The Nation March 18, 2015

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•APC alleges Fed Govt plots anti-Tinubu protest in Lagos •Catholic Church rejects calls for INEC chief Jega’s sack •Na’Abba confident of Buhari’s victory as he joins APC •AND MORE •Akanbi warns against breakdown after polls ON PAGES 3-5

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3157 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

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Knocks for Jonathan, PDP over OPC’s Lagos protest Fashola, Assembly, others angry PDP: we didn’t do it

By Wale Ajetunmobi

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AGOSIANS recovered yesterday from the hangover of Monday’s pro-Goodluck Jonathan protest that crippled parts of the city to condemn the marchers and their sponsors.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola led the castigation of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC)-led protests.

Members of the outlawed group, acting under security cover, smashed their way through Ikorodu Road while campaigning for President Jonathan’s re-election and calling

The slide to anarchy •Editorial PAGE 19

for the removal of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega.

They roughened up motorists who did not get out of their way quickly and smashed All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign billboards.

Besides, the traffic jam caused by their protest got motorists and commuters stuck for hours.

Leaders of the OPC factions Dr. Frederick Continued on page 4

NPAN: polls must hold From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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HE Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) yesterday asked the Federal Government to ensure that the general elections hold on March 28 and April 11.

It also said the polls must be free and fair, with an outcome which will deepen the nation's democracy.

It pleaded with Nigerians to eschew any Continued on page 4

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WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15, LAST YEAR EVER RETURN?

•Cars recovered by the Oyo StatePolice Command from suspected robbers paraded by the police...yesterday.

Police recover arms, 23 cars, •PAGE 10 bikes in Ibadan

PHOTOS: FEMI ILESANMI

•Arms and ammunition recovered from the suspected armed robbers at the Police Command Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan...yesterday

Why I shunned debate with Jonathan, by Buhari

•STORY ON PAGE 4

I won’t tamper with press freedom, APC candidate promises

• SURETY DUMPS FANI-KAYODE IN ALLEGED MONEY LAUNDERING CASE P6

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

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NEWS Countdown to March 28... 10 days to go

Much ado about Smart Card Readers •Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed (middle) inaugurating a Maternity Referral Centre built and equipped by Esso Exploration Nigeria Limited and the Nigerian National Petroluem Corporation (NNPC) at Eruku, Kwara State...yesterday. With him are: Group Medical Director, Esso Exploration Nigeria Limited, Dr Mohammed Bello Aliyu and Founder/ President, Wellbeing Foundation, Africa, Mrs Toyin Saraki.

•From left:Executive Director, Operations, Jaiz Bank, Mr. Hassan Usman; representative of British Standard Institute, Mr. Ahmad Rafiq; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Jaiz Bank, Mr. Mohammed Islam; Chief Executive Officer Digital Jewels, Mrs. Adedoyin Odunfa and Executive Director, Business Development, Jaiz Bank, Mr. Mahe Abubakar, PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE at the presentation of certificate to the bank in Abuja...yesterday.

•Chairman, CWC Group, Dr. Alirio Parra (left) and Group Managing Director, Arco Petrochemical & Engineering Company Group, Mr. Alfred Okoigun at the 15th edition of Nigeria Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition in Abuja...yesterday.

•The Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo (left) greeting Prof Jacob Olupona of Harvard University, United States of America after the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA’s) Foundation Day Lecture delivered

by Olupona... yesterday. With them is the institution’s Vice Chancellor Prof Adebiyi Daramola.

To the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), six weeks is enough time to restategise and spin the political equation to its advantage.

But more than four weeks after the general elections were shifted, the six-week window has become too short for the ruling party, writes Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader and former Lagos State Governor says there is no way speed can help a party that has long missed its way. He makes a case for the Card Reader, the machine the ruling party does not want to use for the general elections.

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ESPERATION surges within the presidency and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) camp.

Postponing the election to March 28, this group thought they had bought added time to alter the electoral equation in their favour.

They were frightened that February 14 would have been their demise. Four weeks out of the sixweek delay, they have not found the elixir they craved.

The date change has not changed the electoral dynamic in their favour. With the damage they have done to the nation, how could they think a mere six weeks would return to them the precious goodwill they had so meanly squandered?

They now discover there likely is no sudden alteration that can repair the mess they have made of things.

The extra time has only been a temporary stay of execution of the people’s sovereign will against a desolate government that, through its callous neglect of the economy and national security, has been more hindrance than help to the people it once vowed to serve.

The PDP remains in virtually the same position they occupied in early February. They look behind them to find the people no longer there. They are angry because they think the people have deserted them at the 11th hour. The greater truth is that they abandoned the people at the very dawn of this administration. They will now reap the dividends of their indifference.

Just as they did a week before the original February election date, all senior PDP figures have run into the streets not to contest in the elections but to contest against elections being had at all. They remain afraid of the outcome of a clean and free exercise. They

would like it to be loose and murky or not to hold at all.

This is the reason they vehemently hackle about the use of a card reader for the elections. They have belatedly learned the card reader will prevent customary electoral malpractices. The Smart Card Readers (SCRs) will separate them from their cherished weapons of multiple voting and ballot stuffing. The best hope for them to manufacture victory is to manufacture reasons to nix the SCRs, thus necessitating a last-minute reversal to the old, discredited process.

The claim that the use of the SCRs will disenfranchise voters is bogus. The world over, voters are required to register to vote and to present at the polling booth on election day a Voter Registration Cards (VRCs). This process is not materially different than what takes place in other nations.

Neither the card nor the reader itself is used to cast votes. The card is a form of identification, an important and effective method of internal control, verification and confirmation, affirming the voter is the eligible to participate in this important civic exercise.

In the old system, the voter still had to present a VRC that would be verified by the appropriate electoral official. The verification process was porous and inaccurate, due in part, to innocent human error and to willful malpractice.

By making the verification process dependent on computer-read biometrics, the elements of human error and mischief have been eliminated from this important process. Fingerprints cannot be altered nor can the machine’s reading of them be distorted. Only those entitled to cast ballots will be allowed to receive a ballot to cast. I cannot understand how anyone with even the pretence of

PO THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

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Countdown to March 28... 10 days to go

‘

The energy this administration should have invested in governing the people for six years is now being expended in these last few weeks in the frantic attempt to scuttle or side-wind an election that is tantamount to a referendum on the Jonathan administration. They want to save their skin by choking your democracy.

Their efforts come as too much, too clumsily, too late.

•Asiwaju Tinubu

a democratic bone in his body can bemoan this improvement.

They cry that the card-reading machines are imperfect. No one can guarantee that each and every machine will work perfectly.

However, the alternative is fraught with even greater imprecision. Each national election conducted in Nigeria since 1999, has been a feat of ample rigging and malpractice. That is the way of the old system. It incentivises gross impropriety. This new way discourages, if not prevents it. Unless the SCRs are being sabotaged by PDP agents, the possibility of a massive failure of the machines is so scant as to be statistically implausible. The rate of innocent human error inherent in the old system far exceeds that of computer error in the new one. When we add the high rate of willful mischief and the wrongdoing the old system condoned, the new digital path is vastly superior to

•Biometric verification of a PVC on the Card Reader

Why Card Readers must be used

· · · ·

Best option to curb electoral fraud It will boost confidence in the process Modern way of authenticating genuine owners of voter cards Faster and less cumbersome accreditation

the reversion the PDP would have us make.

At the end of the day, and every day has its end, the people need to vote and need to have confidence in the entirety of the process. The computerised SCRs gives us a high probability of finally conducting a clean and fair election.

A return to the old system is a sure return to crimes and wrongs that have made our elections a mockery of the democratic ideal and of the people’s will. If one system gives us but the mere possi-

bility, let alone probability of a credible undertaking while the other system is doomed by the certainty of the misconduct it produces, it simply makes more sense to opt for the chance of success instead of settling for the certainty of failure.

That the PDP cohort wants the old way means they do not want to advance democracy by insuring a decent electoral process. They want to kidnap democracy by orchestrating the electoral result.

They are afraid of the verdict of

the people because they know they have ill-served the nation for so many years.

The energy this administration should have invested in governing the people for six years is now being expended in these last few weeks in the frantic attempt to scuttle or side-wind an election that is tantamount to a referendum on the Jonathan administration.

They want to save their skin by choking your democracy. Their efforts come as too much, too clumsily, too late.

Do not be persuaded by their attempts to paint themselves as last-second democrats. Their governance has been haughty and arrogant; an eruption of insecurity; unemployment and deep economic recession; depleting the national treasury by the day if not by the hour and minute.

The times have been fertile and fecund for them but barren and bankrupt as to you! Their long track

‘

is one of disservice to you on all accounts — employment, power, water, roads, national security, corruption, education, health, housing and social security.

Now at the last minute, they want you to believe they have become paragons of democratic virtue, the guardians of your right to vote. This is an insult to our collective wisdom. Your right to vote is seen as a wrong to them. They don’t seek democracy. They seek to strike fear in you that you may recoil from grasping the democracy that is now so closely at hand.

Let us give true democracy a chance. At the end of every contest, the cards must be placed on the table and read. Let all the cards that you as voters hold in your hands be read. Only those afraid of the will of the people fear what the cards shall read.

•Asiwju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Catholic Church slams Jonathan over calls for Jega’s removal

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HROUGH its Justice, Development and Peace Centre (JDPC), the Catholic Church yesterday called for the total independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It urged that the electoral umpire be detached from the apron-strings of serving politicians by fully implementing the recommendations of the Justice Muhammed Uwais Commission.

The commission had recommended among other things that the Chairman of INEC should be appointed by the judiciary rather than the President.

The JDPC gave the recommendation at a press conference in Lagos.

Its Executive Director, Rev. Fr. Raymond Anoliefo, who spoke under the theme: “State of the Nation: Political Logjam Trails Nigeria’s ‘First’ Election in the Fourth Republic”, frowned at the call by members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its supporters for the sack of INEC chair, Prof. Attahiru Jega for asserting the independence of the commission.

He said the call for the removal of an electoral chief was neither new nor strange, as “there had never been one since 1960 who was not handed a quit notice by politicians

By Raymond Mordi

and their followers”.

But, the strange thing about the call for Jega’s removal, he explained, “is that the calls are coming from the ruling party”.

The JDPC director noted that the call from the employers of the INEC chief was the first of its kind in the nation’s political history.

Anoliefo said it was curious that unlike in Ghana, Sierra Leone and South Africa, that in Nigeria, an electoral chief must be obedient, pliant public servant, who must bend the rules to favour his employers or paymasters.

“On rare occasions when an umpire acts independently, without kow-towing the bigwigs, they are done for,” he said, wondering whether the presidency has really contemplated the consequences of removing the INEC chairman abruptly without any justifiable reason.

His words: “How odd it will be that a referee is changed at the middle of a match for reasons that are speculative and largely unfounded.

Where were these people when Prof Maurice Iwu was acting as an employee in the presidency?

How did the President get the conviction that he can sack Jega handily if he feels that he is not doing well?’

“Did his handlers let him into the constitutional provisions, especially Section 155, 157 (1a) and 158, which clearly spell out the involvement of the Senate in both the recruitment and termination of the INEC chair? Did somebody think that it is easy to dispense with Jega the same way that the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, was thrown into the garbage just because he raised concern about the mismanagement of the country’s common patrimony?”

Anoliefo also called for the establishment of special courts that will be saddled with the responsibility of handling corruptionrelated cases.

“These ‘special courts’ must be independent of any government infractions and super-impositions,” he said.

According to him, the general elections were not shifted because of the reasons adduced by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) or the inability of the military to guarantee security as Nigerians were told.

Rather, the JDPC director said: “The postponement was one of the fallouts of the

2014 primaries, which caught some of the parties unawares” and that it was done to buy time to engage in some sort of damage control.

He said the results of the general elections will be shocking because the era of landslide victory when an octopus party gets 90 per cent of the votes and the seats, leaving other parties to share a miserable 10 per cent was gone for good.

“Whenever the elections hold, the country may likely witness another strange scene that it is not used to at the centre and in the states. Only a few elected executives may garner more than 55 per cent of the votes; meaning that the usual era of landslide victory when an octopus party won 90 per cent of the votes and the seats, leaving the others to share a miserable 10 per cent is over.

“Again, at both levels, different parties may control different arms of government (the legislature and the executive). These are strange scenarios, which need astute managerial skills, failing which there will be many post-election pressures on the executive to ‘settle’ or be impeached.”

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

NEWS Full return of governance in recovered areas before polls unlikely, says military

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•From right: Wife of All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha; wife of his runningmate Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Dolapo; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Mrs STORY ON PAGE 58 Shade Ashafa during Mrs. Buhari’s visit to Lagos...yesterday.

Why I shunned debate with Jonathan, by Buhari

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PRESS freedom is guranteed, should Gen. Muhammadu Buhari win the March 28 presidential election.

But there will be no debate with President Goodluck Jonathan, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate said yesterday.

Gen. Buhari said also that change revolution without firing a shot was imminent in the country.

Buhari, who spoke at an interactive session with members of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria( NPAN) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors( NGE) in Abuja, restated his stand against a debate with President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said there was nothing to debate after 16 years of mis-

From Yusuf Alli and Tony Akowe, Abuja

rule, especially what he described as the six years of bad governance under Jonathan.

He said: “To be fair to me and Mr. President, after 16 years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and six years of his time, is there anything to debate?

“Very seriously, you know the condition we are in; we are all experiencing it, no matter who you are. So, what should I debate there?”

On the general election, Buhari said the shift on February 14 was unnecessary.

He said INEC made it clear that it was prepared for the elections.

He gave insights into what INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega told the Council of

State meeting and how the military differed.

He said Nigerians were waiting to see whether or not the military would have rid Adamawa, Borno and Yobe of Boko Haram insurgency.

He said: “I will give you the latest. When INEC submitted a comprehensive document on February 14th election to the Council of State, a number of us made comments. INEC did a good job and they put it on record because after submitting a document, you cannot withdraw it.

“They submitted a document on what they had been doing since 2011, including training of personnel, acquiring election materials and how they were distributing them; and how they secured them.

“They even said they were

ready to conduct the election because they had achieved about 60 per cent distribution of the voter cards. In the previous elections, it had never been better than 45 per cent.

But they were prepared.

“Somehow, the military told them they cannot guarantee their security. Then six weeks were given and for Nigerians, those six weeks were within the perimeter allowed for the election. So, INEC said they should be allowed to give the military six weeks.”

Gen. Buhari said Nigerians had been watching the military on how it would secure the remaining local government areas before the polls.

He added: “The reasons given have exposed the inefficiency of the leadership because Continued on page 60

Knocks for Jonathan, PDP over OPC’s Lagos protest Continued from page 1

Fasehun and Chief Gani Adams are among those given the controversial N9billion pipelines surveillance contract by the Federal Government.

The Lagos State House of Assembly, various Yoruba groups, Lagos West APC senatorial candidate Solomon Adeola, among others, also condemned the action.

But the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state denied it all. Its spokesman Gani Taofeek said: ‘We are not involved.

It is not the tradition of the PDP.” In fact, he blamed the protest on the APC. The governor, who spoke at an agricultural ceremony, said the behaviour of Jonathan’s supporters who destroyed campaign billboards and smashed citizens’ cars, is the difference between, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“Yesterday, I received telephone calls, text messages from residents who explained to me.

I am sorry about the pain and trauma they put you through but the residents consistently

complained yesterday that they were traumatised by those people who supposedly were carrying out a rally in support of the President and their gubernatorial candidate.”

“So instead of canvassing for your votes and showing you why their record of service is better, they were showing you knives, cudgels and dangerous weapons. Some residents phoned that they were banging on their cars. Yesterday they also showed the difference between us,” Fashola said.

Speaking on security and its impact on choices available to voters, Fashola said when President Jonathan visited the Stock Exchange in Lagos, the President was protected by 2,123 security personnel.

“Let me be clear, the President is entitled to every protection.

He is our President, but the question to ask is that when you were being traumatised yesterday, where were those 2,123 men, because you are entitled to be protected. The reason why the PresContinued on page 60

HIEF of Army Staff, Lt. General Kenneth Minimah, yesterday expressed doubts about whether there would be full return of governance structures in the liberated communities of the Northeast before next week's presidential elections.

He spoke with State House correspondents after the Security Council meeting chaired

by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The meeting lasted for six hours.

Gen. Minimah said he could not speak on whether elections will hold in those areas, saying it was for the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof.

Attahiru Jega, who attended the meeting to say.

He said the council passed a vote of confidence on the military following successful antiterrorism operations in the Northeast and that three local governments in Borno state are yet to be liberated from the control of Boko Haram.

He said: "Council reviewed the NorthEast operations particularly in the last three weeks and Council renewed its confidence in the Nigerian Armed Forces and commended them

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

too.

"You know Yobe and Adamawa states have been liberated completely and we look forward to the reinstatement of structures of government and governance.

"I am also sure you know that in Borno state, out of the 27 local government areas, we have three, Abadam, Kalabaldi and Gwoza, and we are optimistic that with time, we will liberate those local government areas.

"I am not competent to speak on the elections. INEC is still there. INEC has to re-assess the situation and evaluate because the areas have been liberated.

"But I can also tell you that not all structures of governance have been reinstated and they will need to be reinstated so that citizens can go back to their areas and it is then I think they can exercise their rights to vote.

On whether the military operations could be concluded before March 28, he said: "It is our wish and we pray God gives that to us, but war is war.

War sometimes is not fought Continued on page 60

NPAN: polls must hold Continued from page 1

form of violence during and after the polls.

The newspaper proprietors made their position known in a communique after deliberations at the Extra- Ordinary Meeting of NPAN in Abuja, which was hosted by Media Trust Limited.

The communique, signed by NPAN President, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, reads: "The Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria( NPAN) on March 17th , 2015 held an Extra-Ordinary Meeting in Abuja. After exhaustive deliberations, and review of the political situation in Nigeria, the NPAN unanimously agreed as follows: "The general election must hold on March 28th and April 11th as scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC).

"The election must produce an outcome and Nigerians must rally around whoever emerges the winner."

NPAN advised the government to ensure the conduct of the general election in such a

way that it will deepen the nation's democracy.

The association added: "These elections are for and by the Nigerian people and they must be free, fair and held in such a way that they will deepen the nation's democracy such that at the end of the electoral process, Nigeria must be the winner.

"We call on the people of Nigeria, especially political leaders across the nation, to eschew every form of violence.

"The prevalent do-or-die attitude is unnecessary, unhelpful and unhealthy for our system of democracy. We must all say no to violence before, during and after the elections."

Those at the meeting also included the Deputy President of NPAN, Mallam Kabiru Yusuf, the Publisher of Vanguard Press Limited, Sir, Sam Amuka Pemu, a former President of NPAN, Ray Ekpu; the representative of The Guardian Publisher, Toke Ibru; the Publisher of Blueprint Newspaper, Alh. Idris Mohammed; a former Continued on page 60

Jonathan funding anti-Tinubu protest, says APC

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan was yesterday accused of sponsoring Monday’s demonstration that crippled business and social activities in Lagos.

Many Lagos residents were still suffering yesterday the effects of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) protest against Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Attahiru Jega.

But, according to the APC, more protests – against former Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu – are on the way.

In a statement issued yesterday in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said just as it (APC) had alerted the nation in its press statement on Sunday, the President’s supporters, led by the OPC, stormed major roads in the city during rush-hour traffic

to unleash mayhem on the citizens, create massive gridlock that prevented many workers from reaching their places of work and destroyed APC campaign posters. ‘’They said we are raising false alarm. But just as we had alerted Nigerians, the Jonathan Administration’s sponsored protest took place, with dire consequences for residents. However, the President’s chances in the forthcoming elections suffered a collateral damage as the N9billion-powered protest backfired, with even supporters of the President being forced to have a rethink due to the massive scale of the lawlessness and brigandage that took place during a supposedly peaceful protest,’’ it said.

The APC said the next plot by the opprobrious Jonathan Administration is a series of anti-Tinubu demonstrations

in Lagos, for which the planners have been mobilised with millions of naira. ‘’During the forthcoming demonstrations, the protesters have been told to carry placards asking the EFCC to probe the allegations made against Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the deceitful, ill-intentioned and irresponsible ‘documentary’ that was sponsored by the same Jonathan Administration. Such is the level of President Jonathan’s desperation for re-election that a man who is not on the ballot in the forthcoming elections has become a target of unprecedented mudslinging by his (President’s) Administration,’’ the party said.

It said considering the sponsored protests by MASSOB and the OPC, the unprovoked and virulent attacks on the presidential candidate of the APC, Gen. Muhammadu Bu-

hari, the sponsored documentary of lies as well as the planned demonstrations against Tinubu, and the inciting statements by First Lady Patience Jonathan, who has asked Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)supporters to stone APC members and supporters, there is undisputed evidence that President Jonathan himself is leading the campaign to make the elections violent and Nigeria ungovernable.

Said the party: ‘’It is a cruel irony that a President who swore to an oath to make the security and welfare of Nigerians his priority has been the same one orchestrating reprehensible acts of violence in the polity, to the detriment of the well-being and safety of his compatriots, just because of re-election desperation. ‘’Because they (protesters)

were pro-Jonathan, hordes of policemen who could not prevent a deadly robbery, in which three policemen lost their lives in Lagos a few days back, offered massive protection to the OPC members who brandished guns, machetes, clubs and knives openly as terrified Lagos residents scampered for safety. ‘’It is noteworthy that the policemen who protected the OPC members during their protest did not stop them from destroying APC posters and other campaign materials, neither did they prevent them from unleashing mayhem on the people. As far as the increasingly-partisan security agents were concerned, everything done in support of President Jonathan is fair. ‘’We are, therefore, alerting all Nigerians as well as the international community to note that President Jonathan him-

•Asiwaju Tinubu

self is the one setting the stage for violence before, during and after the forthcoming polls, despite his tiring platitude that his political ambiContinued on page 60

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

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NEWS

•Members of the Armed Forces pensioners protesting the non-payment of their pension arrears in Abuja...yesterday.

Jonathan deploys traditional rulers on nationwide campaign P RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign has mobilised traditional rulers to start reaching out to the electorate on his behalf, it was learnt yesterday.

The rulers will criss-cross the country before the election to campaign that its outcome should be accepted.

But sources said the essence of such trips is more than that.

They are believed to be on a campaign for the president.

There are 11 teams on the mission.

This may not be unconnected with the orchestrated campaigns in parts of the country for the removal of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof.

Attahiru Jega to make way for an INEC boss, who will do the bidding of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Team I, which is responsible for Sokoto and Kebbi states, comprises Major-General Felix Mujakperuo, Orhue 1, Orodje of Okpe; Oba S.O. Oyediran, Onipetu of Ipetuland; and Eze Elder Dr. Agom Eze. The task of this team is to reach out to Alhaji Aliyu Shehu Shagari, Turakin Sokoto; Alhaji Muhd Sa’ad Abubakar 111, Sultan of Sokoto; Alhaji (Dr.) Mohammed I. Bashar, Emir of Gwandu; Alhaji Samalia Mohammed Mera, Emir of Argungu; Alhaji Zayyanu Abdullahi, Emir of Yauri; and Major-General Muhammadu Sani Sami, Emir of Zuru.

Team II comprises Kevin Aliyu Danesi, Aidonogie of South Ibie; Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Olu of Ilaro and Oba Adebolu Fatunmishe, Iyanfoworogi-Ife. This team is to work on Alhaji Attahiru Muhammadu Anka, Emir of Zamfara; Justice Lawal H. Gunmi, Emir of Gumi; Alhaji Muhammadu K. Danbaba, Emir of Gusau; Alhaji Bello Mohammed Barmo, Emir of Talata Malafa; Alhaji Abdulmumuni Kabir Usman, Emir of Katsina; and Alhaji Faruk Umar Dan Buram, Emir of Daura.

Team III is assigned to Kano, Jigawa and Kaduna states. Its membership comprises His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, Obong of Calabar; Eze Dominic Aloh, Erimogwudu 111 of Amagu; and Oba Rufus A. Adejugbe Aladesanmi 11, Ewi of Ado Ekiti.

This team is to reach out to Alhaji Muhammed Sanusi 11, Emir of Kano; Alhaji Adamu

Abubakar Maje Haruna, Emir of Hadejia; Alhaji Najib Hussaini Adamu, Emir of Kazaure; Alhaji Sayyad Mahmood, Emir of Ringim; Alhaji Nuhu Mohammed Sanusi, Emir of Dutse; Alhaji Shehu Idris, Emir of Zazzau; Alhaji Mohammed Isa Muhammadu 11, Emir of Jama’a; Lt-Col. Paul Zakka Wyom (rtd), Kpop Gwong; Chief Ufuwai Bonet, Chief of Kagoro and Zubairu Jibril Maigwari, Emir of Birnin Gwari.

Team IV is to cover Yobe and Borno states and Jonathan’s coordinators for this area are King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Amanyababo of Twon Brass; Oba Aderemi Adedapo, Alaayemore of Iddo Osun and Eze Eberechi Dick, Eze Udo 1 of Mgboko–Ngwa Amaise Dignitaries to be visited by this team are Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, Shehu of Borno; Alhaji Muhammed Ibn Mustafa ElKanemi, Shehu of Dikwa; Alhaji Kyari Ibn Umar ElKanemi, Emir of Bama; Alhaji Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa, Emir of Fika; Alhaji Shehu Hashimi Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, Emir of Damaturu; Alhaji Bashir AlBashir B. Maimachina, Emir of Machina; and Alhaji Umaru Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya 11, Mai Pataskum.

In team V are King Dr. Edmund M. Daukoru, Mingi XII of Nembe; Oba Frederick Aroloye, Owa of Idanre,; Eze Eddy Brown Njoku; and Oba I.A.A. Omowole , Amapetu of Mahin.

This team is to reach out to Dr. Alfred A. Torkula, Tor Tiv IV; AgabaIdu Elias Obekpa, Och Idoma; Alhaji Isa Muhammadu Agwai 1, Emir of Lafia; Alhaji Mohammed C. Yamussa 11, Emir of Keffi; Alhaji Hassan Ahmed 11, Emir of Nassarawa; Da Buba Gyang,

Gbong Gwom Jos; Alhaji Mohammed Sambo Haruna, Emir of Wase; General Domkat Bali, Ponzhi Taroh; and Emmanuel Onyatikpo Elayo, Osana of Keana.

Team VI is to cover Kogi, Niger and Kwara states. They comprise Emmanuel E. Sideso, Ovie of Uvwie; Eze U Iriele; and Oba James Adedapo Popoola, Oore of Moba Otun.

They are assigned to work on Idakwo Ameh Oboni, Attah Igala; King Ado Ibrahim, Ohinoyi of Ebira; Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, Emir of Ilorin; Alhaji Haliru Ndanusa Yahaya, Emir of Shonga; Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe; Alhaji Sai’du Namaska, Emir of Kontagora; Dr. Umar Faruk Bahago, Emir of Minna; Oba Michael S. Olubayo, Obaro of Kabba; Alhaji Ibrahim Chatta Umar, Etsu Pategi; and Mallam Muhammed Awwal Ibrahim, Emir of Suleja.

Team VII are to work on dignitaries in Ekiti and Ondo states. Jonathan’s points men here are R.S.N. Ezeh, Etim Okon Edet, Paramont ruler of Bakassi and Eze J.O. AkaliroObassiukwu 11 of Umuabasiuku.

Dignitaries to be worked on are Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, Osemawe of Ondo; Oba D.V. Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi 111, Olowo of Owo; Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, Olugbo of Ugbo; Oba Gbadebo Adedeji, Owa Ooye of Okemesi; Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, Ewi of Ado-Ekiti; Oba Idowu Adamo Babalola, Onitajo of Itaji Ekiti; and Oba Sunday Owolabi Ajiboye, Onisan of Isan Ekiti.

Team VIII is headed by Eze C.I. Ilomuanya, who is the Obi of Obinugwu. Their assignment is to lobby Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo, Alake of Egbaland; Oba Sikiru Adetona, Awujale of Ijebuland; Oba Michael Sonariwo, Akarigbo of

Ermoland; Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu 1, Oba of Lagos; De Wheno Aholu MenuToyi 1, Akran of Badagry; Oba S.O.A Bamgbopa, Olu of Epe; Oba Kamila Oyedeji AkanniIsiba, Olu Agege of Agege; and Oba Tejuosho Adedapo Adewale, Osile of Oke-Ona Egbaland.

Team IX has been assigned Oyo and Osun states and is led

by King Dandeson Douglas JajaJeki, Amanyanabo of Opobo.

Dignitaries to be lobbied are Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse 11, Ooni of Ife; Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Ajagungbade Adeyemi 111, Alaafin of Oyo; Oba Odulana Odugade 1, Olubadan of Ibadan; Oba Jimoh O. Oyewumi Ajagungbade 111, Soun of Ogbomosho; and Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola Akindele 1, Eleruwa of Eruwa.

Leading Team X, which covers Adamawa and Taraba states is Alhaji A.S. Momoh, Olukare of Ikare. The team also includes High Chief Nosakhare Isekhure and Eze Dr. Chinonye. They are assigned to work on and lobby Dr. Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha, Lamido of Adamawa; Alhaji Abubakar Isa Ahamadu, Emir of Mubi; Colonel Homun Honest Irmiya Stephen (rtd), Hama Bachama; Dr. Shekarau Angyu MasaIbi Kuvyon 11, Aka Uka of Wukari; and Dr Danjuma Stephen D. Bayongo, Gara Donga.

Team XI is made up of Malla Sasime, EbenibeIgwe Ambassador Agubuzu and Oba Ayodele Adetunji Ajayi, Arinjale of Ise. The dignitaries they are to lobby are Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, Emir of Bauchi; Dr. Muhammed Kabir Usman, Emir of Katagum; Alhaji Yunusa Muhammudu Danyaya, Emir of Ningi; Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar, Emir of Gombe; Alhaji Saleh Muhammadu, Mai Kaltungo; and James Chahis, Nidu Grah Cham.

Presidential election: Opinion poll places Buhari ahead of Jonathan

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N opinion poll conducted by Alliance for Credible Election (ACE) on the rescheduled presidential election has placed the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan.

Presenting the pre-election poll report yesterday, ACE said it was conducted through telephone interviews with 1,000 randomly selected Nigerians between February 23 and 27, 2015.

Abdulwahab Ekehide, who presented the report, said Buhari got 44 per cent, while Jonathan got 36 per cent from the poll.

“Respondents were asked which candidate they plan to vote for in the 2015 presidential elections, 44 per cent said Gen. Buhari, 36 per cent said President Jonathan and 19 per cent refused to give an answer to the question, while one per cent was undecided.

“Across the geo-political zones, the highest proportion of respondents planning to

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

vote for Gen. Buhari were in the Northwest, (56 per cent) and the lowest proportion in the Southeast (31 per cent).

“For President Jonathan, the highest proportion was in the Southeast (57 per cent) and the lowest in the Northwest (25 per cent),” he said.

Fielding questions from reporters, chairman of the occasion and Chairman, Partner for Electoral Reforms, Ezenwa Nwagwu, said: “All our engagements with electoral process is to improve and develop the nation.”

On the use of 1,000 randomly selected Nigerians, when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared that over 52 million voters were with the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), Nwagwu said: “Size does not have anything to do with the outcome.”

He argued that the outcome of the poll would motivate the political parties to do more and work harder to improve their chances.

Northeast: Governance may not return soon, says Army chief From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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HE Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Kenneth Minimah, has expressed doubts whether there will be full return of governance structures in the liberated communities of the Northeast before next week’s presidential elections.

He spoke with State House correspondents at the end of about six hours Security Council meeting convened by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

But, he said he was not in a position to speak whether elections would hold in the area or there would be need to postpone all the elections.

According to him, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, who was part of the meeting, would be the right person to decide on whether the elections will hold.

He added that the council gave a vote of confidence on the military following successful anti-terrorism operations in the Northeast and that only three local governments in Borno State were yet to be liberated from the control of Boko Haram.

Switzerland to release $380 million Abacha loot WITZERLAND will return to Nigeria, about $380 million (360 million euros) linked to ex- military dictator Gen. Sani Abacha, Geneva’s public prosecutor said yesterday.

The release of this cash may bring to an end the 16-year case on the funds.

Gen. Abacha died in office in 1998 after a five-year iron-

S

fist rule. He was seen as extremely corrupt and faced criticism over his human rights abuses.

The decision to return the funds followed a July 2014 deal between Nigeria and the Abacha family.

Under the agreement, the funds would be confiscated and returned to Nigeria, while Abuja would drop its case

against the deceased dictator’s son, Abba Abacha.

The $380 million had been placed in several accounts abroad that were controlled by the Abacha family, which is considered a criminal organisation, the Geneva prosecutors’ office said in a statement.

The money was seized in 2006 in Luxembourg, under

orders from the Swiss authorities.

The Abacha family had also placed some $500 million (530 million euros) in Swiss banks, though those funds have already been returned to Nigeria.

The $380 million will be returned under the World Bank’s supervision, said the prosecutor’s office.

The authorities have also decided to drop their case against Abba Abacha, which began in 1999.

In 2012, the dictator’s son was handed a one-year suspended prison sentence for participating in a criminal organisation.

Switzerland’s top court cancelled the sentence in May 2014, citing procedural reasons.

6

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

NEWS

Buhari favoured to win, says Na’abba •Ex-Speaker joins APC

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FORMER Speaker of the House of Representatives, Umar Ghali Na’abba, formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday, barely 48 hours after dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said the country needed change, stressing that the momentum favoured the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to win.

Na’abba added that he decided to join the APC to help to grow the momentum for change.

He spoke while addressing APC leaders at a session at the party’s national secretariat to welcome him into the fold.

His words: “I believe that most of you must have read or heard about my communication to my former party - the PDP. The total sum of my communication was that I have decided to leave the party, having being a member for the past 16 years with a brief interregnum of about one year.

“I believe that more than any time in the history of this country, this country needs a change, particularly at the top. In the last 16 years, there has been misrule in this country. Nigerians are being misruled by successive presidents of the PDP. Some of us fought over these tendencies to no success.

“I believe that the momentum today is in favour of the APC to change this country and we must never allow the momentum to go down. It is in that quest, that I feel that having resigned from the PDP, I must join the APC so that I can help grow that momentum.

“It is quite remarkable that since I left the PDP, I have been receiving calls and messages of encouragement from across Nigeria. This is to show that APC is a national party and not what they use to regard it as a religious and sectional party. People from all corners of this country have called me, including former members of the House of Representatives, who are in the APC. “My pledge today is to work with you and the presidential candidate of the party while trying to consolidate on the gains made so far.”

Na’abba expressed confidence that the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, will win at the polls on March 28.

He added: I believe that in General Buhari, we have a messiah and I also believe that democracy is about consultations. You must consult, accept and be patient. Patience is the only

From Yusuf Alli and Tony Akowe, Abuja

thing in life that when you do, you will never regret. So, let us be patient; let us be steadfast. Let me thank members of the Working Committee and other elders of the party for arranging to receive me. “ It is very remarkable that a convention was held and a free and fair election was conducted in which Gen. Buhari emerged as the presidential candidate of the party and I am a witness to how popular Gen. Buhari is, not just in the North, but all over the country.

“I am happy that he is going to be the next president of this country and when he becomes the next president of Nigeria, it is our desire that he continues to be a national leader and not a sectional leader.” Nigerians, Na’abba said, have come a long way, adding that the nation could not continue to be ruled on the basis of divisiveness.

He gave insights into why he decided to join political leaders of like minds in APC. The former Speaker of the House of Representatives said: “When I and other senior members of the party left the PDP between 2005 and 2007, a lot of things happened that we thought were undemocratic and we had to leave the party. Eventually, some of us returned after the late President Umaru Yar’Adua made certain promises to effect change in the party, which never happened.

“We thought that we could cohabit within the party and it is a sad commentary on that party that today, majority of not only the founding fathers, but founding members have left the party, and many of them are on this high table. Our elder and father, Alhaji Ishiaku Ibrahim, is a founding member of the party, a member of the Board of Trustees and Chief Audu Ogbeh, who was a former chairman of the party. We also have some of my colleagues here and others who we could not invite due to the constraint of time.

“It is barely two weeks to elections and it is important that I come here and be received so that we will go and continue to work towards the success of the party.”

He warned against politics of maligning each other on ethnic basis.

Responding, Odigie-Oyegun accused President Goodluck Jonathan of playing religious politics and dividing the nation along religious lines.

He said it was an irony that President Jonathan has embarked on what he described as religious tourism, go-

•From left: Odigie-Oyegun, Na'abba and Buni at the event...yesterday.

ing from one church to the other canvassing for support for his presidential ambition.

Odigie-Oyegun observed that the nation has never been as divided along religious line as it was under Jonathan.

He said: “Today, PDP candidate is engaging in religious tourism from one church to the other all over the nation, even though we don’t know which denomination he truly belonged to.

“I asked, this man, Buhari that they accused of being a fundamentalist, supposed he was also going from one mosque to the other all over the nation.

“Why can’t the ordinary Nigerian see the difference in the two personalities? One is exploiting the Christian religion and the other one is just being the good Muslim, just like some of us are struggling to be good Christians.

“He has not done the slightest thing to get Imams or mosques every Friday to preach in his favour.

He has not gone from one mosque to the other attending Friday prayers to seek for political support. So, we know where the problems of this nation are coming from.

“The PDP is tired, disoriented, confused; and it is only clear and the people of the nation know that they should be sent to the recovery bin, if it is still possible for that party to recover from the state that it is in.”

Odigie-Oyegun said: “You said something in that statement you wrote resigning from the PDP which appropriately describe the situation we are in today. You said that leadership is judged by what you leave behind. Nothing can be further from the truth. What is the current PDP leadership leaving behind? We have a nation divided as if it has never been before.

“Politically, we are very divided; ethnically, we are very divided. Reli-

giously, we have never been more divided in the history of this country and the religious differences are now being played up.”

He added: “For the APC, it has been a matter of quality. Today, we are receiving a personality of indisputable quality into our ranks, a man of achievement, a man of principle and a man who has displayed in no uncertain terms that he shares the ideals of our party. For a long time, he struggled within the fold of the PDP to see if he can steer the ship back to safe waters.

“But of course, all that was to no effect because, like he said, the dubious characters have taken over the PDP, and so, it was no longer in the mood for change.

“I truly want to welcome you most sincerely because we are getting first class quality. Secondly, what you are doing today is something that required courage. In the PDP, you share and you chop. In the APC, we can only see work ahead.”

Ogbeh lamented that despite the endowment of Nigerians, the nation’s economy was still dependent on import.

Those at the ceremony include a former Information Minister, Prince Tony Momoh; Deputy National Chairman (North), Senator Lawal Shuaibu; Deputy National Chairman (South) Segun Oni; National Vice Chairman (Northeast) David Lawal; National Auditor Chief George Moghalu; Chief Ogbeh; and National Secretary Alhaji Mai Mala Buni.

Others were National Treasurer Alhaji Bala Mohammed; National Vice Chairman, Southsouth Prince Hilliard Eta; the National Publicity Secretary of APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; a former BOT Chairman of the PDP Alhaji Ishiaku Ibrahim; a former Executive Director of NIMASA, Ibrahim Zailani; Hon. Idris Yahuza; Lumumba Ade; Barrister Mohammed Gambo; Chief Nelson Alakpa and Senator Okposo.

Jega’s resignation portends danger, says ex-anti graft chief Akanbi

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IONEER Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) Justice Mustapha Akanbi warned yesterday that Prof.

Attahiru Jega’s resignation as Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) chairman portends danger for the nation.

The ex-Appeal Court president, therefore, urged the citizenry to encourage Prof. Jega not to resign, adding that if the INEC chairman resigns few days to the general elections, it might be the beginning of violence.

He spoke in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at a special public lecture titled: “Towards Peaceful Elections in 2015: The Roles of Stakeholders in Nigeria.”

The lecture was organised by the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin.

Akanbi cautioned Nigerians against doing anything that would make predictions about a possible

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

breakdown of the country after the general elections a reality.

He reminded the citizenry of the unfortunate incidents that led to the cancellation of the 1993 presidential elections believed to have been won by the late Chief Moshood K.O. Abiola.

Akanbi, who condemned Monday’s attack on the convoy of Mrs. Aishat Buhari in Ilorin, said the sad occurrence in a town reputed for peace and harmony, “instilled fear in me that we may not have peaceful elections”.

His words: “We must encourage Jega not to resign before the elections. If he resigns, that will be the beginning of violence. Jega that I know is a man of integrity; if you change him at this nick of time, that will draw us back.

“We should not do things that led to the cancellation of the 1993 presidential election won by the

late MKO Abiola. We should know that Nigeria is greater than all of us. Therefore, whatever we do concerning these elections must meet international standard. I’m happy that Jega has declared that he would not resign before the elections.

“Let’s hold the elections and show the world that we are decent people. We should not allow predictions about possible breakdown of Nigeria after the elections become a reality.”

The former anti-corruption chief praised the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, for declaring publicly that traditional rulers, as fathers of all, should not campaign for any politician.

“Monarchs should be apolitical and stand for only what is good for the country,” he stated.

Akanbi advised Nigerians to vote wisely and shun ethnicity and religious bigotry in electing people into

public offices.

The guest lecturer from University of Jos, Prof. Danny McCain, reminded the country’s political gladiators that “just because one loses an election, do not mean that life is over”.

He said: “Should the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, lose the upcoming elections, he will have lost nothing. He will continue to be the respected national statesman he has been for many years, with an enhanced status due to representing the combined opposition party and a stronger run for the presidency.

“Should President Goodluck Jonathan lose the election, he will likely become a respected Africawide leader, who will be called upon for the rest of his life to support significant projects, reduce tension and share wisdom from his vast experience in governing the largest country in Africa.”

PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

Alleged money laundering: Fani-Kayode’s surety withdraws

By Joseph Jibueze

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HE Director of Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, who is under trial for money laundering, will have to find a surety or risk being re-arrested.

One of his sureties has applied to the Federal High Court in Lagos to withdraw from guaranteeing the defendant’s temporary freedom.

The surety, Wale Ajisebutu, told Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia that he urgently needed to make use of his Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).

He deposited it as one of the conditions for granting Fani-Kayode bail.

The judge was to consider the application yesterday, but the defence, it was learnt, asked for another date.

The matter has been fixed for March 26 for hearing of the surety’s application and continuation of trial.

Fani-Kayode was accused of making a transaction exceeding N500,000 on September 20, 2006, which was not done through a financial institution, by accepting N2.1 million in cash.

The money, said the prosecution, was paid into his personal bank account by his aide, Supo Agbaje, while he served as Minister of Culture and Tourism. He pleaded not guilty.

Vote an upright leader, candidate tells voters

By Musa Odoshimokhe

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HE presidential candidate of the KOWA Party, Prof. Remi Sonaiya, has urged the citizenry to vote a candidate who will tackle corruption headlong.

Prof. Sonaiya, who was a guest speaker at the fund-raising of the Alumni Fellowship of the Evangelical Christian Fellowship (ECU), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, held at Diplomat Hotel, Lagos, said such a candidate must lead by example.

She said Nigeria will make a quantum leap in development if a leader who is prepared to fight corruption is elected, stressing that the electorate has a major role to play in the fight to return the country back on course.

The KOWA presidential candidate said: “We need a competent leader who can help to galvanise our collective aspirations. We do not need a leader who encourages division along religious and ethnic lines.

“We need a leader who is fundamentally upright, a leader who is ready to take responsibilities for all Nigerians, irrespective of where they come from. We need a leader who will put himself in the front and not the one who will take the back seat.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

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NEWS APC applies to join UPN’s suit

Plumbers celebrate

By Joseph Jibueze

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola receiving the report on The Tribunal of Inquiry into the Road Traffic Accident, subsequent Arson and Vandalisation of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) at Palmgrove from the Chairman of the Tribunal, Ebenezer Adeyemi Adebajo at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday applied to be joined as a defendant in a suit by the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

UPN is praying the Federal High Court in Lagos to list its presidential and other candidates for the March 28 and April 11 elections.

The party said it was illegal not to be included in the ballot papers.

APC’s legal team, led by Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), asked the court to join it as its interest would be affected by the outcome of the case.

INEC’s lawyer Jest Kelechukwu said the commission was not opposed to APC’s application.

The commission filed a counter-affidavit to the suit, asking the court to dismiss UPN’s case.

But UPN’s lawyer Akinwale Ekunusi opposed APC’s application, saying the suit’s subject-matter was between UPN and INEC. APC, he said, had no business seeking to be joined as a defendant.

Justice Okon Abang, in a short ruling, said APC’s application would be determined first before the main suit, which was to be heard yesterday.

UPN’s presidential candidate Helen Godswill, with others, sued INEC for allegedly excluding their names from the elections.

The plaintiffs accused INEC of failing to publish their names as required by Section 34 of the Electoral Act. Justice Abang said he would speed up the case, noting: “It is my view that time is of essence”.

He adjourned till March 20 to hear APC’s application.

Hausa youths hail Ajimobi

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EMBERS of the youth wing of the Hausa Community in Oyo State yesterday hailed Governor Abiola Ajimobi, saying the policy thrust of his administration had benefited non-indigenes.

The youth, including Bureau de Change operators, motorcycle riders and others, who thronged the Governor’s Office in their thousands, said they came to support Ajimobi’s second term bid.

Their Coordinator, Alhaji Danladi Garuba, said they were impressed with “the governor’s tremendous achievements in the area of peace and tranquility across the state”.

“We are happy with what we have experienced in this state since Ajimobi became governor. Before him, our businesses had become paralysed due to incessant attacks by robbers.

“Today, we are happy to inform Your Excellency that we are back in business because there is peace everywhere.

“We are here to show our appreciation to you (governor) and to tell you that we will mobilise our members to vote for you and Muhammadu Buhari (All Progressives Congress presidential candidate).”

PDP can’t subvert people’s will, says Oni

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HE Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Segun Oni, has warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against making attempts to subvert the will of the people Oni urged Nigerians to be vigilant, warning against any move to sabotage the use of the Card Reader in the general elections.

The former Ekiti State governor declared that nobody could change the rule of the game any longer, noting that the people are confident the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would conduct a free, fair, transparent and credible poll.

Speaking yesterday on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television breakfast programme, monitored in Ado-Ekiti, Oni said Nigerians could see the despera-

•’I can’t recommend Fayose as a role model’ From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

tion of the PDP-led Federal Government.

The APC chief said his party had information on alleged plots by the PDP to sabotage the deployment of the Card Reader.

When asked about the possibility of forcing INEC to allow people to vote with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) without using the Card Reader, Oni said Nigerians were seeing the hands of the “unseen manipulator”.

Oni said: “Nigerians are seeing the hands of the unseen manipulator, I hope it never happens. Let us see what the sovereign will of the people will do. We want to believe that it can’t happen.

“Nobody can change the

rule of this game any longer.

Nobody should attempt to change it, we are ready and everyone must be ready to play by the rules of the game.

“I believe we can go ahead with the election but we can encourage INEC to do whatever it can. PVCs were used in Ekiti State without the Card Reader and over 50 per cent of the people voted.

“We are never going to get 100 per cent PVCs collection but my appeal to Nigerians is that let us go into the election with what we get.”

Asked why he left PDP, Oni said he quit the ruling party because people of questionable characters were being elevated while people of integrity were being relegated.

Oni added: “They have pro-

moted those who people will never want to identify with. I cannot align my conscience with some things that are happening in PDP. “I cannot do anything that I cannot be proud of, that my children cannot be proud of.

I cannot recommend my governor to my children as a role model. Anybody that I cannot recommend to my children as a role model, I cannot recommend such a person to my state.”

The APC chieftain promised that an APC-led Federal Government would equip the Armed Forces to strengthen it to defend the territorial integrity of the nation while the police and the Department of State Services would be empowered to deliver.

First Lady came to Ekiti to entertain, says APC

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has described Monday’s campaign visit by First Lady Patience Jonathan as a comical show.

The party said Mrs. Jonathan failed to prove why the people should vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

It said Mrs. Jonathan only showcased her theatrical prowess, instead of a more robust and issue-based campaign to list her husband’s achievements in Ekiti in the last four years and his plans for the state, if he wins.

The APC urged the First Lady to emulate the wife of its presidential candidate, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, who showed class and panache in her campaign engagements.

In a statement yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, the party regretted that the First Lady only came to Ekiti State to entertain the indigenes.

He regretted that Mrs. Jonathan and Governor Ayo Fayose treated Ekiti people and other Nigerians watching the event live on television to insipid and dry comedy with their lack-of-grace speeches.

Olatubosun said throughout the campaign, Mrs. Jonathan created the impression that what Ekiti people needed was entertainment and theatrics to quench their thirst for growth and devel-

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

opment.

He said: “Throughout her speech, she manifested an image of an entertainer providing a momentary comic relief to a poverty-ravaged community not in a hurry for socio-economic salvation.

“You would have thought that the First Lady would list her husband’s achievements in Ekiti State and then give the people some hope that her husband would build upon those achievements.

“But she engaged in a “duet” with her host and soul mate, Fayose, in an empty campaign comedy to a thoroughly dazed enlightened

Ekiti people.

“It was a perfect duet by two comedians that one does not need any counsel that Nigeria must be rescued from the captivity of the costumed ‘people of power’.”

The APC spokesman berated Mrs. Jonathan for her relentless attacks on the APC presidential candidate, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, saying her conduct betrayed a woman hit by the failure of her “husband’s mandate to govern Nigeria”.

His words: “She consistently painted Buhari as a man who would herd Nigerians into jail without committing any crime whereas Buhari only insisted that criminals

during his coming administration would go to jail.

“She said she was not ready to prepare food for Fayose in jail. Inadvertently, Mrs Jonathan was telling Nigerians that Fayose is a candidate for the prison, if Buhari wins.”

Olatubosun challenged the First Lady to tell Ekiti people the benefits of SURE-P, which she flaunted at the rally, saying the programme was just a bazaar for a few selfish party leaders.

He faulted her claim that women were appointed into government positions by Fayose, saying this was a clear case of falsehood, which had become synonymous with Jonathan’s administration.

Fashola optimistic about free, fair polls

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola is confident that the country would have free and fair elections on March 28 and April 11.

Fashola, who spoke in his office at the Lagos House, Alausa, where he hosted the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Martin Uden, said those who predicted Nigeria’s break up would be disappointed because, according to him, “we have pulled back so many times in the past and I don’t think this will be a different occasion”.

“You will see more enthusiastic people willing to participate in a democratic process that affects their lives. There will be cultural dissimilarities from what you may probably be used to in the United Kingdom; but I am convinced that it will ultimately turn out for good.

“All will be well and it will be the respon-

sibility of everybody - voters, parties, regulator, security apparatus, the communities and all of us - to ensure that we ultimately deliver a process that will meet the global standards of fairness, transparency and participation.

“I think once that is done, we can now relax and everybody can heave a sigh of relief and then people will hopefully choose the leaders that they want; I don’t expect anything else,” the governor said.

Acknowledging the outstanding work, which past deputy high commissioners did in Lagos, Fashola said the periodic breakfast meetings had helped in delivering support to various sectors of the state’s economy.

The envoy thanked the governor for receiving him and his efforts at maintaining the historic link and very fruitful relationship with the British Government.

By Oluwatoyin Adeleye

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HE Lagos State Association of Plumbing Contractors will celebrate its 25th Anniversary tomorrow.

Its President, Olufemi Awotoye, said the ceremony would hold at its permanent secretariat, Erunwon Area, Ikorodu in Lagos State.

He hailed the government for organising seminars, workshops and training for members under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

‘We help poor children’

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GROUP, Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), has said its main objective is to fight poverty, ignorance and hopelessness through relevant, affordable and qualitative education.

Its Executive President, Mrs. Esther Dada, who spoke in Lagos, said: “In the course of carrying out our responsibilities as a group, we have prevented many Nigerian children with deprived backgrounds from becoming criminals.

“As an association comprising proprietors and proprietresses of schools, we identify children from poor homes and put them in our schools at rock-bottom costs.

“Through this, the children have access to modern and good education. The association does not discriminate in the placement of the children in schools.

“We treat these children with equality. We pick them from different families.”

Established in 1999, AFED, a non-profit organisation, has contributed largely to the educational development of our society.

Verdant Zeal holds seminar

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ORMER President of the Association of Advertising Practitioners of Nigeria (AAAN) Sir Steve Omojafor; founder, Centre for Values and Leadership, Prof. Pat Utomi and the Director, Business School, Netherlands Nigeria, Lere Baale will, next Tuesday, lead discussions at the fourth edition of the Verdant Zeal Marketing Communications Ltd ‘Innovention Series’ .

This year’s topic is: ”The Role of Innovation in Creating New Agenda for National Development”.

Omojafor, who will chair the event at the Civic Centre, Lagos, will deliver the keynote address; Utomi will deliver the lead paper as the guest speaker.

Baale, with Chris Uwaje, who pioneered the Conceptualisation Framework and Content Drafting Strategy for the Establishment of the National Information Technology Development Policy, award winning film producer and director Kunle Afolayan and the General Editor, Daily Sun, Mrs Funke Egbemode will join the discourse as panel discussants.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

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CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

•The burnt driver side of the trailer... yesterday

•A house burnt by the fire... yesterday

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FUEL tanker exploded in Ikorodu, Lagos, yesterday, killing three persons. But, the state fire service said one person died.

Three vehicles, three cows and a 40 foot stationary cold room were burnt. An injured man was rushed to the nearby General Hospital.

It was learnt that the tanker went up in flames after it lost control while trying to climb the steep hill on Beach Road.

The victims were the tanker driver, a cobbler and a motorcyclist.

•Residents watching the burnt tanker... yesterday

•The abbatoir burnt by the fire... yesterday

Three die in Lagos tanker fire

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Their remains have been deposited in a morgue.

An eyewitness said the tanker had charged some of its content at a nearby filling station before the incident.

Unable to climb the hill, the tanker rolled off the heavy duty truck, spilling its content into a

nearby abattoir.

The witness said: “Due to the early morning activities of slaughtering and burning of animals at the abattoir, there was a sudden explosion, with the fire spreading wildly. The tanker driver was roasted by the fire.

“An unfortunate tricyclist who was on speed rode into the inferno, one other man who was at the abattoir to buy meat was also a vic-

tim.

“The fire would have been prevented from wreaking more havoc if the firemen had arrived early.

They got to the scene more than one hour after the fire started and this made angry bystanders to prevent them from doing their job.

Director of the State Fire Service Rasaq Fadipe said firemen from Ikorodu were deployed to contain the fire. He urged motorists to

abide by road safety guidelines and install functional fire fighting gadgets in their cars.

The agency, he said, also fought a fire at the Naval Dockyard on Victoria Island, which gutted the administrative block, a wooden decking consisting of about 20 offices. Thirteen of the offices were razed.

According to him, it took firemen from the navy and state agency about two hours to contain the fire.

Fadipe said investigation into the causes of the fires were on.

Doctors’ strike: LASUTH, others still attending to patients

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REATMENT of patients in Lagos hospitals did not stop as doctors’ strike entered its third day yesterday.

When The Nation visited the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), our reporter saw patients being attended to by doctors, while some workers gathered in groups to discuss the strike.

A patient, Mrs Seun Fashugba, said she was not aware doctors were on strike before heading to the hospital at 5:30am. She had an accident and was groaning in pain.

“Thankfully, I was treated by a doctor and even booked future appointment,” she said.

A Cardiothoracic Consultant, Dr Bode Falase, who attended to patients, said there was not need for hospitals to be shut down while doctors are on strike. He said consultants would be at work for emergency conditions till the strike would be called off.

Commissioner for Health Dr Jide Idris said the government was already addressing the issue, urging the doctors to return to work.

He told the aggrieved doctors to place professionalism above personal consideration, saying they must consider the people as the strike continues.

But a medical practitioner, Dr Ore Falomo, described the doctors’ action as needless, urging them back to work.

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha and Wale Adepoju

Falomo, who was in LASUTH yesterday, said: “When people work diligently, success is guaranteed and it will naturally come.

Strike is a challenge we have to face and it is not something we can ignore. I am leaving LASUTH now to talk to the doctors to ensure we get something meaningful done to end the mess created by young doctors. Medical practice is a calling and not a business. I know the authority has not attended to many issues causing the strike, but doctors must exhaust all avenues before going on strike. Strike has never been a good option, because innocent patients suffer.”

The Nation observed that most state-owned hospitals opened for operation but activities were not at the peak as they used to be when there was no strike. Patients have continued to access healthcare at the LASUTH, Gbagada General Hospital, Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital and Igando General Hospital, among others.

The Medical Guild chairman, Dr Biyi Kufo, said the government was frustrating the association’s plan to end the strike, noting that doctors were being asked to sign attendance register.

He said: “Doctors are complying with the industrial action as directed by the body. But we observed

that our members are being victimised through signing of attendance register and discrimination.

“The government did not take these steps when the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) was on

strike. Why should must they ask our members to sign a register when we go on strike to demand what is due to us? It is quite unfortunate that government resorted to cheap blackmail to make doctors

return to work. We will resist this move.”

Kufo said doctors would continue to attend to emergency cases, but added that strike would not be called off until their demands are met.

•From the left: Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area, Dr Rahmat Odesesan; Council Manager Mrs Kehinde Fasuyi; Executive Secretary Kazeem Afolabi; his wife, Afolashade; Mrs Agunsoye; Mrs Abbey Martins and Princess Bolanle Bada-Onikosi, during the flag-off of National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDS) to kick-out polio at council, Lagos

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

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NEWS Ekiti APC lawmakers blast PDP counterparts

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HE 19 All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers in the Ekiti State House of Assembly have blasted their Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) colleagues for passing three bills yesterday, saying they acted against the law.

They also warned that their actions, since the invasion of the Assembly by thugs, cannot pass the test of legality.

A statement by the Special Adviser on Media to Speaker Adewale Omirin, Wole Olujobi, said the exercise was not conducted by a lawful and properly constituted House of Assembly, and so the action was ultra vire without any force of law.

“For the Assembly to pass such important bills of public importance, you must allow the law to flourish. Besides, all the three bills cannot be passed into law without public hearings by stakeholders.

“For the House to be properly constituted for such exercise, at least two-thirds of all members, including the Speaker and Majority Leader, must be present during the sitting. But in this instance, nothing of such happened,” Olujobi said.

He added that the three bills- State Forestry Bill 2015; College of Education, Ikere Ekiti, Bill 2015; and a Bill for a Law for the Establishment of Order of Precedence of Public Officers and Other Persons in Ekiti State and for Other Connected Matters 2015- were public policy bills that could not be passed into law without public hearings.

He said what the action of the lawmakers, backed by Governor Ayodele Fayose, had done was turning the serious business of lawmaking to a moonlight prank by exuberant playboys.

He said it was regrettable that the lawmakers allowed themselves to be used as pawns.

“Six months in the saddle, Ekiti people have known the direction of the governor as exemplified in his policies and actions.

“Where are the motorcycle riders now? Where are the market women and artisans on whose backs he rode to power?

“Where are the jobs he promised?

Have PDP members who laboured for his purported election been compensated?

“What can Ekiti people point to except bloated debts figures by the governor and robbers who stalk Ekiti people at night?”

I

LASU workers ‘sack’ VC Obafunwa

F the 20th convocation of the Lagos State University (LASU) originally scheduled for today and tomorrow must hold, the government must appoint one of the two deputy vice-chancellor to preside over the ceremony, workers insisted yesterday.

They said the Vice-Chancellor, Prof John Obafunwa, will no longer step into LASU, despite an earlier appeal by the government to workers that the professor of Forensic Pathology be allowed to complete his term, which expires on October 31.

The unions-Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU)- forced Obafunwa and some of aides out of the university yesterday.

“At 2.30pm yesterday, a bulletin from the management on the postponement of the 20th convocation surfaced from the university’s information unit.

“Dated March 17, the bulletin captioned: LASU management postpones 20th convocation ceremony reads: “Management of Lagos State University regrets to announce the postponement of activities lined up for the 20th convocation earlier scheduled to hold on March 18 and 19.

“The decision became imperative in the light of agitation/protest by

•Insist on DVC to chair convocation •Convocation postponed

By Adegunle Olugbamila and Oluwatoyin Adeleye

ASUU, SSANU and NASU on Monday at the main campus, Ojo. New dates for the ceremony would be announced later.”

As at yesterday, the atmosphere in the 31-year-old institution was still tense as workers flocked everywhere, desperate to “attack” Obafunwa, who was expected to chair the convocation lecture earlier scheduled for yesterday.

The workers also insisted the convocation lecturer and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, must not enter LASU, accusing him of anti-union activities.

Prof Oloyede, now Secretary-General Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, served as deputy vice-chancellor to Prof Shuaib Abdul-Raheem Oba, whose tenure saw the sacking of 49 lecturers for participating in ASUU strike about 16 years ago.

In a statement, LASU-ASUU ViceChairman Dr Isaac Oyewunmi said: “ASUU-LASU has declared Prof Ishaq Oloyede a persona non grata because of his anti-union activities.

“He should not be allowed into the university. If he is, no ASUU member should attend the lecture.

Any member who does so is on his own and ASUU will not take responsibility if anything happens to them.”

On campus yesterday, workers removed the tyres of their unions’ vehicles with which they blocked the entrance of the two gates to the university to prevent the vehicles from being towed away.

Others were singing and dancing excitedly at Abe-Igi, the popular student hangout adjacent to the main gate.

According to sources, the unions received a letter of invitation from Governor Babatunde Fashola for a meeting in Alausa on Monday.

The letter did not get to them until yesterday. Workers after holding their various congresses yesterday agreed to honour the invitation.

However, SSANU and NASU leadership instructed members to stay back in the school to ensure that convocation activities remain grounded.

ASUU gave the government eight conditions if it wants peace to reign in the university.

Aside directing a DVC to henceforth superintend the affairs of the university, ASUU insisted that whoever ‘succeeds’ Obafunwa must resolve issues bordering on staff

victimisation, promotion denial, withdrawal of members’ PhD certificates, high handedness, among others.

The Chairman, Dr Adekunle Idris, said workers must receive bank alerts for the salary arrears of June and September by 4pm today.

“The vice-chancellor has gone on the pages of newspapers to accuse us of embezzlement and parading of fake certificates.

“However, ASUU is insisting that management must prove how many of our members embezzled university funds.

“Obafunwa should also clear the air on the alleged fake certificates, which he accused workers of parading,” Idris said.

SSANU Chairman Sahhed Oseni said workers were not on strike.

“We are not on strike. Go tothe health centre, library, work and services, ICT departments everywhere is open and people are working.

“It is because Obafunwa is not around, that is why his top principals are also not around. But we know it is their past that is haunting them.

“We will attend the government meeting today. But I can tell you that no activities as per convocation will hold today.

“We are leaving our members behind just to ensure nothing goes wrong.”

‘No meeting with Jonathan’ From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

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HE Muslim community in Oyo State has said none of its members will attend a meeting convened by President Goodluck Jonathan in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Jonathan, who is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is believed to have called the meeting to woo Muslims in the Southwest for the March 28 election.

But the Muslim community in Oyo State has said it would not join the meeting– in line with the decision of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) not to meet with politicians until after the elections.

A statement by the Chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo State, Ishaq Kunle Sanni, reads: “It would be a betrayal of the Muslim Ummah in general for any Muslim group to disobey the order of these umbrella organisations.

“Anybody who goes to Akure to meet the President is not representing the Muslim Community of Oyo State.

“We urge people to vote according to their conscience and not be bamboozled by political demagogues masquerading as friends of the people. What these politicians are practising is nairatocracy and not democracy.”

•From left: Former Ekiti State Governor Otunba Niyi Adebayo (representing the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen Muhammadu Buhari); Publisher Dr Bola Olaosebikan; first civilian Governor of Lagos State Lateef Jakande receiving the 'Life Time Achievement Award' and his wife, Abimbola, at the public presentation of a book "Jakande: Leadership is Action” at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja…yesterday.

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Police recover 23 vehicles, 17 motorcycles in Ibadan

HE police in Oyo State have recorded a major breakthrough with the recovery of 23 vehicles, 17 motorcycles and 3,000 live ammunition.

Commissioner of Police Muhammad Katsina aanounced this while parading the suspects and the recovered vehicles at the state headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, the state capital.

He said: “The cars were recovered from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kwara and Kano states. The command’s intelligence gathering has paid off.

“The Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) conducted a painstaking discreet, diligent investigation leading to the recovery of assorted cars, which were snatched from their owners and stolen from where parked.

“Two cars were recovered from Lagos, five from Ogun, two from Oyo, 11 from Kwara and Kano states.

“Adejuwon Olanipekun aka Marchal, a member of a notorious robbery gang, which specialises in snatching posh cars, was arrested

•3,000 ammunition too From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

on February 19 on the Lagos/Ogun State axis.

“Other suspects are Funsho Aderope Jeffery, Oyelade Ganiyu, Bala Aliu, Yahaya Mohammed (receiver based in Kano), Oladotun Oluwafemi, Babalola Kazeem and Suaibu Busari aka Damenda.

He said two locally made cut-tosize single barrel guns with two live cartridges and 49 live berretta pistol ammunition were recovered from them.

Katsina added that 17 motorcycles were also recovered from a syndicate, which rebrands stolen motorcycles.

Over 3,000 rounds of 7.6mm live ammunition were recovered from some hoodlums at Idi-Iroko community, Soka, Ibadan.

Five suspects who specialise in selling human parts were also arrested. Katsina said the suspects have excavated six graves at Muslim cemetery in Apete.

The suspects are Abati Kolade, Tayo Akinrinola, Ramon Korede, Mojeed Adediran and Saki Adedi-

ran.

Praising the policemen, Jamiu Adebayo, whose car was recovered, thanked the security operatives for their timely response.

He said:” My brother sent on an errand with his car on March 6, but on getting to Oke -Ado three people on a motorcycle told me that my tyre was flat.

“As I wanted to get down, they dragged me away and took the car.

I called my brother immediately and we reported the matter to the police and our car was found two hours later.”

Buhari meets Arewa community, others tomorrow

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HE presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen Muhammadu Buhari, his running mate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo and leaders of the party are due in Lagos tomorrow.

They are to meet with the various interest groups, including the Arewa community, market women, artisans and other stakeholders.

Speaking on the visit last night, the Lagos State Coordinator of the Buhari/Osinbajo Campaign Organisation, James Abiodun Faleke, described the meetings as part of nationwide consultations with the

party's candidates.

Faleke, who is a member of the House of Representatives, added that all the APC candidates in Lagos will attend the meetings.

According to him, Gen Buhari will hold a Town Hall meeting with artisans at the Blue Roof, Lagos Television (LTV 8) by 10am and meet with the women group at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, by 1pm.

Faleke said the APC candidates will meet with members of the Arewa Community at the Agege Township Stadium by 5pm.

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NEWS

Jonathan won’t win 10 per cent of Rivers’ votes, says APC chair

Amaechi neglected rural schools, says Wike

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IVERS State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Nyesom Wike has accused Governor Rotimi Amaechi of abandoning schools in rural communities.

Wike, who spoke in Isiokpo yesterday after visiting Model Secondary School, said Amaechi has denied over a million Rivers children access to quality education.

He said the dilapidated nature of the school in Isiokpo, the home local government area of the governor, was disappointing.

Wike said: “I cried as I moved round the classes of the Model Secondary School in Isiokpo. If Amaechi can do this to his people, you can imagine the damage he has done to education in Rivers State.

“We shall take very proactive steps to address education in the rural communities of Rivers State. We shall develop a comprehensive boarding school system in the state to ensure that our children have

access to proper education.

This outgoing administration is built on deceit and lies. The APC is a party comfortable with falsehood. That is why Amaechi repeatedly takes Buhari and others to just one school in Port Harcourt, while the schools in rural areas have been destroyed due deliberate neglect.”

He donated 5000 books to the school and promised that it would be among the first set of schools to be rehabilitated if he is elected.

The PDP candidate also met with chiefs of Isiokpo town and also held campaign rallies for wards two and three in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Wike pledged to reconstruct the road leading to Isiokpo and provide water and facilities for the community.

During a visit to Ward 18 in Port Harcourt yesterday, Wike pledged to rehabilitate Diobu residential area. He assured the people of improved basic amenities.

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HE Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Chief Davies Ikanya, has said President Goodluck Jonathan will not win 10 per cent of the state’s votes on March 28.

He said the President had committed gross sins against Rivers State and its people, without any justification, and would definitely pay for them during the presidential election.

The Rivers APC chairman yesterday in Port Harcourt, through his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, declared that Jonathan did not deserve re-election.

Ikanya said: “The wicked acts against Rivers State and its people, for reasons only to be explained by President Jonathan and his managers explain why we will do everything humanly possible to ensure that this man who

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

has run aground our economy will never continue in office beyond May 29, 2015.

“President Jonathan is from Bayelsa, a sister state to Rivers. He is married to Dame Patience Jonathan, who is from Rivers State and having schooled at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) and lectured in the state before joining politics, one would have expected him to be a key factor in any election in Rivers State after the state gave him the highest number of votes in the 2011 presidential election, but shockingly, he will be the greatest undoing of his party in the 2015 general elections.”

The Rivers APC chairman urged Jonathan to read the handwriting on the wall and start writing his handover

notes. He added that the president’s time was up and that no trickery would save him from being humiliated in Rivers State and other parts of the country.

Ikanya maintained that the peeople promoting PDP in Rivers State were those who wanted to reintroduce the inglorious period of sharing of the common patrimony among themselves, rather than developing the state.

Among the sins of the President, according to the Rivers APC chairman, were his refusal to refund to the Rivers state government, over N90 billion used in the dualisation of Port HarcourtOwerri Road, approved by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua and other federal roads in the state executed by the Rivers government to ease the suffering of the people and “wickedly” stopping Train 7 at the Nigerian

Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited on Bonny Island, as well as the loss of jobs to Rivers people and revenue to government.

He also mentioned the non-implementation of the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on Ogoniland, which was submitted to Jonathan in Abuja in 2011 and the abandonment of the East-West Road, especially the ElemeOnne axis in Rivers State.

Ikanya also added that the other sins of Jonathan include: the ceding of Rivers oil wells to Bayelsa and Abia states and the abandonment of the reconstruction of the Port Harcourt International Airport.

He accused Jonathan of imposing Chief Nyesom Wike from the same Ikwerre tribe as Governor Rotimi Amaechi as PDP government candidate.

Negative campaigns hurt the economy, says Uduaghan

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ELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has urged politicians to shun negative campaigns.

The governor said the negative nature of the campaigns has begun to take its toll on the nation’s economy.

He added that politicians needed to redirect the focus of the campaigns to save the nation from imminent breakdown of law and order.

The governor spoke yesterday in Warri at a town hall meeting with professional groups and civil society organisations in the Delta Central and Delta South regions of the state.

His words: “You will agree with me that what we are seeing now has never been seen before, the way the campaigns are heading now

From Shola O’Neil, and Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

is very unpalatable. Campaigns ought to be about issues, but this year’s campaigns have not been so.

“People like me and others believe the campaigns ought to be redirect. Whoever wins the election should celebrate and whoever loses should go back and wait for the next four years, which I believe is very short.

“How can we be involved in such campaigns that turn you to life enemies? The campaigns now are so inciting that ethnic and religious views are against each other. The trend is very dangerous now and we believe it should be halted.”

Uduaghan warned against driving Nigeria to the Rwandan situation.

One dies, two hospitalised after drinking contest

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N alcohol-drinking contest has claimed one life and two others have been hospitalised in a Benin hospital.

The deceased, Famous Ogbeide, 25, and three others were drinking different brands of hot drinks at the funeral of their friend’s father. He was said to have emerged winner in the first and second rounds of the contest, but failed to collect his prize of N4,000 as he died in the hospital.

Sources said the contest was initiated by one of the youths at the party.

The victim allegedly collapsed by the roadside after gulping the drink. It was also gathered that one of the victims pulled out of

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

the contest when he began to cough and vomit.

The police have arrested the organiser of the funeral party who was said to have arrived Nigeria from Malaysia the day before.

The deceased’s mother said her son told her he was attending a funeral of his friend’s father.

She added that his father died last December.

Police spokesperson DSP Joseph Edoigiawerie said the case was being handled by the homicide department of the state police command headquarters, Benin City.

•All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Lagos State Mr Akinwunmi Ambode (middle) during his visit to the family of a former member of the House of Representatives Tunde Salau who died at the weekend in Lagos. With him are widow of the deceased and his first daughter Damilola.

Rivers facing political epidemic, says Commissioner

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IVERS State Commissioner for Health Dr Samson Parker yesterday raised the alarm over the violence trailing campaigns in his state.

The commissioner, who spoke in Abuja at the Special Session of the National Council on Health Meeting, said the security situation in his state was worse than the recent Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

According to him, 20 lives had been lost in two months to crises that had characterised campaigns.

He urged the Council, chaired by Minister of State and Supervising Minister of Health, Dr Khaliru Alhassan, to redefine epidemics.

He said: “This is one other thing that we need to deliberate on in this National Council on Health, because since 2011 that we had outbreak of political violence, it was swept under the carpet. Everybody kept quiet. Today, in the (Rivers)

‘We need to redefine epidemic; which we will look at it here at the National Council of Health. It is in my presentation here that we need to look at it. There is pre-election violence, there is election violence, there is post-election violence’ From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

Ministry of Health, in two of our hospitals alone, we have seen about 41 gunshot injuries; 26 machete injuries, all due to political activities and clashes and all the rest.

“As you can see, there is an epidemic. If you can call it an epidemic coming up, more than Ebola, more than Avian Flu, more than cholera. A few months ago, we had cholera outbreak, which we have contained.

We lost 23 persons. But, in two months alone, the main heat has not started, we have

had 41 gunshot injuries, not to talk about the mortality, which we cannot count.

Unconfirmed report puts it about 20. But, we cannot just fold our hands; it is putting pressure on the health system.

“People are getting maimed, people are getting disabled, people are getting killed. As a Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, I cannot just fold my hands and say this is not caused by a virus; this is not caused by a bacteria or a mosquito. So, let me go and sleep. I am in charge of health of the

people. Our people are dying for one thing or the other. And, this is political violence as we call it.

“We need to redefine epidemic; which we will look at it here at the National Council of Health. It is in my presentation here that we need to look at it. There is pre-election violence, there is election violence, there is post-election violence. We all saw what happened somewhere in the northern states of the federation in 2011. And, we need to really look at it and prevent it, and prepare for this emergency as they come.”

About a half of Commissioners of Health in the country were absent at the meeting. They were represented.

Dr. Alhassan said the meeting would articulate the National Health Act. He also added that the meeting would consider the redesigned Saving One Million Lives – Programme for Results initiative (SOML-PforR).

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

Life

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

Text only: 08023058761

•From left: Prof Yerima, Prof Obafemi, Prof Osofisan and Dr Ayakoroma at the playwrights confab

‘What does Mr President read?’

‘At a moment when the people are stricken or confused, our stage should be a refuge of resurging possibilities, a raft of dreams to keep the people above despair, a guiding light to serve as beacon to those adrift… The problem, some would say, is that we are not soldiers but writers and, as writers, we have only one weapon —our pen...’

-SEE STORY ON PAGE 16

Collector decries poor art appreciation

‘Every artwork is like your child’ – PAGE 48

– PAGE 49

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Playwrights serve as the conscience of their nations. Through their plays, they showcase societal ills and proffer solutions. At this crucial moment in Nigeria’s history, what can playwrights do for the country? Has playwriting lost its voice or is the problem with what the politicians watch? These formed part of deliberations at the 2nd Playwrights’ Confab held in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, reports EVELYN OSAGIE.

‘What does Mr President read?’

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AS the playwright lost his touch in the face of disillusionment”; “Who is to blame for the crises in the land: the leaders or the led”; “What do politicians read” and “What plays do they watch” formed the discourse at a three-day National Playwrights’ Confab at the ancient city of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The icing on the “dramatic” cake was the calibre of guests.

More than 50 scholars and playwrights braced the harsh Ilorin sun, and like the ancient Ilorin “mythical warriors”, converged on the Kwara State Council for Arts and Culture to redefine their course and rekindle their voice in the face of national anomie.

The conference was convened by the distinguished playwright, Prof Femi Osofisan, and hosted by the Kwara State University (KWASU), whose drama troupe entertained guests.

The place of playwriting in Nigeria’s history cannot be overemphasised, participants said. The playwrights noted that the genre has the power to rescue the polity, if the leaders and the led heed their warnings. They also sought an endowment fund for playwrights or a specialised bank from which creative artists can draw funds with minimal conditions, adding that cottage theatres should be established in council areas “in order to practically promote playwriting as a discipline”.

For KWASU Vice-Chancellor Prof AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, the relevance of literature, especially playwriting, in the development of Nigeria cannot be overstated.

He noted that the genre and its writers should be celebrated for their achievements, saying the nation got the Nobel Prize through Prof Wole Soyinka, a renowned playwright.

He said: “Arts matter in the development of any society. Playwriting has brought fame to Nigeria over the years. We must celebrate the arts and artists because their contribution to the development of our nation. Today, we dedicate this occasion to celebrate the achievements of Nigerian playwrights – from Prof Wole Soyinka to Prof J.P Clark…Prof Osofisan and many others who have brought our nation fame. KWASU is known to celebrate culture and the arts. As a university, we feel that Nigeria is endowed and that it should be far from where it is today. It must recognise that the arts matter.”

For the 2014 winner of Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature, Akin Bello, playwrights can write all they want, “what happens if leaders don’t read or watch our socially-conscious plays?” Taking the stance of an investigator, he wondered what politicians, such as Mr President, read.

“What books does the President read? I have a right to know. There must be a way we can get our plays to the audience who are in authority for the desired change to happen.”

The Executive Director, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr Barclays Ayakoroma, a former director, Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture, intervened, citing an example of former Bayelsa Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and President Goodluck Jonathan, who was his deputy then.

He said: “Depending on those in authority, every leader wants to relax. As the director then in Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture, I’ll say the bulk stops at your table as playwrights. The then governor once

•From left: Ayakoroma, Obafemi, Na’Allah, Steve Shaba

•A performance by students of KWASU School of Visual and Performing Arts

PLAYWRITING told me that he would often go from home to office and back. “he would often say, ‘The only thing you can do for me to help me relax is to have productions’. If you have good and wellpackaged plays people will want to read and watch them, no matter who they are.”

On his part, former Director General, National Theatre and National Troupe of Nigeria, Prof Ahmed Yerima, said drama can be creatively used as a tool for change.

“Government listens. The theatre can be used to point them towards change. Know

the kind of message that is needed at any given time and what message the government wants, and be creative about your delivery. When I was the director, National Theatre and National Troupe, I used drama to speak to the authorities, such as the late President Musa Yar’Adua. Through a Hausa musician I once urged him not to disappoint his forebears.”

The conference was a sequel to the first edition held two years ago at the historic town of Ile-Ife at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Osun State. The confab convener, who is now a professor at KWASU was then a Visiting Research Professor at OAU’s Institute of Cultural Studies. It was at

‘What books does the President read? I have a right to know. There must be a way we can get our plays to the audience who are in authority for the desired change to happen’

Ife, according to Prof Osofisan, that playwrights took the decision to meet every two years to chart the way forward for playwriting in Nigeria.

With the theme, The Time is Out of Joint – Playwriting in the Time of Global Incoherence, the confab’s second edition was laced foreboding and apprehension, it was said.

“With all the joy of our reunion, we cannot but admit that our gathering here, today is haunted by a great unease,” began Prof Osofisan, “Here, elections are conducted like warfare, with all that this implies in terms of violence, furious and mendacious propaganda, and callous blood-letting. In our season of elections, we do not have politicians but, instead, maniacal freewheelers and gladiators. Law-enforcement officers turn to partisan thugs; professional assassins rage unchecked on the open street.”

Osofisan compared Nigeria’s political situation to the mythical ‘Prometheus’ chained to his perennial burden of stone, observing that more like programmed, recycled robots, “politicians seem con•Continued on Page 47

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

The slide to anarchy •Protests by pro-Jonathan forces against deployment of card readers in the general elections are irrational and condemnable

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AILY, as the March 28 presidential election draws closer, antics of proJonathan forces are getting out of hand. They show that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is desperate to hold on to power and he is unwilling to do the civilised thing in a democracy: allow free, fair and credible polls.

The latest was the protest staged by the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and other forces loyal to the president in Lagos on Monday. Under a primitive lie that they are seeking the resignation or removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, the protesters paralysed traffic along very busy Lagos highways, including the popular Ikorodu Road and Funso Williams Way. The staged acts subverted the fundamental principle of peaceful protests in a democracy. The law was pooh-poohed.

The protesters brandished dangerous weapons, including guns, machetes, pocket knives, even as law enforcement agents apparently undermined their own responsibility to society by providing cover for them. They smashed vehicles, harassed innocent citizens, shot indiscriminately, paralysed the city, punctured social liberties and truncated commerce.This is unacceptable in a sane and lawful society. Nigerian law does not allow illegal possession of firearms, and its display in broad daylight is yet another indication that the state has further decayed under the administration that the protesters • Jonathan seek to keep in power.

Another nightmarish parody was the place of the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE- P) in the protest. The agency was designed ostensibly for progress and peace. But it has become an agent of subversion and primitive lawlessness in the past two years in Lagos.

The Jonathan administration has been alerted to the danger of their activities but it has kept an undignified silence. It constitutes violence against the state for men paid their wages and expected to be independent of political persuasions to join hoodlums in waging war against the society.

A time there was when ethnic militia were outlawed in Nigeria. Leaders of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) that organised a similar protest in Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra states were arrested and arraigned in court for seeking the dismemberment of the country. The objectives of the movement have not changed and the leaders are still in office. Yet, the Jonathan administration is recruiting members of the outlawed organisation to keep it in power. It reflects not only desperation but that President Jonathan follows the Machiavellian path of overthrow-

ing the constitution for his own selfish ego.

Every day, the signs become more apparent that the Nigerian state is failing and the incumbent government is unable to make a distinction between its task of providing leadership or caving in to his interests fuelled by a carpet-bagging cabal at such a difficult moment. The role played by the Nigerian Police is even more savage. The police is the civil institution saddled with the task of protecting the common citizens, ensuring that the ship of state remains afloat and that the laws of the land are obeyed by all. However, as the militia men disrupted the

peace in Lagos and the South eastern states, they had the police looking on. It did not matter to them that the weapons being brandished emanated from unknown sources and could have been used to perpetuate crimes before they surfaced at the protest rallies.

Ralph Uwazurike of MASSOB and Gani Adams of the OPC who felt compelled to seek Jega’s removal only because some politicians felt he would not do their bidding are apparently doing so because they had been so mobilised by a government from which they have derived succour in recent times. The OPC and its leaders have just had their nests feathered by a slew of juicy oil pipelineprotecting contracts.

The protests underline fear in high places over the upcoming elections. Only cowards take to gangster methods as the OPC demonstrated in Lagos. They also campaigned against the use of card read-

ers, a device that would make the elections more transparent and readily acceptable. They do not want the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and the Card Readers for which money has been appropriated and approved by the National Assembly and the Federal Executive Council for the general elections. The electoral commission had served notice since 2011 that it would be travelling this road. Why then would the same government be supporting calls for resignation of the symbol of the electoral system now?

Anyone familiar with the nation’s political history would realise that tampering with the balance in the North West or South West is an invitation to anarchy. This is one thing Nigeria can ill afford at this point when the economy is in a shambles and all facts point to collapse of the state if the drift is not arrested.

The ruling political party owes the country a duty to call its supporters to order. Powers must be accompanied by responsibility. At a time when all that contribute directly or indirectly to political violence are being brought to justice at the International Criminal Court (ICC), we call attention of those who think they could misuse state power to this development.

All that Nigerians want now is the conduct of free, fair and credible polls. It is the only way to go as the people want their will respected.

We call for the arrest and prosecution of all those inviting mayhem in the country. Any unauthorised display or use of weapons must be punished as deterrence to others. The Jonathan administration is setting another dangerous precedent that could easily become the norm in other parts of the country.

We condemn the President who, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has not found it fit to query the Inspector-General of Police and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the show of shame Neither the president nor any of his associates has condemned the barbarous show in lagos. How could the president explain to himself that he is encouraging militancy in the south while he is fighting another in the north? This sort of double standards will not bring peace and trust in the land.

Certainly, 12 days to a crucial election is not a time for any sane person to call for removal of the head of an electoral commission without adducing verifiable reasons.

‘How could the president explain to himself that he is encouraging militancy in the south while he is fighting another in the north? This sort of double standards will not bring peace and trust in the land’

The war against Boko Haram

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IR: Africa’s leadership deficit is hitting Nigeria hard. The country, ab initio, was scheduled to hold her general elections for presidential, governorship and other elective political offices in February, 2015. But, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) used the Army to shift the election for six weeks, claiming a renewed determination to wage intensive war against the Boko Haram terrorists so as to demonstrate that he is able to defeat the terrorists.

Why he did that? It must have been because his arch rival, General Mohammadu Buhari, promised to crush the Boko Haram when he gets to power. Currently, Nigerian Army is said to be routing Boko Haram, and taking back the areas occupied by Boko Haram. Yet, many questions are begging for answers. At the end of six weeks, hostility against Boko Haram is expected to cease, so that Nigeria can hold her elections. What happens to the Boko Haram remnants and suicide bombs?

The Yoruba say when you cut a live snake into two; the other half can be furiously harmful. A witch dies and you are rejoicing; aren’t you oblivious that the daughter left behind by the witch can bewitch your children?

The foregoing explains the quality of persons ruling Nigeria. The situation has been worsened by overt sinister efforts of external predators that benefit from the war waged

by Boko Haram against the country. Basically, the western imperialists iclude America and Britain, not forgetting to mention Asian Tigers like China and Japan, amongst others that sell war equipment to “Nigeria”. We have just been told that Japan gave a –deceptiveaward to a Nigerian Pastor for campaigning against Boko Haram. Did that Pastor go to war against Boko Haram, or he is just a rabble-rouser?

Otherwise, it is not surprising that it was a Pastor who got rewarded for campaigning against Boko Haram. GEJ professes to be a Christian, and after he truncated rotational presidency to become Nigeria’s President, the impression was created that Boko Haram terrorism arose because GEJ is a Christian.

That is typical of how Christianity and Islam are used to create confusion in Nigeria.

The Senate and House of Reps are said to be praising the Army for successful attacks against Boko Haram. But, have they reflected on suicide bombs, and what happens after the expiration of the six weeks’ war? They don’t, because what matters to them is that they are the most rewarded legislators in the world.

Nigeria’s situation is not different from Somalia and similar places where there is endless crisis. Nigeria lacks leaders who can engender peaceful co-existence, a la Nelson Mandela. The current leadership is making terrorism inevitable. Terrorism is not a universal reality; it does not exist in Botswana, Senegal, Ghana, etc. Nigeria’s omens are bleak.

• Pius Oyeniran Abioje, PhD, University of Ilorin.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Customarily, an iroko tree is reputed in the African culture as enjoying a pride of place among other trees in the jungle. Akin to the uniqueness of an apple tree, an iroko tree is cherished, and well treasured by Africans for several reasons.

The revered tree is highly rated for symbolising selflessness, uniqueness and leadership prowess, among others. It is often said, that when an Iroko tree talks, all other trees bow.

Dejectedly, in Ondo state, we have a Governor, Rahman Segun Mimiko, who nicknamed himself an Iroko; but he is completely the opposite of all the virtues ascribed to an iroko tree.

A recap of his political journey to office will suffice: On 19th February, 2009, Mimiko became the governor of Ondo state through the efforts of the progressives’ coalition and in a treacherous manner, it didn’t take more than three months before he dispensed with all the people that God used to enthrone him despite the evil efforts of the Abuja based ruling party men to scuttle his victory.

True to his character, today, Mimiko dines and wines with the same Abuja men that worked against him at the detriment of most of his real benefactors.

Educationally, Mimiko is a failure.

He was only able to build three megaprimary and secondary schools in the past six years while within three years, former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, renovated 112 secondary schools. In Lagos State, Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola has marvelously built about 20 mega schools across the state. Although Mimiko established a University of Medical Sciences in his native Ondo town, but the existing state owned Universities, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA) and Ondo State University of Technology, Okitipupa(OSUTECH) are yearning for financial rescue to function optimally.

Seven years after its establishment, OSUTECH has not produced a graduate. Under the supervision of Mimiko, AAUA retrogressed from being the first best state university in Nigeria to seventh best (NUC, 2015). In the area of infrastructure, Ondo State has the worst road network in south western part of the country. Excluding the federal highways, a majority of the state-owned roads are presently in a state of disrepair. Five years after the dualisation of Ondo township roads were flagged off; the project is still begging for completion. As I write, the dualisation of AkureIsinkan-Ondo road started by the ad-

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The collapse of governance in Ondo ministration of late Olusegun Agagu has not been completed.

Also, three years after, the dualisation of the five-kilometer Owo township road is still at 40 per cent execution stage. Without being immodest, let me expressly say that Mimiko has not completed 50 kilometers worth of roads since he was inaugurated as governor! Furthermore, the number of abandoned projects throughout the state calls for concern. Till date, the construction of the Akure township stadium started by the late Agagu’s government is far from being completed. The multibillion-naira Akure Dome project flagged off by the governor himself four years ago has been abandoned.

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The dualisation of over twokilometer Arakale road has not been duly completed. Mimiko’s muchpublicized Fountain Water at Alagbaka has dried off. The maternity center built and packaged by Mimiko as Abiye Motherhood Hospitals is now a glorified consulting centre yearning for drugs and personnel. Majority of the market stores Mimiko claimed to have constructed across the 18 Local Government areas have been taken over by weed and rodents.

It is also trite that none of the companies and factories inherited by Mimiko are functional. Arigidi Tomato Company has not produced tomato paste despite the claim of

N1billion injection from Ondo treasury. Oluwa Glass at Igbokoda is daily rusting away with no intention by Mimiko to resuscitate it. Okeluse Cement Factory has gone moribund.

Okitipupa Oil Mill resuscitated by Agagu government has closed down.

Our State, despite earning the highest allocation from the Federation Account in South West, unfortunately, boast of the highest number of youth unemployment (National Directorate of Employment, 2015).

Most of the civil servants that vigorously campaigned for him in 2012 are now wallowing in regrets. Their salaries are no longer being paid as at when due. And for having the effrontery to confront the deceitful he-

gemony of Mimiko, 28 workers of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo was sacked in November 2012.

Mimiko’s publicly known ideology is inconsistency/betrayal as he has moved from the Alliance for Democracy (AD), to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP); to the Action Congress, (AC); to Labour Party (LP), and now back to the PDP. Mimiko has a long history of betrayal. He has the singular unenviable record of betraying all the political leaders who at one time or another assisted him in his political sojourn, especially since the 4th Republic.

In conclusion, as the 2015 general elections gathers’ momentum, one’s advice to the peace-loving and good people of Ondo state is to shine their eyes. The only panacea for rejuvenation of our state in all ramifications is to get Mimiko and his accomplices out of power by all lawful means. The Ondo State of today is not the one we desire.

Lateef Raji, Ondo Renaissance Group (ORG)

Governor Amaechi must read this

IR: Dear Governor Amaechi, although your tour of duty is on its twilight days, you are still the incumbent governor of Rivers State; hence, you need to read this. PortHarcourt could become another ‘environment-friendly’ city if the planners of the city prudently worked at it.

Great towns in the world from Australia (Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney) -New Zealand- Canada (Calgary, Vancouver) - Finland are credited among some of the best places on earth to live a happy life only for the reason that the planners worked hard to make it so.

Port-Harcourt, sir, has numerous exposed manholes on its pedestrian walkways from Rumuogba, Artillery, Rumuola, Aba Road and Rumoumasi among others. These open holes are dangerous death traps when it rains torrentially and at night; due to the bad drainage it is hard to make out an open hole from land on a flooded walkway or at night on a poorly lit road.

I am shocked, that the authorities at the state’s works ministry have not deemed it necessary to cover these holes or force the contractors who did these slapdash work to do so and further blacklist them. I counted more than ten exposed ‘manholes’ recently from, the beginning of the new

Rumuola link road, off Stadium road, leading to Rumuola.

A visitor (my friend) into the town the other day was unfortunate on a rainy day. He walked on a walkway and fell into a ‘manhole’ but was lucky to have been saved by proactive passersby. It is easy to conclude that many more mishaps are happening unrecorded per diem as I write and the city planners can do well by covering all of these exposed manholes for the safety of the people. Another drift which may ruin this city if not regulated is the high rate of prostitution in housing neighborhoods. Whilst it is true that this line of work is as old as man, it can at least be controlled. It is unfitting to have this business run side-by-side where people live, from theGRA to other concentric inhabited environments.

The side effects on children where this vocation are practiced are many: boys may become misogynists and little girls may plan taking it as a future occupation. Government, police, landlords can help to regulate this.

For instance, do landlords have licenses to run strip tease parlours in a suburban environment? The street where I reside has a strip tease parlour.

In developed climes, this activity is in selected commercial zones. Gov-

ernment reserved areas in the past are places that are quiet, with well planted trees, where you scarcely interface with neighbours and have for company the breezy serenity of the environment and the whispering clatters of birds.

The Port Harcourt GRA today deserves an award in contrast for the reason that it is occupied by noises, debauchery, chaos and the setting of hotels in a domestic environment and one wonders how full of pride, children who live there nowadays are, like the ones I knew in the days of yore that were. Again, those in charge of enforcing environmental laws must not do that forcefully and discourteously. At times, you may be halted by gun-wielding policemen right on the road and directed into the waiting arms of government vehicle sticker enforcers who will stay out of sight in their vehicles waiting for the day’s prey. State and local governments should devise ways to correctly make people acquire government’s sticky label - not by harassment and impoundments with the full support of law enforcement agency. Business persons are supposed to be cossetted to stay in the state to pay taxes and not harangued daily out of the state by various agencies of government.

Many people have given second

opinions about the hellish experiences that they were subjected to at major round-about by touts who act as traffic controllers but are fortune hunters in camouflage and they will guide you into a trap after which they will ask for huge sums of money for beating traffic. These exchanges most times end in fisticuffs. Touting needs to be banned if this city is to be accredited as an environmentfriendly town. The noise pollution from businesspersons who deal in music at strategic junctions is so distressing - because the sound of music blared to attract customers is always tuned to the maximum level and there seem not to be any agency nearby to curtail this menace.

The government should plan the city very well enough so as to have a shopping and entertainment zones, central markets, relaxing spots, to be set up in selected scattered-far-flung centres of the town and not in residential quarters. Reference must be made to the revival of the Port Harcourt wild life zoo, the upgrading of Oyigbo settlement from the current status of a squatter-settlement with no roads, foul stench from badly managed waste disposal system, to a decent neighborhood.

• Simon Abah, Port Harcourt.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

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COMMENTS

Our Girls; ban tyre burning; Solar Africa?; Our soldiers; Single digit interest rates; cut political pay

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UR Girls are still missing since April 15th 2014. Happily our soldiers are moving forward, perhaps ‘with a little help from our ‘mercenary’ friends’? The Tony greatest murderers in Marinho Africa are Ebola 10,000 and Boko Haram 15,000 dead and 1.5 to 3million injured mentally, medically, financially or family wise. And add POLITICS, political incompetence refusing to solve poverty alleviation problems and election violence. Political Murderers kill through bad policies or refusing to implement good ones. It is still blood on their hands even if it is only files they see and votes they sell in parliament.

For example, the NASS as a Matter of Urgent National Importance, MOUNI, should introduce a Law ‘BAN ON TYRE BURNING’ by NAFDAC, SON, etc when destroying seized goods as tyre rubber is the worst form of ‘man made’ pollution. Each tyre is an environmental time bomb releasing 4,000+ chemicals in a black toxic cloud destroying the air breathed for days. We do not need to smoke, just stay near a burning tyre to die. Protesting citizens and vulcalisers clearing old stock should also be banned from tyre burning. ‘Ban tyre burning’.

As we witness the solar powered plane flying around the world, belatedly the sun is actually taking its place in powering Africa. However we see business ignoring the sun for out-door advertising using electronic billboards currently powered by large street corner generators when solar energy would work better for them and the millions of streetlights.

The cost of solar equipment has gone down by 80% and the efficiency has gone up by 80% in the last two years rendering equipment older than 2 years obsolete. The use of the sun goes against the selfish grain of most African Governments which seek to control and exploit the people’s rights through reckless billing for poorly provided utilities and other services never rendered for citizens rightfully demanding a modest

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HE story you are about to read points to the fact that, that “nice man” you call your husband or that “beautiful lady” you call your wife may just be a demon in the house. It all happened last Tuesday when I visited one of the outstanding health centres located in the sprawling city of Lagos. My mission was to undertake a routine medical checkup.

I arrived at the medical facility a few minutes after 9 a.m and within some fleeting minutes; the laboratory technician took my blood sample to enable him run some preliminary tests – cholesterol, PVC, haemoglobin, etc. Naturally, it takes some time to run the tests.

The time frame is between an hour and two hours at the most. But this particular day, it dragged on and on as more and more people showed up at the facility. At about 1 pm, it was my turn to perform the last rituals – urine test, blood pressure measurement and weight measurement – before being ushered in to see the consultant, a familiar, dedicated doctor with whom I have had personal, intimate rapport for many years.

As soon as I sat down opposite him, the consultant started reviewing the result of the blood test and was sifting through the papers in the file as he compared the result with the previous ones. At a point, he ordered me to lie down on the examination couch where he examined me by pressing my stomach, ribs and all that, with his stethoscope glued to his ears. He asked me to breathe in and out or take a long breath, and all that. Just as he was doing this, shielded by the privacy screen, somebody walked in. The consultant told the

modern human existence. No serious energy-conscious rightthinking, science and tech, savvy modernist African government ignores the sun and the power for independent social and business wealth and growth it offers. Africa should stop wasting the God given, clean air and sun. Botswana Innovation Inc built a largely solar-powered multi-story complex green multi-business Science and Technology Park.

The Pan Atlantic University in Lekki, Lagos has built an Entrepreneurial Development Centre powered by solar energy. Lagos State is powering 173 schools with solar power as part of a plan to ‘solarise all schools’. Many states are playing lip service to ‘the solarisation of Africa’ by lighting streets. Good but ‘Solar Business Is Serious billion dollar Business’ needing a serious leadership to lead the continent of Africa out of the Dark Continent centuries. The sun has always been in Africa but Africans ignored and ran from it apart for sun-drying gari et cetera. If the UK, with its anaemic sun shining 10-20% of the year, can use solar for electricity, then we in Africa are stupid to miss something so huge developmentally. Dangote, rich from selling rice, cement and pasta and Co and CBN should contribute to a $2B-5 BILLION SOLAR ENERGY REVOLVING LOAN SCHEME at ZERO to 9% interest. African Scientists do little cutting edge solar research and hardly get the newest technology. Why are we in Africa not solarising all our new buildings as recommended by the new housing policy?

However, there is a solar light at the end of our tunnel of electricity darkness and there are some inspirational examples. The IFC plans to fund alternative power sources under a ‘Lighting Africa Initiative’. There is an EU plan to put Solar Panel Farms across the Sahara for EU power perhaps with an Africa spinoff. Solar services are being offered by Total and Shell and many oil companies. Africa is dying for solar energy.

As we hail the successes of our valiant troops against Boko Haram, we must remember that no victory without the supreme sacrifice. Add to that the deaths of over 15,000 and the maiming, orphaning, widowing by Boko Haram to sense the horror and urgency. All Nigerians should note the dignity accorded the heroic 38 Cameroonian soldiers killed fighting

Boko haram. How many uniformed personnel have we in Nigeria lost? How were they buried? Perhaps we are too busy court-marshaling our formerly under-equipped troops.

Should one-discountenance press suggestions that the real military problems were ICC, inefficiency, incompetence, corruption and greed further up the military chain of command?

Nigeria is no stranger to our soldiers making the supreme sacrifice in foreign lands on behalf of ECOWAS, the UN in the Congo, and elsewhere. Certainly for soldiers who died in ECOMOG, perhaps around 8,000 courageous men, they were buried quietly. I saw a wife arriving by danfo, at her husband’s military grave during the funeral, crying out that the army could not even inform her that her husband was dead.

Austerity everywhere. Russia has cut its salaries and reduced its interest rates to 14%. Unfortunately Nigeria’s CBN does not recommend slash in salary or our immorally high interest rates, now near 25-30%. The rich bankers are shamelessly protected at the expense of the suffering poor in Nigeria. We demand single digit interest rates for very small street business and citizens and citizens and salary cuts for political office holders. Unfortunately Senate has increased the proposed NASS budget from N120b to 125b.

And the Lagos Ibadan expressway has no ‘Emergency Expert Supervisors’ to get traffic going when it stops.

‘Nigeria is no stranger to our soldiers making the supreme sacrifice in foreign lands on behalf of ECOWAS, the UN in the Congo, and elsewhere. Certainly for soldiers who died in ECOMOG, perhaps around 8,000 courageous men, they were buried quietly. I saw a wife arriving by danfo, at her husband’s military grave during the funeral, crying out that the army could not even inform her that her husband was dead’

Demons in the House person who was shouting “doctor, doctor,” to hold on and that he was busy attending to a patient.

By the time he was through with me, he removed the surgical hand gloves, quickly washed his hands and went to his seat. I also disembarked from the couch, buttoned up my shirt, wore my shoes and went back to my seat. Behold, the man who had been waiting was another doctor. He had on him a white lab coat, the type worn by doctors while on duty. He appeared to be in a hurry as he was standing throughout his brief encounter with my consultant.

From the trend of their discussion, he may have dashed into the medical facility from another medical facility nearby to arrange for a surgery that was to take place the following day. I guess it was a sort of collaborative effort between the two doctors as I overheard them talk about the bill for the operation and what will accrue to each doctor and all that. As a person who is always thorough and very professional on his job, my consultant then asked the other doctor whether he had taken all necessary precautions, to which the other doctor replied in the affirmative. To further buttress his point, the other doctor told my consultant that as a rule, he is strict with his team when it comes to observing professional ethics and rules in carrying out their duties.

Then my consultant asked him: “Supposing you are not there to enforce the rules?” The other doctor replied: “No, no, no, they know I am strict with it and so they will

‘With highly dishonest people around that will not disclose their HIV status to even their spouse, it is quite certain that the next pandemic with devastating consequences will not be Ebola but Demons in the homes’

not, and I repeat, they dare not do anything without the necessary precautions.” And he quickly added: “But you know, to be on the safe side, we assume that everybody is positive, so we take the necessary precautions.”

It was then it occurred to me that they were actually talking about testing the patients for HIV before carrying out any surgery. Then the other doctor chipped in again: “But you know, some of these patients will refuse to be screened for HIV and that is why we assume that they are positive to be on a safe side.” He then gave two illustrations to emphasise his point. If I must confess, those illustrations shocked me to my bone marrow and literarily swept me off my feet.

First, the doctor said: “Let me tell you, there was a time, a woman, a housewife who had tested positive, told us not to disclose her status to her husband who was always driving her to the hospital.

She simply told us to leave that to her and that she was voluntarily going to tell him at the appropriate time.” According to the doctor, “six months, then one year rolledby and the woman never disclosed her status to her husband.” Again, the doctor said there was another case which was more frightening than that: “In this case,” he said, “an influential man tested positive for HIV. He was actually on antiretroviral drugs and he was always coming to the hospital with his wife. The worst part of it was that he warned us never to tell his wife. At a point, the wife, who was also nursing a renal-type problem, developed some complications arising from HIV infection which she obviously contracted from her husband.” The doctor said: “The wife invariably died from the complications.”

If you think that was bad enough, wait a minute, the worst was yet

to come. According to the doctor, they were all surprised when few months after the woman died, this influential man, whom he continuously referred to as very, very nice, sent him (the doctor) an invitation card, inviting him to his “coronation and marriage” to another “brand new” lady. At this point, my consultant, who could no longer stomach the pathetic story, lost his cool and lashed out against the so-called influential man, who was said to be so nice, calling him unprintable names.

The argument soon snowballed into the issue of confidentiality in medical practice, that is, doctorpatient relationship which prevents a doctor from disclosing the health status of his patient to anybody except with permission from the patient.

My consultant harped on the danger such poses to the health of the society as the man had even gone ahead to marry another “innocent” lady who might not know that her newfound husband is HIV positive. This is a man who had earlier nonchalantly dispatched his first wife to the great beyond through sheer dishonesty. Surprisingly, at every turn during the discussion, the other doctor had a defence, citing some legal nonsense and the fact that the man is so nice, to support his argument.

When my consultant noticed that his doctor-friend could not be easily swayed, he simply said: “That man may be outwardly nice, but he is a demon inside.” That ended the discussion and the doctor took his leave.

Throughout the discussion, I kept mute because it was a discussion between two professional colleagues. Though I just sat there looking like a novice, my journalistic instinct soon took over. The questions that have been agitating my mind ever since are: How

Dele Agekameh many of these type of cases are happening all over the place in Nigeria, in Africa and all over the world today? What can the World Health Organisation or our individual countries, do to stem this ugly development which may end up silently killing hundreds of thousands of innocent people if not properly checked? Why will a partner in a marriage test positive for HIV and decide to hide it from his or her spouse, knowing full well that the disease is contagious and could terminate his own life and that of his partner or any other person could easily be infected by the non-disclosure of his or her status? How many people have died and how many more will still die from this avoidable catastrophe caused simply by man’s dishonesty?

From this satanic and sad scenario, we seem to be in a world inhabited by animals going about with the deceitful features of human beings. With highly dishonest people around that will not disclose their HIV status to even their spouse, it is quite certain that the next pandemic with devastating consequences will not be Ebola but Demons in the homes. May God help us!

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

COMMENTS ‘If other Obas and other traditional rulers had told the president the bitter truth as Oba Adetona did, I believe the president would have known where he stands by now. It is very shameful that some of our traditional rulers are not saying the truth to our leaders because of financial inducement. In the history of democracy all over the world, I have never seen a desperate president like ours, who is trying to destroy everything in the country just because of reelection. I wonder what the president will govern if he destroys all our national institutions. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa, Lagos’ •Jonathan For Segun Gbadegesin God bless you for an articulate piece. From Khalifa Abdulsalam I read your article “A moral outrage”. For writing this, you will be labelled APC member; but the truth be told you are so totally right and the country has to arise and with one voice condemn the impunity. Are there people not more qualified than Obanikoro?

I weep as old politicians keep recycling themselves even when they are proven failures. From Dr. Austine, Port Harcourt.

Thank you sir for your piece on Obanikoro confirmation. The confirmation is ridiculous and absurd; so if a senator is accused of murder, and in the name of stupid tradition, will such a person be confirmed as a cabinet member? Sorry for this country.

From Kola Badru The present Senate comprises highly “distinguished” senators of the Federal Republic of the PDP, who have desecrated the validity and efficacy of our Constitution, very sad. But I am not surprised at their shameless act of confirming Obanikoro.

They are gifted with immunity and impunity. True ingredients of lawlessness and recklessness. What a pity. From Yusuf Emmanuel.

Obanikoro’s confirmation was a hatchet job by the PDP senators to oil the rigging machinery of PDP in the Southwest. The questionis: Can thousands of Obanikoro stand on the way of the people that are battle ready to take their destiny in their hands during the elections? From Kolade Ilesanmi Esq Sir, if Obanikoro had decamped to APC after losing the PDP gubernatorial ticket, would you have made the remarks, comments, sarcasms, diatribes, innuendoes and insinuations about him and Jonathan in The Nation? Search your soul. Do you really desire change for Nigeria? Go check history: real change and morality are twins.

You are a journalist, you know this. Is there morality in APC? Your conscience will demand answer someday. Anonymous All senators who endorsed Obanikoro for minister are dead morally. Of course, Obanikoro’s nominee was the very first to kiss this moral dust. March 28 decides their fate. This rubbish must stop. From Vince Ekwurumadu, Owerri.

I am so pleased and happy with your piece on Obanikoro’s clearance by our conscience-less Senate. Keep on the good work.

Nigerians are watching and reading the evils calculation of PDP. From Collins, Jos. There was a time when the “value system” in Nigeria was a thing of pride. Then we, little children, had adults we looked up to as role models. Today, most occupants of public and private office have nothing of significant value for the younger generation to emulate or look up to. As events and issues unfold, I pray that a bloody revolution or a replica of the Arab Spring does not arise in Nigeria. God save our dear country Nigeria. Anonymous The gathering was unusually quiet in anticipation when it was the turn of Mr. Obanikoro. And the gavel fell for “the Is have it”. The gathering dispatched without any word. NIGERIA had lost an important game which would have bettered our world rating. We had just witnessed the public execution of Conscience by the PDP Senate. We had gathered in front of a TV in my office, for the live broadcast of the Senate proceedings of the screening of the ministerial nominees. One after the other, they took a bow before the Senate. After all, they say, “a man who eats meat doesn’t bother about the suffering animals go through during slaughter”. Your piece “A moral

outrage” is a classic, as I read through it, your stand became very clear. Anonymous Re: “A moral outrage”. The rejection of Obanikoro began from the Lagos APC because they have always seen him as of political value, a man who could be dangerous to Lagos APC’s success! I do not know Obanikoro but once some people of a caucus in Lagos or/and Southwest hate him, even if he is good, he remains bad! Politics of hate should be halted by Lagos APC and Southwest. From Lanre Oseni.

Why would they wait until Obanikoro was nominated as minister before bringing out the tape? Was Ekiti election a last week’s issue? No one is sincere in Nigeria. Not even the journalists! Anonymous Sir, your piece “A moral outrage” was very apt and quite succinct. In fact, the PDP-led government’s commitment to the disintegration of our morals as a people is worrisome and must be halted by all well-meaning Nigerians. Their culture of insistence to push their immoralities and illegalities upon the nation and its people has become their norm, and this show of shame is fast eroding our collective pride as a people. It’s very obvious that this current president, and his collaborators ought to be sent packing come March 28, 2015.God help Nigeria. From SALIHU I For Olatunji Dare ICPC is not working really because corruption has become part of the present government. Corruption is now a national cake for every political appointee - looting the treasury without prosecution. It is very sad; how do we move the nation forward with corruption in governance? Time will tell.

From G.C.Nnorom I just want to comment on the piece in your column in THE NATION of 10/3/15. As usual with your writing, it’s wonderful. You talked about the late Admiral Aikhomu using the term “misallocation” to describe questionable expenditure of public funds. You need to check the records again. I think the term he actually used was “misapplication”. Please, let me know the result of your inquiry.

Thanks. From Ike U. Umuahia, Abia State.

Prof, you have committed an error of misquoting Admiral Aikhomu in your piece.

What Aikhomu said was that public money could not be misappropriated, but it could be ‘misapplied’! You can see that ‘misallocation’ doesn’t align with the intended synonym in Aikhomu’s assertion.

Still, bravo to you for the good work that you are doing. From G. O. Taiwo, Ikorodu.

I think the word actually used by the late Aikhomu was ‘misapplication’. Not that it mattered, though. It’s pure semantics, as you said. What boggles is the mindless dimension it has assumed under the PDP administration since 1999. Now, we have the ‘largest’ economy in Africa with the largest population of poor people on the continent. The naira’ll be down to 300 to the dollar by June, at the rate we are going. For 16 years, with billions of dollars gone, they are barely able to add anything to the national power grid.

To top it, we are the only oil producing nation in the world that imports nearly all the refined products we consume. And the locusts want another four years with us. How about that. Regards. From Olu. Sir, I love your infallible, informative and educating write-up. Jonathan and his political iconoclasts and demagogues have failed abysmally. They are poor students of history, surely, they will soon descend in to oblivion. From Saheed Olowo, IFO. For Dapo Fafowora Thank you sir on your piece on hate campaign. I’ve stopped watching NTA

news. Most Nigerian leaders are bankrupt morally. From Bennetts Nosegbe, Benin city.

Sir, your publication dated march 12 2015 “will presidential election be decided by hate campaign” The truth is that Jonathan and his so called small PDP lost focus. They have nothing to offer Nigerians than lies and hate speeches. From Ogbeche CP, Makurdi.

Thank you sir, for your erudite analysis in The Nation of Thursday 12/3/15.This country must change for the best. May the ink in your pen never run dry! From KOLA ATTA, Lagos.

Truly BUHARI is a far better candidate for the president of Nigeria than Jonathan.

BUHARI is more presidential, confident and charismatic, quite different from what is being said about him. From Rev Habila, Jos, Plateau State.

If Obasanjo is a motor pack tout, what do we say about our number one lady? May Allah help Nigeria. Anonymous I read your article on the back page of d NATION on March 12th 2015.I blesses God for your blunt but truthful, well articulated write up. More grace to you.

Thanks Sir. Anonymous Sir, I just read your column in the nation please keep it up. May almighty GOD continue to give you the ability to do more sir. Anonymous Buhari will deliver Nigeria from proverty that is why we cannot pray for Jonathan re-election. Please tell Jonathan to repent and ask all Nigerians to forgive him. From Pastor JP. Your article ‘will presidential election be decided by hate campaign?’ is a masterpiece. You vividly captured the present political situation in a truthful and realistic way. More grease to your elbows!

From Hassan Kaffoi, Wuse,Abuja.

Sir, PDP assuredly believes that the elections will be decided by the hate campaign against Buhari; to the extent that Jonathan’s wife uses gutter language, referring to a former head of state as braindead. After Jonathan himself had called his predecessor a motor park tout. They forget, when convenient, that “die ris god o” From M.N.Odiase, Agbor-Delta State Sir: The piece is thought-provoking. Hate campaigns will bear fruit because many Nigerians are politically ignorant. What are the issues in a world where many are homeless and hungry? The unvarnished truth is that hate campaigns can only depend and strengthen underdevelopment. Thanks. From Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna The article: Will presidential election be decided by hate campaign? Is well thought out and a comprehensive comparison of the campaigns between the two leading parties for the forth coming general elections. In my considered view, Buhari is better positioned and deserves to win the presidential election despite his ugly past. For me, the cap will fit perfectly on him. From Chy, Onitsha.

For Tunji Adegboyega Re: Thank you, Awujale: Mr. President should note that his 14 established universities are for his cronies, right from the VCs to other principal officers, including the staff requirements of which, if you are not a PDP member, you can’t belong. One is not surprised at the Awujale’s stand to look Goodluck Jonathan in the face. While it is the past time of GEJ and his party to openly revel in financial alchemy which is obviously bad, the ball is in the court of Yoruba Obas to ostracise the very few violently uncultured and fraudulent wolves among them, a.k.a. “I think Abacha was talking sense”. Haba! ‘Se nitori atenuje yi naa ni’? (is it because of what to eat?) GEJ

•Obanikoro should note that the south west is not a rehabilitation centre for its fraudsters, while doling out millions of dollars will come to naught by the time the cock crows, come March 28. Change will surely come. From Ch. Tunji Ayena, Ijabo Street, Igbemo Ekiti.

One is not surprised that the Awujale came out clean as usual. May the almighty God continue to protect and grant this our forthright royal father length of days. From Bunmi Ajayi.

Please permit me to use the opportunity of your column to appreciate Kaabiyyesi, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

He is a star. Nigerians are proud of him. If other traditional rulers in the country can just emulate half of the good and courageous things the Awujale does, Nigeria would have been a better country. I am an Igbo man from Abia State. I lived in Ijebu-Ode in the late 1980s … Let me recall when the Ita Osu Market was newly constructed, some officials of Ijebu-Ode Local Government wanted to play a fast one on non-indigenes; it was the Awujale who called them to order. He made sure that both indigenes and non-indigenes were fairly treated. The Awujale will live long to reap his good works. In Nigeria, traditional rulers who are doing well for their people don’t make noise. As they say, leadership flows down the line. Many Ijebu-Ode people are nice, transparent and have integrity because their Oba has those qualities. I worked and schooled in Ijebuland and I know how good they were to me. Other traditional rulers should borrow a leaf from Oba Adetona. Long live, Kaabiyesi. From O. Ogwo, Agwu, Kaduna.

Thank you for commending the Awujale for his high-class handling of Jonathan’s visit. My Oba, the Orangun of Oke- Ila Orangun also deserves commendation for not being part of the Ife crowd. From Dr Adebisi, Ila-Orangun.

What the nit wits at the foreign affairs ministry said of the purported conversation of the president and the Moroccan monarch was not at the president’s behest but was borne out of eye service that has destroyed the Federal Civil Service. Those who ordinarily cannot lead their homes are appointed into offices and the only way they retain their positions is by telling lies and defending the indefensible. Anonymous.

Despite the situation in the country, our traditional rulers should respect the institution they represent rather than compromise over gifts from politicians that want to buy them against their wish. Let them know that there is Nemesis. Oba Adetona has showed he is an exemplary leader that other traditional rulers should emulate by telling the president that his performances would speak for his reelection, not visiting traditional rulers to seek for votes. Nigerians would decide every election that INEC will conduct to vote leaders that would move the nation forward. From G.C. Nnorom.

If other Obas and other traditional rulers had told the president the bitter truth as Oba Adetona did, I believe the president would have known where he stands by now. It is very shameful that some of our traditional rulers are not saying the truth to our leaders because of financial inducement. In the history of democracy all over the world, I have never seen a desperate president like ours, who is trying to destroy everything in the country just because of reelection. I wonder what the president will govern if he destroys all our national institutions. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa, Lagos.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

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BUSINESS THE NATION

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

LCCI lauds NASS on budget

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

T

HE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has lauded the outcome of the deliberations of the Senate on 2015 Draft Budget, the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Fiscal Strategy Paper [FSP).

Its President, Alhaji Remi Bello, said many of the decisions of the Upper Legislative Chamber were consistent with realities which call for spending priorities for national development.

He said: “We commend the Senate’s decision to cut the 2015 National Assembly budget by 25 per cent (N37.5 billion) from N150 billion to N112.5 billion. This will definitely free up resources to finance other priorities.

“The increase of the capital budget from N633 billion to N700 billion is good news.

However, this figure remains grossly inadequate in the light of the huge infrastructure deficit in the country and the urgent need to build a robust and sustainable non-oil economy.”

He argued that the Senate’s decision to reduce the recurrent expenditure by N116 billion from N2.61billion to N2.5 trillion is a welcome development. He however, noted that a more drastic reduction in recurrent budget was desirable.

He also endorsed the position of the Senate on the provision for the contentious Service Wide Vote in the draft 2015 budget.

According to him, the decision to scrap this provision is salutary in the light of the transparency issues that have marred the Service Wide Vote over the years. LCCI, he said is in agreement with the Senate that it is better to devolve the responsibilities defined under the Service Wide Vote to the relevant MDAs for ease of tracking and performance measurement, he added.

Furthermore he applauded the Senate’s decision to put an end to the duplication in the budgetary provisions for Amnesty Programme and the Ministry of Niger Delta and the decision to consolidate all such activities in the Niger Delta Ministry.

He said: “It is desirable to streamline all forms of overlap between the MDAs and consider the option of consolidating most of the overlapping activities. This will save the nation a great deal of financial and human resources.”

The LCCI boss further noted the reduction of subsidies on petrol by 50 per cent from N200 billion to N100 billion and kerosene subsidy from N91 billion to N45.5 billion.

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HE Federal Government has opened discussions with key stakeholders in the capital market on the demutualisation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Nigeria's only stock exchange.

The Federal Government, which played a major role in the founding of the private members-owned NSE in 1960, is in talks with the NSE and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on the possible guidelines, options and approaches for the demutualisation of the Exchange.

SEC has released draft rules on the demutualisation of the NSE, a member-owned, limited by guarantee self-regulatory organisation (SRO), under which the membership rights of stockbrokers, dealers and other members will be converted into shareholdings in a demutualised Exchange.

The draft rules, according to sources, are part of the discussion points among the key stakeholders. There are also

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

Fed Govt, SEC, NSE open talks on demutualisation of Exchange

By Taofik Salako

related concerns by other stakeholders including a push by stockbroking and dealing firms, which are members of the NSE, for a further delay in the implementation of the new minimum capital requirements deadline to ensure their post-demutualised shareholdings are included in their valuations.

Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, confirmed the discussion between the government and other stakeholders on the demutualisation.

According to him, the government is engaging stakeholders such as SEC and the NSE because of the importance it attaches to the capital market and the import of such

demutualisation on the market.

He noted that the engagements and discussions with the stakeholders were geared towards ensuring that government comes up with the right policy for the demutualisation.

President, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, also said the discussions on the demutualisation of the Exchange are ongoing noting that the exercise is of critical importance to the NSE and the entire capital market.

According to him, giving the position of the NSE, the demutualisation of the Exchange will require input from both the government side and the private sector.

Nigerian shareholders had

expressed supports for the demutualisation of the NSE, describing the release of the draft rules for the demutualisation by the SEC as a step in the right direction.

Shareholders' leaders who spoke to The Nation said the demutualisation of the Exchange would open up the marketplace for popular ownership and enable minority shareholders who have been part of the growth of the market to benefit from ownership of the market.

Demutualisation is the process of changing a memberowned stock exchange, otherwise known as mutual exchange, to a corporate entity owned by shareholders. In a mutual exchange, the three functions of ownership, management and trading are con-

•From left: Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, President, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce(NBCC); Mr. Martin Uden; British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria; Engr. Aminu Jalal,Director General, National Automotive Council (NAC) and Mr Nwuke Okey, Deputy Group Managing Director, Coscharis Group during the NBCC Breakfast Meeting in Lagos.

centrated into a single group, hence the broker members of the exchange are both the owners and the traders on the exchange and they further manage the exchange as well.

In a demutualised exchange, the three functions of ownership, management and trading are clearly separated. The draft rules by SEC simply defined demutualisation as "the separation of the ownership of the Securities Exchange from the right to trade on such Securities Exchange".

The NSE has been locked in intense grip of demutualisation with divergent views on the necessity, procedures and timing and other details of the exercise.

The released of the draft culminated a four-year exercise to provide amenable template for the demutualisation.

Established as Lagos Stock Exchange (LSE) in 1960, the stock exchange was conceptualised as a limited by guarantee not-for-profit organisation thriving on the goodwill, reputation and integrity of its members. While Nigeria's doyen of accounting, Mr. Akintola William, is the only surviving initial signatory to the founding memorandum of the NSE, the membership list of the NSE has always included "the movers and shakers" of the Nigerian economy.

Beside stockbroking firms and other capital market operators that are dealing members, members of the NSE included Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chief Ernest Shonekan, Mr. Gamaliel Onosode, Mr. Oba Otudeko, Otunba Adekunle Ojora, Mr. Pascal Dozie, Chief Phillip Asiodu, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke (rtd.) and Senator Udo Udoma among others.

Altogether, the NSE has 360 individual and institutional members including some 255 active dealing members.

Senator expresses doubt over passage of PIB

A

FTER careful analysis of the present stage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), Senator Helen Esuene has expressed doubt over the passage of the bill by the Senate.

Fielding questions from reporters shortly after the inauguration of the Women War Memorial Centre in remembrance of the 1929 women riot in the area and a food production centre in Eket as part of her constituency projects, she said: “I don’t really think we can pass it because there is no time.

By the time we go back, how many weeks do we have left after election?.”

She lamented that the bill is more than four years in the

EFCC, Police, others plan security centre to curb bank frauds

- P26

From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

National Assembly. “In fact, it is more than four years. It was in the Sixth Senate and by the time it got to the end of the Sixth Senate, there were about four or five versions of it and they could not even recognise the original version again. It was that bad.

“This time around, it did not go too far; it just went through first reading and it was sent to the committee and for the committee to bring it back became a problem. ”People have various issues with it and for me personally, I think we were trying to solve too many things in one go.

That is the way I see it because the industry itself is very ro-

bust and large, it is complex and you cannot try to solve all at once” she said.

Senator Esuene, who is represent the Eket Senatorial District in the Senate, said: “Basically, I feel the Federal Government should hands off its operations in the oil industry.

“The oil industry should be left in the hands of experts that know how to run it.”

She said the government should concern itself with regulating the industry by putting in place regulations to govern its operations in terms of tax, environmental degradation, community development, adding that it is improper to be a judge in one’s case.

Lafarge Africa may delist Ashakacem

- P28

She said: “What we have now is that the Federal Government is an operator and it is also a regulator and this is causing a lot of problems.

That is my own perspective, how they do it or translate it into policy and so on is a different thing.’’

On the absence of key political personalities in the state, including the Governor, Governor Godswill Akpabio, his deputy, Lady Valarie Ebe and other state government officials at the ceremony, Esuene said it was political.

She said: “People have given that opinion but I feel it is sad because you don’t politicise everything. That was not a political outing but purely an

outing to correct and highlight a historical fact. ”It was an event that every woman would have been happy to see and to be part of, not because of Helen Esuene but because of what happened at that time. I don’t believe politics should be played like that.

“There are certain things that are beyond politics.

Community, cultural and traditional issues should not be politicised. ‘’ Senator Esuene, who dumped the PDP recently and is the governorship candidate of Labour Party in the state, was sad that people read political meanings into the timing of the “I don’t like it’’.

Boosting women entrepreneurship - P38

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

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THE NATION

BUSINESS MONEY

e-mail: money@thenationonlineng.net

EFCC, Police, others plan security centre to curb bank frauds T

HE Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) is to establish a Security Operations Centre (SOC) to combat bank frauds.

NeFF comprises the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Police, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and banks.

Its Chairman, ‘Dipo Fatokun, said at its first quarter meeting in Lagos last weekend, that the centre would be owned by the banks but controlled by CBN. It would be carried out of the Nigeria Banking Risk Information Centre (NIBRIC).

Fatokun, who is CBN’s Director of Electronic Payments Unit, said NIBRIC is a model of the South Africa Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC).

NIBRIC, he said, would start small, think big and scale up fast

• Fraudsters target OFIS, web transactions

Stories by Collins Nweze

with the first phase focusing on commercial crime, setting up of a forensic laboratory and a SOC Centre.

The centre would be not-forprofit and be dedicated to managing banking risk, with special focus on fraud.

Fatokun said, there is need to copy what is done in other countries in order to tackle the menace at home.

The SOC, which will be real-time, is a byproduct of an understudy by NeFF team of SABRIC and its successes in combating financial crime, he said.

According to him, the project will create a safer payment system, increase user confidence and facilitate collaboration among players in the payments ecosystem.

NIBSS’s Head, Information System Security Olufemi Fadamo said there is a rise in across the counter and insider-related bank frauds, attributing it to the growth in the use of mobile banking, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), e-commerce, Point of Sale (PoS) machines, cloud computing and social media.

He said between 2013 and last year, reported attempted frauds stood at N26.9 billion, putting the actual loss at N6.9 billion. He

added that the figures are only for transactions processed through the Nigeria Central Switch.

This year, Fadamo said, it is expected that fraudsters would shift their target from banks to Other Financial Institutions (OFIS), such as microfinance banks, primary mortgage banks, deposit non-financial institutions, among others, because commercial banks are strengthening their processes and technologies.

General Manager, Union Bank Plc and President, Information Security Society of Africa- Nigeria (ISSAN), David Isiavwe, said banks were attractive targets to cyber-attackers because the world is a global village with no boundaries to communica-

tion.

He said an effective security strategy, like SOC, is required to consolidate security solutions in banks, such as Antivirus, firewalls, intrusion detection system, web application firewall, network access control (NAC) among others. The SOC, he said would optimise the productivity and the efficiency of users managing these solutions.

Isiavwe described a SOC as a centralised unit that can be used to manage information, applications, databases internet security to provide continuous prevention, protection, detection and response capabilities against modern internet attacks. A SOC within a building or facility, he said, is a central location from where staff supervises the site, using data processing technology.

•From left: Chairman, Committee of e-banking in Nigeria, Mr. Tunde Kuponiyi; Director of Department of State Security, Mr. Joseph Uworuya; Mr. Fatokun; Chief Internal Auditor of FBN, Mr. Nelson Uduak Udoh; Director, Consumer Protection Department, CBN, Hajiya Umma Dutse; Executive Director of Service Management and Technology, First City Management Bank Limited, Mr. Nath Ude and Mr. Isiavwe at the first bi-monthly meeting of NeFF in Lagos.

T

CBN okays 10-year tenor for N213b electricity stabilisation loan

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has okayed a 10-year tenor for the N213.4 billion Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilisation Facility (CBNNEMSF).

Besides, says CBN Director, Financial Policy and Regulation, Kelvin Amugo, the facility would enjoy a 12-month moratorium on the

principal amount.

The facility, Amugo added, would attract 10 per cent charge per year, on the monthly balance.

The disbursement of the loan, he said, would be subject to negotiation, execution and exchange of the

transaction documents.

The CBN director explained that the fund was set up to tackle problems arising from several factors, including insufficient gas supply and higher baseline aggregate technical commercial and collection

Fidelity Bank boosts financial literacy

F

IDELITY Bank Plc will not relent in promoting financial literacy among youths as part of the bank’s commitment to deepen the economy, its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nnamdi Okonkwo, has said.

He said this would be achieved by partnering with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to introduce financial literacy in the curriculum of schools across the country.

Okonkwo spoke during the Financial Literacy Day organised by the bank with the Junior Achievers, Nigeria for the pupils of Day Waterman College, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

He was represented by the Chief

Compliance Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc., Adeboye Ogunmolade.The bank chief praised the CBN for mobilising stakeholders to ensure that financial literacy becomes part of schools’curriculum and assured the regulator that the lender would make its input in making the project a reality.

According to him, as a commercial bank with presence and Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) in many educational institutions, the bank must take interest in projects which have the objective of teaching students financial education and literacy.

“For a start, we must emphasise and

give credit to the Central Bank of Nigeria. They are the Initiator and the champion of this agenda. They are mobilising all stakeholders, including even the Federal Ministry of Education to incorporate this financial literacy project as part of schools’curriculum.

The Principal, Day Waterman College, Linda Potticary, said it was imperative that children were educated about finances and saving culture at a tender age.

She added that the youth as the future leaders of the country who would manage the economy in the near future should be financially literate.

losses following the hand-over of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) successor companies to private concerns on November 1, 2013.

The facility is aimed at settling outstanding payments due to market participants, service providers and gas suppliers as well as the legacy gas debts of the PHCN generation firms to gas suppliers and the Nigerian Gas Company Limited, which have been transferred to the Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Company Limited.

“The facility will attract an all-inclusive charge of 10 per cent per annum on the outstanding balance and payable monthly in accordance with the transaction document,” CBN added.

The terms, according to CBN, shall remain effective until full payment of the facility. “The security to be provided for the CBN-NEMSF shall be by way of a declaration of trust as set out in the amended and restated Disco Disbursement Agreement over the line item in the invoices issued by the Disco representing the collection of the facility, which has been provided in the MYTO 2.1 for the repayment of the facility and an obligation on the Discos

•CBN Governor Emefiele

Godwin

to ensure such collections,” it added.

Following the handover of the PHCN successor companies to private investors in November 2013, the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) faced liquidity challenges arising from, among others, insufficient gas supply and higher baseline aggregate technical commercial collection losses than what was assumed under the MultiYear Tariff Order (MYTO) Two.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

27

MONEY Worried by the skills gap in banking, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has instituted a competency framework for the sector. The Access Bank Academy has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) to address the anomaly by training bankers to become better managers, writes COLLINS NWEZE.

Fixing skills gap in banking A

S a service-driven industry, banking needs competent manpower to meet customers’ needs. Over the years, the perennial poor quality of service has exposed a lot of things about the industry- it suffers from dearth of skills. To reverse the trend, stakeholders and regulators have taken up the challenge to ensure that staff deliver the goods.

This prompted the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee to appoint the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) to serve as the accreditation agency under the Competency Framework for the Banking Industry.

Last week, CIBN accredited the Access Bank Academy to train bank staff and prepare them to attain the Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (ACIB) status. To many stakeholders, this is as a positive step in addressing the skills gap in the industry.

CIBN President Otunba (Mrs.) ‘Debola Osibogun, who presented a certification certificate to the Access Bank Plc, said with the accreditation, Access Bank Academy has the stamp of authority to train its workforce and by extension, build capacity for the banking and finance industry in the country as required under the competency framework.

The CIBN boss said the academy has met the requirements as stipulated by the Institute’s Linkage Committee and the CBN in compliance with the competency framework instituted by the apex bank.

She added that the exercise remains the first set of accreditation certificate to be presented to a training service provider in the country.

Osibogun said the accreditation will open more routes for intending CIBN members to come on board and write the institute’s professional examinations.

It is also a platform for producing banking professionals that are highly knowledgeable and competent while benchmarking with international standards.

She added that the new graduates of the academy will also be expected to register as student members of CIBN and subsequently, commence the Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (ACIB) examinations.

She said the linkage programme will open more opportunity for bankers to get the ACIB recognition, and become better staff of their institutions.

Access Bank Managing Director Mr. Herbert Wigwe said the lender has excellent and longstanding relationship with CIBN, adding that the accreditation will deepen the relationship between both parties.

Wigwe, who was represented by the bank’s Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, said the CBN competency framework has already spelt out what is needed to be taught at the academy adding that the bank is determined to invest in its people because as a service provider, its manpower remains its strength.

The bank chief said participants in the programme will get exemptions from CIBN and must therefore, take advantage of the opportunity provided by the academy to enhance their capacity and skills in the profession. He said the bank is excited at the opportunity provided by the academy and that the quality and integrity of exams conducted by the academy remain high.

Programme Director, Access Bank Academy, Nneka Udezue said the participants in the training will be given exemption for four subjects, all in finance.

She said the academy also allows students with Second Class Upper Degree, to go through test, interview, and later will be allowed to be trained in the academy for five months.

This, she said, would give them opportunity for employement in the bank. She added that the academy has made it easier for the bank to employ the right persons.

Chairman, CIBN Capacity Building and Certification Committee, Pius Olanrewaju, said he has signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rhema University on ACIB/Degree Linkage Programme, adding that the university shares some principles with the institute.

Olanrenwaju said the Access Bank Academy has quality scholars that would ensure that the people that pass through the academy get the best quality training. “When we visited the Access Bank Academy, we saw quality facilitators. We are satisfied with what we met on ground. We need new crop of bankers that will take the industry to a new height. We will keep training and encouraging staff of banks to get the right skills that will enable them achieve the best in this industry,” he said.

He said that it is not only junior staff that need quality training, the middle management and top management of banks also need to be effectively trained for them to grow the industry.

Past President, CIBN, Prof. Wole Adewunmi, was excited that Access Bank has taken steps to advance education in the banking sector. He also reiterated that just as the junior staff get training, it is also imperative that top management of banks is also trained.

“We are happy they are planning to advance education in the banking sector. As banks training their staff, there is need for top management to monitor to ensure that what is learnt trickle down to the branches. Banks should observe quality customer relationship

• Mr. Wigwe

management because we noticed that in most banks, the services at the branch level do not reflect the training acquired by staff,” he said.

The former CIBN boss said that customers remain king and must be treated as king. “Management should go to the branches to know what is going on and find way to ensure that the training goes down to the grassroots,” he added.

Adewunmi advised banks not to focus on deposit mobilisation and targets, which make staff to lose focus. He said that when quality services are offered, deposits will naturally flow into the coffers of the banks. He advised the mangers of the Access Bank Academy to ensure that the integrity and quality of their examinations remain high, as that will make stakeholders to take them more seriously.

Other steps by CIBN Otunba Osibogun said that the competency framework of the CBN under the leadership of Godwin Emefiele is geared towards further improving banking practice and financial system stability.

She said the initiatives of the apex bank were comparable with what obtained in the developed economies adding that the Nigeria banking industry was better positioned to support business and the economy.

Otunba Osibogun observed that the new Code of Conduct in the Banking industry approved by the Bankers Committee was an important strategic initiative that would promote good banking practice and ethics while restoring public confidence in the system.

She expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation from the Bank Chief Executives as some of

• Mrs. Osibogun

them have personally signed the Conduct Form and mandated their staff to do the same.

The CIBN boss stated that the objectives of the Code of Conduct include guiding every member of the Institute, both individual and corporate in meeting obligations to customers and other stakeholders by maintaining and improving standard of service, performance and quality of banking products; ensuring that all bank employees conduct their duties fairly and honestly; maintaining best banking practice and strong commitment to sound ethical and professional standards in the banking industry, among others.

She praised the CBN and the Bankers Committee for giving the institute the opportunity to partner with them on the implementation of the Banking Industry Competency Framework, assuring Emefiele of the institute’s continued support to the bank and the industry.

CBN’s position The CBN regretted that the skill gap in the industry manifested in, among others, the lack of in-depth knowledge of core banking functions and poor understanding of basic banking operations; poor understanding of banking regulations; unethical conduct and unprofessional practices; and knowledge gaps in financial markets and treasury management.

It said that reasons advanced for these inadequacies include the lack of a coordinated industry-recognised training accreditation and certification system as well as competency standards for practitioners in the industry.

“The development of staff com-

‘Access Bank Academy has quality scholars that would ensure that the people that pass through the academy get the best quality training. When we visited the Access Bank Academy, we saw quality facilitators. We are satisfied with what we met on ground. We need new crop of bankers that will take the industry to a new height. We will keep training and encouraging staff of banks to get the right skills that will enable them achieve the best in this industry’

• SAVED ON MAC. 70 as 27-31 Issues-Money 18 -3-15

petencies became imperative in addressing the inadequacies, thus, underscoring the need to review the training of new generation of banking professionals to develop and deliver satisfactory banking products and services to the consumers,” it said.

The framework, it explained, seeks to ensure that workers possess the qualifications, skills and experience relevant to the jobs that they are engaged to perform.

It prescribes minimum requirements officers engaged in control function should possess. The primary goal of the framework is to provide reasonable assurance that a job holder is fit, proper and carries on satisfactorily the responsibilities of the office he occupies.

The CBN explained that in drawing the framework, considerations were given to the various kinds of jobs performed in the industry as well as the bodies of knowledge, skills, and experience needed to perform the jobs.

“The identification of gaps (where they exist) and how such gaps may be closed - possibly through education, training or acquisition of experience were also covered,” it said.

“Based on the multiplicity of sources from which education and training may be acquired with the attendant quality differentials, there was need for accreditation of all the service providers to ensure that they meet minimum requirements and standards on a continuing basis,” it added.

However, the success of the framework implementation, it said, depends on the effectiveness of the accreditation function, prompting the appointment of CIBN to perform the role.

“The framework identifies some roles that are of operational and/ or regulatory significance and designates such roles as control functions,” it said.

The CBN said it will continue to provide overarching supervision in the implementation of the competency framework in the Nigerian banking industry. In this regard, the implementation of the framework will form part of the routine examination of banks in the country going forward.

28

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

THE NATION INVESTORS

Lafarge Africa may delist Ashakacem L

AFARGE Africa Plc may opt for voluntary delisting of its subsidiary, Ashaka Cement (Ashakacem) Plc, as the cement group seeks to optimise synergies and efficiency from the ongoing consolidation of its businesses. Lafarge Africa and Ashaka Cement are listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Lafarge Africa is the ninth most capitalised stock while Ashakacem ranks 35th on the capitalisation table.

Sources told The Nation that Ashakacem may be delisted soon citing technical and cost challenges that make continuing listing of the cement company unviable.

Lafarge Africa last weekend announced that it had acquired additional 23.85 per cent equity stake from minority shareholders of Ashakacem to push its majority equity stake from 58.6 per cent to 82.46 per cent.

This technically places Ashakacem below the minimum 20 per cent free float required for continuing listing on the main board of the NSE. Listing requirements at the NSE stipulates that companies on the main board must maintain 20 per cent free float while companies on the Alternative Securities Market (ASeM) are required to maintain free float of 15 per cent.

A management source at Lafarge Africa said the management of the cement group was aware of the free float deficiency and currently considering all options on the propriety of continuing listing of Ashakacem or otherwise.

“Lafarge is aware of the Stock Exchange Listing rule regarding minimum float of 20 per cent. We are currently in the process of giving a consideration to the continual listing of Ashakacem on the Stock Exchange, but no decision has yet been made. The market will be duly informed as soon as this is finalised,” the source stated.

Free float, otherwise known as public float, refers to the number of shares of a quoted company held by ordinary shareholders other than those directly or indirectly held by its parent, sub-

sidiary or associate companies or any subsidiaries or associates of its parent company; its directors who are holding office as directors of the entity and their close family members and any single individual or institutional shareholder holding a statutorily significant stake, which is 5.0 per cent and above in Nigeria.

Thus, free float’s shares do not include shares held directly or indirectly by any officer, director, controlling shareholder or other concentrated, affiliated or family holdings.

The NSE, like other Exchanges, uses free float to ensure that there is an orderly and liquid market in the securities of quoted companies as well as prevent undue concentration of securities in the hands of the core investors and related interests, a situation that can make the stock to be susceptible to price manipulation.

With the 82.46 per cent majority stake of Lafarge Africa reducing Ashakacem’s free float to 17.54 per cent and other concentrated shareholdings, there are indications that Ashakacem’s free float deficiency may be higher.

A source said the free float deficiency has put Ashakacem in a voluntary delisting mode and it is a matter of procedure before the delisting will be finalised.

While the rules of the Exchange granted the management of the market discretion to grant waivers for companies with free float deficiency, such waivers are temporary and are based on viable compliance plans that show the core investors are willing to redress the deficiency by selling down their major stakes or dilute such to free the minimum 20 per cent for unrelated retail minority shareholders. The rules do not allow perpetual waiver.

Market sources cited many examples that had sought voluntary delisting due to free float deficiency including Ecobank Nigeria Plc and Oasis Insurance Plc. In a similar circumstance to Lafarge Africa-Ashakacem situation, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) Plc had opted for voluntary

delisting of its listed subsidiaryEcobank Nigeria, following a business combination that reduced Ecobank Nigeria’s free float.

Following the acquisition of Oceanic Bank International Plc by ETI, the parent company of Ecobank Nigeria, Ecobank Nigeria and Oceanic Bank had agreed to merge their businesses and subsume under the Ecobank Nigeria brand. However, as a consequence of the merger, ETI’s shareholding in the enlarged Ecobank Nigeria increased from 85 per cent to approximately 93 per cent, further reducing Ecobank Nigeria’s minimum free float to maintain listing on the NSE. ETI maintains its listing and voluntarily delisted Ecobank Nigeria.

Sources also said Lafarge Africa may be attracted by the opportunity to further reduce its costs. Lafarge had on July 9, last year received shareholders’ approval to consolidate its cement businesses in Nigeria and combine these with South African operations to create Lafarge Africa Plc. The consolidation was done by transferring Lafarge’s assets in South Africa and Nigeria to Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc. Under the transaction, Lafarge Group transferred its direct and indirect shareholdings in Lafarge South Africa Holding Limited of 72.4 per cent and its equity stakes in three other cement companies in Nigeria-United Cement Company of Nigeria (Unicem) Limited, 35 per cent, Ashaka Cement Plc,

58.61 per cent and Atlas Cement Company Limited, 100 per cent to Lafarge Wapco for a cash consideration of $200 million and the issuance of some 1.4 billion Lafarge Africa shares to the Lafarge Group.

Nigerian Cement Holdings B.V.(NCH), an affiliate of Large Africa Plc, two weeks ago completed the acquisition of the first 15 per cent tranche equity stake in Unicem NCH, which is owned 50 per cent by Lafarge Africa, had 70 per cent equity stake in Unicem and with the acquisition, it has now increased its stake to 85 per cent.

NCH had in November 2014 entered into an agreement with FMN Cement Industries Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc to acquire its 30 per cent investment in Unicem. The completion of the acquisition of the first tranche of 15 per cent paves the way for the acquisition of the second tranche of 15 per cent, which is scheduled for on or before February 2016.

Lafarge Africa then in late December, last year launched a Mandatory Tender Offer (MTO) to acquire the remaining 41.39 per cent equity stake held by other shareholders in Ashakacem in furtherance of the consolidation of Lafarge’s businesses. The MTO was triggered by the transfer of 58.61 per cent majority equity stake in Ashaka Cement previously held by Lafarge Nigeria (UK) Limited. Section 131 of the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) and Rule 445 of SEC make it

mandatory for any institution or person that acquires at least 30 per cent of a company to make an MTO to other minority shareholders.

Under the MTO, Lafarge Africa offered 57 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each in exchange for 202 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each of Ashakacem.

In addition, Lafarge Africa offered to pay N2 for every acquired Ashakacem’s share.

At the end of the MTO, 3,641 shareholders of Ashakacem tendered 534.14 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each, which represented 23.85 per cent of the total minority stake of 41.39 per cent sought to be acquired by Lafarge Africa.

The board of Lafarge Africa last week confirmed that it has allotted about 150.73 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each of Lafarge Africa and paid about N1.07 billion as shares and cash considerations to the shareholders of Ashakacem that accepted the MTO. Chairman, Lafarge Africa Plc, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, described the completion of the MTO as a major step in the consolidation of the Lafarge’s businesses.

“This is a significant step in the conclusion of the consolidation process of Lafarge Africa Plc. I would like to express my appreciation to the AshakaCem shareholders whose participation in the transaction through the tender of their shares has made this a very successful process,’’ Osunkeye said.

Access Bank’s N53b rights issue closes today

A

PPLICATION list for the N53 billion rights issue by Access Bank Plc closes today as the bank insists that shareholders stand to benefit more from increase in their shareholdings.

Shareholders of the bank have up till the close of business today to submit their acceptance forms.

Also, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) will hold its last trading session on the rights issue today.

Access Bank Plc is offering about 7.63 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N6.90 to existing shareholders on the basis of one new share for every three shares held.

The rights issue had opened on January 26, this year and was initially scheduled to close on Wednesday March 4, 2015. However, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) granted a twoweek extension to the application period, pushing the closure date to March 18, 2015.

The bank had stated that the extension of the acceptance period was done to give shareholders ample time to subscribe for their rights.

Against the downturn in the stock market, which has significantly undervalued most stocks and forced some companies to reduce their offer prices, Access Bank stuck to its offer price of N6.90 per share.

Market analysts said the bank could achieve its target given its underlying value. Analysts at Afrinvest Securities had said Access Bank Plc has strong potential to generate high capital gains and above-average dividend yields to investors.

Stories by Taofik Salako

A review of high-value stocks by the investment firm indicated that the bank’s share price could rise to N11.80 per share over the next 12 months. The 12-month target price represents a capital gain of 71 per cent on the bank’s rights issue price of N6.90 per share.

According to analysts, Access Bank could also deliver above-average returns to long-term investors with its dividend yield at 9.5 per cent.

Analysts placed the “buy” ticker on Access Bank, implying that investors are encouraged to take position in the bank as its 12-month return will definitely not be less than 25 per cent.

The net proceeds of the N53 billion offer would be used to upgrade the information and communication technology (ICT) systems of the bank to provide better services and build a more robust ICT platform as well as upgrade the branch network and facilities to serve the growing number of clients and further improve the working environment of staff.

The bank would also use part of the proceeds to further develop its distribution channel infrastructure to provide better and more efficient services to clients while it would also augment its working capital to expand its loan book in its identified sectors of growth in line with its medium term strategic objectives. Access Bank would also use part of the proceeds to pursue opportunities for international expansion.

•From Left: Managing Director, FMDQ OTC Plc, Mr. Bola Onadele; President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr. Albert Okumagba; Corporate Communications, FMDQ OTC, Kaodi Ugoji; 2nd Vice President, CIS, Mr. Dapo Adekoje; and Council member/Chairman, CPD, CIS, Mr. Oye Oyeniyi, during CIS courtesy visit to FMDQ OTC Plc in Lagos

Access Bank last week released its audited report and accounts for 2014, showing double-digit growths across key performance indicators.

Key extracts of the report for the year ended December 31, 2014 showed double-digit growths in the top-line, bottom-line, balance sheet size and shareholders’ funds, implying a considerable resilience for the bank against the industry-wide headwinds occasioned by policy changes and fiscal and monetary challenges.

Gross earnings rode on the back of stronger growth in the bank’s core banking operations and improved cost management to close the year with a total growth of 18.5 per cent. Net interest income had grown by 21 per cent while net interest income closed higher with 29 per cent growth. Net interest margin, which underlines the cost efficiency of the banking operations, had improved from 53.2 per cent in 2013 to 56.5 per cent last year.

Gross earnings stood at N245.22 billion in 2014 as against N206.89 billion in 2013. Interest income rose from N145.96 billion to N176.92 billion while net interest income closed 2014 at N100.02 billion as

against N77.72 billion in previous year.

The bottom-line also showed similar resilience with pre-tax profit rising by 20 per cent while profit after tax grew by 18 per cent.

Profit before tax rose from N43.53 billion in 2013 to N52.02 billion in 2014. After taxes, net profit for the year stood at N42.98 billion as against N36.30 billion in previous year. Earnings per share thus rose from N1.57 in 2013 to N1.88 in 2014, representing an increase of 20 per cent.

The board of the bank has recommended distribution of additional N8.01 billion as cash dividends for the 2014 business year, bringing total dividend for the year to N13.73 billion. Shareholders would receive a final dividend per share of 35 kobo in addition to interim dividend of 25 kobo paid earlier, totaling a dividend per share of 60 kobo. The company had paid the same rate for the 2013 business year.

The balance sheet of the bank also showed improved performance.

Total assets rose by 15 per cent from N1.84 billion in 2013 to N2.10 billion in 2014. Net assets, otherwise known as shareholders’ funds, also increased by 13 per cent from

N244.48 billion to N277.41 billion.

In a strategic preview of the bank, the management of Access Bank outlined that the ongoing recapitalization is part of its strategic initiatives aimed at realising the bank’s strategic vision of becoming the world’s most respected African bank by 2017 and attain a top three position in any of its chosen market segments, based on all performing metrics.

The bank stated that it would focus on five key broad initiatives over the next the next three years with each initiative targeted at various areas of the bank’s operations. These included customer relationship, products, delivery channels, relationship management and product pricing.

The bank stated that its number one priority will be its customers and it will continue to focus on improving and deepening the relationship with the customers by embarking on customer sub-segmentation, which will improve the feedback process and transform the whole customer experience.

Under the superior product initiative, the bank plans to develop superior banking products, which will act as “game changers”, tailor-made for specific customer needs.

Newspaper of the Year

INSIDE

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHWEST STATES

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

Ekiti police command tightens noose on criminals

Seven-year old hole-inthe-heart patient needs N2.5m for surgery PAGE 31

PAGES 32 - 33

PAGE 29

Rain storm wreaks havoc in Ondo communities PAGE 35

s a t n e m e Excit s n r u t e r r t e a w p a t n a d a b I to me e h c s r e t a w e r i j e tes As a t i l i b a h e r t v o G o State capital • y O e th , n a d a Ib are now residents of

r many years ing good for Things are look taps that have remained dry foe two major sources of as public water anks to the resuscitation of thater works by the state running again, ththe city-Asejire and Eleyele w water supply to EHEYE OKWUOFU reports. y reasons to d they have manars are now S an O d, t. oo en m y m pp n ha er gov nts are in a for many ye

a Ajimob Governor Abiol .

Scheme

•Part of the rehab

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Pumps at Asejire

r

arts fo reside State capital, the have been running in fits and state that has brought life back yo O e th , an ad st at In Ib inistration in the eir water taps th ly to the city. be so excited. Th again thanks to the present admajor sources of public water supp page 30 •Continued on running smoothly Eleyele water works, the two m to the Asejire and

pumps ilitated High Lift specting the rehab •The governor in at Asejire

sent •Some of the es Water Scheme

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

30

SOUTHWEST REPORT

‘Why Ajimobi ’ll be re-elected’

NOTWITHSTANDING the incessant blackmail by opposition parties in Oyo State against Governor Abiola Ajimobi, A Chieftain of All Progressives Congress in the State, Mr Ladi Oluokun has stated that situation will not affect the chances of Governor Ajimobi from been re-elected.

“In Oyo State, we should be looking at the performance and achievements of elected public officers. The governor has done very well in almost four years. He has restored peace and security to the state.

People can now go about their lawful activities without fear of molestation. This is why investors have been flocking to the state to create jobs and make life meaningful for the people.

•Oluokun “Investment

inflow has grown by about 69 per cent.

People are beginning to realise the difference between a good government and a government that promoted brigandage and let loose dogs of war on the citizens’’. He went further that:”quite a number of industries and companies are springing up as a result of the conducive environment that Ajimobi has provided. More than 10 industries have been established and nobody will come and invest where he will not make profit. That has led to massive employment for the people and all those that are now engaged in thuggery have shunned the unruly behaviour because they are engaged.

So, there is peace, there is work, there is clean environment, there is infrastructural development and mass transit now operates . So, I don’t see why Ajimobi will not continue as the governor of Oyo State after the

election”, he said Oluokun, who is also the council boss of Ibadan North East Local Government, while Commenting on the APC rally in the state,explained that the rally was a huge success and it is an indication that the APC is the party to beat in Oyo State.

According to him, Contrary to the speculations in certain quarters that our party is not in contention at all, the rally has rested such speculations and we are glad that all eyes are on our party and its candidates, particularly Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who will be re-elected by the grace of the Almighty by the good people of the state.

Oluokun noted that what Ajimobi has done in terms of infrastructural development of the state, restoration of peace and the cleanliness of the environment, are unprecedented in the history of the state.

Excitement as tap water returns

•The installed Absorption Spectrophotometer for water analysis in the laboratory at Asejire Water Scheme.

•Governor Abiola Ajimobi on a facility tour of Asejire Water Scheme recently

of when the taps could go dry again, but that may not be any time soon as water has been flowing ceaselessly.

When The Nation went round the city, it was discovered that many of the pipes are no longer in good conditions having gone rust due to old age, and are leaking water. Though residents of the affected areas have made appeals to the water corporation to effect necessary repairs some have however resorted to self help where possible, by engaging the services of plumbers to fix the pipes and ensure constant supply.

It was gathered that in the past few months, the two major water works/ dams-Asejire and Eleyele, had been undergoing overhauling by the state government to upgrade the facilities and meet the water needs of the people.

When The Nation visited the dams, extensive works had been carried out especially on Asejire where many of the old equipment have been replaced with new ones in an attempt to optimise the water production capacity of the facility. A new laboratory had been put in place equipped with modern gadgets while some equipment that were still in fairly good conditions were also refurbished. Some of the equipment already installed include the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, used for water analysis.

Besides, there was massive rehabilitation at the Asejire water scheme which has increased water production capacity of the scheme to over 80 percent.

Eight different High Lift Pumps were refurbished and replaced to enhance the volume of water pumped to the city from the Asejire water treatment Plant. With the new tools in place, workers were seen in high spirit working hard to deliver water to the people.

The project embarked upon by the

,

•Continued from page 29

For more than seven years before the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration came on board in 2011, most parts of the city that used to enjoy tap water in their homes had no water due to the poor state of the two water projects.

Though previous administrations tried to resuscitate the facilities and provide the over three million residents of the ancient city with potable water, their efforts were certainly not good enough to address the biting water problem.

So acute was the shortage that many residents, especially women and children had to trek long distance from their homes with jerry cans and bowls on their heads in search of potable water, perhaps from the few boreholes and wells in the area.

And after several unfulfilled promises from past administrations, the residents, understandably, have learnt not to trust the government to provide them with water, but they were pleasantly surprised recently when they opened their taps at home, perhaps by accident, and water started running. It was pure excitement. Now homes connected to public water pipes are getting supply from the Oyo State Water Corporation and the people are happy.

Signs that things were getting back to normal was first noticed by The Nation when this correspondent noticed water oozing out from burst pipes in some parts of the city and technicians from the State Water Corporation fixing the fault, an indication that government had started pumping water into homes.

So excited were the residents to see their taps running that they have resorted to stockpiling the ‘essential’ commodity in big containers and jerry cans in anticipation

We have other schemes like the one in Oyo, Erelu water scheme, the one in Ogbomoso, Saki and other parts of Oyo state. All these schemes are working to distribute water to the people in the other parts of the state but the power challenge is still there.

Thank God that the government has a relationship with Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company to give us a dedicated line to ensure that we have an uninterrupted water supply

,

state to urgently address the problem of water in the city was started around November 2012 and was completed in December 2013.

The state Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Adewale Adeoye explained that before the inception of Senator Abiola Ajimobi’s administration, the Asejire water works was either not producing at all or functioning far below installed capacity, hence the water for distribution was very low.

“But when we came in, we took it as our first priority to provide potable water for the good people of Oyo State, especially residents of Ibadan.

The governor then mandated the Ministry to see what can be done to salvage the system and we thank God that from the 10 per cent production at that time, the production has been raised to over 80 per cent. So, now we generate about 251.2 million cu-

bic metres of water from Asejire Waterworks for the people of Ibadan.

During the same period, all the pumps were rehabilitated so as to avoid a breakdown during the production process. As we were doing this we also rehabilitated the laboratory where we test the water to ensure that it meets the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard. The laboratory has the best equipment, and many people do come from outside to do their analysis to ascertain their own water safety.

“All the other facilities have also been put to over 80 per cent production capacity, the only major challenge is this electricity issue and the administration is trying as much as possible to address this. We have met the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company to give us a dedicated line so that we can produce enough water as we have no reason not to give water to the people. In addition to that we have standby generators but you know the cost of running diesel engine generators is very high. I will tell you that Asejire water is as good as what you find in Lagos, and Abuja”, the Commissioner said.

But unlike at Asejire, it is not all that rosy at the Eleyele Water Scheme which serves Eleyele, Ologuneru and environs.

The Dam, it was gathered is yet to recover from the extensive damaged it suffered during the August 26, 2011 flood disaster that wrecked havoc to one of its crucial component.

The Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr Adeoye , while responding to the inherent problems at the Eleyele Dam, the second largest water scheme in the state, said the facility has been producing water but “ there is still a lot of rehabilitation work to be done.”

“If you remember, the flood of August 26th 2011 affected Eleyele dam. So, what happened is that we

are producing water at Eleyele for human consumption but due to the flood, we cannot produce as much as we could because of the extensive damage caused by the natural disaster.

But we were able to put some remedial measures to produce water at least to ensure that the people do not suffer much until the repair work is done.

“Even as urgent as the rehabilitation of Eleyele Dam is, what we have done is just the feasibility study. Some days ago, the African Development Bank (ADB) brought the revised design to implement the corrective measure, and we are now set to commence repair work there. Even at that Eleyele dam is producing water but like Asejire we also the challenge of stable power supply. The dam is to serve the people of Ologuneru and other areas but due to expanding nature of the city, we don’t have enough pipes to cover these other areas. But we are working around the clock to ensure they are served including the new settlements.

“We have other schemes like the one in Oyo, Erelu water scheme, the one in Ogbomoso, Saki and other parts of Oyo state. All these schemes are working to distribute water to the people in the other parts of the state but the power challenge is still there.

Thank God that the government has a relationship with Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company to give us a dedicated line to ensure that we have an uninterrupted water supply”.

Speaking on constant pipe burst and water waste in the city, Engr Adeoye said “we have pipe burst because most of them are old.

Those pipes have been laid for the past 50 years. But im-

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

31

SOUTHWEST REPORT “Artisans got interest free loans to re-capitalise their business and they are quite happy for this. Ajimobi’s victory in the coming polls is not in doubt.?” he said The council boss further said:”How many of his predecessors performed like him? How many politicians can pray that if they will not perform God should not allow them win, but Governor Ajimobi has said it openly that if he will not perform God should not allow him win.”

Oluokun listed some of his own achievements over the last 10 months as:” construction of drains, earthwork asphaltic paving of Idera street yidi/ Agugu ,Akerele layout, Idi-Orogbo/IdiIbepe and Ayo Craig road. construction of pedestrian bridge at Labiran area of phase 1 and 2, sinking of Solar system borehole at Labiran areas and Construction ofa double cell box culvert

at Ajegede and Onipasan areas.

Construction of Olusegun Obasanjo road, Gerado road “ The council boss also stated that he has impacted positively on the lives of the people of thecouncil through people-oriented empowerment programs. He said his administration will continue carry out a robust and all involving empowerment programme for the people of the council.

He credited all his achievements to the financial and moral support he received from the governor.

Oluoukn said though he might not be able to do all, but said all the people in the council area should vote for Ajimobi in order to ensure continuity in governance, adding the he would build on what he has done and provide more dividends of democracy to the people in each of the wards that make up the council.

to Ibadan mediately any pipe burst was reported, we get our men to the area to repair and lay new pipes because it is not ideal for people to scoop water from that place because the water could be contaminated. So we don’t encourage it. The government like I said earlier is trying to change some of these pipes, we want to prevent pipe burst because we lose water, it does not get to the consumer, so we are trying hard to replace some of the damaged pipes”.

The turnaround in the water supply and the huge investment made by the government to achieve it is not lost on the residents.

According to Mr Matthew Adesokan who lives at Itasaku area of Ibadan, the government has done well to restore public water supply in the city after several years of hardship. Adesokan, a retired teacher recalled the good old days when tap water was fairly regular in Ibadan, saying that it was the duty of every government to provide basic needs, including potable water to its citizenry and any government that failed to do that is definitely a failure.

“At that time we knew which day of the week to expect water from our taps. And it was a regular routine. Every week, we had water on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, four days in a week. And our wives used to fill our drums and other containers to store enough water to last till when the taps would run again. But suddenly, all that went away leaving the people to suffer. But, today the situation is gradually being restored and now we know that in a week, at least we do have tap water for two or three times/days. We thank our governor Ajimobi because he is trying his best to bring back the good old days again”, Adesokan said.

At Oje, Idi-Arere, Omitowoju, Inalende, Agodi, Mapo, OkeAdo,Molete, Oke-Bola, Mokola , Challenge, Ring Road and some other parts of Ibadan the situation was not different as the taps are running.

It was indeed a great rejoicing for the people of the city as they witnessed renewed effort on the part of the government to tackle the incessant problem of water in the state.

But, not all have started benefiting from this massive government investment as some residents who live in newly developed areas still nurse the hope of getting tap water.

A 68 year old trader and resident of a suburb of Ologuneru, Deacon Samson Odiaka has meanwhile, pleaded with the government to extend pipe water to his area where a large population is springing up.

“We know that the government has not extended pipe to these new areas, the city is expanding fast, it is only the old areas that were piped. But help us tell the government to try and pipe these areas too, we are equally suffering from water” Deacon Odiaka who owns a building in the area pleaded.

•Adewale Adeoye, Oyo State Commissioner for Water Resources

Seven-year old hole-in-the-heart patient needs N2.5m for surgery

W

HEN Abiola Isaiah Babalola was born seven years ago, his parents did not have an inkling that as the child grew in age, so would his pain grow. He was born on August 23, 2008. But only four months after his birth, the journey to a painful life started for the little baby.

The parents noticed that his growth was stunted as he was not growing exactly like other babies. It was later discovered that little Isaiah had a hole in his heart, causing the stunted growth and other serious health conditions.

Since then, the family has not remained the same. The parent’s pain hit the peak when the doctors at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan declared to them that the little boy would need a sum of N2.5 million for surgery to correct the heart.

According to Dr. Tosin Majekodunmi, an adult congenital and interventional cardiologist of the Tristate Cardiovascular Institute at the UCH, Isaiah, if not operated soon, may suffer hormonary hypertension, the implication of which, he said, is a short term life expectancy.

Isaiah is the last of three children in the family. The eldest, who is an 18years old boy, lives with one of their family members while the second one, a female, 15, lives with them.

As The Nation correspondent walked in to his father’s uncompleted three-bedroom flat at Lakoto area of Apete, Ibadan, Isaiah extended his hand to greet, speaking incoherently. His parents wore mournful look as they ushered our correspondent into their dusty sitting room which is yet to be plastered.

Still, the boy will not leave the visitor. With a slow voice, his father, Mr. Jacob Babalola, who is a native of Ilero community in Kajola Local Government area of Oyo State, narrated how they discovered Isaiah’s ailment.

His parents had decided not to have another baby after the arrival of their second child. The decision, which they attributed to their weak financial strength, was jettisoned when family, friends and neighbours, citing cultural reasons as Africans, persuaded them to bear

From Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

more children. Eventually, the mother was delivered of a baby boy, Isaiah, on August 23, 2008, eight years after the second child. They were happy it was a boy but their happiness did not last.

Recalling the events, Mr Babalola said: “We just noticed that his growth was retarded; he was not developing rapidly like his peers. It was one of my sisters who first alerted us. We were told to pray over it, for healing, because they have had such cases before. His retarded growth also slowed down his education as he just started nursery school late last year.

And that has changed him a bit. He is a sharp boy naturally,” the father said.

“I had prayed God to direct me; to be able to give him the best a father can give his child or children. I just love him. In as much as I am alive, I have thought, I would finance their education to the highest level. I love education, “Lately, we decided to take him to the hospital and it was revealed that the hole has widened. He was diagnosed with an arterial septal defect on January 22, 2015 at the Tristate Cardiovascular Institute at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

And that was the point we were told to go for surgical operation,” Speaking on how the medical bills have affected their living, Mr. Babalola, who worked as a transport supervisor at a firm in Ibadan until late last year, said he has spent over N300, 000 on medication alone “not to talk of the hospital bills at UCH. The medication is on hourly basis. It is only God that has kept him thus far.”

A government licenced electrical contractor, Mr. Babalola noted that Isaiah’s ill-health has made them lose their sources of income as they cannot go to work frequently again. He explained that he resigned voluntarily for him to be able “to take care of the boy with the hope that i was going to be working as an electrical contractor. I took that decision because there is no how my work as an employee will not deny him first-hand attention.”

His family, friends and church members, he explained, have been trying. “The church gave us N56, 000. At first, I felt reluctant to collect the money because what I wanted

•Master Babalola

was for them to advise me on what next to do to save my boy.

“There was a day a test that should have cost N120, 000 was done for us at UCH at the cost of N50, 000 because of the magnanimity of one of our church members who works there. I have another debt of N15, 000 to pay. They are too numerous to mention.

“The medication has affected our feeding. We cannot buy all the prescribed drugs. The mother cannot work anymore; she has a sewing machine but the condition of her baby hinders her. She was a nanny in a daycare centre but she had to leave when the doctor advised her that it is either she leaves her job or risk losing her baby”.

Shivering and rubbing his palms against each other, the mother.

Mrs. Folake said that she was not happy as a mother. The stress, she admitted, has affected her own health too. “I was not like this; the stress is too much. Whenever I think about it, I am not happy.”

They appealed to well-meaning Nigerians, government and corporate organisations to come to their aid by donating to the following bank account. Account name: Tristate Cardiovascular Institute.

Bank:Stanbic/IBTC Bank; Account number: 0009560650:Sort Code: 221190825.

Ondo community smiles again as WEMA bank makes a return IT was a fun-filled Monday morning for indigenes and residents of Irun Akoko in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State, as the WEMA bank plc temporarily relocated its corporate headquarters to the ancient town for the inauguration of its newest branch.

The people had good reasons to be happy. For years, they have had to travel some distance for banking services. Although the town had hosted a branch of the bank in the past, but it was moved away due to restructuring in the banking sector some years ago.

The joy of the indigenes and other residents knew no bounds, as they trooped out for the occasion, which understandably was turned in to carnival, as indigenes temporarily relocated to the town from their various places of work to be part of history.

Residents from the various numerous farm settlements around the town shelved whatever farm activity they had to participate in the opening of accounts immediately after the commissioning.

Top executives of the bank, led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Segun Oloketuyi, who

incidentally is also a son of the soil, could not hide their joy, as they were treated to warm reception by the very appreciative people, who promised that the branch will rank among the best in the country. Mr. Oloketuyi urged the people to maintain a high sense of patronage, saying the bank has marked the turning point in the development of the town.

Accompanied by the high chiefs in the town, the regent, Princess Oluremi Obideyi, while cutting the tape of the new bank, expressed appreciation to the authority of WEMA bank for the imposing structure, which she said has brought relief to the town and its neighbouring communities.

The regent, who could not hide her joy in the face of various heart-warming display by traditional dancers, masquerades, age groups and particularly, members of the Anglican Church Irun Akoko, encouraged Mr. Oloketuyi to continually champion the cause of human and physical development of the town.

On request by various speakers on the occasion, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive of WEMA bank promised to consider the extension of the ATM services to other parts of the town.

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SOUTHWEST REPORT

•The Secretary of the Fulani Community, Alhaji Zaiyanu Mohammed addressing the gathering while Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu and others listen.

•A cross-section of traditional rulers and other community leaders at the peace meeting.

The Ekiti State Police Command appears to be winning the battle against armed robbery and other criminal activities with arrest of no fewer than 50 suspects in the last three weeks the highpoint of which was the killing of Ado-Ekiti robbery kingpin, Gbenga Matthew popularly known as Orimeji omo Bose. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports.

Ekiti police command tightens noose on criminals T

HE last three weeks have been busy, momentous and tumultuous for the officers and men of the Ekiti State Police Command in their resolve to rid the state of criminal activities.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Frederick Taiwo Lakanu, hardly sleeps now to make sure that the command is positioned to fulfill its constitutional duties of protecting lives and property, detection and prevention of crimes and making the state safe for its inhabitants.

Lakanu who arrives office at about 10.00 am each day sometimes stays there till 4 o’ clock the following morning after he might have joined his men on operational duties combing the nooks and crannies of the state in search of robbers and other criminals.

He is always locked in strategy meetings with senior officers of the command like the Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioners/ Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), heads of department and other officers that matter.

Lakanu also holds meetings with interest groups, community leaders, traditional rulers, ethnic-based associations, faith-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, political parties, among others in his belief that security is everybody’s business.

What features on top of the agenda is how to make Ekiti safe for residents, visitors, investors and ensure that criminals are given a wide berth for the state to maintain its reputation as one of the most peaceful in the federation.

The efforts of the Ekiti number one cop is already yielding results with the arrests of no fewer than 50 robbery suspects in the last three to four weeks.

Many suspected criminals have been nabbed for various offences and are keeping dates with the law.

The highpoint of the success was the killing last Thursday of a notorious Ado-Ekiti robbery kingpin, Gbenga Matthew popularly known as “Orimeji omo Bose” by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the state command.

In security circles, Ado-Ekiti is believed to have three robbery syndicates and one of them is led by Orimeji.

With the smashing of the Orimejiled robbery syndicate, hopes are high that it is just a matter of time before the other two are smashed

Orimeji was shot dead at about 3.00 am after he and his five-man gang engaged the SARS team in a protracted gun duel at Akodi-Edemo community in Odo Ado area of Ado-Ekiti.

His body which was tattooed with his nickname and other signs was paraded at the police headquarters before it was taken to the mortuary after the command spokesman, Mr. Alberto Adeyemi, addressed a news conference on the development.

The deceased had been terrorizing Ado-Ekiti and its environs for over twelve years and was believed to have masterminded many robbery operations before he met his Waterloo in the early morning encounter with the SARS men.

Orimeji had been arrested several times in the past and charged to court only to come back and unleash more terror. He was among the escapees from the Ado-Ekiti prisons on November 30, last year.

Acting on a tip-off, the policemen swooped on the area within few minutes after being informed of the arrival of the robbers as staccato of gunshots rent the air.

Orimeji and his gang who were robbing the neighborhood at the time the SARS men arrived fired at the policemen who responded with superior firepower in which the robbery kingpin and his gang received gunshot wounds.

Police spokesman Adeyemi described the killing of Orimeji as a “big breakthrough” urging members of the public to cooperate with the command by volunteering information that could lead to the arrest of more criminals.

He explained that the Police in the state are motivated to fight robbery and other criminal activities saying Ekiti is now a no-go area for men of the underworld.

Adeyemi said: “Early this morning (on Thursday, March 12), the Officer in Charge of SARS got a tip-off that some robbers were robbing in Akodi Edemo community, so he swung into action with his men and got to the area and met about five robbers in operation and the robbers opened fire on the SARS team but the team did their best to arrest them alive.

“Two of the officials of our SARS team were wounded in the gun battle.

Orimeji jumped down from the house and was trying to reload his rifle and shoot the SARS men, it was at that point that our men were left with no choice than to shoot him.

“The other members of the robbery gang had escaped with bullet wounds.

We are appealing to members of the public and the hospitals, if they see anybody with bullet wounds, they should not move close to them but call the nearest police station. So that we can come and arrest them.

“The leader of the gang that was shot dead is Gbenga Mattew, alias Orimeji, he was a very notorious armed robber with a track record of armed robbery of about 12 years.

“We have arrested him on many occasions and charged him to court.

He was among the escapees in the last prison break in Ekiti, they call him Orimeji Omo Bose.

“We understand that Ekiti has three notoriuos armed robbery gangs, so we have smashed one by the killing of Orimeji. We have intensified efforts to get the other two.

“We have already mapped out strategies to get them and I cannot disclose such strategies to you here. But I can tell you that in the next two days, we will have another breakthrough that would be bigger than this.

“About N120,000 and three U.S Dollars were recovered from him. His riffle, a locally made one, is also there with him.

“I am sure the residents of the Akodi Edemo area would tell you that they have never seen the kind of massive gun fight between the police and the robbers that occurred around 3:15am early this morning in the area.”

The command also arrested 37 suspects including four of those who carried out robbery attacks on the residents of Adekunle Fajuyi Estate, Ado-Ekiti in the early hours of Sunday, March 8.

They were rounded up in a raid carried out Monday night last week in their hideouts in Atikankan, Sabo and Lekeleke areas of Ado-Ekiti.

A robbery suspect, Michael Adams, who was one of the escapees of the Ado-Ekiti Prisons jail break led the operatives of SARS to arrest other members of the gang in their hideouts.

Some of the suspects arrested in connection with the Fajuyi Estate robbery include Abdulsalam Kabir, Ayeni Ojo, Albert Ayodeji and Adebiyi Seun.

Kabiru and Ayodeji were also among the fleeing escapees from AdoEkiti Prisons who were involved in armed robbery after their escape from prisons.

One of the suspects paraded, Michael Adams, has confessed to armed rob-

bery and murder.

Another suspect paraded, Do-Good Owoeye was arrested with cut-to-size single barrel gun and an Army camouflage uniform which he claimed belong to his father whom he claimed had retired from service.

During the raid, weapons including two cut-to-size locally-made single barrel guns were recovered from the suspects.

One of the suspects, 24-year-old Kabir a native of Kano who was born in Ado-Ekiti said his friend was celebrating his birthday and he went there to mark the day with him.

He claimed that after they finished the birthday bash and was about to go, his friend asked him not to go because they were going somewhere which turned out to be a robbery operation.

Kabir revealed that he was among the escapees from the Ado-Ekiti Prison which was attacked by unknown gunmen on November 30 last year saying he was remanded in prison custody for armed robbery and murder.

Adams, an Ebira from Kogi State who denied involvement in robbery claimed that he was arrested by policemen on patrol.

He said: “I did not rob, I was arrested by policemen on patrol when I was coming from the place of my elder brother whose name is Joe, an officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps.

“I was arrested in front of CAC Secondary School, Ilawe Road. I am a bricklayer, my family don’t know that I am here. I am one of those who escapaded from prison”.

Ayodeji said his problem started when he joined bad gang from where he graduated into big-time robbery. He is also one of the escapees from the Ado-Ekiti prison.

He said:”When I was growing up, nobody took care of me and I followed bad gang. I was sent to Lagos to learn pasting tiles and I was released from my apprenticeship having completed my term to prepare for graduation.

“Anytime my friends said they were going for operations, I declined their request that I should follow them.

“On coming from Lagos on Monday, I alighted from the vehicle and policemen from Okesa who were on patrol arrested me and two girls and brought us to the station.

“My friends and I were taken to the prison. I confessed to the police that I used to commit crimes before but I am no longer involved”.

Speaking while parading the sus-

pects, Lakanu said the suspects confessed to series of armed robbery attacks.

The police boss explained that the arrest of the suspects was a breakthrough for the command urging members of the public to cooperate with the Police to nip crime in the bud.

The state police chief said the command has redoubled its effort to tackle armed robbery and other acts of criminality in the state and would not relent until crime is reduced to the barest minimum.

Lakanu said the command responds to distress calls within ten minutes as it was the case during the estate robbery in which the Police stopped robbery incursion into more homes.

He disclosed that the Police has stationed patrol vehicles at Olorunda area of Ado-Ekiti, some big estates within the city and other flashpoints.

The Police boss urged members of the public to always volunteer information to help curb crime in the state.

Owoeye, 29, claimed that he was in his house in Ikere when he learnt that some members of the local vigi-

lantes were pursuing robbers and he reached for his father’s gun to assist in combating the robbers.

His words: “I was in my home in Ikere when I heard shouts of Ole, Ole, Ole and we pursued the robbers with OPC men and they came to my house.

“My father used to be a soldier but he is no longer in service. I took his gun to assist the policemen to confront the robbers.”

When asked where he got the Army camouflage that was found in his house on the day he was arrested, Owoeye claimed that it belonged to his father who had retired from service.

He identified his father as Owoeye Peters who he claimed served in Lagos as a soldier.

Exhibits found in his house included a cut-to-size single barrel gun and Indian hemp On Monday last week, the command paraded a woman, Bukola Ogidiolu, who allegedly poured petrol on her husband, Abimbola and set him ablaze destroying his private part in the process.

Also paraded was a farmer, Moses

Ofega, who shot a Fulani herdsman dead on his farm after they were locked in a scuffle.

Speaking to reporters while being paraded, 36-year-old Bukola claimed that she had a disagreement with her husband over his alleged nonchalant attitude to her failure to conceive since their marriage over three years ago.

She denied setting her husband on fire for refusing to take her out on the Valentine’s Day which happened to be her birthday. Bukola said she didn’t know how the attack happened.

Bukola said: “We had disagreement over his nonchalant attitude to my barrenness that day and we were fighting. Our neighbours tried to plead with him but he never listened to them.

“He later ran inside and destroyed all my property. But he had forgotten that we had petrol inside and when he was about lighting his cigarette, the keg that contained the petrol exploded and my husband caught fire immediately”.

Abimbola who has burns all over his body with his manhood badly burnt

We understand that Ekiti has three notoriuos armed robbery gangs, so we have smashed one by the killing of Orimeji. We have intensified efforts to get the other two. We have already mapped out strategies to get them and I cannot disclose such strategies to you here. But I can tell you that in the next two days, we will have another breakthrough that would be bigger than this.

•Some of the robbery suspects paraded at the command headquarters, Ado-Ekiti.

is presently receiving treatment at Ekiti State University Teaching raise a task force to look into Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti where doctors are battling to save the problems and will be his life. meeting regularly,” he Ofega, 30, who hails from Benue State after killing the Fulani added. man was said to have poured charcoal on the corpse in a bid to All the parties recover up his track shortly after committing the crime in Iyemesolved to cooperate ro-Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area on March 4. with the Police to He claimed that he shot at the Fulani man by mistake after ensure a peaceful they engaged in a bout over the destruction of his farm by the coexistence and deceased’s cows. collaborate with Police spokesman Adeyemi disclosed that members of the the law enforcers Fulani Community in the town reported the alleged murder at to contain the the Police Station before detectives took all the necessary actions spread of criminalto get Moses arrested . ities.

Adeyemi said detectives from the State Criminal InvestigaWith these eftions Department, had to trace Ofega , who had fled into the forts, the Police in bush after committing the offence before he was apprehended.

Ekiti State are setOfega said: “I didn’t kill him intentionally. I went to the farm ting the pace for resthat day because I am a hunter. idents to do every“When I saw that my farm had been destroyed, I had to chalthing possible to fight lenge him and in the course of wrestling with him, my gun crime and maintain fired and hit him”. peace to make the state Police spokesman said the duo would be charged to court safe for all to live in. as soon as possible.

The killing of the Fulani herdsman heightened tension in Iyemero and other communities in Oye and Ikole local government areas which bordered Kwara and Kogi States.

Clashes between local farmers and Fulani pastoralists are very common in these remote communities as the farmers always complain that their crops and other farm produce are destroyed by herds of cattle.

The locals also complain that their wives and daughters are raped by the herdsmen whom they accuse of unleashing terror on their communities.

The communities involved are Iyemero, Itapaji, Oke Ako, Irele, Ipao, Oloje, Ilemeso, Oke Ayedun, Odo Ayedun and Orin Farm Settlement on the northern fringes of Ekiti State.

In a bid to ensure peace among the parties, Police Commissioner Lakanu summoned a peace meeting to prevent the issue on ground from snowballing into an intractable ethno religious crisis.

The communities were led by their traditional rulers and chiefs who were resplendent in their royal regalia and beads.

Traditional rulers at the meeting included the Obaloja of Oloje, Oba Peter Falade; Olu of Itapaji, Oba Azeez Adebanjo; Olu of Iyemero, Oba Agboola Ogungbemi; the Regent of Oke Ako, Princess Tinuade Ogunbiyi; the Olu of Irele, Oba G.D. Adesogan.

Other stakeholders invited to partake in the meeting are officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, the State Agricultural Development Project (ADP), Youths in Commercial Agricultural Development (YCAD), Farm Settlements and the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti.

The rest include the Igede Community, the Fulani Community, the Hausa Community, the Tiv Community, the Ebira Community, the Independent Farmers, among others.

One of the thorny issues that caused heated debates at the interactive session was the question of whether the Fulanis and the Bororos are the same.

This was because the local communities said the Bororos are responsible for the attacks.

While some stakeholders believe that the Bororos and the Fulanis are the same, others believe that they are different.

But Lakanu urged the parties not to dissipate energy on the controversy but should look for ways to solve the problem and ensure a lasting peace.

He vowed to prosecute farmers and Fulani herdsmen fomenting trouble in the state, urging them to live peacefully with one another.

Lakanu said the murder of the Fulani herdsman allegedly committed by Ofega which has caused tension in the communities must not be allowed to set the state on fire.

Lamenting the incessant problems between farmers and herdsmen, the Police boss said the meeting was to broker peace.

He said, “The essence of the meeting was to address the incursion of Fulani herdsmen into farmlands. It has been a serious problem in the state.

“We have people who have been granted permission to farm and the cattles will destroy the farms.

“We have had death occurring from this where Ebira farmers attacked the herdsmen and killed them. It is a tripartite meeting between farmers, herdsmen and government officials.”

•Bukola Ogidiolu, who allegedly Lakanu urged the warring facroasted her husband in Ekiti betions to eschew violence and briging paraded by the police andage.

“We will go to the extreme to protect live and properties. We will

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

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SOUTHWEST REPORT

Ekiti monarch, subjects clash over power outage •Palace, police station attacked 30 youths arrested

E

MURE-Ekiti, one of the major towns in Ekiti State, was last week’s Monday thrown into chaos as the youth of the community staged a protest against what they called “epileptic power supply” from the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

The angry youths also demonstrated against non-availability of banking services in the town which has caused them untold hardship as they had to travel down to Ado-Ekiti, Ise-Ekiti, Akungba-Akoko and IkareAkoko (both in Ondo State) to carry out banking transactions.

The protesters said the people in the town have been afflicted with electricity and banking problems for over seven months. They claimed that BEDC still distributes what they called “crazy bills” despite the poor power supply.

They are also angry that despite the fact that the only bank in the community is not open officially to the public, some tradition chiefs and other influential indigenes are attended to “underground”.

Following the violent nature the March 9 protest assumed, about 30 Emure youths were arrested by the Police following their alleged attacks on the palace of the Elemure, Oba Emmanuel Adebayo and the police station in the town.

The youth are accusing the traditional ruler who is a retired Commissioner of Police of masterminding their arrest and have declared war on the monarch.

Their arrest has however, triggered a protest by old women of the community who protested half-naked calling on Oba Adebayo to ensure the release of the young men The protest was dramatic as the youth engaged their Oba in a game of wits. The royal father who did not approve of the protest made attempts to frustrate the youth from carrying out public demonstration.

Oba Adebayo, who at various times during his service career served as Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Lagos, Edo and Nasarawa Commands personally confronted the youth and demanded them to stop their protest.

According to a youth leader in Emure and one of the organizers of the protest, Olaoye Olayinka, Oba Adebayo was upset with the development and went to confront the

This is why the youth protested, but instead of the Oba to appeal to them, he rather fueled the crisis by ordering them about and even bringing police to clamp down on everyone. It wasn’t up to 40 minutes that the Oba left the scene of protest that day, when heavily armed policemen with about 15 patrol vans stormed the scene and began clubbing everyone and arresting anyone in sight.

•Lakanu From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

youth and demanded that they stop.

He said the youth continued the protest and blockage until their demands were met.

Olayinka revealed that the monarch made attempt to remove the blockages himself but the youth prevented him, taking off his hands after which the royal father left in anger.

Olayinka said: “What called for the youth’s protest is the epileptic power supply from the electricity firm, Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), for the past seven months, we hardly have light 5 times in a month, and when they bring it, it was only in the mid-night when we would be asleep.

“Why this bad treatment from the electricity firm is so painful is because, of all Ekiti communities, Emure pays the highest bill, you can go and find out about this. But still we are not enjoying the benefits, instead we are getting crazy bills for a very bad service.

“The electricity firm slams us with N8, 000, N6,000, N7,000 bills for each household, and for the artisans who are just welders, each of them get N15,000 a month. It’s ridiculous.

“And we have warned the boys coming to cut the power supply anytime they feel like.

“This had really angered the youth, the matter reached a climax when on February 21, the staff of the electricity firm came to cut the power

supply to the community and the youth decided to stop them.

“The youth insisted that they should allow the community to enjoy the power till end of February and see how regular the light is before payment of their bills is made but the officials refused and would have cut the light had the youth not threatened to be violent with them.

“Meanwhile, the BEDC engineers had secretly removed the switch of one of the transformers supplying power to the community and we only got to know this when there was power supply and we discovered we didn’t have light.

“The angry youth rushed to their (BEDC) office demanding for the switch to be re-installed but the officials denied removing the switch. This angered the youth more because they know that an untrained person could not have removed the switch.

“The youth then decided to capture some of the officials but the men ran off, unfortunately while they were running, one of them was caught and it was that one who eventually called others to restore the switch and we immediately had light.

“But the second day, we discovered to our chagrin that the officials have gone to cut off our community from the central unit at Ise, a neighbouring town. That has been almost a month now and we have been in blackout since. We have written countless letters and attended several meetings all to no avail, before we staged the protest.

“The second issue that made the

youths to protest is the refusal for the only bank here, to offer service to ordinary members of the community while they give service to the chiefs and other highly placed people through the back door.

“The bank started that partial treatment since the Ikere Bank robbery incident, seven months ago.

Those of us who are just ordinary people have to travel to Ado, Ikere or Akoko area of Ondo State to get our money from the banks and some fell into the hands of the robbers on their way.

“This is why the youth protested, but instead of the Oba to appeal to them, he rather fueled the crisis by ordering them about and even bringing police to clamp down on everyone.

It wasn’t up to 40 minutes that the Oba left the scene of protest that day, when heavily armed policemen with about 15 patrol vans stormed the scene and began clubbing everyone and arresting anyone in sight.

“One of us was shot in the leg and the policemen took him off, they also seized motorbikes parked near the scene of the protest. Many were injured. This infuriated our people and many of them marched to the monarch’s palace to protest the brutality.

Over 60 of our young men have been arrested now, “he said.

BEDC officials who spoke newsmen and asked not to be named because they were not authorized to speak said that the failure of the community to pay electricity bills as at when due was responsible for the power cut.

Some women in the community

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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HE Ondo state command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has discovered a building where Cannabis Sativa, popularly called “Indian Hemp” was allegedly being stored and sold in Akure, the state capital.

Officials of the agency who went to raid the “hemp warehouse’ said the command was reliably informed by residents of the area that Indian hemp was being stored and sold in the building.

The building located on Ogunleye lane, off Kolawole Estate, Olu foam area in Akure, was said to be a meeting point for drug offenders in Akure and its environs.

The State Commandant of the NDLEA, Mr. Ibrahim Abdul who led officials of the agency to the area disclosed that ýtwo middle aged men were arrested in the building with Indian hemp in their custody.

The operation was the first major one to be carried out by the new commandant of the agency, since his assumption of office at the command.

Abdul hinted that two suspects, Chibozor Godday and Collins Nmo who were arrested inside the building would be prosecuted after conclusion of investigation.

The Commandant disclosed that over 800 bags of Indian hemp were secretly kept inside the ceiling of the building.

He urged members of the public to always furnish the agency with necessary information whenever they noticed strange developments in their environment.

Indian hemp ‘warehouse’ discovered in Ondo

•61,000 kg of drugs in flame

expressed anger at the action of the monarch warning him to release their children from police custody or they could be forced to carry out traditional rites that could lead to his removal from the throne..

One of them who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “Look we are very angry! The women are very angry! Why would Oba Adebayo order his police boys to detain our young men just because theyweare protesting and demanding for their rights?

“Let me tell you something, we women know what to do to put an end to the reign of this monarch, it’s just that the elderly men have been appealing to us.

“There is a market which we gather for only when the monarch passes on, we would not hesitate to gather for this market in order to invoke ancestral and traditional powers against the Oba if the ultimatum we have given the monarch to bring back our youth elapses and he failed to do so”.

The Elemure’s Palace is still being guarded by stern-looking armed policemen since the crisis began while efforts to speak with the traditional ruler have proved abortive.

Calls made to his phone lines were not answered and neither did he reply text messages sent to him.

When reporters visited his palace last Thursday, the secretary to the monarch and other traditional chiefs who never hid their hostility refused to comment on the crisis.

The secretary who refused to give his name said the monarch was not at home and that he (Oba Adebayo) was not favourably disposed to speaking to journalists on the matter.

The secretary said: “The palace would henceforth, not entertain any journalist coming to ask His Royal Majesty questions and on no account should any reporter record his voice”.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, revealed that about 33 persons were arrested in connection with the mayhem.

Lakanu revealed that the youth invaded the Elemure’s Palace and threatened to set it ablaze while they also threatened to set police station on fire The Police chief disclosed that he had to lead anti-riot policemen to the community to restore peace saying the town is calm and promised to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

35

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Rain storm wreaks havoc in Ondo communities The people of Iju in Akure North and Ifira-Akoko in Akoko South East Local Government areas of Ondo State are counting their losses after a devastating rainstorm wreaked havoc in their communities. DAMISI OJO reports.

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ESIDENTS of Iju, Ita Ogbolu and Ifira-Akoko communities in Ondo State are not very happy at the moment following a recent rainstorm in

the areas that has rendered many of them homeless.

No fewer than 300 buildings were ravaged by the devastating

storm leaving those affected in serious distress.

The rainstorm swept through

•House destroyed by the storm in Iju

Iju and Itaogbolu communities in Akure North and Ifira-Akoko in Akoko South East Local Government Areas of the State.

The people who had thought that the rain was going to fall gently as usual were shocked when the heavens opened up and the shower accompanied by windstorm that blew off their roofs.

Private and public school buildings in the area were also damaged by the storm which equally affected the wall of a health centre in Iju community.

The vice Principal of Elu Iju Grammar School, Mr.Isaac Oke whose school was affected, described the incident as unfortunate.

He urged government to urgently come to their aid.

Meanwhile, government officials had visited the communities affected to assess the extent of damage.

The lawmaker representing Akure North State Constituency, Akin Adeniyi also described the development as disturbing.

He however assured that Governor Olusegun would assist his people on their plight.

In Ifira-Akoko,the first rain that should have brought joy to the people turned sour as rainstorm destroyed several houses.

Eye witness said the rain came with heavy storm which lasted for only 30 minutes but so was disastrous to the extent that two Churches and a private secondary school were badly damaged.

A spokesman for the community, Chief Boboye Ojomo noted that property worth millions of naira were destroyed as the affected house owners could not rebuild the houses again because of abject poverty.

The Monarch of the town, Olufira of Ifira, Oba Olu Olugbeja called on the state government and the National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA) to come to the aid of his subjects as the economic situation in the country was not conducive to warrant the reconstruction of new houses.

Those affected by the rainstorm in the areas are now either squatting with friends or relation or living in rented apartments.

Governorship candidates in Lagos sign gender pact

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OUR of the candidates in the April 11, 2015 gubernatorial election in Lagos State, Messrs. Jimi Agbaje of the People Democratic Party (PDP); Ayodele Akele, National Conscience Party (NCP); Adeniji Adedoyega, KOWA Party and; Bolaji Ogunseye of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), have signed a gender pact with Civil Society Groups to promote women related issues in the state if elected.

The pact contains the 12- point demands adopted at the Lagos gender dialogue held recently with the candidates.

The demands cover issues such as health, education, economic and poverty alleviation, vulnerable groups, decision making, environment, agriculture, road network, water supply, people with disability, child abuse and violence against women and security.

The programme was organised by the Vanguard Newspapers, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) and Silverbird Television in partnership with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Lagos.

The gubernatorial candidates signed the gender pact after a session of dialogue with the electorate. The four agreed to involve women in their ad-

By Olatunde Odebiyi

ministration as a result of the issues of gender and women in particular, receiving very limited attention from political actors during electoral processes over the years.

The programme held at Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.

Agbaje assured women in the state of a minimum of 25% appointive slots in his administration.

He said the problem with women is that the qualified ones hardly want to join politics. He urged them to move from political activism to real politics, saying that is the only way by which more women can participate in politics.

He challenged women entrepreneurs and professionals to step into politics so there can be more women in the system.

Akele noted that if women are given 35% appointive position without impact in their lives and that of the vulnerable citizens in the state, then it is meaningless.

Adeniji and Ogunseye both promised to reserve 50% appointive seats for women in the state.

Adeniji said: KOWA Party was

People in political offices do not prioritise gender and women empowerment issues for reasons best linked to ignorance, patriarchy, lack of political will and general apathy towards women’s issues.

This has continued to retard world progress and development formed in 2009 to specially take care of women and all vulnerable persons in Nigeria.

Ogunseye said he cannot give 35% of appointive positions to women because that will be going against the actual demand of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, CEDAW, which states that 50% slots should be reserved for women to ensure gender equality.

Earlier, Executive Director, WARDC, Dr Abiola Akiyode Afolabi said WARDC is a nongovernmental, human

rights organisation dedicated to the promotion and protection of women’s rights, gender equality and social justice in Nigeria.

She said the initiative was borne out of the concern on the limited attention that gender and women issues received from political actors, during the electoral process especially the fact that few women candidates emerged during this electoral dispensation.

“Historically, people in political offices do not prioritise gender and women empowerment issues for reasons best linked to ignorance, patriarchy, lack of political will and general apathy towards women’s issues. This has continued to retard world progress and development.”

She said the Lagos gender dialogue was an opportunity to bring women issues to the front burner, making it the most critical debate.

“A 2012 report on gender in Nigeria concludes that the estimated 80.2 million women and girls in Nigeria have significantly worse life chances than men in relation to employment and livelihoods, education and health, political representation, and violence. According to the report, Nigeria ranks 118 out of

134 countries in the Gender Equality Index; women are politically unrepresentative with only seven out of the 109 senators and 25 out of the 360 representatives as women elected in the 2011 election process. In relation to maternal health, each day, 144 Nigerian women die in child birth, which is equivalent to one death every 10 minutes,” Akiyode said.

A child right activist, Mrs Yemisi Ransome-Kuti spoke on the need to educate the young ones. “We the women brought children to the world, both male and female. It is up to the women to ensure that our young men grow up respecting women, and see themselves as equal partner, at home, school and work. They do not aspire to get to the position where they are the Lord and master of their situation.

It is by ensuring that there is that balance, emotionally, mentally and intellectually between the male and the female child right from young,” she said.

Woman Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mrs Morenike Taire, said that the initiative was in line with the newspaer’s commitment towards ensuring a better life for the entire nation, particularly women and children.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

36

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Bouquet of projects for Lagos rural communities No fewer than 18 riverside communities and four rural ones scattered along Epe and Ikorodu areas were last Wednesday presented with electrification and water projects in the bid by the Lagos State government to improve the standard of living of rural folks, writes ADEYINKA ADERIBIGBE. OR generations, residents of Oriba a riverside community in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State had lived without electricity. The only electricity enjoyed by a few, comes from the generating sets owned by the rich for whom it was an economic source rather than for domestic use.

In a megacity state like Lagos, many of them grew up into adulthood not knowing how an electric switch looked like and only got to see an incandescent bulb in movies and on televisions or when they moved to the urban centre.

Majority of them, for whom electricity was a luxury lived without it, resigning to fate that set them as indigenes of such backward settlements.

But that helpless resignation gave way last Wednesday. Few minutes after mid day, with a switch of a button, their lives changed permanently and for the better. Gone perhaps forever, were the days of darkness.

Electricity known to the locals as light seeped into the communities to the joy of the children, youths and elders of the affected areas. The babies jumped and pranced about, the adults danced, even the masquerades venerated by the locals as the spirit of the dead, were not left out in the jubilation.

The electrification project was

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From left: Permanent Secretary (Rural) Mr. Jafar Sanuth, Executive Secretary Epe LG, Mr. Ahmed Seriki, Commissioner Rural, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, Baale of Oriba Chief Nurudeen Olowolayemo and the lawmaker representing Epe constituency 1 Hon. Abiodun Tobun at the handing over of Oriba Rural Electrification project recently.

part of the better life activities of the Lagos State Ministry of Rural Development for the rural and riverside dwellers.

And for the Baale of Oriba Chief Nurudeen Olowolayemo, the community would forever cherish the project.

According to him, the community which has been in existence since the 17th century and without electricity, got its first ray of hope over 18years ago, through the Federal Rural Electrification Board (FREB), but the project was abandoned until the Lagos State Government came to its rescue last year.

Handing over the eight kilometer rural electrification project to the people on behalf of the government, the Commissioner for Rural Development Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi described the project as part of its rural electrification activity, covering Elerangbe and Oriba, an area spanning 24 kilometres.

Ojelabi who described the project as the ministry’s longest rural electrification project, said the electricity would serve over 18 communities. It was also accomplished in phases due to paucity of funds.

Ojelabi noted that the first phase of the project from Elerangbe junction to Ajegbenwa in Ibeju-Lekki cov-

ering nine kilometres commenced in 2012, and was completed and inaugurated in November of the same year, while the second phase covering five kilometres was approved and executed in 2013 by direct labour from Ajegbenwa to Arapagi. The last phase of nine kilometres from Arapagi to Oribawais what the ministry handed over.

Ojelabi maintained that the electrification project was the second project the ministry would be handing over in Oriba, having handed over a Modified Type A water scheme earlier.

He said the ministry would begin the construction of the community’s jetty next month.

The member of the State House of Assembly representing Epe Constituency 1, Abiodun Tobun, while thanking the state government for the gesture commended the commissioner for the great work he is doing in developing rural areas. He noted that if not for the conviction and commitment of the commissioner, the project will not see the light of day.

Tobun however urged the ministry to assist with the only road that can link the community to the rest of the state to make for easy commuting to and from the area.

Earlier the commissioner had been

at Iba Oloja another riverside community in Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area, to hand over another rural electrification project where he charged members of the community to protect the project from vandalisation and theft.

Present at the ceremonies were the Obas, Baales from the areas, the executive secretaries of Epe and Ibeju Lekki, Permanent Secretary in the ministry Mr. Jafar Sanuth and management staff of the ministry.

Ojelabi also handed over four newly constructed Solar Powered Modified Type A Water Schemes to four communities: Ariya, Sapele Onovbo, Efunlaroja (Ajose Close) and Musade Idi-Orogbo (Ori field) in the newly emerging densely populated Oriokuta Community in Ikorodu West Area of the State.

Handing over the water schemes to the community leaders, Baales, CDAs and Chiefs the Commissioner for Rural Development said the water projects were given to the communities in fulfillment of the Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola’s pledge to make life comfortable for the citizens of the State irrespective of the where they live, their religion or tribe.

He noted that since they were the ones that asked for the water projects, they should constitute themselves into

TRACE holds retreat for senior staff

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HE Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) has held a retreat for its senior officers with the aim of reviewing road safety strategies to improve on their performances.

The one-day event, tagged, “The journey so far” was organised by the Corps to mark its 10th anniversary and to rebuild officers on ways of tackling road lawlessness, leading to crashes within the state.

The Retreat Anniversary Committee Chairman, Commander Omonayajo Elias

Adedayo, quoting the United Nation (UN), said 1.24 million people die yearly from road crashes while 50 millions are injured . He said 90 per cent of road deaths occur in low and middle income countries, adding that road injuries are among the leading causes of deaths in the world.

According to him, TRACE, which was established by the State House of Assembly on March 9, 2005 and amended Law of September 25, 2007, has the responsibility to provide solutions to the incessant crashes with the three levels of road safety management to the citizens of the state.

The retreat was aimed at building a reliable framework for the Corps’ on public education and communication management. He noted that it was also a capacity building exercise for the senior officers to ensure the effective control and management of the public.

•Some of the officers at the event.

The Corps Commander/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Ayo Sangofadeji, said the retreat was aimed at building a reliable framework for the Corps’ on public education and communication management. He noted that it was also a capacity building exercise for the senior officers to ensure the effective control and management of the public.

The event, according to Sangofadeji, as a training opportunity for the officers, adding that TRACE is not about enforcement alone, but also to take stock of qualitative advocacy to prevent tragic

occurrences on our roads.

He urged the officers to improve on public enlightenment, rescue activities, staff training/ performances and operations. He said this would enhance the Corps’ achievement in its strategic goals.

Sangofadeji appealed to senior officers to lead well and create good working relationship among their subordinates. He said every officer must ensure they work harder with high level of discipline, passion driven, integrity and maintain both internal and external espirit-decorps.

management committee and ensure that the projects are well managed and maintained for sustainability.

The Head of Water and Sanitation Department in the Ministry, Mr. Adisa Yinusa said the ministry decided to give Oriokuta four water schemes because the place is densely populated and opted for Solar Powered Water Scheme because of the incessant and erratic power supply in the country so that the people can have water at all times.

He noted that with solar power they don’t need to spend additional money on diesel to fuel generators for the water plants and even when it rains the solar power will still work with little lighting.

Yinusa, an engineer, disclosed that the water is potable and very safe for consumption because they are treated to World Health Organisation (WHO) standard with treatment plants attached to each scheme.

The member of the State House of Assembly representing the area, Hon. Sanni Agunbiade while thanking the State Government and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), for always responding promptly to the yearnings of the people, urged the community members to cooperate with the government in the implementation of other projects requested for.

The Chairman of all the CDAs in Oriokuta, Mr.Tunde Gbewesa while appreciating the government said the four water schemes will go a long way in alleviating the sufferings of the people of the area.

He praised the Fashola administration for being a listening one, adding that it set in motion machineries to address all the issues the community discussed with him when leaders within the communities met with him last year.

“All the issues raised with the governor at our last meeting are already receiving attention among which is the water projects being handed over. Like Oliver Twist we however requested for more water projects to serve the over 2.5 million people living in Oriokuta,” Gbewesa said.

He listed other challenges of the community that needed prompt attention to include dredging of the blocked canals, transformers to boost electricity supply and the early commencement of the school project for their children.

Also around to give support and appreciate the good work of the government in the area was the Executive Secretary of the Ikorodu West LCDA, Princess Adunni Oyefusi who charged the people to guide jealously their PVC and come out en masse on the 28 of March and 11th of April and vote for the APC in other to continue to witness more of programmes and projects like the ones being handed over.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

37

THE NATION INVESTORS

Improved capacity boosts Oando’s prospects O

ANDO Energy Resources (OER) Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Oando Plc, has completed all civil and pipeline works associated with the Qua Iboe field, and associated crude delivery and sales infrastructure, with commercial production at 2,150 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) gross. OER holds a 40 per cent working interest in the Qua Iboe field.

OER has a broad suite of producing, development and exploration assets in the Gulf of Guinea, mostly in Nigeria.

OER’s sales production was 53,161 boe/ d for January 31, this year.

Regulatory filing at the NSE indicated that OER, in its capacity as technical services provider, together with the operator and 60 per cent owner, Network Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (NEPN), brought the Qua Iboe field from conceptualisation, through development, to first oil delivery.

According to the report, the commercial oil production from the field’s reservoirs has now commenced at an initial rate of 2,150boepd gross to the partners.

The crude processing facility was inaugurated in the fourth quarter of last year but commercial production was delayed until the completion of the associated cluster crude delivery and sales infrastructure into the Qua Iboe Terminal.

Stories by Taofik Salako

OER identified the asset in 2012 and an agreement was reached with NEPN for OER to technically lead and fund certain aspects of NEPN’s costs until first oil.

Consequently, post recovery of all loan repayments, OER is entitled to 90 per cent of NEPN’s sales proceeds from its 60 per cent share of crude oil production until NEPN’s obligation is paid in full, with OER earning an additional 10 per cent fee on the funded amount.

Qua Iboe is located at the mouth of the Qua Iboe River in the eastern Niger Delta and covers an area of 14 km2, approximately 3,459 acres. The field is immediately adjacent to the ExxonMobil Qua Iboe Terminal.

The latest report comes on the heels of a $234 million hedge windfall from the proactive hedge deal by OER. OER two weeks ago announced a $238 million prepayment of certain loan facilities, which it utilised for the $1.5 billion acquisition of the ConocoPhillips Nigerian (COPN) oil and gas business in July, 2014.

The company had realised $234 million by resetting its crude oil hedge floor price from an average of $95.35 per barrel to $65.00 per barrel on 10,615 bbls/ day for the next 18 months and another 1,553 bbls/day for a further 18 months

until January 2019. The company will pay an additional $4 million from its cash reserves.

The funds will be applied towards a $238 million loan pre-payment, thereby substantially reducing the company’s total debt for the acquisition of COPN from $900 million to $615 million. The company noted that through this astute management of its balance sheet, it has managed to reduce its debt by 30 percent in the space of seven months post the acquisition of COPN and also save $65 million in interest payments over the remaining term of the loan.

Analysts said the increasing surefootedness of OER enhances the attractiveness of Oando Plc. “We think Oando is a valued stock for the future based on our analysis. We also think the company’s growth plans are laudable. The only major concern is the issue of its debt exposure and its impact on profitability going forward. However as stated earlier, the hedging strategy seems to have paid off as it has eased the debt burden somewhat,” Sewa Wusu, head of research and investment advisory at Sterling Capital Markets, said.

According to him, Oando has very bright prospects, once the huge debt burden is over, the company would begin to enjoy significant benefits from all the

•From Left: Head, Finance, Propertygate Development and Investment Plc, Mr. Vitalis Anieze; Managing Director, • Mr. Adetokunbo Ajayi; and Manager, Advisory Group, Busola Dalmeida, during an interactive session with press in Lagos

acquired assets with increased capacity to support growth momentum in terms of earnings.

He said Oando as an indigenous player in the oil and gas sector is a future stock worth holding noting that the stock is currently trading at about 64 per cent below its fair valuation of about N24.65, on a 12-month investment horizon.

Oando opened yesterday at N13.35 per share at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Chief executive officer, Oando Energy Resources, Pade Durotoye said hedge positions are investment decisions often taken by companies with the intention of offsetting potential losses and gains that may be incurred, especially during a global downturn.

According to him, the decline in glo-

bal crude oil prices led to a substantial gain for the company and it has 10,832 bbls/day average production hedged for the balance of 2015 and 8,000 bbls/day for 2016.

“Cashing out some value from this hedge will enable us reduce our outstanding loans and leverage by $238 million, saving the company $65 million in interest payments over the remaining term of the loan facilities, whilst preserving a floor of $65 per barrel. With 50 per cent of our oil production hedged and 65 per cent of our production being gas committed to stable long term priced contracts, we are well positioned with strong cashflow to meet our obligations and aspirations through this current oil price down cycle,” Durotoye said.

Resort Savings improves prospects with N2.63b housing projects

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ESORT Savings and Loans Plc, a mortgage bank quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), would ride on the back of its ongoing N2.63 billion housing projects in Ogun State to further improve its performance and ensure fulfillment of its commitment to mass housing delivery for Nigerians.

The project, located on the Papalanto – Sagamu Road, Omu-Penpe, Ofada, Ogun State consists of of 300 units of three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows and 150 units of twobedroom terrace bungalows.

Head, Treasury Department, Resort Savings and Loans Plc, Victory Olumuyiwa, said the two-bedroom bungalow will be sold for about N4.5 million while three-bedroom bungalow will be sold for about N6.5 million.

According to her, the project lies on 100 acres of land and it is being developed into site and services plots with provision of infrastructures such as road network, drainage, central for water supply system.

She said the project would also take into consideration provision of transformers and electric poles for power distribution, waste management and other needs of a modern community.

She noted that Resort Savings has been involved in mortgage banking services for over 21 years, adding that

the estate will have facilities that will make living conducive including electricity and water supply while still retaining its affordability to customers.

“The approved layout for the project has been obtained while the beaconing and erection of pillars have been completed. The provision of infrastructural services and construction of prototype housing units are to commence as soon as possible,” Olumuyiwa said.

She noted that project is within the proposed Gateway Mega City project by the Ogun State Government and is about 30 minutes drive from Ikeja, the capital of Lagos State.

While encouraging Nigerians to take advantage of this offer, she said the primary beneficiaries will be those who maintain account with the bank noting that the property for whoever subscribes to it would also be used as collateral for those who collect loans from the bank to purchase it.

She urged customers to take advantage of Resort Savings’ branch networks to open accounts with the mortgage bank as customers will always be given first consideration.

“Our network of branches is aimed at bringing our services to the door steps of our customers. It is our top priority to drive the mortgage sub-sector to new heights and make a mark in the delivery of quality and affordable housing to Nigerians,” Olumuyiwa said.

Naira convertibility, single exchange rate and economic prospects

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N a very audacious manner, the Central Bank of Nigeria took the bold step to free the Naira to find its value in the market place called the INTERBANK. This, in my opinion is the best decision for the Nigerian economy. The best place to set prices for any Commodity is in a marketplace and nowhere else. There is no reason why the Naira should have different prices for the same product. The largest economy in Africa and the 26th largest in the world needs to have a convertible currency. We are one of the last few Countries in the world with multiple exchange rates.

This policy, if sustained, will be one of the most important decisions the CBN will ever make. The move has removed a major subsidy that has been available to only 15 per cent of those who buy FX in this market. What that means is that the other 85 per cent already pay the market rate for their foreign transactions. Why should we continue to use our Reserves to support the 15% who in most cases are rent seekers and add very little value to the economy? The subsidy here is even bigger than the fuel import subsidy we all complained about. The impact of this move will become apparent in a few years from now, as the current multiple rates converge and become more competitive, if The CBN is able to hold its nerves and ignore criticism from self serving rent seekers.

The move to make the Naira convertible may not be able to bring the

By Victor Ogiemwonyi

Dollar rate down to N150 any time soon, because the Naira is trading around its true value of N200 mark as seen from activities of the last few days. It may even briefly go up dramatically as many users will panic and want to make hurried purchases. Even speculators will want to put even more pressure, betting on the fact that the CBN will not allow the rate to go any higher. But if we stick with it, the Naira will become truly convertible and attract more suppliers to sell to the market and eventually firm up in value. A more consistent pattern will emerge soon and the economic interplay of demand and supply will gradually move the Naira closer to its true economic value. This was the case with the British Pound when the Margret Thatcher Government first removed the fixed exchange rates. There was large capital out flow and a major devaluation for the Pound Sterling to the Dollar.

Things started to settle back down, once everyone knew there was no going back on the policy. Today, the British Pound enjoys a stable rate and attracts investors from all over the world.

Those who doubted the independence of the CBN, now have to think twice. The creation of a two way quote at the interbank market for foreign exchange is the best way to tackle the Naira devaluation conundrum, due mainly, to speculation. The next important step to establish its authority

is to be uncompromising in punishing those who want to manipulate the market. The CBN should let the Banks know that it will intervene from time to time but will ensure that any official Dollars disbursed to any bank for any customer will continually be under investigation. If at any time there is any infraction that comes to light, the bank and the customer involved will be made to pay back twice the Dollar amount involved to the CBN as Fine.

The Company involved will be banned from ever buying official Dollars from the CBN while the individuals involved in the Bank will be sent out of the banking industry for good.

Only in this stern manner can sanity come into the system.

If anyone thinks this is too harsh, let them ask the American and British authorities what they did to those Banks and Individuals caught in the “Libor Rate” rigging of last year. The first step will be for the CBN to write out clearly what these rules are, and the punishment that will be meted out to those who choose to violate them. Then get every Bank managing director to sign it and a copy pasted in every trading room so no one will be in doubt as to what the rules are and the punishment that will follow. Banks have sufficient room to profit from trading Foreign Exchange without making fraud a part of the system. There should be no second chances.

The one clear benefit that will come from this policy will be the incentive

to produce locally. We are now in a situation where we must produce what we need, if we want to really be independent. We have shown that if we put our mind to it we can do it. The success story of Dangote Cement is a good example. We are not only now meeting our local cement needs, we are now even able to export. Our large population is enough incentive to look inwards. The importation culture we have seen in the last few years is not sustainable and the drain on our Reserves threatens our future. Once we start to produce and meet local needs, we will be able to export to earn more Dollars, employ more people and make our economy a more sustainable one. There are some risks in the short to medium term, inflation will spike as we adjust to the reality of the new market rate for the Naira. This will be mitigated by the generally downward trending inflation rates resulting from Operating efficiencies as we plug into the advance Technologies that is making life easier daily. A push for growth will also make sure we out grow inflation.

A BAD IDEA The CBN request for details on the Domiciliary Accounts with Banks is a bad idea. Those accounts represent a window on the world for us, and a measure of confidence for those who are still tentative on the Nigerian Economy, we should never allow that window to close or shake the confidence of those who want to keep

•Ogiemwonyi money there as a half way house. It is better for the money to remain in the books of Nigerian Banks and used to help manage their Dollar positions than allow the money to go to Foreign Banks, where we will have no benefit for it. However, banks should know that official Dollars cannot be paid into the Domiciliary Account, as this will be seen as violating the Rules. We cannot embark on reforms and do a reverse, when we think things are tough.

Policy consistency is key to getting economic policies right. What we need is more long-term thinking.

•Ogiemwonyi is CEO of Partnership Investment Co. Plc Ikoyi, Lagos and can be reached at md@partnershipplc.com.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

38

SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Essiet_daniel@yahoo.com 08180714151

The United States Consulate, Lagos has held a forum for the promotion of women entrepreneurship to reduce poverty. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

Boosting women entrepreneurship T

HE United States Consulate believes that getting more women to embrace entrepreneurship will boost the economy.

To this end, it organised a workshop on promoting women’s entrepreneurship.

The event had as theme: “Starting a new business: Lessons from businesses that took the right steps.”

The Public Diplomacy Officer, U.S. Consulate-General, Lagos, Ms Rhonda Watson, delivered the keynote address.

The lead discussants were Lucy Kanu, executive director, Idea Builders Initiative and Chichi Okafor, coordinator, Inspiring Girls Now in Technology Evolution (IGNITE).

The workshop started by showcasing a documentary on two businesses, which have grown since their inception.

One of the documentaries at the event was on Sara Blakely, the youngest self-made woman on the Forbes’Billionaire List. She started as a sales trainer by day and standup comedian at night.

But, she failed as a stand-up comedian. One day, she suffered from the heat of Florida, and needed pantyhose to wear .

She started researching on fabrics at night and eventually designed a product she liked. ” One thing that is outstanding when she first had the idea for buttflattering pantyhose, was that she didn’t quit her day job selling fax machines. For two years, she hawked office products nine to five on weekdays and sold pantyhose on nights and weekends. She didn’t

•Ms Waton addressing participants at the event.

•Blakely

resign until she was fairly confident her entrepreneurial venture would take off.

What gave her that confidence to launch out was when Oprah Winfrey picked up and announced on television that Spanx as one of her “favourite things.”Blakely said that did the magic. From then on, demand skyrocketed and the product became a nationwide success.

Blakely said her energy and inspiration comes from inventing and enhancing products that promote comfort and confidence for women.

Speaking after the participants watched the documentary, Ms Watson said the story of Blakely presents a lesson that Nigerian women entrepreneurs must learn.

Though faced with multiple rejections trying to launch her products, she didn’t cave in. She pushed on.

Ms Watson stressed that entre-

preneurship is key to closing that gap as it gives women control and ownership, but they need greater support to tap into this economic driver.

She observed, however, that there were impediments to women’s participation in trade and SMEs’ growth, adding that these undermined job creation and economic growth.

She reiterated that entrepreneurial women would be a critical part of an economy, adding that they had demonstrated their ability to generate substantial revenue, employ people in their communities, and be a tool of economic mobility for their families.

Ms Watson called on women and as well as entrepreneurs to look beyond the challenges and be persistent with their ideas.

Mrs Kanu, whose achievements have been recognised several times, including her selection to join the Fortune/United States ‘State Department Global Women’s

Mentoring Partnership, said while women entrepreneurs have great potential to make significant contributions to the economy, a lot needs to be done to ensure their potential are nurtured to promote growth and innovation.

She urged women to take advantage of emerging opportunities to equip themselves with the skills and capacities needed to get to the next level in their entrepreneurial journey and shared future.

Stressing the need for constant development, Mrs Kanu urged entrepreneurs to research on better ways to improve their products and services.

Okafor said many women entrepreneurs faced many gender-based barriers in starting and growing their businesses.

She said women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) faced difficulties in getting access to finance and land, have poor managerial skills and limited opportunities for business devel-

opment training and networking.

The restricted movement of women because of their reproductive role, she noted, had kept most women poor.

According to her, economic empowerment of women will play a pivotal role in ensuring their right to an adequate standard of living.

She urged women to take measures to address the situation by establishing micro and small enterprises, which will benefit them and create sustainable employment opportunities.

According to her, success is possible and that it was high time the women took the challenge to build a future for themselves.

During the event, women entrepreneurs told stories of their challenges and how to build successful businesses.

Among the challenges they recalled were lack of access to finance, work-family balance, glass ceilings, male-dominated industries and gender discrimination.

A woman entrepreneur has found fortune in the production of black soap. Her business is growing, DANIEL ESSIET writes.

An amazon in black soap business

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RS Kera Oluwashola’s aim is to help women look beautiful. She has achieved it.

Before starting her business, she had spent some time exploring the best others were offering in beauty spa services.

Having successfully lauched her beauty treatment business, she began searching for related services to offer that will expand her business. Along the line, she discovered there was a big demand for black soap.

Apart from treating body diseases, a lot of Nigerians appreciate black soap becaus it coud make a woman look good.

With some many brands in the

•Black soap

market, she started looking for ways to produce her own special black soap that will be appreciated by people.

After much research,she was able to produce a unique product that is gaining acceptance.

With responses,she is receiving now, Mrs Oluwashola is glad that she listened to her instinct. Now, the soap sells so quickly that she does not stock any.

Networking has helped her business grow tremendously.

Whereever she goes, she talks about black soap and how

people can order it. So far, she has got her products into various retail locations and markets.

The progress is encouraging.

Her plan is to take advantage of the business environment in Ogun State to expand her frontiers. To accomplish this, she is exploring accommodation provided by the business incubator centre.

Though still small in scale, Mrs Oluwashola is glad she has a successful business providing spa and beauty treatment with black soap products made

•Mrs Oluwashola

from natural ingredients. The business empire she started with less than N50,000 is self-

sustaining. Like many entrepreneurs, hitting goals and exceeding expectations is what makes her happy. Besides, she craves hard work and tasks that seem impossible.

She sees her self as a business woman, making her fortune promoting products,which emphasised the beauty of the black skin, at a time when many of her competitors were selling dangerous skin-bleaching formulas.

But one of the things that makes her proud is the beauty academy in Ikorodu, Lagos that she has trained to train young people, mostly women on beauty therapies.

Equally important to her is her role as an aesthetician. She cites seeing a skin condition resolved as something that gives her “joy”.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

39

BUSINESS NEWS

Skye Bank: Playing in the big league The addition of Mainstreet Bank to its stable has, no doubt, raised the profile of Skye Bank to a mega financial institution in Nigeria, reports ALVIN AFADAMA.

T

HERE’s a level of achievement one attains, and people will start saying that at this rate, the sky is no longer the limit. This, in a sense, is the story of Skye Bank.

With its acquisition of Mainstreet Bank, Skye Bank has conveniently been elevated to the status of a financial institution, aptly described as ‘Being too-big to Fail.’ In other words, the sky is no longer the limit for Skye Bank.

Skye Bank is not new to acquisitions. It’s, in fact, a veteran and a product of many acquisitions. It is indeed a bank at home with mergers.

It is shown that in 2006, Prudent Merchant Bank Limited merged with four other banks to become Skye Bank Plc. The four other constituent banks include EIB International Bank Plc, Bond Bank Limited, Reliance Bank Limited, and Co-operative Bank Plc. To the credit of the management of the bank at take-off, that seamless consolidation soon saw the bank evolved into one of the top financial institutions in the country. That high score, in the view of analysts, has prepared the bank for greater roles, as it takes this bold step to leapfrog contemporaries from being a tier two bank, to one of the top five banks in Nigeria by number of branches.

The bank has admitted that the acquisition of Mainstreet will avail it of many benefits, including business optimisation, and greater ability to offer business convenience to its teeming retail and commercial customers, with a combined branch network of over 450 Nigeria.

Market watchers are of the opinion, and rightly so, that the new Skye Bank, will ultimately transform into one of Nigeria’s leading megabanks, pointing out that apart from investor confidence which would see investors support moves by the bank to strengthen its capital base as the management might deem necessary, the bank is expected to aid a seamless business combination with the acquired unit.

Prospects Even in its previous state, Skye Bank has demonstrated a knack for profit making. In the first nine months after the first consolidation of 2006, the bank posted profit of N2.5 billion. By the end of the same period in 2007, it’s management led by then Group Managing Director/

‘Skye Bank has demonstrated a knack for profit making. In the first nine months after the first consolidation of 2006, the bank posted a profit of N2.5 billion’ CEO, Akinsola Akinfemiwa, was also able to more than double the figure to N5.5 billion. This reinforced the belief of the investing public in the management of the bank.

Pedigree Skye Bank has a cumulative wealth of experience spanning over 50 years, which historically makes it one of Nigeria’s oldest banking institutions. The major strengths of the bank, amongst others, include its diverse ownership structure, quality management and staff, prudent financial management and strong reputation on service delivery. To this the bank has now added size by the acquisition of Mainstreet Bank which sees it spring to being ranked among the top five banks in Nigeria by branches.

Even before acquiring Mainstreet Bank late 2014, Skye Bank was quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, with of a shareholder list of over 450,000 names, made up of individual and corporate investors.

This, industry analysts are quick to say is a vote of confidence by the investing public in the banking institution.

One of the striking things about the ownership structure of the bank, unlike some of its competitors, is that the shareholding structure put no more than five per cent in the control of any one individual or company. This fact ensures that the bank is scientifically managed devoid of any external influence or pressure from ownership. The enterprise is devoid of investor influence which leaves it wholly to professional management.

Portfolio Given the strong investor base garnered from the acquisition which actively supports its investments and strategies, Skye Bank, having identified the shipping and real estate sector as a growing market that offer excellent opportunities for profit,

introduced the first real estate investment trust unit, or REIT, to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, thus helping investors benefit from growth throughout the market while at the same time reducing their investment risks.

In the case of the shipping industry, Skye Bank was the first financial institution in Nigeria to set up a department dedicated to the maritime business, leading to the financing of the purchase of the Seaway Rover Panama, a first of its kind by any Nigerian bank.

In yet another achievement, the bank in 2011, scored another first when it introduced a Naira denominated MasterCard debit card, called “MasterCard Verve,” used to make payments across multiple channels, like the Automated Teller Machines, Point of Sales terminals, internet and telephones, among others.

Aside the debit card, Skye Bank has brought a lot of innovations into the financial market through the introduction of several e-payment solutions and platforms which have eased the inconvenience suffered by many bank customers.

Among the e-pay solutions introduced by the bank is the Skye Visa cards, Skye Mobile and internet banking.

It is with these past successes that industry analysts have expressed confidence in Skye bank’s capacity and ability to maximise the acquisition of Mainstreet Bank to deliver on its reach and assets like it did in the past. The bank’s management over the period, has been consist in its prudent management of its resources, resulting in its steady growth to the point that Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), classified Skye Bank among eight banks strategically designated as ‘Systemically Important Banks.’ This accolade is an eloquent testimony to the bank’s industry leadership, strong market share, diverse location spread, and strong brand equity.

Moving forward

• From right: Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kolapo Olusola; Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) President, Alhaji Tunji Labode and ANAN first Vice President, Sir Anthony Nzom at the opening ceremony of ANAN MCPD in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital.

In demonstration of its readiness to make the most of the acquisition, Skye Bank has given details of how the acquisition of Mainstreet Bank Limited will positively impact its business operations and enhance the achievement of its strategic objectives and goals.

It said the acquisition will avail it of many benefits, including business optimisation, and greater ability to offer business convenience to its teeming retail and commercial customers, with a combined branch network of over 450 Nigeria.

These, market watchers contend will see the evolution of Skye Bank into one of Nigeria’s leading megabanks. Apart from investor confidence which would see investors support moves by the bank to strengthen its capital base as the management might deem necessary, Skye Bank, with its new addition, is expected to aid a seamless business combination with the acquired unit.

Investment Move Mainstreet Bank Limited, being the acquired unit is coming with inherent advantages as it would help Skye Bank deepen penetration in parts of Nigeria where it was hitherto not well represented like the Southeast and Southsouth regions. The acquired unit has 201 branches and nine subsidiaries, with 54 branches located in the two regions earlier mentioned. This would help Skye Bank compete well in the retail segment Skye Bank has expressed optimism that the acquisition would bring valuable synergies from the mutual focus areas of commercial and retail banking of the two entities in a larger Skye Bank. The bank

• Skye Bank CEO Timothy Oguntayo

noted that its focus is on retail and commercial banking, known as the main focus areas of Mainstreet Bank Limited.

Another area of strength that Skye Bank would be hoping to explore from the transaction, is Mainstreet Bank’s power in the agribusiness sector. Indices show that Mainstreet Bank Limited has a history of successfully managing agricultural loans. From Mainstreet Bank’s financials, agricultural loans account for 12.6 percent and 16.9 percent of its loan portfolio in 2012 and 2013, trailing the ‘general’ sector.

The evolving mega bank hopes to tap from the human resource expertise at Manistreet Bank to sustain this.

The demonstrable expertise at Mainstreet Bank has seen it managing agriculture loans so well that its non-performing loan ratio remains very negligible at 0.01 percent. This is why Skye Bank has already identified the opportunity and would explore it to improve its expertise in this area, and therefore raise its market share in the agriculture sector.

This adds to address one of the tricky issues in business combinations – staff matters. The human resource at Mainstreet Bank can rest assure that their expertise would be required to complement their counterparts at the evolving Skye Bank both to manage the branches where Skye Bank is not presently well represented and the areas where Skye Bank would need to strengthen human expertise.

No matter how things go, Skye Bank is poised to evolve into a mega bank with a history supporting the bid of the management in actualising this ambition. For Skye Bank, the sky is certainly not the limit.

Kogi lauds Ecobank’s CSR

K

OGI State Governor, Captain Idris Wada, has commended Ecobank Nigeria and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) for their support towards the eradication of the HIV/AIDS disease from the country.

The governor was spoke at a ceremony for the building of a Youth Friendly Centre at the Kogi State University, Anyigba.

The centre is designed to engage students in recreational activities, while providing a setting for dissemination of information on HIV/AIDS in a nonthreatening manner. It also provide a unique opportunity for students to go for HIV counselling and testing in a ‘friendly’ environment. The centre has four sections games bay, library with HIV/AIDS material, internet cafe/CD and video room and allied services section.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Idris Omede, said the decision of Ecobank to finance the centre was commendable, stressing that it would go a long way to checking the HIV/ AIDS pandemic in the state and the country.

“This Ecobank-NACA initiative is commendable. This will complement our efforts at tackling the scourge of the disease in the state. The disease has both social and economic impacts and there is need to scale up interventions to reduce new infections and minimise effects of the virus. The government is firmly in support of projects

such as this to check the epidemic.”

In his address, Deputy Managing Director, Tony Okpanachi, said the vision of the centre stems from the desire to use all available opportunity to give back and contribute effectively towards the society in which the bank operates. “We believe young people need a friendly, non-threatening environment that would offer recreational facilities and at the same time provide free guidance and counselling and access to information on reproductive health issues and HIV/AIDS.” He explained that the centres which have already been established in seven tertiary institutions in the country are designed to disseminate information on HIV/AIDS, assuring that the centre in Kogi State University will be completed on schedule.

Vice Chancellor, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Prof. Hassan Isah, assured that the centre would be beneficial to the University Community which harbours about 25, 000 youths, assuring that the facility will be put to good use. “We are deeply elated that Ecobank and NACA selected our school for this project and indeed the first state university to be selected in the country. Our obligations which includes the provision of guidance counsellors, centre administrator, volunteer peer educators, cleaners and security personnels will be honoured to the letter, while financial obligations to ensure a proper take off and functioning of the centre, will be pursued with vigour.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

40

BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL

China is world’s third largest arms exporter C HINA has become the world’s third largest exporter of arms after the United States and Russia, according to a new report.

China overtook Germany, France and the United Kingdom in exporting weapons between 2010 and 2014, said the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

China now accounts for about five per cent of the world’s exports of arms.

Three Asian countries, Pakistan, Bangladesh and

Myanmar, accounted for more than two-thirds of those exports.

The world’s second largest economy also had 18 African nations as clients during the five year period, according to the study, which said the data reflected the volume of arms deliveries and not the financial value of the deals.

China’s exports of major arms rose by 143 per cent in the five years to 2014

from the previous five years.

Meanwhile, Germany’s arms exports fell by 43 per cent, while France’s dropped 27 per cent in the same time frame.

Overall, that compares to a 16 per cent increase in the volume of arms transferred around the world.

However, despite China’s big jump in the global rankings, there is

still a sizeable gap between the volume of its exports and those of the top two exporters the US and Russia.

The US accounted for 31 per cent of the world’s weapons exports, while Russia sold 27 per cent. Exports from those two countries rose 23 per cent and 37 per cent in the time period.

SIPRI compares arms sales over five year periods because of large fluctuations in the volumes of arms traded year on year.

Cement mega-merger in doubt as Holcim changes tack

A

DEAL to create the world’s largest cement maker is in jeopardy after Swiss firm Holcim said its merger with French rival Lafarge could not go ahead “in its present form”.

The two firms agreed to merge in April, with Lafarge shareholders receiving one Holcim share for each Lafarge share.

But since then, Holcim’s shares have outperformed those of Lafarge.

Holcim said it now wanted to negotiate “in good faith” both the agreed share exchange ratio and governance issues.

If a merger were to go ahead the combined company would have sales of about •32bn (£22.8bn; $33.8bn).

“The Holcim Board of Directors has concluded that the combination agreement can no longer be pursued in its present form, and has proposed to enter into negotiations in good faith around the exchange ratio and governance issues,” it said in a statement.

In response, Lafarge said it remains committed to the tieup and was willing to explore “the possibility of a revision of the parity, in line with recent market conditions”.

However, it said it would not accept “any other modification of the terms of the existing agreements”.

“Lafarge’s Board of Directors remains committed to the project that it intends to see implemented,” it added.

China shares hit five-year high

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• Executive Director Corporate Banking, Keystone Bank Limited, Mr. Hafiz Bakare, Senior Technical Assistance to MD, Keystone Bank Limited, Temitayo Olutoye, Principal, Isolo Junior Secondary School, Mrs. Anthonia Adekemi, JSS 3 Tutor, Mr. Oke Olarewaju, Divisional Head, Festac Region, Mr. Emmanuel Ntomchkwu, Teacher Isolo Junior Secondary School, Mr, Oyelade and the Schools prefects, during a financial literacy program at the School in Lagos…

Iran, U.S. meet in Brussels

U

NITED States Secre tary of State John Kerry and Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif have held nuclear talks in the Swiss city of Lausanne before the Iranian delegation headed to Brussels for meetings with European ministers.

“We’re obviously in crunch time right now, and the next couple of days leading up to this weekend will be key,” State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told CNN from Washington. “We fully expect we will take to the end of the month to determine if we

can get to an agreement that both sides can live by.”

Six world powers - the United States, Germany, France, Britain, Russia and China - are trying to reach a framework agreement with Iran by the end of the month that would curb Tehran’s most sensitive nuclear activities for at least 10 years in exchange for the gradual easing of some sanctions.

The parties have set a June 30 deadline to finalise an accord.

The meeting between Kerry and Zarif included U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz and Iran’s nuclear chief Ali Akbar

Salehi, who also met on Sunday to negotiate technical details of Iran’s nuclear program.

“I’m very optimistic,” Salehi told reporters afterwards, leaving Zarif and Kerry in the room for a oneon-one meeting.

Kerry has urged Iran to make concessions that would allow six world powers to reach a political framework agreement for a nuclear deal with Tehran that would lift sanctions in exchange for tight restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear program.

The West suspects Tehran of ambitions to create an

atomic weapon. Tehran denies that accusation and says its research is for purely peaceful purposes.

In Brussels, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said an interim deal was still some way off.

“There are areas where we’ve made progress, areas where we have yet to make any progress,” he told reporters as he arrived for a meeting with his EU peers.

After their meeting in Brussels, the Iranian delegation will return to Lausanne for more talks with the Americans, and will be joined later in the week by European ministers.

WPP boss Sorrell gets £36m pay

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PP boss Sir Martin Sorrell will receive £36million from the advertising giant’s controversial incentive plan.

Sir Martin, and 16 senior executives, were allowed to buy shares under WPP’s management incentive scheme.

They were then given up to five times the total, dependent on how the firm performed from 2010 to 2014.

WPP’s market capitalisation increased by 133 per cent compared with the FTSE 100’s 21.3 per cent rise over the period, meaning executives received the maximum payout.

The scheme was closed to new share purchases in 2012 after shareholders protested,

but executives who bought shares before this remain eligible for the scheme’s rewards.

The share payout means Sir Martin is set to receive more than £40m in total pay and awards for 2014, and could stoke anger over executive pay.

“This is a dangerously excessive amount of money,” says Luke Hildyard, deputy director of the independent think tank, the High Pay Centre. “It is vital fund managers hold WPP to account when they get a chance to vote on this award on behalf of company shareholders.”

However, Mr Hildyard acknowledges that any shareholder revolt will be limited thanks to the strong perfor-

mance of WPP shares.

WPP chairman Philip Lader said the reward scheme “required substantial personal, long-term investment by the participants” as well as “exceptional corporate performance over five years”. “[The scheme] was approved by an 83% supporting vote of share owners.

The awards were determined by the arithmetic application of this 2009 plan and are aligned with the £12.8billion share owner value creation over this period derived from share price appreciation, dividends and share buy-backs,” he added.

WPP said Sir Martin had sold 48 per cent of his shares

award in order to cover tax liabilities on the plan.

The firm said its shares had continued to perform strongly since the end of last year, rising a further 16.3% to give a market capitalisation of £20.73billion ($30.56billion).

Earlier this month, WPP reported record annual profits for last year despite what it called “strong currency headwinds”.

It reported a 12 per cent rise in 2014 pre-tax profit to £1.45billion, on revenues that rose 4.6% to £11.5bn.

The giant group owns a host of agencies around the world, including JWT and Ogilvy & Mather, and employs some 175,000 people in 3,000 countries.

HINESE shares bucked the region’s downtrend to hit fiveyear highs after Beijing said it had plenty of scope to adjust policies to boost growth.

Premier Li Keqiang said on Sunday that policymakers would prop up the economy if growth was at risk of breaching a lower limit.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite closed up 2.27 per cent, 1.8 per cent at 3,449.31 the highest level since August 2009.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index reversed losses to close up 0.53 per cent at 23,949.55.

The rest of Asia traded more cautiously after a downbeat session on a Wall Street.

Friday’s weak US inflation data failed to derail expectations that the Federal Reserve would tighten monetary policy soon In Japan, the Nikkei 225

closed slightly up - 0.11per cent - at 19,274.95 after ending above 19,000 points for the first time in 15 years on Friday.

The dollar eased against the yen to 121.22 from 121.44 yen in New York on Friday.

Shares of Toyo Tire & Rubber fell more than 16 per cent after it announced last week that its subsidiary had falsified data to get government approval for an earthquake shock-absorption material.

Australian shares pared back earlier heavy losses but still close slightly lower.

The benchmark ASX 200 index ended down 0.32 per cent at 5,769.70 after falling nearly one per cent in morning trade.

The market has been volatile in the past month, with the benchmark rising 3.5 per cent and then losing the same amount.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

44

Countdown to March 28... 10 days to go

NEWS

Buhari’ll win presidential election, says Eurasia Group After a review of an opinion poll on the chances of the two leading presidential candidates – incumbent Dr. Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) -- Eurasia Group – the world’s largest political risk consultancy firm – has rated the challenger above the incumbent, giving Gen Buhari 60 per cent and Dr Jonathan below 40 per cent.

In the analysis below, Eurasia’s Philippe de Pontet, who is in Nigeria on a research, gives graphic details on how the group arrived at its verdict.

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E change our election forecast from a narrow win for incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to a victory for opposition leader Gen. Muhamadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) (60 per cent probability).

The electoral map is tilting towards Gen Buhari of the APC in the swing regions of the Southwest and MiddleBelt, while high turnout in his core northern base will offset President Jonathan’s advantage in the Niger Delta.

While a Gen Buhari administration’s reliance on technocratic, business-oriented senior officials will lead to constructive policy initiatives, we keep our long-term trajectory at neutral given the downside risks to oil production and policy implementation challenges.

Buhari edges ahead We had long viewed Goodluck Jonathan as a favorite to win reelection, but a number of factors now lead us to believe the edge has swung in Gen Buhari’s favour. The election will still be difficult to call, but our expectation of a narrow President Jonathan win was predicated on several factors that are losing some saliency late in the campaign.

Chief among them is the incumbency and financial advantages of the ruling party. While this still helps incumbent Jonathan, its impact is blunted by the intensity of support for Gen Buhari, lackluster grassroots campaigning by the PDP, and new anti-rigging measures by the electoral commission.

New Permanent Voting Cards (PVCs) and Smart Card Readers (SCRs) will sharply reduce the level of rigging seen in 2011, when Jonathan beat Gen Buhari in a landslide. Equally important are the enthusiasm gap between the candidates and widespread desire for change. Tepid support for President Jonathan, even within his own party, means there is no guarantee that patronage will translate into votes.

This is especially the case in the North where influential PDP governors and other leaders are taking the money but barely campaigning for Jonathan because of Gen Buhari’s overwhelming popularity in the region.

While we expected the electoral map to favour Jonathan, current trends suggest that the swing regions may side with Gen Buhari, including the Christian-majority and heavily populated Southwest around Lagos. That could be the decisive demographic factor in the election. Dr. Jonathan won the Southwest and Middle Belt handily in 2011, but faces an uphill task now. Gen Buhari has reached out to the Southwestern Yoruba community and

‘

In contrast, the PDP has been weakened by internal power struggles, including the dramatic departure from the party by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Another obstacle for the PDP is the downturn in the economy, especially the naira devaluations that have hit pocketbooks hard in the import-dependent country •Dr. Jonathan

•Gen. Buhari

‘

•Prof. Jega

Polls’ statistics Pollster Center for Public Policy Alternatives Afrobarometer IPSOS/Eurasia Group brought them into the upper ranks of his campaign and potential administration, in a political alliance of the country’s two largest ethnic groups (the Hausa and Yoruba). In contrast, Jonathan has struggled to make inroads with either group.

The spotty polling data which is available is also trending in favor of Gen Buhari.

A recent poll by a credible local think tank, the Center for Public Policy Alternatives, showed a heavy 5832 per cent lead for Gen Buhari in Lagos State — a state in which Jonathan handily defeated Buhari last election.

While a national poll by Afrobarometer in January showed a statistical dead heat at 42 per cent for each candidate, economic conditions with the weakening naira continue to deteriorate, along with the security environment.

According to an IPSOS/Eurasia Group model for predicting elections, incumbents have a hard time winning reelection when their approval ratings are below 40 per cent. We do not have polling data to confirm where President Jonathan is now, but given he was at around 50 per cent at the end of last year, our best guess is that he is below 40 per cent now.

In addition, the APC has suffered few defections during the campaign despite plenty of PDP inducements, suggesting a relatively united coalition whose members have confidence in the prospects of victory. In contrast, the PDP has been weakened by internal power struggles, including the dramatic departure from the party by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Another obstacle for the PDP is the downturn in the economy, especially the naira devaluations that have hit pocketbooks hard in the import-dependent country. That has played into the APC’s rallying call for change at an inopportune time for the ruling party.

Despite some important military gains against Boko Haram in the Northeast and a partial exoneration of its oil revenue management in a recent PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the PDP is starting to look desperate. Examples include: forcing the election delay; seeking (unofficially) the resignation of respected Independent Nigerian Electoral Commission (INEC) head Prof Attahiru Jega; questioning Gen Buhari’s health status; playing sectarian politics and casting doubts about the PVCs. This raises the possibility of another election delay, but we think that is relatively unlikely, in part be-

Candidate Buhari Jonathan Buhari Jonathan Buhari Jonathan

Party APC PDP APC PDP APC PDP

Rating in % 58 32 42 42 60 40

cause it would probably backfire politically and would certainly do so internationally. While some of his aides and military leaders may feel otherwise, President Jonathan himself is unlikely to support such a maneuver.

Expect a contested election outcome The above does suggest, however, that the administration will contest the election if it loses, especially if it is close. Whether that contestation is violent and protracted, or limited to a court challenge (which would likely uphold INEC’s election verdict) remains to be seen; it will likely be somewhere in-between the two. Worst-case scenarios like a military seizure of Abuja or a self-declaration of victory by the PDP and the de-facto partition (like Cote d’Ivoire in 2011) cannot be discounted entirely but are unlikely.

That is in part due to the enthusiasm gap for President Jonathan and also because of his own temperament. The concern, though, is if his administration is hijacked by hardliners in the PDP, who will do whatever it takes to stay in power and forestall a dreaded Gen. Buhari presidency that they fear will prosecute them for corruption.

A look ahead at a possible Buhari presidency Gen Buhari is a radically different politician and leader than President Jonathan, and his approach to security and corruption will be a sharp departure from the status quo, most likely for the better. When it comes to policies, however, there may be less divergence than meets the eye, especially in the economic realm. Many of President Jonathan’s priorities — power and agriculture reform, local content regulations, and selective liberalisation of the economy — will also be priorities under a Buhari administration, with differences of emphasis. Gen Buhari may additionally look to liberalise the rail, refinery and gas pipeline industries, none of which will be easy.

Even though a Gen Buhari win may be the better outcome for investors over time, we are keeping our shortterm trajectory (six months) at negative and long-term political outlook (two years) at neutral. In the near term, the post-election climate will be tense and likely contested regardless of who wins. But in contrast to President Jonathan, a Buhari administration has a different mix of assets and liabilities.

On the plus side, a Buhari administration would be stronger in tackling corruption, more reformist in the oil sector, and less likely to allow politics

Survey area Lagos National National

to swamp the business climate.

The reason we are not upgrading Nigeria’s outlook to positive, however, rests in the potential for an oil disruption and the likely pushback to Buhari’s policy agenda in a highly polarised political climate. His victory is likely to unleash a resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta (Jonathan’s home region) that targets the oil sector. Former Niger Delta militants have threatened to blow up oil pipelines, platforms, and personnel as in the past when they routinely took up to 500,000 barrels per day offline.

There is likely some bluster in their threats. The former Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) barely exists, but it could be reconstituted. It is likely in the aftermath of a Buhari win that pro-Jonathan ex-militants disrupt oil production, potentially on a market-moving scale. The risk may not be sustained for long, as most of the former militants are more interested in collecting their amnesty payments, enriching themselves from oil bunkering, and tending to business interests in oil and security. Opportunists may see a chance, though, to gain leverage for future amnesty deals, especially as the current amnesty program rewards militants roughly in proportion to their rank and ruthlessness.

Second, even though fiscal management is likely to be constructive, there are still some uncertainties about the broad direction of his economic team.

The austere 2015 Budget proposal that now includes a low $52 oil benchmark (in the Senate version in consultation with the Ministry of Finance) is likely to be broadly compatible with Buhari’s own vision for fiscal policy in the near term. Despite some expansive welfare and public works pledges in his campaign manifesto, the oil price climate, together with Buhari’s top economic advisors, will dictate austerity at least this year. That’s also consistent with his track record when he was in office in the 1980s.

It is not clear, though, that Gen Buhari has a strong economic policy orientation. This uncertainty is a chief risk for investors. Two different camps from inside his campaign will likely vie for control of economic (and other) policy. In short-hand, one camp is dominated by Southwestern (Lagos and surrounding states) technocrats and businesspeople while the other is

an old guard of Northern aides and politicians with longstanding ties to Gen Buhari. The policy gap between the two is vast, with the first group pro-business and pro-liberalisation and the latter group more statist and nationalist in orientation. The signal from the campaign is that the Southwestern group is ascendant when it comes to the economy while the Northern group will get important posts outside of the economic realm, including national security. Such a division of labor would be positive for the investment climate, particularly since Gen Buhari is known as a delegator outside of his core issues of national security and to a lesser extent, petroleum.

Gen Buhari’s likely approach to tax policy and tax enforcement is instructive. His emphasis, at least at the outset, will not be on raising or lowering taxes but rather enforcing the current tax regime, which is widely ignored by companies and individuals alike.

Using successful tax enforcement models from Lagos and elsewhere in the Southwest, the administration would look to combine a zero tolerance approach (stiff penalties) with greater transparency in the collection effort to “plug leakages.” Plugging leakages is a recurring mantra among Buhari’s economic advisors, who are convinced that tax/customs enforcement, revenue transparency, and tough anti-corruption measures will bring billions of dollars into the treasury without raising taxes or even including oil revenues in the equation.

That may be a hopeful assessment in the current oil price climate, but there is conviction behind it from the economic team.

Having been the Petroleum Minister previously, Gen Buhari is likely to take a more hands-on approach to the sector. He will push for reforms on multiple tracks — reform of the NNPC, reform of oil revenue transmission to the state (plugging leakages), and reform of the fiscal/regulatory climate for oil companies, perhaps in that order. Buhari’s platform calls for restructuring of the NNPC so that it is leaner and has less regulatory authority (and conflicts of interest) in the sector. This could allow for the commercialisation of its upstream operations, allowing it to borrow on international markets to make its joint venture cash calls.

The process is likely to be slow, with some pushback from vested interests.

That will be countered by the president’s discretion to appoint the Petroleum Minister, the head and board of the NNPC, and many others in decision-making positions. While corruption will not magically disappear, there will be fewer sweat-heart deals for favored local companies or opaque oil swaps, and high-profile prosecutions will set a tone of accountability that has been absent under the Jonathan administration.

A Buhari administration would funnel oil revenues to the Central Bank through the Single Treasury Account (STA) rather than through dozens of banks as is currently the norm. The Petroleum Investment Bill (PIB) will again be reformulated and probably streamlined into a far less expansive reform package; fiscal terms will improve of necessity for International Oil Companies (IOCs). This will open up a window of opportunity for passage of a far narrower PIB, especially if the opposition APC gains a parliamentary majority. Failing that, a Buhari government will focus on unblocking the many oil and gas disputes with the IOCs (blocked by vested interests) that are forestalling additional exploration and development.

Philippe de Pontet is Practice Head, Africa, Eurasia Group.

There was a mix-up in the table that accompanied the above story on pages 2 and 3 yesterday. The mix-up has been corrected and the error is regretted.

45

WEDNESDAY MARCH 18, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

GENERAL ELECTIONS

•Asiwaju Tinubu (fourth right), Ambode (third right), Senator Remi Tinubu (fourth right), Hon. Akeem Bamgbola, Hon. Gbolahan Yishau, Hon. James Faleke, Mr Kasumu, and Dr. Oluranti Adebule at the rally.

‘Igbo ‘ll not do hatchet job in Lagos’ Igbos in Lagos have resolved to support the governorship ambition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode. At a rally at Onikan Stadium, Lagos, Ndigbo and APC leaders sealed a new pact of peaceful co-existence and progress under the progressive banner, reports MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE.

O

NIKAN Stadium, Lagos, was aglow with festivities.

From sunrise, Igbos in Lagos State stormed the venue for a strategic rally. The goal was to drum support for the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the March 28 and April 11 elections.

The rally attracted party leaders, businessmen, students and other groups. They were dressed in the traditional Igbo regalia. They exchanged pleasantries in the native way, shaking hands firmly and hugging.

The popular Ndigbo greeting ‘Igbo kwenu, kwenu and kwezuenu’ rent the air. Songs exploring the myths and folklore of Nri Igbo, the ancestral home of Ndigbo, emanated from loud speakers placed in vantage areas.

The itinerary musicians gyrating the length and breadth of the stadium praised General Muhammadu Buhari as the light that cannot be hidden under the bushel, warning those who have plundered the wealth of the country with impunity to repent before it is too late.

The arrival of the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in Igbo costume, was the icing on the cake.

The eminent politician was cheered by teeming party supporters.

Tinubu urged Nigerians not to yield to the campaign to divide the country along religious and ethnic lines. He said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaigns of division were meant to pull the country down.

The former governor said Igbo in Lagos are dedicated and committed people, who have made significant contributions to the development of the state and Nigeria in general.

He said Lagos State is the land of opportunities for committed people, stressing that the APC government has never discriminated against them.

He said: “Some of you have been here for over 50 years doing your businesses unmolested. Nobody can discriminate against you. Nobody will fight you based on your language.

“Now, they have been coming to Lagos, calling you group by group giving you dollars, even ‘dollarised’ rice, ‘dollarised akpu’. But, can this translate into school fees for your children? Can this open business opportunities for you in La-

gos? The APC government has opened several opportunities for Igbo and we will continue to do so.”

Tinubu called on the Igbo not to bow to pressure from the ruling party. He said PDP only remembers them during elections.

He said when Nigerians voted for President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011, it was not done on the basis of where he came from, but on the ground that he would deliver on electoral promises.

The APC leader described the president as a failure.

“Today the naira has fallen. It is now N340 to a dollar.

The cost of living has hit the ceiling. Traders are finding it difficult to replace their stock. The business community is suffering and Nigeria needs a savour to bail us out.”

Tinubu said General Muhammadu Buhari saved the country in the past when it was facing socio-economic challenges, adding that Nigerians look forward to him to bail the country out its predicament.

He said those saying that age was not on Buhari’s side missed the point, noting that countries with similar challenges had sought the wisdom of the leaders, who were much older than Buhari to redeem their countries.

“Chief Obafemi Awolowo contested his last election at the age of 74. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe of blessed memory contested his last election at the age of 79. Nelson Mandela ruled South Africa at 74.

“Buhari is a soldier and a patriot. When America needed the greatest patriot to rescue it from economic challenges.

We need to tell ourselves the truth ‘because the country is not working.

We need someone to rescue the country in the person of General Buhari and, by the grace of God on March 28, he will be voted into power

’

They chose a retired soldier Dwight Eisenhower. When France was invaded by Soviet communist, they went to General Charles De Gaulle. When Britain was in trouble, the invited Winston Churchill to save them.

“This is the time we need General Buhari, who has done it before to rescue us from this elephantiasis. When Maitesini invaded some parts of the north he chased the away to Chad republic.”

According to him, General Buhari could afford to sit at home, but he is not the type who turn his back when the country is facing challenges.”That is why we are calling on the people to vote him, trust him with your mandate because he has what it takes to save the country in this moment of crisis and instability.”

The governorship candidate, Akinwunmi Ambode, who addressed the crowd in pidgin English, said the Igbo should distance themselves from the PDP’s propaganda. He promised to run an administration that will not discriminate against any ethnic group.

Discribing the cordial relationship between Lagos State and indigenes of the Southeastern states as legendary, Ambode said his administration would sustain the tempo.

“Lagos has stood for all of us, it is time for the people to stand for Lagos. I know the economic hardship does not discriminate, we are all facing difficult time and if something is not done Nigeria will go bankrupt.

The standard bearer promised to consolidate on the achievement of Governor Babatunde Fashola. He said there is need for continuity. He praised the Igbo community for taking a position about the destiny of the country.

“We need to tell ourselves the truth because the country is not working. We need someone to rescue the country in the person of General Buhari and, by the grace of God on March 28, he will be voted into power.”

Igbo leader Chris Nwakobia said the PDP government has failed the country. Igbo are not articles of trade to be used and dumped. He also said they Igbo has his pride. They are hard working and only ready to accept the best in term of • Continued on page 46

46

THE NATION WEDNESDAY MARCH 18, 2015

repudiate those who tinker with the idea of dividing us ‘ We along religious and ethic lines. We believe that together, we can make Nigeria work. That is why the Igbo are for change ‘

...

10 D AYS TO GO ...10 DA

Former Commissioner for Works and Transport in Kwara State Dr Abubakar Amuda-Kannike is the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives candidate in Ilorin South/East Constituency. In this interview with ADEKUNLE JIMOH in Ilorin, the state capital, he speaks about the dynamics of politics in the state and his chances at the polls.

‘PDP’s methodology is violence’

W

HAT is your reaction to the allegation that Senator Bukola Saraki is not allowing Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed to perform well in office?

To answer your question directly, it is false. In Kwara State, we have a perfect model of what is needed to deliver democracy dividends to the people. We are not going to shy away from the fact that Senator Bukola Saraki is the leader of our party. We reiterate it, we acknowledge it and we accept it. And in Kwara, we have been able to separate politics from governance.

Bukola Saraki has the experience and prerequisite to hold the political structure of Saraki dynasty, which is the platform that provided the current governor the opportunity to rule the state. We respect that and we are part of it. We are not denying it. But this arrangement is so perfect that it’s segregated from governance. Governor Ahmed, first and foremost, chose the people he wanted to work with. For instance, he gave me the opportunity to work with him as the commissioner for Works and Transport. He picked other commissioners. The only consideration, which is normal in political appointment in politics, ‘how do I spread, based on support base I had? Which constituency? Which local government, who are the people that voted for me. All those parameters are normal parameters

that anybody considers in appointment. Putting all these in perspective, he chose his team. That’s first.

He might not know some people, and the community might be the one recommending the person, saying okay, you gave us the slot, this is the person we are presenting. But, he still gives the community, that appointment. And when we worked with him, he created a viable team that worked with him.

When they now said Bukola Saraki did not allow him to work, was he part of state executive council or presiding over council meeting?

Council meetings are serious meetings where serious issues of state are discussed and decided upon.

And they are all documented by civil servants that would be there when we politicians leave. They were there before we the policians

We reiterate it, we acknowledge it and we accept it. In Kwara, we have been able to separate politics from governance

came. I was in the Works. In the last three and half years, most of the jobs in the government was in infrastructure, which the ministry took a major bite because we needed to do road for the people. And I can tell you that we were open in our process of getting people to do our job. Nobody was breathing down our neck. You see, it’s just in the imagination of the opposition, because they wonder how we have able to make these things happen. They are things they envy ordinarily. But, now, because the things are working for us, they want to castigate it and call a dog a bad name so they can hang it. Sincerely, we operate in governance and the political structure and leadership also operate on its own without any interference. So, I re-emphasise the fact that that the opinion exists in the imagination of the opposition. It’s not true at all.

There’s consensus arrangement in Kwara APC. How democratic is it?

Consensus is internal democracy in the first instance. It’s still a democratic process. It’s not autocracy.

What consensus means is that we are doing our own pre-primaries.

We might not go through the rigours of the acrimonies and strain of actually competing. We discuss.

There’s no consensus without due consultation, without putting the opinions of all stakeholders in per-

• Kannike

spective. It’s when you have a majority acceptance at the consultation level that you now present it as a consensus. So, it’s actually internal democracy for people who do not know. So, it’s still a democratic process. And what has that done for us? We are all witnesses to primaries of the PDP in Kwara State in this election. We know that lives were lost. It’s on record. And we had the APC primaries. There was no life lost. Voices were not raised.

And at the end of the day, do we have third party that are dissenting

or saying we don’t agree? No. Because it was popular opinion and decision. It means opinions of majority carried the day and the minority opinions accepted the majority opinion. That’s what consensus is all about. How democratic can it be? It’s what we inherited from the political icon of Kwara and our late father, may Allah bless his soul, Dr. Olusola Saraki. And we have seen that it has worked and we are rolling with it. It works for us and gives us the unity of purpose and intention and we achieve our aims through a non-violent process. So, it’s our own style of democracy and it has worked for us. We have domesticated it and has worked for us.

What’s your take on the freedom from bondage chant or slogan of the PDP in the state?

Is it the same bondage they benefited from? How free can it be? We have the current governorship candidate of the PDP, Senator Simeon Ajibola. I am a living witness to how he emerged candidates in the last two elections. If there was no freedom, how could he have emerged as the candidate? If there was no freedom, how could someone like his deputy governorship candidate, Alhaji Aluko, have had the opportunity of holding political appointment under same Saraki dynasty? Freedom from what?

Who’s forcing who on whom? I think it’s not too late for them to actually look for another political phrase for campaign.

‘Igbo won’t yield to campaign of division’ • Continued from page 45

leadership.

He said there was no amount of dollar that could make the Igbo trade his conscience, adding that Igbo were highly enterprising people, who do not look up to peanut dole out from any quarter to mortgage their future.

He said Igbo stands for dignity, due process and progressives politics.” I believe in progressive politics because our destinies is tied to the Yoruba as well as the Hausa.

“We repudiate those who tinker with the idea of dividing us along religious and ethic lines. We believe that together, we can make Nigeria work. That is why the Igbo are for change. We believe that, with the Yoruba and Hausa, we shall make Nigeria better, “ he said.

Lagos State APC Publicity Secretary Joe Igbokwe thanked the government for its accommodating and friendly disposition. He said the government has employed over 500 indigenes of the Southeastern states.

He said: “The APC government in Lagos State had provided jobs for our people . I am calling on you, my fellow brethren, to under study the 12 reasons why the PDP must go. The PDP has failed the country. All the promises they made to us have not been fulfilled.

“Let me acknowledge the sterling qualities of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who is a title holder in Igboland. We should pray for him because, if not for his efforts and those of a few patriots, Nigeria will a pawn in the hands of some selfish leaders, who are bent of destroying our collective unity.

“Let us vote people we can trust, Tinubu loves the Igbo. His fatherly role in the life of an average Igbo has been tremendous. Our businesses has been moving smoothly and we will reciprocate the effort by ensuring we vote continuity in Lagos and change in Abuja.

The choice of our support for APC is in view of the party’s credible and reliable presidential candidate who will tackle corruption and provide the enabling environment that will make business to thrive One of the earlier beneficiaries of the Spelling Bee Competition for public schools in Lagos, Mr. Alex Ezenagu, testified that the APC administration has assisted many children from poor background to become notable people in the society.

He said: “When I participated in the Spelling Bee competition, I emerged the best in Lagos State and I was awarded scholarship.

Thereafter I went to the University of Lagos to study Law and came out with first class. I again went to the Law School and came out with first class.

“The scholarship offered to me was not given on the basis of discrimination. It was not denied me because I am an Igbo man. It was given to me because I did well. That rare opportunity has transformed me today. I am appealing to my parents of the Igbo stock to please vote the APC, let there be continuity in Lagos and a change in Abuja.

The Eze of Ndigbo of Ikeja, Eze Uche Dimgba said the rally was a product of the Igbo endorsement of the candidacy of General Buhari and other APC candidates in Lagos State.

He said: “The main reason why the Igbo

• From left: Leaders of Christians for Good Governance Pastor Charles Edo-Abas, Dr. Abimbola Ajayi, Bishop Kayode Williams and Elder Abiodun Sopitan druming support for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, at a conference in Lagos. PHOTO: MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE

Ezes endorsed Buhari and all APC candidates is in view of the excellence recorded by the APC led administration across all the states of the federation.

“It is on records that Lagos State under Asiwaju Tinubu and Governor Fashola has made progress. We want what has been done in Lagos State to be replicated at the federal level headed by General Buhari.”

Dimgba explained the APC manifesto is the best among the other political parties in the country.”The choice of our support for APC is in view of the party’s credible and reliable presidential candidate who will tackle corruption and provide the enabling environment that will make business to thrive.”

The climax of the event was the issuance of red card to the PDP by the March 28 Countdown Red Card Ambassadors for Change. The members who wore Jersey with red card in the card, engaged in a football match between APC and PDP. Their leader, Linus Okorie, said the match

between PDP and APC should have been played on February 14, but the PDP committed foul and the match was rescheduled for Match 28.

“The APC has been awarded a penalty to played within box 18. It will be taken by the skipper General Buhari who is a goal getter.

He save the country before and he will deliver the country again. On March 28, he will deliver the ball into the net of the PDP to signal the end of the clueless government in the country.

During the symbolic issuance of the red card, Tinubu urged the cheering crowd to raise the red up, naming the various positions contested by the parties which the people used their red card to sack the PDP at every announcement.

Tinubu said: “At the senatorial election, who gets the red card?” The crowd chorused PDP. House of Reps, who gets the red card, PDP. The Presidential election, who gets the red card? PDP. The governorship, who gets the red card? PDP, other positions, PDP.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

47

The Midweek Magazine

F

OR over 90 minutes, the hall on the 5th floor of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s building at Alausa in Ikeja, Lagos was still scanty. The presidential candidate of KOWA Party, Prof Remi Sonaiya and two reporters were among the early arrivals. But for the continuous screening of documentaries of the formal opening of the old Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) at Ibadan on October 31, 1959 and the Independence Day celebration party that kept them glued to the screen behind the high table, the few guests would have been tired of the long wait.

Except Prof Sonaiya, who was present, most of the special guests invited to the book presentation, Opposition political parties and democratisation in Africa, edited by Gabriel Lanre Adeola, sent representatives. They included former Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi, All Progressives Congress (APC) vice presidential candidate Prof Yemi Osinbajo and Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji.

Expectedly, the occasion shifted slightly into a campaign platform, with speakers telling the audience of the need to have their permanent voter cards and vote wisely to be part of change. They also warned the youths, in the audience of a bleak future because of the dwindling fortune of the na-

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

‘Opposition is govt in the waiting’ POLITICS tion’s commonwealth.

Osinbajo and Fayemi called on youths to join the train of change in the nation’s political space by showing interest on who leads them. They also enjoined them not to shy away from exercising their civic rights in the forthcoming general elections.

Osinbajo, who was represented by Abimbola Ojerinde, said the youth must brace to face the reality of the state of the economy, which is in a poor shape. “Certainly, there is nothing waiting for you after school because the nation’s economy has continued to hit an all-time low. Exchange rate has also gone high with the devaluation of the naira. In fact, there is problem in the land and we have emergency situation on our hands. We cannot pretend about it,” he added.

He noted that the forthcoming general election is very critical to Nigeria just as the conversation on the political leadership of the country has changed with the coming of the APC as an opposition. He added that gov-

ernance is about the common good of the people.

Fayemi, who was represented by Akin Rotimi, said for the first time Nigerian voters are taken seriously by the politicians, especially the ruling party, which is battling to remain in power at all cost. He said the Nigerian voting space would not be the same again. “Nigeria is an eyesore and until there is a change of power, we will not realise it because the mess is being covered up. It is important to have a change at the centre, it is also critical to have a change in other levels of governance. So, everyone of us must be involved in the change,” he added.

KOWA Party presidential candidate, Prof Remi Sonaiya, who decried the increasing attacks by politicians on one another, said if there was ever a time on how parties should conduct their affairs, the time is now.

“Given what is happening in the political space it seems we are not sure how party in power should behave and how opposition party should behave too. I hope Nigerians are taking note and it is when citizens are fed up that they can effect a change. When

we keep absorbing all the cheats thrown at us, there will be no desire for change,” she said, describing the book as one good step towards a better political development.

Adeola described the book as an inspiration and would serve as eye-opener to Africa democratisation experience. He said the book offers a new perspective on political opposition in contemporary African democracies. “After a critical review of the classic and contemporary literature on the subject, it proposes a renewed definition of opposition that better grasps the complexity of political opposition in democracies,” he said.

He recalled that he got the desire to put the book together when he returned to Nigeria from France and discovered a gap the book could fill. “The articles I gather together covered all aspects of opposition. They were written by 42 scholars from 26 universities.

In fact, given the content, the book will surely assist the politicians. But, the message is what is opposition? It is government in the waiting. If I had written the articles alone, I won’t have been able to cover enough grounds.

Nigeria needs a change,” Adeola added.

PEACE ACCORD

•From left: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oshodi-Isolo House of Representative candidate, Shodimu Alao; Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Akinpelu Police Station, Jimoh Alu; All Progressives Congress (APC), Oshodi-Isolo House of Reps candidate, Muyiwa Olabintan; DPO, Makinde Police Station, Anthony Aruna; Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Executive Secretary, Dawood Olajobi; DPO, Shogunle Police Station, Grace Eze; APC’s State House of Assembly candidate, Kayode Ogundipe; Mr Olu Ayodele and PDP’s State House of Assembly candidate, Akeem Shokunle during the signing of a peace accord by stakeholders at the local government secretariat.

‘What does Mr President read?’

•Continued from Page 16

demned to an unending abyss of anguish, into which they must plunge all of us”. While urging political office holders to heed the warnings of history, the author of the insightful play, Another Raft, charged writers to use their literary and creative weapons against tyranny and oppression.

He said: “At a moment when the people are stricken or confused, our stage should be a refuge of resurging possibilities, a raft of dreams to keep the people above despair, a guiding light to serve as beacon to those adrift… The problem, some would say, is that we are not soldiers, but writers and, as writers, we have only one weapon —our pen. And pens only weave words.

“And yet remember this—that, weighted with metaphors and images, and other tricks of rhetoric, words can carry a deadly power.

Furthermore, put in the mouth of actors on a stage, words can become a formidable arsenal of resistance or of re-assuring hope.”

Charged by the different electrifying sessions, the playwrights deliberated on “What plays to write to stir the sensibilities of populace and regulate the decay in the land”. Prof Olu Obafemi urged playwrights to mobilise their arts as instrument that can help redirect the course of the land. He said: “We must begin to think of the state of our society in these times of galloping inflation and deregulation; we cannot afford to remain as

inactive followers but ensure we participate effectively.”

Associate Professor of English at Unilag, Dr Osita Ezenwanebe called for comical plays to douse the rising anger in the polity. “You can write all kinds of plays as long as they provide social healing and displaces the anger in the land.”

Ace playwright and veteran journalist, Ben Tomoloju, canvassed for people-centred plays, saying playwrights should ensure the masses are not alienated in the plays.

Participants also deliberated on the position of the academia vis-à-vis Nollywood on various allied institutions and professions that come under the purview of the dramatic arts.

In his paper, entitled Theatre and Film in Nigeria: Whither Goes the Academia in the Nigerian Film Industry, the Managing Director, Abuja Film Village International, Segun Oyekunle called for collaboration between the playwrights, other writers and filmmakers. Other participants included Prof Segun Adeoti; Dr Grace Hassan-Adinku of the University of Ghana, Legon; Dr Salihu Bappa; Vice President, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Denja Abdullahi; Dr Bisi Adigun of Arambe Productions Dublin, Ireland; Dr Greg Mbajiorgu; Ag. KWASU Director, Centre for Nollywood Studies, Dr Carmen McCain; Dr Solomon Igunare; Jare Ajayi and Dr AbdulRasheed Adeoye.

At the close of the conference, participants

• Participants at the confab.

came up with a communiqué, suggesting that: “theatre which seems to have lost its voice among other contemporary forms of arts should be re-energised to attain a competitive and profitable level”; “playwrights earn a place in the front-burner in the national reckoning by interrogating in an engaging and entertaining way issues of social discourse, such as leadership problems”; “playwrights take into consid-

PHOTOS:IBRAHIM BABA ADAMU

eration the moral and psychological health of children in the face of the corrupting influences of multimedia channels”; “effective collaboration between the town and gown in the playwright’s pursuit of excellence”, and “enhancement and sustainability of creative atmosphere and free expression by relevant authorities governmental and non-governmental”.

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‘Every artwork is like your child’ Professor of Art, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, United States (US), Dele Jegede, in this studio talk with Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME shares his studio experience and views on INEC and relevance of art movements to the growth of arts, among other issues.

HAT is your studio work schedule like? How many hours do you spend in the studio per day?

My studio work schedule is perennial and interminable.

In one respect, my studio is a cerebral deal. I nurture and incubate ideas mentally over a period of time. I annul the usual distinctions between the physicality of practice and the fertilisation of ideas. So, you can say that my studio practice is both meditative and performative. What matters most to me is the gestation of ideas, which may take anything from a flash—a sudden burst of insight—to eternity. My studio work covers just an aspect of the totality of my commitments. As a professor, my commitments range from conducting research to teaching; carrying out quotidian academic chores to making art. I divide my time between writing and painting.

Whenever I am in the practice zone, I remain in the studio for as long as I have to, regardless of the time of day.

What are you working on currently: exhibition or commissioned works?

I am currently working on a solo exhibition, which will be my second in the last four years. My forthcoming exhibition, which will be in a major gallery in Lagos, stems from my latest exploration of ideas and new media. It will be a combination of figurative and conceptual aesthetics. It is a body of work that I have been working on specifically to commemorate my 70 th birthday, which comes up this year.

How many works are you working on concurrently and why?

It is difficult to itemise. At any given time, I have upwards of two, three, or four canvases that I am working on. And, as you may have suspected, a blank canvas is something of a battleground; it presents its own challenges and dares you to make your move. There are times when issues are resolved amicably between you and the canvas; when it honours your moves and reciprocates your gestures. But there are other times when the canvas becomes recalcitrant and uncooperative: when you reciprocate such stubbornness by turning the stupid canvas against the wall and leaving it there for as long as it takes. This is purgatory of sorts for the poor thing. It is a test of wills. Some times, this practice works. You go back and voila! Case solved.

But at other times the canvas remains unyielding, and you may have to resort to extreme measures such as painting over it

W

• Jegede

•One of Jegede’s works

INTERVIEW completely. There! You just exercised your power as an artist. The Yoruba say that, “Ohun ti ko lenu, ki i gbon ju eni.” “That which cannot speak should not outwit one.”

Of all the media, which one do you find challenging to handle and why?

I see a medium—any medium—as a means to the attainment of an idea. A medium is part of a process, the mastery of which is fundamental to any successful assertion of your expressivity. That is foundational. At my stage in professional practice, I have come to prefer certain media to others. I favour two-dimensional platforms and continue to experiment with new media. In recent years, I’ve limited my romance with oil-based media, preferring instead to focus on water-based processes. The challenge here is to limit my exposure to fumes and potential hazards that are an expected consequence of a studio space with circumscribed ventilation systems. Besides, artists owe themselves a duty to take necessary precautions and avoid health risks that are posed by exposure to certain media.

In your personal collections of your own paintings, are there works you will never part with? If yes, what is the attachment to them?

Potentially, every work is like your child. You gave birth to it. And this explains the attachment. I am often reluctant to part with my work. I hoard my work. I prize it above monetary recompense. This seems inevitable because my time is split among several endeavours as professor. Yet, part of you often must be with your work. Even at that, you are never fully parted with it since you do have multiple processes of reproducing the same piece although Walter Benjamin’s notion of the diminution of aura and authenticity is worth noting in this respect. Here’s the deal though: I will rather give my work out free to someone with incurable love of art, but no means than sell it at an exorbitant price to someone, who has the means but no respect for the art.

As a seasoned artist, what is the relevance of art movements or guilds to the growth of art practice?

The critique of art formations and movements falls within the purview of art historians and art critics. This is one area that is relatively under-developed in

Nigeria. Contemporary art is that precisely because we are all still in the moment; we as yet do not have the mandatory spatial and temporal distance that is a necessary component of enduring historicisation. Art movements will continue to remain relevant, even inevitable, so long as there are artists who continue to work and experiment. At times, you need decades to be able to compartmentalise movements. Traits that may initially be fugitive or indiscernible have a way of settling down later. For example, based on their creative longevity, it should be relatively easy at this point to examine the stylistic trajectory of the works of, say, El Anatsui, Bruce Onobrakpeya, and Kolade Oshinowo. But we may not as yet have the spatial gaze that will help us determine which of these artists is central to any broad-based movement, and which is at the cusp of inscribing or initiating a movement. As for guilds, they are an inevitability, regardless of the nomenclature that they claim—society of this, association of that, or whatever else may emerge.

Considering the many debates on different national issues in politics and economy, how has the visual artists fared in contributing or adding his or her voice to the talk?

There is no doubt that visual artists have realised the economic viability of their profession. What I don’t know as yet is the extent to which they have translated such viability to political capital. Nigerian artists have a responsibility to express their political opinion and exercise their political rights without let or hindrance.

Demas Nwoko once demonstrated the innate propensity to exercise political right when he threw his hat into the political ring a generation or so ago. Our inimitable Fela Anikulapo-Kuti once formed a political party. Of course, we do not all need to be candidates before we make our contributions to on-going political debates. Such contributions may come in the visual agendas and portfolios that artists present to the public. Jelili Atiku, for example, has shown the capacity for performance art to engage in subtle or covert critiques of cultural, social, or political systems.

There may be understandable reasons why visual artists are not known (as yet) for the public exercise of their political views. Some may be dismayed by the unbridled sycophancy that has become

normative. Right now, Nigeria is on the right path in one respect: the embracement of democratic practices. Oh yes. Feel free to quibble about the democratic process itself; it certainly is far from being perfect.

But regardless of its shape (which is a function of the dramatis personae) what Nigeria should continue to celebrate is the institutionalisation of the democratic process. In its most execrable form, which is what we are currently seeing in Nigeria, a democratic dispensation is better than a military dictatorship. I am optimistic that the days of peremptory broadcast on national television by stern-looking military dictators, interspersed by martial music, are over forever. That is worth celebrating. But Nigerians have a duty to protect this incipient democracy.

That said, what is appalling is the lack of civility that has characterised the political discourse. There is a shocking display of gratuitous grandstanding, crudeness, uncouthness and plebeian mentality particularly among the top hierarchy of the political class. A top citizen of the country, one who, though not elected, enjoys all the pomp and pageantry that come with an exalted office, could use some decorum and exercise decency in the choice of words for opponents. Disagreeing with a political opponent should not entail being disagreeable. It certainly should not warrant wishing anyone dead. I have looked, in vain, for a robust campaign that is based on issues and not on trivialities and sophomoric vituperations especially by political operatives that include a oncedemoted governor and a former minister who appears to specialise in nothing but corrosive utterances that belie the dignity and equanimity that his status is supposed to command. Where is the decorum? It is astonishing that a political umpire, who was appointed by the government, has been dragged into an unnecessary political fray, which is clearly aimed at impugning his integrity. Everything, including the kitchen sink, is being thrown at INEC. It is surely unsettling to read statements and see political adverts, which virulently attack a man who cannot (and should not) volunteer a response at this point. In all of this though, our cartoonists should be having a field day. I’m not sure that I have seen enough impactful cartoons that are devoted to searing critiques of the ongoing political buffoonery and sophomoric outbursts by certain personalities.

Peculiar Saints Orphanage relocates to Ajah

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CHARITY organisation Peculiar Saints Orphanage is moving to Ajah, Lagos, in its expansion bid.

Its proprietor, Mrs Olamide Turner, said: “Right now, we run a normal orphanage because we don’t have the facilities to run a home for kids with disabilities. In that our permanent site, we have a sick bay, all the rooms are ensuite so we can change from a normal home to a home for people with

By Ovwe Medeme

disabilities and challenging behaviour.”

The proprietor, who became an orphan as a child, said she got interested in running an orphanage after working at the Lauryn Hall Home which caters for children with disabilities and challenging behaviours in the UK where she was based.

“Even while I was in the UK, whenever

I come to Nigeria, I ask of old hospices and I work there on compassionate grounds. That was where I started from in Nigeria. Presently, we are trying to get partners. We have people that are sponsoring our children in school before they go out for adoption. I also have a board and the members are very supportive,” she said.

Since inception in 2012, 28 children have passed through Peculiar Saints

Orphanage, according to Turner. “Our own mission is not to keep kids at the orphanage permanently. We want to settle them in homes. Our home is like a transit point for children. We adopt them out, of course through the Ministry of Youths and Social Development. So far about 10 of our children have been adopted by homes in Nigeria and abroad,” she also revealed.

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The Midweek Magazine

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Collector decries poor art appreciation

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LAGOS-BASED art collector and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Aguene Art Foundation, Chief Solomon Ogbonna, has decried the lack of support from the government and poor art appreciation in Nigeria. He called for the building of standard museums across the country, saying nothing would strengthen a people as much as a proper appreciation and understanding of their own history. ”I believe that art is a form of culture and an extension of the mind and reasoning of the spirit. I am an advocate of the customs and traditions of Africans, and I am convinced that nothing will strengthen a people as much as a proper appreciation and understanding of their own history as recorded by their own people in their own language,” Ogbonna said.

He said if he had his way, one of the biggest museums in the world would be built in Nigeria, as he believes strongly that the country is blessed with a rich arts and cultural heritage that are not given due attention. Indeed, one of the things that have continued to surprise him is why the government, especially the governors, are paying lip service to art and culture?

“It is a shame that most of the states in Nigeria, despite the rich cultural heritage and artifacts in them, the country cannot boast of any standard museum that can showcase their ancient or modern arts or

•Queen Idia mask Stories by Ozolua Uhakheme

ART APPRECIATION compete favourably with museums in other parts of the world. Rather, our sons and daughters travel to the western countries

and are proud to flaunt it that they saw one, two or more art works of their tribes on display in various museums abroad, raking in money for the western countries in the process. It is a known fact that Nigerian art works do not serve decorative purposes alone. Aside being priceless, they also convey important messages to the people, especially bronze, copper and wood works, which have been rated in the world as the best and most valuable African art.”

He went on: “Our leaders should know that setting up a standard museum that will attract tourists from all over the world is not about a certificate or how educated one is. It is also not about appointing a friend or relation who has no interest or knowledge in, or love and passion for, art and tradition as a commissioner or minister.

“It is also pertinent to know that no one can govern his people without having a clear knowledge of their art, culture and tradition,” Ogbonna said.

He rsaid the preservation of art, culture and the tradition of the people is a passion in his family. He said the Aguene Art Foundation is a product of his love for art.

“We launched the foundation about two years ago, specifically, on August 21, 2013.

I want to use this foundation to help young artists who are talented but do not have the material to showcase and expose their talent to the world because of lack of resources.

The foundation will help them with their creativity and make them independent, and also serve as a medium to empower students who are talented – in primary and secondary schools and also in higher institutions.

“I have over 6700 arts works including modern and ancient arts, bronze, beadworks, word carvings, paintings, batiks, ceramics, fibre glass works, some of them dates to 200 years ago. I have some terracotta (Nok Culture) works that are about 2000 years old.”

So, is he just collecting art works just for its appreciation and documentation or is he also thinking of making money from them?

“For the modern works, yes,” he said. “I can commission specific works for people to buy. For such work I also personally supervise them to make it special, make it different. What I do with most modern works that I commission, I don’t use one artist. Sometimes one artist could do a work to a particular stage and I will tell the artist to stop so that someone else will touch it. So you cannot claim the work, also you cannot copy the work.”

“I hope to hold the first exhibition of most modern works I have collected for over two years. The exhibition will hold here in my house in April this year. The works for the exhibition will be limited to those I collected from two years ago till date,” he said, adding, however, that the works are not for sale.

•Children at the event

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FTER a successful debut last month, a new creative session tagged Children Art Club, endorsed by INSEA and supported by Teaching Visual Art and Olumo Art Movement, will hold its second edition on March 21, at the Cultural and Musical Heritage Centre, Olumo Rock, Ikija, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Last month, the session attracted no fewer than 30 children between the ages of two and 16. The guests included the president, School of Virtue, Mr. Segun Coker; Director of Programmes, OGTV, Mr. Seyi Oladimeji and the Public Faces magazine team lead by Miss Bola Solate and president of Olumo Art Movement, Mr. Kola Anidugbe.

According to the organisers, the platform is to grant talented children

Promoting art at the grassroots WORKSHOP access to the best, most-stimulating and most-rewarding artistic engagements that include creative expression through drawing, mosaic, collage, painting, sculpture, wearable art, graffiti and many more.

Others include teaching and learning of art techniques under the guidance of artists and art educators; share ideas with their peers; hands-on workshops with diverse studio artists and art educators; building portfolio and participating in national and international art contests; showcase their talents and skills through

art exhibitions; virtual documentation of the children’s art works and media exposure. Facilitators included Alhaji Adeleye, Mr. Kehinde H, Prince Olusegun Adeniyi and a visiting artist, Lanre Tejuoso.

The Children Art Club was established to make art education and art practice accessible and affordable (absolutely free) for Nigerian children irrespective of their social background, status or religion affiliation. It is meant to improve and expand access to Art education in such that the children of our nation will receive a broad and balanced education. The essence is to create a springboard to help

the children on their voyage of discovery and self-expression.

The Children Art Club is an outlet for self-expression, started in January 2015 to unlock talents, encourage aspirations, and nurture creativity. It is a creative platform for every child to help them harness, maximize and express unhindered their God’s given potentials in a serene environment that inspire creativity. “It is a platform where we can reach each child through art as a therapy, empowerment and personal talent development. At the February edition, the children were made to create wearable arts with white t-shirts. It was fun and the children enjoyed the remarkable moment of creating art on ready-to-wear shirts,” the art director, Olusegun Adeniyi said.

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK

FOR THE

By Evelyn Osagie

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Hat maker, ITAM designs, would be showcasing its collection at the 2015 Burjuman International Millinery Exhibition ahead of the Dubai World Cup. The International Millinery Exhibition has been crowning the heads of über-stylish racegoers in the past 14 years. Bringing together some of the world’s most coveted milliners, this year’s exhibition welcomes new faces making waves in the world of hat making alongside popular names from previous editions.

The award-winning line-up of milliners flying in to showcase their one-of-a-kind creations makes easy pickings for Dubai’s fashionable fillies looking to complete their World Cup ensemble.

The exhibition, which coincides with the famous Dubai World Cup as a side-event and yearly style fiesta in the Middle East, will feature some of the world’s finest hat makers, including last Master Milliner in Styria, Austria – the talented Christine Rohr, Philip Wright, Christiane Rohr, Jennifer Bell, Liza Georgia, Christiane Edmondson and Hats by Sandy.

The designers, who have been specially selected from various parts of the world will reflect Spring/Summer fashion trends on the runway along with over 500 varieties of headwear. The headpieces will encompass bold florals, bohemian glamour, lace, bright colours and monochrome design. The edition of Dubai’s premier hat event features over 500 fabulous hats and headpieces ahead of the 20th Dubai World Cup, which is billed to take offf from tomorrow and end on March 27.

Nigeria’s representative at the event, ITAM design by Kings Signature, would parade its unique collection of headpieces and occasion hats made from the finest hand-finished trimmings and materials.

“Our collection is a wonderful celebration of seasonal colours and styles, perfect for the women for all variety of occasions and are available in stores and an exclusive list of stockists. We provide a wide range of head wears to match any collection and a fullymanaged service, such that the collection and colours are exclusive to our clients. And that is what we would be showcasing at the event.

The collection would showcases a beautiful explosion of feather on combs, feathers on bands, feathers on clips and a funky montage of feathers and flowers for the more frivolous amongst us,” according to Kings Signature.

LOVE OF MOTHERHOOD Taken at WawaAgawara Road, Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State.

PHOTO:JIMMY RAIMI

IREP to field foreign filmmakers

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HIS year’s edition of the annual iREPRESENT International Documentary Film Festival begins on Thursday, March 19 and will run through Sunday March 22 at the Freedom Park, the old Broad Street Prison on Lagos Island. The Festival is organised by the iRepresent Documentary Film Forum, an affiliate of the West African Documentary Film Forum (WDFF), and the Documentary Network Africa (DNA).

No fewer than 12 international guests from countries such as Germany, United States, United Kingdom, France, Cameroon, Gabon, South Africa, Kenya are expected at the festival, which will screen about 50 films in the course of its fourday duration. The festival also offers training sessions, workshops, seminars as well as Master Classes for young, aspiring and already practising filmmakers, which usually throng its programme in every edition since 2010 when it was birthed.

This year marks the 5th anniversary of the festival, which in its short lifespan has attracted the attention of world documentary film circuits including the People2People Festival in South Africa, the Munich-Germany based Dokfest; South Africa-based Discop; and Cameroon-based Ecrans Noirs.

The 2015 edition will explore the theme: Reinventing documentary filmmaking in a digital space.

Though conceived on the traditional iREP thematic framework of Africa in Self-conversation, the theme is premised on the reality that Digital media technology is expanding narrative possibilities and shaping audiences’ experiences of how realities are articulated.

Festival Executive Director, Femi Odugbemi said: “Documentary filmmaking is coming to terms with these new realities and continuously

finding hybrid strategies to navigate the blurred lines crisscrossing verite and satisfying the ever changing temperament of the digital world that is hip, fun-seeking, chaotic, multi-tasking, and attention sapping.

“For documentary filmmaking, digital technology presents a challenge and an opportunity that would either remarkably transform and redefine what passes as a documentary film or bury the art in its past. More than ever before, there is a need to reinvent the art of documentary filmmaking within the space of the new elements that are dictating the trend of media consumption and experience globally. We are also conscious of the inevitable movement of Television broadcasting and services into full digital era as envisaged by the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission and that that quite a lot of African nations have set same 2015 as deadline for their full embrace of digital broadcasting on the continent”.

The festival will feature screening of a carefully selected films representing the best of recordings of African experiences, conference, seminar and workshops on the journeys, challenges and prospects of digital broadcasting, training Programme for young African filmmakers on the technicalities of digital broadcasting, iREP Producers’ roundtable, and exhibition of Digital Broadcast equipment.

Others are live conversation with the public on the prospects of digital broadcasting, iREP Distinguished award for excellence in Filmmaking, support for industry, unveiling of iREP Tv There will also be Festival cocktails & reception; a ceremonial event that will bear the festive nature of the edition. It will feature a Red Carpet reception with a jazz band performing; a brief keynote on the journey of iREP Film festival so far by Prof. Niyi Coker of University of Missouri, St. Louis, USA.

ITAM Designs for BurJuman millinery exhibition

Exploring female sensuality

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LU Amoda, an internationally celebrated sculptor, muralist, furniture designer, and multimedia artist is showcasing his newest body of work titled: Fringe which explores the question of private and public space in the urban environment.

It is a beautiful evening at the grand opening of Fringe, which was exhibited at Art 21 on the ground floor of Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The space is infectious and gives a good view of the works of Amoda. It perhaps offers the right atmosphere and setting for the best of contemporary art to be viewed and appreciated.

As the world has become a global village where people connected via the internet, the artists are also connecting women and the world through their beautiful works, connection. They seem to know almost the unspoken words, thoughts motion and emotions of women and girl-child, and insecurity of all of women and girl, and insecurity of all sorts, which was presented in this show.

Amoda in his new work makes use of unconventional materials and posses, combined with an interest in pertinent social and political issues, charters new depths by examining the relationship between surveillance, religion and female form.

Central of Olu new work is the influences of technology and how virtual communication shape and prescribe identity the hyper_ consciousness of self presentation that is brought about by digital revolution.

In a statement Amoda he said: “We are constantly in the ears of spy agencies around

By Toyin Olasinde

SCULPTURE the world. Where by our whispering becomes as loud as ten million cacophonic devices around the world, if we use certain words regardless of the context and content.

In this virtual world, streams of data move in both directions just as the Newton third law of motion states”. “ Just as Adam and Eve lost their innocence after eating the forbidden fruit, we also lose our privacy the moment we buy any of these devices, be it Android or GSM smart phones, One privacy is totally compromised; some of our conversation or images are electronically “.

He added:” The amazing thing about these small devices is the speed at which ones conversation travels across the continents, it is this telecommunication feat of being able to have lives stream video chats that compromise our private conversations, which we think happen in a private space, becomes public, Something as small as a handset now connects us to the universe through radio frequencies. With this new work I intend to provoke a conversation on privacy in public space. The space in the context is the virtual space that is linked to a big monitor that is wired into the small devices which almost everyone above the age of five could operate.

These devices range from ones cell phone, tablet, pager, to laptops and desktop computers, to mention a few. Anything one says in a civilized conversation is being wire tapped”.

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BUSINESS EXTRA

Fed Govt unveils N39.6b Business Devt Project for MSMEs

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HE Federal Govern ment, yesterday launched the first ever Nigerian Business Development Services (NBDS) Network for effective performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

The N39.6billion (about $200m) project, called the Nigerian Business Development Services Network, is a private sector business development service providers network that is expected to work with MSMEs across the country to mentor them, provide support services and link them up with financial institutions.

Speaking during the launch of the NBDS and the unveiling of the National Business Development Services Market Place in Abuja, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, said the new initiative marked another milestone in the current administration’s determination to reposition the MSME sector as the major driver of inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.

• Scheme to serve as collateral for MSMEs From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

“Today marks another milestone in the development of the MSME sector in the country. Over the course of this administration, we have championed the course of MSMEs and we have made them the centre of economic policy, he said, adding that government treated them as a distinct sector and has developed policies and programmes to enable them grow and contribute significantly to GDP growth.

Aganga explained that in the latest survey on MSMEs, it emerged that access to funding was the biggest challenge for MSMEs in the country, pointing out that approximately 84.6 per cent of small businesses in Nigeria have to resort to personal savings and borrowing from friends and families.

He said, in addition to helping MSMEs to formalise their operations, the NBDS

would also serve as indirect collateral for small business operators.

Aganga said part of the reasons formal financial institutions give for not lending to this critical sector, is the informal nature of their operations, their poor record keeping and their lack of collateral in support of loans.

“These are the issues to be addressed by business development service providers, he said.

“They will help the small businesses with their accounting records, and with formalisation of their operations. In addition, they will serve as some form of indirect collateral because financial institutions will be more comfortable lending to small businesses when they know that they are being guided by professional businesses development service providers.”

Aganda praised the World Bank for their productive part-

nership with the ministry, assuring that the NBDS initiative would go a long way in addressing sector specific challenges hampering the growth and development of major growth sectors of the nation’s economy.

He said, “The launch of this network and programme would not have been possible without the support of the World Bank Growth and Employment (GEM) project, which is managed under the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

“This is a $200 million programme, which is focused on stimulating industry-wide activities in certain sectors in order to create jobs and improve the fortunes of participants in those industries.”

Aganga said the sectors were carefully chosen for their job creation ability and the multiplier effect that the development of these sectors have on the overall growth of the economy. He listed the growth sectors as Information and Communications Technology, Hospitality, Building and Construction, Entertainment and light manufacturing.

He said the project involves engaging with stakeholders in these sectors and addressing sector specific issues hampering the growth of these industries. Deserving companies in these industries will also be given grants that will enable them develop their concept, hire additional staff and grow their business.”

World Bank Country Programme Director for Nigeria, Mrs. Indira Konjhodzic, added that the Business Development Market Place was specifically designed to help overcome the barriers to the use of business support services.

Finance, PIB, threat to oil reserves, production targets

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HE Federal Govern ment has said that the challenges facing the oil and gas sector, including dwindling revenue caused by plunge in oil price, and the non-passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), are threatening its aspirations of growing oil reserves to 40 billion barrels and attaining four million barrels per day production by 2020.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, stated this at the ongoing Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference in Abuja. Alison-Madueke who was represented by the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Dr. Joseph Dahwa, said that reserves and production tar-

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

gets may be a mirage if these issues are not urgently addressed.

She appealed to the multinational oil firms and the local players to brace up for the imminent challenges and device strategies of raising funds for project execution adding that the conference is apt now considering current challenges in the global energy sector, which affects countries, companies and consumers alike.

She quoted Wood Mackenzie that relative to 2014, a total of $120 billion (24 per cent) has been cut from the 2015 upstream budgets of some 116 companies, which can go up to as much as 40 per cent.

Alison-Madueke noted that the persisting drop in crude oil prices has forced companies globally to slash capital spending in 2015, which is also taking its toll on Nigerian petroleum business.

“Persistent depressed oil prices may limit industry scope to maneuver in growing long term production and reaching the target of four million barrels of oil per day,” she stated.

The minister explained that under a sustained low oil price, the industry must challenge itself to raise funding for projects in order to meet these targets, which she reckons, requires radical changes in the cost environment, improved contracts and project management and innovative financing mechanism.

Senate endorses $300m Diaspora bond

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• From left: Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, Alhaji Bature Masari; World Bank Country Programme Director for Nigeria, Mrs. Indira Konjhodzic; and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, at the launch of the Nigerian Business Development Services Network and unveiling of the National Business Development Services Market Place, in Abuja … on Tuesday.

Electricity tariff slashed by 50%

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HE Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commis sion (NERC) has reduced electricity tariff by as low as 50 per cent and as high as 103 per cent depending on the zone. This comes on the heels of complaints by electricity consumers over the estimated billings regime introduced by the electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) NERC in a statement on its website blamed the DISCOs for passing the bulk of lost energy on power consumers forcing them to pay for what they did not consume. The Commission determined as inappropriate to transfer to consumers, collection losses that are controllable by DISCOs. It stated that it is the responsibility of the DISCOs to collect their revenue from their customers.

“Failure to do so should not be a penalty to customers who pay their bills. It is clear that removing the collection losses will lead to lower tariffs for consumers. The removal of collection losses from customer tariff has reduced tariff by more than 50 per cent in some places.

By Emeka Ugwuanyi and John Ofikhenua

Please note that the reduction does not affect the CBN facility and its repayment,” it stated.

NERC Chairman Sam Amadi, said the Commission stated that on January 1, 2015 when it approved the take off of the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO 2.1) that “we have received several complaints against the increase in tariff of different consumer classes.

Industrial and commercial consumers under the auspices of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) petitioned the commission asking for a review of the MYTO 2.1 and requested drastic reduction of their tariff. They claimed that such astronomical increase in tariff would kill their business and lead to massive job losses.”

Amadi argued that the Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act and the Business Rules of the Commission mandate the Commission to review its decision at the petition of an interested party who complains within 60 days of the decision.

“Pursuant to these rules, we organised public hearing and received evidence from consumer classes on the affordability of the new tariff. The Commission also invited the Chief Executive Officers of the distribution companies to the hearing to respond to the case of the consumer groups.

HE Senate yesterday gave President Goodluck Jonathan the nod to raise $300 million Diaspora Bond from the International Capital Market.

This approval comes over one year after President Jonathan sought the approval of the Senate to raise the fund.

The presidency increased the bond request from initial $100 million to $300 million.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, Senator Ehigie Uzamere, presented the report of the joint Committee on Local and Foreign Debt and Finance which recommended that the Senate should approve the request.

The joint Committee was mandated by the Senate to consider the request for the in-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst.

Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

crease in the amount from $100 million to a maximum of $300 million to be raised through the Diaspora Bond from the International Capital Market.

Uzamere said that the Senate at its sitting on February 4, 2014 considered Executive Communication from Mr. President for an increase in the amount to be raised through the Diaspora Bond from the International Capital Market and referred same to the joint committee.

He noted that the proposed increase in the Diaspora Bond is to fund critical infrastructure in the country.

He added that the proposed increase is believed will ac-

commodate a greater number of Nigerians in the Diaspora who have interest to invest in the development of the country.

Uzamere informed the Senate that the provisions of Sections 41,42,44,and 47 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 prescribed conditions for borrowing and verification of compliance limit upon which approval of the National Assembly will be premised.

He noted that based on the submissions by the Director General, Debt Management Office and several interactions the joint committee had, the committee observed as follows: That the $100million Diaspora Bond as passed in the Borrowing Plan 2012-2014 is too small considering the life of Nigerian Diaspora

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 17-03-15

Bears bite harder as investors dump equities

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HE tinge of bearishness that opened the Nige rian stock market this week became overwhelmingly evident yesterday as investors flooded the market with unrestricted sales orders.

With four decliners to every advancer, the preponderance of losers and the comparatively higher losses overwhelmed the market situation. Average day-by-day return was -1.26 per cent, pushing the average year-todate return to -14.73 per cent.

Aggregate market value of all quoted equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) dropped by N125 billion from N9.987 trillion to N9.862 trillion. The marketwide benchmark index, the All Share Index (ASI), slipped further to 29,553.69 points from its opening index of 29,929.56 points.

Seplat led the 24-stock los-

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

ers’ list with a drop of N20.42 to close at N388.08. Guaranty Trust Bank followed with a loss of N1.81 to close at N22.19. Zenith Bank dropped by 84 kobo to N17.96. International Breweries lost 55 kobo to close at N17.25. Union Bank of Nigeria dwindled by 50 kobo to N9.50. UACN Property Development Company lost 46 kobo to close at N8.89.

FBN Holdings declined by 36 kobo to N8.04. Oando dropped by 35 kobo to N13.

Diamond Bank slipped by 21 kobo to N3.99 while United Bank for Africa dropped by 19 kobo to N3.74 per share.

Market analysts attributed the steep decline to panic sales by some investors ahead of the general elections starting on March 28 as well as profit-taking transactions by some speculative investors.

Turnover was above recent average as investors traded 452.29 million shares valued at N3.28 billion in 3,743 deals.

Banking stocks remained the most active stocks. Diamond Bank was atop the activity chart with a turnover of 209.35 million shares valued at N835.32 million in 103 deals.

Access Bank placed second with a turnover of 48.18 million shares worth N296.92 million in 211 deals while FBN Holdings recorded a turnover of 40.33 million shares valued at N322.96 million in 534 deals.

On the upside, there were six gainers with Access Bank recording the highest gain of 60 kobo to close at N6.58.

Guinness Nigeria followed with a gain of 32 kobo to close at N126. Fidson Healthcare rose by four kobo to close at N3 while Costain (West Africa) added three kobo to close at 67 kobo per share.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 17-03-15

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

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MONEYLINK

CBN wants Chief Risk Officers on banks’ boards

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HE Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) is taking steps that would ensure that Chief Compliance Officers (CROs) are admitted into banks’ boards as directors.

Its Director, Risk Management, Folakemi Fatogbe who spoke yesterday at a ‘Solution Jam’ organised by IBM in Lagos, said implementing such decision will make it possible for the CROs to advise the boards appropriately on the risks they are taking.

She said: “By being on the board of these banks, the CROs will be able to speak directly to the board of directors, on the risks they are taking and implications for

Stories by Collins Nweze

the industry, and they will listen.”

Fatogbe, who was represented by a Deputy Director, Risk Management, Dr. Dozie Okwuosah, spoke on Operational Risk from Regulatory Point of View, said the position now is that CROs must be Assistant General Managers in banks, a position that makes it difficult for them to communicate the risks directly to the board.

She said e-payment fraud is currently the biggest headache faced by CROs and that needs to be tackled by adopting strong risk management procedures.

She also said CROs are

working closely with the CBN to address skills gap in the industry which is making it difficult for them to manage risks. He advised banks to share information on fraud to make it easier for them to control fraud within the industry.

Fatogbe said as it stands now, not much is done by banks in terms of information sharing on fraud within the industry.

She advised banks to develop a strategy that would enable them achieve a balanced risk management framework. He said such risk management framework should also go with improved technology. He said

Inflation rises to 8.4 per cent

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HE inflation rate rose for the third consecu tive month to 8.4 per cent in February, from 8.2 per cent the previous month.

The new figure is partly driven by increases in prices of imported food items, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said.

According to Reuters, food prices, which account for the bulk of the inflation basket, accelerated to 9.4 per cent from 9.2 per cent in January.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) devalued the naira in November and scrapped its bi-weekly forex auctions,

with many analysts fearing the downward pressure on currency could stoke inflationary pressures. “The imported food sub-index increased by 8.8 per cent (yearon-year), the highest increase recorded since February 2013,” the NBS said.

More than half of Nigeria’s population of over 160 million lives in villages. Imports account for only 13 per cent of total domestic consumption, the statistics office said, adding that the effect of imported inflation has been limited following the devaluation of the local cur-

rency.

The naira suffered its biggest monthly decline in more than five years last month, amid concern over political uncertainty after the presidential election was delayed and the CBN’s ability to manage the currency as oil prices fell.

The fall in the naira prompted the NBS to increase its year-end estimates for inflation in Africa’s biggest economy, to around nine per cent, the upper end of the apex bank’s target, from its January forecast of 8.78 for the year.

Meanwhile, the lender last week secured accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) for the GTBank Training Academy.

The CIBN, the sole accreditation agency for the banking and finance industry in Nigeria, set up a panel of eminent scholars and seasoned bankers in September last year to assess the curriculum and learning facilities of the academy.

At the end of the evaluation, the panel applauded the high learning stan-

Ecobank takes products to Enugu Trade Fair

E •CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele although banks were doing well in terms of risk management, more needed to be done.

COBANK Nigeria has put on display an array of cutting edge financial product at the ongoing 26th Enugu International Trade Fair which opened last Saturday.

The lender explained in a statement that special products representing its e-banking, transfer and middle class solutions are on display at the fair.

The bank is also offering financial solutions and advisory services to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and local corporate size companies.

Ecobank Regional Man-

JAIZ gets ISO 27001 certification

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AIZ Bank Plc has joined the elite group of eight banks awarded with the ISO 27001 certification.

The certification means that the Bank has met all levels of confidence in terms of information security management.

ISO 27001 is the gold standard for information security management and its main purpose is for the protection of information assets regarding their confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Receiving the certification yesterday in Abuja, its Managing Director Muhammad Nurul Islam said the certification attests to the organisation’s efforts to comply with local and international regulations regarding data protection, privacy and IT governance.

He said information asset defines an organisation and it ranges from physical and digital data, human capital, business processes and infrastructure among others.

Islam said: “Organisations certified to ISO have a competitive edge over peers as being able to handle and process clients’ sensitive information in a secure and professional manner. Certification also leads to a reduction in cost that may have arisen from unguarded risk exposures that are avoided or prevented, also processes are better aligned and attuned to the organization strategy and purpose.”

ager, South-East, Jovita Okeahialam said the trade fair provides the lender the opportunity to demonstrate the use of its products such as those that connect to the bank’s e-platform for mass appeal.

He stated that other special product offering such as the Ecobank Salary Advance is being offered to the public.

The Salary Advance enables workers collect up to 50 per cent of their salary from the bank before the end of the month in times of emergency.

He listed other Ecobank products on display to include the Ecobank Rapid Transfer; standing order; mortgages; the Western Union send and receive; and different cards solutions amongst other products being available to visitors at the fair.

IFC lends $175m to GTBank

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HE INTERNATIONAL Finance Corp (IFC) has given $175 million facility to Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) to expand its lending portfolio, the private arm of the World Bank said yesterday.

It said the financing comprises $100 million for IFC’s own account and $75 million through an IFC managed co-lending portfolio. GT Bank is a top tier commercial lender with 233 branches in Nigeria.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

THE NATION WEDNESDAY MARCH 18 , 2015

57

NEWS

‘95 villages displaced in Benue’

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HE member representing Agatu in the Benue State House of Assembly, Alhaji Sule Audu, has said about 95 communities have been displaced since the attacks in the state.

Audu, who yesterday addressed reporters in Makurdi on Sunday’s attack, said over 20,000 persons have been rendered homeless.

•’20,000 people rendered homeless’ From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

He said: “Since the invasion of the Fulani herdsmen in May 2013, about 95 villages in Agatu have been displaced. Only left is the council headquarters, Obagaji and four others, which have be-

come congested.”

Speaking on the latest attack, Audu said the invaders were in military uniform with army protective jacket, adding that they could have trekked from a long distance to get to Egba village.

“We were shocked at the manner they came because

the village they attacked was about 10km to the river through which they crossed to Egba. Some of the villages around were attacked in the past.”

The lawmaker urged the Federal Government to deploy the Joint Task Force (JTF) personnel to tighten security in the borders in Nasarawa and Kogi states.

Ogbeh blames Fed Govt’s laxity for killings

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HE former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Audu Ogbeh, has accused the Federal Government of not doing enough to stop the killing of women and children by suspected Fulani herdsmen at Agatu in Benue State.

He told reporters in Abuja that it was unfortunate that the attacks had been going on for a long time, with security men looking the other way and telling the people that it was not their business.

Ogbeh lamented that owing to the constant attacks, farmers could no longer go to the farm, while the people live in fear.

He said: “I just want to speak

on the endless attacks on the people of Agatu in Benue State by the Fulani herdsmen, who kept coming from time to time. On Sunday, about 80 people got killed, mostly women and children going to church. It does seem that the security agencies have been able to do much. We do not

know what to do next, but I think it is getting really out of hand.

“This happens almost every three months and the Federal Government does not respond much. We heard that even when the people tried to get to some security agents, they tell them it is not their busi-

ness. We hope this is a wrong report, but it is getting very worrisome.

“We learnt that the Fulani herdsmen said they are looking for grazing lands and the idea may be to drive people away so that they can have access to fertile land good for agriculture.”

Court adjourns Nyako’s suit HE Federal High Court in Bauchi, presided over by Justice Ibrahim Auta, has adjourned till next Monday, hearing in the Murtala Nyako’s impeachment case.

Nyako, a former Governor of Adamawa State, was impeached last year by the House of Assemby for what it described as “impeachable offences”.

He challenged his impeachment in court.

When the matter came up yesterday, counsel to Nyako, Olukoya Ogungbeje, told the court that it had no jurisdiction to entertain the case,

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From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

citing legal authorities to buttress his argument.

But counsel to the respondents, Adamawa State Assembly, Fintiri, Abubakar Sa’ad and Bala Dakum objected and prayed the court to start the case afresh.

They were, however, over-ruled and Justice Auta directed Ogunkoya, informed the court that “this matter is time bound and there is need to expedite action on it”, to file his objection for hearing on March 23.

Police: why we stopped Buhari’s one million man march

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HE police authority in Kano has explained why it stopped Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s onemillion-man march by youth groups.

Briefing reporters on the development, police spokesman Magaji Musa Majia said the Sani Abacha Stadium venue proposed by the group for the rally was already

From Kolade Adeyemi Kano

booked for a Premier League match between Kano Pillars and Bayelsa United.

He said the booking of the venue was done by the supervising authority on firstcome-first-served, adding that three groups applied to use the venue on the same day.

The police spokesman said:

“The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and a Muslim group, whose Quran recitation was scheduled for Saturday, were among the groups, which applied for the usage of the facility. NFF got the nod on the basis of first-come-firstserve.”

He said a street procession proposed by President Goodluck Jonathan’s Special

Adviser on Agriculture, Dr. Baraka Sani, was denied permission, stressing that “Kano is not like other cities and we have the responsibility to safeguard its security.”

Majia dismissed as a blackmail, insinuations that the police action was politicallymotivated, adding: “In a free world, people are free to hold an opinion.”

Benue APC condemns attacks

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has condemned the attacks by Fulani herdsmen, which left over a hundred people dead and scores injured.

In a statement, the party’s Secretary, Onov Tyuulugh, decried acts of insurgency, saying if the country must remain one, the rights of the communities to peace and tranquility must be respected.

He lamented that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration of Governor Gabriel Suswam had not given communal crises the deserved attention, as he had never sat down to look at the causes of the crises and address them.

The APC chieftain said Suswam was too much on the move to give security and governance generally the attention they deserved.

Tyuulugh advised him to address the clashes between Fulani herdsmen and Benue communities so that a solution could be found to the problem.

Ex-servicemen protest

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EMBERS of the ExServicemen Welfare Association have protested the non-payment of their pension since 2003.

They said it was unfair that after serving the country meritoriously for most of their lives, “we are now faced with the reality of a government that is not only insensitive to

From Grace Obike, Abuja

our plight, but insincere when it comes to providing for us.”

The ex-servicemen spoke yesterday in Abuja during a protest at the Defence Headquarters. They blocked the entrance, preventing vehicles from entering or going out of the premises.

SS3 pupil killed in clash From Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

FINAL year pupil of Birninkudu Government Day Secondary School in Birninkudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State has been allegedly killed by suspected Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) thugs in Birninkudu.

A source said the 17-year-boy went to a barbing salon to cut his hair about 7pm and a fight ensued between suspected PDP and All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters. He was killed during the fight.

Police spokesman Abdu Jinjiri confirmed the incident.

He said the command had arrested three people.

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‘Jesus Partners’ holds programme

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LL is now set for the Wonders of Praise, organised by the ’Jesus Partners’.

The event comes up at 11:15am on Saturday at Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos.

The theme of the programme is: “Rock of Ages.”

It is expected to attract personalities, such as Evangelist

Olufemi Ajepe, the guest speaker, Bukola Bekes, Funmi Oloyede, Michael Whyte, Makanjuola Ajayi, Damola Adesina and The Levites (Jesus Partners Choir).

The chief host, Mr. Femi Adefowokan, said the event promises to be a wonderful experience.

Yorubaland as a riddle •Continued from Back Page But history does not even need to travel that far backwards for evidence, say the experts. This week, the scenes at the Oputa panel showed the Yoruba at their stark nudity.

Tapes screened by the lawyers of Mustapha showed us top Yoruba generals, simpering, crawling, and sobbing abjectly, when accused of plotting a coup against the late Abacha. These were the same soldiers whose fierce posturing before then, displayed through constant barking at hapless civilians, had made them look extremely fearsome and tough.

But even greater surprise was to come from General Diya, when he tried to explain away the terribly shameful moment. After all, he said glibly, and with a smile, “even Jesus wept!”

And his fellow victim, General Adisa, who had been just as fearsome before his arrest, and who was now shown to have equally abased himself dismally before a very junior officer, laughed it all away as a clever ploy on his part, an original trick that he had devised to save his life, and which had succeeded wonderfully.

Good heavens!

You could almost see him slapping himself on the back, the way he gloated about it. “I have no apologies at all. My life was in danger, and if I had not begged Mustapha, I would be dead today”.

Which is the point of the critics.

What compromises, they ask, would a Yoruba not make, just to stay alive?

What acts of self-abasement would he not descend to? What shit would he not eagerly gobble up, just to be

left to his life of indolence?

But just as they ask these questions, however, and turn away in disgust, they come face to face with someone called Tai Solarin. Or another called Awojobi. And then their bafflement begins. Who, precisely, are these Yoruba people?

They remember a woman called Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, who against all the awesome ferociousness of a feudal establishment, led her fellow women to overthrow a powerful monarch.

Nor did she stop at that. She went ahead to give birth to a son known to all the world simply as Fela, who became the stubborn nemesis of military tyrants. Oh they tried their worst to break him, wreck him, erase his name from history. But his songs of freedom rose beyond their guns and bayonets, unquenchable, irrepressible, unstoppable.

But are these particular Yoruba simply an exotic exception to the general rule? Are they atypical, unrepresentative of their kinsmen? It is a riddle other Nigerians have not solved.

If Yorubas are cowards, then how do you explain the fact that Yoruba officers were at numerous war fronts on both sides of the civil war, and acquired redoubtable reputations wherever they fought? Can you just dismiss Colonel Banjo, Oyewole, and others on the side of Biafra, or someone like the Black Scorpion of the famous Third Marine Commandos in the opposing camp? Could a lilylivered man have performed the feat of winning Biafra’s surrender, as Obasanjo did?

It is true that the Yoruba love a life of ease. They love their dancing and music, their gorgeous dressing and

weekend parties. They prefer peace so much that they would go the extra distance to avoid confrontation.

This is what is usually misunderstood as despicable meekness.

But how come then that is was these same cowards who became the most unrelentingly vocal against Abacha’s dreaded regime, and this in spite of horrendous persecution by the tyrant’s goons? Against the Diyas and the Adisas, you have to place the Soyinkas, the Onanugas, the Iges, the Ransome-Kutis, the Falanas and the several figures in the NADECO group.

When others were quiet, cowering in terror, or even collaborating with the maximum dictator, and inviting him to succeed himself, it was these Yoruba characters who spoke up and organized opposition to the man’s dictatorship.

And do we forget Abiola, who loved the good life so gluttonously, yet refused to be bribed or cowed to forsake his mandate? When it came to an affair of honour, this Yoruba man would just not be broken!

The Oputa panel hearings have shown us lavish examples of appalling self-degradation by Yoruba leaders. But it is the same panel that has also confirmed to us that courage too is a Yoruba attribute.

For proof, the incredible figure of Gani Fawehinmi is enough. A man given to histrionics, to bombast and even grandiloquence. Gani would, one suspects, have preferred to appear at the tribunal on horseback, surrounded by bells, trumpets and dancing troupes.

But since this is not the age of horses, unfortunately, he had to show up instead with only the fan-

fare of his supporters carrying two massive portraits of Dele Giwa. At the appropriate moments in his submission, he burst into tears. There is no doubt that he is a man for dramatics.

But to say all this is to subtract nothing from his immeasurably conspicuous status as perhaps the most courageous man we are fortunate to be blessed with in this Nigeria of our contemporary times.

He fights, and is savagely persecuted, like others before him. But the more vicious the persecution, the more unrelenting Gani has become in the pursuit of any cause he pursues. It is true that the rulers whom he fought have not chosen to kill him directly, either by bullet or the hanging rope, or by the famous fatal injection. Babangida for instance seems to have a grudging respect for him, in spite of having sent him to the worst prisons in the country.

But by detaining him in these most inhuman conditions, in spite of his precarious health, our rulers showed clearly that they did not care a fig about his life. And yet, in spite of the tortures he has had to endure each time they came to him, Gani has never for once surrendered his belief in justice, nor wavered in his zeal to fight for it. He alone, with his dazzling example, is enough atonement for the sins of Yorubaland.

But what do all these reflections today amount to? Simply, that the Yoruba are really no better now worse in their virtues and vices than any other ethnic group. Just as they give birth to cowards, so do they father intrepid men. Like others, they have their heroes, just as inevitably as they nurture villains.

And to the question, as to which of these two conflicting sides truly represents the Yoruba people, the answer can only be – both! However much we may like to deceive ourselves, and glorify our differences, each of our tribes is in the end essentially the same as the other in its blending of good and evil men.

The individuals in our groups are just as diverse, physically, ethically, and emotionally as in the other, whatever tongues we speak. This is why generalizations usually serve no purpose, beyond that of malice or mischief.

Just as there were Hausa ready to slaughter southerners in Kano or Kaduna, so there were other Hausa who courageously put their own lives at risk to shield them. The OPC are perceived as anti-Northern demons, but it was thanks to the hazardous intervention of some of them that some victims survived the last mayhem.

Of course we give one another labels. That is a perennial cultural pastime. The Yoruba are ngbati to the Igbo, who are in their turn called kobokobo by the former, who call the Hausa Gambari, and so on. But you will find that among the common folks who coined these words, they are usually terms of description, referring to some manner of speech or of dressing, rather than terms of hatred or loathing.

But it is the frenzy of the political warlords, along with the hysteria of the media headlines that turns these words into murderous identity tags.

Is it not time to begin, after all these years of fighting, to take down these fences of prejudice, and reach one another across our artificial barriers?

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

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NEWS

Tinubu’s selfless service made the difference, says Buhari’s wife

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HE wife of the Presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Hajia Aishat Buhari has described national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as a selfless leader whose services have made a difference in the presidential campaign.

Mrs. Buhari made this known yesterday when she paid a visit to the Tinubu at his home in Lagos. She was received by Senator Remi Tinubu, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Orelope Adefulire, the national women leader of the APC, Mrs. Kemi Nelson and other APC leaders in Lagos state.

By Seun Akioye

Mrs. Buhari said she came to show appreciation and thank the APC leader for offering a selfless service to the party and for ensuring the APC becomes the fastest growing mega party in Africa.

“We are here in Lagos to visit our sister, former first lady of Lagos state and a distinguish Senator Remi Tinubu. We are also here to show our appreciation and thank our mentor, the Asiwaju of Africa. My husband has been contesting for 11 years now, this is the fourth time. He contested to bring change but many people failed

to understand. They painted him black in terms of religion and tribe.

Before many people see him as a regional leader, but he has gone beyond that now, the mega party APC became the fastest growing mega party in Africa. All these being achieved by the understanding of one person who worked day and night in consolidating the north and the south, this is the only difference in this campaign and it is the biggest one,” she said.

Mrs. Buhari further said Tinubu offered the nation a selfless service putting his own interest aside to bring change

to Nigeria.

“We are here today to show our appreciation to the Asiwaju of Africa for his understanding and for offering the nation a selfless service, he has the nation first before his interest and that is what is making the difference now, we appreciate him so much as well as his wife as well as supporters of the APC.” Earlier in her remark, Senator Tinubu thanked Mrs. Buhari for visiting and extended her prayers for her continued safety as she toured the country in the campaign. Senator Tinubu described the APC as a peace loving party saying the

Lagos introduces austerity measures

APC vice presidential candidate, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, Mrs. Mairo Almakura, first lady of Nasarawa state, Mrs. Alayingi Sylva, former first lady, Bayelsa state, Mrs. Regina Akume, former first lady of Benue State, Mrs. Zainab Jafaru Isa, former first lady, Kaduna state and Dr. Hajo Sani, former Minister of Women Affairs.

Also speaking, Mrs. Nelson said Tinubu was one of the most misunderstood Nigerians but it has become clearer that Nigeria is sacrosanct in his mind. “ We assure you this time, God will crown our efforts with success.”

APC needs no campaign in Lagos, says group

By Sina Fadare

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By Oziegbe Okoeki

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has raised the alarm over the dwindling resources which he said would affect the implementation of its budget.

He added that the global fall in the price of crude oil, effect of the postponement of the general elections, increase in exchange rate and others are serious impediments to the targeted income of the state government.

Fashola said the actions of the managers of the nation’s economy have been inconsistent as the nation’s external reserves have dwindled considerably, which he said has seriously affected the revenue of the state.

Fashola spoke at an emergency meeting with members of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

He stated that the purchasing power of the people has reduced considerably and that the monthly shares of the Lagos State Government from the Federation Account has reduced from N11 billion to N10 billion.

According to the governor, the gross revenue performance was 86% last year, adding that budget performance could not be measured until the expected money comes in.

“The budget performance terminates with the revenue, which is about 80%. We are the only government that has performed up to 80% in the last three years.

“We want to propose an amendment of the budget of all the agencies of government to the actual income of the revenue. It is not reduction of the budget, but to propose that no section gets up to 100% of its budgetary allocation,” he said.

Fashola maintained that the Nigerian economy is caught in troubled waters, adding that without electricity supply, prospects of alternative economic generation such as agriculture, small scale enterprises, tourism and others would become impossible.

He condemned a situation, where the government votes less than 30% for capital expenditure and over 70% for recurrent expenditure.

According to him, the dwindling fortunes of the Nigerian government would affect Lagos State mostly being the most populous state and the one that contributes most to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

peace Nigeria deserve will begin from March 28.

Mrs. Buhari also called for more voter education on recognizing the logo of the APC. “We need to emphasize more on the party logo because a lot of people who came together were under different parties with different logos. This is important because some people are still seeing General Buhari with the corn or pen. For those from the south, some people were from the APGA and the CAN so we need to educate the electorate more on the general electoral process.”

Other dignitaries at the event include the wife of the

•Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (left), with the new Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, when the Speaker visited the traditional ruler at his palace in Gusau...yesterday.

Ekiti threathens to arrest ex-officials over car loans

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HE Governor Ayo Fayose-led administration in Ekiti State has threatened to arrest about 54 officials who served under his predecessor Dr Kayode Fayemi over their alleged refusal to pay over N109 million outstanding monetised vehicles debt.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Idowu Adelusi, the former political appointees must pay the outstanding debts without delay to avert forceful recovery by the police.

The statement claimed that brand new vehicles were given to the appointees who served Fayemi under the monetized policy with only 54 of them so far completing payment.

But the affected officials appointees said that the state government will be acting in error since they have gone to court for redress.

The affected political according to the statement, included former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Owolabi (N1,623,332.00), former Commissioner for Works, Mr Sola Adebayo, Fayemi’s Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode (N1,623,332.00), former Commissioner for Education and APC House of Representatives candidate for Ekiti Central I, Mrs Eniola Ajayi (N1,723,332.00), former Commissioner for Information, Tayo Ekundayo (N4,121,508.00), former Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Kolawole (N1,723,332.00) among others.

Those owing more than N4 million are: Tolu Ibitola, Sim-

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

eon Adeyanju, Aderemi Ajayi, Kehinde Ojo, Chief Tunde Odetola, Mojeed Jamiu, Tolani Olufemi, Wole Olugboji and Ebun Awoyemi while Bamidele Ololade is owing N5.5 million.

In the category of N1.7 million are Wole Adewunmi, Debo Ajayi, Mrs Fola RichieAdewusi, Sola Adebayo, Kayode Olaosebikan, Kayode Jegede, Mrs Bunmi Dipo-Salami, Alhaji Ayodele Jinadu, Babajide Arowosafe, Biodun Oyebanji, Prof Olusola Fasuba, Funminiyi Afuye, Paul Omotosho and Chief Folorunso Olabode while Remi Olorunleke is owing N1.8 million and Babalola Olorunfemi owing N1.4 million.

Chief Dayo Fadipe, Olalekan Faromika, Segun Ologunleko, Tolulope Dare, Tale Oguntoyinbo, Biodun AkinFasae, Wale Fapohunda, Bayo Aina, Isola Akingbade, Engr T. Fakorede, Ibirinde Foluso, Bunmi Awotiku. S. F. Lawal and Eben Alade are owing between N2.02 million and N2.9 million.

Those owing more than N3 million are Bayo Kelekun, Mrs. Ronke Okusanya, Bunmi Adelugba and Oluwole Ariyo.

The government said all entreaties to the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart to pay the N109 million has remained abortive as letters written to them were neither acknowledged nor replied.

But the affected officials described the threat of arrested another crude ploy by Fayose to harass and intimidate opposition members, especially

those who served in the APC government.

They maintained that they had taken Fayose and his government to an Ado-Ekiti High Court through a suit filed by former Deputy Governor Prof.

Modupe Adelabu and 34 others over the monetised vehicles.

The former appointees berated the governor for grandstanding when he is yet to pay the severance allowance and other allowances, despite completing their tenure, which qualified them for the severance pay in line with the laws.

Reacting to the threat which was aired on state owned radio and circulated via press statements by the government, the forme officials in a statement made available to journalists, described the planned clampdown on them as a deliberate ploy by Fayose to keep them and other notable APC chieftains out of circulation ahead of the March 28 presidential election and subsequent elections.

The officials said in a statement that the planned clampdown would be the second attempt by Fayose and his ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to get them out of circulation, having made a similar attempt to get many of them arrested in February before the presidential election which was originally scheduled for February 14 was postponed.

Explaining the circumstances surrounding the monetised cars, they said that it was a policy of the immediate past administrations in the state to monetise official cars to public office holders of certain categories.

GROUP known as ‘The Democratic Dividend Initiative’(DDI), has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) needs no campaign in Lagos due to its outstanding achievements in provision of dividends of democracy to the people.

The group’s President Hon Paul Eze, who spoke yesterday in Lagos at a news conference, said in a democratic setting, the only yardstick to measure good governance is nothing but presence of democratic dividends which include good roads, good health care delivery and improved education system which are bound in Lagos.

Eze, who enjoined the people of Lagos to shun all the sugarcoated mouth politicians who are parading themselves around in the state without any record of achievement whether in their private lives or in their previous public service.

“Some years back motor parks and under the bridge which usually serves as the den of area boys are today a beauty to behold with good nurtured lawn and beautiful gardens replacing it. All eyes can see how the transport system in the state has been turned to not only as a veritable economic hub but as a recipe to transport agony of the past.”

The group assured Lagosians that the APC candidate Mr. Akinwumi Ambode will pick the baton of success from the outgoing governor Babatunde Fashola and take the state to the next level.

Lagos appeals verdict on sanitation day restriction

By Joseph Jibueze

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AGOS State has appealed the Federal High Court judgment which held that the restriction of movement during the monthly environmental sanitation is illegal.

Justice Mohammed Idris delivered the judgment on Monday in a suit by activist-lawyer Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa The judge held that the policy of keeping citizens indoors in the name of sanitation has no legal backing.

“I must state loud and clear that the environmental sanitation exercise is not in itself unlawful, but what is unlawful and unconstitutional is the restriction imposed by the respondents during the exercise,” the judge said.

But in a Notice of Appeal, Lagos said Justice Idris “erred in law” on three grounds.

The appellants are Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), the Attorney-General, Mr Ade Ipaye, the Commissioner for the Environment and the Ministry of Environment.

The first ground of appeal is that the Federal High Court’s jurisdiction is limited to those matters provided for in Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution.

“The subject of the application being environmental sanitation in Lagos State as prescribed by the Environmental Sanitation Law of Lagos State is not within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to adjudicate,” the state said.

The appellants said Justice Idris was wrong to hold that restriction of movement from 7am to 10am contravenes Sections 35 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee personal liberty and freedom of movement.

Baptist High School celebrates Diamond Jubilee

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HE celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of Baptist High School, Iwo, started on Sunday.

It is a weeklong programme involving old and present students and their well-wishers.

A statement by the Assistant General Secretary of the Old Students’ Association, Pastor Jide Orisaleye, said the event started with a radio show, Eroya, on Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), Osogbo. The anniversary thanksgiving service followed at Aipate Baptist Church, Iwo On March 16, there was a candle light procession at 5 pm, and a news conference and education summit yesterday at 2 pm in Osogbo.

Today, there will be a career talk at 10 am in the school and tomorrow planting of an anniversary tree, followed by a novelty match.

On Friday, the old students will visit hospitals and motherless babies’ homes.

A Jumat service will hold at the Iwo Central Mosque and the anniversary dinner/ night party at 6 pm same day.

A grand finale and award ceremony holds on Saturday.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

FOREIGN NEWS

Israelis vote in early election

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ILLIONS of Israelis voted yesterday in a tightly fought election, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing an uphill battle to defeat a strong campaign by the centre-left opposition to deny him a fourth term in office.

In many respects the vote has turned into a referendum on “Bibi” Netanyahu, in power for a total of nine years spread over three terms. If he wins again he would be on track to become Israel’s longest-serving prime minister.

Netanyahu’s campaign has focused on the threat from Iran’s nuclear program and the spread of militant Islam. But it’s a message many Israelis say they are fed up with and as a result the center-left’s campaign on socio-economic issues, especially the high cost of living in Israel, appears to have won more traction with voters.

When the last opinion polls were published on March 13, the center-left, known as the Zionist Union and led by Isaac Herzog, held a four-seat advan-

tage over Netanyahu’s rightwing Likud, a margin that had it set for a surprise victory.

Surveys show around 15 percent of voters are undecided, meaning the ballot could sway widely - opinion polls have rarely been a precise predictor of Israeli elections in the past.

If Netanyahu can draw votes from other right-wing parties, he may be able to close the gap with the center-left and be in a position to be asked first

by Israel’s president to try to form a governing coalition.

No party has ever won an outright majority in Israel’s 67year history, making coalitionbuilding the norm. It is also an opaque and highly unpredictable game, with any number of allegiances possible among the 10 or 11 parties expected to win a place in the 120-seat parliament, the Knesset.

Herzog, who has overcome criticism of his slight stature and reedy voice to lead a resilient campaign, voted in Tel Aviv, where he emphasized that the vote was about a new direction.

Death sentence for Egypt’s Bardie, 13 others

A

N Egyptian court has handed down death sentences to the leader of the Muslim Brotherhood movement and 13 others, state media has reported.

Mohammed Badie and the other key members of the group were found guilty of planning attacks against the state.

Badie is embroiled in sever-

al trials and has been sentenced to death before, although the sentences were later reduced to life imprisonment.

Egypt’s government declared the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group in 2013.

The court referred the case to Egypt’s Grand Mufti, the country’s senior Sunni authority, the first step in ratifying the

THIRD round of U.S.-Cuban negotiations over the restoration of full diplomatic relations has ended after a day of talks, Cuba said in a terse statement Tuesday.

Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Relations said the talks took place “in a professional atmosphere” and “the two delegations agreed to maintain communication in the future as part of this process.”Jeff Rathke, a U.S. State Department spokesman, said “the discussion was positive and constructive and was held in an atmosphere of mutual respect.”Neither side offered details about the content of the talks or whether progress was made in resolving a series of obstacles to reopening embassies in Havana and Washington.

The secretive atmosphere was striking in contrast to previous discussions about U.S.-Cuban detente. After two earlier meetings, U.S. and Cuban diplomats engaged in wide-ranging exchanges with reporters from both countries that were broadcast on Cuban state television to rapt audiences on the island.

Text:”.........He that is without sin among you......cast a stone (John 8:7) •Prince Harry

Prince Harry does have a few more responsibilities before he returns to civilian life.

He’ll spend the last two months of his operational service attached to Australian Defence Force units in Darwin, Perth and Sydney.

“We have prepared a challenging program that will see Captain Wales deploy on urban and field training exercises, domestic deployments, as well as participate in Indigenous engagement activities,” said Air Chief Marshal Mark Binski of the Australian Defence Force.

Prince Harry will still have royal duties to attend to while he is finishing his military service. He will accompany Prince Charles on a trip to Turkey at the end of April, for commemorations marking the battle of Gallipoli. And he will undertake an official Royal tour of New Zealand in May, after his service with the Australian Defence Force is complete.

IS reports Tunisian leader killed in Libya

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A

U.S., Cuba end third round of diplomatic talks

Theme: Don’t stone anybody, please!

A

HE Islamic State group reported late yesterday the death of one of its top field commanders in Libya, who was also one of the most wanted militants in Tunisia.

According to the statement posted on a militant website, Ahmed al-Rouissi was killed recently in clashes around the Libyan city of Sirte — a stronghold for the Islamic State group in Libya.

The 166th Battalion, a militia loyal to the Libyan government in Tripoli, is fighting to take Sirte back from the IS group’s Libyan affiliate.

Libya’s internationally recognized parliament has been forced from the capital and meets in the eastern city of Tobruk. It is currently in talks with its Tripoli-based rival about forming a national unity government.

the movements of Brotherhood supporters across the country.

Defence lawyer Ahmad Helmi branded the verdicts “farcical”, in a telephone interview with AFP. He said the verdicts were handed down even though the defence had not finished its closing arguments concerning five of the defendants.

L

ESOTHO yesterday inaugurated a new prime minister, who came to power by forming a coalition government after a special election meant to stabilize the small but politically fractious country.

Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili was sworn into office in the capital Maseru where his supporters, clad in red and shaded by umbrellas, filled a sports stadium.

Mosisili took control after his party, the Democratic Congress, formed a coalition with several smaller parties to secure a majority after the Feb. 28 election had no outright winner.

Lesotho held the election two years early after the collapse of the previous coalition government led by former Prime Minister Thomas Thabane. Mosisili led Lesotho from 1998 to 2012, when he lost in elections to Thabane.

LENT

Prince Harry to leave military FTER nearly a decade with the British military, Prince Harry announced yesterday in a statement that he is leaving the armed forces.

“Moving on from the Army has been a really tough decision,” he said in a statement released yesterday. “I consider myself incredibly lucky to have had the chance to do some very challenging jobs and have met many fantastic people in the process. ...[T]he experiences I have had over the last 10 years will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Prince Harry was deployed to Afghanistan in his role as an Army helicopter pilot, the UK military announced on September 7, 2012.

“Captain Harry Wales,” as he is known, from his official title and name of His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales, began his formal military duties in 2005 at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

The younger son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana seemed to thrive in a military setting. He managed to curb his wild ways (for the most part), served two tours in Afghanistan and achieved the rank of captain in 2011. He has also qualified as an Apache Aircraft commander.

death sentences.

A final verdict is due on 11 April, although the defendants can appeal.

Mr Badie’s Muslim Brotherhood movement has been subject to a crackdown by the authorities The 14 were accused of setting up a control room to direct

Lesotho’s new leader inaugurated

Al-Rouissi was one of the most wanted men in Tunisia, where he was considered the mastermind of a string of attacks carried out by the radical Islamist Ansar al-Shariah movement, including the assassination of left-wing politicians Chokri Belaid and Mohammed Brahmi.

Their deaths plunged Tunisia into a political crisis that eventually led to the resignation of the elected Islamist government.

Al-Rouissi fled to Libya where he began fighting under the banner of the Islamic State group, which already controls about a third of Syria and Iraq in a self-declared caliphate.

Tunisia’s Interior Ministry has not confirmed alRouissi’s death, though the local press has been filled with reports on the incident.

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HAT life is fraught with accusers, is a truism; that the world is rife with false accusers is neither strange nor new; and that in many cases the accusers are victims of same offences which they are accusing others of but theirs are still covered and yet to be exposed has been from time immemorial.

Once, the Pharisees and Scribes came to Jesus Christ in the temple after returning from the Mount of Olives with stones in one hand, the constitution of Moses in the other hand and screams on their lips. They brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and were quoting sections and sub-sections of the constitution which stipulated that whosoever commits such an offence must be stoned to death and they wanted Jesus Christ to validate what the constitution said to enable them stone the woman to death (Lev. 20:10; Deut.22:22). Besides the fact that they wanted the woman to be stoned, their demand was also a ploy to set a theological trap for Jesus Christ.

If Jesus Christ had given them a go-ahead to stone her, they would have accused Him of violating the Roman law under which the Jews were because Palestine was a part of the Roman empire and under that law capital punishment could not be exercised for such an offence. Conversely, if He had made an alibi that the woman should not be stoned, they would still have accused Him of violating the Old Testament law. Human beings will always set booby-traps to ensnare others in their desperate bids to achieve diabolical plans and aspirations. May the Almighty God deliver you from every trap set by agents of darkness at home, work and commission, to steal your glory, pull you down from the pedestal that God has placed you or destroy your mission and/or commission, in Jesus’ name.

For the fact that the accusers failed to bring the man that committed the act for punishment according to the law of Moses might suggest that the accusers could have set the woman up with the sole aim of putting her to death. It may not have been unlikely that the man that allegedly committed the act with the woman was a part of the frame-up. King Ahab once coveted the little vineyard of Naboth and when all attempts by the King to take Naboth’s inheritance from him failed, Queen Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab’s name to the elders and the nobles to “.......Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people: And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die” (1Kings 21:8-10). Naboth was accused of what he didn’t do and he was killed for an offence he never committed while the masterminds of the false accusation took over what rightly belonged to Naboth - what a life!

The same thing played out when David after he had slept with Bathsheba, wife of one of his army, Uriah - a man of high integrity and unimaginable sense of duty, and put her in the family way. David tried all he could to cover his sin by forcing the pregnancy on Uriah but when that attempt failed, he returned him to the battlefield and wrote a letter that the commanders should “Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die” (2 Samuel 11:15). Uriah was setup in battle, he was killed before his time and David took over Bathsheba, his wife.

Joseph too had same experience in the hands of Potiphar because he refused to commit adultery with her. She turned the accusation on Joseph which sent the innocent young boy to prison for a crime he never committed (Genesis 39:1-29).

Jesus Christ was not spared of this illegal setup in the hands of the Chief priests, elders and all of the council in their determination to put him to death. They, “... sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses (Matt. 26:59-60). With the words of false accusers, the innocent one and Saviour of the world was nailed to the cross.

Jesus Christ, who knows the inner recesses of the heart of man and does not need anyone to testify of man to Him (John 2:25 cf Jeremiah 17:9-10), saw through the hearts of the accusers of the woman ‘caught in the act’, He stooped, writing something on the ground but when they persisted with their demand, He confirmed the validity of the law being quoted but added that, “...... He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her” (John 8:7). All the accusers left one by one, beginning from the oldest.

It is curious to note that all her accusers were not spared of sin either (Romans 3:23; 1John 1:8); and by implication, all of them qualified to be stoned in accordance with the constitution according to Moses. When Jesus Christ raised His head, He asked the woman “...where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:10-11).

Brethren, what Jesus Christ demands from us as His children is to show understanding for those that are yet to be delivered from sin and provide support to anyone that has sinned or sinning through our prayer of intercession and not join hands to discuss, malign and cast stones forgetting that none is immuned against being stoned, if the law of Moses were to be implemented to the letters.

It is therefore our responsibility as candidates on our way to heaven to bring sinners to the knowledge and saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have an obligation to de-populate hell and enlarge heaven through the support we provide for prostitutes, drunk, adulterers, thieves etc. Jesus Christ who saved Saul on his way to commit a more heinous crime against His disciples and changed him to Paul is a God that will not cast stones, bear offences or hold anything against anyone (Acts 9:119). He was the one that saved Mary called Magdalene “...out of whom went seven devils” and adopted her to the household of faith (Luke 8:2); He does not write anyone off, no matter the sins that have been committed. Jesus Christ has a large heart to bring sinners home, provided they confess those sins and pledge not to return to the path of sin again (Isaiah 1:18).

Jesus Christ did not come to implement the stone throwing law neither would he throw any stone Himself. He “...came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32; 1 Timothy 1:15; Matthew 15:24; Luke 19:10). During this time of lent brethren, let this same mind be in you, stop throwing stones or joining the league of ‘stone-throwers’, stop judging others consequent on their misdemeanours, show understanding, provide support, intercede more for people you know that have erred from the path of truth and pray that God will bring them from utter darkness into His marvellous light, in the name of Jesus.

Prayer: Father, during this time of lent, give us grace to work worthy of you, not to join the league of ‘stone-throwers’ but rather to bring sinners to your light, in Jesus’ name.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

NEWS Jonathan funding anti-Tinubu protest, says APC Continued from page 4

•Victorious Nigeria troops jubilating at Baga during a media tour of army recaptured territories in the Northeast.

PHOTO: NAN

Why I shunned debate with Jonathan, by Buhari Continued from page 4

there were only 14 local government areas in the hands of Boko Haram. These were 10 in Borno, two in Yobe and two in Adamawa.

“If Nigerian military cannot secure 14 local government areas in six years, how can they do it in six weeks. We are watching. We have only about 10 days to go in the six weeks.

Let us see. In spite of the help of our generous neighbors, let us see whether the remaining LGAs can be secured.

“So, those in favour of presidential debate have a lot to do to convince me to do it.”

On press freedom, Gen. Buhari said: “I want to give you my full assurances that in this democratic dispensation, I will ensure that the Nigerian constitution is upheld. This includes respect for the media, respect for the right to free expression and freedom of speech. Many of you are aware of Decree 4 of 1984, which was heavily criticised.

“I have said elsewhere that I cannot change the past. But I can change the present and the future. Dictatorship goes with military rule as do edicts, such as Decree 4. “ However, I am a former— former, note the emphasis on the word ‘former’—military ruler and now a converted democrat, who is ready to operate under democratic norms.

“I am not only subjecting myself to the rigours of demo-

cratic elections for the fourth time, but even after being elected, I will continue to promote the consolidation of democracy in our great country, Nigeria, by guaranteeing that the media’s freedom is not compromised in any way.

“I give you my full assurances that the Nigerian media will be free under our APC government.”

He urged media owners and editors to shun hate reports and slanderous political rhetorics.

He said: “I also want to use this opportunity to appeal to you to use your media outlets in shaping positive public discourse and eschew hate speech mongering and slanderous political rhetorics which heat up the polity for the sake of peace and stability of our dear nation.

“There are two specific reasons why I have invited you here today. The first is to use the opportunity to say a special thank you to the Nigerian media for the role you have played in advancing our country’s democracy thus far, and especially for being a platform through which Nigerians’ cry for change was articulated all around the world.

“On newspaper pages, TV screens and radio waves, the alarming depth of corruption and impunity in our country, the terrifying level of insecurity, and the grim state of our economy were kept constant-

ly before the world’s eyes, making it impossible for the current government to doctor the truth, despite their meanest efforts.

“I urge you to not relent in your role as watchdogs, to continue to be the voice of the people. The health of Nigeria’s democracy rests partly on you.

Without a robust and thriving media, the masses would have no voice.

“The electorate would also not have sufficient information to make sound decisions, such as deciding to vote out a clueless government and vote in change. “ Gen. Buhari added: “Our country is on the verge of something new. The tide has turned and the world can sense the wave of change that is about to flood this nation. In less than two weeks, the Nigerian electorate will head to the polls to make their voices heard. Through the ballot, without a single shot fired, a change revolution will likely take place. “ After his speech, Gen. Buhari responded to questions.

But it was not without drama when NPAN President, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, asked Gen. Buhari if he was ready to apologise to two journalists who were jailed in 1984 under Decree 4.

Immediately after Obaigbena asked the question, the Director-General of APC Presidential Campaign Organisa-

tion, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, said: “Gen. Buhari had already answered that question by saying he cannot change the past but he can change present and the future.”

Contrary to rumours of a split in the opposition, ex-VicePresident Atiku Abubakar and top leaders of the party attended the parley.

At the session, Gen. Buhari ruled out any presidential debate with President Goodluck Jonathan.

But the presence of Atiku at the session added flavour as it dispelled rumours of cracks in APC following a meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan and the ex-Vice President.

Clad in a white kaftan, Atiku, who sat on the high table with Gen. Buhari, was all smiles.

An aide of his said: “What happened was that Jonathan in his desperation, visited Atiku at odd hours to seek his assistance to win the poll. There was no way the former VP can snub the nation’s leader. He only listened to him.

“But the ex-VP will not back out of his support for Buhari.

His presence at this briefing is a message that the game is up for Jonathan. Has he forgotten how he disgraced Atiku at the Eagle Square to secure the presidential ticket? “ There was a meeting but there was nothing to it.”

tion is not worth the blood of any Nigerian. From this precarious situation to which the Administration and the PDP have pushed Nigeria, it is but a short cut to Laurent Gbagbo’s post-election Ivory Coast,’’ APC said.

The party wondered which country President Jonathan wants to govern when he is relentlessly engineering the destruction of Nigeria by goading ethnic militias into violence and exploiting the nation’s fault lines to divide the people along regional, religious and ethnic lines. ‘’We have said it before: President Jonathan is not interested in a free, fair and peaceful polls. He is not interested in the welfare and security of Nigerians. He does not

Full return of governance in recovered areas before polls unlikely, says military Continued from page 4

on some platforms of permutations."

On Chibok girls: He said: "No news for now. In all the liberated areas we have, we have also made enquiries but the truth is when the terrorists are running away they also run with their families.

"And those we have come in contact with have not made any comments suggesting that Chibok girls were there and

ident gets all that protection is so that he can protect all of us.”

The Lagos State House of assembly said the President may be breeding another band of Boko Haram by supporting such acts of brigandage as displayed by his supporters on the streets of Lagos.

In a statement by the chairman of the House Committee on Information and Security, Hon. Segun Olulade, the House said: “At present, security of our nation is fragile, coupled with the tension associated with the coming general elections, which are a pressure too many for the nation to cope with.

“Sponsoring militia groups at this stage of tension is not less than promoting terrorism because it makes it easier to breed inter-link between terror groups and violent militias to rattle the nation’s security” ”In the last 16 years, Lagos State has enjoyed peace and har-

mony among people of diverse ethnic groups. The gross implication of such action is very dangerous because Lagos, with its vast population, cannot afford a breakdown of law and order, violent rampage and civil unrest even on the eve of a general election. ”I believe strongly that the disruption of people’s property and bill-boards of the APC was carried out by a section of the OPC employed by Gani Adams and his principal. It is very unfortunate that at this crucial stage when election is less than 10 days, President Jonathan has taken to violent option by unleashing militia groups to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of Lagosians, action that is capable of bringing down”.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts and APC senatorial candidate for Lagos West, whose would-be constituency was the epicentre of the OPC-led action, described the

protest as akin to going on a slave errand as a slave.

Speaking to the Conference of Ward Chairmen of APC in his office on the “disruptive” and “destructive” protest, Adeola said it was against the interest of the Yoruba, adding that no true Yoruba would support any administration that excludes its people from all the commanding political positions in the running of the affairs of this nation.

He recalled that during the travails of the factional OPC leader, before he grabbed the pipeline security contract from his new-found “Abuja friends”, leaders of the progressives in Yoruba land came to his rescue.

He accused Adams of “pursuing his personal interest as Yoruba interest, as attested to by many founding members of the OPC who have dissociated themselves from his personal economic pursuit.”

The Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum (YRLF) said it watched

“with utter dismay and fears the parade by the OPC, bearing guns and other assault weapons on Lagos roads while security men watched over them.”

The group added that it was “an awful scene, which is a clearly treasonable”.

“The confidence exhibited by the militia members connotes the collapse of a lawful government and weakened the state security agencies resolved to eradicating crimes. We view with deeper worry still their calls for the sack of Prof. Jega and their further demand for the abrogation of Card Readers and Permanent Voters Cards as satanic,” the statement by the Secretary General of the group, Akin Malaolu, said.

The Coalition of Oodua Self Determination Groups (COSEG), after its meeting yesterday described the action as “diversionary, unnecessary and an invitation to chaos”.

A communique signed by COSEG chairman, Ifedayo

taken away.

"But we are optimistic that as the war gets closer, the territory is becoming elusive to them (terrorists) and we will get further details on that." he stated Jega, who left the meeting hours before it ended after briefing the council on the preparedness for the polls, simply told reporters on his impressions of the meeting that "I believe it went very well."

He did not respond to further questions from reporters.

Atiku: what Jonathan and I discussed

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ORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday recounted his weekend’s meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan.

He spoke to Sahara Reporters.

Atiku was quoted as saying that he had retired to bed when he was woken up and told that President Jonathan had come to see him, adding that the president was already waiting in his living room.

Denying that he was asked to head an interim government, the former vice president admitted that Dr. Jonathan tried to prevail on him to rejoin the PDP which he rejected.

He said the president also discussed the ongoing war against Boko Haram, seeking his support for Nigerian troops.

He said they also discussed the possibility of displaced Nigeri-

Knocks for Jonathan, PDP over OPC’s Lagos protest Continued from page 4

give a damn about the unity of the country. For him, the end justifies the means, and any action, no matter how objectionable, is alright if it will favour his re-election. ‘’This is not the stuff of good leaders. What kind of leader is that who will be willing to plunge his nation into crisis just for his political ambition?

What sort of President will be bribing people from all walks of life with foreign currencies just to return to office, instead of showcasing his achievements, if any? What desperation will make a President to empty the treasury and endanger the nation’s economy?

Why would a leader worth his salt turn to ethnic militias to help him win re-election?

These are some of the questions that are begging for answers from President Jonathan,’’ APC said.

Ogunlana and Secretary Rasaq Olokoba wondered why Jonathan was “hell bent on returning for a second term by any means necessary and as such he is massively bribing the militant groups across the country to cause chaos, before, during and after the election”.

COSEG said “the desperation is taking a dangerous dimension.”

The group condemned the action of the OPC group, saying the Yoruba will determine where to vote, “irrespective of the antics of anti democracy elements masquerading as democrats”.

ans returning to the areas that have been recaptured from Boko Haram.

Asked by Sahara Reporters whether he thought President Jonathan was interested in allowing elections to hold on March 28, the former vice president hesitated before stating that he would not wish to speculate, but he said the president’s body language did not reveal that he was interested in the polls which are less than two weeks to hold.

Atiku said he had always been opposed to an interim government adding that he did so when former military President Ibrahim Babangida set up an interim national government in 1993. He said he was offered a position in the government through the late Gen. Shehu Yar’Adua, which he rejected. The position, he said was given to Lagos politician Dapo Sarumi.

Atiku said he advised President Jonathan to ensure that the elections were free and fair and devoid of the bloodshed that trailed the 2011 general elections

NPAN: polls must hold Continued from page 4

President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Gbenga Adefaye; John Osadolor( Business Day) the Editor-In-Chief of Media Trust Limited, Mallam Mannir and the representative of the publisher of The Nation, Yusuf Alli among others.

CORRECTION The comment entitled: “Jonathan, Mark and their whiz kid ministers” on page 20 of Thursday, March 12, erroneously referred to Andy Uba as the person who confessed to being the master rigger of the Anambra governorship election of 2003 and the person who kidnapped former governor Chris Ngige in broad day light. Uba’s younger brother Chris was responsible. The error is regretted.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

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NEWS Ighalo excited with Nigeria call up

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ATFORD striker Odion Ighalo has spoken of his delight at his invitation to Nigeria's national team for the international friendly games against Bolivia and South Africa.

The Super Eagles handlers have taken note of t h e e x -F l y i n g E a g l e s ’ skipper's rich vein of form for The Hornets since the start of this year, with his goal per game average standing at 1.3. ''I found out I was invited today. Like I've always said, it's every footballer's dream to play for the national team,'' said an elated Odion Ighalo to SL10.ng. ''Thank God I have been called up, I give all glory to God. ''I think I have been invited because of my performance these past few months. If I wasn't doing well, there's no way I would have been called up. ''As a striker, you always want to score goals, I am happy that I got this invitation.''

Having missed the last two matches contested by Watford in the Championship due to a hamstring complaint, Ighalo went on to add that he is now as fit as a fiddle, pointing out that he is in the squad to face Wigan on Tuesdaynight. ''I didn't play the last two games because of a hamstring injury. I just arrived Manchester with the squad for tonight's game, so I'm okay. ''Even if I wasn't called up, it won't change my dedication to Watford. It's one of my dreams to represent the national team,'' the Watford number 24 concluded.

Odion Ighalo joins ex Flying Eagles right - back Akeem Latifu and Gent's Moses Simon, who have both been invited to the Super Eagles for the first time.

TODAY IN THE NATION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

‘With highly dishonest people around that will not disclose their HIV status to even their spouse, it is quite certain that the next pandemic with devastating consequences will not be Ebola but Demons in the homes’ VOL.10 NO.3157

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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AST week I promised I will play truant for three weeks and only reproduce my choice of the best three articles in Nigerian newspapers from the last fifteen years for their currency, beginning with last week. This week, however, I decided against absenting myself without leave as I reproduce the second article on these pages, this time by Professor Femi Osofisan in his column, Sunday Note. The article, which was entitled “Yorubaland as a riddle,” first appeared in the rested Comet-on-Sunday of December 17, 2000.

My apologies then for trying to eat my cake and still have it, that is, write today and still keep my promise of reproducing my choice pieces. This, however, has been made possible only by the grace of the editors at Daily Trust and The Nation who obliged my request for more space in their print editions.

The background to my promise last week was my tribute to Malam Abubakar Gimba, a former president of the Association of Nigerian Authors, who died on February 25.

His article which I published last week was, as I said, one of the best I have read in at least the last fifteen years. It was a passionate plea to President Olusegun Obasanjo in his second full year in office to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness so that he could begin to heal the deep wounds of divisions in the nation.

Obasanjo did not heed Gimba’s plea and Nigeria became even more divided, especially along religious lines, than it was before 1999 when he returned to power as elected president. President Goodluck Jonathan, his since estranged protégé who he almost singlehandedly railroaded into power at the centre from an obscure position as deputy governor of Bayelsa, the country’s smallest state, has only made the wounds wider and deeper.

Certainly no leader has tried to use religion – and ethnicity – to hold on to power as President Jonathan. In the eyes of most Nigerians and, I am sure, to the discomfiture of most ordinary Christians and many Christian leaders, he, in cahoots with Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor as its national president, has reduced the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), once the scourge of those in authority, into the religious wing of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Again, alone among all our leaders, he has transformed the Church as a platform for policy pronouncements.

As for the use of ethnicity to hang onto power, it’s impossible, for its absurdity and inaccuracy, to beat the statement only last week by the First Lady, Patience, that whether Nigerians like it or not her husband will serve a second term because every leader before her husband had done so! Those saying her husband does not deserve a second term, she seems to say, are saying so because he is a minority Ijaw. Obviously the First Lady is completely blinded to the fact that apart from Obasanjo no elected Nigerian leader – neither Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa nor President Shehu Shagari nor President Umaru Yar’adua – had ever served two terms.

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People and Politics By

MOHAMMED H ARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

Yorubaland as battleground

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To begin with, the President convened the national conference in bad faith as was apparent, first, from its timing so close to this year’s general elections especially considering his long-running rejection of calls for it and, second, from its composition deliberately to put the North and the Muslim population of the country at great disadvantage

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For a cynical manipulation of ethnicity to hang on to power, however, last week’s promise by the president to implement the report of the somewhat inconclusive National Conference which he convened late last year, deserves a gold medal – along with his award of multibillion Naira contracts to Otunba Gani Adams and Dr Frederick Fasehun, the leaders of the Yoruba militia group, the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), for securing oil and gas pipelines in their region. Ditto the renewal at the same time of similar contracts to several Niger Delta ex-militants.

To begin with, the President convened the national conference in bad faith as was apparent, first, from its timing so close to this year’s general elections especially considering his long-running rejection of calls for it and, second, from its composition deliberately to put the North and the Muslim population of the country at great disadvantage. And when the crudely skewed composition failed to secure the desired agenda, a strange 102-page document authored by Raymond Dokpesi, the Chairman of Africa Independent Television

(AIT), and apparently the presidency’s cat’spaw at the conference, surfaced purporting to be the “Terms of Agreement of Six Geopolitical Zones in Nigeria.” By the way, AIT seems to have since transformed itself into the propaganda arm of the PDP, along with the NTA, which however, is not altogether surprising, the station being Federal Government owned.

Among the provisions in Dokpesi’s dubious document was the five-year, single term, presidency so dear to the president. It also contained the so-called fiscal federalism so dear to delegates from the South-West, a provision sound in principle but difficult, if not impossible, to practice in a federation like Nigeria where it is the centre that has created its constituents, at least since 1967, not the other way round as it should be.

As we all know, the attempt to sneak this dubious document into the conference nearly marred it and led to lack of conclusion on

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several key issues including revenue allocation, which is fiscal federalism in another guise.

It is this inconclusive report that the president has now promised to implement because he obviously thinks it is sweet music to the ears of the leadership of Afenifere, the umbrella Yoruba cultural organisation, even when he knows he lacks the capacity - on the strength of his past record of failing to honour many of his words - and the authority to do so, were he to win this month’s election.

There is, of course, some logic to the president’s promise. Of the country’s six geopolitical zones, only the South-West seems open for real contest between himself and his main rival, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The North-West and North-East seem safe for Buhari just like the South-East and South-South look safe for the president, leaving North-Central a likely 50/50 between the two; Plateau, Benue and Kogi for Jonathan, and Niger, Kwara and Nasarawa for Buhari. As Professor Femi Osofisan says in his article which follows this piece and the second of the three I’ve promised the reader, Yorubaland is truly a riddle.

However, if it makes sense that the president should make his pitch for a zone, many of whose leading lights are in his support, it is the height of cynicism to promise what you know you cannot deliver. It is even more cynical to use public revenue to secure such support, as is the case with the no-bid award to OPC. This is especially so because all previous beneficiaries of such a contract had woefully failed to deliver on their side of the bargain, as is clear from the industrial scale thefts of oil and the sabotage of gas pipelines that have gone on in this country in recent years.

Yorubaland as a riddle HE Yoruba, affirm some people authoritative, are cowards. They cannot be counted upon to stand and fight.

If, at first, they seem aggressive and tough, it is only because you have not found their price. But offer them the right amount of inducement, and you take the sting out of their bite.

Cash-laden, they will be willing at once to sell their most intimate friends, agree to the readiest compromise, however humiliating, and retire to a life of miliki. Hence there is no principle, and no ideal, they can ever offer to die for.

Those who hold this opinion assure us that one does not need to try very hard to find the proof. The events of our history, they say, offer abundant evidence.

Almost at every point when their support has been crucial, they have chosen instead to recant their words, and betray their allies. The Biafran war, during which the Yoruba chose to side with the Federalists, is a case much cited by the Igbo.

But this penchant for betrayal is not limited to their conflicts with outsiders. Even among themselves, cowardice and duplicity are so entrenched, that the people are incapable of forging a united front even for some mutually beneficial cause.

The loss of Ilorin to the Hausa-Fulani by the Yoruba, as well as their repeated defeat each time they have attempted to recover the town, is a showcase both of this flaw for selfdestructive intrigue, and of their readiness to scatter and run at the slightest shout of danger.

•Continued on page 57

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HARDBALL HAT is this news that a fragment of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), self-identified defender and promoter of Yoruba interests, has not only sold its soul for filthy lucre but also lost its collective mind? Members of this faction on March 16 took its militancy to heights that mirrored a disturbing depth of degeneration.

In an unprecedented display and demonstration of desperation, the group terrorised Lagos in the name of a political protest. A report said: “The two pamphlets distributed by the protesters had 7 reasons why President Goodluck Jonathan must continue in office and 7 reasons why Prof Attahiru Jega, the INEC boss, must go on terminal leave and be replaced with a credible administrator before the elections.”

It was a message of force by forceful messengers. According to a report: “The protesters got traffic stuck for hours, smashed cars, harassed motorists and disrupted business in many parts of the city. They destroyed banners and campaign billboards of All Progressive Congress (APC) candidates.”

Who was behind the bedlam? A subsequent eye-opening disclaimer said: “We, the members of the National Coordinating Council of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, the highest ruling body of the organisation, wish to

DELE AGEKAMEH

OPC: Operation Public Chaos disassociate ourselves from the shameful, destructive, violent and reactionary activities of the Gani Adams-led team which occurred in Lagos today.” The statement added: “What was witnessed in Lagos was the highest level of political violence sponsored and funded by certain elements in the Jonathan government.”

From all appearances, the protesters were fuelled by reported multi-billion naira oil pipelines protection contracts controversially awarded by the Jonathan administration to a selection of militant and pro-militancy groups ahead of the country’s general elections, most likely to influence their support for Jonathan’s reelection ambition.

It is a reflection of the politically charged and politicised atmosphere that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which is expected to manage the oil jobs, attempted to divorce the award and renewal of the combustible contracts from political calculations. A statement by its Group General Manager, Group Public Af-

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above fairs Division, Mr. Ohi Alegbe, said: “The pipeline protection contract is part of our community engagement programme across our host communities aimed at getting community members to help in the task of protecting the pipelines around their communities.” The corporation continued: “They are actually designed to complement the work of the security agencies by raising the alarm and drawing the attention of security agencies to any suspicious movements around the pipelines right of way.”

Could this be correctly interpreted to mean that the contractors are expected to function only as spies of sorts? So, how can the violent expression of political dimensions by the Gani Adams-led OPC be explained or understood? Gani Adams is reportedly involved in the pipelines protection deal, which is increasingly looking like a Jonathan promotion contract.

Just a thought: Could it be that Gani Adams and his followers are misinterpreting and misrepresenting the terms of the deal in their overexcitement? And there are certainly enough pocket-related reasons to be overexcited. This movement from pipelines protection to public chaos is a sign of a chaotic group headed by perhaps a chronically convoluted character.

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Editor Daily:08099365644, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790. WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO