and general low quality and poor out-put by the judiciary. Four, that the present practice on Judiciary funding by the defendants, which is dependent on the Executive in budgeting and release of funds is in violation of sections 81 (2), (3) (c) and 84(2), (7) of the 1999 Constitution and therefore unconstitutional, null and void. Five, perpetual injunction against the defendants from all practices on Judiciary funding which run contrary to Sections 81 (2) (3) and 84(2) (7) of the 1999 Constitution, to wit, submitting Judiciary’s estimates to the Executive instead of directly to the National Assembly and release of the Judiciary’s fund in warrants by the Executive instead of directly to the National Judicial Council for disbursement. The final determination of the suit is being awaited. Also, defying the cloak of conservatism often worn by judicial officers of her ilk, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar recently voiced out the frus-

TEN YEARS’ALLOCATIONS TO THE JUDICIARY Year

Judicial Allocation (billion)

Percentage Total Budget of Budget (trillion)

2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

67,000,000,000 85,000,000,000 95,000,000,000 91,000,000,000 78,000,000,000 78,000,000,000 43,000,000,000 35,000,000,000 33,000,000,000 30,000,000,000

1.3% 1.7% 2.2% 2.2% 2.7% 2.6% 1.8% 1.8% 1.8% 2.3%

tration of her colleagues at a public function, lamenting that poor funding of the judiciary is taking a debilitating toll on the embattled arm of government. The CJN vented her spleen on September 23, 2013, at a special session of the Supreme Court of Nigeria to swear in newly decorated SANs. “Over the years, funding of the courts has remained a challenge as evidenced in the (deplorable) condition of many courts in Nigeria today. Statistics have shown that, funding from the Federal Government has witnessed a steady decline since 2010, from N95 billion in that year to N85 billion in 2011, then N75 billion in 2012 and dropped again in the 2013 budget to N67billion. Indeed with this amount, if the amount allocated to the extra-judicial organisations within the judiciary is deducted, the courts are left with a paltry sum to operate. The simple implication is that our courts are increasingly finding it difficult to effectively perform their day to day constitutional roles. The resultant effect of a slim budget in the Judiciary is that a number of courts in Nigeria today evince decay and neglect of infrastructural amenities, particularly at the state level. In some cases, the court buildings do not possess the required well-equipped library for judges to conduct their research. This may make judges rely on information supplied by lawyers which should not be the case,” the CJN lamented. Not one to give up easily, the CJN also reiterated her concern over the dwindling financial state of the judiciary at the 2013 All Nigerian Judges Conference, held last December at the NJI headquarters in Abuja. She protested thusly: “Let me also state that even the federal courts,

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•Agbakoba

•Justice Musdapher

4,924,604,000,000 4,749,100.821,170 4,226,191,559,259 4,079,654,724,257 2,870,510,042,679 2,647,492,865,643 2,266,394,423,477 1,899,987,922,467 1,799,938,243,138 1,302,523,844,588

which hitherto enjoyed some measure of robust financial independence, are groaning under the heavy budgetary cuts. There is a continued reduction in the budgetary allocation to the judiciary every year. The experience of the judiciary under the 2013 budget is perhaps the worst ever.” This anomaly is, however, not limited to the federal level. As pundits carpet the government at the federal level for inflicting a haemorrhage of cash on the judiciary, it is also true that state governments are culpable. Many state governments now allocate a paltry percentage of the state fund to the judiciary annual, thus denying the third arm of government an atmosphere of seamless operations. But that is not all, for some gov-

ernors are now outdoing the Federal Government. According to those who should know, some state chief executives allegedly steal from judiciary budget. That was why the retired CJN, Justice Salihu Modibbo Alfa Belgore, lamented publicly in 2007 that governors are “dipping their hands into the judiciary budget, saying “the idea of doling out pittance, mostly very short of budgetary provisions, is unconstitutional, and can reflect some extant corruption in withholding the monies. It destroys the constitutional notion of separation of powers.” This anomaly also caught the attention of another retired CJN Justice Dahiru Musdapher. While presenting a paper, The Nigerian Judiciary: Towards Reform of Bastion of Constitutional Democracy, Justice Musdapher concluded that the continued breach of the constitutional provisions regarding funding of the judiciary is hampering the independence of the judiciary as well as the dispensation of justice. “It is regrettable that some state chief executives treat the judiciary as an appendage of the of the executive arm. While it is true that, in some cases, this is self-inflicted (because of the way some judges portray themselves), it does not invariably follow that a distinct arm of government should, because of the actions of a few, be treated with disdain. Sadly, the judiciary is several states still goes cap in hand to the executive begging for funds. The plight of the state judiciary is compounded by the fact that, in spite of the best efforts of the NJC, the processes of appointment and removal of judges/security of

tenure is the subject of political theatrics,” retired Justice Musdapher said. But if Justice Aloma-Mukhtar had thought her lamentations would sway the 2014 Appropriation Bill in favour of the judiciary, she was utterly wrong, for the steady decline in fund allocation being faced by the third arm of government has continued into the current fiscal year. Despite all appeals, the judiciary is allocated a paltry N68 billion of N4.64 trillion, meaning that the third arm of government is just N1 billion better off in the 2014 budget estimates when compared with (N67 billion) that was allocated to it in 2013. Based on this, experts say such a marginal increment is grossly insufficient to raise the arm of government from the morass of financial difficulty. The N67 billion allocated to judiciary in 2013, which prompted the CJN into open verbal protestations last year, has scored a historic first, regarded as judiciary’s “all-time low.” It represented 1.3 percent of the N4.924 trillion spent in 2013, also a drastic reduction by 8 billion from 2012 allocation of N75 billion (representing 1.7 percent of the year’s budget). Investigations also showed further that the 2012 fund allocation to the judiciary was itself a reduction of the N85 billion in 2011 (2.2 percent of the year’s budget). This was also a reduction from N95 billion allocated in 2010 (see table for a breakdown of judiciary budgets in the last ten years). It is, however, curious that the Federal Ministry of Justice, which is the executive arm of the administration of justice sector, does not seem to be subjected to the same financial hemorContinued on page 58

The Economist: decision to sack Sanusi is bad news

HEN President Goodluck Jonathan suspended Lamido Sanusi, the governor of Nigeria’s central bank, on February 20th, he succeeded in removing an opponent. But over the past week it has become clear that this small victory has come at a steep price. Not only has Mr Jonathan signalled his unwillingness to tackle the rampant corruption that is eating away at his country—he has also scared foreign investors and presented an open goal to his political enemies. The outspoken Mr Sanusi courted a stormy end to his tenure, due to finish in June, by accusing the state oil company, the Nigerian

National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), of failing to remit $20 billion in revenues to government accounts. The ministry of finance puts the figure at $10.8 billion. Mr Jonathan says he suspended Mr Sanusi because of "financial recklessness and misconduct" and "farreaching irregularities" at the bank. But the decision came just days after Mr Sanusi presented detailed evidence to a Senate committee investigating alleged fraud and mismanagement at the NNPC. Most concluded that the suspension was politically motivated. Continued on page 5

•Sanusi

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

NEWS We’ve the capacity to crush Boko Haram, says Air Chief Continued from page 1

•President Goodluck Jonathan (fifth right) with Vice President Namadi Sambo (sixth right), Anambra State Governor Peter Obi (fourth right), Governor-elect Willy Obiano (second left), Obi of Onitsha Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe (left), House of Representatives member Mrs Uche Ekwunife (third right) and other Anambra State leaders during their visit to the President in Abuja ... yesterday.

11 elders burnt to death Continued from page 1

The attack in Jakana came barely 12 hours after some suspected terrorists laid a siege to Mafa council area, killing over 36 reisdents, including three security operatives. They destroyed over 80% of the structures in the village. A source told our correspondent: “The gunmen who invaded Jakana village at about 9:45pm on Monday were shooting sporadically, using AK47 rifles, Rocket Propelled Launchers, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and petrol bombs, which led to the killing of many people and the destruction of houses after sacking the entire residents”. Another source said: “The terrorists came into Jakana at about 9:30pm, killed civilians up to 2am, before they fled into Sambisa forest after sacking the village.” An eyewitness and resident of Jakana, Ba Mala Modu, in a telephone conversation yesterday in Maiduguri, said that the insurgents stormed the village at 10pm with explosives and petrol-bombs, chanting “God is great” in Arabic, shooting into the air initially, before setting the houses ablaze for three hours. Said he: “The gunmen came in droves in Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles; and started shooting, killing and at the same time pouring petrol on our houses and huts to set fire. The people in the houses cried

Tambuwal seeks security protection to visit Borno

ORRIED by mass killing of innocent citizens by Boko Haram, House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has written the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh to provide him security to visit the victims. He plans to visit on or before Saturday. Tambuwal’s request was contained in a March 1 letter to the CDS, which was signed by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Sada Soli Jibia. The letter, reads: “I have the honour to refer to the Resolution of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, 18 February, 2014 on the Matter of Urgent Public Importance: Incessant killings of innocent civilians by gunmen in Gwoza, Damboa and Chibok local government areas of Borno State between December 2013 and February 2014 (Copy of the Votes and Proceedings attached). “Consequently, the House mandated the Honourable Speaker to visit these places to commiserate with the government and people of the affected areas over the massacre. for help, but no one was there to prevent these multiple attacks and killings. Some of us had to flee towards the neighbouring villages, farmlands and bushes. “I am talking to you now from a hiding place in the bush. I cannot get into the village, but the number of bodies pulled out from the torched houses is 35 this morning and more bodies could be retrieved before noon today (Tuesday), because several people were trapped in their houses when the insurgents unleashed havoc on both lives and property.” Speaking on fleeing villagers, he said: “When the gunmen struck in the night, some of us fled through the farmlands and bushes. Some of the fleeing

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

“In view of the foregoing, I am directed to request the Chief of Defence staff to make necessary arrangements on or before Saturday 8th March, 2014 to facilitate the visit of the Honourable Speaker as mandated by the House of Representatives. “While expressing my confidence that the Chief of Defence Staff will do everything possible to facilitate this visit, please accept the assurances of the Honourable Speaker’s highest regards.” A source in the National Assembly said the Speaker opted to write, following alleged signal from the Presidency to disallow him from visiting the troubled areas. The source said: “The Speaker has been trying since January to visit some victims of Boko Haram, but there have been cold shoulders from some people in the presidency. “I think for political reasons, some people do not want the Speaker to go to these trouble spots. The real motive of the House is to assess the extent of damage

villagers trekked to Maiduguri for safety. Others are taking refuge in the neighbouring villages. My neigbour called me that two policemen were killed while repelling the insurgents who set the police station on fire.” Our correspondent observed that an Air Force jet was hovering over Jakana and Maiduguri, apparently to dislodge the insurgents. An unconfirmed report said many of the terrorists were killed by ground troops with support from the airstrikes. Borno Police Commissioner Mr. Lawal Tanko confirmed the incident, adding that many residents, including two

and identify with the victims of Boko Haram. “The House leadership felt it is insufficient to leave Borno State Government to face the trauma of managing Boko Haram carnage. “The body language of some forces in the Presidency actually accounted for the resolution of the House on February 18, 2014. “With the official documentation of the request for the visit as mandated by the House, we are waiting to see whether the CDS will respect this chamber or not.” But a source in the Presidency said: “I think they are trying to hang a dog to give it a bad name. Going to any trouble spot is purely a security matter. If the area is not safe, the military will not ask the Speaker or members of the House to take the risk. “When it was safer, the government and the military allowed members of the National Assembly to visit Baga last year. “I think we should not play politics with the ongoing Boko Haram challenges facing the nation.”

policemen, were killed. He, however, said he was yet to collate the casualties. Among the killed are 11 elderly people who could not run due to their old age. They were burnt alive. It has been the practice of the insurgents to ignore women, kids and, in most cases, the elderly, but this time, it was not the case. The senator representing Borno Central, which covers the area, Ahmed Zannah, told reporters on telephone about the killing of the elders. He said the youth got wind of the attack by the insurgents at about 8pm on Monday and fled, leaving the aged behind. He said: “The insurgents did

not fire any shot, except that they just set the peoples houses ablaze and, in the process, burnt the 11 elderly people who could not flee or be taken away by their children. “Soldiers who had initially fled on sighting the insurgents later summoned enough confidence to engage the sect members in a fight when they discovered that the insurgents were not as many and illprepared. When the insurgents were approaching, they had to retreat and warned that they would be returning to complete the unfinished business.” Zannah decried the killings, adding: “Most of the people are now fleeing to Maiduguri out of fear.”

The insurgents have killed dozens of innocent Nigerians, including school pupils, in a string of attacks launched on soft targets in communities in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states in the last two weeks. A statement yesterday by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Air Force, Air Commodore Yususf Anas, said the Air and Army chiefs were in touch with troops stationed in the troubled states. The statement added that the troops were in high spirits and inspired to crush the insurgents in a record time. The officers and men in the front lines are being motivated to achieve results, it added. The Air Chief hinted of renewed collaboration with other security agencies, with the aim of effectively tackling the festering insurgency and restoring normalcy to the affected areas. The statement quoted Air Marshal Amosu to have said that the Armed Forces were already thinking of post insurgency plans and strategising on how to “keep the place clean”, to avoid a relapse to the killing spree. He was also quoted to have posited that the task in the envisaged post insurgency era would require more technology-based platforms. The Air Chief called for commitment of and sacrifice from members of the Armed Forces, as the Federal Government continues to fund the campaign.

Fed Govt sacks aviation agencies’ chief executives Continued from page 1

Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). “Mr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam (General Manager, Procurements (NAMA) is to replace Mr. Nnamdi Udoh as Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). “Capt. Samuel Akinyele Caulcrick (Government Safety Inspector & ICAO Focal Point for Nigeria on line Aircraft Safety Information Systems, OASIS) is to replace Capt. (Mrs.) Chinyere Kalu as Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT). “Capt. Muhktar Usman (Commissioner, Accident Investigation & Prevention Bureau, AIPB) is to replace Capt. Fola C. Akinkuotu as Direc-

tor-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), subject to confirmation by the Senate. “Mr. Benedict Adeyileka is to act as DG, NCAA, pending his confirmation by the Senate. Dr. Felix A. Abali (Director Licencing, NCAA) is to replace Capt. Muhktar Usman as Commissioner, Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIPB).” The sack of the NCAA director general is coming on the heels of plans by the government to undergo the re-certification of Nigeria’s safety rating for Category One status. The United States (U.S.) team to carry out the audit will arrive in Nigeria this month. Nigeria attained Category One on September 18, 2010. Part of the requirements of the

re-assessment is: certification of major international airports, the operations of aviation agencies, including airspace authority, aviation training college and the meteorological agency. The recertification is part of the processes to revalidate the highest civil aviation rating, which ensures that Nigeria is in line with updated standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Aviation stakeholders expressed mixed reactions over the sack of heads of the agencies. They described removal of the NCAA DG as “controversial”. Mr. Sheri Kyari, executive director of the Centre for Aviation Safety and Research, said the industry would require time to recover from the restructuring. Captain Dele Ore, president

of Aviation RoundTable, said he could not comment because no reason was given for the removal of the director general of the NCAA. Other players in the sector, who declined to give their names, said frequent changes of leadership could have some negative impact on the industry. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Act (2006) specifies conditions under which the NCAA DG could be removed from office. It states: “There shall be for the Authority a Director-General who shall be appointed by the President, on such terms and conditions as stipulated in the Act, subject to the confirmation by the Senate. “The Director–General shall be primarily responsible for the fostering of the safety of Civil Aviation in Nigeria and shall be the chief execu-

tive and accounting officer of the Authority responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Authority. “He shall be appointed for a term of five years in the first instance and may be reappointed for a further term of five years and no more. “A person who possesses relevant and adequate professional qualification and shall have been so qualified for a period of not less than 15 years. “The Director-General may be suspended or removed from office by the president if he has demonstrated inability to effectively perform the duties of his office. “If has been absent from 5 (five) consecutive meetings of the Board without the consent of the Chairman, unless he shows good reasons for such absence.”

•Air Marshal Amosu

CORRECTION •Business mogul Aliko Dangote is rated the 23rd richest in Forbes’ latest rich list and not 25th as we reported on our front page story yesterday

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

NEWS Christians begin lent

ICPC arrests civil servant with 50 bank T accounts, 50 signatures T

HE Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Ekpo Nta, yesterday relived how operatives of the agency arrested a junior civil servant with 50 bank accounts. Nta spoke while defending his commission’s 2013 budget yesterday at the House of Representatives. He said the civil servant had millions of Naira lodged in the different accounts. “The officer was able to operate the 50 different bank accounts successfully as he kept a diary containing the different bank accounts, the names allocated to each of the accounts and their signatures for easy trans-

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

actions “Unknown to the public, the junior officers in the Pencom had perpetrated monumental fraud in the Commission, running into several billions of naira unnoticed while attention was only being focused on its top officials,” Nta said. Besides, it was the intervention of the ICPC that uncovered the scam in the pension administration under the office of the Head of Service of the Federation, he said. According to Nta, through the intervention in the pension funds, ICPC reduce its accounts that were scattered in 40 banks to only four banks accounts.

Over N469.325m in accrued interest was also recovered in the pension accounts and paid to the Sub-Treasury of the Federation “Through my Commission’s intervention and review of the 2012 Personnel Cost budget performance in 234 Ministries, Departments and Agencies, (MDA), in 2013 over N9b unspent balance was returned the treasury while over N24.75b being irregular payments to MDAs were also recovered and paid to the treasury “The Commission also dis-

covered N1.2 billion stock in the accounts of four MDAs but yet to be recovered due to litigation on it,” Nta said. He listed the MDAs involved in the illegal act and amounts as Irrua Specialist Hospital, N450.2m; Federal Medical Centre Makurdi, N1,222,681.50; Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), N107.9m; and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, N621m. The Commission also seized 372 International Passport upon its investigation of Visa Scam, fake Note Verbales

and accompanying documents and that 36 suspects were arrested in connection with the Scam. According Nta, the Head of an agency is being investigated for fixing the agency’s N4b personnel cost in a bank, while 62 houses and plots of land were seized from an official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCD) in a land scam. Chairman of the Committee, Abiodun Falake advised the Commission to hasten up action in prosecuting culpable to serve as deterrents to others and to sanitise the system.

Subscribers’ body moves to bar operators from paying NCC’s fines By Lucas Ajanaku

SUBSCRIBER body, the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS), filed yesterday a matter in court seeking to stop the payment of the fine imposed on three global system for mobile (GSM) communication service providers in the country. In a suit filed before a Lagos High Court by the Trustees of NATCOMS against the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Licensed Trustees of Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), MTN Nigeria Communications Limited, Airtel Networks Limited, Emerging Market Telecommunications Service Limited (Etisalat) and Globacom Limited as first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth defendants, the plaintiff is seeking an order of interlocutory injunction. According to a copy of the court papers, the plaintiff is seeking “an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the 1st defendant/respondent, its agents, privies, assigns including but not limited to its directors and officers, or any other persons or group of persons deriving authority through them from acting or purporting to act or giving effect to the 1st defendant/respondent’s decision purportedly imposing a fine of N185million on 3rd & 4th defendant/respondents each and N277.5milllion on the 6th defendant/respondent on account of poor quality service, pending the final determination of the substantive suit.” NATCOMS is also seeking “an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the 3rd, 4th & 6th defendants/respondents, their agents, privies, assigns including but not limited to their directors and officers, or any other persons or group of persons deriving authority through them from acting or purporting to act or giving effect to or complying with 1st defendant/respondent’s decision purportedly imposing a fine of N185million on 3rd & 4th defendants/respondents each and N277.5milion on the 6th defendants/respondents on account of poor quality service, pending the final determination of the substantive suit.”

•HIS LAST OUTING: Sacked Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN), Mr George Uriesi (second left), Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Mrs. Jamila Shu’ara, Supervising Minister of Aviation Dr. Samuel Ortom and Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. Viola Onwuliri (right) during the inspection of Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri...yesterday. PHOTO: ISAAC AYODELE JIMOH

The Economist: decision to sack Sanusi is bad news Continued from page 3

Investors are spooked, interpreting the decision as a sign of the authorities’ lack of stomach for fighting corruption. Already, $2 billion of the $9 billion in foreign cash invested in Nigerian bonds has moved out; bankers predict more will follow. The naira plunged to an all-time low of 169 to the dollar on February 20th. Sarah Alade, a highly regarded technocrat who will run the bank until June, has pledged to continue to support the currency. But the foreign-exchange reserves she needs to do so have fallen by almost 14% from 12 months ago. The controversy has a strong political tinge. The Senate’s investigation was prompted by a leaked letter from Mr Sanusi to the president in which he accused the NNPC of violating the law. This put him in conflict with Diezani Alison-Madueke, the

petroleum minister and a close ally of Mr Jonathan’s. The NNPC has repeatedly denied the allegations. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s finance minister, says an independent audit must establish the truth. Many see her outspokenness as a sign she doubts that Mr Jonathan will hold a credible inquiry. “The key question we need answered is what is the correct amount,” she says. “We need urgent action to bring this to the fore.” He claimed tens of billions of dollars in oil-and-gas revenue had been siphoned off in 200212. The president ordered three reports into it, but they never saw the light of day—if they exist at all—and no one was prosecuted. Months later the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, part of a global lobby for transparency in natural-resource revenues, revealed a leakage of more than

$9.8 billion in 1999-2008. Mr Sanusi’s suspension has also provided ammunition for Mr Jonathan’s political opponents in the run-up to the elections in 2015. The All Progressives Congress, the main opposition party, described it as “the clearest indication yet that President Jonathan…is willing to silence any whistle-blower”. Although acclaimed abroad, Mr Sanusi has a mixed reputation at home. He tackled widespread financial fraud and overhauled Nigeria’s banks during a banking crash in 2009. He has stabilised inflation in single digits and cracked down on moneylaundering. But his staff say he has dragged the bank into politics. His blunt outbursts criticising Nigeria’s governance propelled the legislature to propose a bill (which failed to pass) compromising the bank’s independence. Some accuse him of hav-

ing political ambitions of his own. The Senate is due to confirm Mr Jonathan’s new choice of governor, Godwin Emefiele, who heads Zenith, a private bank. He is expected to keep quiet and stick to tight monetary policy. “He is hardly seen nor heard—a typical attribute of the central banker the Nigerian establishment prefers,” says Oluseun Onigbinde, an economist at BudgIT, a startup that publishes Nigerian economic data on social media. Investors want the stability that came from Mr Sanusi’s policies and which Mr Emefiele supposedly seeks. But they are losing faith in Mr Jonathan’s administration. Thanks to its vast oiland-gas reserves and the vitality of its 170m people, Nigeria remains hugely attractive. But Mr Sanusi’s tumultuous exit is another instance of the country’s squandered potential

‘N25b required for tourism master plan’

HE Minister of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Edem Duke, yesterday told the Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism that the ministry requires N25 billion to implement the Tourism Master plan. Duke spoke at the 2014 budget defence of the ministry before the Senate panel in Abuja. He said the implementation of the Tourism Masterplan was key to the effective development of the nation’s tourism potentials and to generate revenue and create jobs for government and the people respectively. Duke said: “We need about N25 billion to effectively implement the Tourism Master plan. But the non-allocation of funds

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

had stalled this crucial project. “By the budget being virtually doubled, this year we are looking at a budget of N331 million for 2014 for the implementation of the Tourism Master plan. “If this amount (N331) is

made available annually we would be able to commence the effective implementation of the Tourism Master plan.” He also disclosed that the ministry intends to pay attention to the promotion of heritage festivals that hold in various parts of the country annually. The cultural festivals, he

said, deserve to be given the necessary support as part of government’s effort to enhance the sector, saying that its roles were key to national integration. He said: “We have to support to these cultural festivals so that cultural custodians will see the support as encouragement to the deployment of culture as a tool for national integration.”

2014: NIMET predicts shorter rainfall

HE Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has predicted shorter rainfall this year. The Seasonal Rainfall Prediction report was made public in Abuja yesterday. The NiMET seasonal report also predicted extension of dry season beyond the usual areas. Farmers have, therefore, been advised to plant

From Faith Yahaya, Abuja

early maturing crops to avoid losing all their investment as they may be caught unawares because of the irregularities of the weather. The Supervising Minister of Aviation, Dr. Samuel Ortom, urged Nigerians to heed to the predictions made available by the agency.

ODAY is Ash Wednesday. The day marks the beginning of the 40 days fasting period for Christians all over the world. Catholics also receive Ashes on their foreheads, a sign that they are but mere mortals. The season is also for mortification and self-denial and faithful have been urged to lead holy lives during the season.

Jonathan okays judges, sack From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday approved the National Judicial Council’s (NJC’s) recommendations for the compulsory retirement of two judges. The NJC last month recommended the compulsory retirement of Justice Gladys Olotu and Justice Ufot Inyang over alleged gross misconduct. The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke told State House correspondents yeseterday that the President has approved the NJC recommendation. The NJC said the decision to recommend the retirement of Olotu of the Federal High Court and Inyang of the FCT High court was taken at the Council’s meeting of Feb 26. He said the NJC’s findings were necessitated by petitions on allegations of gross misconduct levelled against them.

Senate urges Fed Govt to protect Nigerians in Ukraine From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

HE Senate yesterday urged the Federal Government to protect Nigerian students in Ukraine following the escalation of hostilities in the country. Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be mindful of the on-going crisis in Crimea, Ukraine due to the invasion of the area by Russian soldiers. Ndoma-Egba spoke when the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, appeared before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to defend the ministry’s 2014 budget. The Senator Matthew Nwagwu-led committee also asked the minister to intervene in the detention of over 80 Nigerian students in Malaysia. The students are said to have been held over visa related issues by the country’s immigration service. Mrs Onwuliri lamented that in 2013 only 42 per cent of the capital vote allocated to the 119 foreign missions was released to them by the Ministry of Finance. The minister said her ministry does not handle the finances of the missions as they are usually funded directly by the Finance Ministry.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

NEWS Jonathan swears in new ministers today From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

•From left: Bishop Lanre Obembe, Mrs Folashade Ashafa, Senator Gbenga Ashafa and Rev. Lagun Adesanya, during the account of stewardship by the lawmaker before members of the All Christian Leaders/ Ministries Forum (ACLMF) …last Friday.

APC denies copying PDP’s manifesto •Accuses Presidency of voodoo opinion poll From Yusuf Alli and John Ofikhenua, Abuja

cal permutations in the country changed. “The second was exactly a month after when seven PDP leaders and their governors walked out of a convention and PDP has not recovered from that. The final was the day the new PDP joined the APC. “So what happened was on the one hand via merger, which was perfectly legitimate; then we had an implosion within the PDP. It was that implosion, which led to the walking out of the leaders, which finally led to their coming to join the APC. We did not poach. “Now, it is true that probably if there had been no merger, there will be no such platform. Those governors and those PDP senators would have been probably forced to stay in PDP. This is because there would have been no options for them. “Come to the ACN, they will say it is a Southwest party. Go to ANPP, they will say it is a northern regional party. Go to this, they will say it is one man party. Now because our own leaders had the foresight of embarking on this merger, despite the cynicism of everybody, by the time the implosion happened, there was a national platform for them. This is what the National Chairman of PDP, Adamu Muazu, is mistaking for poaching. We never poached anywhere.” The APC interim National Publicity Secretary said the PDP National Chairman was mistaking defection for poaching. Said he: “However, while the law makes it permanently legal, legitimate for a governor, the deputy governor, the president or the vice president to move over from the party upon which he or she is elected to another party, it is not so easy with the legislators. “So there is no ceremony if a governor crosses to APC tomorrow. But for a legislator to be able to move, it is expected that there is a faction within your party. Also there are procedures in the House. So, those 44 or 45 senators, who moved from PDP to APC, and the 37 members from the House of Representatives, who moved from PDP to APC were only following all righteousness to inform the House and the Senate President. Obviously, it is because of the faction within the PDP. Even today, I read that Oyinlola said he still remains the authentic National Secretary of the party. “So whatever we have done,

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) said yesterday it has never in any manner copied the manifesto of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), because it is empty. It insisted that the recent poll by KA Research Ltd, Africa Division, which gave it a 10 per cent edge over PDP was more authentic than NOI Polls allegedly traced to the Minister of Finance, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo–Iweala. APC accused the Presidency and PDP of practising voodoo with doctored opinion poll. The party made its position known at a briefing in Abuja by its interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, preparatory to the launching of its “ROADMAP” tomorrow. He said: “You see, we did not copy any manifesto. Honestly, if anybody is going to copy any manifesto, PDP’s manifesto is the worst to be copied. It should be clear to everybody. “In fact, when we merged, Nigerians were yearning for merger on a daily basis. We held news conferences. We raised a merger committee. We set up a manifesto committee led by Chief Audu Ogbeh. It was a beautiful piece of work. But you can see that we have even gone a step further with our roadmap. “When our manifesto committee was raised, we needed that manifesto to meet Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) requirements to register. What we have is the roadmap, built on what the manifesto committee did. It will be suicidal for any party in Nigeria to copy PDP’s manifesto. I am not even aware if they have any. If they have, it is not even good. Why would anybody copy them?” Mohammed said contrary to insinuations, it was the PDP, which was poaching APC members because it was jittery. He added: “I listened to the national chairman of the PDP in Ilorin on Monday and he talked about poaching. We never poached. You see, when we started the process last year, we announced to the whole world that the defunct ANPP, the defunct ACN and the defunct CPC would enter into a merger and become one party. “We went into the process as prescribed for us by relevant laws and the constitution. That was the first stage. This is why I keep explaining to people that three things happened in Nigeria, which changed the political landscape. The first was on July 31, 2013, the day INEC approved the merger. From that day, the political calculations, the politi-

You see, we did not copy any manifesto. Honestly, if anybody is going to copy any manifesto, PDP’s manifesto is the worst to be copied. It should be clear to everybody

look at it from the view point of the constitution, from the view point of the law. We have always been law-abiding. They are the ones poaching. We did not poach in any way.” On the controversy over opinion poll, Mohammed said APC did not conduct the survey on its own. He gave insights into how the poll was conducted and released some indices to show that it was a credible exercise. According to him, “for the benefit of the President and his likes who are hard of hearing, let’s give more specifics on the polling company and poll: “•The survey has been conducted by KA Research Limited, Africa Division, on behalf of APC Nigeria within the 2015 Pre-Election Polling Programme, between December 9, 2013 and January 12, 2014. “•The survey results is based on a Face to Face Nationwide Survey conducted in 36 States + FCT in Nigeria; with sample size of 21.091 interviews; representing 18+ population of Nigeria living in urban and rural settlements. “•The survey respondents have been selected using multistage random sampling methodology across all Nigerian states; interviewed by experienced and trained local field teams in each state. “•The survey results have a margin of sampling error of +/ - 0.7 per cent, including design effect. “•KA Research Limited (KARL) is a privately-owned international research company, based in Brussels, Belgium and Istanbul, Turkey; operating in more than 60 countries with its own offices, subsidiaries and affiliates in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA Region). “•The company specialises in social and political polling; economic and media research in EMEA Region; its clientele in-

cludes private, governmental, non-governmental and academic clients, think-tanks; such as World Bank, United Nations, UNICEF, UNDP, Save The Children, USAID, DFID, University of Michigan, University of Maryland, CSIS, Brooking Institutions, National Democratic Institute, ABC News, BBC World Service, NHK Japan, ARD Germany, Deutsche Welle, Radio France International, Coca-Cola and Burger King Corporations; the company is also cooperating and working closely with major global research and consulting companies in EMEA Regions.” The APC spokesman said the release of the poll outcome had created confusion in the Presidency. He said: “First, the Presidency was confused. They seemed to think the APC conducted this survey itself. No, they got things wrong. “Unlike the PDP, we do not conduct surveys ourselves; instead, we commissioned professionals to conduct our polls. We used experts in the field so that the results are accurate and above reproach. In this instance, our poll was conducted by KA Research Limited, Africa Division. It was the largest survey of its kind ever conducted in Nigeria. I understand how this might have been confusing to the Presidency, since the PDP does not use unbiased, professional pollsters. “This explains why the results were such a shock to the PDP. The Presidency suggested we were practising some kind of voodoo. It seems the voodoo is coming entirely from the PDP and its survey company. “Second, just who is the PDP/ Presidency’s polling company? It is a firm named NOI Polls. And just who is this firm? Do those initials ring a bell? The Presidency’s pollster is none other than Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (NOI), the Coordinating Minister herself! “And considering she recently lost track of more than $20billion at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), why would anyone trust any number she ever produced? “If there’s anyone practising voodoo, it’s NOI polls. And when you ask the Coordinating Minister about her polling company, make sure to also ask her about the money that’s disappeared, and that the people of Nigeria need their money back! “So, now that we’ve set the

record straight and we know our survey numbers are the correct and credible ones, let’s review those results one more time: “When asked, “If the elections were held today, would you vote for Goodluck Jonathan or the candidate of the All Progressives Congress,” the APC candidate held a 10-point b lead over the President. By a margin of 44 per cent to 34 per cent (with 22 per cent undecided), the APC candidate was the clear national choice. “When asked, “In general, do you think things in Nigeria are going in a good direction or bad direction,” by a staggering more than two-to-one margin (50 per cent-24 per cent), Nigerians responded that the country was going in a bad direction. “When asked, “What issue would you like the President and National Assembly to focus on most,” an overwhelming majority (60 per cent) said job was the dominant issue that the government should address. “And then when asked if they found the following statement convincing or not, “Goodluck Jonathan has done nothing to create jobs, and far too many people are still unemployed.” Decisively, 58 per cent of Nigerians found that argument about Jonathan convincing. “Finally, when asked if Jonathan was doing a good or bad job fighting corruption, 59 per cent of Nigerians thought Jonathan was a doing a bad job fighting corruption.” Asked what the APC had realised from the poll, Mohammed said it was obvious Nigerians were after change. He added: “The message is clear: The nation is going in the wrong direction. The country wants change and would not vote to re-elect Jonathan in part because the number one issue to Nigerians is job and the nation believes Jonathan has no credibility on the issue of job creation. “Nigerians also believe Jonathan has done an extremely poor job fighting corruption (that he’s actually closed his eyes to corruption) and that the resources that should be invested in job creation, infrastructure and economic development have been stolen and wasted – undermining the nation’s opportunity. “We hope the PDP will also come clean on its own survey company; the fact that it is owned by a serving minister whose initials are used to name the company, and the fact that it has been feeding doctored opinion poll to Nigerians. “We have chosen to call the opinion polls they conduct on behalf of themselves and for themselves ‘’incestuous’’. We have nothing more to add!”

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will today swear in new ministers. The President, claiming that the appointments were in accordance with Section 147 (2) of the Constitution, forwarded the names of 12 ministerial nominees to the Senate for consideration and confirmation. But the Senate only confirmed the appointment of 11 nominees, rejecting the nomination of Mrs. Hadjia Jemila Salik (Kano). Those confirmed are ex-National Security Adviser, Gen. Aliu Mohammed Gusau (Zamfara State), Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro (Lagos), Mohammed Wakil (Borno), Abduljelili Oyewale Adesiyan (Osun), Ambassador Aminu Wali (Kano) and Mrs. Akon Etim Eyakenyi (Akwa Ibom). Others are Laurencia Labaran Mallam (Kaduna), Dr. Tamuno W. Danagogo (Rivers), Asabe Asmau Ahmed (Niger), Mr. Boni Haruna (Adamawa) and Dr. Khaliru Alhassan (Sokoto).

‘Why Nigeria is backward’ By Sunday Oguntola

HE Bishop Theologian of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Dapo Asaju, has attributed the nation’s woes to leaders, whom he described as “lacking in progressive values”. He lamented that Nigeria lacked leaders at all levels committed to moving the nation forward. Asaju berated the Federal Government over the elaborate centenary celebration last week, saying the country had nothing to show for existing for so long. He spoke yesterday while delivering the sermon at the Eucharistic Service in commemoration of the 50th founder’s day anniversary of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral in Lagos. The service with the theme: “Abundant grace”, also witnessed the launch of a compendium in celebration of the landmark as well as award ceremony for living founding members. Asaju, who warned that the nation could witness a war going by the killings in the Northeast, said: “Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gunpowder. We are just groping in the dark and it is terrible what we are going through. “We are very unfortunate to have a cream of leaders at all levels who do not love the nation. The beautiful ones are yet to be born. They are just wasting our resources”. He added: “We still don’t have leaders who truly want to move the nation forward. They are just out to fleece the nation.” On the centenary anniversary, Asaju said there is nothing to celebrate. According to him, “I don’t see what we are celebrating if after 100 years, we still don’t know if we want to live together. “We still don’t feel we are one. There is nothing to write home in terms of infrastructure and development. We are celebrating nothing but killings and violence across the land”. He praised the founding members of the church for laying a solid foundation.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY MARCH 5, 2014

NEWS ‘Kidnappers’ kill man in Aba

It’s no longer business as usual for oil thieves, says Naval chief

UNMEN suspected to be kidnappers have killed a man, simply identified as Mr. Ifenkwe Matthew, in Aba, Abia State. The incident, it was learnt, occurred about 8:30 p.m. on Sunday at Oriaku Street, near Umuatako Street, Abayi, Aba.

•Navy not responsible for fuel scarcity

F •Vice Admiral Jibrin flanked by Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Sanmi Alade (right) and Rear Admiral A.J. Onyeoma at the Naval Air Station, Ojo...yesterday PHOTO: PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU By Precious Igbonwelundu, Staff Correspondent

who go to the creeks to perform illegality at anchorage positions. As long as we are able to establish choke points, all activities in the creeks now have just one passage way to deliver their illgotten goods. So, we wait for them and arrest them.” On allegations by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) that the Navy’s new tactics was responsible for the current fuel scarcity, Jibrin said the claim was unfounded. He noted that the force’s new approach in apprehend-

ing criminals may have resulted in one or two hours delay for ships, adding that only vessels without genuine documents are held. “NNPC can better explain what is happening. Though, I am not holding brief for them, I was told that the budget is a constrain that has limited NNPC’s effectiveness, particularly with regards to the subsidy issue which is extended to importers who bring in the products. “Right now, the amount that is produced locally is not enough to meet the demands of the population, that is why there is scarcity. “So, whoever is blaming

the navy’s strategy of not allowing any ship pass our maritime domain unchecked by maritime forces for fuel scarcity is ignorant of the workings of the navy. “In the course of investigation, vessels may have encountered one or two hours delay but with genuine document, they are not delayed,” he said. On security situation in the Gulf of Guinea, the CNS said there is better cooperation between navies of neighbouring countries as criminals can now be pursued into Cameroon, Togo, Benin Republic and Ghana waters without restrictions.

Fayose, Olubolade disagree on consensus By Emmanuel Oladesu, Group Political Editor

ORMER Minister of Police Affairs and governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Ekiti State, Navy Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade (rtd) and former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Femi Bamisile are backing the adoption of consensus option in picking the party’s candidate for the June 21 governorship election. Olubolade and Bamisile are of the view that if the PDP candidate is selected through a consensus arrangement, such would help to avoid the rancour, bickering and illfeelings that usually characterise the process of primaries in any election. But former Governor Ayo Fayose and Chief Bosede Dada have kicked against the option, saying it is undemocratic. Both the former minister and Bamisile spoke at separate interviews in Abuja, the nation’s capital. Olubolade said he is ready and willing to abide by President Goodluck Jonathan’s earlier advice that the PDP in Ekiti State should look at the option of choosing its candidate through consensus rather than primaries. The former minister said: “I believe in consensus because any organisation that wants to make progress, any political party that wants to make progress must listen to the voice of reasoning from the leadership of such party. Once the party’s leadership brings an issue on the way forward, as a good party man, it would be nice for you to work in that line so that all things will work for the good of the party.

Aba

A source said the gunmen shot their victim several times for resisting attempts to abduct him. Police spokesman Geoffrey Ogbonna could not be reached for comments, but a source said officers from Abayi Division were investigating the matter.

‘I won’t seek re-election if I win’

ROM the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin came yesterday a warning to those engaging in illegality at sea: desist or risk being caught. Jibrin, who spoke during a joint military exercise between the Nigerian Navy and visiting Italian Navy Task Group tagged: “Exercise Ijewere” at the high sea, said that choke points have been established in troublesome areas with resources deployed to ensure no criminal was left uncaught. He was answering questions on how he intend to curb the rising incidents of crude oil theft as well as piracy that have robbed the nation economically. Jibril said: “We have deployed both human and material resources and have laid ambush to monitor all activities in the creeks. “Now, we wait for those

From Sunny Nwankwo,

‘I believe in consensus because any organisation that wants to make progress, any political party that wants to make progress must listen to the voice of reasoning’ –Olubolade

‘Consensus means that all the aspirants have the collective agreement. But, once some people say they are not for consensus, it is not consensus again’ –Fayose

“Having heard from the President on the way forward, I will strictly want to abide by that position and do exactly what will move our party forward. What is important is for us to ensure that internal democracy prevails within the party. “When the party (PDP) reveals its position on the way forward, we also have to key into that position. So, that will bring orderliness in the party. Followers will know what to do and we will, in togetherness, work to ensure that the party is victorious. That is why I believe in consensus”, he said. Bamisile, who is also the state’s Deputy Chairman agreed that the consensus arrangement would help to avoid disagreements and divisions among members. According to him, there is a clear mandate from the party’s national leadership that anybody who wants to run for the governorship election or be considered an aspirant, should first take the bold step of going to pay N11million to the party at Abuja. I can tell you that the party paraded 26 aspirants including myself and 14 of us came together and had a meeting with the President on January 4. “During our deliberations, the President informed us that he would prefer that the

party should go the way of consensus in choosing its candidates. He advised that we should avoid the overkill of spending so much money in primaries and the rancour that comes out of primaries. “Sincerely, most of us strongly believe in that process. I have done about four elections in the state and all of them were through primaries but in circumstances like this- you are in opposition in your state; you should look for every means to make sure that the processes of selecting your candidates are fair and not too financially engulfing. We should make sure that the processes are suitable to all those involved and that is why I concur with the President on this issue of consensus. Fayose and Mrs Dada reminded those canvassing consensus arrangement of the promise of the National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, that internal democracy would not be compromised. Chief Dada objected to the plans to anoint a candidate through consensus, saying that it is undemocratic. She added: “I do not want consensus. I have paid for my form and I am ready for the primaries. The Chairman, Mr. Makanjuola Ogundipe,

has assured me that there will be primaries in Ado-Ekiti. Also, when I visited the national chairman, he promised that there will be internal democracy in the PDP. Therefore, I will not support consensus”. Fayose said the idea of a consensus candidate is laughable, stressing that it underscores the limitations of those behind the option. The former governor said that he will face the primaries with courage and boldness, based on Mu’azu’s assurance that internal democracy would be restored in the party. Fayose wondered why certain elements were agitating for consensus option, instead of going to the field to mobilise support for their ambition to rule the state. He said while some people have the right to canvass for consensus candidacy, other people also have the right to oppose the option based on reason. Stressing that consensus option is not feasible, he urged the aspirants to exhibit the capacity for popularity test at the shadow poll. The former governor stressed: “What we need to do is to go for tender. When you pay the tender fee, you have indicated interest to participate in the deal. The nomination fee is the tender fee. The consensus means that all the aspirants have the collective agreement. But, once some people say they are not for consensus, it is not consensus again. “Would they do consensus again at the general election? A man who is not sure of winning the primaries cannot win the general election. I am confident that any body who can win the primary election will win the general election”.

ORMER Oyo State Deputy Governor Hazeem Gbolarumi has said if elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as governor, he would not seek a second term. He spoke yesterday with reporters at his Bodija home in Ibadan while celebrating his 57th birthday. Gbolarunmi, who said he would soon send his letter of intent to the state PDP, added that a governor should rule for one term. “If I am elected next year as the governor, I will not seek re-election because we have millions of indigenes from Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso and Oke-Ogun zones, who are qualified for the position.” “Government goes and government comes. If any-

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

body becomes the governor, I believe he should do his best and leave the rest for other qualified people to improve on.” He said there was no faction in Oyo PDP, adding that members were one under the leadership of Mr. Yinka Taiwo. Among dignitaries at the birthday prayer were Senator Ayoade Adeseun; Senator Lekan Balogun; Alhaji Abass Oloko; Chief Imam of Offa, Sheik Muideen Salmon; Prof. Taoreed Adedoja; Prof. Soji Adejumo; former Minister of Agriculture, Chief Bamidele Dada, Chief Femi Babalola; Alhaji Mukaila Aborode; Alhaji Lateef Akinsola aka Tokyo; Elder Wole Oyelese and Alhaja Bose Adedibu.

Wonders of God at CPM

HRISTIAN Pentecostal Mission (CPM), (Winners Cathedral), Ojota, Lagos, will hold an eight-day programme, tagged: “Wonders of God.” LOSS OF DOCUMENT The minister, Rev. Godwin Mr Francis Okwuchukwu Ifebi of No Ojoka, said the programme 28 Bank Road Satellite town off would start on Sunday and Badagry Road Lagos lost his counter deed of Assignment between Mrs. end on March 16. Moruntayo Olubunmi Okanlawon He said the guest speakers (Assignor) All effort to trace the are Obasi Faraday and Rev. document prove abortive. If found contact the nearest Police Station or Paul A.C. Dede. the above mentioned address

PUBLIC NOTICE POLICE WARN VEHICLE OWNERS The Nigeria Railway Police Command, has warned owners of accidental and abandoned vehicles parked at Iddo Railway Police HQ, Agege Railway Police HQ, Oshogbo Railway Police HQ and Ebute Meta Junction, Police Area command to remove them or lose them to the members of pubic through auction after 21days of this publication. Auctioneer Chief G.A. Akinyemi.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

NEWS

30 winners emerge at Lagos HOMS maiden draw

R. Abayomi Sylvester Akitoye was all smiles yesterday as he became the proud owner of a three-bedroom flat at Alhaja Adetoun Mustapha Estate in Ijaiye, Lagos State. Akitoye was one of the 30 lucky people who won homes at the first public draw of the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (HOMS), which was held at the Blue Roof Hall on the premises of the Lagos State Television in Ikeja. Akitoye described application process and the draw as "transparent". He said when he came across advertorials for the draw, he was skeptical, but went ahead to fill the forms on line. Akitoye said he never imagined that his name would be picked at the draw and urged Lagosians who wish to own a home to participate in the scheme. He urged low income earners not to see the homes as unaffordable explaining that the cost covers Certificate of Oc-

By Oziegbe Okoeki

cupancy (C of O) and other documents. Mrs. Bibian Kanayo Aloba won a three-bedroom flat at the Oba Lateef Adams Estate in Iloro, Agege. She said she participated in the scheme because of her belief in Governor Babatunde Fashola as a transparent leader, who could be trusted. Mrs. Aloba said she did not get acquainted with any official of the Mortgage Board or the state before her application was treated and she was selected for the draw. Another winner of a threebedroom flat at the Oba Lateef Adams Estate in Iloro, Agege, Mrs. Aderele AyoolaJohnson, also described the process as "transparent". She said when she visited the office of the Mortgage Board, the officials acted professionally and answered her questions satisfactorily. She described the scheme as "a good initiative". Mrs. Ayoola-Johnson described the mortgage pay-

‘In the second phase, we are opening up the scheme to the private sector and housing developers, who will build the homes, while the government will be the guaranteed purchaser of the homes’ ment process as "convenient", saying it would help more people to become home owners. Governor Babatunde Fashola urged the private sector, especially housing developers, to partner HOMS to increase the number of homes available to applicants during monthly draws.

Fashola said: "We promised you that there will be a second phase of this initiative and I am pleased to say that the committee has started work on the second phase. "In the second phase, we are opening up the scheme to the private sector and housing developers, who will build the homes, while the government will be the guaranteed purchaser of the homes. "By so doing, we would be in a position to double or triple the number of homes from 200 to 600 or 800 a month. If we allow the private sector to build the homes, we will buy the houses from them and put them up for mortgage." He said leftover homes from this month's draw will be added to the 200 billed for next month's draw. Fashola said: "We promised to make available a minimum of 200 houses every month and we have delivered on that promise. There are 200 homes available for this month. "From the report I received, we have 322 applicants, but only 98 met the conditions. There are 77 people whose

processes are being undertaken but did not meet our deadline for this draw, which was February 28. I believe all the 98 will be home owners when we complete this draw. The remaining 102 homes for this month will be added to the 200 for next month, so we will have 302 for next month." Unlike previous housing schemes, home owners under this scheme will be responsible for the maintenance of their homes. The governor said: "The government is still saddled with the responsibility of painting, cleaning and maintaining the homes that were sold to residents during the Alhaji Lateef Jakande administration. That will not be allowed under this scheme. "Home owners will take responsibility for their homes and pay maintenance fees. By so doing, estate management firms, small companies and your children will have an opportunity to earn an income. If owners pay their mortgages promptly, the scheme would become self sustaining in seven years."

‘Awolowo pursued a just society’

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s quest for a just society informed his free education programme, which liberated many minds. He said the late Awolowo fought poverty and ignorance with the federal constitution. Aregbesola spoke yesterday at the Obafemi Awolowo Annual Memorial Symposium while delivering a lecture on: The Nigerian Constitution: The Awo Road Not Taken. The symposium, which was organised by the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, was held at the NECA House in Alausa, Ikeja. Aregbesola said the late Awolowo had no human enemies but poverty and ignorance, which he confronted headlong. He said: “It is the failure of successive governments to key into the philosophy of the sage that led to the disaster we now have in the Northeastern part of the country. We are lucky in the Southwest to have the phenomenon Awolowo, whose landmark achievements led to the stability we have in the region. So, how are we preparing for our children in the next 20 years?” The Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, said federalism remains Awolowo’s brainchild. He said coming from a po-

•Aregbesola (second left); Yakassai (left); Adesanmi (second right) and Dr. Awolowo-Dosumu... yesterday. By Musa Odoshimokhe

litical party, the Northern Element Progressive Union (NEPU), which believed in a unitary constitutional arrangement, it would have been a difficult political journey, but his encounter with Awolowo converted him to federalism. Yakassai said: “Awolowo went the extra mile in the country’s constitutional making to give it an intellectual and moral backing. The political jokers ruling the country have reduced the real meaning of the federal system of government to unitary government.” The Keynote Speaker, Prof. Pius Adesanmi of Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada, said the minority’s fear can only be allayed if the late Awolowo’s federal constitutional arrangement is adopted, noting that the sage warned against an oppressive

‘It is the failure of successive governments to key into the philosophy of the sage that led to the disaster we now have in the Northeastern part of the country. government that did nothing to improve the intellectual capacity of the people but held them down through poverty, disease and wants. Adesanmi said: “The late Awolowo warned those who hold public office not to indulge in acts that denigrates their offices. He urged them to be prudent with re-

source management, but, sadly, they have not only promoted impunity, they have created positions for their wives outside the constitutional imperatives of the country.” Mr. Monday Ubani said presently, Nigeria is imposed with a pseudo-federal structure brought about by the military. He said the enthusiasm that greeted the forthcoming National Conference, which was viewed as an avenue to return the country to true federalism, has been constrained because of the agenda put forward, adding: “Most of us who welcomed the idea of the National Conference of are not happy with the modalities rolled out.” Chairman of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation Dr. Tokunbo AwolowoDosumu said the sympo-

Oyo customary courts get 495 presidents, members

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has sworn in 495 presidents and members of the customary courts for effective dispensation of justice across the 33 local government areas. The ceremony was held yesterday at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Ibadan. Ajimobi urged the ap-

pointees to be God fearing in the performance of their duties, saying: “I urge you to see your appointments as an opportunity to serve in the dispensation of justice and you must do this with the fear of God. Be equitable, fair and just to the people. Do not betray the trust reposed in you. “Thorough dispensation of justice requires wisdom.

I urge you to continue to rely on God for fair judgment.’’ The governor suggested that, henceforth, the oath of office of presidents and members of customary courts should be taken in Yoruba language to ensure proper understanding of the responsibilities attached to the offices. He assured the appointees

that the government would provide the necessary logistics for them to perform effectively. The Onigboho of Igboho, Oba John Bolarinwa, was one of the newly-appointed Customary Court presidents. He lauded Ajimobi’ commitment to equity and fairness in the dispensation of justice.

sium was to educate delegates to the National Conference on the late Awolowo’s legacies. She said the sage lived his life fighting for the country’s justice and unity, adding that those who misunderstood him did not reflect on his thoughts. Also at the symposium were Prof. Akin Oshibogu, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Prof. Femi Ajayi, Group Capt. Saluadeen Latinwo (rtd.), Mrs. Akerele Bucknor, Col. Tony Inyam (rtd.) and Mr. Yinka Odumakin, among others.

Oyo Assembly approves college accreditation bill From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

HE Oyo State House of Assembly yesterday passed into law the bill for the establishment of the Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology. The law upgrades the school into a full-fledged higher institution. The school had been operating like a secondary school. It had no governing council and its programmes were not accredited. Once the governor assents to the law, the institution will begin new programmes.

INEC releases Ekiti poll timetable

HE Independent National Electoral Com-

mission (INEC) has released the timetable for the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State. Campaigns begin on March 23. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), parties will collect forms for the election on April 1. The verification of the voter’s status will hold from March 7 to 9. The Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) holds from March 12 to 17. INEC said Section 99(1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), states that campaign should start 90 days before the election. Hearing of claims and objections arising from the displayed voter register will hold from March 18 to 24. Notice of election holds on March 3. April 14 is the deadline for the conduct of party primaries and the resolution of disputes arising from the primaries. April 21 is the last day for the submission of Forms CF001 and CF 002 at the INEC Headquarters. April 28 is for the publication of personal particulars of candidates. May 7 is the last day for withdrawal and replacement of candidates by parties. June 19 is the last day for campaigns. The election holds on June 21. If need be, a run-off election would be held within seven days after the announcement of the election result.

Aregbesola completes 400km roads From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

HE Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbeso-

la administration has built 400 kilometers of road across the state in less than four years. Speaking with reporters yesterday in Osogbo, the state capital, Commissioner for Information and Strategy Sunday Akere said the roads include intra and intercity roads. They include 21 roads in Osogbo, which are over 26 kilometers; 15 Ilesa township roads of about 30 kilometers; 14 Ede township roads of 21 kilometers; 22 intercity roads of 317 kilometers across the state and 13 intra-city roads of 79.5 kilometers. Akere said the roads were built through direct labour. He said six roads, stretching over 74 kilometres across the state, are 81 per cent completed, adding that many others are at various levels of completion. The commissioner said before the end of the second quarter of this year, more roads would be inaugurated.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

NEWS

Ekiti, Osun polls must be credible, Fayemi tells Jega

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must ensure that the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states are credible. Fayemi spoke on Monday night at his monthly media chat, tagged: “Meet Your Governor.” He urged the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, to see the two elections as “serious tests”, which must not go the way of the Anambra State poll. The governor urged politicians and parties to carry out their activities peacefully. He said INEC should not bungle the Ekiti and Osun polls. Fayemi said: “It is in the best interest of INEC to conduct a credible and transpar-

•‘No plan to sack workers’ From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

ent election in Ekiti in June. Jega should see the Ekiti poll as a serious test, which he must not fail. “INEC should ensure that the process is credible. It must demonstrate its readiness to conduct a credible election. You know that Ekiti people are sensitive. We have seen terrible episodes of election management by INEC in the past in Ekiti State. “The people have seen the Ayoka saga, as well as the Ido/Osi saga. This time around, INEC must demonstrate its seriousness to conduct a credible election.” Fayemi debunked rumours “being peddled by

the opposition” that he would victimise civil servants if re-elected. He said policies, such as the biometric data of civil servants, which rid the system of ghost workers, showed that he was not a pretender, because most first-term governors run away from them. The governor said he would never victimise anyone and would continue to protect the people’s interests. He said the rumour originated from desperate politicians, with no plan for the electorate. Fayemi said he would protect his name and record, adding that his achievements in over three years could be measured by the

•Dr. Fayemi

electorate. He said: “The difference between an incumbent governor and a putative aspirant is that I have a record to defend. I can be measured in an objective and detached assessment.” On the delegation to the national conference, Fayemi said he was confident that it would represent the Ekiti people well. He advised that critical issues affecting the federation, such as fiscal federalism, should be addressed at the conference.

Pastor held for ‘defiling’ church member

HE police in Ogun State have arrested a pastor, Adekunle Kayode (34), for defiling a 20-year-old church member. Kayode is the head pastor of Jesus Is The Way Evangelistic Ministry in Olorunsogo, Abeokuta. He was arrested at his Okeyidi home after the victim’s father reported the matter at Kemta Police Division. Also arrested was Onatade Oluwasegun, who is said to be Kayode’s accom-

•Man ‘beats’ daughter to death From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

plice. A mild drama ensued while the victim was narrating her experience to the police. It was learnt that she went into a trance. The victim claimed that Kayode directed Oluwasegun to use a charm on her and rape her, but said God saved her. The police recovered the charm on the

church premises. Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi confirmed the incident, adding that the matter was transferred to the State Crime Investigation Department (SCID) in Eleweran. A man, Bisi Onigbogo of J6 Camp, Ogbere, allegedl y b e at h i s 12- ye ar - o l d daughter, Yemi, to death. It was learnt that the girl collapsed and died.

•Niger State Governor Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu presenting a souvenir to the Ambassador of the Republic of North Korea to Nigeria, Mr Joung Youg when he visited the Government House in Minna…yesterday

Murder suspect remanded in prison custody

MURDER suspect, Seyi Akintoye (21), was remanded yesterday in prison custody by a Magistrate’s Court in Osogbo, Osun State, for allegedly attempting to escape from police custody. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the prosecutor, Inspector Isiaka Ajadi, told the court that at about 2 a.m. on May 14,

Explosive found in Osogbo bank

2012, Akintoye attempted to escape from detention at Dugbe Police Station in Osogbo by damaging the ceiling and iron in the cell. The damaged items were valued at N10,000. Akintoye pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charge. The Magistrate, Adebayo Lasisi, remanded him in Ilesha prison and adjourned the case till April 10.

Ekiti declares Friday holiday

HE Ekiti State government has declared Friday a work-free day to enable workers collect their permanent voter cards. In a statement, Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation Tayo Ekundayo said the holiday would

enable residents participate in the verification of the voter register slated for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Stressing the significance of the people to the electoral process, Ekundayo said the Governor Kayode Fayemi administration

would ensure an enabling environment for them to perform their civic responsibilities. He urged youths who have just turned 18 to register during the registration of new voters from March 12 to 19.

The incident occurred on Monday. Onigbogo ran away w h e n h e r e al ised hi s daughter was dead. Commissioner of Police Ikemefuna Okoye advised parents to correct their children in moderation, warning that the law would not pardon anyone for injuring or killing another person.

N Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was found yesterday in the banking hall of a first generation bank in Osogbo, Osun State. Customers and workers looked at the device in confusion, as a security man picked it up and threw it into a drain in front of the bank. The bank manager alerted the police. The Police AntiBomb Unit moved in and detonated the IED through a controlled explosion. News of the incident, which occurred about 10:15 a.m., almost paralysed commercial activities in the town, as banks and other businesses closed for the day. Customers were stranded at many banks. Security operatives mounted surveillance on financial institutions. Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Maishanu confirmed that the object was an explosive device, assuring that his men were on top of the situation. The government assured the people that it would get

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

to the root of the matter. In a statement, the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy in the Governor’s Office, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, urged security agents to probe the source of the device. He said: “Considering the usually impregnable fortification of banks through their screening machines, which detect metals and other objects, it is unthinkable how the device got into the banking hall. ‘’We suspect a deliberate foul play in the antics of those who desire to create insecurity in this state. “We are assured of the readiness of security agencies to investigate the incident ito reassure our people and visitors that Osun remains a safe haven for businesses and pleasure. Since the inception of this administration, Osun has remained peaceful and inviting to the people.”

Tinubu holds 10th town hall meeting

ENATOR Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central) will hold her 10th quarterly town hall meeting on Friday at Rockview Plaza in Park Lane, Apapa , Lagos, at 9 a.m. The theme of the meeting is: “Consolidating our democratic gains.” Senator Tinubu will give her quarterly report and get a feedback from her constituents. Youths, traders and All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders are expected at the meeting. Senator Tinubu sponsored the bills to provide social security for the elderly; and amend sections of the Labour Act, which restricts employment opportunities for women. She is working with other senators on a bill seeking Special Economic Assistance for Lagos State.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

NEWS

Army, community bicker over land From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

HERE is tension in Uvwie following a land dispute between the community and the 3 Battalion in Effurun, Delta State. The 3 Battalion in Effurun has threatened to demolish houses and graves on the land it alleged belongs to the Army. Counsel to the communty Victor E. Otomiewo alleged that soldiers from the Effurun Barracks were harassing indigenes of Ohorhe 1, Ohorhe 11 and Oku-Irero communities. Otomiewo called for the withdrawal of the Army from lands belonging to Uvwie. He said: “ We draw the attention of President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and others to the illegality and reckless impunity by men and officers of the 3 Battalion in Effurun.” But the Operations Officer, 3 Battalion, Capt Mohammed Abdulahi, said the land belongs to the Army. He advised the people of Ohorhe to comply with the ultimatum given to them by quitting.

Police arrest man for ‘defrauding’ widows

HE police in Delta State yesterday arrested a man for allegedly defrauding over 327 widows and petty traders of over N1.6 million by claiming to be coordinators of a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) established by Patience Jonathan. Anene Nwokoye (71), who works in the Security Department at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, Anambra State, denied the allegations. Police spokesperson Mrs. Tina Kalu said the fraudster specialised in defrauding widows and petty traders. Mrs. Kalu said a victim, Mrs. Monu Olubunmi, reported in September 2013 that an accomplice of the

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

gang, Ameachi Ndah, introduced her to the principal suspect, Adaeze Nwokoye, now at large, and coordinator of an NGO; Women Relief and Restoration Initiative. The police spokesperson said the victims paid N3,000 for membership and another N2,000 to be eligible for loans. She said the victims were told that Mrs. Jonathan would inaugurate the local chapter on December 14. Some of the victims, who thronged the “A” Division, hailed the arrest of the principal suspect’s husband.

Mrs. Olubunmi said she became suspicious after Adaeze stopped picking her calls, adding that she lured the coordinator by informing her that N250,000 paid by prospective members was up for collection. The victim said the suspect’s husband, Anene, came to Asaba with 78 membership forms and was arrested by the police. Another widow, Mrs. Rebecca Isagba, said she registered some of her church members, who came to mourn with her. She said another victim informed her of the NGO and registered over 50 members of her Cassava Cooperative group. Her words: “I registered

some of my sisters who came to mourn with me. Mrs. Olubunmi, who is a member of Cassava Growers Association, informed me of the NGO because every time she came to my house, I was always crying. “I told her I was prepared to go back to Adamawa State after my husband, who is from Asaba, died. Then she told me about this scheme and I got my friends involved.” But Anene denied the allegations. He said: “I was in the office when my wife called me from Lagos, asking me to take 78 membership forms to Asaba to give to a woman and I was arrested by the police. I do not know anything about this crime they are alleging I committed.”

Edo gives N10m to rainstorm victims

DO State government has donated N10 million and 200 bundles of roofing sheets to rainstorm victims in Ozalla in Owan West Local Government Area. Governor Adams Oshiomhole announced the donation yesterday in the community. During his visit to the Onotare of Ozalla, Albert Aieloshan, the governor said: “The disaster that occurred here was an act of God but we thank God that no life was lost. “Buildings can be destroyed, it can be rebuilt, I have seen some of the buildings and they were badly affected. “I saw an elderly woman, whose roof was blown off by the rainstorm and she is now homeless. I have seen several other buildings. “I would have sent relief material earlier but I insisted to see the devastation, so that is why I have come.”

PUBLIC NOTICE IDOGHOR

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oghenetega Stella Idoghor now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oghenetega Stella KayodeIyasere. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

•From left: Michael Adegoke, Ajayi Nicholas, representative of Chief Osita Okereke, founder, African Child Social Empowerment Centre Bonaventure Enemali, Oba Timothy Akinsanya and the Chairman, Isolo Local Council Development Authority (LCDA) when they were honoured as children and education ambassadors in Lagos.

Petrol hits N300 per litre in Calabar

LACK market operators in Calabar, Cross River State, now sell petrol for N300 per litre. Our correspondents observed that many independent marketers were closed yesterday. A station on Palm Street sold petrol for N180 per litre, others were selling for N150 per litre. The streets were almost empty, as many vehicles had no petrol. Many commuters trekked long distances since there were fewer commercial vehicles on the

•Fares soar in Edo, others From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar, Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt and Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

streets. The few vehicles available increased fares. State Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Michael Udofia said they were not hoarding petrol. He said they had not received any product. “We don’t have any product. Even during the Yuletide, there was no scarcity. So why should we hoard it now? In the last two years, we have not had any scarcity. So this is not our making. “We have about 14 depots

in the city and none is working. Even the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) depot is not working.” In Ekpoma, Edo State, most stations were not selling. The development caused fares to skyrocket. Operators of black market took advantage of the situation. A litre of petrol sold for N130 at the few stations with the product, and N200 at the black market. A commercial motorcyclist, Ehis Arebo, called on the government to restore normalcy. A university lecturer, Solomon Ibhasebhor, described the scarcity as biting. Black marketers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State,

prayed the scarcity continues to enable them make more profit. Some of them said they made between N800,000 and N1 million in a week by selling four and 10 litres at the rate of N2,500 and N6,000. Banabas Ekwueme, a black marketer, said he made good money that could take care of his needs for one year. He said: “I don’t want the scarcity to end; I pray it gets worse. My brother, in this few days of fuel scarcity, I have made the highest cash in my life. Another black marketer, Okechukwu Ibe, said: “I was supplying to banks and other companies. “So if you are a business man or woman you have to patronise us. I wish the scarcity continues.”

2015:Cross River Speaker declares intention

PEAKER of the Cross River State House of Assembly Larry Odey has said he will contest for the governorship in 2015 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He said his ambition was borne out of the desire to sustain the development and growth of the state. In a meeting with chapter chairmen of the PDP in Calabar, he said: ‘’I am pro-

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

pelled by the desire to sustain the development and growth in the state.’’ He said if given the party’s ticket and he wins, he would implement the party’s manifesto as a loyal PDP member. ‘’But if I don’t get the party’s nomination, I’ll support whoever is chosen to fly the party’s flag. I see it as a race that must be run with a collective will to ensure victory for the PDP,’’ he said.

Vehicle owners get ultimatum THE Ogun State Police Command has warned owners of vehicles parked at Division Headquarters MTD Ogere Remo to remove them or lose them to members of the public through auction, two weeks after this publication. The vehicles are Nissan Sunny HW887AAA; Opel car BZ 689JJJ; Lexus car CA 900 KSF and Bajaj Boxer motorcycle QG 559 BDJ

N100m suit against Etisalat for hearing April 8 By Precious Igbonwelundu

THE N100 million suit filed against mobile network operator, Etisalat by an aggrieved customer Pascal Ozioko has been adjourned to April 8 by a Federal High Court in Lagos. Ozioko in July 2012, approached the court following an alleged fraudulent promo by Etisalat. He urged the court to compel the firm to publish the names of the alleged winners in a lottery in which it sought to give out daily sums of N500,000 to participants. Joined as defendant in the suit is the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC). In his statement of claim, the plaintiff stated that in November 2011, he received several SMS from Etisalat, advertising a lottery. “Etisalat represented to its subscribers that Range Rover jeeps were to be won monthly, and a daily cash prize of N500,000, if subscribers answered daily questions sent to them. “Each text was to cost N100 and each correct answer attracted points to the subscriber, to qualify him for the prize” Ozioko said. According to the claimant, the representation was such that subscribers with the highest points will win the prizes. He claimed that he spent almost all his savings sending answers to the questions which eventually earned him 10 million points, to which he received an SMS from Etisalat congratulating him for obtaining the highest point. According to the plaintiff, “that was all I received from Etisalat. “I wrote on several occasions to the headquarters of the company at Plot 19, Zone L, Banana Island Ikoyi, to verify the authenticity of their promises, but all to no avail” he stated. He said that this misrepresentation on the part of the defendant only led to the conclusion that they were using the lottery as a fraud scheme to defraud telecom subscribers, as such, prayed for an order compelling Etisalat to publish any of such winners in the national dailies. He also urged the court to award him N100 million as damages for misrepresentation and loss suffered At the resumed hearing, Counsel to the claimant, Chukwudi Nnaeke prayed the court for leave to amend his writ of summons and statement claim. Obliging him, Justice Yanusa adjourned the matter to April 8, to enable him regularise his processes before the court.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

NEWS

Court frees Bauchi perm sec

From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

JUSTICE Rabi Mustafa of a Bauchi State High Court yesterday acquitted Ibrahim Mohammed, Abubakar Isa, Ibrahim Aliyu and Kabiru Makyera, who were accused of stealing the state’s bonus shares of 2,890,080 from the Ashaka Cement Company. Mohammed, who is a permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education and the others, were sued by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC). ICPC claimed the defendants sold the shares without authority at the cost of N10.8 million and shared the proceeds. The defence counsel, Yakubu Bako and Ben Egbuchi, argued that the petition received by ICPC from concerned citizens was invalid. The defendants averred that the petitioners were not representatives of the state government and do not have locus standi to prosecute them. Justice Mustafa granted the defendants’ prayers and discharged and acquitted them.

Ritualists remove woman’s eyes

From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

A WOMAN’s eyes were removed after gunmen attacked her while coming from a coronation ceremony in Lukshi village of Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State. Police spokesman Haruna Mohammed said Zainab Mohammed was attacked and two of her eyes removed by three men at a bush at Lukshi on her way from a coronation at Gimbiyar Lukshi. He said police detectives from Dass visited the scene and rushed the victim to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital for treatment. Haruna said efforts were being made to arrest the suspects.

Woman for burial THE remains of a community leader, Madam Esther Nwadunma Obiakalusi, who died on February 19, will be buried on Friday. She was 82. A Christian wake will hold tomorrow at the Obiakalusi home in Agbadala Achi, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State. The funeral will take place at the family compound on Friday, followed by a reception. A thanksgiving service will hold at the Saint John’s Anglican Church, Agbadala Achi, on Saturday.

•The late Mrs Obiakalusi

Gunmen abduct Bauchi lawmaker

UNMEN on Monday abducted a member of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, representing Lama, Yusuf Nuhu. The member was kidnapped from his home at Zalau in Toro Local government Area. A former federal lawmaker in the state was kidnapped almost two

weeks ago. A source said the gunmen stormed Nuhu’s home about 7 p.m., and met him praying at the mosque attached to his home. The source said the gunmen had been trailing the lawmaker for some time. Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer Haruna Mohammed said the Police in Toro

pursued the gunmen but failed to catch up with them. Haruna said: ”The police pursued the kidnappers, who abandoned their car, a green Golf 3 wagon at Rahama village, a border town between Toro Bauchi and Saminaka in Kaduna State. It was learnt the police and vigilance groups have cordoned off the area in

search of the suspects. Two weeks ago, All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial aspirant and exHouse of Representatives member, Samaila Ahmed Ilalee, was kidnapped by gunmen from his home at Darazo in Darazo Local Government Area. But he was released after his family paid N2.5 million.

he was in the United States was targeted at humiliating him. The deputy governor alleged that he was accused of disloyalty by honouring President Jonathan’s invitation to accompany him on the pilgrimage to Israel. He said Governor AlMakura misinterpreted the spiritual obligation as a plan being hatched to unseat him. Luka said he opposed the directive of the APC leadership to its lawmakers to block executive bills, including the 2014 Appropriation Bill. “I want to reiterate that I stand firmly on that statement and insist that national interest must supersede party or

any other interests,’’ he added. Luka said he was yet to register as a member of the APC since he was away during its registration exercise, and wondered how he could have been suspended from a party he was yet to register in. “My unwillingness to register with the APC is not unconnected with the attitude of exclusion exhibited by its leadership. “Consequently, I and my supporters decided to move over to the PDP,” Luka said. The PDP State Chairman, Yunana Ilya, likened Luka’s action to the prodigal son, adding that the party was

•Luka

ment to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP), she admitted living with the accused, she answered ‘no.’ “I never told NAPTIP that. I told them that I always go there to assist Papa’s former fiancée, Cynthia, with household chores. “There are days that I sleep over to finish my chores,’’ she said. When asked if the pastor paid her school fees anytime, she said: “Papa once told me during deliverance that he gave my mum N40,000 for my school fees.” “When I asked my mum, she said it was not true,” she testified. The victim alleged that the accused threatened her with a knife to force her to sleep with him. After her testimony, Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf adjourned the case till March 14.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that at the last sitting on February 11, the victim said Basil allegedly told her that her father’s wife was trying to kill her and that the Lord told him to deliver her. “I agreed to the deliverance. During the deliverance, he carried a white handkerchief and a bottle of oil and asked me to remove my clothes. “He also asked me if I was on my period and I told him no. He told me that I was possessed with evil spirits that had stained my blood, and it will only take my husband to deliver me and I was not married. “He said he will carry out the cleansing on me,” she said. The victim testified that the accused led her into his bedroom and asked her to close her eyes, brought his

I was misinterpreted, says Nasarawa deputy governor

ASARAWA State Deputy Governor Dameshi Luka yesterday said he joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following perceived “exclusion by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).” Luka said Governor Tanko Al-Makura misinterpreted his presence last year at the pilgrimage to Israel, with President Goodluck Jonathan. Luka spoke at the PDP secretariat in Lafia after submitting a letter of intent to join the party. He said his purported suspension from the APC while

glad to have him back under the umbrella. Iliya said the deputy governor and others, who recently joined the PDP will soon be hosted to a grand reception to be graced by the national leadership of the party.

Pastor raped me to cleanse my spirit, says victim

ASTOR Princewill Basil, who is on trial at an Abuja High Court for allegedly defiling two girls, was yesterday accused by a third victim, who also claimed he raped her. Basil, general overseer of Mountain Movers Fire Ministry Church, Nyanya, was arraigned in 2012 for allegedly defiling and impregnating two teenagemembers of his church. Giving evidence under cross-examination by the defence counsel, Sunday Kekere, the victim said the pastor raped her to “cleanse her spirit of dirt.” “I cannot remember the number of times he raped me. “Papa told me it was a continuous deliverance, and he had to sleep with me to clean the dirt inside me and cleanse my future,” she told the court. When asked if in her state-

‘Nigeria lucky to have Obasanjo’ From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

ORTHERN States Governors Forum (NSGF) yesterday extolled the dedication of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the promotion of peace, unity and development of the nation. In a goodwill message to mark the 77th birthday of the former leader, the forum praised Obasanjo’s contribution to deepening the nation’s democracy. In a statement by the Forum’s Chairman and Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu in Minna yesterday, the forum said the nation is lucky to have Obasanjo and described his life as one of exceptional professional and political accomplishments.

Kudos for PPMC

GROUP, Nigerian Youth Oil and Gas Forum (NYOGF), has passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Pipeline Product and Management Company (PPMC) and Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) for ensuring transparency in the distribution of petroleum products. In a statement by the group’s President, Charles Ibiang, NYOGF said the Mrs. Adefunke Kasali-led PPMC had made positive impact on the petroleum distribution sector. They also hailed the launch of PROJECT AQILLA, describing it as a bold step in repositioning the trucking and distribution of products in line

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

with international best practices. The statement said: “In the past, petroleum distribution from depot to retail points has been characterised by abuses, corruption and ineffectiveness. These abuses and corruption have left a huge loss of resources. “With the coming of Mrs. Kasali, corruption and bribery have been banished from PPMC. These abuses have defied successive administrations and leadership of PEF, but the present leadership has corrected these past abnormalities through effective leadership.”

handkerchief and placed it over her head and she became weak. The victim alleged that the accused raped her. The offences, NAPTIP said, contravened sections 97, 179, 397(B) and 268 of the Penal Code. If convicted, he is liable to 14 years in prison. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

EFCC witness’ illness stalls Goje’s trial From Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

ROCEEDING in the N25 billion money laundering case against former Gombe State Governor Danjuma Goje by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was stalled yesterday, following the illness of the EFCC’s Principal Witness One (PW1), Solomon Okotie. As a result, Justice Babatunde Quadri adjourned proceedings till today to allow the PW1 stabilise. The decision is sequel to a plea by the prosecuting counsel, Wahab Shiutu, during the crossexamination by his counterpart, Chris Uche (SAN) on the ground that Solomon said his health was failing and could not continue. Justice Quadri told counsel that the two days (March 4 and 5) earlier fixed for the case could be extend to make up for the setback. Goje’s counsel Chris Uche (SAN) said: “Because of the pungency of our questions, it appears the witness needs to be stabilsed, even the prosecution counsel admitted to that.” “So on grounds of ill health, we conceded an adjournment because we all noticed that he was not quite stable, so we had to take a little break when we discovered our questions started coming to him like punches,” he added.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

NEWS (SHOWBIZ) Glo Evergreen Series: KSA, D’banj,Yemi Sax excite Lagos elite

EYOND the typical Friday night fun, the much-publicised Glo Evergreen Series, at the weekend, delivered an elitist gig, befitting of the young and old. The show held at the prestigious Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. It was an evening of class, as Juju maestro, King Sunny Ade (KSA), Dapo Oyebanjo a.k.a D’banj and Nigeria’s foremost saxophonist, Yemi Sax took turns, in enthralling sessions of music that cuts across generations. Expectedly, the show raved about the classics of Juju music from the repertoire of KSA, whose art, the concert set out to celebrate. At 67, the King of World Beat, as KSA is princely called, literarily shook the venue, as he rendered energetic performance that portrayed a never-say-die spirit. Although the concert started behind schedule, the master guitarist stormed the stage at 9:28 p.m., amid thunderous rhythms. This was followed by a swift assemblage of choreographers, whose boogies, hops and skips took the tempo a notch higher. That way, the ceremony kicked off in earnest. Typical of most traditional musicians, KSA’s voice rose with obeisance, as he sang:

‘A skilled performer, the artiste led his band through a dramatic show, with rising and falling cadence, smooth fading of beats and lyrics, and a dramatic snapping of the fingers to create an amazing sound’ By Victor Akande

Me le se, kemi ma sai yin baba logo, ke mi ma shai jijo ope... off the album, Divine Shield. A skilled performer, the artiste led his band through a dramatic show, with rising and falling cadence, smooth fading of beats and lyrics, and a dramatic snapping of

the fingers to create an amazing sound. To this, the crowd responded with loud applause. Sporting a green Kaftan with glitzy embroidery, KSA displayed dexterity on the guitar, even has he sang the most patronising song of the evening; ‘Call Me, That’s My Number’, one of the earliest promos for Glo mobile, sponsors of the concert. Anchored by ace comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, whose jokes gave pep to the evening, KSA held everybody spellbound, with popular thanksgiving song, such as Mafowo Yin e Logo, Great To Serve The Lord, and I Have a Very Big God among others, before striking the cord of nostalgia, by gliding into songs of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Yemi Sax mounted the stage during dinner. As usual, classic tunes from his saxophone serenaded fun seekers during the show’s interval. Highpoint of the show was the duet by KSA and D’banj. The latter climbed the stage with his youthful vigour, but it was obvious he chose to start with language songs –Perhaps too, songs that are popular across the age divide. He kicked off with Olurun Maje, followed by Mobolowo Won, a hit from his first album, titled: No Long Thing. It was

•KSA with D'banj

the song that best portrays his skill with the harmonica. It was at this point that KSA joined the Kokomaster, as he is fondly called, in a remix of the connotative song; Mo Bo Lowo Won, meant to celebrate escape from imaginary enemies. Though Chief Mike Adenuga, Chairman of Globacom was conspicuously absent at the concert, notable celebrities, including Richard MofeDamijo, Commissioner of Culture in Delta State, actor and TV producer Teju Babyface, filmmaker Ola Balogun, and Sammy Okposo were among guests at the show.

• Okposo with RMD

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

Life

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Text only: 08023058761

Theatrical experience at unusual spot – Page 18

‘Only love ‘ll cure Nigeria’ – Page 17 •Prof Prah

‘21 Century will be Africa’s ’ ‘My generation led Africa to political freedom. ‘We need paradigm shift The current generation of leaders and peoples of Africa must pick up the flickering torch of in tourism African freedom, refuel it with their enthusiasm promotion’ and determination, and carry it forward’ – Page 47

– SEE STORY ON PAGE 16

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

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About 90 years ago, the Black History Month was pioneered by the renowned African American historian, Dr. Carter Godson Woodson, to protest the exclusion of the contributions of African Americans from history textbooks in the United States. At this year’s celebration at Ibadan, Oyo State capital, renowned Pan Africanist and Director, Africa-wide Centre for Advanced Studies of African Society, Cape Town, South Africa, Prof Kwesi Kwaa Prah, examined Pan-Africanism and the challenges of global African unity, reports Assistant editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

‘21st Century will be Africa’s’

HE gathering was a mix of academics, traditional rulers, artists, civil servants and students. The newly built International Conference Centre (Hall A), University of Ibadan, Oyo State, provided the ideal ambience for a discourse on the challenges of global African unity, especially the peoples’ actions and inactions towards forging a united Africa. The event, which was held last Thursday, was not all about long speeches as an art exhibition was mounted at the university’s Institute of African Studies to complement the discourse. Apart from the core issues on Pan Africanism, other aspects of Africa’s tangible and intangible heritage were strategically presented to the audience. Minutes before the start of the programme, screening of video clips on FESTAC 77, dancedrama performances and the podium’s backdrop, a collage of African cultural elements formed parts of the menu. Setting the tone for the day’s deliberation, the DirectorGeneral Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), Prof. Tunde Babawale described the event as a ‘way of keeping Pan Africanism alive and revisit it as a panacea to our marginalisation in the international division of labour’. He said it was also motivated by the numerous socio-economic and political challenges facing the African continent and her vast Diaspora and the desire to frontally confront them. “It is sad to note that despite decades of experimentation with different economic policies and programmes, the world’s absolute poor still live on the continent. With only a few exceptions, most countries on the continent are caught in the poverty trap, with more than half of the population living below the poverty line and on less than one dollar per day. “Poverty is so severe in Africa that about 22 out of the 25 poorest countries in the world are in Africa. The problem of poverty has been compounded by needless political crises that often resulted in violent conflicts on the continent. The desire to find workable solutions to these problems informed our decision to choose the theme of this year’s celebration,” he said. But the guest lecturer, Prof Prah said the real unity Africans are desirous of is that which shares the interwoven characteristics of the peoples’ culture. He noted that ‘if we have unity, we will be a world power, everybody will deal with us and there will be no playing game’. He said constraints such as tribalism, ethnicism, xenophobia feelings and other contending interests must be addressed in order to deepen and accelerate the development of people-to-people relations amongst global Africans. According to him, the states we have inherited from the colonial powers were not created with the intention of global prosperity, equality and power for Africans. They have no bearing on Africans as historical and cultural constructs, which existed before the Western encounter. These states make us pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial realities; in other words these states conceptually make us adjuncts of Western imperial histories. They hide our true historical and cultural character as Africans; our identities as Africans.’ He said despite pockets of ethnic feelings mobilised by dominant interests for power, unity among Africans will undermine the structural basis of ethnicism/tribalism, adding that a broad and compounded structure will make it difficult for any ethnic formation to assume hegemonic posture. He stressed that the weaknesses and socio-conflictual problems in African society must be corrected by cultivating the ethos of tolerance, openness and the celebration of cultural especially among the ruling class. “It is important for intellectuals to hold the political elites accountable for the fanning of xenophobic and ethnic feelings as means to political ascendancy. Tolerance of cultural diversity is crucial for the survival of modern world…But diversity should not be allowed to run parallel to socio-economic divisions or caste lines in the society,” he said. Prof Prah reassured that the 21st Century will be Africa’s century because neo-colonialsim would be brought to an unceremonious end at the same period when the process of an African renaissance will take off. He noted that this would not happen automatically as the process will require agency both in theory and practice. The only challenge, he said, is how to fashion the theory and practice to achieve the goal. Democracy, social justice, fairness, respect for human rights and the ideas of secularism, decentralisation and multiculturalism, he noted, must be built into the process of the demise of neo-colonialism. Continuing, he said: “The extent to which we are able to minimise and avoid the difficulties ahead will depend on

•From left: Oba Dokun Abolarin, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Prof Dele Layiwola and Senator Brimmo

•Prof Babawale

•Prof Prah

LECTURE how much democratic practice and process we utilise on the way forward. If we pursue the emancipation and development process in an open and permissive way then the hindrances, constraints and societal blockages will be reduced to a minimum.” But even more immediately is how do we move forward from where we stand today? he asked. “We need a cultural movement which will mobilise writers, teachers, artists,

‘It is sad to note that despite decades of experimentation with different economic policies and programmes, the world’s absolute poor still live on the continent. With only a few exceptions, most countries on the continent are caught in the poverty trap, with more than half of the population living below the poverty line and on less than one dollar per day’

musicians among others, to focus minds on the celebration of our African belongings as baggage for a forward movement; a cultural rennaissane, which will strengthen our sense of identity as Africans and provide the pride and confidence necessary to forge ahead,” he said. Prof Prah said Africans are trying very hard to be Ghanaians or Tanzanians and have not been completely successful, noting that unity will not make Africans rich, but can make it difficult for Africa and Africans to be disregarded and humiliated. “My generation led Africa to political freedom. The current generation of leaders and peoples of Africa must pick up the flickering torch of African freedom, refuel it with their enthusiasm and determination, and carry it forward,” he added. Among guests that attended the event were Tourism, Culture and National Orientation Minister, Chief Edem Duke, represented by a deputy director in the ministry; Chairman board of CBAAC, Senator Yusuf Brimmo, a representative of deputy chairman House Committee on Tourism and Culture, Abdul Malik Cheche; Vice-Chancellor University of Ibadan, represented by Prof. Remi Raji; Director, Institute of African Studies, Prof. Dele Layiwola; Oba Dokun Abolarin, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedayo Olusino Adekoya, the Legusen of Ode-Ule. On Wednesday last week, the US Consulate General, Lagos held a video conference and discussion session with renowned American Visual Artist/Philanthropist/Entrepreneur, Charles Bibbs as part of its commemoration of the Black History Month. It was titled: The Role of Art during the U.S. Civil Rights movement.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

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‘Only love ‘ll cure Nigeria’

ESPITE their hostility to humans, some lucky mosquitoes still enjoy “immunity” in the hands of even the stone-hearted among their preys. Obviously, this is why many humane people are now on tenterhooks as to why fellow human beings – who, by biblical records, were created in God’s own image – are being gruesomely wasted without the slightest compunction. That the dreaded sect, Boko Haram, was not prepared to observe a ceasefire in the months-long unprovoked onslaught on innocent souls in some northern parts of the country became clear last Tuesday. For the umpteenth time, they spread shockwaves of horror across the nation when, in a most ruthless manner, they killed 43 defenceless school pupils in Yobe. And Nigerians’ grief deepened. Three days after – last Friday, Nigerians woke up to hear of another thunder-bolt that tore the peace of three towns to shreds in Adamawa State: “Boko Haram kills 32.” “May God have mercy on us. These killings coupled with the other various woes besetting this country and its people are symptomatic of a naked fact: Nigeria is bereft of love. This is the reason we held a breakfast where we preached love in Lagos on the last Valentine’s Day.” This was the observation of the National President, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Rotimi Oladele, last Friday, in reaction to the latest killings. He sobbed on phone. The breakfast, which Oladele referred to, was tagged: “Being in love with Nigeria ….” It was organised to unveil the institute’s mindset: That the country’s current negative image is injurious to its investment drive. The Special Adviser on Tertiary Education to Osun State Governor, Alhaja Mulikat Bello was there alongside others, including former Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Guinness Nigeria, U.U Mba and a lecturer at the University of Lagos, Dr Francis Anyim. Declaring the talk open at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers,

•Oladele By Dada Aladelokun and Precious Igbonwelundu

INTERVIEW Ikeja, Lagos, Oladele said the gathering was an opportunity for participants to preach love and review their individual commitment to building and managing a good reputation for Nigeria. Oladele, who described himself as a proud Nigerian, noted

that a lot of people still love and treat Nigeria with respect, adding: “The reactions from Nigerians over the centenary celebrations are simply a demonstration of our great diversity and how much Nigerians love Nigeria. However, the degree of individual expectations from their country either makes them react positively or negatively on such great national issues. “I feel happy that a new flame is being rekindled to drive the long-awaited change. I see a flame of deep love and patriotism for our dear country from this meeting. I see a flame of unwavering commitment and passion as decision makers in building and managing world class reputation for Nigeria. The NIPR has since 1963, been committed and passionately advocating for a better Nigeria. We have a great hope in the Nigeria project.” He said as the nation plans to celebrate its 100 years, the centenary should provide the foundation for an enduring cultural and educational legacy, as well as ensure that the sacrifices of heroes past are remembered. Let us know that peace and security, economic and social development, as well as governance and human rights are the three inter-connected pillars on which Nigeria’s continued progress rests. There are still much to be done, especially in the area of loving ourselves and the nation,” he added. Anyim, who chaired the deliberations, praised NIPR for consistently devoting time to discussing burning issues affecting the nation and proffering solutions. The guest speaker, Bello noted that for anyone to be in love with Nigeria, he must have great emotional attachment to the country. She said having a world-class relationship for Nigeria must start with how Nigerians relate with one another, adding: “Nigeria must do right whatever it sets out to do. We must create a good environment for quality, invest in men and material and engage in flawless transactions. There is the need to cultivate and nurture relationships with right foreign partners and in the right ways.” Bello also said the government must make the act of decision making simple by involving all stakeholders, while implementation of decisions must be prompt and efficient. Above all, he said love must be the centre-point of our interpersonal dealings if we truly desired a healthy nation.

Femi, German keep Shrine alive

T was a gathering of top artists, celebrities and music lovers from Nigeria and as Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti and German reggae artist jointly performed at the New Afrika Shrine, Ikeja, Lagos penultimate Sunday. The show was organised by Goethe Institut, Lagos. For the first one and the half hour, it was a pre-concert performance by a 10-man band led by Wale Mighty. The songs were purely Juju and Alujo kind of music. Though the mani acts for the concert were Afro beat King Femi Kuti and German reggae musician, Gentleman, the audience were fed with Ayefele’s kind of music as an appetiser. When the real show started, the famous German reggae artist shared his source of inspiration, saying it came from his lovely and beautiful wife. For him, it was a rare privilege performing on stage at the Afrika Shrine with Grammy nominee Femi Kuti and multiple awards winning afro beat King especially when it was his first time of visiting Nigeria. In remembrance of the late icon and the father of Afro beat music, Fela Anikulapo-kuti, the event got spiced up with the presentation of his old songs to entertain the audience who took the dance floor. Many of the audience members said the late Fela’s memories and legacy will forever live. An hour after the performance of Wale Mighty and his band, Femi Kuti’s band, The Positive Force Band got on stage and entertained the audience with old songs such as Stubborn problems, African lady, No place for my dream among others. Gentleman’s songs were later presented by a German Dj to entertain the audience while they waited anxiously for him to come on stage. After about 30 minutes, Gentleman got on stage thrilling the audience with his reggae tunes. The audience especially those who are familiar with his songs were excited by his per-

•Gentleman on stage at the Afrika Shrine By Linda Ogudo

CONCERT formances as they watched him perform along with his two female singers. An hour after the performance of Gentleman, Femi came on stage and got the crowd screaming and full of

excitement as they watched him perform one of his best tracks, truth don die. After a long night of fun, the show got to its peak when Femi and Gentleman went on stage for a joint performance that dragged almost everyone to the dance floor. It was a great collaboration watching both artistes performed on stage like never before. Indeed, it was a night to remember for the audience.

BRIFS

Ounje ale Oluwa holds at GreenHouse Stories by Chinasa Ekekwe

HE GreenHouse Art Empowerment Centre will hold a solo art exhibition titled OUNJE ALE OLUWA (The Last Supper of Jesus & His 12 Disciples) and a craft-book presentation on March 16 at the GreenHouse Art Empowerment Centre, Olambe, after Akute, Ogun State. The exhibition will feature paintings and prints by Princess Theresa Iyase-Odozi, Rose Odozi & Dr. M.O. Awogbade. Exhibition will run till June 30.

Campus Classical to make debut soon

HE first ever competition where Nigerian university students are given the opportunity to showcase musical talents in theory and practice tagged Campus Classicals, is set to start in all universities in Nigeria. According to the event organisers, the winner of the competition will receive a cash prize of 10milion naira and other consolation prizes. Campus Classicals is expected to stimulate interest in the study and practice of music both in and outside the academia and its full benefits to the society at large. The competitive event will commence with a qualifier competition from various zones.

Ghana welcomes Nigerian actors

ELEGATES from the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) will be hosted by the Ghana Actors Guild (GAG) as part of activities to commemorate Ghana’s 57th independence anniversary this month. The Nigerian delegates are expected to arrive Ghana on March 2nd in a week activities of enjoying Ghana’s fascinating sights and sounds while participating in a number of activities lined up for the visit. There will also be a dinner and an awards event at the banquet hall in Accra on March 8.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

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Theatrical experience at unusual spot

UTTING a play on stage at any theatre takes a great effort. It takes greater efforts staging such play outside the non-conventional theatre venue just as it takes even greater efforts and skills. This was demonstrated at the just concluded second edition of Lagos Theatre Festival (LTF), the largest ever outdoor theatre festival to hold in Lagos State in recent time, at Freedom Park. Theme of the festival was All the city’s a stage, organised by the British Council, Nigeria. “The event was part theatrical experience, part real life and part city journey. The festival transformed historical Freedom Park, a public space born out of the ruins of a colonial prison and reconstructed to preserve the history and cultural heritage of Nigeria,” said the organisers. This year’s edition of LTF witnessed interactive performances, making it possible for the audience to participate in the plays. Artworks and attractive African cloths and accessories were some of the items on display at the festival. Venue of the festival was beautifully decorated with Ankara fabrics of various colours. No wonder the Director, British Council Nigeria, Ms Connie Price said at the opening ceremony that “it is tremendously exciting for the British Council to be working again on Lagos Theatre Festival. Our hope is that the new collaborations taking place will captivate audiences and stimulate future works as the British Council builds towards 2015, a year that will see a major season of culture and educational programmes take place across Nigeria.” Price said that both Nigeria and UK have reached theatrical condition and is great to see how two countries come together to collaborate genuine ideas. “There is no other for Lagos Theatre Festival to take place, but at the Freedom Park, a once a prison yard but now a centre of creativity,” she said. The plays were staged in unusual locations in the park. The first play titled Queen of the Night, written by Wole Oguntokun and produced by Renegade Theatre, was staged in a bar and gave the audience the opportunity to participate in the play. The play was about a bar in Lagos where there is no good or bad; where all pretences at right and wrong stop at the door. In the play a brief history about the first owner of the bar in 1950s, Esther, who killed her white lover in the old prison yard, was narrated by Queen, (Tosin Adeyemi), a cast in the play. Make we Waka; a play inspired by the city of Lagos and written by two young British ladies: Artistic Director Mimi Poskitt and Molly Taylor, after they did a rigorous research on Lagos and a hand full of interview, with diverse people living in the state, they came up with the play, produced by a multi award winning interactive theatre company based in the United Kingdom (UK), Look Left Look Right sit-specific theatre company. The play was premiered at the opening of LTF. “It has been a journey for us, when we arrived in Lagos we took a trip round the city, we spent weeks trekking around the place and we interviewed many people ranging from an ex-doctor, a policeman and artiste and whole lot of others before we could create ‘Make we Waka’. The city of Lagos has so many stories to tell us and it really thrown it arms around us,” said the two ladies. The cast in Make we Waka invited the audience to partake in some friendly stroll performances in the park with the aid of a small audio guide, which told amazing stories to the audience about the park while they explored the hid-

By Udemma Chukwuma

FESTIVAL den parts of Freedom Park in the play. The Creative Director of LTF, Kenneth Uphopho said the festival was designed to show the true essence of Lagos State nature. Uphopho revealed that writers from all over Nigeria were asked to tell their experiences in Lagos. “Almost everybody in Lagos sent a story and eventu-

ally we shortlisted the stories to three,” he said. The stories are: Queen of the Night, Waiting for a Lottery and Diagnosis were born and tuned into scripts by Jude Idada, Lekan Balogun, Wole Oguntokun and finally Imagine Nigeria, Renegade Theatre and Oxzygen Koncepts(sic) companies were employed to direct the projects. Uphopho said putting the festival together was a tedious process. The LTF kicked off last week Friday and ended on Sunday.

Pathways to parenting

•Oyelakin

APIDLY changing lifestyle, newer demands and requirements of life put forward multiple challenges to parents. Balancing between works and parenting duties make many parenting as a stressful and challenging task, not minding the fact that as parents, they need to manage several requirements of life along with the essential parenting duties. These challenges were part of a new book titled: SOLD OUT by Mr Olaniyi Oyelakin Oladeji launched at the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo town in Oyo State. The 20-chapter book offers invaluable suggestions to parents about the social, psychological and logical solutions to those factors leading to a child becoming naughty and wayward. Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Alaafin of Oyo, who was represented by Chief Gabriel Adeleke said the author peeped into and captured the lives and times of voiceless youths who seek to be heard. Oba Adeyemi described the book as ‘creative writing of a promising young mind with a

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo.

LITERATURE vision’. The paramount ruler who also lauded the initiative and patriotism of the young author, recommended the book to all institutions, parents and youths. Similarly, Chairman to Oyo Baptist Conference, Reverend Mobolaji Anthony Adegbola, who is the author’s mentor, described the book as ‘an eye-opener to the multi-various obligations to parents, especially in this century and in the life of our country as we rejoice in the 100 years of the existence of our country’. The sobriety portrayed by the pictorial appearance on the front cover reflects regrets, adding it prepares the heart of the reader, though with curious suspense, for the tragic plot, of the prose. It is, however, punctuated with instances of comic relief without which a novel like this would have been emotionally injurious to an extent, it

was said. From the start, the author prepared the reader for a kind of emotional recovery, saying the candle light signified illumination to a dark world that pervades the physical and time setting of the story. The beauty of the novel, the reviewer said, is revealed in the economic use of characters, while the choice of language is simple, day-to-day with heavy use of colloquial for relaxation and use of pigin English, spiced with Ijaw, the local language of the setting. On the relevance of the novel to the society, he said: “It is very didactic as it teaches the society the challenges involved in parenthood and erroneous archaic lackadaisical attitudes of parents towards their wards. It equally encourages the need for parents to believe in their children and always be there for them.” He, therefore, recommended the book to educational authorities, planners and schools boards for use in secondary and tertiary institutions. Olaniyi was born in Oyo State, where he completed his secondary school education before moving to Okija for his university education.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

Cameroon castaways •Nigeria must bring its people home

N spite of previous efforts by the Federal Government to rescue Nigerians stranded in the Central African Republic (CAR), it is truly distressing to know that the travails of compatriots caught up in the crisis is yet to end. According to reports, more than 400 Nigerians who fled from the CAR are now refugees in Kentjou in eastern Cameroon, where their situation is becoming increasingly desperate. Deprived of the basic necessities of life, they have been forced to rely on the inadequate handouts of the already-impoverished indigenes. Many of them have been forced to take refuge in places of worship, playing fields and other public spaces. As their situation worsens, there are growing fears of diarrhea, cholera and other diseases. The rapidly-approaching rainy season can only make matters worse for these Nigerians in distress, many of whom are women and children. It is surprising that Nigeria somehow managed to overlook these citizens, especially as it was able to evacuate some 1,200 Nigerians from the CAR earlier this year. Apparently, that effort was not as comprehensive as it should have been: the evacuation should not have ended until everyone who wanted to leave the country was safely back in Nigeria. A country that likes to call itself the “Giant of Africa” cannot continue to look on while its citizens suffer intolerable conditions in foreign countries. Over the years, Nigeria’s inability to rescue its own people has undermined its grandiloquent claims to sovereignty and continen-

tal pre-eminence. The nation was slow to move when crises erupted in Egypt and Libya at the height of the Arab Spring. Nigerians were victimised during conflicts in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cote d’Ivoire. In contrast, Canada, the United States, the European Union and China are very quick to ensure that breakdowns of law and order anywhere in the world do not have overly adverse effects on their citizens. Indeed, many of these countries embark on the proactive strategy of issuing travel warnings when they deem them to be appropriate. Like those nations, Nigeria must develop a comprehensive rescue and repatriation system for its citizens. Very few national crises emerge abruptly: the increase in lawlessness and violence in any society can be precisely monitored and threat-levels accurately assessed. In order to do this effectively, the country’s various embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will have to be thoroughly overhauled. There should be a reliable database of Nigerians living abroad, with detailed information regarding their location and circumstances. The country can imitate the travel advisory system used by other nations as a means of constantly alerting its citizens on threats to their safety. When crises do erupt, comprehensive plans of action must be on ground to act upon. Emergency rescue and evacuation scenarios should be developed in cooperation with the armed forces, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian Red Cross So-

ciety (NRCS) so that they can be implemented immediately. Points of assembly should be pre-identified; citizens resident abroad should be informed on what to do whenever a crisis breaks out where they live; contact information should be made available for them to utilise. In the specific case of the Nigerians now languishing in Kentjou, the Federal Government must move to quickly evacuate them before their predicament becomes worse than it already is. Arrangements should be made to transport them by road or air to Nigeria. Those with medical conditions should be handled with dispatch. It is time for Nigeria to live up to the expectations of its longsuffering citizens.

‘In the specific case of the Nigerians now languishing in Kentjou, the Federal Government must move to quickly evacuate them before their predicament becomes worse than it already is. Arrangements should be made to transport them by road or air to Nigeria. Those with medical conditions should be handled with dispatch. It is time for Nigeria to live up to the expectations of its long-suffering citizens’

Ejigbo assault • Suspects should be prosecuted to send the signal that society does not condone such barbarity

HE heart-rending story of the inhuman treatment of two young girls and their mother for allegedly stealing pepper in a market in Ejigbo, a suburb of Lagos, sometime last year, appears set to be properly rested now. Thanks to the viral social media, the tenacity of a social activist, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, and the unwavering commitment of Lagos State government and the police; those allegedly responsible for the inhuman treatment of the young girls and their mother have been arrested by the police. The alleged suspects include the Babaoloja of Oba Morufu International Market, Ejigbo, Isiaka Waidi and 15 others. In a most bizarre show of brutality, the victims, as shown in the video that went viral, were stripped naked, tor-

‘We urge the police to quickly and professionally conclude their investigation so that the suspects can be taken to court ... This is the least that members of the public expect from the authorities in charge of criminal prosecution in the state. For, as Dr. OkeiOdumakin succinctly put it, it is important “to prove a point that jungle justice does not pay”

tured and had pepper mixed with hot drink poured into their private parts. The bandits responsible for this most degrading assault allegedly also extorted the sum of N50, 000.00 as ransom from the victims, before banishing them from the community. Until the parade of the suspects, many Lagosians were astounded that such barbarity could be associated with the cosmopolitan city of Lagos. Ordinarily, such brutish assault would perhaps be associated with remote towns and villages, considering the share impudence of the barbarians involved. Unfortunately, it is reported that one of the victims had died, apparently from the injuries sustained from the assault. Dr. Okei-Odumakin, says that she has visited the grave of the victim, Juliana, in Benin Republic, where she was reported to have relocated for treatment. In her testimony, one of the victims, Nike Salami, a half-sister of late Juliana, claimed that one of the torturers was enraged that Juliana had resisted his pass on her, and so he gruesomely maltreated her, when the opportunity came. She also claimed in the testimony that they were forced to steal, just to buy a day’s meal. While parading Mr. Isiaka Waidi and 11 other arrested suspects, the police noted that four others were on the run, and promised to publish their pictures so that public and other security agencies can help to track them. The names of the suspects on the run, who had been declared wanted by the

Police, include Tiri, an alleged member of Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Otera Oluranti, Michael Abolore and one Akeem. The police public relations officer, Mr. Frank Mba, who paraded the suspects in company of the deputy commissioner of police, Mr. Chris Ezike, said the arrest of the suspects was facilitated by the civil society groups. We urge the police to quickly and professionally conclude their investigation so that the suspects can be taken to court. Notably, the Director of the Office of Public Defender, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi, while observing that the case file will be forwarded to the Office of Public Prosecution, promised: “we will ensure that justice is done in this case”. This is the least that members of the public expect from the authorities in charge of criminal prosecution in the state. For, as Dr. Okei-Odumakin succinctly put it, it is important “to prove a point that jungle justice does not pay”. A diligent prosecution of the offenders will also send a signal that Lagos State does not condone such barbarity. It is also important that the state authority continues its effort to take miscreants off the streets and disarm cult groups and hoodlums who like to take the laws into their own hands. They must realise, by a zero tolerance action of the state officials and security agencies, that self-serving quasi-security agencies have no place in the mega city status of Lagos.

A second cold war threatens Europe – The US would be right to consider economic sanctions

UROPE is in the throes of its most dangerous crisis since the end of the cold war. When President Viktor Yanukovich was toppled in Kiev eight days ago, the world wondered how the Kremlin would respond to the fall of its cherished ally and the threat that Ukraine might shift westwards. In the past three days, Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, has given his uncompromising answer. President Putin has effectively annexed Crimea, detaching the peninsula from the rest of Ukraine to which it legally belongs. In a propaganda campaign of often unfounded allegations of mistreatment of Russian-speaking communities in eastern Ukraine by Kiev’s new leadership, officials are now attempting to build a case for military intervention in the east. By entering Ukraine as a punishment for its revolution, Mr Putin has not only shown brazen disregard for international law. He has also created the very real possibility that Ukraine and Russia will be engulfed in a bloody conflict that could last for years. In all of this, Mr Putin has taken his reputation for cold ruthlessness to new heights. Yet master tactician though he may be, the Russian leader cannot be certain where his actions will lead. As of Sunday night, the Kremlin’s interventions in Crimea had not brought bloodshed, largely because of the admirable restraint of the new Ukrainian government. But with tensions running so high, a major conflict involving Moscow and Kiev may not be contained for long. There is no doubting Mr Putin’s culpability in all this. By invading Crimea, Russia has breached the sovereignty of another state and violated the UN charter. Its actions amount to rank hypocrisy by a nation that has always insisted on a UN Security Council resolution as the precursor for any military action. US President Barack Obama’s response over the weekend has therefore been correct. Mr Obama was right to freeze preparations for the next Group of Eight summit, an event that has hitherto symbolised collaboration between the west and Russia. The US would also be right to take further punitive action, including economic sanctions, if Russia now moves to a full scale invasion of Ukraine. Western sanctions would be a serious threat to the Kremlin. The Russian economic model is already in dire trouble and has been suffering capital flight for some time. The threat of asset freezes on leading oligarchs connected to Mr Putin would certainly make the Kremlin think twice. Still, as the US and its allies forge a response, they must bear two things in mind. First, Mr Putin has many retaliatory levers to pull. Russia is a permanent member of the UN Security Council and can use its veto to outmanoeuvre the international community, as it has cynically shown on Syria. It is also the primary source of natural gas to much of Europe. So if the US and its allies are to start drawing red lines that Russia must not cross, they must be certain to act on any breach. Second, while the US response should be tough, it must also leave plenty of room for diplomacy. Rightly or wrongly, the Putin regime today feels profoundly alienated by the west. The Kremlin believes that the US and its allies are determined to strip Russia of its remaining Soviet-era allies and therefore its status. Such paranoia cannot justify the grotesque actions we are now seeing from the Kremlin. But the west must leave open the opportunity, if possible, for talks between the US, EU, Russia and Ukraine that try to resolve the current crisis. This, however, would require Mr Putin to abandon his war footing and opt for diplomacy. As of now, there is little sign that he is of such a mindset. The early chill of a second cold war already hangs over Europe. – Financial Times

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: It is appalling that despite the human lives and properties that were wasted last week in Adamawa and Yobe by the animalistic sect group, the federal government still went ahead with the so-called celebration of 100 years of the country’s existence. Most disgusting was that beyond a one minute silence, Aso Rock did not show much concern for the demise. It did not even deem it fit to fly the nation’s flag at half mast in recognition of those young chaps and adults who were sent to their early graves. But because human lives don’t mean anything to this administration, the Presidency carried on with the celebration with careless abandon. So, while the big men were clinking away glasses of wine in the nation’s capital territory, families in the remote Buni (Yobe) and Adamawa languished in trauma, anguish and sorrow.

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Celebration that shouldn’t have been The Centenary celebration in the midst of the Adamawa and Yobe carnage was a sad reminder of the Goodluck Jonathan-led administration’s insensitivity to the plights of the masses of this country. Those precious lives couldn’t have meant anything to a president who recently threatened to pull out the soldiers in the embattled states in reaction to a honest and frank statement expressed by Governor Ibrahim Shettima of Borno, over the sect’s senseless killings in the

state. For a government that has lost touch with the realities of the insecurity and deplorable economic conditions in the land, the Centenary celebration was more important and significant to her than finding ways of addressing these challenges. In the first place, there was absolutely nothing to celebrate. The false and fraudulent union which the 1914 amalgamation imposed on us does not warrant the waste of resources and time as witnessed in

that fruitless venture. The Presidency did not need to waste such huge public fund to reopen the old wound called amalgamation. The recent mindless killingsby the Boko Haram sect group represent some of those violence and crises that have characterised the so-called marriage since 100 years ago. The innocent blood of ordinary Nigerians has been used by successive regimes to sustain the propaganda on the elusive unity of the country. No sensitive government would

Ifeajuna deserves centenary recognition

IR: One of the highlights of the centenary celebrations was the choice of 100 distinguished honourees. However, it offends logic that the pioneering achievement of the nation’s first commonwealth champion, Major Emmanuel Arinze Ifeajuna, who brought the country’s first major honour in an international sporting competition in the 1954 Vancouver Commonwealth Games has always been conveniently ignored by those in position of authority. It is baffling that this record setting sporting hero in spite of his illustrious 2.03m golden leap that pushed Ugandan’s Patrick Etolu and Nigerian compatriot Osagie Nafsio to the second and third spot with a 1.99m jump has been consistently denied national honours befitting his sporting prowess by successive administrations even when lesser mortals have been adequately rewarded. If the sole reason for the unfair treatment for ignoring this conqueror of the British Empire (at least in High Jump) is his prime role in the January 1966 coup d’ etat, the proposition is not only laughable but smacks of double standards. It is an open secret that seasoned coupists and allied

conspirators have been duly or unduly honoured with state and national awards and have national and state monuments dotting the entire landscape named and renamed after them and also well represented in the list of 100 distinguished Nigerians! Mohammed Ali’s refusal to honour a national call in the Vietnamese war has never diminished his legendary status, in fact he was

specially honoured to light the Atlanta ’96 Centennial Olympic touch and also had his 1960 Rome Olympic Gold medal thrown away symbolically restored by the IOC. This centennial ought to have provided a perfect opportunity to correct the wrongs of the past. It will be ideal to name the nation’s noblest monument of sporting prowess – the Abuja National Stadium after this sporting icon, and that to me will

be a perfect way to honour this departed champion at the diamond jubilee of that epochal Vancouver feat. It is better late than never!. The best way to stop the spread of injustice is to challenge it when it is done on someone else. Please name Abuja National Stadium after Emmanuel Arinze Ifeajuna! •Opeyemi Ajala (ACA) Lagos

roll out drum of celebration (however important such event is) in the midst of the disaster as witnessed in the two northern states. This is why world leaders often cut short their foreign trips and official functions to visit disaster areas in their countries to commiserate with the victims. Such action usually go a long way in reassuring the citizens that their leaders care about them, and the consequence is that patriotism and hope are renewed in the people. This was exactly what most Nigerians expected from the Presidency. There was certainly nothing too urgent about the celebration (assuming it had to take place at all) that could have prevented the Presidency from shelving it to a later date at least to show the families and victims of that dastardly act that the government share in their pains and anguish. It is high time the Presidency woke up to her responsibility and stop dwelling so much on irrelevance. The fight against the many challenges bedevilling our dear country, especially insecurity, requires cooperation from Nigerians. But such cooperation can only be obtained when the government demonstrates some level of responsibility and concern for the total welfare of the citizens, and this was what the Centenary celebration failed to achieve. It is sad, indeed! • Barrister Okoro Gabriel, Lagos

APC: Opportunity beckons

IR: The Nation of February 20, page 55 titled “APC, Buhari and 2015” is a very commendable and timely effort by the 4th FORCE. It is a brilliant exposition of the stark choices before APC as it approaches the next general elections. The author has so fluently and convincingly expressed the opinion of so many Nigerians, even from the South-south, aghast at the deteriorating turn of events for a once vibrant and promising nation. His analysis of Buhari’s profile is clear, faultless. We are therefore sad and worried about the unhealthy scheming and subterfuge going on within his party.

We have now experienced President Jonathan for four years. We do appreciate that he has been trying his best for this country, but apparently against insurmountable odds. And it seems he is overwhelmed by the enemies of his transformation agenda, entrenched and operating perhaps more from within as fifth columnists, than from anywhere else. So I think that Buhari’s time has come. But what about Tinubu? Should he remain a kingmaker operating only from behind the scene? The fact is that both Buhari and Tinubu constitute the central core, the genesis of the APC. Indeed, were it not for the gradual polarization of Ni-

geria along religious divides, it would be ideal, even mandatory, for the party to field its two most prominent candidates side by side. A Buhari/Tinubu combination would present an excellent drive for the government and nation on the path their vision will create. A drive, I believe, into a brand new order, genuine development and prosperity for all. Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu also boasts an intimidating profile. His diverse activities during his tenure as Lagos governor project him as a stable and unwavering democrat. He is further distinguished by his phenomenal capacity for identifying, nurturing and then pro-

jecting out extraordinary talents as unrivalled architects of new centres of development. Due to his foresight and planning, he is especially credited with the consolidation of Lagos as the nation’s richest, most modern and vibrant economy. Therefore, for the APC, a unique opportunity beckons. A political party is primarily defined by the character of its president, or candidate, and the key officials he appoints to assist him run his government. It is an expensive waste of time and energy playing around with neophytes in preference to a fully tested and proven veteran. • John Ingwu Calabar

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

COMMENTS

NSNC 2014 Delegates – We Beg think ‘ A Renewed Nigeria or Ruin’ : Leaders or ‘Greeders’

ET another evil attack on school children in Bama and a market in Maiduguri by Boko Haram. The international community’s multiple satellite surveilTony lance may help locate Marinho Boko Haram before they strike. Arising from the greedy politics of 50 years, Nigerians are victims of an ‘unjust peace’. Criminal political mathematics involving census figures, 12 2/3, inability to count votes, maldistribution of LGAs and minority-led governors’ forum are Nigerian fraudulent fiscal federalism. Be in no doubt that the great drawbacks to development and entrepreneurship are discriminatory policies of governments since 1967 resulting in a two-tier fraudulent feudal federalism and failed electricity supply. If those two are corrected every Nigerian will feel ‘equal’ and have a high Happiness Factor. These drawbacks also point to a generation of past heads of states issuing ‘secret orders’ deliberately setting a ‘Hold Nigeria Back’ agenda – ‘How do we achieve failed federalism and failed centralised grid power while looking as if we are developing?’ This led to the fuel-thirsty generator generation precipitating the 40 year fuel armada enriching the few and pauperising business profits by 10-30%. Because of this, my son grew up in darkness in 1978 which still remains to this day and I operated on a patient with a torch in Lafia. Similarly the ‘How Do We Kill Railways?’ policy implemented by Buhari et al first against Jakande Rail guaranteed northern haulage monopoly especially from the lucrative multibillion naira bridging of fuel prices across the country. Unfortunately roads were ‘Killed’ by contract corruption. Now we die on the roads. This ‘Kill Railway’ policy forced selfish ethnic strategies into government agendas against economic and public good. Our heroes past offered Nigeria little ‘leadership’ and a lot of ‘greediship’ and ethnic domination. We have few ‘leaders’ but many ‘greeders’. I am a beggar. I beg for my NGO Educare Trust and people

T was a catalogue of deaths and destruction last week when the Boko Haram terrorists went on a killing-spree in the three Nigeria’s northeast states of Yobe, Adamawa and Borno. The attacks started on Tuesday at the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi, Yobe State, where no fewer than 43 students were killed. From there, they moved to Shuwa, in Magadali Local Government Area of Adamawa state where a teachers’ college, a secondary school and a Catholic covent were attacked. By Saturday, it was the turn of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, where a twin-bomb explosion tore through the heart of the city, killing more than 50 people. Mainok, a village about 50 kilometers from Maiduguri, also had a taste of the orgy of violence and blood-letting. The attack on the Government College, Buni Yadi, bore the full imprimatur of a similar one on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at the College of Agriculture, Guijba, in the same state. In that attack, more than 50 students of the school met their untimely death. The terrorists attacked the college at midnight when most of the students were deeply asleep. That also, was not without precedence. In June 2013, the terrorists killed eight pupils and a teacher during an attack on Government Secondary School, Damaturu, capital of Yobe State. They also killed 29 pupils at Government Secondary School, Mamudo, also in the state. On Saturday, April 13, 2013, an unspecified number of students of Monguno Secondary School, in Monguno Local Government of Borno State, were killed as they returned home on foot and bicycles

in need and friends dodge me. Every month we must raise N2-300,000 for salaries and services. People promise but ‘Nothing for you’ as Lagbaja would say. But past beneficiaries of the NGO also do not donate. If they sent Educare N10-100/month each we would have no monthly money pains paying salaries. However today I want to ‘Be A Beggar’ with disenfranchised Nigerians begging for a ‘Renewed Nigeria’- the federal Nigeria of our dreams in 1960, ruined by ‘greeders’. To get Nigeria back on track we beg the delegates and secret handlers of the 2014 Non-Sovereign National Conference, 2014 NSNC as follows: • We beg for a truthful understanding of why we need a NSNC. Patriotism demands the bitter truth that Nigeria and most Nigerians have been disenfranchised in an unhappy unequal amalgamarriage with a political master-servant society, serial criminal looting, ethnic favouritism, underfunding of infrastructure and political banditry all preventing full potential except in football. • We beg you to address the three power failures killing Nigeria – Over-centralised federal power, electric power and the power to curb corruption. • We beg you to see that Nigerians are not happy with Nigeria-as-is - geographic, political, fiscal, federal. For years biased political machinations have discriminated and poured funds, uneven irrigation strategies, positions, political and civil service power to particular groups which succeeded in their ethnic directives but failed in the national responsibility to move Nigeria forward. The result is widespread dissatisfaction. For every rich person there are thousands of underachieving undeserving neglected poor. • We beg for ‘The Right to 24hour Power’, 100,000Mw within 6-12 months as a right, not a dividend of democracy. • We beg for ‘Federal And Fiscal Equity’. • We beg for better, stronger anti-corruption measures independent of politics with adequate pursuit and diligent speedy prosecution. If none of us can be corrupt, moral and monetary, without being caught, Nigeria will be a giant. • We beg for reduced legal proceedings time, to combat those courts breeding corruption through adjournments and jurisdiction applications. • We beg to point out that the country that ‘Cannot Count’

its population, its petroleum barrels production, its money in the CBN is a corruption incubator! Already the federation, its states and LGAs are founded on a census falsehood perpetrated by the military. Nigeria must be counted correctly, perhaps by foreign satellites which can also be used to track the heat signals of Boko Haram convoys and gunmen if we ask them. • We beg for a stop to funding of political parties, compulsory deductions of 30-70% for politics, and bigwigs through bogus inflated contracts. • We beg to point out that the items under ‘negotiation’ were criminally stolen by past governments from some Nigerians and given as stolen goods to other Nigerians–Overcentralisation, warped federalism, skewed LGA creation and ‘Reserved ministries’ included. • We beg and demand for the return of said stolen items and a return to status quo ante military rule.

The N-S-NC must choose ‘Renewed Nigeria or RUIN’ It will take real Nigerian nationalists to know ‘What To Give’ and ‘When To give’ to create this renewed Nigeria. The centralist/feudalists must return that which was seized and approve decentralisation. If not, the expectant country will sink into renewed resentment and ethnic tension. Some delegates are old enough to have caused or witnessed Nigeria’s problems sitting beside patriots struggling to right wrongful political decisions like wickedly biased LGAs and state creation, the long exclusive list and the unsustainable cost of the presidential system. We Nigerians beg and demand that the Conference agrees to the people’s will for a just, better life.

‘The great drawbacks to development and entrepreneurship are discriminatory policies of governments since 1967 resulting in a two-tier fraudulent feudal federalism and failed electricity supply’

Wanted: A war cabinet from the centres where they wrote the West African Examination Council (WAEC) Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE). Before that daylight massacre, six secondary school teachers, including a principal, were also hacked down by the terrorists in the same local government area. It is sad that our so-called security forces have always been caught napping each time these marauders come calling. In the killings of the school children who were accosted on their way from their examination centres in April 2013, no security agent was sighted at the scene of the slaughtering until more than three hours later. The same scenario has played out again and again. It was the same story at the School of Agriculture, Gujba. In the recent incident at FGC, Buni Yadi, the killers did not only have the luxury of time to carry out their devilish act, they also proved that they were out to destroy the hopes of tomorrow by separating the girls from the boys. While they mowed down the boys, they simply drove the girls away from school and advised them to go and get married instead of wasting their time at school. That is true to their name Boko Haram, which means “education is bad.” What is more sickening in all these, especially in last week’s incident, is the fact that the security agents who were stationed within the proximity of the schools left their checkpoints shortly before the terrorists came calling. Now, the security agents are running helterskelter to unravel those who might

‘By now, I believe the security agencies should have the list of suspects who are collaborating with these terrorists in one way or another to wreak havoc on unsuspecting Nigerians, but, perhaps, because of political expediency, nobody wants to touch them.’

have been complicit in the attacks among the local populace. Talk of medicine after death. By the way, why is it that these security agents, with the hordes of intelligence officers in their midst, have never for once nipped these attacks in the bud while the so-called rag-tag terrorists are daily giving them a bloody nose? There must be something wrong somewhere. It is either a failure of intelligence or non-intelligence at all, as the case may be (if I am permitted to put it that way). It is obvious that some people are aiding and abetting these criminals within the local population and among the security agents as well. For how long will the blood of our children be spilled like rotten milk on the altar of greed, selfishness and vaulting ambition of our overfed politicians both in uniform and babaringa? Every time, you hear about a fleet of vehicles consisting of more than 10 or 15 attacking a particular location. Why is it impossible for the security forces to pick them as they move along? I am quite aware that because of the dry season, almost everywhere in the affected areas is motorable at this time, but if the security forces are doing their work well, these terrorists should still be spotted. It is rather superfluous that while the brigandage and blood-letting that have been going on in the northeast of the country in the last four or five years (2009 – 2014) continue to spiral out of control, up till this moment, no single person has either been fingered or arrested on account of being the sponsor of this brazen terrorism against our fatherland. The other day, a former governor of one of the states in the Northeast was allegedly arrested in Cameroun by a Camerounian security officer who said he was convinced that the former governor is one of the financiers of the Boko Haram insurgency. The former gov-

ernor was arrested on his way to see the governor of Northern Cameroun. Although the former governor in question was later released by an order from the Vice-President of Cameroun, after he quickly reached out to people, he is strongly suspected to have played a role in the rise of Boko Haram in the first instance and so, it will be difficult to isolate him from the unrelenting assault of the criminal gangs on the country. There is also this belief that this former governor may not be a Nigerian as he is said to hail from neighbouring Chad Republic, where he currently operates an airline and maintains a mansion. After his tenure as governor many years back, it was to Chad that he went to cool off and observe developments in Nigeria from the sideline until his recent visit to the country which sparked off a wave of violence in his native state. By now, I believe the security agencies should have the list of suspects who are collaborating with these terrorists in one way or another to wreak havoc on unsuspecting Nigerians, but, perhaps, because of political expediency, nobody wants to touch them. That is why some people think that if the President announces today that he will not be contesting the 2015 presidential election, the whole Boko Haram brouhaha will die a natural death. Since the President has an inalienable right to contest as President a second time as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution in use in the country, if he wishes, the onus is on the security agencies to do their work properly and contain this avoidable carnage that has continued to cast a dark spot on the image of the country. The only way out of this quagmire in which the country has been enmeshed all this while is the urgent need for the President to form a war cabinet. In the first instance, the troops

Dele Agekameh which were deployed to the theatre of war in the Northeast went there purely for peacekeeping operation. Now the whole scenario has snowballed into a real war situation. Therefore, the strategy must change. A senior cabinet minister must coordinate the ‘war’. As things are now, it may be impossible for the National Security Adviser, NSA, the only person who probably performs the role of coordinating the military interventions in the Northeast, to summon any of the head of the services to a meeting - I mean summoning someone like the Chief of Army Staff or the Chief of Air Staff that are both involved in managing the crisis to a meeting - not to talk of the Chief of Defence Staff. They will just ignore him because the NSA is more or less a Staff Officer to the President. That is why there is need to quickly put a war cabinet in place. The war cabinet, as envisaged, will consist of seasoned Generals, both serving and retired, as well as some respectable and responsible civilians, whose duty will be to take care of the political angle to this festering crisis. It is time to end this genocide!

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

COMMENTS

HE venerable Justice Ayo Salami, former President of the Court of Appeal, was right after all. Some judgments handed down by some judges do more damage not just to the judiciary but to the national psyche. Some judgments run against the grain of national interest, public order and public good. It is in this context that the recent judgment by Honourable Justice Ibrahim Auta, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/816/2010, involving Bedding Holding Limited against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), its chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, and the contractors engaged by INEC for the procurement of DDC machines for the registration of voters to develop a voters’ register preparatory to the last national elections deserve further extrapolation. The contractors included Zinox Technologies Limited (an indigenous ICT group), Haier Electrical Appliances Corporation, and Avante International Technology Incorporated. The plaintiff (Bedding) had gone to court to challenge the award of contracts by INEC to the three companies on a matter it has exclusive patent. Bedding Holding has claimed for a declaration that it is the bona fide owner of the Patent Rights No. RP 16642

‘It is strange that the Nigerian Patent Office would issue patent over a process which origin is not traceable to any Nigerian. For the avoidance of doubt, the DDC machine is not a device manufactured by one company or individual, neither can the process of deploying same machine for the purpose of collating a voter register be ascribed to a single entity’

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That judgment on DDC machines By Sadiq Abubakar and Copyrights Designs No. RD13841 in and over Electronic Collapsible Transparent Ballot Boxes (ECTBB) and Patent Rights No. RP NG/2010/202 – Proof of Address Systems/ Scheme (PASS) (Embedded with the Concept of the Coded Metal Plate). Consequent upon this, the plaintiff claimed a declaration that it is entitled to 50 percent of the total contract sum of N34,517,640,000.00, which was the value of the contract entered into between INEC and the contractors for the supply of the DDC machines for voters registration. It needs to be clarified that all the reliefs sought by the plaintiff are all declarations and there was no reliefs as to orders. Yet, Justice Auta entered judgment and granted the claims of the plaintiff including the declaration for entitlement to 50 percent of N34,517,640,000.00, to wit, N17,258,820,000.00, even though the plaintiff in the course of the proceedings never led evidence to prove this figure. This and many other factors make the judgment strange and curious. Two things are at play here. Either as a nation, our legal system has not grown to the point of having mastery of the sophistry, language, composition and deployment of Information Communication Technology (ICT), or there was a deliberate conspiracy to deploy techno mumbo-jumbo just to hoodwink the judge into giving a ruling that at the very best mocks both logic and the law. The critical issue here upon which judgment was entered is ownership of patent. What constitutes a patent? And on what basis should a patent be granted to an individual or body corporate? A patent is an exclusive right officially granted by a government to an inventor to make or sell an invention. Therefore, patents are for inventors as reward for their invention. Patents are granted for inven-

NEMPLOYMENT among our youth is one of our biggest challenges. The time has come to create jobs and lay a new foundation for Nigeria’s economic growth.” This statement was made by Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 with respect to the pervasive and disturbing unemployment challenges confronting the Nigerian youth. The situation has not improved till date even though there is hope on the horizon. Despite the sweeping criticisms which tend to trail the announcement of government policies in Nigeria, the evidently responsible government of Goodluck Jonathan has shown itself committed to investing in the future of the country and its resourceful and creative younger generation. It is in line with this that the Administration subsequently inaugurated the Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWiN!) programme in 2011 to address this distressing national problem. YouWiN! is a ground-breaking business plans competition aimed at job creation by encouraging and supporting aspiring entrepreneurial young people in Nigeria to develop and execute their business ideas. The specially designed competition for young entrepreneurs as well as would-be youthful entrepreneurs in Nigeria is to ensure clarity (as against mere wishful thinking) in the minds of the target group and also to ensure that the Federal Government’s drive to create more jobs for Nigerians especially young people is founded on a solid ground. And the results so far have proved the wisdom of this initiative. The President himself as well as other dignitaries gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the first set of 1,200 YouWiN awardees at the Presidential Villa on April 12, 2012. The same was the case with YouWiN women, which was the second edition of the entrepreneurial scheme, designed exclusively for young Nigerian female entrepreneurs. It needs restating that since 2011 when the scheme was instituted, YouWiN as an innovative enterprise programme has enabled young Nigerian men and women entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 45 to add value to the Nigerian economy through their Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) It was in treating the issue of job creation as a matter of utmost national responsibility that President Jonathan quickly went ahead to fulfill his campaign promise to build a pool of enterprising, hardworking, accountable and innovative young wealth creators. The N50billion seed fund for job creation (the basis for YouWiN) was then quickly made available. With the understanding at the Federal Executive that the nation cannot afford to toy with the future of its youth, it designed the programme to ensure that resourceful young entrepreneurs who qualify can access financial grants up to the tune of N10million each to start their SMEs. One more interesting aspect of the unique scheme is that it is a collaborative one among the Federal Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Communication Technology (CT), Ministry of Youth Development and Ministry of Women Affairs and So-

tions. The very fact that it is called an invention worthy of patent suggests that such invention is new, unique and has never before been achieved. All over the world, patents are treated with utmost seriousness hence no nation under the sun has ever granted patent to a company or individual for Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines used for the purpose of collating voter register or registration of citizens through a process that requires capturing of their biometric data. Only Nigeria has done so. It is strange that the Nigerian Patent Office would issue patent over a process which origin is not traceable to any Nigerian. For the avoidance of doubt, the DDC machine is not a device manufactured by one company or individual, neither can the process of deploying same machine for the purpose of collating a voter register be ascribed to a single entity. The DDC machine comprises a laptop with camera, fingerprint capturing device (scanner) and printer, and you need a software to tie them up together to function as a unit. Each component of the DDC machine has multiple manufacturers, namely, you can use a HP, Zinox, Acer, or Dell laptop. Same applies for other components, the scanners and printers. They are only proprietary to the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who own the trademark, but not the patent. Neither can any Nigerian lay claim to owning the patent for the process of deploying DDC machines. It is plausible to assume that the Patent and Designs Act envisaged the limited understanding of technological and patent matters by judges as they are not experts in technical matters. Thus, the Act had embedded in it several safety valves to guide the judge and guarantee the deepening of the judicial process. Section 26(2) of that Act, enjoins a court hearing proceedings relating to patents and designs to sit with and be advised by two assessors having expert knowledge

of matters of a technological or economic nature. Perhaps, if the Honourable Justice Auta had availed himself of this provision, the judgment would have profited from such opinion. In my opinion, this judgment has exposed the Patent Office as a public agency that has failed to draw a line between its duties and the overriding need for public interest and order. If granting patent to an individual or group for a process or ‘invention’ would jeopardise public interest, the Patent Office ought to have shown caution. The matter is made worse and pathetic by the mere fact that in the instant case, what has been patented is no invention either by an individual or a group. This judgment obviously has foreboding implications for future national transactions and exercises that promote public good and public order. It means that all those agencies or private bodies and persons the nature of whose functions require production of ID cards or generation of an identity document consisting of the individual’s bio-data (name, address, occupation, photograph etc) are affected by this judgment. They would be infringing on the plaintiff’s patent right, going by this judgment. Consequently, INEC (in future voters registration), Immigration (International Passport), National ID Card Scheme, FRSC for driver’s licence, the police, the military, embassies, telecoms firms (SIM Card registration), private firms, must obtain the licence of the plaintiff before undertaking such exercise. It is my considered view that this is against public order and interest. It is unthinkable that a nation cannot conduct the registration of its voters and/or generate ID cards for its citizens without paying royalty to one citizen. It has never happened anywhere in the world, not even in the United States, the real custodian of ICT knowhow. This portends danger for future elections especially the 2015 elections. For the sake of our democracy, the federal government should advert its mind to the goings on in the Patent Office and nullify all frivolous and utterly vexatious patents standing in the way of public order and national interest. •Abubakar, ICT consultant, lives in Kano

Yearnings for national wealth-creation platform By Gbenga Kayode cial Development. This positive partnership among the ministries is a unique and novel approach to solving an issue as hydra-headed as youth unemployment across the land. But it is not intra-government collaboration alone. To ensure that the programme is an ongoing success story, YouWiN is being executed in cooperation with the nation’s private sector to ensure proper coordination, diligent implementation, close monitoring and objective evaluation of the scheme. Credible private sector businessmen and women as well as captains of industry have joined hands to provide mentorship and guidance in order to guarantee that these young ones are properly directed while activating their business ideas. As far as government programmes go, YouWiN has, indeed, been a noteworthy success. The winners from the last two editions have, in line with the spirit of the project, are creating wealth for themselves while adding considerable value to the lives of other Nigerian youths and the entire nation. Being a veritable transformation platform, the government has quickly seized on it to evidently actualise the administration’s Transformation Agenda and push the country to join the league of knowledge-driven economies in which Nigerian youths also apply their creative energies, activate their dreams and contribute to national development. This was attested to by President Jonathan at the launch of the 3rd Edition in November 2013. He announced with a sense of fulfillment even while acknowledging the huge gap that still needs to be plugged, that over 27,000 jobs had been created since the commencement of the YouWiN. He also took the opportunity to reiterate his belief in Nigerian youths, who he described as not only “vibrant” but equally “intelligent, resilient and hardworking”. And as he gave the clarion call to other stakeholders to support the youth empowerment scheme, the President pointedly called on the state governors and the National Assembly (NASS) to collaborate with the Federal Executive in order that the programme could be expanded in other ways, especially at state and constituency levels, so that as many Nigerian youths as possible can benefit from YouWiN or entrepreneurial concepts designed along the same lines. And after going round the stands of YouWiN Awardees who exhibited their products at the launch, President Jonathan remarked that “the exhibition by a few of the awardees which I have just reviewed confirms that our youths are indeed, industrious and highly talented.” He said he was sure that

“with targeted support, the products and services on display here will compete with the best in the world. They will not only serve our domestic needs, they are potentially export revenue earners for this country.” With the launch of the 3rd edition, one would like to encourage the organisers to stay in step with the acknowledged transparency which has been the hallmark of the application and selection process. It is this somewhat un-Nigerian approach to the competition that has made it such a credible draw with both the target and general audiences. If this is maintained, there is also the likelihood that it would attract more private sector players to get involved at different levels. And for the applicants, it bears remembering Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance often stated remarks that the scheme was not all about winning money but primarily for empowering young entrepreneurs with the right kind of training to enable them acquire the right attitude and resolve to succeed in the tough business environment. She maintains that if young Nigerians make the paradigm shift from looking for jobs to creating jobs then YouWiN! would be deemed to have succeeded. With the reported success stories of the scheme thus far, it is encouraging that YouWiN is embraced and supported by all Nigerians. This is consequential in that the youth enterprise programme is an authentic platform upon which any serious-minded, hard working and innovative Nigerian youth can really achieve self-realisation, reliance, fulfillment and responsibility while contributing to the advancement of the nation’s economy. Nigerian youths need to be meaningfully engaged to continue to apply their creative energies for the development of their fatherland. • Kayode, a media professional wrote in from Lagos state.

‘This is consequential in that the youth enterprise programme is an authentic platform upon which any serious-minded, hard working and innovative Nigerian youth can really achieve self-realisation, reliance, fulfillment and responsibility while contributing to the advancement of the nation’s economy’

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 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

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

CBN reviews 40% women board slot by year-end T HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will by year-end, review banks’ compliance with its regulatory directive that lenders give 40 per cent board positions to women, its Acting Governor, Dr. Sarah Alade has said. Speaking at an International Sustainable Banking Forum organised by the CBN in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) on Monday, she said the CBN expects compliance from banks. Dr. Alade, who was represented by CBN Deputy Governor, Operations, Dr. Kingley Moghalu, said

By Collins Nweze

there is a sense of agreement that women on boards should be increased for economic growth sustainability. She said the banking sector made commitment to increase the critical mass of women in decision-making process, 40 per cent of top management positions and 30 per cent of board positions should be filled 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 European Union has made it compulsory, but there is a structural impediments to getting women into corporate leadership positions,” she

said. She said the CBN has taken proactive steps and concrete actions to promote gender equality and women economic empowerment. The CBN, she said, is promoting women’s economic empowerment in order to achieve sustainability by launching the N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund, 60 per cent of which will be committed to women- owned, or headed businesses and enterprises. She said the CBN recognises that unless social concerns such as gender disparity and women economic empowerment are addressed, economic and envi-

ronmental goals and overall sustainable development will be difficult to achieve. She explained that just like in every part of the country, there are qualified people to fill any position, it also follows that for companies also, there are qualified women to fill any kind of position. Alade said since the launch of the sustainability banking principles and accompanying guidelines, the CBN has developed, exposed and approved a reporting template to enable it measure performance on sustainability issues by the industry to show commitment and be transparent.

How to boost agric export By Daniel Essiet

GRIC expert, Dr Elizabeth Oluwalana has called on the

Federal Government to support farmers explore new markets around the world and build on efforts that would help achieve record agricultural trade. Mrs Oluwalana, who is of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, said farmers and agribusinesses can explore bigger markets if they can access more capital, electricity, better technology and irrigated land. She urged the government to work more closely with agribusinesses to take advantage of many viable opportunities. She identified agriculture as a sector of priority to reduce poverty and drive economic growth. Emphasising the importance of agricultural exports to job creation, Mrs Oluwalana canvassed the critical need for a dependable safety net that will allow producers to continue providing a reliable food supply at home and abroad. Supporting the agriculture system boost agro exports, would help millions out of poverty for good, she said. She urged the government to establish a fund for agric export trade and support the public and private sectors to build an internationally competitive export sector for sustainable export-led economic growth.

Sanusi’s suspension sparks investors’ fear - P 26

•From left: Mohammed Lawrence, 2nd runner-up and winner of a 32 inch TV set; Timothy Victor, winner of the Star trip to Brazil ticket, and Tajudeen Babatunde Bello, 1st runner up and winner of a generator; at the Star Trip To Brazil consumer promotion; at the Cyclic Centre, Costain, Lagos.

Companies scurry to meet earnings deadline

HEAD of the March 31 deadline for quoted companies to submit their audited reports and accounts for the immediate past year, several companies are hurrying up arrangements for board meeting on their earnings reports for the year ended December 31, last year. Post-listing rules at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) require that quoted companies submit their earnings reports, not later than three months after the expiration of the period. Most quoted companies including banks, major manufacturers, oil and gas firms, breweries and cement companies use the 12month Gregorian calendar year as their business year. The business year thus terminates on December 31. NSE’s regulatory filing cal-

•Sterling Bank, GSK, Berger Paints, Abbey, others meet on returns By Taofik Salako

endar indicates that the deadline for submission of annual report for companies with Gregorian calendar business year is on Monday, March 31. Market sources said the tempo of board meetings would increase in the days ahead as several companies are expected to round off arrangements for their corporate earnings reports. Four firms have indicated that they have scheduled meetings to discuss the earnings reports and possible dividend payouts to shareholders. These included GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria (GSK), Berger Paints Nigeria Plc and Abbey Mortgage Bank

Banks’ N320b romance with power

- P27

Plc. The board of GSK is scheduled to meet this Friday. According to the agenda of the meeting, the directors will discuss the 2013 audited financial statements, the amount to be recommended to shareholders as final dividend, bonus issue and the date and venue of the next annual general meeting. Directors of Abbey Mortgage will meet on Thursday next week to consider the company’s audited financial statements for the 2013 business year. Also, the Board of Berger Paints is scheduled to meet on March 20 to consider the 2013 yearly reports and possible dividend payout. Market sources said they expected the momentum of

board meetings to increase in the days ahead; giving that compliance within deadline is a measure of good corporate governance. NSE tags and applies fines on companies that fail to meet earnings reports’ deadline. Under the corporate governance and rules compliance assessment report known as X-Compliance Report, NSE identified four different kinds of tags or symbols to alert investors about the status of each quoted company. These included below listings standard (BLS), the first degree alert level indicating a company that has not complied with post listing rules such as late submission of financial statements, unauthorised publication, management failures, among others.

Old pension scheme under CPS begins

- P38

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS MONEY

e-mail: money@thenationonlineng.net

Sanusi’s suspension sparks investors’ fear

HE Over-The-Counter (OTC) bond market has remained volatile in the last few weeks, reflecting foreign investors’ concerns over short-term naira outlook, analysts have said. Currencies analyst at Ecobank Nigeria, Olakunle Ezun, said the investors’ fears were fuelled by the suspension of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. President Goodluck Jonathan had on February 20, suspended Sanusi. The suspension was based on reports of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria and other investigative bodies that accused Sanusi of financial recklessness and misconduct as well as far-reaching irregularities under his watch. The President nominated Managing Director Zenith Bank Plc, Godwin Emefiele as the new Central Bank Governor. The Central Bank Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Dr. Sarah Alade is already serving as Acting Governor till Emefiele resumes.

• Bond market volatile on naira outlook Stories by Collins Nweze

However, Sanusi has already gone to court to challenge his suspension. Expectedly, his suspension has led to varied reactions from stakeholders. Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, Monday Ubani said Sanusi has the right to challenge the President’s authority in court. “Going to court is not ruled out. And I must say that the President has to be careful. There are some people that believe that Sanusi is doing well. He may attract some sympathy or be seen as oppressed,” he said. He said what the President has done could create uncertainty and affect the economy negatively. “It may create ripple effect in the economy. The 2014 budget is not yet passed. Interest rate is high. So many things are not in order and the President is creating crisis of

this nature,” he said. In an emailed report, Ezun said Sanusi’s suspension for alleged financial recklessness and misconduct caused a reaction in the market, which was more pronounced in the foreign exchange OTC market. However, the Debt Management Office (DMO) raised N90 billion ($572.6 million) last month through two re-openings of 13.05 per cent Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) August 2016 and 10 per cent FGN July 2030 bonds. They were competitive, with over-subscription of 102 per cent on the three-year tenor. The stop rates were 13.49 per cent and 13.6 per cent. The naira weakened 3.6 per cent, highlighting significant apprehension and uncertainties over naira short-term outlook. It traded N170 to a dollar before CBN intervention doused the tension.

At the inter-bank rate, the call/ overnight and seven-day money market rates were at 11.5 per cent and 11.8 per cent. The three-month Nigeria Interbank-Offered Rate (NIBOR) was 12.5 per cent, though less activities were done on the tenor. Improved market liquidity, driven largely by treasury bills (OMO) repayment, monthly statutory (FAAC) inflows, and to a lesser extent lower inter-bank funding requirements helped to stabilise rate around the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR). He said the inter-bank secured lending (Open Buy Back) fell to 10.88 per cent. Meanwhile, the CBN liquidity management remained active, supported by the change to Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) on public sector deposits on January 21. Also, the new foreign exchange regulation of January 31 and the circular issued on August 1, reviewing its guidelines for how banks access its Standing Lending Facility

• Sanusi

(SLF) window and Retail Dutch Auction System (RDAS) foreign exchange auction and the overall CBN’s monetary policy stance. Equally, given the market liquidity, and lower inter-bank funding requirements, rate might remain broadly steady throughout this week.

‘Cash-less policy has reduced cost of fund’

• From left: Group Managing Director, Diamond Bank Plc Alex Otti; Founder/CEO, Digital Business Academy, South Africa Mr Hugh Mccade; Chairman, Editorial Board, The Nation Mr Sam Omatseye and Executive Director Regional Business, Lagos, Diamond Bank Mr Victor Ezenwoko, during the hosting of media executive by the bank in Lagos. PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

FRC: Auditors will be liable for banks’ indiscretions I

NTERNAL auditors will, hence forth, be held accountable for discrepancies in banks’ books after being examined by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), The Nation has learnt. To this end, FRC will begin audit quality inspection of banks before the end of this month. In a report titled: “The role of FRC in promoting investors’ confidence in Nigeria,” FRC Chief Executive Officer Jim Obazee said there was need to check what the auditors were doing always. “We are to look at who is checking the checker (internal auditors). This will be done through the external auditors, but there are international audit control rules that must be followed,” he said. Auditors, who sign-off their jobs, he said, were expected to put their FRC numbers and the names of their firms instead of the current tradition of just writing the names of their audit firms in small letters. Obazee urged auditors to be more circumspect in doing their jobs, as they risk personal liability for misbehaviour.

Audit quality inspections, he said, were in line with its desire to become a member “of the International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators (IFIAR), adding that this will be a booster to the capacity of the Council to monitor audit quality.” He said the “first phase of the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)in Nigeria has started producing enhanced perception for Nigeria, adding that the FRC is currently carrying out IFRS readiness test for entities in the second phase- (Other Public Interest entities, including Not-for-Profit Organisations).” He said FRC was convinced that the national Code of Corporate governance would be operational in the first quarter of the year. This, he said, would strengthen compliance with Section 44 (3) of the FRC Act and enhance the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment and stir greater interest from local

investors. The body, he said, is also to address current institutional weaknesses in regulation, compliance and enforcement of standards and the development of robust arrangements for monitoring and enforcing compliance with financial reporting standards in the country. He said the implementation of the FRC Act is expected to lead to increased management credibility, more long-term investments, lower cost of capital, improved access to new capital and higher share values. “For investors and lenders, better disclosure provides more relevant information for making sound investment decisions and risk assessment. This is especially so because merchants do not have a country,” he said. Obazee said the FRC is carrying out International Financial Reporting Standards’ readiness test for entities now in the second phase for other public interest entities including not-for-profit organisation.

NTERSWITCH, an electronic transaction switching and pay ment processing company, has said the cash-less policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reduced the cost of banks’ operations. It said the direct cost of handling, processing and managing cash across the nation as at 2009, stood at N114 billion and could have increased if the cashless policy had not been introduced. Responding to e-mailed questions, the firm said cardholders must be constantly educated on keeping their banking details protected. “The good thing we have also done as stakeholders in the e-payment industry are to also introduce solutions that would drive adoption of the cash-less policy. These solutions have been designed to address the specific needs of the ordinary Nigerian towards the adoption of e-payment,” it said. The firm said it is seeking for an upgrade in the technology processes and systems for early detection of fraud. This, it said, had become impera-

tive because fraudsters were developing new mechanisms to circumvent new security measures. Interswitch said as a second layer of defence, it has introduced Scorebridge, which is a fraud management system that enables Electronic Financial Transaction (EFT) messages to be processed through predefined Artificial Intelligence in order to determine the transaction’s risk and probability of a fraud. It said: “Banking security has got so many banks thinking about safety and reliability of their networks. What steps do you think that lenders need to take to guarantee customers’ transaction security and trust? Over the years, the banks have invested a lot in different security measures to guarantee customer transactions, but as a minimum, all banks should have the following measures in place: Defining a baseline security standard (such as PCIDSS) Educating customers on safe security practices when using their cards Investing in a fraud management system.”

How banks can increase profits

ANKS and other firms can reduce their cost of operations and raise profits by deploying sound Business Process Management (BPM) tools in running their businesses, Managing Director, SPNS Consulting, Debo Adebayo, has said. Speaking during a breakfast meeting with key industry operators on how to implement BPM processes, he said strategic success comes not simply from crafting sound strategy and implementation plans. He said both are essential ingredients, but results come from activities that people engage in. Adebayo, who spoke on the theme: ‘Discovering the value of business process management for business productivity and profitability’, said company’s staff can only deliver strategic results if their actions are closely aligned with those of their employers on the course, direction, implementation plans, and priorities established in their strategic planning process. He said a business process is a set

of logically related business activities that are combined to deliver something of value to the staff and company. Adebayo said the combination of task that constitutes an activity flow tailored towards achieving a set process goal. He said business process management helps company owners to determine how to direct, monitor and measure company resources. It has the capacity to reduce costs, enhance efficiency and productivity, and minimise errors and risks – thereby protecting and optimising corporate resources. “It increases accountability and helps avoid waste, improves reliability, simplifies regulatory compliance and promotes safe working conditions while protecting company resources and information,” he said. He said BPM also enables organisations to align internal business functions with customer needs. He said there is need to continuously evaluate customers’ needs and how they want them met.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

MONEY

Banks’ N320b romance with power About N320 billion of the N400 billion realised from the sale of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) assets came from the banks. With such a huge commitment, banks are having a stranglehold on power financing. COLLINS NWEZE reports.

ANKS’ credit to the economy is expected to rise by 20 per cent in the year, with a significant contribution from the power sector. This will cushion banks’ dwindling earnings over tough regulatory policies by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Findings showed that the lenders coughed out N320 billion of the N400 billion earned by the Federal Government from the sale of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) assets. Nigeria, in its desire to be among the top 20 economies of the world by 2020 is targeting an 40,000 mega watts (MW) of electricity. With a 167 million population, its current maximum electricity generation capacity – approximately 4,500MW – is inadequate to meet the demand estimated at 10,000MW. The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sam Amadi, said to meet the generation targets set for 2020, significant private sector investment was required in the supply chain, including generation, gas-to-power infrastructure and distribution networks. He identified inadequate financing, especially with regards to the distribution companies, as one of the major challenges facing the power sector. Amadi said improvement in the industry was necessary to sustain the political will behind the power project. He said the role of banks in solving this crisis, by providing the needed financial backbone to the projects, cannot be overemphasised. The World Bank and other local and international lenders have showed renewed commitment to power sector funding. Zenith Bank Plc said it expects to increase loans to the privatised power companies. In Bloomberg report, the lender said loans to the power sector may rise to 10 per cent of the bank’s loan book by this year, up from 4.3 per cent in the third quarter and 1.3 per cent at the end of June. Its Chief Executive Officer Mr Godwin Emefiele, said: “Opportunities in power opened up and we took advantage of it. It is a very essential utility that we all need for our survival.” The value of Zenith Bank’s loans to power firms was about N40 billion in the third quarter after the handovers, said Emefiele. Zenith Bank gave loans to companies including Eko Electricity Distribution Company and Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company. There was a $350 million infrastructure financing agreement for Africa between global infrastructure giant General Electric and Standard Bank. The bank explained that the partnership would provide affordable access to power infrastructure meant to augment traditional large scale grid capacity development. The partnership will target Nigeria, Angola, Tanzania, South Africa and Ghana. Others are Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan. Financing activity will center on project finance, equipment finance, trade finance and advisory. Speaking at a ceremony to announce the partnership, President/Chief Executive Officer of GE Africa Jay Ireland said the partnership comes at the right time when there are concerted efforts to boost access to energy across the continent. He said partnerships of this nature would certainly support efforts by respective governments in finding captive power solutions to meet the growing demand for alternative fuels. Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Mrs Sola David-Borha said the bank was committed to partnerships of this nature that help energise the sector. She said the power challenges identified in the focus countries for this partnership were opportunities for growth through sustainable investment. Mrs She also disclosed that

• FirstBank CEO Bisi Onasanya

• Mrs David-Borha

• Oduoza

through the partnership, financing will also be available for off-grid solutions that rely on cleaner fuels such as biomass and biogas across sub-Saharan Africa. Another international lender, Ecobank Nigeria said it will invest $25 billion in five years to help solve Nigeria’s power sector crisis. Ecobank Country Head, Power & Energy, Olufunke Jones said the investment is in line with its policy to support the growth and development of the power sector in Nigeria. She said it has played a major role on the buy-side of the power sector privatisation exercise by providing financial advisory services, lead arranger role, acquisitioning financing and guarantees to Distribution Companies (DISCOS), Generating Companies (GENCOS) and National Integrated Power Plants (NIPP). She said: “Nigeria has one of the largest gaps between demand and supply for electricity. To bridge this gap the country requires a combination of favorable government policies, private sector participation and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as well as transparency and persistent monitoring that will guarantee an improved business environment.” According to her, the power reforms have created opportunities for Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operating Expenditure (OPEX) funding, a consequence of the handover to the new owners. “There is the urgent need to rehabilitate the distribution networks in order to make them robust and flexible enough to accommodate the nation’s demand for power,” she said. Local Account Manager, Corporate Banking Group, Mrs. Funmilola Ogunmekan said the power sector is faced with the challenges of upgrading mostly obsolete equipment and processing under a traditional technology framework. This, amongst others, is the immediate chal-

lenge before the potential of the industry is fully manifested. Mrs. Ogunmekan reiterated that this year, the lender will leverage its position as a bank with the third largest branch network to provide effective Utility Collections and Cash Management services while providing the required additional CAPEX/OPEX funding requirement for at least five of the Distribution Companies across the country. Likewise, the United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) said it has so far extended $700 million, about N113 billion, in funding to different investors towards the acquisition of power assets in Nigeria’s recently privatised power sector. Its Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Phillips Oduoza said: “It is a growth sector we are playing very big.”

initiative of the World Bank Group and its affiliate, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) which lists Nigeria as one of the focused countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to benefit from such funding. Also, the Board of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved an African Development Fund (ADF) Partial Risk Guarantee (PRG) programme of $184.2 million to support the power sector privatisation. It also provided an ADF loan of $3.1 million, for capacity building for the country. The Director of the AfDB’s Energy, Environment and Climate Change Department, Alex Rugamba, said the PRG programme in Nigeria would increase the country’s electricity generation by catalysing private sector investment and commercial financing in the power sector through the provision of PRGs. “The PRGs will mitigate the risk of the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), a Federal Government of Nigeria entity established to purchase electricity from independent power producers (IPPs), not fulfilling its contractual obligations under its power purchase agreements with eligible IPPs. This in turn will increase the comfort level of private sector financiers and commercial lenders investing in the power sector privatisation programme,” he said. Continuing, Rugamba said an effective and steady power supply is critical to the sustainability of Nigeria’s development path. The Board’s decision today will allow the AfDB to support the Nigerian Government’s efforts to reform the power sector and position the country for sustainable and inclusive growth.

World Bank’s role The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the World Bank is providing $1.4 billion to Nigeria to support power infrastructure. She said the global lender was planning to set up an infrastructure facility and that Nigeria would be among the first set of countries to benefit from it, given the nation’s large size and the scope of its infrastructure needs. “They want to concentrate on power, and are already actively working with several private sector companies that want to invest in Nigeria. They are promising to give Nigeria about $700 million under the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) guarantees for the power sector, as well as a willingness to invest another $700 million to support transmission,” she said. She explained that the power infrastructure support finance was derived from the

‘Findings showed that the lenders coughed out N320 billion of the N400 billion earned by the Federal Government from sale of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) assets’

Bonds to the rescue Banks have also drawn huge funds from the bond market to fund power projects. Four banks raised $1.45 billion in the last three years through Eurobonds to assist them in meeting their power sector funding obligations, Debt Management Office (DMO) Director-General, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo said. GTBank issued $500 million; Access Bank issued $350 million while Fidelity Bank and FirstBank issued $300 million each. Nwankwo said the funds will be instrumental in helping Nigeria meet its infrastructural needs especially power adding that ambitious banks can explore the funding opportunities that the power sector presents.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

THE NATION INVESTORS

‘Tiger Brand’s N3.16b takeover will reduce T Dangote Flour’s liquidity’ HE ongoing bid by Tiger Brands Limited to take over additional 6.65 per cent additional equity stake from minority shareholders of Dangote Flour Mills (DFM) Plc could lead to reduction in the liquidity of the flourmilling company on the stock market. Tiger Brands Limited, a leading South African fast-moving consumer goods company, which had bought majority equity stake in DFM, is seeking to take-over up to 332.5 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at a price of N9.50 per share from minority shareholders of DFM in a deal valued at N3.16 billion. The takeover transaction will add 6.65 per cent equity stake to the majority equity stake of Tiger Brands, raising the majority controlling equity stake of the South African firm to 70 per cent. DFM currently has 5.0 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each outstanding share capital. Dangote Group’s Dangote Indus-

By Taofik Salako

Capital Market Editor

tries Limited (DIL) had sold 63.35 of its equity stake in DFM to Tiger Brands in a $181.9 million deal. The deal saw transfer of 3.17 billion ordinary shares out of Dangote Group’s 3.67 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each in DFM to the Tigers Brand. The takeover document obtained by The Nation indicated that the directors of the company were aware that the takeover could have adverse impact on the liquidity and pricing of DFM at the stock market. A disclosure statement signed on behalf of Tiger Brands Limited by Peter Matlare, who presides as chief executive officer at DFM, indicated that the “implementation of the offer will presumably result in a

reduction of the free float of DFM” and “it is to be expected that dealings in ordinary shares of DFM following implementation of the offer will be lower”, which will lead to reduction in liquidity. According to the document, it is possible that purchase and sell orders relating to DFM’s ordinary shares cannot be executed at all or not in due time. “In addition, the possible reduction in liquidity of the ordinary shares could lead to significant price fluctuations of DFM ordinary shares that are available for trading in the future,” the document stated. Meanwhile, the board of DFM stated that it was not recommending the takeover to minority shareholders, advising the shareholders to seek independent investment opinions.

According to the board, the takeover bid was only in pursuance of section 131 of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2007 and Rules 445 to 448 of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s rules. The rules mandate Tiger Brands to make takeover bid to minority shareholders of DFM on the same terms and conditions agreed with DIL in order to provide a fair and orderly exit to minority shareholders who may wish to divest along with DIL. Tiger Brands indicated it will not take more than 6.65 per cent equity stake to ensure DFM continues to meet the minimum free float of 20 per cent on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). If the takeover scales through, Tiger Brands will hold 70 per cent equity stake, which in addition to DIL’s 10 per cent equity stake, leaves just 20 per cent equity

stake in the hands of minority shareholders. Under the DIL-Tiger Brands deal, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Group, retained his chairmanship of the board of the flour mills. The executed Share Sales Purchase Agreement (SSPA), which articulated the terms under which the Sale was consummated with Tiger Brands, provided that DIL will retain a strategic interest of 10 per cent of the total issued ordinary share capital of DFM for a minimum period of five years after implementation of the transaction during which the Group will have the right to appoint two directors to the board of DFM, with Alhaji Aliko Dangote continuing as chairman of the company. Under the extant rule, a 70 per cent controlling equity stake would enable Tiger Brands to pursue strategic changes with little supports from minority shareholders. Extant Nigerian laws require 75 per cent shareholdings to approve such major changes.

•From Left: General Manager, Listing, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mrs Taba Peterside; Managing Director, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Mr Emil Moskofian; Head, Mainboard, NSE, Mrs Cynthia Akpomudiare of NSE and Head, Corporate and Government Affairs, Cadbury Nigeria, Mr. Bala Yesufu during the visit of the management of Cadbury Nigeria to NSE to explain facts behind the company’s recent capital reduction.

Hedge Funds raises gold wagers to 14-month high

EDGE funds raised bullish gold wagers to the highest in more than 14 months amid mounting concern that the United States (US) economic recovery is weakening. The net-long position climbed 25 per cent to 113,911 futures and options in the week ended February 25, the highest since December 2012, US Commodity Futures Trading Commission data show. Bloomberg reported that net-bullish holdings across 18 US-traded commodities advanced 16 per cent to 1.45 million contracts, the most since April 2011. Coffee wagers reached a 33-month high. Investors’ return to gold after the bear market in 2013 drove prices 6.6 per cent higher last month, the most since July. The US economy grew at a slower pace in the fourth quarter than previously estimated, giving the expansion less momentum heading into 2014. China’s yuan tumbled the most on record on February 28, adding to concern about emerging-market growth and spurring demand for alternative assets. “There are some major concerns about the erosion of the U.S. economy,” said Jeffrey Sica, who helps oversee more than $1 billion of assets as president of Sica Wealth Management in Morristown, New Jersey. “The devaluation of currencies will continue, and it’s going to further accelerate the upside appreciation of gold. As we see more trouble out of China and emerging markets, it’s going to become more of a safe-haven

investment than it’s been in the past year and a half.” Futures climbed 12 per cent to $1,350.10 an ounce in New York this year. The Standard & Poor’s GSCI gauge of 24 raw materials advanced 4.1 per cent and the MSCI All-Country World Index of equities lost 1 per cent. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index, a gauge against 10 major trading partners, fell less than 0.1 per cent. The Bloomberg Treasury Bond Index rose 2 per cent. Gold’s 60-day historical volatility reached 16.75 on February 27, the lowest since April, when the metal fell into a bear market. The declines come after prices were whipsawed in 2013, driving some investors to lose their

faith in the metal as a store of value. In July, the 60-day measure touched the highest since April 2009. Open interest, or the number of contracts outstanding on the Comex, gained 4.3 per cent in February, snapping three months of declines. Purchases of coins, jewelry and bars, which helped fuel this year’s rally, are starting to slow amid the price gains. China’s gold imports from Hong Kong fell to 83.6 metric tons in January from 91.9 tons in December, according to data from the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department Feb. 25. Gold-coin sales by the US Mint dropped 66 percent in February from a month earlier to 31,000 ounces, the lowest since September.

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen has said the bank will likely keep trimming asset purchases as policy makers monitor economic data to determine if the recent weakness is temporary. The Fed cut monthly bond buying by $10 billion in the past two meetings, leaving purchases at $65 billion. Gold jumped 70 per cent from December 2008 to June 2011 as the central bank bought debt. Prices plunged 28 per cent last year, the most since 1981. Gold held in global ETPs tumbled 33 percent in 2013, and the value of the assets dropped $73.4 billion. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. sees the metal dropping to $1,050 by the end of the year. “Once we begin to see the US

economy gain momentum, then you will see the dollar strengthen and gold quickly give back gains,” said Paul Christopher, the St. Louis-based chief international strategist at Wells Fargo Advisors, which manages $1.4 trillion. “Our advice to investors is, use this rebound in gold to take profits and move the money elsewhere.” Investors turned bullish on copper for the first time in a month, with the net-long position reaching 1,459 contracts as of February 25, compared with a net-short holding of 8,888 a week earlier, the CFTC data show. Inventories monitored by the London Metal Exchange dropped for eight consecutive months, the longest streak since May 2012.

UBA Foundation sponsors overseas training for LASUTH

S part of concerted efforts to improve on child mortality in Nigeria , UBA Foundation is sponsoring doctors and nurses from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) to India for Neo-Natal care studies. Group managing director, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr. Phillips Oduoza and managing director, UBA Foundation, Ms. Ijeoma Aso presented the cheque the cost of the training worth N5.8 million to officials of LASUTH at the UBA head office in Lagos. Ms Aso said the move was in furtherance of the Foundation’s intervention in the area of child mortality in Nigeria which motivated

it to donate incubators to teaching hospitals across the country. “This is taking our incubator initiative a notch further. Last year we gave out incubators to teaching hospitals across Nigeria and now we are sending medical personnel for further training on behalf our little ones. Healthcare for infants deserves a lot of focus,” Aso said. Also speaking at the event, Oduoza underscored the importance of training and retraining particularly in the health sector. According to him, given the advancement in technology, new ways and new equipments have been discovered in treating ali-

ments and handling medical cases. “It is to this end that we felt compelled to come to the aid of LASUTH in further enhancing and developing the knowledge base of our doctors and nurses,” Oduoza said. Head of Neo-natal Unit, Department of Paediatrics, LASUTH, Mrs Elizabeth Disu commended UBA Foundation for its support to the hospital noting that the donation would go a long way in improving the quality of care given to newborn and reduce neo-natal deaths. According to her, approximately a quarter of a million Nigerian new born babies die every year, with

about 700 deaths recorded each day. Disu said despite huge investment in healthcare, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NCIU) could end up unable to fulfill the desired objective of reducing neonatal deaths, if other crucial needs, especially in manpower development are not addressed. “Government alone cannot provide all necessary infrastructural, equipment and manpower requirements for the people. We have noticed with interest UBA’s corporate social initiatives and felt encouraged to seek your support. We are overwhelmed by your speedy response. We remain eternally grateful,” Disu said.

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHWEST STATES

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

PAGE 29

•Alepata of Igboho’s palace

Town with three kings INSIDE

The ancient town of Igboho in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State for many years has been enmeshed in a tussle over who among the three kings – Onigboho, Alepata and Onibode - is the paramount ruler. SINA FADARE, who visited the historic town, reports that there seems to be no end in sight to the supremacy battle. •Continued on Page 30

Why we are still in Nigeria, by Liberian refugees •PAGE 32

Olowo celebrates 15th coronation anniversary •PAGE 34

A varsity graduate as barber •PAGE 36

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Town with three kings •Orelope Local Government Secretariat, Igboho

ITH three prominent traditional rulers laying claim to being its paramount ruler, all seems not well for Igboho in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State. Igboho occupies a key place in the history of the old Oyo Empire. There are three prominent kings in the town, with each claiming to be the paramount ruler. More confusing is the fact that each of them gives different versions of history to back up his claims. And the rivalry is so intense that an unsuspecting first time visitor to any of the three kings could get a hostile reception and his motive suspect, if he was found out to have visited one (king) before coming to the other. So, all a visitor needed to tell the king to avoid trouble was that he had not visited either of the two other kings before coming to his host. And this was exactly what happened when The Nation visited the palace of the Alepata of Igboho, Dr. Johnson Olayide Oyeyiola Igbaroola 111. The first question thrown at the correspondent by one of the palace

secretaries who looked at him straight in the eyes was whether he had been to any other place before coming to the palace of Alepata? When the response was negative, he managed a dry smile and asked for the mission of The Nation. He dashed into the inner chamber of the palace to inform the king that a reporter from Lagos was waiting for him. Oba Igbaroola did not waste any time as he went straight into history after he was well seated on his royal stool; how his forefathers came all the way from Ilesha to found Igboho in the 16th century. “The origin of Igboho started from our forefathers who migrated from Ilesha. There was a chieftaincy tussle then, they installed the younger brother as the king instead of the senior one, which was the custom after the death of the king. The (aggrieved elder) brother left the kingdom to give peace a chance. That senior brother that left the palace of Owa was called Gbage Olabinukuro; he founded his own village called Ebiti. All his supporters, including hunters, followed him to

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As of today, there are three prominent kings in the town with each claiming to be the paramount ruler. More confusing is the fact that each of them gives different versions of history and historical relevancies to back up his claims

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this new abode. That is why if they want to refer to our history till today, it has origin in Ilesha. According to him, 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 forefathers, 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 had a lot of charms and was very formidable in the act of warfare and hunting. Alaafin Ofinran was so amazed that the settlement was so peaceful. So, he inquired who was the head, usually called Baale and Gbage was sent for. “Alaafin was very powerful in Yoruba kingdom. He was welcomed by Gbage. Alaafin Ofinran told Gbage that he was looking for where to settle down with all his people and entourage. Gbage, who knew the terrain because of his hunting expeditions during which he had killed various dangerous and carnivorous animals, promised that he was going to help him. They embarked on a search for a place to settle the Alaafin people.” Oba Igbaroola explained that when they got to a river (Sanya) after Kishi, one of the wives of Alaafin gave birth to a baby boy named Tella Abisipa, that is, a child that was born on the path. “When they got to the middle of Igbo-Oba which is still named so till today, the oracle told them that was the place they were going to stay. As the herbalist was making divination, two birds were fighting on a tree under which they all sat, the two birds fell in front of the herbalist, one was Igbo bird (Eye Igbo), the other one Oyo bird (Eye Oyo). The two birds were killed and their blood used as a sacrifice to Ifa. “From these two birds Igbo and Oyo, the name Igboyo was formed and it later became Igboho. If anybody is telling any other story that person is tell-

ing lies. It was at that place that Alaafin Ofinran was buried,” he said. He went further that after about four Alaafin died; Tella Abisipa that was born at the bank of River Sanya (who had become the Alaafin) said he wanted to return the seat of governance of Oyo Empire back to Oyo-Ile. But the Oyo-mesi did not want him to go back, therefore, they took some of the deformed/disabled persons in the palace to Oyo-Ile and when Alaafin’s emissary got there, they (the disabled) chased them away pretending to be spirits with a warning that ‘this place is not your home go back’, until Alaafin sent Alepata and his hunter-like, Akasa, Okere, Emo and Iloko to go and unravel the mystery of the spirits. He explained that the arrival of Alepata (back to Igboho) with all those so called spirits made the Alaafin to change his name from Gbage to Alepata and ever since then, they referred to Alaafin Abisipa as the king that arrest spirits ( Oba-Amoro) “Alaafin Abisipa eventually left for Oyo-Ile with all his entourage while Alepata and his hunters accompanied him. They were in Oyo-Ile for about three years when crisis erupted in Igboho, Alaafin now told Alepata to go back to Igboho to become their leader and ever since then our fore fathers have become the head of the village till today,” Oba Igbaroola said. Another history However, speaking to The Nation on the account of his own historical antecedent, the Onigboho of Igboho, Oba John Bolarinwa Oyetola, Olubiyi 11, who dismissed what Alepata said, argued that “It sounds most ridiculous, untenable and fallacious that on fleeing from his headquarter, Oyo-Ile, the Alaafin will have nowhere to go but into a wilderness to found and establish a new settlement at a sport chosen by two birds fighting on a tree and falling few minutes later at the

feet of the herbalist in front of Alaafin. That was a cock and bull story better told to the marine.” Oba Oyetola insisted that his great grandfather who founded Igboho came from Eruwa. According to him, the truth about founding Igboho is that one Tondi, a prince from Eruwa was supposed to have been crowned as the king after the death of their father, but because he was a formidable hunter and spent most of his time hunting for carnivorous animals like lion, leopard and python, the people of Eruwa preferred his younger brother who was a successful farmer, who was more homely and friendly. “Against this backdrop, Tondi and his families, an Ifa priest and all his admirers who felt that the people were unfair to him left Eruwa and settled at a place in the wilderness which they later called Igboho. The wilderness was later called and referred to as ‘Iju Sanya’ because of Tondi’s wife who was childless and got pregnant on getting into the wilderness and delivered a male child, who was named Sanya, so also the wilderness was named after Sanya, meaning Iju-Sanya and the river from which they were fetching water to drink and cook.” He explained further that the wilderness contained big rock with large holes inside them in which animals and snakes used to habitate. “Therefore, all the passers-by used to refer to the wilderness as Igbo-Oniho, from which the name of the town as ‘Igboho’ was later coined out.” He emphasised that “when the Alaafin and his entourage were escorted out of Shaki by some powerful hunters and personal body guards who included Alepata, on arrival at Igboho the Alaafin was received and was accorded a royal welcome by the Onigboho, Oba Otugbede who was the 7th Onigboho to reign at Igboho before the arrival of Alaafin.” Oba Oyetola noted that the era of politics has relegated the stool of Onigboho, adding that history is very clear. In the first

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

SOUTHWEST REPORT

•Oba Rasheed Jayeola Adetoyese, Onibode of Igboho

republic, my people did not belong to the party that was the rave of the moment in the Western Region; Action Group (AG). They joined Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s party (NCNC); that was the beginning of our predicament. It is the current Alaafin of Oyo, HRH Oba Olayiwola Lamidi Adeyemi who knows the authentic history and keeps quiet on the issue for political reason. The history is on my side,” he said. Yet another history The Onibode of Igboho, Oba Rasheed Jayeola Adetoyese, said that all the historical linkages of the founder of Igboho to Eruwa or Ilesha are mere beer parlour tales that cannot with-

•Oba Bolarinwa Oyetola Olubiyi II, Onigboho of Igboho

stand the test of time. The Oba who referred The Nation to a book written by Prof. Atanda, ’the History of Eruwa’ noted that Igboho had been founded before Eruwa, therefore, the people of Igboho could not come from Eruwa.” Those people who claimed that they came from Ilesha, they are telling lies. There was an enquiry in 1982, they are from Ibaruba, all the lies they said are mere fabrications which cannot be backed up by any evidence. The traditional ruler who agreed that the theory of two bird fighting where Igboho derived its name was absolutely correct, but emphasised that “all the names of those that have

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With the number of cases pertaining to this issue that are scattered in various High Court and even Supreme Court in the country, it is obvious that the last has not been heard concerning who actually is the authentic Oba of Igboho town in Oyo State

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passed in Igboho have no relation with Ijesha. Igboho came to being through the story of two birds fighting and fell in front of the herbalist. There was no trick and fake history when Rev. Samuel Johnson published his book on the Yoruba in 1921. “The problem with them is that l have a child in government and other ones that are rich who give me backings, that is why they are envious. I am recognised anywhere I go, that is why the envy continues,” he said. Historical facts However, Rev. Johnson in his book, “The History of Yoruba” published in 1921 affirmed on page 161, the theory of two birds that were fighting and eventually fell at the feet of the herbalist as the origin of Igboho. “The city was built there and named Oyo-Igboho after the two birds, Igbo and Oyo. There he (Alaafin Egungun-Oju) buried the remains of his father, Alaafin Ofinran.” Johnson emphasised that when Alaafin Abisipa who was otherwise known as Oba M’oro (Ghost catcher) wanted to return the capital of Oyo back to Oyo-Ile, he sent six formidable hunters to dislodge the mystery ghost that had prevented his emissary from entering his father’s home (Oyo-Ile). Among them are Boni, Igi-Isubu, Alepata, Loko, Gbaadan and Olomo. According to the book, after Alaafin Abisipa returned home, all those people who went with him stayed for three years.

•Dr. Olayide Oyeyiola, Igbaroola III, Alepata of Igboho

“When they were about to return home, the king in order to honour them, sent a special messenger with them as his representative and lest this servant of his should not be a burden on them, he was allowed the privilege of receiving tolls for his livelihood. He became really the new Governor of the town with the title of Onibode (receiver of custom). Hence, that title is bestowed of the chief ruler of Igboho to this day. The remaining act of this king was consolidation of his kingdom. He buried charms in several places in the city that it might never be destroyed by war,” Johnson submitted. The loopholes Despite all claims by the concerned kings and the account of Rev. Johnson, it was obvious that there are a lot of questions begging for answers. For example, when Alaafin Abisipa left Igboho, definitely somebody must have been left behind as the leader of the people, but this was not mentioned either by Johnson or any of the kings except Onigboho, who insisted that there was order to the throne before the coming of Alaafin and after his exit. Another area needing clarification is whether prior to the arrival of Alaafin Egungun-oju, the people of Igboho had no king or any leader as claimed by Alepata and Onibode? Whereas Onigboho claimed that the 7th Onigboho was on the throne when the Alaafin and his people arrived. From the account of Oba

Igbaroola, the Alepata of Igboho, after the return of the seat of Oyo Empire to Oyo-Ile by Alaafin Abisipa, he sent Alepata back to Igboho to become their leader. Whereas Johnson claimed that it was Onibode that was sent. Definitely at this juncture someone is economical with the truth. A history teacher in one of the secondary schools in Igboho who spoke to The Nation on condition of anonymity said that in the 16th Century when the first white man entered Igboho with all his emissaries with guns, all the villagers fled because they had never seen any white man before. Later, Alepata who was a brave hunter was asked to go and face them war for war and action for action. According to him, when they saw Alepata, the interpreter told him that they came for peace and that the white man would like to end all the inter-tribal wars in the kingdom. “It was Alepata that later became the intermediary between the Igboho people and the white man, therefore when the chips were down, they considered him as the leader of the people and that was why it was gazetted that he was the paramount ruler till today. The Nation investigation revealed that with the number of cases pertaining to this issue that are scattered in various High Courts and even Supreme Court in the country, it is obvious that the last has not been heard concerning who actually is the authentic Oba of Igboho town in Oyo State.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Council chief leads campaign for a cleaner capital

HERE is a sustained drive to keep Ikeja, Lagos State capital, clean. An environmental services and waste management unit headed by Mr. Kolawole Ajanaku, has been established for this purpose by the Chairman, Ikeja Local Government, Hon. Wale Odun-lami. But the council chief himself does indeed spearhead cleanup exercises, seeking not just to lead by example but also practically instill healthy living in the people. For instance, he leads a campaign team that orientates the residents on environmental issues including pre-rains and de-flooding programmes. On designated sanitation days, he wears his knee-length boots, picks up his shovel and steps into the gutter to excavate silt and all manner of disused items. Where traders clog up the environment, he appeals to them to desist from such acts and keep the capital clean. The Odunlami administration believes that the host of Lagos seats of power needs all it can get to maintain an impeccable profile. For instance, the administration has initiated several infrastructural programmes to lift the standards of the council. It has built new roads, rehabilitated others, and ensured that health facilities are in place were the residents need them. Also, school infrastructures have been upgraded, among others. The council leadership has rehabilitated Oba Akran Road as well as Otigba Street, Computer Village. Drainages and culverts have been built in water-logged areas, just as flood plain parts of the council have been landscaped for appropriate infras-tructural remedies. The health profile of the area has also been boosted with the completion of public health centres at Obafemi Awolowo Way and Onilekere. Public schools at Ikeja area, classroom furniture including desks and benches have been provided.

By Emmanuel Udodinma

The administration has equally enhanced sanitation and healthy living by building prototype public toilets in the area with borehole facilities. Primary school pupils are regularly assisted with free aids, including power generating sets, computers and exercise books. Every year, free GCE forms are given to exam candidates. Security is equally improved by providing the police with logistics support. The recently inaugurated multistorey building with 300 units of shops at Obafemi Awolowo Way has provided traders better options. So, have the 150 units of stalls at Onipetesi night market. Hon. Odunlami believes that if anywhere should be above par in hygiene and infrastructure, it is the state capital. He also says that his administration priori-tises the well-being of grassroots residents.

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•Chairman, Ikeja Local Government Area, Hon. Wale Odunlami during the environmental exercise

•Dorothy Wright with her goods

•Children of war at the camp

Why we are still in Nigeria, by Liberian refugees W

HENEVER Alphonso Zlanwea wakes up at his one-room apartment in the Oru Refugee Camp, Oru-Ijebu, he mentally ticks off the number of days remaining for him and over 400 other desperate refugees at the camp. But as March 31, deadline given the refugees by the local authorities’ approaches, his agony and that of others increased. “As we are here, we expect people to invade here and chase us away. We are living on the edge with no idea what will befall us, we are living in fear every day, some of our children cannot go to school because they are not sure if they will still be here tomorrow, this is a big problem,” he told The Nation. Zlanwea’s fear may not be unfounded, one night in 2011, while the inhabitants of the camp were fast asleep, some members of the community allegedly came into the camp and forcefully ejected the occupants from their houses, forcing them to relocate to another portion of the camp. “They sent us packing from that side of the camp,” Zlanwea said, pointing to the empty buildings in the northern fringe of the camp. “It happened in one night; they said they don’t want us again in their town. We had to rush here and beg the people to allow us stay here until we are able to return home.” But the present problem facing the refugees is the ultimatum given to them by the Oloru of Oru-Ijebu kingdom, Oba Adefemi Adebanjo, to vacate the camp on or before March 31. In the letter dated January 13, 2014, the paramount ruler had considered the refugees plea for an extension of their stay in the camp but said: “I give you my verdict to allow you stay till the ending of March 2014. We hope that these few months will be enough for you to work out your integration and settle your resettlement with

Trouble is brewing at the Oru Refugee Camp between the remnants of the Liberian refugees and the indigenes. While the refugees claim that the environment in their country is still not perfect for them to return home, the indigenes insist they must leave by the end of this month. SEUN AKIOYE reports the UNHCR and NCFR…” Zlanwea said the indigenes have threatened them saying anyone still living at the camp on March 31 will have himself to blame. “We are grieved and afraid, they have done it before and they can do it again. We are begging them, we are not thieves, we need their help,” he said. When the Liberian and Sierra Leone civil war broke out, apart from sending military personnel to intervene and keep the peace, Nigeria also opened her doors to the thousands of refugees from the two countries. Between 1992 and 2006, close to 10,000 refugees flocked to the Oru refugee camp where the Nigerian government had provided amenities for their comfort. At that time, there was peaceful coexistence between the “foreigners” and the indigenes, but with the passage of time, the bond between the two groups broke down with report of frequent fracas. The indigenes are accusing the refugees of many atrocities including involvement in robberies and fueling social vices in the town.

Why we can’t go home

According to a cross section of indigenes interviewed by The Nation, the refugees should have gone home many years back since the war which brought them to Nigeria has ended. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) had officially closed down the camp in 2007. According to an indigene Adedapo Adekoya, the refusal of the refugees to return home is becoming a burden on Nigeria’s social security system. “When you have free food and ac-

commodation with security, there is every temptation not to leave that for the unknown in their country. Because of the way we have accommodated them here, they have become used to free stuff and are so lazy they don’t even want to work even if we offer them that option,” Adekoya fumed. Zlanwea flew into a rage when confronted with this allegation. He said many of them could not go home because their documentations are yet to be completed. He insisted that for him and some others, going back to Liberia could still cost him his life. “I left because of tribal wars, my life is still not safe that was why when the United Nations came with their three-pronged solution, I chose the Exemption, I am waiting for my documentations to be taken into a third country. The truth is that many of us have compelling reasons to still be here and the Federal Government and the UN know about this.”

Between 2007 and 2008, the UNHCR in collaboration with the NCR came up with a three way solution to the problems of the refugees in Oru. The first is Repatriation, which is relocating back to their countries of origins; about half of the refugees took this option. The second is Integration with the local communities in Nigeria. Those who chose this option were given a chance to become Nigerian citizens. The sizeable number who took this option were trained in skilled professions of their choices and given the sum of N70,000 to start a new life in Nigeria. The third option is an Exemption which is open to those who do not want to stay in Nigeria and their original country. Under this arrangement, they will be free to relocate to a third country under UNHCR supervision. After these deals were concluded, the NCR reportedly informed the UNHCR that all the refugees are settled in one way or the

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We cannot sell; nobody will buy from us as long as the indigenes also sell. What we do is to give some of it to a sympathetic indigene but that’s not common. We usually batter what we have to get what we need

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other. But the remaining refugees claim many of them are under the Exemption option and are still waiting for their documentations from the NCR. There was a call for screening in 2011, but according to them nothing has been done to their plight. “We do not have documents to travel; many of us cannot leave this camp because we are afraid of immigration and police. The exemption option has not been implemented, we hereby notify the UN and the Federal Government to come to our aid,” Zlanwea pleaded. But there are other allegations regarding those who chose integration. “They were given N70,000 to start their life when it is not even enough for them to rent a house. There are still many people who could not register as refugee before the UN deadline expired, what can they do. Some people learnt trades but they were not given equipment to start and the people will not employ them. So, how do you want them to live?” queried Edwin Taylor, who came to the camp in 2003 and currently works as an okada man.

“Living here is like being on the war front”

The honey moon seemed to have ended for those refugees who were lucky enough to escape certain death in Liberia and Sierra-Leone. However, since 2007, their presence seemed to have wearied their unwilling host and since then life has been brutish, nasty and hard. Many of the remaining refugees spoke of their anguish and often perilous living. Agatha Davies, a single mother, who said she no longer knows the

whereabouts of her husband took the Exemption option. Back home, she was a hairdresser but her current occupation is frying garri for sale in the local market. She said all her relatives in Liberia were killed and she barely escaped death herself. “We are living in pain here. The people have made it clear they don’t want us here; even though I am a hairdresser, I can’t get any job. I have even gone to Lagos to look for work but as soon as they know you are a foreigner they will exploit you. Davis is not the only one with tales of woes. Taylor and Zlanwea once worked at the local sawmill and claimed they were not paid after about two weeks of labour. However, Abu Kamara sat in a corner, quietly moaning his loss. Until two weeks ago, he was a supervisor at the Chinese construction company, working on the Ijebu-Ode highway. A Nigerian supervisor reportedly beat him up and threatened to kill him if he ever set foot on the site again.

Trade by barter

“What do we sell here? Small things and yet there is nobody to buy,” Dorothy Wright said rolling her eyes in frustration. She came to Nigeria in 2002 with her husband who died in 2006 leaving her with eight children to fend for. Now, a petty trader, life could not have been more difficult. “Nobody buys from us. When we go to the market, the indigenes must have finished selling their own goods before anyone would buy from us, it seems to be the agreed custom. Now, what we do is trade by barter. My children were crying today for food, a man came and gave me three cups of rice and collected kerosene worth N300 in exchange,” Wright said. Davis and Zlanwea both trade in the garri business but claimed that they cannot sell their products in the

•Agatha Davis open market. “We cannot sell; nobody will buy from us as long as the indigenes also sell. What we do is to give some of it to a sympathetic indigene but that’s not common. We usually batter what we have to get what we need,” they said. But if the refugees cannot get a reprieve from their present predicament, many feared their lives may be in danger. The refugees are therefore calling on the UNHCR for international protection.

“The Federal Government should tell the UN that we are still here, with that they can give us international protection and recognition. If the forced evacuation happens, then the war we ran away from at home has met us here again,” Zlanwea said. Davis pleaded: “We have children, widows and single parents, where will they go? Please help us tell the UN to give us international protection. That is what we need now.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

SOUTHWEST REPORT

HE rich culture of the people of Owo in Ondo State was on display last week, when the Olowo of Owo, Oba David Victor Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi III, rolled out the drums to celebrate the 15th anniversary of his coronation. The high point of the week-long event was the conferment of chieftaincy titles on some prominent indigenes of the town and some other non-indigenes who have contributed to the growth and development of Owo. At the installation of the new chiefs, Oba Olateru-Olagbegi, surrounded by a retinue of chiefs, dressed in his full royal Ewu Okun regalia decorated with coral beads, held the traditional sword and danced to the beating of the special drum only meant for the monarch. With his beaded crown decorated with a beautiful white feather called Irere-Okin firmly in place on his head, the monarch’s every dance steps attracted thunderous praise from his subjects who had gathered to rejoice with him and the new chiefs. Prominent among the new chiefs was Niyi Adewole, who was installed as High Chief Iminiken of Owo, which ranks him 12th in the chieftaincy hierarchy in the ancient town. Adewole, a presenter at one of the radio stations in the state said the his chieftaincy title was a family one; “it was the late Oba Adekola Ogunoye II, who brought it from number 360 to number 12. The title is ranked 12th in the ranking of chiefs in Owo,” he said with smiles. Narrating how he was chosen for the title, Adewole said: “I was just called that I had been chosen to be installed the chief. Chief Aralepo (the Head of Omolowo) sent for me to inform me. The whole ceremony started when I was taken to the palace to observe the rites, while on my knees, High Chief Owadogbon sprinkled sand on my head, prayed for me and I was warned not join hands in destabilising the town or become the enemy of the monarch. I was told to contribute to the peace of the town. Later, I went with my people to thank the monarch for conferring the title on me.” Speaking on the taboos attached to the installation, Adewole said for the next nine days he must not eat any leftovers food and must not sit on a bare floor. According to him, “the moment one becomes a chief, he should not sit on bare floor for nine days and every morning one has to pay homage to the monarch, visit the palace to thank the Olowo for conferring the title on me. Now, I have to be sitting on a special leather fan called Ejuju made from animal skin. All these mean that one has to be vigilant and be careful in whatever one does. “Sitting in one place for nine days is not easy but that is what the tradition says. It means one is growing up to maturity in life, learning how to be painstaking and above all, having patience with humility. It is like going to school. Whoever is made a chief will learn how to be patient, painstaking and humble, so sitting in one place for nine days will strengthen and force you to have patience in dealing with people.” Adewole, also spoke on symbolic nature of the swords he was presented with. “We have two ceremonial swords, Ada and Agada, which are given to the newly installed chief are part of the paraphernalia of the title. That is part of our culture.“ He explained that the white clothe he wore with white cap depict holiness and chastity which are always part of the tradition. ”As a high chief, I have to tie four strings of beads on my ankles and hands.” Another newly-installed, Chief Pa Oloruntola Mustapha Tola Owatowose, a septuagenarian was delighted at the honour. As the Ogwamodu of Owo, Pa Owatowose said the title is unique as it was coined out from the traditional Yoruba Ayo game. He said, “Kabiyesi is blessed with

Olowo celebrates 15th coronation anniversary with fanfare The Olowo of Owo, Oba David Victor Olateru-Olagbegi III, is 15 years on the throne. He marked the anniversary with fanfare conferring chieftaincy titles on prominent personalities. DAMISI OJO and TAIWO ABIODUN report.

•Olowo (right); Rotimi Ibidapo-Obe (middle) with his wives

•Drummers at the event Solomonic wisdom, he coined out the title from traditional Ayo game, that is rich in culture and popular. It shows how popular I am.” Owatowose, a relation of Kabiyesi

told The Nation “I grew up in this palace and have also been living with Kabiyesi since he became the Olowo of Owo 15 years ago. I have been staying in the palace for the past 50 years.

I grew up to know my father living in the palace and my father died in 1958.” Asked what his becoming a chief implies, he responded that “Now

that I am a chief, I am more recognised, anywhere Kabiyesi sends me will make me to be more recognised. I have added another feather to my cap.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

SOUTHWEST REPORT On the rites and ceremonies he performed before he became a chief, Owatowose said there was no ritual or rite involved. I live in the palace here and the monarch is a Christian, who does not believe in all these funny, funny things. He does not believe in any juju, Kabiyesi is a Christian; we are all Christians in the palace. So, what they did was to tie special beads on my wrists and ankles as the title required, then prayer was showered on me. I also prepared food for my people in the palace as they rejoiced with me.” Owatowose’s roles has now increased. “Now as a palace chief, I will be traveling with Kabiyesi and also represent him where he sends me if he cannot be present, I have more jobs to do and I will continue to be serving Kabiyesi. The fact is that before one can become a palace chief, he had been tried and trusted and I thank Kabiyesi for the trust he has in me.” Narrating how he was installed, Chief Ogwamodu said, “You know Kabiyesi is a quiet man, he did not tell me before hand. He did it to surprise me. The Olowo of Owo just called me one morning and asked some of his chiefs to put beads on my neck, wrists and ankles. He then told me that I had become Ogwamodu of Owo. I am now the first Ogwamodu in Owo. I never expected it, it was a surprise to me and I thank God.” The youngest among the newly installed chiefs, Chief Abayomi Adedeji, the ‘Osendaye’ of Owo also spoke of his joy at his installation. According to him, his grandfather was to have been installed but unfortunately he died 27 years ago “and my father was the only son he had, out of the four children my grandfather had my father was the only one that had children. The journey to the throne started last year when the monarch called the family to pick a candidate and be installed so that the dynasty will not be forgotten. “That was how I was presented by the family to the monarch, later a high chief tied beads on my neck, legs and wrists, A special prayer was offered and I was warned not to disobey the monarch, while other things followed as I danced round the town and rejoiced. Mr. Rotimi Ibidapo, who was conferred Aare Atunluse of Owo was dressed in special Owo traditional clothes. His two wives were also given titles as Yeye Otun Atuluse and Yeye Osi Atuluse. According to an indigene of the town, Mr. Jide Tububo, the Aare Atunluse has been performing wonderfully well in Owo, Rotimi Ibidapo merited the title. He is a great philanthropist. He has assisted hundreds of Owo indigenes by providing jobs for them. He is very humble to the core.“ Chief James Abegunde, the spokesman for the organisers of the event described the occasion as great. “Today’s event has been the event of the Olowo and traditional chiefs known as Ugha. The Olowo always honour special people every year he celebrates his coronation.” The Olunaun of Unaun, Abegunde Olanrewaju applauded Olowo of Owo at the occasion, he described the monarch as a God-fearing man, who carries out his activities with the fear of God. “He is honouring his people both the indigenes and non-indigenes to appreciate the roles they have played in developing the community. Olowo of Owo is very, very appreciative. He knows those who are working for the progress of Owo. Today, the town has changed. In his time, we have banks, university, good roads, and Owo is peaceful. We should pray for him for long life.“ The one-week activities ended with a thanksgiving service at St. Andrew’s Cathedral Church, Owo.

Happy ending for rehabilitated Shakirat, who once lost her senses

LEVEN years ago, Shakirat was allegedly under intense pressure from her in-laws and in a short while became mentally deranged. The 34-year tailor, who had just been delivered of her first son, three months earlier, started demonstrating traits of mental illness. She escaped into the realm of unconsciousness as the Special Adviser to Osun State Governor on Youths, Sport and Special Needs, Hon. Biyi Odunlade, would euphemistically describe her situation. Shakirat’s husband allegedly threw her and the three-month-old baby out because he could not handle the situation. Since that time, her mother, Ashiata Bello, who sells herbs and herbalist ingredients (Lekuleja), has been the one looking after Shakirat and her baby until she became overwhelmed and ran out of all resources at her disposal. According to her, she sold her plot of land in 2003 and was supported by Shakirat’s younger brother with N250,000 to treat her of the ailment but all to no avail. In 2006, Shakirat’s mother gave up and began to look onto God for intervention in her child’s predicament. “Before 2006, we were moving from one hospital to another for medical treatment, from church to church and one herbalist to the other for a spiritual solution until there was no fund to finance our search for solution. Her father died because of this problem because his expectation on Shakirat as our firstborn was unimaginable. He wanted to be proud of her but it was the opposite for him,” she recalled. But today, Shakirat’s life story has changed and with her mother. she is singing a new song because the medical intervention of the Aregbesola administration for the destitute and mentally affected people tagged O’Rehab came to her rescue few months ago.

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

Mr. Odunlade narrated how the governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on the way to his office one day noticed Shakirat at the entrance of the state House of Assembly along Gbongan road, where she had always been everyday under the scorching sun. He said: “The governor one day called me and said we should urgently do something about this woman (Shakirat). With the staff of the Department of Special Needs in the Youths, Sport and Special Needs ministry, we began chasing Shakirat about to take her away for treatment. It was difficult because she would run and at times she stoned us to avoid being captured. The day we eventually caught her she ran to the main gate of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), opposite the state House of Assembly to report us to the police men manning the complex.” The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Akinyinka Eso said after taking Shakirat off the street she was taken to the Psychriatic ward of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, where she had received a comprehensive treatment at the expense of the state government. Shakirat was brought to the ministry recently by her mother to express gratitude to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, through his Special Adviser on Youths, Sport and Special Needs, Hon. Biyi Odunlade. It was an opportunity for her to recall what she went through looking for solution to Shakirat’s problem. With emotion-laden voice she said: “We have lost so much over this problem that Aregbesola has helped us solve. Her father died over it, Shakirat’s younger brother, who contributed huge money towards her treatment, also suffered mental

VER 5,000 residents of Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State have jogged and walked with a former chairman of the council, Hon. Afeez Ipesa-Balogun. A two-term chairman, IpesaBalogun was renowned, among other things, for his health policies and programmes, among which was his half-marathon “Jogging with the Mayor.” Jogging with the 5,000 was aimed at re-awakening the ex-council chief’s fitness plan and inculcating healthy living in the people. It was also to mark

ailment and eventually died. Shakirat’s son named Aregbesola died when he was 11-months-old on November 5, 2007. Her second husband, who was a corps member of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES), died of typhoid. One of the herbalists we approached for help during the crisis advised that we should allow Shakirat to give birth to more children to wash away her madness.” The mother, who is a supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, said she could sleep well now that her daughter has fully recovered from her sickness. The Director, Special Needs in the ministry, Mr. Ismail Iyanda, said that Shakirat was not the only person with mental illness rehabilitated lately. He said the policy of the Aregbesola administration on rehabilitation of the destitute and the mad persons is really paying off and has helped many.

“No doubt, Shakirat, her mother and their entire family are happy. I remember the day we took her (Shakirat) to the hospital at Ife, she was the first to use the brand new ambulance given to the ministry. Strangely, the vehicle refused to work but eventually, God intervened and everything became okay,” he said. Mr. Iyanda counselled Shakirat’s mother to stay close to her and monitor her movement. He also advised that she should allow her to accompany her to the market and wherever she goes. As the government had assisted some rehabilitated persons to resume the trade which they were involved in before their problem, Shakirat stands the chance of being presented formally to the governor, where some money might be given to her to continue her tailoring business. Happy ending after all, you might say.

5,000 jog with ex-council chief By Ogochukwu Ikeje

•Hon. Ipesa-Balogun

•Shakirat (left) and her mother

Ipesa-Balogun’s 50th birthday. The exercise, put together by friends of the former council chair, took place on March 1, 2014. A health talk flagged off the event followed by a free medical screening for diabetes and hypertension in addition to a table tennis competition. The occasion was not about merry-making, drinking and eating, the ex-council chief warned. “It is about staying healthy and fit which is most important in one’s life; that is why I chose to open the day with a jogging/walking exercise around the council area with the people. “The people responded very well, they were enthusiastic about it. The registration exercise for the event saw over 5,000 people indicating interest to participate within and outside the council area. “The exercise commenced at 6:30 a.m. at Owoseni Primary School, Adeyemi Street, behind Oshodi/ Isolo Council Secretariat, Oshodi, Lagos and took us through Oyetayo Street into Bolade, then Agege Motor Road where we made a detour to Airport Road and moved until we got to Ajao Estate Junction along Airport Road before we turned into Garage-Oshodi Road, beside Zenith Bank and raced down to connect Church Street and then Adeyemi Street to return to our starting point to terminate the long exercise,” Ipesa-Balogun stated.

The former Chairman further said ambulances were on hand at every point of the exercise just as security agencies, including the Lagos State Transport Management Agency (LASTMA) were contacted to ensure that it was hitch-free. The programme climaxed with prize presentations to the first 10 winners with the first three getting the main prizes and the next seven, consolation prizes. The event, according to him, was chaired by the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu while governors Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and Ogbeni Raufu Aregbesola of Osun State were Special Guests of Honour. An aircraft engineer, IpesaBalogun joined politics a little after higher education. Barely 27 in the early 1990s, he was elected into the Lagos State House of Assembly on the platform of the defunct So-

cial Democratic Party. In the wake of the struggle to actualise the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, Afeez Ipesa-Balogun teamed up with others in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) to wage the battle. He later fled into exile with the likes of his party leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to form NADECO abroad to continue the battle against military rule. He remained in exile until the return of democratic rule in 1999. He was elected chairman of the council for two tenures of six years. His administration was popular for roads and drainage rehabilitation and re-construction. He also initiated and built the Legislative Council Building, the Beko RansomeKuti Public Library, equipment of public primary schools with benches and desks, and maintenance and supply of health centres with drugs and other necessities.

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The occasion is about staying healthy and fit, which is most important in one’s life; that is why I chose to open the day with a jogging/walking exercise around the council area with the people

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Court wades into Ondo community land dispute From Damisi Ojo,Akure

N Akure High Court in Ondo State, has waded into the family land dispute on the ‘illegal’ sales of landed property belonging to the Elemo family of Igoba in Akure North Local Government. It ordered immediate stoppage of sales of the land by the former head of Elemo’s family, Chief Ojo Jayeoba. The Elemo Chieftaincy Family (Claimants) had earlier filed a suit at the High Court challenging the sale of some portions of land belonging to the family by Chief Jayeoba, who is the defendant. During the trial the claimants had argued that the land in dispute is the property of Elemo family of Igoba. They declared that they were the persons lawfully entitled to a grant of Certificate of Statutory rights of occupancy on the land. According to them, the defendant as a member of Elemo Igoba Chieftaincy family could not solely sell or convert Elemo family land for his personal use. They alleged that the defendant had breached the terms by selling family land without the consent of head of the family. Besides, they said he forged the signature of the first Claimant, Mr. A. W. Olokunboro and purportedly printed receipts of the family where he signed as Elemo of Igoba when he had been elevated as the traditional ruler of Igoba (Obalogun). The defendant, however, admitted that he sold family land with the consent of the family. Jayeoba said, as the head of the Elemo family, even in his new capacity as the traditional ruler of Igoba, he was not liable to the claim of the claimants. He tendered exhibits as evidence of the ratification of his action by the claimants, saying the claimants were estoped from declining their initial agreement with him against reviewing his actions. In his judgment, the trial judge, Justice Bode Adegbehingbe said the former Elemo (defendant) did not seek approval from other members of the family. According to him, he just created his personal receipt under which, part of the landed property was sold to organisations and individuals. Justice Adegbehingbe, described the action as illegal and against the interest of the family as the former Elemo did not even have the layout of the said land. He ruled that the Claimants were lawfully entitled to a grant of Certificate of Statutory rights of occupancy over the disputed land. Justice Adegbehingbe also gave an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from further dealing in selling, trespassing or construction activities on any part of Elemo Igoba Chieftaincy family land without the consent and authority of the entire family. The new Elemo, Chief Johnson Aladegbaye, in his reaction noted that some of the buyers would be contacted on the new development. He said majority of them had acquired some portions of the land originally meant for schools, markets, roads and police station in the layout.

He went to the university to study Political Science and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Nigeria’s premier university in Ibadan, but Dahunsi Akinola Michael earns his living as a barber. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU writes on the success story of a young man who has defied the growing unemployment in the country to become an employer of labour.

HERE is a popular saying that “an idle hand is the devil’s workshop”. Sadly, many young graduates in the country, due to lack of employment, have turned into a workshop where the devil thrives. But there are some out there who have taken their destiny in their hands by not waiting for the seemingly elusive white collar jobs, but instead creating jobs for themselves and also employing others. One of such is Mr. Dahunsi Akinola Michael, an Ilesa, Osun State born graduate of Political Science, who is a beautician and barber. As a young enterprising graduate, Mr. Dahunsi Akinola Michael preferred using his Godgiven talents to create job for himself and to help others gain employment. Unlike many of his peers, immediately after completing the mandatory one year National Youth Service for graduates, he went into barbing, which many may have considered demeaning for graduates. His dream was to be one of the top policy makers in the country, where his lofty desires in life could be met. But at the same time, young Dahunsi was not desperate in his quest, rather, he was determined not to wait for any government job. Long before he left the University of Ibadan, Dahunsi cleverly had opted for vocational training in Barbing where he learnt the basic rudiments of not just the trade but also the running of a beauty salon, whereas his peers were busy flaunting certificates yet to be obtained. Apparently not self-assuming, the young Dahunsi’s little knowledge of the country’s saturated job market prepared him ahead to shape his plans for the future. Not many young graduates want to accept the stark reality of Nigeria’s grim unemployment situation. Instead, before the completion of the compulsory one year service, thousands of applications have flooded government offices, oil companies and other corporate organisations seeking for white collar jobs that are not there. According to the Chief Executive Officer, A-One International Barbing Saloon, ”I cannot remember ever writing application for employment. I was set out to do what I am doing from the outset by using the little stipend I received as allowance from my NYSC to establish a small barbing saloon then at Ondo where I started from a very small place.” For the father of two and the first son of the family of six, it might be time wasting and sheer laziness for

•Dahunsi

How to tackle unemployment, by graduate barber •Political Science graduate makes N360,000 monthly as barber/ beautician a graduate to begin writing job applications, spending years doing nothing at home, except roaming the streets and constituting oneself into a nuisance. He called on fresh graduates not to wait until government provides jobs, adding that nowadays government alone cannot do it, “but instead of turning themselves to social burden they should use their God-given talents to start something on their own by creating a viable employment for themselves. They can learn trades like tailoring, barbing and others and use their knowledge as graduates to make such more appealing and lucrative.” With little amount of money, he said anyone can start a barbing saloon from between N50,000 to

N100,000. “To set up one barbing shop, you will need between N50,000 and N100,000 depending on how you want the shop to be. Of course, many graduates will want to practice what they studied in the university, but what do you do when there is no such job? “As a professional in the field of barbing, I have learnt to be self-sustaining and not being a burden to others in the family and the society. I have not only empowered myself financially, I have workers that I pay salary every month. I have my family to take care of, my children’s school fees as well as others relatives and dependants to cater for from my income. “And I hope this will teach young

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Our youths should be industrious, creative and self-reliant by taking seriously vocational education that will equip them to be responsible and reliable persons. An idle hand is the devil’s workshop. No matter the position you find yourself, engage yourself in good vocation, because government cannot cater for everybody

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university graduates roaming the streets in search of white collar jobs to be creative and self-reliant. They need not wait for the government to provide jobs for them rather they should strive hard to look for a vocation, something they can use their hands to do. “Our youths should be industrious, creative and self-reliant by taking seriously vocational education that will equip them to be responsible and reliable persons. An idle hand is the devil’s workshop. No matter the position you find yourself, engage yourself in good vocation, because government cannot cater for everybody. “In advanced countries, people cherish this kind of vocational training. Ours should not be different. So, I call on young graduates to find useful trade to earn a good living and should desist from looking for jobs that are not there,” he said. The amiable and fair looking young man who graduated with Bachelor of Science, Political Science, second class lower in 2008, has through dint of hard work and good management grown his business over the years from one small shop at Akure to three barbing saloons in Ibadan and Osogbo. In the next few years, he hope to expand the business to Lagos and other four cities in the country. “Today, to the glory of God, I have three thriving barbing saloons in Akure, Osogbo and Ibadan where I have been privileged to train many apprentices, and in a day I realise an average of N4,000 profit each from the three shops. That is to say in a month I do realise an average of N360,000,” he recalled. Dahunsi attended Orisunm-ibare Community Primary School, IpetuIjesa, Osun State, after which he proceeded to Apoti Grammar School also in Ipetu-Ijesa for his secondary education. From there, he gained admission to the University of Ibadan, to study Political Science.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

THE NATION INVESTORS Resilient, dogged and strong are about the right words to describe the staying power of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), given its stability after its ride across many bumpy terrains. With the enthronement of corporate governance principles, growth barriers have been eliminated, reports SIMEON EBULU.

Ecobank: Overcoming the odds through decisive action

WO key factors are working in favour of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) Plc. One is its widespread in Africa, and the other is its strong-hold on the Nigerian market. It is one of the largest banking groups in Africa due to its Pan-Africa exposure and strong presence across various countries. About 40 per cent of the bank’s asset base is in Nigeria, providing a substantial upside to the financial institution’s growth given the huge untapped market in the country. Nonetheless, Ecobank’s continuous foothold on the drivers seat of the continent’s economy and penetration of its key markets, will largely depend on the management’s capacity and resolve to take, not just actions, but decisive steps to address key issues bordering on corporate governance. Interestingly, a great deal of action is already being taken to resolve issues along that corridor.

Its upside

The Ecobank Group is counted among the leading financial institution offering investors the required exposure to the ‘Africa growth story’, promarily due to its extensive network of banks across 33 countries in Sub-Saharan-Africa. This unrivaled niche among its peers, also serves as a risk assurance to over exposure to any one particular country, and its economic cycle. Added to this is ETIs formidable presence in Nigeria. This made even more intimidating by its acquisition of the erstwhile Oceanic Bank. Undoubtedly, there are huge untapped opportunities for the entity in Nigeria. It’s not an overkill to remind investors, nay, ETI, that being one of the wealthiest African nations on the back of its crude oil exports, sustained Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth figures, and growing entrepreneurial population, having a strong hold in the Nigerian market gives investors and, indeed, ETI a substantial growth opportunity. With 44 per cent of its asset-base in Nigeria and 27 per cent of its profit derivable therefrom, there seems more potentials waiting to be harnessed considering the fact that the bank’s profits from Nigeria are below its peers and given the proportion of its assets in the country. There exists, therefore, a gap waiting to be bridged, enabling the bank to up, not only its revenue, but profit growth as well

Regulatory impact

While acknowledging the greater regulatory environment to which the institution is exposed, like every other local bank playing beyond the shores of Nigeria, ETI will fill the pinch of the boisterous Nigeria’s financial regulatory regime. Suffice it to say that the summation of the regulatory framework would be more of positive outlook to the bank, rather than a damper. The key areas of consideration, or concern to ETI are the required higher Cash Reserve Ratio and capital adequacy. The Nigerian regulator, the Central Bank raised the CRR to 75 per cent very recently jn its bid to reinin excess liquidity in the system, check inflation and strengthen the naira in the foreign exchange market. Notwithstanding the initial stress that these measures might cause, they will translate to positive impact on ETI in the long run. Also, the new regulatory regime ( as it affects ETI’s operations in Nigeria i.e Ecobank), signposts a pro-active and strong regulatory presence of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Nigeria, which offers customers and investors the assurance of a leading regulator for a multi-jurisdiction entity like ETI.

Corporate Governance

Adherence to Corporate Governance issues is no longer a matter that is left to conjecture. The need to sustain, grow and ensure Return On Investments (ROI) to stakeholders and investors alike, have impressed on management of companies the urgent need to uphold this tenet. ETI is evidently moving on the path of strict adherence to the enforcement of this principle, away from the hiccups that plagued it in the recent past. It is instructive to note the peculiarity and the complex legal and political environment

to which the institution is exposed to be able to appreciate why some of these events have played out in ETI. As stated earlier, the entity operates in 33 African countries, with Anglophone and Francophone colouration, and is quoted in three exchanges, which also implies exposure to different regulatory regimes. It is common knowledge how jealously nations guard against infringement on their sovereignty. In Africa, particularly, the fact is, it will be near impossible to establish a regulatory agency for the region because of the issue of autonomy. Most countries will fight it, because they feel that the larger countries, such as Nigeria and South Africa will use the agencies to infringe on their sovereignty, unlike in the developed nations, where agreements have been reached on the administration of issues bordering on common markets and business interests. It is far easier to establish regulatory agencies in the European Union (EU) and the US to monitor corporations and banks. Even at that, respective states in the unions still exercise and exert considerable influences on issues germane to their local environment. This is as much the case in ETI, as has been noted in other climes. An action by SEC on trading of Ecobank shares in Nigeria would not necessarily be replicated by the authorities in say, Cote d’ Voire, Ghana, Kenya, or Ugand for that matter in their jurisdictions. However at some level, these sovereign regulators have a working relationship that allows them to establish some concordance that ensures a comfort zone for investors. Besides, ETI grew on the back of acquisitions leading to an inorganic growth that resulted in corporate governance lagging behind operational exigencies. These problems have now been identified, and are being addressed. Expectedly, operating companies and subsidiaries will now be closely monitored under a risk-based and audit enhanced group oversight. If this is executed, investors can rest their fears. The challenges that hitherto plagued the institution must be seen therefore in context and should not be viewed in absolute terms. Financials ETI has been growing strongly, with revenues and profitability growing year-onyear, on the back of its continued expansion plan. The group has been able to keep costs in check and improve its margins every year

•DG SEC, Ms. Arunma Oteh

despite different regulations and cost structures in each of the countries it operates in. The company has shown reasonably good return ratios, with Return-On-Equity (ROE) of 11 per cent per cent in 2012. We expect the ROE to improve going forward to 15 per cent in 2015 on the back of better profitability from existing markets, and expansion into new ones. The company’s balance sheet is also strong, with Non-Performing-Assets constituting only five per cent of the total assets of the bank. The loan to asset ratio is also relatively strong, with a deposit to liability ratio of nearly 74 per cent. This strong balance sheet is expected to help ETI grow without any substantial capital adequacy issues going forward.

Looking forward

After making a high of N18, ETI went down to N14.5. If ETI delivers a clear breakout-off from the N14.5 level, representing its recent low, then it would open the way towards the N13.5 and 13 level; but if it gives a valid breakout of N15.5 with high volumes, then investors may consider the whole sell-off as a correction and expect a further bullish signal.

•MD Ecobank, Jubril Aku

‘The group has been able to keep costs in check and improve its margins every year despite different regulations and cost structures in each of the countries it operates in. The company has shown reasonably good return ratios, with Return-On-Equity of 11 per cent in 2012’

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS PENSION

Old pension scheme under CPS begins T

HE newly established Pension Transitional Arrangement Department (PTAD) for the administration of public service pension under the old scheme has started operations, the National Pension Commission (PenCom) has said. The PTAD was established under the new Contributory Pension Scheme to continue to administer the affairs of existing pensioners in the old pension order, as stipulated in the Pension Reform Act, 2004. PenCom Acting Director General, Mrs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu who made this known to reporters, said the PTAD took off in November, last year.

Stories by OmobolaTolu-Kusimo

She said PenCom will supervise the Department, while the responsibilities, funds and assets of the relevant pension boards, or offices would be transferred and vested in the respective Departments. It is anticipated that the Departments shall cease to exist after the death of the last pensioner, she said, adding that the establishment of the Department was intended to address the lingering issues in the administration of pension in the public service. She said: “In order to address the

Massachusetts probes 401(k) contribution delays

lingering issues in the administration of pension in the public service, the Commission forwarded a proposal to the Federal Government seeking the approval for the establishment of a PTAD as provided for under Section 30 of the PRA 2004. “Already, a Director-General has been appointed for the PTAD in the person of Ms. Nellie Mayshak and the Head of Service of the Federation, has directed the directors of the Civil Service Pension Department, Police Pension Department and Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Department to report to the director-general of PTAD.” She explained that while all

Boards of Trustees of pension schemes are being operated by parastatals, report to the directorgeneral PTAD, the Act provides that PenCom supervises the PTAD.

ple are working on their behalf to ensure that when they stop receiving salary, they can maintain their living standards. “It is because of the contributors that we do investment strategies, work hard daily, so that they can have something to fall on when they stop working. It is when people stop working they become more vulnerable and that is when we come in. Contributors should be rest assured, for they have nothing to fear.” He said the new pension system has a strong internal mechanism, adding that on monthly bases, contributors collect their pension without hassles. “Those who have witnessed the scheme recognised that the scheme is one of the best things to have happened in Nigeria. This scheme is one of the unsung reforms former President Olusegun Obasanjo bestowed on Nigerians. People are yet to come to the full realisation that it takes a lot to come from N2 tril-

lion unfunded pension liability, to over N4 trillion assets in a period of eight years. “Those working should make sure that their employers are contributing so that when they retire they will be able to sustain their lifestyle. “With the scheme, once you are 50 years, you should retire. People need not adjust their age anymore. People adjust their ages because they are not sure of their future, but with the scheme, once a worker is tired, he or she should retire,” he said. The Managing Director Fidelity, Pension Managers Limited, Mrs. Amaka Andy Azike, called on employers to align with the scheme, adding that it remains one way they can motivate their workers. She noted that when workers realise that their future is secured due to the contributions made by their employers, they will give their best and work towards the well-being of their employers.

• Mrs. Anohu-Amazu

Retirement: No cause for worry, says pensions manager

HE Managing Director, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Demola Sogunle has allayed fears of workers who develop cold feet on the eve of their retirement, saying there should be no cause for alarm. He said all that is required is for the workers to work as diligently as they could and ensure that employers join the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and contribute to the scheme on their behalf, adding that the scheme has helped to provide a secured future for workers on retirement. Sogunle, who spoke with journalists in Lagos, explained that workers, whose employers are contributing into their Retirement Savings Account (RSA), should not be apprehensive, and need not manipulate their ages, as there is something to sustain their lifestyle in retirement. He said the CPS is one of the best things that the government has done calling on workers to demand

• Sogunle

compliance from their employers as their future is determined by what they contribute now. He said: “Those who are contributing are in good companies, their future is assured because some peo-

New pension bill will kick start mortgage financing, says PenOP

HAIRMAN, Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp), Mr. MisbauYola has said the proposed mortgage financing by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) will take effect when the new pension bill is passed into law by the National Assembly. Yola said the proposed mortgage would enable pension contributors’ access part of their fund to own houses.

Yola, who made this known at a briefing in Lagos, said the proposal is contained in the pension reform bill that is with the National Assembly. The Acting Director-General of the Commission, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, last year, said the commission was exploring the possibility of allowing contributors to utilise part of their Retire-

‘Pension bosses must disclose costs’

ENSION fund managers will be forced to come clean about hidden costs which can wipe tens of thousands off the value of retirement savings pots under plans being set out by the government. Ministers will announce that fund managers of defined contribution workplace schemes must in future disclose full details of all their costs to the public, The Times reported. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) warned last year that there was “insufficient visibility and comparability of charges” to ensure that competition in the market was fully effective. A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: “We’re taking action to ensure consumers have access to good quality pension schemes so they have the confidence to plan for their futures.

“A lack of transparency around the true cost of schemes can prevent savers from having value for money. We will outline our proposals to tackle this issue shortly.” The Times reported that the announcement on disclosure of charges had been brought forward to avoid a damaging Lords revolt led by former chancellor Lord Lawson. Speaking during debate on the Pensions Bill last month, Lord Lawson said: “In a competitive market, compulsory disclosure will go a very long way towards removing the mischief.” Pensions Minister Steve Webb promised a “full frontal assault” on pension scheme charges, with the Government consulting on a cap of around 0.75 per cent a year. Small variations in charges can

ment Savings Accounts (RSA) balances to part-finance the acquisition of low-cost houses. She noted that when the initiative comes on stream contributors from states that are complying with the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) would leverage on it to own their homes. She said: “It is our expectation that when they eventually come on stream, these facilities would be availed to states that have fully implemented the scheme.”

• Yola

HE Massachusetts Securities Division is calling on 401(k) plan administrators to report how many companies have shifted to a lump-sum matching contribution once a year, a change that can undermine worker savings. The unit sent a letter to the 25 largest providers of 401(k) plans, requesting the number of employers who pay distributions at year-end, when the move was made from more frequent payroll periods and what workers are told about the potential consequences, the division said in a statement today. “Employers are seeing the opportunities they have to take advantage of the flexibility in the system to shortchange participants,” William F. Galvin, Massachusetts secretary of the commonwealth and chief securities regulator, said in an interview. “If employers can get away with making changes that help their bottom line and no one is going to complain about it, they’re going to do it.” Companies across industries are squeezing 401(k) contributions by holding back on the amount and timing of their matching funds, making it harder for U.S. workers to save for retirement, Bloomberg News reported on Feb. 14. AOL Inc. (AOL) called attention to the practice earlier this month when Chief Executive Officer Tim Armstrong announced plans to make payments in one sum at the end of year, citing spiraling health-care costs including money spent on care for babies. The move touched off a controversy, Armstrong apologized and the company reversed its decision. Galvin said that AOL’s maneuvering and news reports including Bloomberg’s showing that the practice was more widespread influenced the division’s decision to open the inquiry.

Missing Gains

Companies save money by making lump-sum payments into 401(k) accounts at the end of the year or after, according to the Massachusetts statement. Employees miss out on gains on matching contributions that could accrue during the year and employer contributions may go into a declining market. Workers may also lose out if they leave the company before Dec. 31. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index of stocks gained 30 percent in 2013. Equities declined 3.6 percent in January, when some employers who delay their matching contributions, such as JPMorgan Chase & Co., made their payment to workers. International Business Machines Corp. and Charles Schwab Corp. are among companies making annual payments, according to the statement.

Fidelity, Vanguard

• Pension fund image

make huge differences over time to the eventual size of the pension pot that someone ends up with. The government said someone who saves £100 a month over a typi-

cal working life-time of 46 years could lose almost £170,000 from their pension pot with a 1 per cent charge and over £230,000 with a 1.5 per cent charge.

The Securities Division requested that 401(k) providers submit the requested information by March 10, according to the statement. Firms that were sent a request include Bostonbased Fidelity Investments, the largest administrator of 401(k) accounts; Vanguard Group Inc.; BlackRock Inc.; and T. Rowe Price Group Inc., according to the Securities Division. Vanguard declined to comment because it hasn’t received the letter, according to Linda Wolohan, a spokeswoman for the Valley Forge, Pennsylvania-based company. Fidelity spokeswoman Eileen O’Connor and Brian Beades, a spokesman for New York-based BlackRock, also declined to comment. Baltimore-based T. Rowe Price didn’t immediately have a response, said spokesman Bill Benintende.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

EMPOWERMENT CLINIC with

10 commitments for building high performance teams BOOK REVIEW Author: Publisher: Reviewer:

GOKE ILESANMI

IGH performance is very critical to the survival of any organisation or individual. This is why I want us to examine this text titled: “Ten Commitments for Building High Performance Teams”. It is written by Dr. Tom Massey, a corporate leadership trainer and coach with about 20-year experience in optimising individual and organisational performance. Team performance, according to Massey, is only as strong as the collective performance of members. This consultant says when committed, collaborative individuals with complementary skills work together, synergy takes place because total performance is greater than the sum of the individual parts. Massey adds that the 10 commitments outlined in this text will help you get the right people in the right positions to develop a focused, values-driven, high performing team. This author advises you to learn how to get every member to take personal ownership of your team’s success by creating shared purpose, values and strategic goals. Massey says through this text, you will be able to gain insights into how to set up profit-sharing, establish work standards and correct performance problems in addition to creating a learning organisation

Tom Massey Religious Broadcasting Inc. Goke Ilesanmi

that is able to adapt to the challenges of the next century. This text is segmented into ten chapters. Chapter one is titled: “Commit to getting the right people ‘on the bus’”. In the author’s words, “When you have the right people on the bus, with the right skills and a high-level commitment, regardless of whether you are a business manager or coach of a sports team, you will be successful.” Massey says the first thing to start when picking the right people for your team is to develop job descriptions based on factors of success for each position. “Great coaches and managers develop every position as if it is the most important position on the team, and it is. Remember the adage: A chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” he adds. According to Massey, factors of success may be defined as the skills and behaviour needed to perform a job successfully within the culture operated by the team. He says these factors include more than simply the skills requirements. Skills requirements are essential characteristics or experiences every team member must have in order to qualify for his or her respective position. However, there are other behavioural standards required to ensure team success, says the author. Chapter two focuses on commitment to greeting everyone ‘on the same page’. Massey educates that established rules provide structure. He adds that people know what is expected of them and how they will engage one another in day-to-day interaction. The author says conflicts commonly arise in teams because of failed expectations caused by assumptions of one or more people. Massey discusses the issue of creating a team charter. He says a team charter is a written document used to define the team’s

purpose/vision, values and goals, adding that the charter will also assist to serve as a contract between the team and the organisation. The author expatiates that charters may be developed by top management, then presented to team members; or teams can create their own charters and present them to top management. Regardless of who creates the charter, it is absolutely imperative that top management should give full endorsement to provide the team the needed direction and authority, says Massey. In chapters three to six, this author X-rays concepts such as committing to creating a learning environment; committing to sharing the profits and losses; committing to turning around poor performance; and committing to dancing with ‘those who

brought you’. Chapter seven is based on the subject matter of committing to win. According to this author here, if you want your team to reach the level of high performance, you must transform those moments of fear and uncertainty into opportunities for ordinary people to achieve extraordinary results. Massey says the late John Wooden, hallof-fame coaching legend once told his UCLA basketball team thus: “Men, the team that makes the most mistakes tonight will win the game!” Massey adds that Wooden encouraged his players to take risks and make more mistakes because he knew that you miss 100 per cent of the shots you never take. Massey advises you against allowing naysayers a foothold in your team to perpetuate a story of negativity. He says the story heard is the story told. Massey adds that you should tell a different story, one that perpetuates a ‘play to win’ mindset that will allow you to create anything you want. In chapters eight to 10, the author discusses concepts such as committing to growing through adversity; committing to having fun; and committing to playing large. It must be stressed that the concepts Xrayed in this book are deep and rich in value. On style, this text is on the high rung of the ladder. Apart from the simplicity of the language, the mode of presentation is logical and highly intelligent. What’s more, Massey employs classical allusions, starting every chapter with a quote from a legendary figure, just to achieve conceptual reinforcement and ensure easy understanding on readers’ part. He adds: “Practical Application” segment at the end of each chapter where additional tips are offered, to ensure practical involvement of readers. However, chapters five and seven need to be harmonised for conceptual compactness. Generally, Massey’s intellectual efforts in this text are commendable. If you want your organisation to surpass previous achievements by building highly-effective teams, then this text is a must-read and the tips must-apply.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

Mastering dictionary abbreviations for literate communication(2)

AST week, we said dictionaries are a treasury of linguistic and extra-linguistic information, but most people believe that they are just meant for confirming meanings of words, and nothing more. We added that in a bid to discuss many things in the limited space of a dictionary, dictionary writers often use abbreviations and symbols in the course of illustration. We said but a lot of dictionary users find it difficult using dictionaries effectively, especially the grammar aspect, as a result of lack of knowledge of most of the abbreviations and word-class labels used. We X-rayed some of the symbols last week. We will discuss more this week.

Verbal symbol

… Note that it is possible for a verb having more than a meaning, that is, a polysemous verb, to have [vi,vt] plus [vi] and/or [vt]. That is, one of the meanings of the verb may be used transitively and intransitively; another meaning may be used intransitively; while yet another one may be used transitively if it has about three meanings. By analytical extension, it is possible for a transitive verb to be used intransitively in passive voice when the doer is implied, e.g. Football is played all over the world. Basically, we know that the phrase By people is omitted in this expression, but in spite of this, it can be taken for granted that it is people that play football. The complete form of the expression is Football is played all over the world by people. By not adding By people, a transitive verb has been used intransitively.

Addition

In short, lack of knowledge of the symbols [vi,vt], [vi] and [vt] may make a dictionary user commit grammatical errors by using the verbs involved in a different way. Note that in place of the symbols [vi,vt], [vi] and [vt], some dictionaries, e.g.

By Goke Ilesanmi

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, use [I,T], [I] and [T] respectively.

Double noun symbol

nn: Apart from the abbreviation n, the double symbol nn is equally used in some dictionaries to reflect two or more nouns. For example, from the verb Govern, Government and Governance are the two words derived from it that can be used as a noun. Also from the adjective Sensitive, Sensitiveness and Sensitivity are nouns that can be realised. In the dictionary, what is usually done is for these two nouns to be written in succession, while the symbol nn will be placed against them to show double nouns.

Adjective

adj: This is another abbreviation used in the dictionary. It is the short for the word Adjective. Therefore, any word that has this grammatical label can be used in the adjectival sense, especially in the dictionary context. Note that the fact that a word is labelled adj does not mean that it cannot be used otherwise. For example, the word Editorial is an adjective thus labelled adj in one grammatical context in the dictionary, but it is equally used as a noun and labelled n in another situation. As a noun, Editorial refers to a piece of writing in a newspaper that gives the editor’s or paper’s opinion about something rather than reporting facts. In a related development, the word Adverbial is an adjective, thereby labelled adj in a grammatical situation in the dictionary, but it is equally functioning as a noun and thus labelled n in another situation. When used as a noun, it simply refers to any word or phrase used as an adverb.

Double adjective symbol

Apart from the above abbreviation, another similar abbreviation used by some lexi-

cographers is adjj. This is employed in a situation where we have two or more derived words (derivatives) functioning as adjectives. For example, Continual and Continuous are two adjectives derivable from the verb Continue. In the dictionary, therefore, what is usually done is that these two words belonging to the same word class will be written in succession, with the label adjj placed against them to show double adjectives.

Adverb symbol

adv: The abbreviation adv represents Adverb. And when it is placed against any word in the dictionary, it means the word is to be used in the adverbial sense in that context. Basically, most of the words taking the label adv in the dictionary are adverbs ending in -ly. However, not all adverbs end in -ly and not all words ending in -ly are adverbs. For example, while we have obscure adjectives like Heavenly, Cowardly, Fatherly, Rascally, etc. ending in ly, thus sharing structure with adverbs, so also we have obscure adverbs like Late, Wide, Low, etc. sharing structure with adjectives. Additionally, we have temporal adverbs like Today, Tomorrow, etc. that do not end in -ly.

More on obscure adverbs

The obscure adverbs like Late, Wide, Low, etc. already mentioned are equally used in the adjectival sense. But it is through contextual usage that we can distinguish between the adjectival and the adverbial usage. As regards the word Late for example, to distinguish between the two grammatical classes to which this word belongs, we can say It is a late hour (adjective); He always arrives late (adverb). As regards Wide, we have It is a wide margin (adjective); He shot the ball wide (adverb). As applicable to n and adj, when we have two or words forming the derived adverbs of a

word, the abbreviation normally employed is advv.

Adverbial participle

adv part: This is the short for Adverbial particle. Examples of adverbial particles are Out, Off, Away, Down, Up, etc. Any of these adverbial particles (as well as prepositions like Upon, Beside, etc.) is combined with a verb to form what is known as a Phrasal verb such as Go out, Get along or Come around.

Affirmative and Anomalous Finite

Affirm: This abbreviation implies Affirmative. Therefore, any word or meaning of a word that it is placed against is to be used in the positive sense in that context. anom. fin: This is the short form of Anomalous finite. An anomalous finite, also called Special finite, refers to a verb that forms its negative or interrogative without the help of the auxiliary verb Do, technically referred to as Do-support. • To be continued

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.

•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 5, 2014

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

NIGERIA @ 100 Nigeria is beset with many challenges. The basic tenets of nation-building have been ignored. As the country celebrates 100 years of amalgamation, it is drifting towards anarchy. Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI reflects on the plight of the most populous African country battling with crises of development.

A country at crossroads W

HEN a convoy of nine new Hilux pick up vans hit the sleepy towns of Shuwa, Kirchinga, Kabla and Michika in Adamawa State last week, with men in military uniform firing sporadically and throwing explosives, security agents at checkpoints scampered for safety. Residents of the communities headed for the hills. The gunmen, according to reports quoting eyewitnesses, are members of the Boko Haram terrorist group, who were exhibiting their regular deeds of madness to sound a note of warning to Nigerian authorities, as world leaders gathered in Abuja last week to witness part of the activities marking the centenary of Nigeria’s amalgamation. Abdul Kassim, a Michika resident, said the militants arrived about 9.30 pm, “armed with rocket propelled grenades and explosives, which they hurled indiscriminately at homes and public buildings.” They burnt three banks, a police station, shops and part of Michika Local Government secretariat, in Michika alone, during the attack which claimed no fewer than 32 lives. The night before the Adamawa massacre, the insurgents killed 43 persons, mostly students, in an overnight attack on a boarding school in Yobe State. Like previous ones, the recent coordinated attacks of the sect are their way of registering disaffection with the way the country is being governed. Owing to rising insecurity and breakdown of law and order in the three flashpoint states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, the Federal Government declared a state of emergency in those states in May 2013 and launched a military offensive to curtail the activities of the terrorists. Since then, the insurgency, which escalated after the general elections in 2011, has almost degenerated into a full-blown war. Besides, as the country gradually approaches the 2015 general elections, different ethnic nationalities have been dropping the hint, every now and then, that they would resort to bloodshed, if things do not go their way politically. As Monday Ubani, chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Chapter, aptly puts it, the American prediction looms large as the country approaches 2015. He added: “Remember the threats from several geo-political zones; the east is threatening, the north is threatening and the south-south is also threatening… Nigeria is currently sitting on a keg of gunpowder. The disaster that may take place after 2015 may be more than what took place during the civil war, if care is not taken. This is because there is bottled up anger.” After 100 years of cohabitation, Nigeria is at crossroads; most of the ethnic nationalities are complaining of being marginalised and want a better deal within the union. For instance, during its 13th annual congress last Thursday, the Yoruba Council of Elders, a non-partisan, nonsectarian and non-profit socio-cultural organisation, declared that the Yoruba are being marginalised in the entity called Nigeria. In the words of the National President of the group, Major-General Adeyinka Adebayo: “In its 100 years of existence, Yoruba people have been relegated from the foremost, most urbanised, most educated, most economically vibrant, most populous and being the first in everything needed for outstanding nation-building, to the state of neglect, deprivation and marginalisation.” Indeed, as the country marks the centenary of its amalgamation, it is very evident there is much apprehension and dissatisfaction in the land. For instance, Tanko Yakassai, a former special adviser to President Shehu Shagari and commentator on national issues, is very much disappointed about the way things have turned for the country. He captured his feelings very aptly in the following words: “Countries like Singapore and Malaysia became independent around the same time with Nigeria. But today, they are far ahead of us because we did not stick consistently to running the country on a democratic basis. If democracy had been nurtured and allowed to take root in the country, it would

•The late Fredrick Lugard

•The late Nnamdi Azikiwe

•Map of Nigeria

have been a question of competition on the basis of ideas and programmes, not a fierce struggle to grab power at all costs.” Nnaemeka Amechina, a Lagos-based legal practitioner, is also disillusioned about the inequality, lack of social justice and discrimination prevalent in the Nigerian society today. He is particularly sad about the varying cut-off marks for admission into public universities in the country, which gives students from a certain part of the country better chances of admission and the issue of state of origin generally that invariably crops up in all facets of life in the country. “This should not be. The people of the country should be able to walk the length and breadth of the country without any limitation,” he lamented, adding: “The country is actually struggling to remain together as one because of the problems of inequality and wrong polity that engenders these inequalities. It is only when there are equal opportunities that everybody can feel committed to the union.” Tade Makun, lecturer, Department of Engineering, Offa Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, aptly captured the mood of the nation in the following words: “There is palpable anger and frustration. In a land so blessed, it is a great irony that whereas a few, very few, are living prodigally on our common patrimony the vast, indeterminate majority are subjected to the punishing pains of poverty in the midst of plenty!” As the Federal Government embarks on the celebration of the centenary of the amalgamation, Nigerians are getting increasingly exasperated about their country, particularly over the parlous state of the economy and how it is impacting on their daily lives. Year after year, the economy has been

posting impressive growth rates, according to government officials, but this has not been impacting positively on their lives. With current unemployment rate at 23.9 per cent and unemployed youth population put at 20.3 million, Nigeria has been living on the edge for over five years. A report compiled in December 2008 by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, stated as of then that the country generated about 4.5 million new entrants into the labour market annually. The figure, it stated, was made up of one million people out of the school system, 2.2 million primary school leavers not proceeding to secondary school, one million secondary school leavers not proceeding to the tertiary level and 300,000 tertiary graduates finding no placement anywhere for productivity. Another survey by the Federal Ministry of Education puts the yearly graduate turnover at over 600,000. Even at that, the official statistical presentation is nothing compared to the reality of the situation. It has been generally acknowledged that unemployment is one of the most critical problems facing Nigeria. The years of corruption, civil war, military rule, and mismanagement have hindered economic growth of the country, which is otherwise endowed with diverse and abundant resources, both human and material. Years of negligence and adverse policies have led to the under-utilization of the country’s resources. Most basic amenities and infrastructures are grossly inadequate. In most cases, these are in advanced stages of decay. “From roads, to education, to healthcare, to power supply, to security, the story is the same across the land: Citizens are left to cater to these various needs by

‘After 100 years of cohabitation, Nigeria is at crossroads; most of the ethnic nationalities are complaining of being marginalised and want a better deal within the union’

their personal resources,” Makun enthused. The unemployment situation is aggravated by the lack of functional infrastructures, the collapse in educational and health sectors. With this state of affairs, the energy of the growing army of unemployed youths is being channeled to crime and other anti-social activities. Many observers have described the youth unemployment situation as a bomb waiting to explode. Indeed, the unemployment situation has been blamed for the escalation of the Boko Haram insurgency, ethnic and sectarian violence armed robbery and the rise in spate of kidnappings round the country. According to a report published recently in the Economist, Nigeria had the most kidnap attempts in the world within the first half of 2013, as it accounted for 26 per cent of all such recorded incidents. Mexico was second with 10 per cent, while Pakistan was ranked third with seven per cent of recorded incidents of kidnapping within the period globally. While progress in curbing the spate of violence has been appallingly slow, the road to the 2015 general elections continues to be laden with mantraps. Apart from terrorism and other violent crimes, geo-political power contest, particularly within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the centre is a major threat to the country’s existence as a nation. How did the country arrive at this sorry pass? In the opinion of Ubani, after reading a recent book written by Olusegun Adeniyi, the former spokesman of late President Umaru Yar’Adua titled “Politics, Power and Death”, he has come to the inescapable conclusion that what is troubling Nigeria are too many and would therefore require several approaches to tackle them effectively. “To start with, there was no foundation laid for this nation. The British were driven away and they left in a hurry and in our bid to take over their position and the country, no serious thought was spared for the foundation of the country,” he argued. •Continued on page 44

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

POLITICS NIGERIA @ 100

‘Amalgamation brought too much drastic clash’ •Tam David-West, a professor of Virology and former Minister of Petroleum Resources spoke with Deputy Politicl Editor RAYMOND MORDI on the ‘mistake of 1914’ and its effects on the country’s socio-economic and political develoment.

IGERIA is celebrating 100 years of the amalgamation of Southern and Northern Nigeria. Looking back, was it a wise decision? It is a wise or unwise decision, depending on how you look at it. We must ask ourselves whether the amalgamation of 1914 was necessary. Was the amalgamation done for Nigeria or the British trading companies? Lord Luggard had the mandate to amalgamate Southern and Northern Protectorates for administrative convenience; I emphasize the words administrative convenience. This is very commonsensical because he had two large groups that posed a challenge administratively and he was there representing the trading interests of Britain. They were two major blocs of diverse backgrounds; religious, ethnic and political structure. So, it was more convenient for him to amalgamate and deal with one unit. Therefore, amalgamation was done not in the interest of Nigeria, but that of the British. But unfortunately for us, Nigerians have been expecting too much from the amalgamation over the years. I am even embarrassed that our intellectuals, political scientists, lawyers and historians have not addressed the major issue that the amalgamation was not done in the interest of Nigeria, which never existed before Luggard anyway. As a result, they are expecting too much from the amalgamation. So, the frustration that has been experienced by Nigerians over the years is because we are expecting too much from the amalgamation. I always like to give a simplistic example from elementary chemistry; the difference between an amalgam and a compound. In elementary chemistry, when you talk of an amalgam, you are talking about bringing two elements together without integrating them. For example, when you bring an amalgam, A, B and C and put them

together without integrating them, it means that in spite of what you have done, they still exist independently as A, B and C. But if you for a compound from A, B and C, they would loose their identity at the end of the day, such that there would be no A, B and C anymore. Any wonder then that the great Sarduana, one of the founding fathers of this country described the amalgamation as ‘the mistake of 1914.’ Richard Akinjide, one of Nigeria’s legal luminaries and one-time minister of justice, called it ‘the British conspiracy’, while Tafawa Balewa, First Republic prime minister, said in the Legislative Council of 1948 that since 1914 the British government has been trying to make Nigeria into one country, but that Nigerian people themselves are historically different in their backgrounds; their religious beliefs and customs and do not know themselves, do not show any sign or willingness to unite. He said Nigerian unity is only a British intension for the country. Of course, Chief Obafemi Awolowo had also once said that Nigeria is ‘a mere geographical expression’. From all this, we can see that our founding fathers, the best crop of leaders Nigeria has had, saw it from the beginning that this coming together is a mistake. I blame our intellectuals, our historians, who are over-interpreting the amalgamation and expecting too much from it. If the amalgamation had not happened, are there chances that the constituent parts

would have evolved into nation-states? Yes! That is why I say everything on earth has the good and bad sides. If the amalgamation had not happened, I believe that the Northern Protectorate and Southern Protectorate would have among themselves found out the acceptable modus Vivendi on how to live together. But the amalgamation brought too much drastic clash. We’re not serious when we say, One Nation, One Destiny! There is no one nation and so there cannot be one destiny; there are many nations and there are many destinies. That’s why we continue to clamour for conferences on how to live together. That’s nonsense; we can have 100 conferences on how to live together, it would not make any difference at the end of the day. It is Nigerians that must decide whether they want to live together; if we have not felt the need for us to live together, the conference would be a waste of time. When we had two regions, they were essentially developing at their own pace. And that’s the best time Nigeria has had a federation, not the autocratic set up we have today. We’ve been together as a country since 1914, yet there seems to be more issues that divide us today than those that unite us. Where did we go wrong as a nation? First, we have no nation. We went wrong as a people. Where we went wrong is this: the pristine suspicion among the different groups was not addressed. We never made

‘Where we went wrong is this: the pristine suspicion among the different groups was not addressed. We never made any attempt to address those big divisions’

•David-West

any attempt to address those big divisions. Instead of this conference, we should have series of conferences in different parts of the country, with people coming to talk to us about the advantages of living together. We gain more by being together. Let me give you an example. Even if you are baptized as a Christian, except you believe in what you are doing; except you believe in the Almighty God and His only begotten son, Jesus, you would not make a good Christian. In other words, you must believe in the fundamentals of that religion. If those fundamentals are not in place, go to church seven days a week, it doesn’t mean anything. Thus, Nigerians must see the merit of living together as a country, to be committed to that ideal. Right now, we do not yet believe that we should live together. That’s the problem we’ve been facing from the beginning till now. The basic suspicion is still there in our minds. We still use ethnicity for promotion; somebody is qualified, but because he is not from your area, you won’t promote him. The moment Nigerians settle fundamental problems, by respecting merit, everything would fall into place.

A country at crossroads •Continued from page 43

As a result, Ubani added, symptoms of a poorly planned country manifested early after the flag independence, which culminated into an unnecessary civil war that caused lives and materials. “The country has never been a sane country after the pogrom and civil war. The military leaders who took over went on stealing spree and surpassed by the civilian bureaucrats and politicians. Selfish, thieving and morally bankrupt leaders have actually been the bane of Nigeria,” the NBA chairman noted. Rather than build on what the whites left behind, he argued further, “our successive leaders have destroyed and stolen almost all the resources of the country.” Makun, on the other hand, is categorical in his submission that the reason for Nigeria’s failure to attain true greatness, in spite of her potentials, is absence of a National Vision, coupled with the depressing selfishness and greed of the misruling elite. To Yakassai, however, there are a lot of factors responsible for this. One of the factors, he reiterated, is the fact that successive leaders have not been able to run the country on a democratic basis for a long time after independence. The result, he argued, was that most of the development programmes fashioned by the country’s founding fathers as a way of uplifting the wellbeing of the people were jettisoned midway. For instance, he said the administration of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the first prime minister of Nigeria, started with about five or six of such programmes. “He conceived the idea of restructuring Kainji Dam in three phases, for the purpose of power generation and irrigation. Since he was killed in the coup d’état, successive leaders did not implement the programme of restructuring Kainji Dam; they were not even able to complete the first phase,” he said, adding: “If the three phases had been completed, enough power would have been generated for the industrialization of the country.” In the area of transportation, Balewa, Yakassai observed, conceived the idea of extending the rail-

•The late Obafemi Awolowo

way system to all parts of the country, such as from Jos to Bauchi, Gombe and Borno. Apart from the first phase, from Jos to Maiduguri, the octogenarian noted that all the other components of the railway extension project, which would connected parts of the South-west to the South-east and the South-south, were abandoned after the coup in 1966. “There was also the idea of dredging the River Niger to accommodate ocean-going vessels and thereby make the transport of goods and persons cheaper through the waterways. Since his demise, that idea has been abandoned. Yakassai also noted that politicians see elections merely as an opportunity to grab power, instead of one of providing service to the people. “It is unfortunate that in our democracy we spend much of the time fighting who should run for an office, rather than allowing the ideas and programmes of the aspirants to determine

•The late Ahmadu Bello

who gets the ticket,” he added. For instance, he said Nigeria has about five or six major political parties today, “but if you look closely you’ll find that there is no marked difference between Party A and Party B and so on, in terms of ideology and programmes.” He explains: “You will find out that what is happening in one party is equally happening in the other parties. Take the issue of local government elections, for instance. Almost all the parties are averse to holding elections when due. When they do hold such elections, the party in power employs everything at its disposal to put its men in power in all the local governments, irrespective of the strength of the opposition.” Felix Morka, executive director, Socio-Economic Rights and Action Centre, SERAC, agrees with Yakassai, when he said people with selfish interest are running the country. “Their interest

‘It is unfortunate that in our democracy we spend much of the time fighting who should run for an office, rather than allowing the ideas and programmes of the aspirants to determine who gets the ticket’

•The late Michael Okpara

is merely to build up their personal wealth, and use such wealth to get more political and with their political power to expand their personal wealth,” he noted. In line with Ubani and Yakassai’s positions, one of the things that have destroyed productivity and the healthy rivalry that existed among the regions that constituted the federating units following independence in 1960 was basically the change in revenue sharing formula at the outset of the war in 1967. This was a politically expedient policy that was introduced then to accumulate more funds at the centre to prosecute the civil war. Indeed, the years following independence in 1960 have been dubbed the country’s golden era. Then, the country was divided into three regions (later four with the creation of the defunct Mid West), with each one having autonomy over its affairs in many respects. Back then every region had its own plans for generating revenue internally via agriculture and other activities. Today, in contrast, most of the 36 states that were created subsequently are almost solely dependent on oil money that is distributed by the central government. With the present situation of things, that widespread desire that propelled the federating units to be as productive and self-sufficient as possible no longer exists.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

POLITICS NIGERIA @ 100

Federalism: Where Nigeria got it wrong Nigeria adopted the federal system of government at independence in 1960. But, it is yet to understand how it operates. Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN examines the effect of the defective federal structure on the country’s socio-economic and political development.

T the beginning of formal British indirect rule in 1901, Nigeria was divided into two regions: Northern and Southern. Both of them were divided into provinces. From 1901 to 1958, the number of regions was increased to three through both acquisition of territories and partition from existing provinces. However, while native born chiefs and clerks were appointed to govern the provinces, the regions were governed by the British-appointed colonial authorities, and such regions were made dependent upon the colonial authorities for martial law, manpower and management of resources. With the approach of independence, administration of the regions were put in hands of Nigeria-born citizens, and regional legislatures were established. By the time Nigeria had declared itself a republic and replaced the post of Governor-General with that of of President, a national bi-cameral parliament was established and the country was considered a federation of three regions. The Mid – Western Region was later excised from the Western Region in 1966. Federalism is a system of government in which governmental parts that exists in a country are shared between central government and component regions. It is also defined as the system of government in which governmental powers are shared between the central government and the federating units, including states and local governments. Federalism is often regarded as the appropriate system of government for countries with huge ethno cultural diversities. Nigeria, with over 250 ethnic groups inherited a federal system from Britain in 1960 and successive governments have attempted, with varying degrees of sincerity and commitment, to operate federal institutions that can accommodate the country’s ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic diversities and nurture a sense of unity. In 1939, Bernard Bourdillon, the GovernorGeneral at that time initiated and laid the foundation for a federal system of government in Nigeria by creating three provinces. But it was his successor, Arthur Richards that infused this in a constitution, known as Richards Constitution in 1946, which formally introduced regionalism into the Nigerian political system. Though the 1951 Macpherson Constitution was federal in nature, it contained some elements and ingredients of unitary Constitution that characterised the previous constitutions. The Lyttleton’s Constitution that followed established three regions- Northern, Western and Eastern with autonomy in internal policy and administration. It gave the central government the responsibility for external affairs and regional policy. The Lyttleton Constitution was a model for the Independence Constitution of 1960 and the 1963 Republican Constitution. Under these two Constitutions, the regions had considerable powers, including concurrent authority with the central government over higher education, industrial and water development, the judiciary and police. Even though the two Constitutions were truly federal in nature, they failed woefully to address the issue of the lopsidedness of the federation. The north was almost double the size of the combined Western and Eastern regions, hence the north dominated the central government. Regrettably, it was the fear of domination that culminated in tensions that sparked the first military coup in 1966. The coup was led by young army officers of Igbo extraction. Following the coup, General Aguyi Ironsi who emerged as the head of state abolished federalism in favour of a unitary system, which, according to him, would foster unity in the country. Expectedly, the north viewed this action as an attempt to dominate the country, hence a counter-coup led by northern officers who installed Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon as the new head of state, against the established military hierarchy. The first action taken by Gowon was to reinstate federalism. Shortly before the outbreak of the civil war in 1967, the Gowon Administration abolished

•Obasanjo

•Asiwaju Tinubu

‘The defective federal structure has also promoted bitter struggle between interest groups to capture the state and its attendant wealth and facilitated the emergence of violent ethnic militias. Politicians also exploit and exacerbate inter-communal tension for selfish reasons’ the existing regions and created in their place 12 states. The creation of these states weakened the power of the federating units as the central government subsumed the hitherto power of the federating units. As a result, the military systematically abolished the 50 per cent derivation formula that was arguably the hallmark of the First Republic. The post civil military regimes in the country maintained a federal structure, but implemented policies that encouraged Nigeria’s metamorphosis into a unitary state. With the power fully residing in the centre the military men tore down the former regions into shreds, by increasing number of states in the country. The 1979 and 1999 Constitutions imposed by the military were designed to obliterate the traces of true federalism in Nigeria. A mere perusal of second schedule to the 1979 constitution, which embodied the Exclusive Legislative List, shows that the Federal Government was given enormous powers, which encroached on the areas that were supposed to be in the concurrent list. For instance, the Federal Government had exclusive preserve over: Aviation, including airports, safety of aircraft and carriage of passangers and goods by air; Commercial and industrial monopolies, combines and trusts; Copyright; Evidence; Fingerprints, identification and criminal records; Labour, including trade unions, industrial relations, conditions, safety and welfare of labour, industrial disputes and prescribing a minimum wage for the federal and states. It also gave it exclusive powers over industrial arbitration; Mines and minerals including oilfields, oil mining, geological surveys and natural gas; Police and so many other items. The 1999 Constitution, on the other hand, incorporated in its second Schedule Part 1, almost if not all the items listed here. Similarly, the 1999 Constitution has been widely criticised by notable political commentators for fostering the systematic disintegration of the country. Its highly centralised nature and the diminishing state and local power were responsible for this. Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutionalism and Demilitarism, Sylvester Akhaine described it as grossly deficient in

addressing present political realities. According to him, “the constitution subverts the federal principle in its overt strengthening of the centre, leaving the state weak and prostate”. These military fashioned constitutions are therefore the undiputed precursors of the present socio-economic and political woes in the country. An attempt by the Obasanjo Administration to address the shortcomings of the 1999 constitution failed. In 2005, former President Olusegun Obasanjo conveyed a National Political Reform Conference. About 400 selected representatives of various tribes and interest groups converged on Abuja to deliberate on the issue of the Nigerian Federalism and make recommendations for constitutional reform. At the end of their deliberation, they produced 185 recommendations. Expectedly, given the controversy surrounding the two main issues recommended: tenures of the President and state governors and revenue allocation, the report of the conference did not see the light of day. The delegates from the South-South and South-East pulled out of the conference, when the other zones refused to support their demand for 25 per cent derivation. Apparently, the factor that discredited the entire process was Obasanjo’s alleged inordinate ambition for tenure elongation. Few days to the conference, Obasanjo’s close allies including Prof. Jerry Gana and Chief Ojo Maduekwe attempted to introduce a controversial amendment which suggested the elongation of the tenures of both the President and the state governors. However, the tenure amendment recommendation was outrightly defeated on the floor of the Senate in 2006. It is imperative to state that the National Political Reform Conference should have been an avenue to provide a framework for addressing Nigeria’s multifarious problems associated with its federalism. It goes without saying that problems like –resource control agitation by the Niger Delta states, a concept of citizenship, lopsided nature of the Nigerian federation and so many others would have been resolved. However, Nigerian leaders right from in-

dependence have failed to fulfil their obligations to offer good governance anchored on equitable political arrangements, transparent administrative practices and accountable public conduct. Indeed, failure to encourage genuine power sharing has triggered dangerous rivalries between the central government and the 36 states over revenue from the country’s oil and other natural resources. The defective federal structure has also promoted bitter struggle between interest groups to capture the state and its attendant wealth and facilitated the emergence of violent ethnic militias. Politicians also exploit and exacerbate inter-communal tension for selfish reasons. Analysts contend that the deeply flawed federal system in Nigeria constitutes a grave threat to national integration, stability and development. They argued that unless the government properly engages the underlying issues of resource control, power sharing, equal rights and accountability, the country will face an internal crisis of increasing and dangerous proportion. At independence, the autonomous regions possessed the residual powers and functioned almost independently. The regions had independent revenue bases, separate constitutions, and foreign missions. All these changed under the military rule. Attempts by the state governments to reassert their autonomy during the Second Republic were aborted by the return of military rule. Some state governments that were controlled by parties other than the ruling party at the centre, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), took the federal government to court on many occasions over matter of jurisdiction competence. This trend also reoccurs in this dispensation when the former Governor of Lagos state Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu dragged the Obasanjo-led federal government to court over the issue of local government creation in Lagos State. Tinubu’s major argument was that the act, which suggests that the federal government sees itself as superior to the state governments is anti-thetical to the principles of federalism. Another major feature that makes federalism work is financial autonomy. This has never been achieved in Nigeria federalism. The high level intervention of the federal government through national financial policies, grants-in-aids among others, increases the power of the federal government and makes the federating units subordinate to the central government. The increased revenue from oil boom has made the federal government to be more financially powerful over the state governments than before. As a result of this excess liquidity, the federal government embarked on some projects which were meant to be in the state residual list. The Universal Basic Education project is an example. The issue of autonomy for local governments is also considered as a problem of federalism in Nigeria. Today, the local governments are controlled by the state governments. But the federal government is making moves to severe relationship between states and local governments through direct funding of the third tier of government. The federal government intention may be borne out of entrenching the autonomy of local government as a tier of government. This move contradicts what obtains in countries where true federalism is practised. Another issue is resource control which is threatening the peaceful co-existence of the federating units in the country. Nigeria has witnessed and is likely to witness more interethnic group crises if states are not granted the right to rule and control their resources. Pre-1966 coup, regional governments controlled the resources generated within their domain. For instance, the Western regional government was responsible for the production and exportation of cocoa, the major cash crop in the region, to foreign countries. It only pays taxes to the federal government as stipulated in the constitution. Similarly, the Northern Nigeria government and its Eastern counterpart handled the exportation of groundnut and rubber produced in commercial quantity in their territory..

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

On assumption of office in May last year, she was unambiguous of her mission and vision for the nation’s tourism industry. Today, despite paucity of funds, the Director-General of Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo has worked her talks in focusing on domestic tourism as cornerstone for building a sustainable tourism industry that will attract foreign tourists and investors, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

POEM

Twilight By Evelyn Osagie

At twilight An early evening walk Into the forest Reveals the madness Crazy leaves clapping hands To the ethereal music Played by the wood The cricking old notes of crickets The whispering of the trees Behind the curtains of the wood At twilight Antediluvian hands are playing Prehistoric flutes made from branches of trees Eerie creatures are dancing Around the thick trees In the middle of the jungle To ghostly tunes of eerie flute players Holding onto crusty ropes

IRECTOR-GENERAL Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo has identified paucity of funds as a major challenge being faced by the corporation in its execution of tourism projects. She said such hindrances are affecting the total rebuilding process and refocusing of the corporation to meets its set targets of becoming a significant revenue generation source for the country. Mrs Mbanefo blamed this development on the inability of most Nigerians to see tourism as a revenue generator and as an alternative to oil as well as sustainable tourism assets that can earn money for the country. “I don’t believe I was given this job to keep going to Federal Government asking for money to run our projects. I think the government put me here in order to create our own money because we are capable of doing so. That’s why we are calling on the private sector to come in. So, funding of projects is really the main challenge. “Nigerians have not started looking at tourism as a revenue generator, as an alternative to oil, as sustainable tourism industry, sustainable tourism assets which can earn money for the country. We also need a paradigm shift in culture change about how people think about tourism and also about foreigners coming into the country to visit the various beautiful sites such as the Mambila Plateau, Osun-Osogbo festivals,” she said. Reacting to the country’s tourist’s receipt that is on the low side, she said private sector needs to champion tourism because it is a private sector activity which must be driven by the sector. According to her, people believe Abuja is a boring conference centre that should be changed to a tourism spot of the world, as a green city and an eco-tourist state where waste will be converted into bio-fuel. “So, it is not just about the beauty but also the revenue we create. The firm that has agreed to partner us in this project will pay for it from the beginning to the end, and they will get their money back through the income we generate. We are also partnering with Federal Government. It is going to be green city which includes tourist Nigeria, heritage Nigeria, anything that reminds people of Nigeria. We just want Abuja to have a fantastic tourism city, everything will be driven by nature, green solar energy, green combustion, and it will be green everywhere. We will be changing waste into wealth and creating a city that is green and nature-driven,” she added. Mrs Mbanefo who put the estimated cost of the project at $150m, disclosed that the corporation that has volunteered to do the work is doing it through prefab and that it would take a one year to complete. She explained that the biggest part of the work is mapping the land before the commencement of the project. . On sourcing of funds for the Abuja project, Mrs Mbanefo said that a foreign company has undertaken to invest in it and will get their money back through proceeds made from the sales of hotels, houses and shops. “Money will come out of those investments and from there, we will decide what goes to them, what goes to the Federal Government, what goes to FCT and what goes to NTDC,” she said. She observed that there is a seeming competition amongst state governors on peo-

At twilight Ghostly figures jumping from tree to tree Waiting patiently for earthly visitors Behind the curtains of the wood Fairy-like maidens swinging their waist From here to there Coming from the nearby village Looking for the source of the enchanting music At twilight They stop in the middle of the forest To join the wraithlike figures Dancing round the thick trees Enchanted beyond existence The pretty maidens are no more On festivals days It is often told That the wood also dance As we play our festive songs At twilight The fairy-like maidens do appear Behind the curtains of the wood At twilight

Take Charge of Your Education •Mrs Mbanefo

‘We need paradigm shift in tourism promotion’ TOURISM ple-friendly projects especially those that affect children, women and tourists. She cited the Ondo State governor Dr Segun Mimiko as a good example other governors must emulate. “All I can say, so far, is that Ondo State has been so exemplary in education, in infant mortality and medical tourism. I think the state is leading. “In Akwa Ibom, we can talk about their eLibrary, Calabar has beautiful museums, and it also has the Tinapa and the carnivals. Why foreigners appreciate Nigeria a lot is because we have carnivals and festivals, some countries do not have them, so they are fascinated by it. Nigeria has unique festivals and carnivals, there are cultural things that are only found in Nigeria, and our country has so much to sell,” she said, noting that

NTDC has plans to have a stand at all the airports in the country where visitors can get information about tourist’s sites in the country. To further facilitate domestic tourism, Mrs Mbanefo said NTDC is collaborating with ABC Transport with the aim of providing transportation to tourists at subsidised rate so that Nigerians can travel more within the country. Continuing she said: “I want to emphasise that enjoyment of Nigeria’s assets is not for the elite alone. In fact, it’s more for people at the grassroots level and those that can’t afford to go abroad. We want Nigerians to be so patriotic that they are happy to enjoy Nigeria. Let us make the most of what we have and not cry about what we don’t have. ABC has already brought in two buses, like the London double decker buses and we are going to start touring Abuja to show the world that Abuja has something to show.”

Most schools can’t help you discover you Most schools will impose the wrong fit on you Preparing you for one-size-fit-all examinations And their out-of-sync-with-life certifications Yes, they are wrong; we all know that Yes, they should change; we all preach that But no matter what the schools may do You should know what you must do: Refuse to be a victim of the unhealthy situation Rise up! And take charge of your Education

Education is not schooling Education is what holds the reins To make you a better you Schooling is just one of the ways To achieve that goal for you Never confuse the two Never equate the two Oh! Never let the lesser Stand in the way of the greater Never reduce Education To mere school participation.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Towards a Nigerian writers’ series

HE naming theory, pristine but ever so elastic, has indicated that there are objects out there, waiting to be named. There could, in addition, be a retinue of concepts, orientation or convention, deserving linguistic attachment or association, for purposes of identification or classification. Either way, lexicon has gotten accustomed to linguistic coloration or attachment by adjectives, graphical details, noun or noun verbs such as “international”, “European”, or “American” to anything sublime, of value constellation or world view as to reduce any parallel, cress-culture association to mere image-boosting propaganda, ambitious avowals, speculative orientation or inferiority complex. Linguistic etymology espouses the intrinsic or extrinsic connotation deriving from location, or the culture, in situ. The dynamism in language ensures that symbols, which can be environment or generationspecific, are concomitantly irrepressible, are open to trespass and/or cannot be quarantined. English language especially enjoys motivation or attraction from French or Latin, yet many French or German words do derive their translations in their nearEnglish alternatives and vice-versa. In one word, linguistic symbolism is interwoven without necessarily engendering sociological incompetence or culture surrogacy. There always seem to be some form of inbuilt existential nihilism, or epochal grandstanding when linguistic attachment is meant to impact, to leverage, to adapt or to influence development or heeded change. Yet, it is to some form of credit that the modern world, having refused to remain on the same spot, has continued to deploy intellectual ups-winging albeit, within decorum. The association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), tagged its November 2013 convention in Akure, Ondo State. “The 32nd International Convention of Associaltion of Nigeria Authors”, because, according to its President, Professor Remi Raji, the time has come to enlist Nigerian writers in the diaspora, into ANA and to establish a Nigerian Writers’ Series, while the African Writers’ series is not destroyed or annihilated, As is embellishing ANA’s new impetus,

From Jacob Olu Alabi

CONFERENCE the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Humanities Chair, Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, Series Edition of Rochester Studies in African History and The Diaspora, as well as Series of Carolina Studies on Africa and Black World, Profession Toyin Falola, in bhis Convention keynote address disclosed that Yorubas, for example, carried their pathogenic creativities with them to the diaspora, consequent upon the transatlantic slave trade. Indeed, towards the second quarter of the 15th century, the King of England had begun dispatching emissaries to hitherto unknown parts of the world. One of them, Christopher Columbus, arrived Nigeria in 1472, one decade before similar gestures were extended to America by Britain. Almost immediately afterwards, however, the trans-atlantics slave trade, which ravaged many coastal parts of Africa, began and officially lasted till 1773, when Abraham Lincoln legislated against it. They are the survivors of this trade, who constituted the first generation of Africans and/or Nigerians in the diaspora, their black skin, their natural response stimuli, their costume and worship mode, giving them out. In progression, they acquired the western form of formal education. The second group consisted of recruited, able-bodied Africans who fought the world wars but decided to stay back, their transborder trading, artisanship-driven professionals, stowaways, etc counterparts who crossed carnivorous Sudan, Libyan or Algerian desert, or the island or Lampedusa; relocated to other parts of the world. The third group, perhaps the most vulnerable, the most lugubrious, consists of highly educated Nigerians, the “Brother Andrews” of this world who have obtained their degrees at home, are in the worlds of Barrack Obama, “simply expelled out of the country” for lack of employment. It is to mediate the foreignness, to showcase and protect the Nigerianness in the literary exegetes amongst them that ANA is internationalizing its programmes. Already, according to

its re-elected President, Professor Remi Raji, ANA has branches in other countries in the West-African sub-region. ANA also intends to begin a Nigerian Series, very soon. From immemorial, authorship has always influenced development in many areas. Socrate’s school of philosophy that around 300 B.C midwived empirically-based discipleship in Logic, Physics, Ethics, Geography, Mathematics, Meteorology etc. pitched against Monarchy and gods which Monarchy worshiped in Macedonia” For a long time, it went under. However, the Lutheran Movement against Episcopal hypocrisy and the convocation of writers, authors and other categories free thinkers in refugee city of Antwerp in Belgium. In the 16th Century went 1.800 years back to non-fiction authorship that activated the European revolution. That revolution, has today remained unreserved such that since the 1998 Kyoto Convention the entire world has continued to pleas that the western world mediate tropical deforestation and reduce the industrial emission that characterizes the ozone layer. Another convention speaker, Engr. Moses Idowu, observed that Nigerian writers of today perhaps shy away from non-African fiction authorship that requires fact-finding and meticulous assemblage of dad. Additionally, perhaps because non-fiction writers require ability to say the truth and stand by it, the generation of people like Tai Solarin, Gani Fawehinmi, Kanmi Isola Osobu, Bade Onimode, Prof Mr Mrs Edwin Madunagu, Teacher Amachri, etc is fast disappearing. In this perspective, Guest Lecturer, Toyin Falola, regretted that the frustration in the Nigerian writers resides in the continuous recycling of societal ills which writers have been writing against for a very long time. By the end of the Convention, ANA’s new impetus’ seemed to tilt towards non-fiction, target-audience, attitude changing, development-directed authorship, as against culturebound fairy tales, mendacious love stories and others that tend to divert the people from the harsh realities of the day-to-day existence. ANA recognises efforts by sister or ancillary Art Associations promoting categories of art works and may partner authorship of

•Raji

publication that promise ascertainable percentaul payback. To aid book dale, Nigerian authors are to employ simple, interactive, transactional languages, as against highfaluting, wall-destroying grammar that usually attracts head nods or mere familial handshakes after narrow-casting to small but customarily scholastic audiences. ANA signposts India, a fellow British colony, where publishing has been a catalyst. India ranks amongst the top seven publishing nations of the world, Self-publishing private house, exclusively devoted to academic articles, research results or technological breakthroughs in academic journals are being continuous accredited since 1998. She leads the world in pharmaceutical products; she’s the second, largest world’s cotton producer, after U.S.A, and the second in the world’s total farm output. In India, there are seconds of third generation families who live or have lived exclusively on proceeds of book writing. •Alabi is a member of Chapter

ANA Osun State

iREP film festival holds March 20

MUSON ANNUAL DINNER

By Linda Ogudo

TOURISM

•From left: General Manager, Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) Mr Gboyega Banjo; Emeritus Professor of Medicine Prof Yetunde Olumide; Mrs Francesca Emanuel and Mr Dennis Okoro of MTN Foundation at the MUSCON’s appreciation dinner at the La-Scala Restaurant, Lagos. PHOTO: NNEKA NWANERI

HIS year’s iREP International Documentary Film Festival will run from Thursday March 20 to 23, at the Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos, between 10am and 10pm daily. The festival’s keynote address titled: “Rhythms of AmalgamationFashioning a Nigerian Identity” will be delivered by the Director-General of the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Mr. Emeka Mba by 10am prompt. iREP 2014 will feature highly respected filmmakers from different parts of the World. It will also feature a rich collection of award-winning Documentary films from across the world, complemented by works of young and old filmmakers in Nigeria. This year’s, will also introduce a special room; which is entirely dedicated to films screenings all day, throughout the period of the festival. This is to cater for participants, who are wholly interested in films screening, and also allow other participants see a film they might have missed. The festival will feature producers’ roundtable, an international co-production and co-operation forum for documentary filmmakers, established during the 2011 festival. The Filmmakers’ Roundtable will hold on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 March and will explore innovative options and opportunities in international co-productions and distributions.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Alowes makes intellectual premium of ‘minorities’ debate

UCCESS could be as circumstantial as birth location. At least, in Nigeria, the existentiality of place of origin rub off significantly on the trail of successes recorded in crucial industries and strategic enterprises. The view runs radically contrary to the ones popular contemporary classrooms of leadership studies where the notion of ‘born achiever’ is often hotly contested by scholars. But while scholars across the globe debate veracity of nature lending helping hand in the fate of successful or unsuccessful people, in business, leadership, scholarship, sports and other areas a few writers such as the author, Jimanze Ego Alowes, are not scared to wade in with clear thought. And he makes things clear from the outset of his treatise that in his case study, Nigeria, people of socio-cultural, if ethnic minority roots enjoy competitive edge in some crucial economic sectors. All through an engaging span of 141 pages, in his latest book, ‘Minorities as Competitive Overlords’, Mr Alowes argues his cause that place of origin really pushes up some people while equally limiting the accent of others. However, he sets his premise with a hint that despite the fact he has a lot of instances to buttress his ideological position the issue is more about possibilities than of definite stance. In his introductory remarks he states thus: “…in a Nigerian case study, the minorities are not assumed to be more or less talented. The thesis is that they will have natural comparative advantage issuing as it were from the disadvantage or weakness in numbers. The important thing is to deploy the understanding as a strategic asset and comparative tool. There are niche businesses and competitive areas they would be quick to trounce all nonminority, all majority competitors, despite what appears on the face of it as disadvantages.” (p vii) Though he dropped the hint, early, that he was merely throwing up issues to provoke serious thought, reading through his threesection book (Part 1 – 3), spread through 10 chapters offers ample instances to establish a conviction. Every chapter features a distinct sector of Nigerian economy in which clusters of enterprises owned by persons from the said ethnic minorities have excelled. His first chapter which kicks off the collection of essays in an engaging taste that runs through all the publication is entitled ‘Why and How Nigerian Media Moguls… are All From the South-

U SA V I L

BOOK REVIEW

Title:

‘Minorities as Competitive

Overlords’

Author: Reviewer:

Jimanze Ego Alowes

Publisher:

The Stone Press

Chuka Nnabuife

south Minority’, captures the minorities in southern Nigeria as adept in excelling in media business. But he establishes that the feat is not achieved by rare or identifiable genetic endowment. Rather planned, steady strategic progression through the corners where majority political groups failed achieved that cluster climb in the area of media entrepreneurship. Alowes delves into analyses of the ideological tendencies of Nigerian ethnic aggregations which, according to him, the media businessmen from the South-south understudied and exploitatively tapped into. “Since the majority powers all want to be really regional… while pretending to be national just to appear… politically correct, the nearest people to a national and nationalistic group, are the South-Southerners. This is by the logic and irony of being powerless and a highly vulnerable group and not out of their goodness… And here again the minorities of the South-South wins, and this shows up in their media prowess concomitantly.” (p 30) He goes on to appraise that the South-south media moguls excelled because of the lack of trust among the majority ethnic aggregations

Facets of life in Victorian Lagos

HE first feeling I experienced on reaching the last page of the book was a touch of envy-why didn’t I write this book? And this was immediately followed by the kind of feeling you get when you’ve just had an excellent meal, but you wished that the portion were larger; the you remind yourself of the Buddhist principle, that the healthiest approach to a meal is to leave the table still feeling slightly hungry-its good for the digestion and makes you appreciate the food all the more. So it is with this book. When a professor of surgery, as our dear author is, approaches any task, even if outside his professional field, it would be reasonable to expect only the highest standards of meticulousness, and this has been his approach to this book. But what is really striking is the vividness of his imagery, rich with detail, by which he takes you back to Victorian Lagos, circa 1850 to 1900, the age of gentlemen and gracious ladies, the age of order. The time of the beginnings of ‘Innocent Commerce’ replacing the slave trade; the time of conquest and intrigue and imperial fiat, and yet, in spite of that, the truly golden age of Lagos, the birthing of its cosmopolitan character. Let me again express my envy for his mastery of this exceedingly difficult craft. Reading this book revealed to me that there are so many facts and facets of life in Victorian Lagos that I, and I venture to say many of us here, never

BOOK REVIEW

U SA V I L Title:

The life and Times of James Pinson Labulo Davies

Author: Reviewer:

Prof. Adeyemo Elebute

Publisher:

Florence and Lambert

Pages:

Fola Arthur-Worrey

235

heard of knew of, and if you want a vivid snapshot of those times, rich with personalities and politics and social scenery and business and failure and recovery, this book will provide it. The book examines the life and times of James Pinson Labulo Davis, whom I shall now refer to as JPL, the son of liberated Yoruba slaves in Freetown and who subsequently and

of Nigerians in the South-west; South-east and northern Nigeria. Hence the southern minority media bosses will continue to reign because the rest of the country would rather trust them to be in control of such a vital economic sector as the media than have it in the hands of people from the major ethnicities. In the chapter, ‘Why and How the Golden Deltans Dominate Nigerian Banking,’ he once more drummed the “geography” konga. He states “however, that this is not a result of any conspiracy, but a consequence of known and determinable vectors that help shape and fashion market dynamics. Or, one can justifiably say that what is going on is what we may call the sociology of market in action. And it plays out in markets as far apart as Tokyo, New York or Lagos.” The sociology of the marketplace at play, as he identified is, the ability of the South-south banking buffs of Delta State origin to tactically play second fiddle consistently until they raked in the clients of bankers from major ethnicities who the populace are afraid of empowering through business. Being an independent social researcher with practical entrepreneurship experience and academic background in accounting and economics, the author should know a lot about what he dubs the sociology of marketplace. Alowes is also a prolific writer with several books in the market. He equally writes weekly columns in national newspapers. Therefore, his pedigree necessitates serious consideration of his views. More so, he has a substantial social and intellectual credential for such serious interrogation. His position on the edge south-south media merchants enjoy from their minority ethnicity routs, for example, has been interrogated by people who previewed his manuscript. Some argued that his conclusion was hasty as it tended to exclude some other newspaper and electronic media men who are not from the minorities that succeed in the industry. Some others reason that it is too early in Nigeria’s media history to conclude thus. Some commentators just faulted his hypothesis, claiming there is yet to be an extensive study. Some urged a deeper probe into Nigeria’s eventful media history to note many non-minority media owners who excelled. While some just cannot stomach the notion. Alowes attended to the comments in the publication. “I suspect that the concern is from the traditional study of the media as its own existent, whole and entire. Media practitioners are of-

ten deluded they are objective almost androidlike in the trade. And they make no other concessions. For many of them nothing other than objectivity and market savvy influence the making of great newspapers. In their implied logic the major newspapers… are all doing well because of their professional vision and accomplishment. They cannot imagine any other outsider or outlier force at play. Perhaps they are precociously right before the fact. After this (the book) perhaps, sociology of business analysis will be included as a standard market analysis, just as funds flow analysis currently is,” he stated. He further wrote thus: “closer examination tells us media assets don’t grow or flourish in its own world, that it is not one separate world, except in the sense in which it is one mesh of several worlds.” Alowes, a prolific writer who writes a weekly column in a national newspaper, is not a stranger to strong ideological positions. He has written two earlier books (all essays) with emphatic postulations on how to advance the social and economic state of Nigeria. But none is as novel in treatise as ‘Minorities as Competitive Overlords’. It is as audacious intellectually as it is revealing and contentious. But the meat of the whole matter is in reading all the essays or at least, most of them, and ruminating on the unifying thrust. In a communication to the writer after reading the book, veteran economist, Henry O. Boyo remarked thus: “ I finally had time to read all of it during holidays and I confess that I am enriched by your rare insights which were properly couched in supporting factual information. Nigerians should be proud of your trail-blazing thesis which will no doubt ultimately resonate and command universal attention….” On the blurb, a consultant economist, Dr Boniface Chizea remarked is similar enthusiasm thusly: “some of the the assertions had the effect on me as that of coming into a sudden awareness and realization of some facts regarding the existential realities of Nigeria.” Sure, Alowes’ new book is one of the most resourceful social study on Nigerian economics’ sociology in recent time. But the publication though rich in knowledge with beautiful cover design suffers from some of the peculiar problems of self-publishing. Ignore the occasional long sentences, poor binding and subediting neglects and you will enjoy the golden throve of knowledge Alowes has dropped in the bookshelf.

astonishingly became a school teacher with the CMS, and officer in the Royal Navy’s anti-slavery squadron, an independent ship owner and merchant, a leading figure in Lagos society, a prominent member of the Legislative Council, and a pioneer of cocoa cultivation (disputed). And all this achieved by a man with such humble beginnings. This is a book that will make all who read it reflect on the current state of our society, its coarseness, under attack by all manner of cultural and social distortions and disruptions. Yes, change is inevitable but surely we can all do a bit more to redirect it. Professor Elebute’s masterful work of 235 pages made up of five chapters and an epilogue, along with very useful endnotes and striking illustrations, is very well packaged with easy to read prints and delightfully designed cover. The prose is surgically structured yet racy, grabbing your attention immediately and taking you on a very fascinating and gripping ride. I must confess that I searched with a fine tooth comb for even one solitary grammatical or spelling error, searching desperately for my “Aha!” moment, but sadly, I was to be disappointed. One aspect of the book that fascinated me the most was the recounting of the extraordinary life of the wife of JPL, Sarah Davis (nee Sally Forbes Bonetta), a Yoruba girl captured as a child in 1848 by Dahomeans who raided the Egbado villiage of Oke-Odan where she lived with her parents. From that rather dismal event, fate intervened and this young slave ended up living with a family in England, becoming a ward of Queen Victoria who invited her to Windsor Castle, took on responsibility for her welfare and education (she was even referred to in official correspondence as a protégée of Her Majesty), and on her death fully adopted her her daughter Victoria, gave her a life-long annuity, and sponsored her as her first African student to be admitted to the famous Cheltenham Ladies College paying fees of up to 100 pounds a year

(equivalent in purchasing power, according to the author of N2.6 million today). When the couple married in England no less, it was a major event, sponsored by Her Majesty the Queen who sent a representative, a social event reported with great descriptive colour in the local Brighton paper, the Penny Illustrated. And yet here we are, over a century later, begging to be let into the UK and being threatened with cash bonds as a condition for visa. Another aspect of the “Life and Times of James Pinson Labulo Davis” that will delight readers is its coverage of the colonial politics of Lagos, from the intrigues surrounding the “conquest” of Lagos and the Treaty of Cession, to the description of characters of the local big-wigs and colonial officials and governors that served during this period and their various roles, both in Lagos and Egba land. There are wonderful portraits of these individuals and I found the account concerning Governor Glover quite intriguing and indeed ironic, especially considering that we still have a hall named after him in own-town Lagos. I won’t say much about the chapter in CMS grammar school. It is an old boy’s account and therefore understandably sentimental. As a KCOB myself, I can’t but…well, you know… All in all I have to commend the author for the amount of effort he put into the research because it is what gives the book authenticity and hence it’s essential integrity. It is a daunting task to take on historical work. You may lay yourself open to all manner of disputations. But the work that has gone into this book, the historical sources both here and in the UK, the sheer amount of effort expended to construct a coherent account from the great mass of it, the fantastic illustrations, all combine to make it a true classic, a must read for all who are interested in exploring the building blocks of this bustling, thriving dynamic metropolis.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

TAKING A NAP?

Even a dog appreciates the need to rest...on a chair.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

Muson honours Francesca Emanuel By Udemma Chukwuma

CELEBRATION

•From left (standing): Egbunine and Kamitz performing at the concert

T was an evening of harmonious tunes at the AGIP Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, as various musical instruments were put to work in honour of Mrs Francesca Emanuel. The event was put together by The Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) in reverence of Mrs Emanuel, who turned 80 last September. The occasion was not just to honour this woman of prowess, but to celebrate her achievements and her contributions as a philanthropist. Right at the center of the hall was a big, beautiful black piano played by renowned pianist and lawyer, Louis Mbanefo. Dignitaries at the performance included Prof Wole Soyinka and Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, who sat quietly in the hall. Also on hand to thrill the guests was Ranti Ihimoyan, a soloist, supported Mbanefo. They opened the stage with Giovanni Bononcini’s Per la Gloria d’adorarvi, Wolfgang A. Mozart’s Una Donna a quindici anni and Gioachino Rossini’s La pastorella delle Alpistage. Thomas Kanitz, a master and conductor of MUSON Symphony Orchestra (MSO), took over the stage and did what he knows how to do best alongside Mbanefo; delivering a beautiful and soulful rhythm with their piano and violin to the listening pleasure of the celebrator and audience, who are mostly elders. This made the celebrator, Mrs Emanuel, to describe the show as ‘one of the most beautiful moments in my life.’ After an interval, the show continued with the MUSON Symphony Orchestra. They occupied the whole stage with their musical instrument of various shapes and sizes, while Kanitz conducted the orchestra. At the concluding part of the show, more appealing pieces from Max Bruch Kol’s Nidrei, Kanitz, Giacomo Puccini’s Sim mi chiamano Mimi and W. A Mozart’s Overture, from Magic Flute; were performed by these talents. The show also featured Nkiruka Andrew, Guchi Egbunine and John-Paul Ochei, who mesmerised the audience with their outstanding performances.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

BUSINESS EXTRA

CBN orders closure of 83 microfinance banks

HE Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) has okayed the liquidation of 83 licensed microfinance banks (mfbs), Managing Director, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim said yesterday. Ibrahim, who made this known when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Banking and Currency to defend NDIC’s 2014 budget, also said plans were on to work out ways to regulate mobile banking in the country. On the closure of the Mfbs, the NDIC boss said it was discovered that some of the banks existed only on paper while some are used to de-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst. Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

fraud Nigerians. He said there were up to 900 microfinance banks in the country before the liquidation. Ibrahim said the NDIC would determine the number of depositors and how much each deposited in the banks in order to pay them. Some assets of the banks, he said, would also be siezed and sold. He noted that there was no doubt that the operations of some of the Mfbs had become epileptic. The NDIC boss said N105 billion was voted in the

budget as pay off fund in case any bank goes under. He said: “Funding gap is what we do to prepare for the rainy day. We hope and pray that the rainy day does not come but any insurance should prepare for the rainy day. As we speak, no bank benefited from the fund in 2013.” On ‘dollarisation’ of the economy by speculators, he said the issue was being looked into by the CBN to ensure that it does not affect the economy. Ibrahim also told the committee that NDIC initiated rebranding to ensure better service. He noted that after operating for 20 years, the corpora-

tion decided that it was time to rebrand for reorientation. He said last year, the NDIC maintained confidence and stability of the banking system through effective supervision and regulation of the system. He said the corporation also tried to pay depositors of institutions that had been liquidated. He said: “We have stepped up awareness and campaigns about our activities to make sure that members of the public put up claims of their locked up deposits in liquidated financial institutions. “We appointed some banks as agents with the assistance of our various zonal offices that we had established in

various parts of the country. “Our plan for this year is to continue to protect depositors funds and to enhance the supervision. “To promote financial literacy, consumer protection so as to make sure we enhance financial inclusion so that millions of Nigerians that do not have access to banks for any form of financial system or outlet are assisted in various ways.” On regulation of mobile banking, he said: “We are partnering with the CBN to discuss the ways and means

of ensuring depositors of mobile banks and depositors of mobile phone system. “Mobile banks are emerging and seven banks had been licensed by the CBN to get involved in mobile banking and there are 11 nonbanking telecommunications related institutions that had been licensed to offer mobile money service.” On the need to regulate mobile banking, he said: “The depositors of the institutions offering mobile banking needed to be identified and protected.

DPR blames fuel scarcity on non-contract renewal • Senate panel queries ‘missing’ ship

• From left: Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Power, Hon. Mohammed Abdullahi; Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi and Chairman, House Committee on Power, Hon. Patrick Ikhariale, during the budget defence by the Ministry of Power before the committee, at National Assembly, in Abuja...yesterday. PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Senate queries N500m PIB campaign

HE Senate queried yes terday the Ministry of Petroleum Resources on how it spent N500 million to sensitise Nigerians on the controversial Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Danaladi Kifasi, who represented the minister at the budget defence session, said he could not give details of the expenditure because he was new in the ministry. The budget defence was conducted by the Senate Committee on Gas. Kifasi was said to have been posted to the ministry in August, last year. Prodded further, Kifasi noted that from the records he met at the ministry, the N500 million was expended on radio and television jingles, newspaper advertisements and monitoring vehicles. He did not give further details as demanded by some committee members, especially evidence of how the fund was actually spent. A member of the committee, Senator Bello Tukur (Adamawa Central) raised the issue. He wondered how the ministry got involved in the PIB campaign since the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is known to drive campaign to pass the bill. The ministry’s Director of Public Relations and Press, Mr. Kingsley Agha, how-

• Reps flay Budget Office over Service Wide Vote From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst. Editor, Sanni Onogu, Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

ever, explained that the ministry was not given the opportunity to give details of the expenditure. Agha noted that there was sufficient evidence in parts of the country that the fund was used for the mounting of bill boards in strategic locations in major cities as well as proof that part of the fund was used for radio and television campaigns to sell PIB to Nigerians. Kifasi told the committee that there were budgetary allocations to the ministry for the development of gas infrastructure even when the ministry lacked the necessary technical manpower and capacity to execute such projects. About $3.16 billion was allocated to the ministry for capital projects for gas infrastructure in the 2013 budget, of which $1.7 billion was released to the ministry. Chairman of the committee, Senator Nkechi Nwogu asked about the progress made by the ministry in the area of gas infrastructure development in 2013. Kifasi said: “On the part of the ministry, absolutely nothing was done on gas infrastructural development because we do not have the

technical capacity to go into the construction of gas pipelines.” The permanent secretary also admitted that his ministry also received allocations for the development of gas infrastructure in the 2012 budget. The response of Kifasi did not go down well with most members of the committee. Senator Ifeanyi Okowa wanted to know why the ministry should allow such amount of money to be allocated to the ministry every year for development of infrastructure when it knew that it lacks the capacity to execute such project. Okowa noted that the ministry should be bold enough to admit its inability in the area so that such funds would be allocated to other areas where they would be meaningfully utilised. Also, the House Committee on Appropriation has questioned the Budget Office on the meaning and essence of some sub-heads on the 2014 budget proposal. The John Enoh-led Committee, during the budget defence session with the Director-General of the Budget Office, Bright Okokgwu sought explanation and justification for the N316billion Service Wide Vote for last year. This is in addition to the diffeence between

N62billion DFI budget and the billions proposed for job creation scheme; the justification for N2billion for the six states under the Northeast Development Initiative and N53billion for 20,000 exmilitants in the Niger Delta under the Amnesty Programme. The lawmakers also sought explanation for the inclusion in the budget a N30billion sinking fund and another sub-head for Contingency. In addition, the lawmakers sought response for the dwindling personnel budget for the Nigeria Police that has fallen to N13billion, as well N6billion for capital projects in 2014 compared to N14billion in 2013 while recurrent shrunk from N8billion last year to N6billion. The lawmakers also expressed concern in the reduction of the police reform fund from N71billion in 2010, to N25billion in 2011, N12billion in 2013, N20billion in 2013 with zero allocation in this year. “We have difficulties explaining the meaning and essence of these and many more sub heads to our colleagues on the floor. “We want you to shed light on these items and justify their inclusion in the budget. It is also hoped that some sub heads that are just appearing now would not eventfully become a permanent envelope in few years to come we have seen it happened before,” Enoh said.

HE Department of Pe troleum Resources (DPR) yesterday blamed the resurgence of fuel queues in filling stations across the country on the failure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to renew importation contract of independent oil marketers. The Zonal Operation Controller of DPR, Abuja, Mr. Aliyu Halidu spoke while defending the agency’s budget before the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream) in Abuja. Meanwhile, the Senator Emmanuel Paulker-led committee has dismissed officials of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Warri, over their inability to account for a training vessel ordered for the institute five years ago. Halidu stated that even though there is fuel at depots, the independent marketers were not willing to lift from there due to cost implication. He said the problem was that of supply of petroleum products and and not that of availability of fuel. He noted that even though 120 trucks are quite sufficient to meet the fuel needs of Nigerians daily, he lamented that the supply has dropped to 60 tucks due to the inability of independent marketers to import products. He said: “We have been importing fuel through contract, some of the contracts have not

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst. Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

been renewed. It is only the major oil marketers that are selling. The independent marketers cannot buy from the depots because of the price.” Senator Paulker expressed worry over declining oil revenue as a result of bunkering, pipeline vandalism and oil theft. He urged the DPR to pay attention to the integrity of pipelines as some of the pipelines, saying some of them are ruptured due to aging. He also urged the DPR to go beyond the N1trillion revenue target per year. He said: “Your revenue collection is still very low. Your royalty collection has to go beyond N1trillion per year.” Responding the DPR chief said if the NNPC remits its full royalties to the DPR just like other Joint Venture partners, the revenue of the DPR would exceed N1trillion per annum. Paulker urged the management of the DPR to ensure that the DPR is distinct instead of the present situation where it being emasculated by the Ministry of Petroleum and the NNPC. In the same vein, Paulker charged the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Agency to ensure that there is no harmful emission from the the activities of oil companies during exploration and exploitation.

PAAR implementation delaying cargo clearance, says LCCI

HE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has expressed concern over the long delays in the release of cargo at the Lagos Ports following the introduction of Pre-Arrival Assesment Report (PAAR). In a statement the President of LCCI Mr. Remi Bello said the new arrangemen managed by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is fraught with challenges. The PAAR, which was originally programmed to be issued within six hours now takes weeks. He lamented that under the new dispensation, its issuance is necessary for other cargo clearance procedures. Bello said the delay in processing the document had dire consequences for importers and manufacturers in areas, such as the high interest charges on funds used to finance the imports and the delay experienced in

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chjikezie

the delivery of raw materials to various factories which disrupts production time lines. Other associated problems are the inability to meet contractual time lines by logistics providers and the high premium charges by shipping lines on Nigeriabound vessels because of expectations of delay in the discharge of cargo. The LCCI chief regretted that the situation has become increasingly unbearable for importers with its attendant negative outcomes for the economy. He stressed the need to address capacity issues by the NCS in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Finance. As a stop–gap measure, he calleed for the restoration of pre-release of cargo pending the resolution of the transitional problems.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY,MARCH 5, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT

4-3-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 4-3-14

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

EQUITIES

Equities turn red with N118b loss

HE tight market situation that opened March gave way yesterday to a bearish market as substantial losses by several equities shaved off about N118 billion from the aggregate market value of equities. With 29 decliners to 25 advancers, investors showed greater propensity to profit-taking, especially on various highly capitalised stocks that determine the market position at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). Aggregate value of all equities on the NSE dropped from N12.709 trillion to N12.591 trillion. The All Share Index (ASI)-the common value-based index that serves as benchmark at the stock market, declined by 0.92 per cent from 39,564.43 points to close at 39,199.41 points. Average year-to-date return thus depressed to -5.15 per cent.

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

Sectoral reviews showed widespread declines but many sectors also indicated substantial uptrend. The NSE Consumer Index declined by 4.2 per cent, underlining losses suffered by several fast moving consumer goods companies like Nigerian Breweries (NB), Nestle Nigeria and Guinness Nigeria. The NSE Insurance Index dipped by 0.9 per cent. However, the NSE Industrial Index appreciated by 1.4 per cent as leading building materials’ companies like Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria and Dangote Cement led the rally. The NSE Banking Index also inched up 0.3 per cent. Nestle Nigeria led the bearish

stocks with a loss of N25 to close at N1,075. NB dropped by N13.98 to close at N145.01. Guinness Nigeria lost N9.10 to close at N179. Conoil declined by N2.58 to close at N49.12. International Breweries dwindled by N1.30 to close at N27.25. Cadbury Nigeria declined by N1.25 to close at N85. Ashaka Cement lost 89 kobo to close at N17.10. PZ Cussons Nigeria dropped by 70 kobo to close at N35.30. CAP lost 55 kobo to close at N46 while UAC of Nigeria declined by 42 kobo to close at N64.80 per share. On the upside, Lafarge Wapco led the bullish stocks with a gain of N4.46 to close at

N110. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria, Unilever Nigeria and Dangote Cement added N1 each to close at N70, N49 and N240 respectively. UACN Property Development Company rallied 98 kobo to close at N20.97. Union Bank of Nigeria rose by 50 kobo to close at N9.97. Union Dicon Salt gathered 44 kobo to close at N13.51 while Zenith Bank chalked up 36 kobo to close at N21.29 per share. Aggregate turnover stood at 341.17 million shares valued at N4.84 billion in 4,994 deals. Financial services stocks accounted for 272.36 million shares worth N3.05 billion in 2,782 deals. Zenith Bank was the most active stock with exchange of 75.91 million shares worth N1.63 billion in 397 deals.

New trade alert will reduce investors’ cost by N1.2b, says NSE T HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday said the new trade alert system billed to take off this month will reduce cost of transaction at the stock market by N1.24 billion, reduction that will increase the returns accruable to investors in the market. The new trade alert system, to be known as X-Alert, will replace the current alert system, Trade Alert. X-Alert will provide investors with more details on transactions on their investment accounts at the stock market. Investors will pay N4 per transaction for X-Alert. Executive director, market operations and technology, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr Ade Bajomo, said the scrapping of the current charge of 0.06 per cent charge for trade alert on every trade at the NSE will save investors more than N1.24 billion, going by the record of transactions in 2013. According to him, the enhanced XAlert is a service that will allow the investing public knows when a transaction has been made on their account. “Each time investors buy or sell a security, an alert is sent to them via a text message to the recipient’s mobile phone or via an e-mail to the recipient’s mailbox. So what that does is to bring real time notification plus transparency to the market at market rates while safeguarding against unauthorised sale or purchase of securities,” Bajomo said. He noted that the big difference for the investing community is that rather than paying 0.12 per cent for a complete cycle of transaction, investors will now pay a flat fee of N4. “Based on 2013 figures, the trade alert charges with the old system were some N 1.25 billion; with the improved notification system however, the annual cost of the alerts would be some N5.52 million based on a N4 flat fee – that is a reduction of N1.24 billion per annum in the cost incurred by investors transacting in the market,” Bajomo pointed out. Managing director, Central Securities and Clearing System (CSCS), Mr. Kyari

fraud alert in cases of unauthorized transactions on account, reduction in time spent confirming trades and an enhancement of transparency between the trader and its clients. Meanwhile, a shareholders’ leader and activist, Alhaji Gbadebo Olatokunbo, said the NSE and CSCS should provide the new alert system free as a complementary service to investors.

According to him, the X-Alert would be a very good development because it will provide more details than the previous alert system, but the cost should be part of the charges by NSE and CSCS. “I am of the belief that it should be free because having an account with CSCS is not free to investors; therefore I do not know why increasing the cost of investment. But, if it must be at a cost to the investors now, the price could still come to around N2. NSE could negotiate the price down with the operators; while after the first three months, it will become free in order to encourage investors,” Olatokunbo said.

sued by the Federal Government,” Tijani said. She noted that the Federal Government had in 2010 granted a tax waiver for 10 years on bonds, a move which improves the yield on all state government and corporate bond issues and could potentially reduce the cost of issue. Also speaking at the event, Director-General, Debt Management Office, Mr Abraham Nwankwo pointed out that a useful indication of the appetite of foreign investors for Nigeria was the response to the 2013 Eurobonds issuances which saw the subscription of about 191 reputable fund managers and investors in the July 2013 issuance. He noted that Nigeria has a strong resource base, urging investors and investment advisers to focus on the big picture rather than react to small events. The Bonds & Loans Africa,

which was co-sponsored by FBN Capital, offered a rare platform and opportunity for local and international banks, borrowers, issuers, investors and financial service providers, investors, finance decision makers, and stakeholders, to hear from key decision makers across Africa, support their economies and encourage investor participation locally and internationally. With over 300 attendees from companies and institutions across Africa and Europe, FBN Capital, along with panellists from Investec Asset Management, and Bayport International Group among others, spoke on the session exploring issues regarding why a lack of secondary market trading is damaging the progress of Africa’s domestic market, the key areas where local Fund Managers can help in kick-starting development in domestic African bond markets and what has been done so far in reforming African pension funds.

•Shareholders want free trade alert

Bukar, said the enhanced service is delivered in real time to customers. He also urged all investors to ensure that their brokers are provided with up to date mobile phone numbers and email accounts to enable the notification system work effectively and provide timely update on all account transactions. According to him, there are also the added benefits of effective

FBN Capital advises sub-national bond issuers on liquidity

TATE governments need to improve the liquidity of their bond issues to encourage more participation by financial institutions. Speaking at the Bonds & Loans Africa in Cape Town, South Africa, head, debt capital markets, FBN Capital, Tairat Tijani said the evolution of the local bond markets in Africa has seen emergence of more active sovereign issues but sub-national issuers need to improve on their liquidity status. According to her, state governments in Nigeria are being encouraged to seek liquidity status to improve the liquidity of state government bonds so that banks will be able to invest in these instruments and put it towards their liquidity ratio calculations. “In terms of liquidity, we see a lot of activity in sovereign bonds. Whilst we have seen some sub sovereign issues, these instruments have not been as liquid as the bonds is-

Banks’ assets, liabilities hit N24tr

By Collins Nweze

HE total assets and liabilities of the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) stood at N24.3 trillion at the end of the fourth quarter of last year, a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Quarterly Economic Report released yesterday showed. The figure, the report said, represents an increase of 4.4 per cent over the level at the end of the preceding quarter. The funds, it said, were sourced, largely, from increased mobilisation of demand deposit and Federal Government deposit, were used for accretion to reserves and purchase government securities. The CBN said banks’ credit to the domestic economy rose by 8.6 per cent to N12.2 trillion, when compared with date from the preceding quarter. The development, it said, was attributed, largely, to the 346.9 per cent increase in claims on the Federal Government. However, CBN’s credit to the banks fell by 1.6 per cent to N229.8 billion, reflecting the decline in overdrafts to banks, while total specified liquid assets of the DMBs stood at N6.6 trillion, representing 39.5 per cent of their total current liabilities. Also, the liquidity ratio rose by 1.8 percentage points above the level in the preceding quarter, and was 9.5 percentage points above the stipulated minimum ratio of 30 per cent. The loans-to-deposit ratio stood at 36.3 per cent, and was 2.9 percentage points above the level at the end of the preceding quarter, but was 43.7 percentage points below the prescribed maximum ratio of 80 per cent. The quarterly report also said gross domestic product (GDP) was estimated to have grown by 7.7 per cent, compared with 6.8 per cent in the preceding quarter. The development, it said, was driven, largely, by the growth in the nonoil sector. Broad money supply, (M2), grew by 9.1 per cent, in contrast to the 7.9 per cent decline recorded at the end of the preceding quarter. The CBN said the development reflected, largely, the 14.9 per cent increase in domestic credit (net) of the banking system. Similarly, narrow money supply, (M1), rose by 11.4 per cent, in contrast to the 9.3 per cent decline at the end of the preceding quarter. Over the level at end-December 2012, broad money supply (M2) grew by 1.2 per cent, owing largely to the 18.5 per cent increase in net domestic credit, which more than offset the 26.0 and 5.9 per cent decline in other assets (net) and foreign assets (net) of the banking system, respectively. Reserve money (RM) rose at the end of the fourth quarter of 2013. Available data indicated that banks’ deposit and lending rates generally trended upward, while the weighted average inter-bank call rate fell by 3.23 percentage points to 11.02 per cent, reflecting the liquidity condition in the interbank funds market. Provisional data indicated that the value of money market assets outstanding increased by 4.1 per cent to N6.8 trillion, compared with the increase of 5.7 per cent at the end of the preceding quarter. The development was attributed to the 4.7 and 3.9 per cent increase in Federal Government of Nigeria Bonds and Nigeria Treasury Bills outstanding, respectively.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

MONEYLINK Senate: Sanusi’s suspension shouldn’t affect CBN

ENATORS have said the recent development resulting in the suspension of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, shold not distract the apex bank from discharging its responsibility. The Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Senator Bassey Otu, who spoke yesterday during the hearing on the implementation of the 2013 and the presentation of the 2014 operating budget of the apex bank, called on the workers to focus on their duties. “We want everybody to concentrate and do the work the Nigerian people want you to do. Issues would sort out themselves at the appropriate time, but it must not affect the productivity of the institution, the direction and objectives of the institution,” he said. A statement issued by the CBN, quoted Otu as saying: “You have been doing quite alright in terms of performance. The state of the economy has been very challenging. There has been a lot of controversy in recent times linking the CBN. We won’t want it to affect the institution.” Otu called on the CBN to live up to its responsibilities and advised the bank’s officials to remain focused and concentrate on their jobs. In his presentation, CBN Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Alhaji Suleiman Barau, attributed the high budgetary expenditure of 2013 arising from liquidity management to the quantitative easing in the United States and Western European countries. These, he said, led to upsurge in foreign portfolio

•Sanusi Stories by Collins Nweze

investment inflow by investors who were desirous of taking advantage of the higher yield prevailing in the Nigerian market. According the Deputy Governor, it was not unlikely, that the pressure on the foreign reserves stemmed from the activities of these foreign investors who want to repatriate their returns on investment. Meanwhile, it would be recalled that the CBN was also recently commended by the House Committee on Finance for its unequaled record of timely remittances to the Federation Account. The chairman, Finance Committee, Dr. Abdul Mumin Jibril, stated that the bank had over the years, been very consistent in its remittances to the Federation Account among government agencies.

Fidelity Bank promises better returns

IDELITY Bank Plc has assured its shareholders that it will continue its tradition of delivering higher returns on their investments. The bank’s Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo who spoke in Lagos at the weekend said the lender would also maintain its culture of dividend payment. “When shareholders invest in a company, they do so because they expect returns. Returns can only come from the strength of your revenue. You have to generate enough revenue to pay your bills and from there you pay dividend. So we are not unmindful of this and shareholders of Fidelity Bank can expect that we will maintain the culture of steady payment of dividends,” he said. Okonkwo said that in the last eight

years, the bank has paid dividends consistently. “We do not intend to discontinue that culture, instead our vision is to make sure that they do not only get dividend, but that they get higher dividends,” he said. Okonkwo stated that his team would consolidate on the achievements of the bank’s immediate past Managing Director, Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi who was sent forth following the expiration of his tenure. Ihejiahi said he wants the new bank chief to take the lender to greater heights. ‘ Chairman of the Board of Directors, Fidelity Bank, Christopher Eze ex-

FirstRand eyes Mainstreet, Keystone

“We are growing into commercial banking in Nigeria,” Nxasana said, adding that it started offering services to Nigerian companies in January. It’s using our merchant banking license. We will scale it up.” Nxasana said last month he favored organic growth after three deals to buy assets in Zambia, Ghana and Nigeria failed in as many

IRSTRAND Ltd, South Africa’s second-largest lender, said it’s expanding corporate banking in Nigeria to take advantage of the country’s surging growth. FirstRand’s chief executive officer Sizwe Nxasana told Bloomberg that the lender may still consider buying Nigeria’s Mainstreet Bank or Keystone Bank as growth in its home market slows.

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year

35m 35m

11.039 12.23

19-05-2014 18-05-2016

ATIONAL President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar says Nigeria is Taiwan largest trading partner in Africa. He said the trade volume between Nigeria and Taiwan as at last year was in excess of $2.3 billion from about $2 billion the previous year. He spoke at NACCIMA office in

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

Lagos at a Nigerian-Taiwan joint business council meeting. He said the joint business council meeting will further strengthen the bi-lateral relationship between the two countries, as well as increase the volume of trade and investment flows by the private sector operators for the benefit of the citizens. If Nigerians and Taiwanese businesses must continue to survive and

NIDF

OBB Rate

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m

Price Loss 2754.67

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

Amount 30m 46.7m

Rate % 10.96 9.62

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10%

Date 28-04-2012 “

GAINERS AS AT 4-3-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

UBN UAC-PROP WAPCO CILEASING COSTAIN GNI PORTPAINT ROYALEX UNIONDICON FIDSON

9.47 19.99 105.54 0.53 1.63 0.57 5.22 0.59 13.07 3.00

9.97 20.97 110.00 0.55 1.69 0.59 5.40 0.61 13.51 3.10

0.50 0.98 4.46 0.02 0.06 0.02 0.18 0.02 0.44 0.10

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N)

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

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

O/PRICE

WEMABANK 1.10 AGLEVENT 1.59 COURTVILLE 0.74 OASISINS 0.54 MAYBAKER 2.11 CCNN 9.70 NESTLE 1,100.00 PZ 36.00 ETI 14.50 FBNH 13.26

C/PRICE 1.05 1.52 0.71 0.52 2.04 9.39 1,075.00 35.30 14.22` 13.06

NSE CAP

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%

7 Days 30 Days 60 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917

Offer Price

• UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND

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

28-10-11 N6.617tr

AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 156.27 ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.06 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.17 CANARY GROWTH FUND 0.69 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CORAL INCOME FUND 1,620.45 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,000.00 FBN HERITAGE FUND 115.83 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 100.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 INTERCONTINENTAL INTEGRITY FUND 1.05 KAKAWA GUARANTE ED INCOME FUND 143.11 LEGACY FUND 0.78 NIGERIA INTER DEBIT FUND 1,886.59

NIBOR Tenor

27-10-11 N6.5236tr

Name

DISCOUNT WINDOWx

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12

% Change -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS

CHANGE -0.05 -0.07 -0.03 -0.02 -0.07 -0.31 -25.00 -0.70 -0.28 -0.20

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

LOSERS AS AT 4-3-14

SYMBOL

thrive, they must intensify and improve on their joint venture partnerships to boost their trade relations through greater imports, exports and manufacturing activities, Abubakar said. “It is worthy of note that there cannot be any meaningful trade and investment prospects without the active involvement of the private sector operators and with government providing the enabling environment to enhance their operations.”

DATA BANK

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33

years. Rand Merchant Bank, the investment banking unit that started operations in Nigeria a year ago, is working with the commercial division of FirstRand’s retail business to find corporate clients in West Africa’s largest economy. South Africa has entered an interest rate tightening cycle, which will put pressure on consumers, the bank said as it announced first-half results.

Nigeria, Taiwan trade above $2.3b, says NACCIMA

FGN BONDS Tenor

pressed optimism that Okonkwo do well, saying that he has all its takes to take the bank to the next level. \According to him, Fidelity Bank has very responsive members of staff to support the new CEO, while the board of directors is always willing to give him all the resources necessary to achieve success. Eze added: ‘We know that the objectives of the bank will be achieved. He is an experienced banker. Fidelity Bank has grown a culture of excellence and our objective is to continue on that platform. We want to make sure that we provide for our customers and all our stakeholders.’

Movement

1.33363 1.2859 1.0198

Bid Price 155.84 9.08 1.05 1.17 0.68 1.33 1,618.47 1,000.00 115.13 100.00 1.62 1.03 142.62 0.76 1,883.42 1.3245 1.2859 1.0013

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000

Movement

THE NATION WEDNESDAY MARCH 5, 2014

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08078425391

Fire victims get relief items

Residents flee as hoodlums take over community

OME embattled residents of Abule-Egba community in Ojokoro Local Government Area of Lagos State have cried out to Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, urging him to rescue them from the hoodlums that have laid siege to the area. The hoodlums, they alleged, are acting for a certain family which is claiming ownership of their land. Many houses have been destroyed beyond repair, while most residents have fled into hiding. The residents are accusing the Carrena family of sending thugs to destroy their homes and threaten their lives. Hence, the residents no longer enjoy peace, day and night, according to them. According to the residents, the family is laying claim to three streets in the community - Arowolo, Segun Akinola and Abiodun Onitiri - which accommodate about 200 houses and over 5,000 residents. The residents spoke with The Nation from their hideouts on the condition of anonymity for fear of attacks. An elder in the community and a landlord, who has been living there since 1976, said none of his fellow landlords is below 65 years. Elder Adenrele Adeleye trembled with fear while speaking with The Nation. He said when they bought the

•The vandalised house of the community’s ruler By Uyoatta Eshiet

land from the original owners - the Iyanru family - they were not aware of any case. He said they had been living safely until August 2009 when the Carrena family appeared for the first time, claiming ownership of every house there, because of a case it claimed to have won on the land at the Supreme Court. Another landlord, Elder Adenrele, said he bought his land in 1976 with a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) from the Lagos State Government with approved building plan. Another old landlord said the Carrena family demanded N6 million per plot from

them and had refused every entreaty to reduce the money. “The cheques of N1 million each that some of us sent to them were returned,” he said. The residents said to settle the matter amicably, they approached the Ministry of Justice, following which lawyers to both parties picked February 27 to meet with the ministry. They alleged that before that day, over 20 hoodlums invaded the community, firing gun shots and causing wanton destruction of their property. “We have suffered huge losses; we can no longer stay in our homes,” said an old widow in one of the streets. She said about 14 landlords/

Group moves against value erosion

HE Spirit of Lagos, a self-help initiative seeking positive attitudinal change to restore the lost glory of Lagos, has taken its campaign to the people, urging them to key into the various efforts to ensure sane living in the city. Led by its Project Coordinator, Mr Niyi Omotosho, the group took the campaign to Ilaje, Ebute-Ero, Makoko and Oworonshoki, among other areas with canoes flying its banners on the lagoon. At the locations, Omotosho and other ambassadors of the group addressed residents on the need for them to borrow a leaf from the efforts being injected into recreating the state by the Governor Babatunde Fashola-led administration. “The spirit of Lagos is rooted in our habits and attitude to our environment. We need not be compelled by any law to do the right thing because we need to realise that we all live to bear the brunt of our attitude to our environment. Therefore, we must eschew indecent habits that have made the desired change a

•Leader of the legislature at the Lagos Mainland Local Government, Alhaji Morufu Akinolu, receiving a copy of the council’s 2014 budget proposal from the its chairman, Mr Oladele Adekanye ... yesterday.

By Basirat Braimah

mirage,” Omotosho told a group of traders and artisans at Ebute Ero. Why can’t a driver suppress his bad habit and voluntarily obey traffic light at a junction, even without traffic wardens? Should a trader display wares on a pedestrian bridge, thereby disrupting human movement? Do we need a policeman to tell us that it is wrong to dispose of wastes indiscriminately? These are among the concerns of the group, according

to Omotosho. Omotosho, who later spoke with reporters, said: “We in the group are concerned about the progressive erosion of our values. We will be guilty to leave things in the hands of government alone without playing our part to arrest the slide. The spirit of Lagos embodies everything that is good about Lagos. There is now the need to revisit its fundamentals, restore and protect them. Now is the time for us all to consciously think change collectively.”

‘Ban on public smoking right’

HE signing into law by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, a bill banning smoking in public places has been hailed as a right step in the right direction. The President, Jama-at-ul Islammiyya of Nigeria, Alhaji Fasasi Gbagba, who spoke on the development at a media briefing to mark the beginning of the 90th anniversary of the association, said the ban would give room for sanity

landladies had died within the last four years owing to the trouble. The woman said she had been informed that the family was planning to bring caterpillars to demolish their houses for refusing to move out or pay N6 million per plot as demanded. The family’s lawyer, Mrs Bisi Awonuga, said on phone that the family first got judgment on the land in 1987, followed by a Supreme Court judgment in 2008. She wondered why the residents still refused to vacate for her clients whose father bought the said land in 1931. “We have done execution; we went with bailiffs and the police to execute the judgment. I am their lawyer, but I can only advise them; they have the right to take over their property. I cannot stop them,” she said.

SPACE

By Amidu Arije

and good health of the people. Urging the government to ensure its effective enforcement, he urged Fashola to allow Muslim girls to use Hijab in schools to improve their morals. He said the anniversary would feature award presentation and public presentation of its Chief Imam, Alhaji Babatunde Mohammed.

FOR

SALE

HE Lagos State Government has presented money and other relief materials to the eight victims of the December 2013 fire disaster at the Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in the state. Presenting the items to the victims at the council’s secretariat, the General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the gesture was an evidence of the commitment of government to ameliorating the suffering of the victims. A fire outbreak that ravaged Obiosa Street, Itire-Ikate, in February, he said, rendered no fewer than eight families homeless. Oke-Osanyintolu who was represented by the agency’s Head of Operations, Mr Olusegun Magnus-Davis, said Governor Babatunde Fashola approved that each of the victims be given N50, 000 and materials including mattress, clothing items, blankets and cooking utensils. He said: “In fulfilment of his promise to always come to the aid of victims of major disasters

By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

in the state, Governor Babatunde Fashola approved the award of N50, 000 each to the eight victims, while materials, which include, mattress, clothing items, blankets and cooking utensils were given to all of them.” He however advised the people to always take necessary precaution against emergencies and fire disasters, adding that though accidents may happen at any time, adequate precaution would prevent them and save people the inherent agony. The Chairman, Itire-Ikate LCDA, Hon. Akeem Adisa Bamgbala, said the council would continue to sensitise the people on issues of safety and emergency management in the area. He, therefore, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise to assist the victims and the quick, effective and efficient response by the LASEMA during the incident. One of beneficiaries, Mr. Olu Osofisan, who spoke for others, thanked the government for its effort since the incident. He also praised Bamgbala for his concern.

Pedestrian bridge

ANDLORDS and shop owners along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway in Ijaiye/Ojokoro area have praised the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, on the pedestrian bridge project proposed for the area. The bridge, they said would end the problem that pedestrians encounter on the route, especially the spate of accidents that happen whenever people dash across the road. Describing the proposal as timely and commendable, they said it is a people-oriented project that would have immediate positive effect on its users. The residents, however, appealed to the state government to restrain the firm constructing the project from blocking the only access route leading to their homes and offices. They explained that blocking the access route would cause more harm than good to residents of the area as it would worsen their pains while the construction lasts.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

NEWS How democracy is underdeveloping the judiciary Continued from page 3 rhage that is afflicting the third arm of government. According to details contained in the 2014 budget estimates submitted to the National Assembly by the Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Federal Ministry of Justice alone is allocated N4.7 billion. All over the country, the negative effects of starving the judiciary of fund have been colossal. The President of NBA Okey Wali (SAN) told The Nation that judiciary’s underfunding has made the courts’ ambience unconducive for both court officials and temporary inhabitants. In many instances, courtroom amenities such as air conditioners, fans, furniture and library tell a story of years of abandonment and decay – occasioned by paucity of fund over the years. Besides, Wali lamented that further that it is embarrassing that many judges still write in longhand, since there are no computers and modern communication tools, such as automated recording systems that can help in hastening note taking. Even in terms of information and record storage and retrieving, almost all the courts are said to be lagging behind when compared to their counterparts in other climes. “ A judge comes to court and he sits from say 9am till 3pm writing; what is going to be the level of productivity of such a person? Even the process of taking down notes during proceedings, as he is taking notes while they were talking, the quality work cannot be the same, the number of cases he entertained cannot be the same. Of course, courts need internet facilities. There are court rooms in this country that operate in thatched houses. I have seen courts without manual typewriters, not to talk of electric typewriters before you talk of computers. That is not a serious way of dealing with issues. All these have t o do with funding for the judiciary,” Wali said. According to the DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof Epiphany Azinge, another wrenching consequence of poor funding for judiciary manifests in case management processes that are notoriously archaic and slow. Cases in many courts suffer prolonged delays that run into years, even sometimes decades before reaching the apex court, especially when the interest of the elites are under threat. The professor said delayed trials arise partly because the number of courts as well as judicial officers that man them, like judges and magistrates, are not adequate in terms of number, resulting in heavy workload. With approximately 871 courts in Nigeria to about 170 million people, it means the country battles with the ratio of one court to 195,177 people, thus limit-

ing accessibility to justice. This, lawyers add, also accounts for why many persons accused of committing one crime or the other often find themselves behind bars awaiting justice longer than necessary, instead of being charged to court. And if the admission of the Minister of Interior Abba Moro, as at March last year, is anything to go by, 38,000 of the 54,000 prison inmates across the country are awaiting trial, adding that only 16,000 were convicted, thus reinforcing the concept of justice delayed is justice denied. While there are no adequate trainings for judiciary workers, experts also berate the poor conditions of service of judicial workers, which those in the know say predispose court officials to embark on incessant strikes and make them susceptible to monetary gratifications and other corruptive tendencies of moneybags that may want to pervert the course of justice and soil judicial integrity. As findings of judicial performance evaluation have shown, most cases assigned to courts are not disposed on time, leading to denial of access to justice. According to Nigeria’s Judicial Performance Evaluation for years 2008 – 2011, which was a performance evaluation of courts of superior record conducted by the NIALS, up to 50 percent of cases allocated to courts were not disposed of during the period. In the Court of Appeal category, only 11.4 percent of cases allocated to all the divisions of this court were disposed of in 2008, while 10.3 percent of the cases were disposed of in 2009. Even in 2010, 12.6 percent of cases allocated to appeal courts in the country were disposed of while only 9.9 percent of cases were disposed of in 2011. In the federal high court category, only 14.8 percentage of cases recorded were disposed of in 2009, while 10.3 percentage of allocated cases were disposed of in 2010. In 2011, it was 24.3 percentage of cases that were disposed of. In the same period under review, the National Industrial Court did not dispose up to 50 percentage of cases allotted to it in any year. At the state high courts, the findings of the study showed that most courts disposed of less than half of the cases recorded per year, with the exception of Kebbi and Zamfara states where more than fifty percentage of cases were disposed of – though these two states were said to have recorded fewer cases compared to courts in the Southern parts of the country. Director of Programmes at Access to Justice, a human rights organisation, Mr. Leonard Dibia, said a 2008/2010 research by the group discovered how underfunding has hampered smooth functioning of the judiciary. “There is no functional electronic recording system in Ni-

gerian courts. Judges work themselves to stitches by writing long hand for upwards of six to eight hours of daily proceedings. At the Federal High Court Lagos (the busiest jurisdiction of that court in Nigeria), some court rooms have the suffocating size and ambience of mere ‘boys quarter’ batchers. Lawyers are made to cue-up on the adjoining corridors in wait for space in the court rooms. Poor infrastructure generally characterises the system and in a Justice for All sponsored study in 2012, some Magistrate courts in Kaduna State were reported to be without benches. “Until recently, a large section of the Tapa Magistrates courts in Lagos were run in metal containers from Tin Can Port. Reducing judicial funding in these circumstances is like slaughtering an already ailing bird,” he said. Sebastine Hon (SAN) said judiciary underfunding hampers justice administration, adding that the executive must stop tinkering with the budget of the judiciary. “I do not understand the reason behind the practice where, every year, the budget for the judiciary and funds made available for it annually continue to dwindle. We now have more courts and more personnel to man them; there is also the increase in the number of capital projects being executed by the judiciary, but yet its annual budget keeps reducing yearly in billions. The executive should immediately stop this practice.” Hon also said the CJN should originate budgetary proposal and capital expenditure for state courts, saying that is what the Constitution provides. “Whoever is cutting judiciary’s budgetary proposals sent to the National Assembly is doing grave injustice to the workings and efficiency of the judiciary and the administration of justice. Without an efficient and effective judiciary, our democracy is gone. All the other arms of government do things that are subjected to the judgmental opinion of the judiciary.” The Chairman of the Legal Aid Council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) ,believes that judiciary underfunding breeds corruption. And for the former President of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, Mrs. Boma Ozobia, the country needs a radical and total overhaul of the system to properly address this issue of poor judiciary funding, adding that judges are relatively poorly equipped when compared to their counterparts in the developed Commonwealth. For now, it seems the government at state and federal levels are unwilling to change the status quo. So, the country will continue to have a malnourished judiciary, with all its attendant side effects.

N300 million suit against former Imo council chief

N300 million suit has been instituted against a former Coordinator of Orsu North Development Area of Imo State, Chief Damian Okpara. The case instituted at an Orlu High Court is for the unlawful detention of Chief Nelson Okpara. The plaintiff is claiming compensation from the ex- Orsu North boss and two others, Edwin Obiezue and Ambrose Ogbuji for “maliciously writing a petition to the Inspector- General of police which caused him to be arrested and detained”.

In the petition, the four men alleged that Chief Nelson Okpara kidnapped the four children of one of the defendants and also burnt his house in Amaruru autonomous of Imo State. Police said they discovered that it was the former Co-ordinator of Orsu North Development Area, Obiezue and Ogbujithat hid the children in Chokocho community in Etchse Local Government Area of Rivers State. As a result, the three defendants were arraigned before a Chief magistrate court in Abuja for giving false information to the police.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS

Russia reports ballistic missile test

HE Russian military says it has test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile, as tension continues over Ukraine's Crimea region. A Topol RS-12M missile was launched from Russia's Kapustin Yar test range near the Caspian Sea to the Sary Shagan range in Kazakhstan, it said. It comes after the US accused Russia of an "act of aggression" in Crimea. The US said it was notified of the launch before it took place, as required by arms treaties. Moscow is in de facto control of the Crimean peninsula after troops thought to be Russian or pro-Russian took control of strategic points in recent days. US Secretary of State John Kerry, visiting the Ukrainian capital Kiev, praised the "restraint" of the new government there, which took power after the overthrow of Russian ally President Viktor Yanukovych last month. Defending his threat to use the Russian military in

Don't be provoked, UK tells Ukraine

HERE is a risk that "deliberate provocation" could give rise to a dangerous incident in Ukraine, Foreign Secretary William Hague has warned. The government of Ukraine should be commended "for refusing to rise to provocation" from Russia, he told MPs. "I urged them yesterday to maintain that posture through all circumstances and at all times," he added. The UK's ambassador to the UN, Sir Mark Lyall Grant, has condemned Russia's presence in Crimea. There have been no reported incidents since the 03:00 GMT deadline allegedly set by Russia for Ukrainian forces in Crimea to surrender or face attack. Russia has denied issuing any ultimatum to

Ukraine if he felt it necessary, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the country was in "chaos" after being seized by "nationalists" and "antiSemites", and that Russia had a right to protect its citizens there.

Ukraine, but Vladimir Putin has said Russia reserves the right to protect its interests. Its is being reported that Russian troops have fired warning shots over the heads of Ukrainian soldiers. Asked in the Commons whether this could lead to a "conflagration", Mr Hague replied: "This continues to be a serious risk, particularly that deliberate provocation could give rise to a dangerous incident. "I commend the Ukrainian authorities for refusing to rise to provocation, and I urged them yesterday to maintain that posture through all circumstances and at all times, and I believe they will be determined to do so." His comments came as Kiev's UN envoy Yuriy Sergeyev said Russia had deployed about 16,000 troops to Crimea.

The Topol was fired at 22:10 (18:10 GMT), the defence ministry in Moscow said, adding: "The aim of the launch was to test a promising intercontinental ballistic missile payload." The nuclear-capable missile

reached its target successfully, it said. Tests of the missile, one of Russia's newest, are not unusual but the timing of the launch if confirmed, is likely to alarm observers of the crisis with Ukraine.

Egyptian court bans Palestinian group Hamas

COURT in Egypt has banned all activities by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas and ordered the seizure of its offices and assets. A lawsuit filed by an Egyptian lawyer had demanded the move because of its links to the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt's interim government designated the Brotherhood a terrorist group in December, five months after President Mohammed Morsi was ousted by the army. A Hamas spokesman, Sami Abu Zuhri, condemned the court ruling. “The decision harms the image of Egypt and its role towards the Palestinian cause,” he told Reuters news agency. "It reflects a form of standing against Palestinian resistance.”

•Soldiers believed to be Russians outside the territory of a Ukrainian military unit in Crimean village of Perevalnoye...yesterday. PHOTO: REUTERS

Europe's longest-serving PM Ansip resigns

FTER nine years in office, Estonian PM Andrus Ansip has announced his resignation to enable a successor to lead his party into 2015 elections. Mr Ansip, who at 57 is the longest-serving prime minister in the European Union, is likely to be replaced by Euro-

pean Commissioner Siim Kallas. He implemented harsh austerity measures as Estonia entered recession after the global financial crisis in 2008. Mr Ansip also brought Estonia into the eurozone in 2011. Estonia has been widely praised for introducing a the

tough measures from 20082009 and the economy bounced back in 2011, climbing 9.6%. But the recovery has faltered in recent months with growth expectations little above 2% this year and Mr Ansip's popularity has also dipped.

Theme: Nothing lasts forever

GYPT's armed forces chief, Field Marshal Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, has said he cannot ignore calls by the majority for him to run for president. He was quoted by the state news agency Mena as revealing that "official procedures" regarding his candidacy were expected in the coming days. It is the clearest indication yet that he will stand in the election which is scheduled to take place by mid-April. He led the overthrow of President Mohammed Morsi in July. The field marshal has been widely expected to resign and declare a presidential bid since the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (Scaf) gave its public support at the end of January. Correspondents say he would be likely to win, given his popularity and the lack of any serious rivals. Field Marshal Sisi commented on his prospective candidacy in a speech at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy in Cairo. He said he could "not turn his back on calls by the majority of Egyptians for him to run for president", Mena reported. "Official measures should be taken in the coming days," he added. The field marshal added that Egypt was "going through

•Sisi

a critical phase that required unity among the people, army and police", arguing that "no party alone can help Egypt get up onto its feet in such conditions". Officials close to the field marshal have told AFP news agency he will step down as commander-in-chief of the armed forces and defence minister after a law regulating the presidential election is approved by Interim President Adly Mansour this week or next. The 59-year-old former military intelligence chief was appointed to the posts by Mr Morsi in August 2012. But after mass protests demanding Mr Morsi's resignation took place on the first anniversary of his taking office, it was the field marshal who gave the president an ultimatum that he would have to satisfy the public's demands or see the army step in.

Obama: ‘Tough choices’ for Netanyahu

LENTEN MESSAGE DAM and Eve were enjoying the bliss, peace, serenity, prosperity and eternity of the garden of Eden until sin crept in which made them incur God’s wrath, curses, ejection from the garden and reversal of a life of perpetuity. God pronounced on Adam and his descendants a return to dust from where they were created as a result of sin. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of a 40 days fast which encapsulates the entire ministry of Jesus Christ. This begins with his 40days fast in the wilderness at the inception of His impactful ministry to His entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, His preparation for death called Passion week, the institution of Holy Communion called Maundy Thursday, His crucifixion called Good Friday and His resurrection called the Easter Sunday. On Ash Wednesday, the palm-fronds from the previous Palm Sunday are burnt and administered on the fore-

Egypt military chief Sisi hints at presidential bid

Text: “.....for you were made from dust, and to dust you will return” - Gen. 3: 19b By The Revd. Henry O. Adelegan

head of every believer to remind everyone of that nothing lasts forever. A new cloth will soon become a rag, an agile young boy will soon become a weak old man, a new vehicle will soon end up in a mechanic’s yard, a new house will become old and the person in power today will be out of power one day. The marriage that is being enjoyed and celebrated today will one day become ‘once upon a time etc. It is therefore instructive to note that nothing will last forever because man shall return to his creator - “dust thou art and dust thou shall return”. Like Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes - “vanity upon vanity, all is vanity!” This presupposes the fact that no matter how long we occupy any position or live in this

world, one day will come when we shall give account of the stewardship of our time, talents, money, position and work before the Almighty God. In Haggai 1:5-7, God calls everyone from political leaders to top management staffs, managers in offices, husbands and wives to consider their ways. This season of fasting is a time for introspection, a time for soberness and a time for re-examination of what we have done in the past cum what we are engaging in nocturnally today. It is imperative on all to do away with pride, love of money, love of position, sin and wickedness because whatever has a beginning must surely have an end. This season of Lent is a time for repentance and change. At such a time in the annals of our country where there is a wide polarity between the rich and

the poor, where the dividends of democrasy are not evenly distributed among the masses, where there is endless queues in the filling stations, God is calling us to the fact that everyone shall one day be accountable for his or her stewardship - nothing lasts forever! Lastly, Ash Wednesday is an occasion for us to begin to grow in grace, faith, love, charity, holiness, closeness to God through a sinless life, prayers and diligence. As we humble ourselves at such a time, take our gaze away from the temporality of this world, engage more in selfless service to God and humanity, remain resolute on love for one another, charity works, a life of holiness and peace towards all, may God bless us in Jesus’ name Prayer: Oh Lord, give me grace to live a life that is pleasing to you so that when I see you at last, I shall be accepted by you as a child that has lived well in Jesus’ name.

NITED STATES President Barack Obama has warned that Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu must make “tough decisions” to advance peace talks with the Palestinians. At the White House, Mr Netanyahu replied Israelis expected him to “stand strong” and that the Palestinians had not done their part to ease tensions. The White House has said it hopes to see a peace deal in place by 29 April. But there has been little sign of progress since July, when direct talks resumed after a three-year hiatus. The two leaders spoke publicly ahead of a bilateral meeting at the White House. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will visit Mr Obama later this

•Netanyahu

month. “It is still possible to create two states, a Jewish state of Israel and a state of Palestine, with people living side-byside in peace and security,” Mr Obama said. “But it’s difficult. It requires compromise on all sides.”

‘Protection squad’ for UN in Somalia

GANDA will send a 410-strong special force to guard UN installations in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, a Ugandan army spokesman has said. The protection squad will free up thousands of UN-backed troops to pursue militant Islamists in the city, Paddy Ankunda said. The al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group has stepped up attacks in Mogadishu in recent weeks. At least 12 people were killed in a suicide bombing last Thursday. Last June, it carried out a major assault on the main UN base in Mogadishu, leaving at least 22 people dead.

Syria ‘to ship chemicals by April’

YRIA has submitted a new plan for the removal of its chemical weapons, months after the expiry of the deadline set by the international community. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said Damascus hoped to ship its most dangerous chemicals abroad by the end of April. About a third of them will have been removed by the end of this week. Despite the delays, the head

of the joint OPCW-UN mission insisted that there had been “good progress”. Dutch diplomat Sigrid Kaag said the end of June deadline for the total destruction or removal of Syria’s chemical arsenal was still achievable. Elsewhere, government forces backed by fighters from the Lebanese Shia Islamist movement Hezbollah reportedly stepped up their bombardment of Yabroud, the last rebel stronghold in the Qalamoun mountains.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

NEWS Amaechi: I’ll deliver on projects •To spend ‘public fund judiciously’’

•The newly inaugurated Grade C Customary Courts' presidents and members in Ibadan, Oyo State... yesterday

HERE is zero allocation for federal roads in Rivers State in the 2014 Federal Government budget, it was learnt yesterday. This led to the walking out on the budget defence session of the Ministry of Works by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dakuku Peterside, (APC, Rivers). Some members of the Committee also raised concerns over some projects in the Northeast and the Northwest, as Umar Abubakar Sade (Bauchi/PDP) alleged that projects in Northeast had been abandoned. Peterside said: “I checked the document and saw that there’s no single allocation for the projects in Rivers State,” adding that he would excuse himself from the session in order not to get angry.” He then walked out. Minister of Works Mike Onolomemen however insisted that there was no political undertone to the development. He said the executive had no issue against Rivers State.

Rivers get zero allocation for roads in 2014 Fed Govt budget •Peterside walks out of budget defence session From Victor Oluwaeegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

“There were challenges with the contracts awarded last year. The contractor could not access his money as at when due from the finance ministry,” he said, adding that efforts were on to make amends.” The breakdown of the ministry’s budget showed that N161b was proposed for capital projects. The Ministry will take N141b while its agencies take N20b. The inability of Nigeria to meet its financial obligations to the various international organisations to which Nigeria belong has become an embarrassment, the supervising Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Afgairs, Prof. Viola Adaku Onwuliri said yester-

day. Onwuliri said the accumulated recurrent debts incurred by all the 119 foreign missions across the world added to the embarrassment. The minister spoke yesterday while defending the ministry’s budget. Chairman of the Committee, Nnenna Elendu Ukeje, asked the minister if the country has debt concerns with her diplomatic levies. The Minister said: “Yes, although, the diplomatic debts are under the schedule of the Ministry, the payment of diplomatic levies is solely handled by the Ministry of Finance”. Minister of Power Prof. Chinedu Nebo said without more fund, the country would not be able to attain the 10,000 mega watts of electricity before the end of the year.

Nebo, during the defence of the ministry’s N59,051,290,389b budget for the Ministry and the six agencies under it. He also stated that areas of priority for the ministry in the current year included the completion of 215MW Kaduna power project, completion of bankable feasibility studies on 17 small/medium hydropower sites, coal-fired Power Plants at Enugu/Gombe axis. He also said the ministry was ready to fast track the development of 70MW Zungeru hydropower projects, fast track Operation Electrify Nigeria Project, development of the power component of 40MW Kashimbilla Multiple purpose Dam, fast track the completion of the Power Component of 34MW Dandinkowa Dam in Gombe State among others.

IVER State Governor Chibuike Amaechi yesterday described the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the vehicle for change in Rivers State and in Nigeria. He also promised to deliver on infrastructure, spend public funds judiciously and ensure the safety of lives and property in Rivers state. Amaechi spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt, while inspecting Elioparanwo and Ogbogoro Roads in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area of the state. He pleaded with Rivers people to identify with the APC. He said: “The people of APC are progressives. APC is progressive. All of us are progressives. So, you cannot like me and not like APC. Yes, they may like me for who I am, but they should also like APC for the fact that we bring change. “I represent change and I think that the people should also like APC for being a vehicle for change.” Amaechi also urged the contractor to ensure that the 3.25 kilometre Elioparanwo road was completed before the rainy season. He said: “I am paid to do this job. I am employed by the Rivers people. So, I am bound to deliver. The responsibility of a governor is to deliver on infrastructure, the lives and wellbeing of the citizens and ensure that they have security. “You cannot have government money in your kitty and not be able to utilise it. You must deploy it to the development of the people. It is about priority. What you choose to do.” The Rivers governor, however, expressed displeasure that Rivers State was losing revenue, because some of its oil wells were being transferred to neighbouring states. He also decried the dwin-

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

dling Federal Government allocations to the state, noting that the state expected the Federal Government to release its full allocations. Amaechi noted that the financial picture across states in the country was gloomy, as a result of the dwindling allocations and corruption in the oil sector. He said: “The problem is the Federal Government. They have cut off the resources of Rivers State Government and Rivers people. They have taken away the oil wells in Soku and given them to Bayelsa State. They have taken the ones (oil wells) between Oyigbo and Etche and given them to Abia State. So, our resources continue to dwindle. “We used to do 19, 20 billion(naira). Now, we are doing 13. Last month was 15. We do not know how much we would do this month. We pray that it improves. That is one. Then two is the fact that the level of stealing in the oil sector is affecting the revenue in all the states. So, we do not have enough.” While on the inspection, the Rivers governor, according to his Chief Press Secretary, David Iyofor, received tumultuous praise from Elioparanwo people.

•Amaechi

Jonathan cautions governors against ‘fighting President’

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will on Monday perform the ground breaking of the Second Niger Bridge. Dr Jonathan stated this when he received a delegation of Anambra State leaders at the Villa in Abuja. The single bridge which connects the west with the southeast is considered small and hence the need for a second bridge to stop the suffering of road users. The President also cautioned governors and politicians who abuse the President to desist from it. The Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe led the delegation which included outgoing Governor Peter Obi, who will step down on March 17. Jonathan said: “A number of politicians feel that the best thing to do is to be abusing Mr. President, abusing the Federal Government and so on, if you are elected to develop your state, I think the best thing is to have good relationship with the centre, whether you have a pin or you don’t have but one day it will come. “Wearing boxing gloves, jumping into the boxing ring

•President to kick-start second Niger Bridge on Monday From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

to face Mr. President does not help the development of any state”, he added Praising Obi, Jonathan said: “He is a person, very distinct and he was able to manage the House of Assembly, that was predominantly controlled by another political party and we never had any crisis. He has shown very clearly that he is a politician that believes in the people not for himself.” “We thank you for all these and on our own part, we promise that this relationship we have with Peter Obi, the same relationship we will also have with the incoming governor and deputy”, he assured He said: “Really you don’t need to thank me, we are the people to thank you because we know the role you played for us during the election, not just delivering Anambra State, am not even talking about votes given to us but the role you played for us, you galvanize people across the country, just like the Principal Secretary

said, there is no state you will not see an Anambra person playing key role in the industry or commerce of that state. We owe you appreciation.” Explaining why the ground breaking ceremony had been delayed, he said: “until we are fully ready, until the finances have been worked out, I would not want to go for a breaking ceremony and another two years, four years, another President would go there for another ground breaking ceremony. “. According to him, whatever challenges being faced by the country “is transient, very temporary, we will soon get over it by God’s grace”. The Anambra State delegation urged the President to extend the same hand of support and friendship to incoming Governor Willie Obiano. Speaking on behalf of the delegation Professor A.B. C Nwosu said: “We humbly ask that you embrace him (Obiano) partner with him and assist and guide him as you have done with Governor Peter Obi. For that, Sir we the people of Anambra State shall

be eternally grateful” Nwosu noted that stakeholders in the state had mixed feelings about Obi’s “imminent departure because we know that in spite of all the political odds which he encountered while in office, his leadership and service to our people and indeed to Nigeria has been visionary, courageous, credible, exemplary and purposeful.” With all Obi has done in office, he said that there was “no doubt in our minds that history will judge him very well”. Governor-elect Obiano told reporters: “Governor Peter Obi has done very well, by the grace of God I am going to be on the foundation he has laid. So, we expect a lot of things to happen under my watch. “He has done well in what the economics call the enablers, road, health, education, security, women development, youth about 13 items. But we want to be a little different and move Anambra to the next level on four pillars. “The first is agriculture. I believe that will create a lot of food and of course agro-based

industries will begin to spring up and there will be a lot of job employment for the youths. “The second pillar is oil and gas. As you are aware we have oil in Anambra State and our first effort is to make sure that we are included in the NDDC. Our people in the House of Representatives will make that move very soon and we will be properly acknowledged as oil an producing state. “The third is trade and commerce, because all the things we are going to be producing will be sold one way or the other and therefore we need a modern market to be able to do so and of course improve the facilities in the existing market. “And of course industrialisation. And so these are the four pillars that will transform Anambra State. On kidnapping, he said “that is very critical for us, under my watch kidnapping will be a thing of the past for the following reasons: first, as soon as I am sworn in there is going to be a security conference where all the stakeholders in Anambra will come and beyond that we are going to do a

lot of things that the present administration has stated, in the area of equipping the vigilante and training them appropriately. In the area of equipping the police, in the area of youth employment because where most of the youths are employed then the rascal few will be easily policable. So we going to ensure that crime in particular kidnapping is a thing of the past.” All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Chairman Victor Umeh said: “I can tell you that Governor Obi succeeded in Anambra State because of the support President Jonathan gave to the government and to our people.” Notable among the delegates were :Deputy Governor Emeka Sibeudu, Deputy Governor-elect Dr. Nkem Okeke, former Governors Chukwuemeka Ezeife and Chinwoke Mbadinuju. Others are: Mrs. Chinyere Asika, Chief Olisah Metuh, Senator Ben Obi, Hon. Chinwe Nwaebili, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, Iyom Josephine Anenih, Bishop Hilary Okeke, Rev. William Okoye, Chief Cletus Ibeto, Sir. Chika Okafor and Chief Innocent Chukwuma, among others.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

SPORT EXTRA NIGERIA VS MEXICO (2:00 AM) THURSDAY

Balogun, Ezekiel blend with Eagles in Atlanta •Team wishes Yobo quick return T HE newest faces in the Super Eagles ahead of Wednesday’s international friendly against the El Tri of Mexico are the duo of Leon Balogun of German side Fortuna Dusseldorf and Standard Liege of Belgium’s Imoh Ezekiel and incidentally both players are sharing a room together at the team’s camp and they seem to like it. Ramon Azeez and Michael Uchebo are also new in the setup but the former are newer and have created sensation the last 48 hours. Balogun, who came into the team’s W. Buckhead Hotel moments before dinner on Monday has beenon the radar of the coaching crew for a little while and the time was just ripe for him to join his dream national team. With skipper of the side, Joseph Tambarin

Yobo, forced out of the international friendly due to injury, while featuring for his English Premiership side, Norwich City he is seen as a natural replacement for the most capped Nigerian international. Head Coach Stephen Keshi has said he is not too happy about the latest setback for Yobo and wishes him a quick recovery even as he said Balogun has been trailed for a long while before now. “ He is not replacing Yobo at all. Yobo was still bent on coming for the game even if just to support the team but I told him to relax and recover quickly for the World Cup. We have to look to the future and that is why we called up Balogun, he has been in our

•Ezekiel

plans for a long time and it was just time that he steps out into the team for us to see what he can do and I must say I am glad that he responded well and the boys here also welcomed him well. We also have an opportunity to see Imoh who is a part of the system now for us to see what they can do to make the team better, we must look ahead”, Keshi said. Stand-in skipper Vincent Enyeama, was very glad at the invitation of Ezekiel and Balogun and has been doing all he could to integrate all the new players into the system, something Yobo is also known for. “Make una see our new brothersooo,” he said as he hugs Imoh and points to Balogun at the dinner table Monday night. The half caste Leon Balogun has been the shock here to many as he seems to have known all the players for a long while, going by the manner he relates with all of them. The team will have a full house training session Tuesday at the Georgia Dome, by 8pm local time (2am Nigerian time), when the match will be played on Wednesday evening in Atlanta and Thursday morning in Nigeria. All the players invited for the friendly are now in Atlanta. The last to step in was Godfrey Oboabona, whose flight was delayed in Chicago due to bad weather forcing him to negotiate another route to Atlanta. “We are here to give our best and defend our national colours very well”, declared Skipper of the side Vincent Enyeama.

Eagles ready for Scotland challenge, says Keshi

FTER days of speculations and fears over the much speculated international friendly between Nigeria and Scotland at the Craven Cottage in London, Nigerian Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has given his blessings to the encounter, scheduled for May 28. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had already given provisional approval for the game while awaiting final words from match organisers

and the coach of both sides. And on Monday in far away Atlanta, United States, Keshi declared his readiness for the game and thanked the NFF for always being forward looking as it concerns Nigeria's preparations for Mundial 2014 in Brazil. Hear Keshi: "We are delighted to be playing the Scottish team in London as part of our pre World Cup preparations and we know it would be a real test in front of a passionate crowd.

We hope that many Londonbased Nigerians will come out en masse to give the Eagles a rousing send-forth ahead of Brazil 2014". NFF match agent, Jairo Pachon, said all loose ends in the proposed game have now be tied up adding that he foresees a very entertaining game in London for both countries. The game is expected to be one of the Super Eagles last warmup games before the World Cup kicks off on June 12 in Brazil.

Senate Sports Committee summons Bolaji Abdullahi

HE Senate Committee on Sports yesterday, summoned the Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdulahi to appear before the committee next week. This followed the failure of the Minister to appear before the committee to defend the Ministry's 2014 budget in Abuja. The Committee was furious that the Minister did not deem it necessary to officially inform the committee of his inability to appear before it. Chairman of the Committee, Senator Adamu Gumba alleged that the Minister had always treated the committee with disdain in the last three years whenever it comes to budget defence. The Director-General of the National Sports Commission

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja (NSC), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye who stood in for the Minister said the Minister left for Poland on Monday evening for the World indoor athletic championship and was not aware that the ministry was scheduled to defend its budget proposal yesterday. Gumba noted that the Minister did not even have the courtesy to formally inform the committee that he was not going to be around to defend the budget. He added that the budget was more important than the indoor championship because the minister was neither a technical per-

son nor a participant in the event. In response to the DG's request that the committee should allow him to defend the budget on behalf of the Minister, Gumba said: "We have taken a decision this year that the minister has to appear before us. He must appear on Tuesday next week by 12 noon. “We insist he must be here, we are not going to take any submission until he comes." The lawmaker also decried a situation where only 50 per cent of the budgetary allocation to the ministry for the 2013 fiscal year was released, saying that there was no need to pay lip service with sports which he said had remained a unifying factor in the country.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘By now, I believe the security agencies should have the list of suspects who are collaborating with these terrorists in one way or another to wreak havoc on unsuspecting Nigerians, but, perhaps, because of political expediency, nobody wants to touch them.’ VOL.9 NO.2,778

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

S the reader can see I have devoted virtually the whole of today’s column to reactions to my last two columns; the first on the need for the new opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to get its act together, if it is to have any chance of unseating the ruling PDP in next year’s election, and the second on the spat between President Goodluck Jonathan and the sacked governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, ostensibly on his alleged “reckless” management of the CBN, but in reality over Sanusi’s whistle blowing on the apparent grand thefts of the country’s oil and its revenues. The first article elicited only 18 text messages and a few emails while the second got 69 and a couple of emails. One of the texts on the second piece expressed great disappointment that I wrote on the GEJ/SLS spat when I should’ve done so on the blood curdling middle-of-thenight massacre of pupils of Federal Government College, Bunu Yadi, Yobe State, the day before, allegedly by elements of Boko Haram. “I,” the reader who texted from +2347067280114 but did not give his name said, “was expecting to read from you a lamentation on the killing of innocent students of socalled unity college. Haba mallam!” The reader’s disappointment, possibly even anger, is understandable. The problem, however, is that we’ve had too many lamentations and condemnations by just about everybody but little or no sign that President Jonathan, on whose table the buck stops, is sincerely willing and/or capable of dealing with the terrible insurgency. Of all the things that raise doubts about his commitment and capacity to end the insurgency none has been as revealing as his angry retort at the remark, no doubt dead on target, by a tearful Governor Ibrahim Kashim Shettima of Borno State, following Boko Haram’s sacking of Kauri, Idzge and Konduga villages in the state, that the insurgents “are better armed and better motivated” than our military and are therefore not about to be routed anytime soon by the military. Next week, God willing, Shettima’s remarks and the president’s reaction will be the subject of this column. For today I leave you with some of the mixed reactions to my last two pieces.

FEEDBACK Re: “GEJ versus Sanusi, the whistleblower” Sir, One of my favourite topics in my O’ Level School Certificate Government, is the Principle of Collective Responsibility. The Central Bank governor cannot be a whistleblower in a government he is part of. The honourable thing to do is resign and blow the whistle from outside. When Eze Festus Odimegwu opened his mouth wide about goings-on at National Population Commission, as regards Census figures in Nigeria, Gov. Kwankwaso and company went to the Presidential Villa, and prevailed on President Jonathan to sack him. Odimegwu was eventually sacked and heaven did not fall. So Sanusi deserves his sack because no employee ever dictates the terms and conditions of his employment.

RIPPLES NIGERIA STILL SAFE FOR INVESTMENT–Former Governor

...Yes for UNDERTAKERS and GRAVE DIGGERS

People and Politics By MOHAMMED H ARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

Why Governor Shettima is right; a preface

•Shettima

Sanusi’s behaviour lately reminds me of late Chinua Achebe’s story of the bird, Nza, which dared his CHI (personal god) to a wrestling bout after enjoying a sumptuous meal. Of course, we have now seen the outcome of the wrestling match. Sanusi’s sack is good riddance! Chukwuma Dioka. +2348166933115 Sir , He who comes to equity must come with clean hands. Sanusi is guilty of what he accused Jonathan of. The kettle cannot call the pot black. They are all thieves. Ibegbu. +2348035410176 Sir, Sanusi lives in glass house and was dropping stones in the president’s ATM machine, the NNPC. Patrick. +2348032571244 Sir, If you were the president will you allow Sanusi to remain on seat fighting you directly? Engr. Anolue. +2348037114167 Sir, In your write up you failed to take note of the fact that Sanusi said he saw the allegations against him on the day he was suspended. This is critical and touches on principles of fair hearing. +2348123464980 Sir,

Jonathan and his government have been a terrible disappointment, a ‘Badluck’ and a curse on Nigerians. The man is busy picking fights against his betters like Amaechi and now Sanusi while Boko Haram continues to slaughter innocent Nigerians right under his nose and he remains criminally clueless and helpless. This impunity, corruption, social injustices, security ineptitude and economic malversation characteristic of his government must stop. +2348096966605 Sir, Police were on the trail of armed robbers, a prostitute informed of their whereabouts. Please let’s arrest the armed robbers first, collect our $20 billion then face the lesser offender. The government waited for months after Lamido’s request and realising that the man is determined, dusted up a report that will not stand in a law court but gain popularity in beer parlours in Bayelsa. Cardinal O.C. Arogundade. +2348055567777 Sir, Please tell them, in case they don’t know, that even if they acquire the whole world they will leave everything behind on their deaths. +2348053263196. Sir, I agree with you that Sanusi has won the hearts of the poverty-stricken Nigerians, while the position of the president remains unenviable. What I want to add to your incisive piece is this: the eyes of the poor have opened. They now know that the present suffering did not fall from the sky but flows from corruption in high quarters. Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna. +2347085284103 Sir, Under section 11 (1) (b) of the interpretation act, the power to hire includes the power to suspend. Abubakar Sani, Abuja/Kano. +2348034533892

Whenever a father uses hammer to kill mosquito when a wild snake is left roaming around in the house, the child standing by is put in a state of confusion. May we see Nigerian army strike again to handle the mega thieves in the oil cartel. Ondas Nas. +2348032399800. Re: For APC, time is ticking The opposition APC using paid loyalists like you in their employ is engaging in subjective and destructive criticism against Africa’s biggest party. Cure yourself of deliberate blindness and discover that APC is too desperate, immature and unprepared to rule Nigeria. I wish you both good luck. You need it. Dr. Ifeanyi Nwaeboh. +2348163295663. Sir, I am an Igbo man and the problem with people of my tribe is lack of knowledge and blind sentiment. Each time I make comments about GEJ and his corrupt government both on radio and in our gathering they accuse me of being an agent of Boko Haram. By God’s grace PDP mis-rule will end come 2015. Collins, Abuja. +2348059876387 Sir, The APC appears to rely so much on propaganda. It is stretching the capabilities of its talented Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. But Lai alone cannot win the 2015 elections. The APC needs to encourage and nurture a formidable structure in all the 36 states of the federation to stand a good chance of occupying Aso Rock in 2015. For example, in most of the South East, apart from Imo State and to lesser degree Anambra state, the APC is in the hands of charlatans, who cannot even deliver their wards. They are just after the crumbs they are expecting from the national secretariat or other APC controlled states. And after the elections, they will drift back to their PDP pay-masters. You will recall how the South East CPC disowned General Muhammadu Buhari after the 2011 elections. Azunna Nnamani, Enugu State. Sir, Your piece on For APC, Time is Ticking is a free consultancy for the APC which you should also extend to the PDP. Perhaps, because of your interest in APC, you are too soft on their current leaders as to point out their incompetence. Since the APC got five PDP governors to join them, they have not ceased celebrating to the extent that they appear to have forgotten that the main purpose of all the manoeuvring is the 2015 elections. Their congresses are supposed to be a few days or few weeks away and yet they have not come out with the modalities for the congresses. This is where PDP is better. Kindly give PDP some credits next time. James Onoriode, Sapele •For comments, send SMS to 08059100107

Sir,

HARDBALL ELIEVE it or not, this was a public notice advertisement in this newspaper: “This is to notify the general public that Mr. Hakeem Adelabu-Soule and Miss Atinuke Monsurat Odushina are no longer married since July 19, 2010. Lagos State Government and the general public should please note.” Skeeter Davis (real name, Mary Frances Penick, 1931-2004), the famous American country music crooner, sang in one of her numbers: “Don’t say you love me, if you can’t change my name ...” If the purest of love inevitably ends in marriage: a man, taking in a woman and, in the words of Skeeter Davis, changing her name to his, what leads to divorces — or worse: the purest of hate? Take a look again at the public notice advert quoted above. What would the once lovey-dovey couple want to achieve by such vile publicity? Probably one of the couple works for Lagos State; and despite being separated — or even divorced — from her spouse, she still bears his name? Would that qualify for impersonation? Or is the partner just riled that she had not re-changed her name fast enough? And the

DELE AGEKAMEH

Toxic marriages general public — what is their business in taking note that a once-upon-a-time happy couple are now bitterly apart? Ah, is the time coming when divorce bashes would be thrown with equal gaiety as wedding parties? What love gone sour! What bitterness! Folks, it would appear the age of toxic marriages! Yet, weddings are never so merry and so elaborate. But what is the point of elaborate weddings — a weekend economy in itself — if the marriage would crash with the former couples hating each other for life? Still, it could be worse. The story is told of a tragic woman in Ibadan, whose marriage left her, but whose parents insisted she should not leave the marriage. After yet another quarrel between husband and wife, the poor woman fled to her parents’ home. Better alone, she told herself, than endure a loveless marriage. But her dad would have none of such nonsense. So, post-

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above haste, he despatched the woman back to her matrimonial home. Then the grim drama began. Neighbours claimed they heard sad moaning, like a gagged animal being slaughtered. An hour later, they saw the man speed out in his car. Triggering an alarm, they rushed into the tragic couple’s flat, only to meet the grotesque sight of a slaughtered woman! Meanwhile, the fleeing husband had a set mission: to crash himself and end it all at one of the numerous roundabouts at the nearby Ring Road, Ibadan. He did. But he survived the crash. He later went through trial for murdering his wife and got hanged himself! Must love-turned-awry end this way? If the Ibadan story is so far away, what about the lately condemned Akolade Arowolo in Lagos, who will hang for killing his bankerwife, Titilayo? And he didn’t realise what would happen to their daughter, Olamide, until it was glaring he would face the gallows? Must purest of love, morph into purest of hate and end in gravest of tragedies? Social welfare folks, declare an emergency on the marriage front.

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