May 12, 2014

Oyo police: Soka probe to go on

NEWS

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Investors warn against ‘hasty’ sale of Mainstreet Bank

S

OME stakeholders are criticising the steps taken by the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to sell Mainstreet Bank Limited, one of the bridged banks under its ownership.

The steps are hasty, according to some of those interested in the process, as well as stakeholders in

By Simeon Ebulu, Group Business Editor

the defunct Afribank from where Mainstreet Bank took its root.

The opposition is specifically against the one-week notice given by AMCON to those who are interested in bidding for the bank to express their interest. The notice is seen to be grossly in-

adequate for any meaningful due diligence to be done on the bank.

In advertorials in the media last week, AMCON gave a week’s notice to interested parties in the acquisition of the bank to submit their Expression Of Interest (EOI) not later than May 16.

To the parties, who asked not to be named so as not to jeopardise their interest, the

EKITI 2014

“rush” by AMCON to push Mainstreet Bank through the divestment process without recognising the enormous work that needs to be done to ensure fairness and transparency in the eventual bid process, put a question mark on AMCON’s intention.

The potential buyers said while they were in agreement with AMCON on the Continued on page 4

•Fayemi, Aregbesola advocate use of card reader •Tinubu dares PDP •285,574 voter cards not collected AND MORE •Opinion poll rates APC candidate high ON•PAGES 9 & 59

More foreign experts join search for abducted girls •Pope calls for prayers

I

SRAELI counter-terrorism experts have joined the search for the Chibok girls, presidential spokesman Reuben Abati said yesterday in a statement after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Abati said Jonathan was “very optimistic that with the entire international community deploying its considerable military and intelligence-gathering skills and assets in support of Nigeria’s efforts to find and rescue the abduct-

?

WHERE ARE THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15?

Continued on page 4

INSIDE

•Jonathan is hurting Nigeria - The Economist •Information vital, MORE ON says Fashola AND PAGES 2-6&59 •Police stop Abuja rally •Accra, New York protest •A cry beyond Nigeria,

by Los Angeles Times

•ALL FOR THE GIRLS: British Prime Minister David Cameron and CNN anchor Christine Amanpour holding the bring back our girls placard on the PHOTO: BBC BBC’s Andrew Marr show in London...yesterday.

APC to Jonathan: no more time for excuses on terror

Party gives tips on ending insurgency It’s blackmail, says Presidency

P •Dr. Jonathan

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan got yesterday a wake-up call from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

Time is running out on excuses, the party said, calling for a counterterrorism strategy to combat insurgency in the Northeast.

The party, which also renewed its advocacy on new intelligence gather-

Just as they have left the girls in the forest and at the mercy of armed terrorists without mercy, this government has left the nation in the cold —APC

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Group Political Editor

ing infrastructure, said improved intelligence, de-radicalisation, information management and peace building

Nigeria is not on auto pilot...there is a President who is also the Commander-inChief... He is doing his very best to provide quality leadership —Presidency

processes should be accompanied by economic development plan for the troubled Northern Nigeria.

Also, the APC emphasised the importance of negotiation with the Boko

Haram sect, instead of the government passing the buck to the opposition party to discredit perceived political foes.

APC Interim National Chairman Continued on page 4

•SPORTS P23 •CEO P27 •MOTORING P35 •JOBS P37 •POLITICS P43•FOREIGN P60

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

2

NEWS CHIBOK GIRLS’ ABDUCTION

Jonathan is hu

F

• From left: The Awujale of Ijebu-Ode, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosu n, his wife Funsho and PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at the 80th birthday of Awujale at Ijebu-Ode...at the weekend.

•Group Managing Director, Lexcel Group,Mr. Anil Ahluwalia(left) and the Chairman of the group, Mr. Olajide Rosiji; (second right) presenting best performance trophy to the Managing Director of Grand Oak Ltd, Mr. Akshay Kumar (second left) during the first quarter performance review conference of all the subsidiaries in Lagos...at the weekend. With them is Sales Operation Manager, Mr. Dele Akinloye.

• From left: CEO, Sacred Beauty Artistry, Lola Maja Okojevoh, CEO, House of Tara, Tara Fela Durotoye, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Sola Oworu and Bolanle Okusanya Feyita of BMakeuppro at the first Makeup in Nigeria Conference in Lagos.

• Director General, Centre for Democratic Governance in Africa (CDGA), Dr. Dafe Akpocha (left). presenting an award to the Media Relationship Manager, Dana Air, Mr. Samuel Ogbogoro at the global award presentation by Africa Democratic Governance in Lagos.

With them is Director of Administration, Ibru Group, Dr. Henry Muogho.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIOMOH AYODELE

OR the past few years President Goodluck Jonathan has publicly shrugged off the deaths of thousands of people, mainly in the north-east of his country, portraying them as the unfortunate but unavoidable result of a fanatical insurgency for which his government cannot be blamed. But in the past few weeks the plight of 200-plus girls abducted from a school by Boko Haram, the extremist group chiefly responsible for the mayhem, has put Mr Jonathan and his government under an international spotlight, exposing them not only as incompetent but callous, too.

As outrage spread beyond Nigeria’s borders, Barack Obama and other Western leaders, hitherto watching more or less silently from afar, have felt obliged to offer help as well as sympathy. West African leaders, led by Ghana’s president, have expressed unusual solidarity. The surge of global horror mixed with curiosity and bafflement was particularly embarrassing, at a time when Mr Jonathan was about to host a glamorous gathering of leaders, including China’s prime minister, at the World Economic Forum in Abuja, his capital, where he was hoping to celebrate the recent international re-evaluation of Nigeria’s economy as by far the biggest in Africa, well ahead of South Africa’s.

Not that there was the slightest sympathy for Boko Haram and its maniacal leader, Abubakar Shekau, who purported to be the man pictured in a video released on May 5th, making blood-curdling threats to kill all Christians. “I took the girls,” he declared, standing in front of a tank, flanked by masked men in uniforms.

“By Allah I will sell them in the marketplace…I will marry off a woman at the age of 12. I will marry off a girl at the age of nine.” Some of the girls, it has been speculated, may already have been forced to marry their abductors for a bride-price equivalent to $12. The UN warned members of Boko Haram, which means “Western education is forbidden”, that if they carried out their leader’s threat they would be committing war crimes.

The girls, abducted on April 14th from a school in Chibok, a town in the north-eastern state of Borno, are probably being held in a rebel stronghold. One of these is in the dense Sambisa forest, 60,000 square kilometres (23,000 square miles) in area, south of Maiduguri, Borno’s capital. The other is in the Gwosa mountains, which straddle the caveridden border with Cameroon.

Boko Haram, which was founded in 2002 but began its violent insurgency in 2009, has been responsible for at least 4,000 deaths, mostly in the north-east. But it has also demonstrated an ability to strike at the centre of the country, setting off a bomb last month at a bus station in Abuja, killing at least 70 people, and another one on May 2nd near a police checkpoint, also in Abuja, killing around 20.

The capital is now beset with checkpoints, snarling up traffic just when the government wants to show off the place to its foreign visitors.

In recent months Boko Haram has been aiming with increasing ferocity at soft targets such as schools and marketplaces, though it had not previously attempted a mass abduction.

On May 5th, however, it was reported that it had kidnapped another eight girls from elsewhere in Borno. On the same day it was reported that Boko Haram had killed 300 people in the Borno town of Gamboru Ngala. Most secondary schools in the state had been closed before the mass abduction, for fear of an attack, but the education authorities had convened the girls at a boarding school so that they

•Protesters at aBringBackOurGirls rally in Boston.... at theweekend

could take their final exams.

As worldwide outrage grew over the abductions, the American and British governments offered to help.

A White House spokesman said that experts in intelligence, hostage negotiation and victim assistance would fly to Nigeria. The British offered to send surveillance aircraft along with soldiers from its special forces.

The Nigerians have been loth to accept such help in the past and are wary of perceived encroachments on their sovereignty. America has operated drones from a base in neighbouring Niger since 2012, but Nigeria’s government has long refused American requests to be allowed to do the same from Nigerian territory. Moreover, Nigerians are proud of their army, the biggest in Africa, with its long history of contributions to peacekeeping missions, most recently in Mali. And they are also notably secretive and prickly about its operations—and the low standards of soldiery which foreign experts would see. Though Mr Jonathan declared a state of emergency in the north-east a year ago, his army has dismally failed to defeat Boko Haram.

Indeed, it has itself perpetrated numerous atrocities against civilians suspected of harbouring or lending sympathy to the rebels, who thrive among embittered young Muslims in the north, the poorest part of the country. The army was widely castigated after a military counter-attack on March 14th following an attempted jailbreak by suspected members of Boko Haram detained at a barracks in Maiduguri. According to hospital sources, around 500 people were killed, mainly at the hands of soldiers. Such human-rights abuses by the Nigerian army make Western governments edgy about offering to join the fray, for fear of being deemed complicit.

Corruption, Nigeria’s great scourge, is another reason for foreign military advisers to keep their distance. Nigeria’s soldiers say that commanders pocket the bulk of their salaries, leaving them with little incentive to fight a well-equipped guerrilla movement that knows the rugged terrain and forests. Why risk death at the hands of Boko Haram for no reward? It is hard, in such conditions, to see how outsiders could raise Nigerian troops’ morale, let alone im-

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

3

CHIBOK GIRLS’ ABDUCTION

is hurting Nigeria, says The Economist

•A boy holding a placard during a BringBackOurGirls rally in Boston

prove their military skills.

Patience not always a virtue

Perhaps the worst aspect of the Nigerian government’s handling of the abduction is its seeming indifference to the plight of the girls’ fami-

lies. It took more than two weeks before Mr Jonathan addressed the matter in public. His government’s sluggish response and its failure even to clarify how many girls had been abducted provoked protests in several cities across Nigeria—itself an un-

usual event.

To make matters worse, the president’s wife, Patience, ordered the arrest of two leaders of the protests, bizarrely accusing them of belonging to Boko Haram and of fabricating reports of the abduction to smear the

government. In a televised broadcast on May 4th, the first lady, who holds no official position, warned against further such marches. “You are playing games,” she said. “Don’t use schoolchildren and women for demonstration again. Keep it to Borno, let

it end there,” the official News Agency of Nigeria reported.

Such statements do not give the impression that Mr Jonathan or his colleagues, who face elections next year, take the worries of ordinary Nigerians to heart.

My World Economic Forum (WEF) takeaways, by Fashola Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola shares his thoughts on the World Economic Forum (WEF).

A

S we expect life in Abuja to return to normal, hopefully for the better, I feel the urge to share my thoughts about the World Economic Forum.

Although security concerns and discussions were constant mentions at a Forum to discuss Africa's economy hosted in Africa's largest market (by population), that may as well not be a very bad thing when all is finally said and done.

This is because I find it difficult to imagine that any kind of serious economic activity can be sustained in an atmosphere of insecurity.

So the focus on security may well turn out to be ablessing in disguise because I have always believed that the difficult times bring on an opportunity if those who experience it look for lessons to belearned so that the difficult times never repeat themselves.

That said, I will return to my WEF takeaways and they are simple things that have far-reaching consequences for us, depending on what we do.

TAKEAWAY ONE Although I did not attend the forum, I followed closely as it was covered on Channels and TVC. One thing I noticed was that there were no opening and closing prayers in Christian and Moslem ways; or were they deliberately not broadcast? I doubt that this was the case. The more likely inference is that they were not part of the programme.

The reason is that this was not a Nigerian event; it was a global franchise hosting in Nigeria.

Think of how many minutes we have spent on prayers at economic and business meetings that are Nigerian. Now multiply them into hours and days and calculate how much productive time we have lost.

My conclusion is that prayers and religion are necessary to shape values, they do not run an economy. It is serious people who do. I hope the lesson will remain beyond WEF. TAKEAWAY TWO Unless the broadcasters screened off all these parts, then I must have been the only one who

did not see the introduction of our countless VIPs and them being ushered to the high table.

I did not see sessions being interrupted to announce the 'late arrival' of a VIP who was being led to a front seat where somebody who is not a VIP, but who arrived on time, will have to yield his seat for a person who at best should have been kept out of the venue for tardiness or, at worst, given a vacant seat the BACK of the hall.

TAKEAWAY THREE Again, I repeat, unless the broadcasters were extremely ingenuous, I did not see any Ipad and camera-phone totting Mamarazzi and Paparazzi and their better equipped competitors standing in front of particpants and panellists in the 'Nigerian Way' and obscuring the view of the audience in the hall.

In spite of this, the event was well reported on local and global television. There was also very generous print coverage and there were clear photographs.

The lesson is simple. Our journalism practice can do with a massive dose of professionalism and the use of appropriate equipment, which will raise standards and EVERY journalist MUST either be accredited to cover an event or be politely asked to leave.

The picture quality on the electronic platform was merciful to the eyes and pleasantly so.

The WEF franchise will not have settled for anything less. Are we Nigerians going to keep these lessons?

TAKEAWAY FOUR If I was not living in Nigeria, I would be tempted to think that the Transcorp Hilton Hotel had always looked like that.

Even the organisers, through one of their representatives in her closing speech, whilst thanking the hotel group let it slip that they "pushed" them to meet, what I believe she described as "Swiss Standards."

Now that they have attained those standards, I hope they will not let it drop again.

They must choose whether they want to be part of the global Hilton brand name or a bad imitation where all types of stragglers roam

about the reception, lobby and even corridors of what should be a hospitality facility of the highest repute.

TAKEAWAY FIVE One of the most important takeaways was also not directly economic, even if it has a consequential impact on the economic fortunes of individuals, families, states and Nations. It is Education.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown and a group of businesses committed $10 Million towards achieving safety in 500 schools in Northern Nigeria.

Why is this a take-away? Partly because the $10 Million was not from our own tax-payers or oil money [we are yet to satisfactorily account for $10 Billion as we await the outcome of an audit to look into the matter] rather it came from the private sector - and I believe it is foreign. $10 Million is N1.63 Billion and if you spread it across 500 schools, the per capita allocation will be roughlyN3.3 Million per school to keep schools safe for scores of children in each of those schools, if not hundreds of them.

The lesson is simple. That money may not be a lot, but its message to all of us is profound.

The problem is not that of foreigners - it is ours. We can have a lot of money, but if there are no ideas to pursue with the money, the value of money is not manifest. $10 Million at N3.3 Million per school can have an enduring effect if it is used to pursue the idea and ideal of safe schools, where our national budget may not have made a similar impact.

I hope we will latch on to the idea and pursue it for its ideal, in the purest sense and not in a Sure-P way.

In the end, it seems that the WEF has focused our attention on small things that have aggregrated to cause us big problems because we did not focus on them.

It has shown us that we can be orderly, that we can cover and report events properly, that we are not sinners because we don't pray at business meetings, that we can keep time and most profoundly; that hotel brands like the

•Fashola

Hilton and many other Nigerian brands can compete globally if they are challenged and supported.

The forum has taught us that we are the ones who limit ourselves and that we do not need protection from competition; but rather a fair chance to compete and the inspiration to do so.

I will conclude by issuing a caveat before the "Transformations" spin doctors begin to re-base this summit as their success.

This is an acknowledgement of what WEF "forced" us to do.

They held our hands all the way, they set targets and deadlines for us, they pushed and prodded.

It need not have been this way; but it is.

Now WEF has gone, we must prove that we can transform and make these takeaways and many others that I did not observe as a WAY OF LIFE that Nigerians can take for granted.

4

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

NEWS

S

•National Interim Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief. Bisi Akande speaking at a news conference in Ikeja, Lagos...yesterday.

With him (from left) are Interim National Secretary Tijani Tumsah; Interim National Treasurer Hadjia Sadiya Umar Farouq; and Interim PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

APC to Jonathan: no more time for excuses on terror Continued from page 1

Chief Bisi Akande noted that Nigeria “is at war”, adding that a stupendous national disaster was imminent, unless

the government wakes up from its slumber.

He said: “Our nation stands on the rim of crisis. A stupendous national disaster beckons. But, this current leadership can help avert disaster, if they wake up to what true governance is. The time for excuses and half-measures is long past. The wellbeing of the nation hangs in the balance.

“If we do not act decisively, the demands of the moment will find us wanting and history will issue a terrible verdict against us.”

The eminent politician spoke with reporters in Lagos on national security and the Federal Government’s inability to restore order into a state of pandemonium. With him were other party officials, including the Interim National Vice Chairman, Senator Annie Okonkwo, Interim National Secretary, Alhaji Tijani Tumsah, Interim National Treasurer Hajia Sadiya Farouq, Interim National Women Leader Mrs. Sharon Ikeazon,

T

Presidency: it’s blackmail

HE Presidency responded swiftly yesterday to the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s position on the state of the nation’s security.

Presidential spokesman Reuben Abati issued a statement, saying: “We consider it most unfortunate that the chairman of the APC will use the opportunity of the situation in the country namely the abduction of the girls of GSSC, Chibok to engage in partisan blackmail.

“The issue of national security should go beyond partisan politics. This is a very serious moment requiring seriousness. But to reduce all of that to partisan politics is in bad taste, it is irresponsible one-upmanship.

“One, Nigeria is not on auto pilot. There is a government in place; there is a President who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He is doing his very best to provide quality leadership and to reassure Nigerians that government stands ready always to defend their best interest. “‘We are on top of the situation’ that Chief Akande referred to is an English idiom and indeed, the government is on top of the situation. Government’s primary responsibility is to ensure that when issues come up, it

National Organising Secretary Senator Osita Izunaso, Alhaji Kashim Imam, Lagos APC Vice Chairman Chief Funso Ologunde and Lagos APC Women Leader Mrs. Kemi Nelson.

Frowning at government’s “ineptitude”, Akande said the only thing that mattered to President Goodluck Jonathan and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party

stands firm to do its very best to protect the people.

“This administration has continually showed courage and commitment in the face of whatever challenge that may arise.

“To give the impression that the President is doing nothing is dishonest. This government is not mouthing meaningless phrases; this government is not engaging in blame game. This government has a job to do and it is doing the job.

“They cannot say that government is on auto pilot in the face of all the achievements of this administration in the rail sector, health, aviation, foreign relations, transportation, trade and investment and in every sector.

“If Chief Akande wants to be honest with himself; he will say the truth and the truth will be that this country has been moved forward by President Jonathan, that we are not at the level we were at the time President Jonathan assumed office in 2011, “So to say the country is on auto pilot is unpatriotic because it is a lie.

“Chief Akande has made a number of recommendations. This administration welcomes suggestions and recommendations. If he had limited his contriContinued on page 58

(PDP) is power retention in 2015, and not the security of life and property.

He said since Boko Haram launched its terror campaign, over 1,500 people, had died. The figure excludes the 95 who died in the two bombings in Nyanya, Abuja and another 150 who were killed in Gamboru, Bornu State last week.

Akande said: “Twenty-six days after the abduction of iver 200 girls in Chibok, Bornu State, we neither know where they are nor are we close to knowing it, going by available information.

Yet, 11 more girls have been abducted in Warabe.”

The party leader pointed out that, following attacks by the Continued on page 58

Security agencies probe ‘involvement’ of Malians

ECURITY agencies are probing the likely involvement of Malians in the abduction of the 276 Chibok schoolgirls.

There are allegations that some members of Boko Haram are Malian insurgents, who were displaced last year by French troops.

A source, who pleaded not to be named because of the “sensitivity” of the matter, said: “We are suspecting that Malian insurgents, who were overpowered by French troops, have teamed up with Boko Haram to carry out the abduction of these girls.

“Some locals in Birno and Adamawa claimed to have heard some of the insurgents speaking French, which is typical of Malians.

“So, there is no doubt that Boko Haram has recruited more hands from Mali, Niger Republic, Chad and border towns in Cameroon.

“Whatever is the outcome of our findings on Malian insurgents, we will pass it to the allied forces to assist their intervention.

“This is why the allied forces have decided to involve France in the campaign to free the girls.

With the backing of the French Government, there is no more

Continued from page 1

Victim: kidnapping too terrifying for words

managed to escape, but 273 are still missing.

One of the teenagers who escaped from the Islamic extremists has said the kidnapping was “too terrifying for words”, and she is now scared to go back to school.

Sarah Lawan, a 19-year-old science student, spoke yesterday as Nigerians prayed for the safety of the 276 students still held captive.

Their prayers were joined by Pope Francis.

Lawan told The Associated Press that more of the girls could have escaped but that they were frightened by their captors’ threats to shoot them. She spoke in the Hausa language in a phone interview from Chibok, her home and the site of the mass abduction.

The failure to rescue those who remain captive four weeks later has attracted mounting national and international outrage. Last week, Nigeria accepted international help in the search, after ignoring offers for weeks.

Pope Francis lent his voice to the ongoing social media campaign #BringBackOurGirls.

The Pope asked Catholic faithful to pray for missing Chibok schoolgirls.

The Pope tweeted: Let us all join in prayer for the immediate release of the schoolgirls kidnapped in Nigeria. #BringBackOurGirls

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) May 10, 2014 Prime Minister David Cameron promised Sunday that Britain “will do what we can” to help find the girls.

He made the comments as he held a sign bearing the #BringBackOurGirls hashtag on the BBC’s “Andrew Marr Show.”

Cameron and Pope Francis are the latest high-profile supporters of the social media campaign.

U.S. first lady Michelle Obama tweeted a photo of herself with a similar poster last week. #BringBackOurGirls has become the most popular hashtag in Nigeria this year, with the Twitter trend hitting over a million tweets. The hashtag has gone from a local trend to receiving international attention in the last seven days.

The hashtag is also very popular on Facebook and Instagram, receiving over 150,000 posts on the latter.

It has been posted by a number of global celebrities and personalities, actress Angelina Jolie and singer Chris Brown.

The International Criminal Court said the number and intensity of attacks has risen sharply this year.

It called on Boko Haram to release the girls immediately.

“The troubling phenomenon of targeting females during conflict,

this time, in Borno state, cannot be tolerated and must be stopped,” said prosecutor Fatou Bensouda. “No stone should be left unturned to bring those responsible for such atrocious acts to justice, either in Nigeria or at the ICC.” CIA Director John Brennan told the TV network Fusion that the United States is doing “everything we can” to determine the girls’ location, a mission President Barack Obama has made a priority.

Worldwide protest continued yesterday. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, the Reverend Al Sharpton, and at least 200 local residents, and elected officials, all representing a cross section of activists and concerned citizens, took part in a rally in front of the Nigerian Consulate on Saturday afternoon. It was the second such gathering in front of the Consulate.

The New York Mayor weighing in on the issue is significant for a locally elected official in the U.S. Most U.S. mayors and governors avoid speaking out on a global issue not directly touching their jurisdiction, even one as controversial as the kidnapping of the 200 plus female students in Nigeria.

That mayor de Blasio spoke out, and marched alongside fel-

hiding place for Boko Haram insurgents.

The police attempted yesterday to sack #BringBackOurGirls protesters from the Unity Fountain in Abuja.

A statement by the Media Lead, Rotimi Olawale, said: “As early as 7am, the police drafted a team of policemen to the venue of the rally. At about 8.30am, a sound system company that was setting up speakers and microphones for the rally scheduled for later this afternoon was ordered out of the Unity Fountain or face arrest.

“As at 2pm, over 20 policemen have occupied the particular spot at the Unity Fountain where concerned Nigerians had peacefully gathered for days to demand that the Government #BringBackOurGirls ALIVE before the commencement of the World Economic Forum.

“Despite the looming police threat, #BringBackOurGirls Campaign is determined to continue its sit-out and will assemble at the Unity Fountain from 3pm today. We remain resolute Continued on page 58

Investors warn against ‘hasty’ sale of Mainstreet Bank Continued from page 1

need to move ownership of the bridged banks from the do-

main of public ownership and government control to the private sector, the process should be well “streamlined”, well publicised and allowed enough time to be examined by all interested parties, and should never be an issue that should be,as it were, rushed, as though there is more to it than meets the eye”.

“It is a welcome development that these banks are eventually finding their way into the private sector domain where they should be in the first place, but we insist that the process should be meticulous and not rushed, as no purpose will be served if the divestment is not transparent, or seen to be so,” they said, adding that one week is grossly inadequate for a thor-

More foreign experts join search for abducted girls ed Chibok girls, success will soon be achieved”.

He said the President accepted the Israeli offer to send a team of counter-terrorism experts to assist in the ongoing search and rescue operations.

“The President briefed Mr. Netanyahu on actions already being taken by Nigeria’s armed forces and security agencies to locate and rescue the girls, saying that Nigeria would be pleased to have Israel’s globally-acknowledged anti-terrorism expertise deployed to support its ongoing operations.

“Mr. Netanyahu, who expressed Israel’s total condemnation of the mass abductions, said the team of experts from his country, who will soon arrive in Nigeria, will work in collaboration with teams from the United States and Britain who are already in the country and their Nigerian counterparts to intensify the search for the girls.

“He reaffirmed Israel’s willingness to give the government and people of Nigeria all possible support and assistance to overcome terrorism and insecurity.”

The United States, Britain, France and China had earlier offered to help. The UK and the US team are already in Nigeria, working with the military.

Close to 300 youngsters were kidnapped from a boarding school in Chibok, Borno State on April 15. It is believed that 53

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

low citizens will likely change the tenor of the debate in America’s most international of cities. De Blasio, who addressed the crowd of roughly 200, said the kidnappings in Borno State “should be denounced around the world”.

His wife and daughter at the march that assembled in front of the consulate joined the mayor.

The Reverend Al Sharpton, and some members of his National Action Network team in Harlem, took part in the march and rally, bringing further media attention to the issue. Some Harlemites, like Lesha Sekou, marched the five-mile trek from uptown to the mid-town Nigerian consulate. Sekou, an anti-gun violence organiser, led a group of about 50 Harlem residents to the rally. She said that she was there because the 200 plus Nigerian school girls were abducted at gunpoint.

Some Ghanaian women yesterday marched through the capital Accra, to demand the release of the schoolgirls.

They presented a petition signed by over 300 people to the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, saying: “We are just a representative of the swelling voices of Ghanaians and other people round the world who believe that any extra second we spend not finding our girls is one second too many.”

They held placards, which read: “Bring back our girls”; “Release the girls now”; and “We

ough job to be done and for every participant to be acquainted with the requirement to meet the rigorous process in the evaluation “except they want us to go home with the impression that this is a predetermined exercise.”

The groups who are insisting that every interested party in the acquisition of Mainstreet Bank should be given equal opportunity, cautioned that AMCON, having midwifed the banking transformation process successfully thus far, should not rush into taking decisions or actions that would appear in the eyes of stakeholders to be pursuing “a hidden agenda, surreptitiously”.

While maintaining that the bridged banks, namely, Mainstreet Bank Limited, Enterprise Bank Limited and Keystone Bank Limited are national as-

Continued on page 58

•Pope Francis

want action now’’.

One of the leaders of the Ghanaian women that marched, Eugenia Techie Menson, Chief Executive Officer of Young Educators Foundation, said: “Girls have the basic right to be educated and to be girls; girls have the inalienable right to be girls.”

The Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ademola Oluseyi Onafonoka, after receiving the petition, said:”… Let me thank you for your out pouring of emotions, solidarity, for your empathy; I am assuring you as a father that our daughters will be Continued on page 58

ADVERT HOTLINES 08023006969, 08052592524

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

NEWS CHIBOK GIRLS’ ABDUCTION

‘Prosecute Nyanya bombers at global Criminal Court’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure

A

KURE lawyer and activist, Charles Titiloye, at the weekend urged the International Criminal Court to take over the trial of suspected terrorists arrested by Federal Government.

The former Secretary of the Akure branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) spoke against the backdrop of a statement credited to President Goodluck Jonathan that the Nyanya bomb suspects have been arrested.

Titiloye noted that the trial by the International Criminal Court would guarantee broader and non-sentimental trial of the suspects “because terrorism is a crime against humanity”.

The activist said though he had faith in the nation’s Judiciary to do justice in the matter, he averred that “our courts have not rapidly responded to the threat posed to the survival of Nigeria in its handling of terrorist cases”.

According to him, the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, recently discharged and acquitted some suspected Hisbolah members in Nigeria, after they were allegedly caught with arms.

The lawyer said the acquittal was premised on the fact that Hisbolah had not been designated by the Federal Government as a terrorist organisation.

Titiloye wondered if the charge of unlawful possession of firearms was not enough to put the suspects behind bars.

He said even the Federal Government, which claimed to be fighting terrorism, had not designated membership of international terrorist organisations as illegal and criminal in Nigeria.

Titiloye said: “Terrorists worldwide cooperate and Nigeria must join the global anti-terrorist campaign by making sure that this country is not a safe haven for any international terrorist organisation.”

Egwu seeks massive military recruitment From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

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ORMER Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu has urged the Federal Government to begin massive recruitment of youths and unemployed graduates into the Army to curb the security challenges in the country.

Egwu, who is also the leader of the state’s delegates to the National Conference, spoke yesterday at his home in Ezzamgbo, Ebonyi State.

The former governor hailed President Goodluck Jonathan’s acceptance of international community’s offer to end insurgency in the Northeast and rescue the over 200 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram members in Chibok, Borno State.

He noted that Nigeria needed short- and long-term approaches to get out of the current insecurity.

Egwu explained that the shortterm approach was to get other governments or nations that have overcome similar experiences with the deployment of modern technology to salvage the situation.

On the long-term approach, the former Education Minister said among the immediate solutions is a “massive employment and recruitment into the Nigerian Army and infrastructure development”.

•The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, with other protesters during a rally for the release of abducted Chibok schoolgirls in Sokoto...yesterday PHOTO: NAN

‘Boko Haram invaded Gamboru with armoured tanks’ B ORNO State Governor Kashim Shettima heard yesterday that Boko Haram members invaded Gamboru, a commercial town near the nation’s border with Cameroon last Monday, with armoured personnel carriers (APCs).

The residents said the sect members invaded the town at 1am and operated till 9am without being challenged by security agencies.

Last Monday, Boko Haram killed over 300 people and burnt the markets in the town in a daring overnight attack.

Shettima commiserated with the bereaved families and promised to assist the traders to return to business.

He said: “If a trader lost goods worth N100 or even

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From Bodunrin Kayode, Maiduguri

N10 million, we will try our best to augment with the little resources at our disposal. We may not be able to meet all your expectations at this trying time, but I assure you we will do our best.”

The governor cautioned that the task of rebuilding Gamboru should not be left to the government alone.

He said all should work together to restore the town’s commercial strength which

had given it an international status.

A resident, Musa Gamboru, told our reporter what the town experienced during the hours of Boko Haram siege.

He said: “They (Boko Haram members) burnt down the market and most structures of economic value to the people. All the trailers waiting to carry goods from here to Cameroon and other states of the country were equally burnt down.

“We are not happy about the way they laid siege on our

Jonathan calls for support to end terrorism

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan at the weekend called for collaboration to end the nation’s security challenges.

The President spoke in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, during the 80th birthday celebration of the Awujale of Ijebu-Ode, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

Dignitaries at the celebration hailed the monarch for his purposeful leadership.

They include All Progressives Congress (APC) national leaders Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu; Ogun State

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•Residents relive experience as Shettima visits Borno community

town and render us economically useless. The soldiers had a clear signal that the sect members were coming, because they came with four small sized armoured tanks.

They were shooting from afar such that the residents of Ngala (a neighbouring town) could hear the artillery. Most of us took off before they surrounded the town.

“My brother, you can’t believe this: they took several bags of beans and assorted grains and burnt down the remaining so that the people would not be left even with crumbs to eat or sell the next day.

“That was the fourth time they visited us and the only time they succeeded in penetrating the place, killing over 200 of our people.”

•Buhari, Tinubu, Amosun, Dickson hail Awujale at 80

By Olamilekan Andu

Governor Ibikunle Amosun and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Seriake Dickson.

At a luncheon party on the birthday, Dr Jonathan, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Gen. Jones Arogbofa (rtd), urged Nigerians to support his administration’s efforts to end Boko Haram activities.

The President expressed displeasure over the spate of killings, especially the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls at Chibok.

Jonathan said his adminis-

tration would do everything to overcome the security challenges.

He said: “I want to plead with all of us that these are challenges that we are all faced with. They are challenges that all of us should join hands together to resolve for the good of our dear country.”

The President said he had been meeting with many people, especially those from outside Nigeria, on how to tackle the security challenges.

Jonathan described the Awujale as an epitome of peace and unity, not only in

Ijebu land but outside his domain.

He attributed the peace in Ijebu land to the celebrant’s unique leadership style.

Jonathan said: “I deeply appreciate all you have been doing for this land and indeed for the Yoruba land and even for the entire nation. For the period that you have been in the saddle as the ruler, extreme peace has existed in Ijebu land.

You have contributed enormously to the development of governments during your period of service, as attested to by your own son, who is the governor of the state.”

Fashola: information vital to girls’ rescue

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), on Saturday, urged a group of protesters, comprising artistes, models, Nollywood stars and volunteers, to assist security agents with information that can lead to the rescue of the missing 234 schoolgirls abducted from Chibok, Borno State.

The governor spoke at the State House in Marina when he hosted the protesters, led by the organiser of The Future Project, Mr. Adebola Williams.

Fashola noted that such information, including talking to people who have resided in the Northeast and those who have friends or relations there, could be useful to the rescue of the schoolgirls.

He advised Nigerians to forward such information to his office or the offices of the security agencies.

•Governor addresses rally in Marina

By Olamilekan Andu

The governor said security agencies and the Federal Government were sharing information at their disposal with the public on the missing girls.

According to him, Lagos State is providing tight security for the lives and property of the residents.

Fashola urged the residents to avoid sending panic messages to fellow residents, adding that such attitude could escalate the security tension in the land.

The governor noted that when an individual who gets such message pushes it to a friend, instead of the relevant security or government agencies, he is heightening insecurity.

The protesters told the governors that they were at the State House to find out what governments at state and federal levels were doing about the schoolgirls, who had been missing for a month.

They promised not stop their peaceful rallies until the missing schoolgirls are reunited with their families.

The protesters urged Fashola to put pressure on the Federal Government to bring back the missing Chibok schoolgirls.

Mr. Adebola Williams, the organiser of The Future Project and spokesman for the protesters, appealed to the governor to relay the group’s message to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Nda-Isaiah blames insurgency on govt ineptitude •Seeks girls’ release

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N All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant and former chairman of Leadership newspapers group, Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah, has expressed displeasure over Federal Government’s ineffectiveness to rescue the schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State, about a month ago.

The newspaper proprietor said the present administration needed to wake up to its responsibility of protecting Nigerians instead of embarrassing the country with its seeming helplessness.

The girls were adducted on April 14 by the Boko Haram members from their dormitory at the Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, and have since remained in the custody of their abductors.

In a statement in Abuja, NdaIsaiah sympathised with the families of the abducted schoolgirls.

The entrepreneur urged them to find solace in the fact that the mercy of God and the global outcry would aid the release of their daughters.

The publisher, who has been critical of the Goodluck Jonathan administration’s lackadaisical approach to the security of life and property, also queried the government’s effort on similar cases, such as the abduction of about 40 children four months ago and when 100 pupils were burnt alive at the Federal Government Boys’ High School, Buni Yadi, among others.

He said: “I am still in shock about how this horrendous evil could have happened, the second major attack on a school in four months. Yet, my shock and distress can hardly compare to the anxiety, grief and pain borne by the families of the missing Chibok girls. It could only have been their dreams, hopes and aspirations for a better Nigeria that inspired them to stay in school, defying the odds...”

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

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NEWS CHIBOK GIRLS’ ABDUCTION

Activists seek UN sanctions against Boko Haram

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OCIO-ECONOMIC Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the United Nations Security Council to “move swiftly to impose targeted sanctions against Boko Haram and their backers to end persistent attacks against children and other civilians.”

In a statement dated yesterday by its Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, the organisation said: “By its Resolution 2068 (2012), the UN Security Council has stated its readiness to adopt targeted sanctions against armed groups like Boko Haram that persistently violate the rights of children in armed conflict, including through abduction and attacks on schools.

“With over 200 Chibok schoolgirls still missing having been abducted by Boko

Hamam, now is the time for the Council to show that it can deliver on its mandate and implement its resolution when it matters most.

“Sanctions send a powerful signal to the perpetrators and contribute to greater compliance with the Council’s agenda on children in armed conflict,” the group added.

According to the group, “The Council should consider a broad range of options for increasing pressure on Boko Haram and their backers if it is to contribute to stemming the persistent abuse of children by the extremist group, and assist Nigeria in the fight against terrorism. This will certainly increase international action against the impunity with which Boko Haram operates, and may be the turning point to secure the safe return of the missing schoolgirls.”

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (right) addressing a group of artistes, models and Nollywood stars led by the organiser of the Future Project, Mr. Adebola Williams during a peaceful protest to the Lagos House, Marina, over the abduction of girls in Chibok, Borno State

Obama’s wife: we’re outraged over girls’ kidnapping

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RESIDENT Barack Obama’s wife Michelle says she and her husband are “outraged” over the April 15 kidnapping of more than 300 schoolgirls in Chibok, Nigeria.

One day before Americans celebrate Mothers’ Day, the first lady stepped in for the president to deliver his weekly broadcast address to the nation, expressing empathy for parents of the 276 girls who are still missing.

“In these girls, Barack and I see our own daughters,” she said. “We see their hopes and their dreams, and we can only imagine the anguish their parents are feeling right now.”

The first lady also spoke out against the Boko Haram terrorist group that kidnapped the girls. Its leader has said the group intends to sell the girls into slavery.

“This unconscionable act was committed by a terrorist group determined to keep these girls from getting an education — grown men attempting to snuff out the aspirations of young girls,” she said.

On Saturday, Saudi

OneCard wins ICT Award

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NECARD Nigeria, a fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) company, has won an award for ICT Development Excellence “for its innovative and quality products”.

The award was received by the company at the African Quality Achievement Awards (AQAA).

The award is organised

by AQAA with the support of South African Quality Institute (SAQ) and the Chartered Quality Institute (U.K) The Chief Executive Officer, OneCard Nigeria, Mr Ahmad Baba, said: “We are happy that our innovative services that improve the lives of our people was recognised in and outside Nigeria as shown in this award and recognition from AQAA.’’

‘Bring back our girls’ is a cry heard far beyond Nigeria BRING back our girls” is the international rallying cry of those demanding the return of more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls abducted by Islamic extremists. It should also be a constant imperative for all civilized people who seek the release of females, both young and not so young, from the chains of ideology, tradition and exploitation.

On April 14, a small army invaded a girls’ school in northern Nigeria. The contingent was part of the Islamic guerrilla faction called Boko Haram, a name that translates as “Western education is forbidden.” The soldiers kidnapped 276 female students and burned down the school. In the days since, the terrorist group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, has threatened to sell the girls into slavery or marry them off to Boko Haram members, which would be just another form of slavery.

Boko Haram’s brazen, evil act has been met with outrage around the world. President Obama condemned the abductions and has sent a military and law enforcement team to Nigeria to help in the rescue effort. Rescue, though, will not be easy. The Nigerian north is a region of chaos. In a quest to enforce strict Islamic law, Boko Haram has murdered thousands of Muslims and Christians, including 300 people gunned down in a market just days ago.

The anarchy in Nigeria is not the only daunting element that

complicates return of the girls. The greater problem is the much larger system of female exploitation and oppression that spans countries and continents. Once the girls are fed into that dark world, they are not likely to come back.

The United States sent an army to Afghanistan that, for more than a decade, has been pushing back the forces of that dark world. This has created a space in which girls have been able to go to school, read books and hope for a future beyond the veil.

The grim likelihood is that, once Americans soldiers leave, The darkness is not confined to Afghanistan and Nigeria, of course. Throughout Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, there are men who cling to their traditional male privileges and often subscribe to a regressive interpretation of Islam that defines women as chattel. To such men, education of women is a threat.

So, too, is the contention that females should be able to choose their own husbands, find work and walk freely in the world.

To resist any form of women’s liberation, no tactic is too extreme for these men, from mutilation and murder to slavery.

And enslavement extends into an even wider realm of misogynistic profiteering, from sex trafficking in Europe and East Asia to the seamier depths of the porn industry in America.

The story of the stolen Nigerian schoolgirls is heartbreaking and horrific. “Bring back our girls” is a just demand. But we should not stop there. In every place where repression and exploitation of females exists, there are girls that must be brought back.

Arabia’s grand mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al al-Sheikh called the group “misguided” and said the militants had “shown their wrong path.”

Separately, the top religious leader in the birthplace of Islam said Boko Haram has

Barack has directed our government to do everything possible to support the Nigerian government’s efforts to find these girls and bring them home,” Mrs. Obama said.

Nigeria’s government has been sharply criticised for its

Los Angeles Times

been set up to “smear the image of Islam.”

The United States and other countries have sent teams of technical experts to help the Nigerian government in its search effort.

“I want you to know that

Dangote offloads 9m tons to crash cement price

Federal Character Commission to prosecute defaulters

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HE Federal Character Commission (FCC) has said it will prosecute states and Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) that break its rules.

The Commissioner representing Edo State on the Commission, Ifaluyi Isibor, told reporters in Benin City, the Edo State capital that those pushing for the commission’s scrapping were wrong.

Isibor said: “ If you remember the Oronsaye committee report, he even suggested that the commission should be scrapped but when the white paper came out, the Federal Government said it should continue because if it is allowed to function it would guarantee loyalty across the country.

“The issue you would have asked me is that perhaps it might enable too many people to be employed in the civil service and you know we don’t

From OSemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

have that vacancy that can take 90 per cent of Nigerians in the civil service, it is not possible.

“What we are concerned about is equity and fairness.

The 36 states and the federal capital must be represented and no state should have less than 2.5 per cent and no state should have more than 3 per cent and when you look at the analysis of the nominal roll of an agency and we discover that some states are having more than 4 and 5 per cent, then such state is over represented and when there is going to be subsequent employment into that sector, we would ensure that nobody will be employed in such state. So, we don’t sacrify merit.”

He said he visited Governor Adams Oshiomhole to inform him of the agency’s presence in the state.

inability to rescue the girls, almost a month after they were taken. But a Nigerian army spokesman, General Chris Olukolade, says it has been a difficult job.

“Some of the information given has turned out, in many

occasions, to be misleading and to be exhausting of the search teams,” said Olukolade.

“Nevertheless, this will not discourage the collaborative efforts that are ongoing.”

On Friday, Amnesty International said Nigerian security forces failed to act on warnings that began coming in more than four hours before Boko Haram attacked the girls’ school.

The human rights group blamed the lack of action on an “inability to muster troops,” due to poor resources and a possible fear of engaging with the often betterarmed militants.

In another development, suspected Islamist militants abducted the wife and two children of a retired police officer during an overnight attack in northern Nigeria.

Local officials and witnesses told VOA on Saturday that the attack took place late Friday in Liman Kara. The town is in the region where the Nigerian government has been battling Boko Haram.

Witnesses say the attackers overpowered local security officials and then set homes on fire and blew up a bridge.

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•Tanzania President visits Obajana plant

EMENT giant Dangote Plc has released into the market 9 million tons of the commodity to force down rising prices.

The president of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, broke the news when the President of Tanzania, Dr Jakaya Kikwete, visited the 10.25 million Mtpa capacity Obajana Cement Plant in Kogi State at the weekend.

He said low production leading to reduced market supply must have been capitalised by profiteers to shortchange the public by deliberately hiking the price.

Said he: “The recent scarcity in cement product in Nigeria is due to low production between January and March due to the yearly turn-

around maintenance of the company’s plants at Ibeshe and Obajana.

“We have released 9 million tons of cement into the market to stem the tide of scarcity and bring down the price.”

Dangote told reporters at Obajana that the feat was made possible because the plant attained full production.

The Group President and the Tanzanian President flew into Obajana at the close of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Dangote said the visiting Tanzanian President was at the plant to see things for himself.

The company is building 3 million metric tons of cement plant in Tanzania. He

said the cost of the plant is $600million and that construction work has reached 30 per cent. The plant when completed is expected to be officially opened in 2015.

Kikweto said he was convinced Dangote is a good business partner his country could trust, describing what he saw as “wonderful”.

Kenyan Deputy Prime Minister Wiliam Ruto also recently visited the Obajana Plant. Dangote Cement is building a 3million metric tons of cement worth $600m in Kenya.

Apart from Tanzania and Kenya, Dangote Cement is also building a 2.5million metric tons cement plant in Ethiopia and 1.5million metric tons capacity in The Zambia.

THE NATION MONDAY MAY 12, 2014

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NEWS

Kidnap suspect lynched in Ikere-Ekiti

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RATE youths set ablaze yesterday a suspected kidnapper at Odo Oja in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The suspect, a man in his late forties, was allegedly found in possession of a child’s body about 7:40am at Mashood on Mofere Street at Eyitayo Estate.

It was learnt that about 50 youths stripped the man naked and beat him into a coma. They put about to used tyres on him, doused him in petrol and set him ablaze.

An eyewitness said: “The man was initially handed over to the Oodua local vigi-

•Police condemn jungle justice From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

lance group. We expected them to torture him but they (the vigilance group members) did no such thing. They kept him there and wasted our time. At a point we got angry and took him to the main road and burnt him.”

The police warned residents against taking the law into their hands, adding that “the command will deal with whoever is found engaging in such”.

It is barbaric for people to kill and set ablaze a suspect without resorting to security agencies. This will not be tolerated.

Police spokesman Victor Babayemi told reporters in Ado-Ekiti that the incident was “regrettable and inhu-

man”.

Babayemi said: “The action of Ikere youths is condemnable and regrettable.

There is no jungle justice in Nigeria’s Laws. It is barbaric for people to kill and set ablaze a suspect without resorting to security agencies. This will not be tolerated.”

He said the command was investigating the matter to expose the identities of the masterminds of the killing.

Babayemi said a middleaged woman, Mrs. Lola Adebayo, was arrested for allegedly assaulting her nine-year-old maid, Blessing Akinyemi.

40 mini buses for Osun drivers

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RANSPORT unions in Osun State will soon get 80 mini buses.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola broke the news at the weekend at a rally organised by the Osun United City Bus and Taxi Association in conjunction with De Raufs to drum support for his re-election.

The rally was held at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo, the state capital.

Aregbesola said the first batch of 40 mini buses would be distributed next week and the remaining before the August 9 governorship poll.

He said he was happy that the people appreciated his administration’s policies and programmes and pledged to

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

do more, if elected.

Chairman of the United City Bus and Taxi Association Comrade Saidu Raji described Aregbesola as “God sent”.

He said drivers no more visit mechanics often because of the rehabilitation and construction of roads by the administration and pledged the association’s support to the governor in the forthcoming election.

Director-General of De Rauf, a volunteer group in support of Aregbesola’s second term ambition, Comrade Amitolu Shittu described Aregbesola’s achievements as unprecedented in the state’s history.

Osun Inter-party Committee gets exco

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From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

SEVEN-man executive of the Osun State Inter-party Advisory Committee has been inaugurated.

The election and inauguration took place at the weekend at the State Secretariat of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC.) Prince Adesoji Masilo of the United Democratic Party (UDP) is the Chairman. Alhaji Adetunji Oyolola of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) is the Deputy Chairman. Mr Idowu Omidiji of the United Progressives Party (UPP) is the Secretary. Comrade Bello Adebayo of the Independent Democrat (ID) is the Deputy Secretary.

Chief Gabriel Fasorepo of the NCP is the Publicity Secretary. Alhaji Rafiu Anifowose of the Citizen Popular Party (CPP) is the Financial Secretary. Alhaji Ajao Adelakin of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is the Treasurer.

Seventeen of the registered 26 political parties in Nigeria participated in the election, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP). Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the other parties were absent at the event.

Ogun fixes Ijebu-Ode/Epe road

T •Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (right) discussing with some service chiefs in his office in Ibadan...at the weekend.

Three robbery suspects, two ‘kidnappers’ held in Ogun

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HE police in Ogun State have arrested three robbery suspects, who have allegedly been terrorising commuters on the bridge at the Ibafo stretch of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

Christopher Abuo, Nwanorim Ukachkwu and Ali Segun allegedly confessed to the crime.

It was learnt that a pistol,

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

some ammunition, police and military uniforms were recovered from them.

It was gathered that the suspects were arrested on Saturday on the bridge.

The command is on the trail of fleeing members of the gang.

Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi confirmed the arrest.

He said two suspected kidnappers - Philip Okere and Ugho Samuel, were arrested at Dalemo Agbado on Saturday.

Adejobi said: “According to the complainant, Folorunsho Abraham, Okere and Samuel

attempted to kidnap his grand children, Damilola Folorunsho (6) and Olaitan Folorunsho (5). The suspects were questioned about their mission in the area and could not give satisfactory explanation. They will soon be transferred to the Department of Criminal Investigation at Eleweran in Abeokuta as directed by the Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye.”

HE Ogun State government has started rehabilitating the Ijebu-Ode/Epe

road.

Inspecting the work at the weekend, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Olamilekan Adegbite said the rehabilitation, which

would be completed in a week, would ensure free flow of goods and services.

He said: “We have never stopped the regular maintenance of roads in Ogun State and once fund is available, we prioritise the road to receive attention from the list of roads in the ministry.”

INEC to distribute Ogun voter cards in August HE Independent Na-

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tional Electoral Commission (INEC) will commence distribution of permanent voter cards to eligible voters in Ogun State on August 22.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Sam Olumekun, announced this yesterday in Abeokuta, the state capital.

He said the exercise would last for three days, adding: “Ogun State falls under Phase III of the commission’s plan, which is to commence distribution of permanent voter cards on August 22 through to August 24.

The exercise will take place

at the polling units where voters registered from 8am to 4pm daily.

“It will be followed by continuous voter registration from August 28 to 31 and this will take place at registration centres in wards from 8am to 4pm.

It is for those who turned 18 years after the last registration and those with missing pictures or biometric data.”

Olumekun warned that the name of anyone who registers more than once would be deleted from the voter register.

Cooperative societies hold summit

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•From left: Mr Leye Oyebade; his wife, Bimpe; Mr. Tunji Oderinde and Deaconess Yinka Oyebade at the development fund PHOTO: DAVID ADEJO raising of Ladeso Nursery and Primary School, Lagos...at the weekend

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

BOUT 100,000 cooperative societies in the Southwest will converge today in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, for the National Association of Cooperative Consultants’ (NACC’s) Summit and Exhibition.

The one week summit holds at the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan (U.I.).

It is aimed at revamping the cooperative sector and reducing poverty.

NACC Coordinator Mr. Akintola Ademola told reporters yesterday that Nigeria was facing socio-economic challenges which need to be addressed so that its economy can grow.

He said: “Socio-economic challenges, such as poverty, unemployment and poor standard of living have threatened our existence as a nation.”

Ademola said cooperative societies play a major role in poverty alleviation, adding: “Empirical studies of the economy of the nations of the world show that micro, small and medium scale enterprises create over 70 per cent of jobs.

Invariably, cooperative societies are the power that fuel small and medium scale enterprises.”

THE NATION MONDAY MAY 12, 2014

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NEWS

Police: Soka killings won’t be swept under the carpet T HE police in Oyo State have assured Nigerians that investigations into the Soka killings/kidnappers’ den will not be swept under the carpet.

The police were reacting to rumours that dignitaries frustrated efforts to bring the perpetrators of the Soka killings to book.

The command said investigation was ongoing and warned the public against jungle justice.

•Warn against jungle justice

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

Speaking in Ibadan on a l o c a l r a d i o p r ogr am m e , police spokesperson Olabisi Clet-Ilobanafor said the police had gone a long way on the matter and urged the people to be patient.

She condemned mob actions against the destitute, urging residents to report suspected criminals to the police.

Clet-Ilobanafor said anyone caught perpetrating jungle justice would be charged with murder, adding that only courts had the

right to order executions.

On the menace of Fulani herdsmen in Oke Ogun and Ibarapa, she said the Comm i s s i o n e r o f P ol i c e m et with Hausa leaders and it was agreed that the herdsmen would pay for the crops that were destroyed.

Clet-Ilobanafor said herdsmen agreed to keep their cattle off farms.

She urged the public to assist the command with information to prevent crime.

Four injured in Ibadan-Lagos road tanker fire

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OUR people were injured yesterday in a fire on the Ibadan end of the Lagos/Ibadan expressway.

Three vehicles were burnt.

It was learnt that a tanker spilled diesel on the road and exploded.

One of the victims sustained first degree burns.

The other three got in-

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

jured while trying to put out the fire.

The accident caused a traffic gridlock on the road, as people abandoned their vehicles and ran to safety.

Many drivers pulled off the road and joined those trying to put out the fire.

An eyewitness, August-

ine Idowu, said: “The tanker was coming from Lagos towards Ibadan.

Something went wrong suddenly and the vehicle split into two. The tank fell and the road was full of diesel. Almost immediately, fire emanated from the effect of the contact between the tar and the iron used to construct the tank. The fire

travelled fast with the diesel and three other vehicles got burnt.”

Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Assistant Commandant in charge of Oluyole, Ibadan Southwest and Ona Ara councils Sanya Adeoye said the injured were taken to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Ambode is from Epe, says monarch

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HE rumour surrounding the authenticity of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode as an indigene of Epe in Lagos State was laid to rest at the weekend as the Oluilara of Ilara, Oba Okunola Adesanya, described him as a bonafide indigene of Epeland.

Oba Adesanya spoke for the Olu of Epe and other traditional rulers at the induction of Ambode and other prominent Epe indigenes into the Epe Club.

He said in his 54 years on the throne, the Ambode family had always been part and parcel of Epe. Oba Adesanya said Epe people had always been looking for a Messiah and Ambode fits perfectly as someone who will actualise the dream. He urged the people to support Ambode’s quest to develop Epe and the state.

He said Ambode had served Lagos for 27 years without tainting his name and is qualified to take up a higher responsibility.

The Chairman of Epe Club, Lanre Rasaq, a former commissioner for Transportation, described Ambode as the “jewel of Epe”, who used his position as the Accountant-General of Lagos State to better the lot of the people.

Ambode thanked the people for the confidence reposed in him and pledged his commitment to the development of Epeland.

He said: “I am fully committed to the ideals of the club, which are to promote peace, unity and stability among Epe indigenes.”

Ambode urged the people to continue to support Governor Babatunde Fashola and pledged never to disappoint them.

‘

I am fully committed to the ideals of the club, which are to promote peace, unity and stability among Epe indigenes.

’ Ogun holds Community Day

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By Adebisi Onanuga

HE first Ogun State Community Day celebration begins in Abeokuta tomorrow and ends on Thursday.

The theme is: “Security and community; emerging trends and new strategies”.

The event will be opened at 10am tomorrow by Governor Ibikunle Amosun at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta.

It will feature cooking competitions, community fair, community eating, raffle draw and gele tying competitions.

There will be a parade by Community Development Associations (CDAs) at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium on Thursday.

The ceremony would be rounded off with a Dinner/ Awards Night at the June 12 Cultural Centre Banquet Hall, Kuto, by 5pm.

NDDC votes N1b for Ondo projects

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•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (second right); Comrade Lateef Busari (left); State Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) Alhaji Jire Oyebode (second left); Mr. Lekan Salami of theNational Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW, third left); NURTW State Chairman Chief Isiaka Afolabi( third right) and the State President of the National Association of Co-Operative Transport (NACT) during a rally organised by the Osun United City Bus & Taxi Association in conjunction with De Raufs to mobilise support for Aregbesola at the Freedom Park in Osogbo...on Saturday.

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Court says CAC pastors have case to answer

HE Court of Appeal, sitting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has struck out an appeal filed by the former factional President of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Pastor Elijah Oluseye, and three others.

The others are Pastor Gideon Okegwemeh; CAC

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HE Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has set aside N1 billion to pay for completed projects in Ondo State.

The commission said it had reviewed 40 cases of abandoned projects in the state.

Speaking in Akure, the state capital, at the weekend, the state’s representative on

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Adamasingba’s General Secretary Pastor Johnson Olabisi and Mr. Abdul Hakeem Mohammed, a Director with the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Justice Abimola Adejumo Obaseki of the Federal High

Court, Ibadan, on September 19, ruled that the accused must answer to the allegations of conspiracy and forgery preferred against them by the Federal Government.

In the Appeal Court’s ruling, Justice Dogban Mensem said the applicants had no appeal before the court because

there was no record or evidence to show that they filed any suit.

Justice Mensem and other members of the panel - Justices A.A. Gumel and M.N. Oniyangi - said the appellants’ counsel, O.S. Ikahana, told the court that he did not have a copy of the record of

appeal he said they filed on December 19, 2013.

They did not oblige Ikahana’s request for an adjournment and struck out the case.

With the ruling, a fresh hearing of the case will begin on August 6 at the Federal High Court in Ibadan.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

the NDDC’s board, Mr. Amuwa Benson, warned contractors handling the commission’s projects against shoddy jobs.

Amuwa said the money was set aside in the budget to cater for completed and certified projects.

He said the commission, through its Project Monitoring Department (PMD), reviewed 40 cases of abandoned projects, which were omitted in the budget, and captured them in it.

Amuwa said the Ugbo/ Ugbonla road would take off soon.

He said the project, which was awarded at over N19 billion by the penultimate board, was stalled by technical problems relating to its award.

Tinubu urges monarchs to be upright as Awujale marks 80

LL Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has urged monarchs to be upright and protect the interests of their subjects. He spoke during the 80th birthday prayers for the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, at the Central Mosque in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Extolling Oba Adetona’s doggedness, Tinubu said the Awujale was one of the few Obas who refused to align with the military regimes and abhored corruption.

He said: “I remember in 1991, 1992 and 1993 during the

•Adetona: Adenuga is most generous Nigerian military junta, when the Yoruba were the target of the then government. They thought they could silence you (Oba Adetona); they planned to kill you; they planned to remove you through a local government, but they failed. They did it to the Sultan of Sokoto and they succeeded.

“You stood by us; you stood by the truth and despite all humiliation, depression and attack, you remained resolute.

I will never forget when you invited us to your palace for one of our meetings. When we got there and were about to

commence our meeting, we were told soldiers had surrounded the palace with guns.

You told us then that there was no problem and we should continue our meeting. You said they did not know there were many ways into the palace. After our meeting, you opened another door for us and nothing happened to us.”

At the grand finale of the celebration on Saturday at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode, Oba Adetona described Globacom Chairman Mike Adenuga Jr. as the most generous Nigerian.

The Awujale, who was re-

sponding to a toast made by the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Adekoya, said: “Adenuga is the most generous man in Nigeria today. This is my son in whom I am well pleased. We need more of your activities in Ogun State. God will continue to give you stamina, good health and grace. I thank you”.

The monarch, who has ruled Ijebuland for 54 years, decried the practice of tagging those pointing out the ills in the society as “committing treason”.

He urged governments at all levels to take constructive criticisms in good faith and warned

political office holders against making inflammatory statements.

Oba Adetona thanked the people of Ijebuland, especially the Renaissance Group, for a job well done and pledged to continue to serve humanity to the best of his abilities.

Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who named the flyover in Ijebu-Ode after Oba Adetona, described the monarch as “a colossus, who typifies the finest and best in our traditional institution”.

He said: “As a lover of peace, Oba Adetona always ensures

that peace reigns supreme whenever there are challenges.

Past Ogun governors attest to the fact that Kabiyesi uses his rich wealth of experience to offer guidance. I cannot achieve anything without the support of the Awujale. Please continue to guide and correct us when we are not doing it right,” Governor Amosun pleaded.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, General Jones Arogbofa (rtd) said Oba Adetona had played numerous roles in entrenching peace in the country and urged him to continue in his detribalised fatherly role.

THE NATION MONDAY MAY 12, 2014

9

NEWS

EKITI 2014

Fayemi, Aregbesola advocate use of card reader machine

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KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi and his Osun State counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola, have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rescind its decision not to use Voters Card Reader machines in the forthcoming Ekiti and Osun states governorship elections.

The governors, who criticised INEC’s decision to defer the use of card reader machines till next year’s general elections spoke in Lagos at the weekend.

It was at a fund raising dinner hosted by “Friends of JKF’’.

They spoke just as former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu dared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rig the elections in the two states and see the wrath of the people.

Fayemi, backing the use of VCR machines in Ekiti and Osun elections slated for June 21 and August 9, said Ekiti people will leave no stone unturned to ensure that their votes count and are counted and announced in Ekiti State and not elsewhere.

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Stories from Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

The governor added that INEC would not only be encouraged but also be pressured to use the VCR machines to state its commitment to free, fair and credible polls in the two states.

Fayemi said: “We will go to any length not only to ensure that the votes of the people count but that the votes must be counted at the spot where they have chosen to elect the leader for themselves and we will do everything to ensure that INEC is forced, not just encouraged to use the card reader for these elections in Ekiti and Osun.”.

The APC candidate stressed that the difference made by his government in the lives of Ekiti people since 2010 is crystal clear and it is an evidence of his commitment to lifting up the weak and vulnerable section of the society.

Fayemi, who said that the seven years of the PDP rule in the state was full of criminality and brigandage, stated that the collapse of the PDP candidate,

•Tinubu dares PDP on rigging plan

Mr Ayo Fayose’s campaign podium at Ifaki-Ekiti was an act of God revealing the true colours of the enemies of the people.

Aregbesola stated that the PDP was collecting the voters identification numbers on voters cards with the aim of cloning the original cards, adding that the only way the cloned cards can be detected as fake is not physical examination but through the use of electronic voting system.

The governor explained that a plan is being staged to manipulate both Ekiti and Osun polls to favour the opposition in the affected states, saying that INEC should endeavour to testrun the use of Voters Card Reader machines in the two states ahead of the 2015 general elections.

He added that INEC only needs to provide 3,500 VCR machines for use in the two states as a sign of its commitment to conducting credible polls.

plain, you will not see them do the campaign because they want to alter the mathematics.

If they cannot do subtraction and addition successfully during the governors forum, they will not be able to do it during this election. I say it again, if you want to arrest me, come on, arrest me. If you rig this election, we roast you”, Tinubu said.

Describing Fayemi as a sellable and dependable candidate, the APC national leader said the Governor is an actualiser of the dream for a Nigeria where the dividends of democracy is evenly distributed to the people without prejudice.

Tinubu stressed that Fayemi has lived up to the expectation of the people of Ekiti State and the APC has stated Fayemi has impacted the people’s lives positively to earn a second term.

“This is a fundraising to galvanise, to continue the eightpoint agenda of Kayode Fayemi, the real change that we need, the change for progress,

Opinion poll ranks Fayemi highest on election rating

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has been rated most likely candidate to win next month’s governorship election, according to a poll conducted by Ekitipanupo, a research-based network of intellectuals from the state.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate scored 85.29 per cent to beat others.

Coordinators of the poll, Prof Akin Oyebode of the University of Lagos and Mr.Kunle Oladele, said the poll, which was conducted at the forum’s secretariat was a milestone intervention in the sustainable development in the state.

Members participated by voting online. Dr. Kayode Fayemi of APC scored 85.29 per cent; Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele of the Labour Party got 11.76per cent; Mr. Ayodele Fayose of PDP had 2.94 per cent. Mr. Kole Ajayi of Accord Party scored 0.00 per cent.

The poll, according to the coordinators, became necessary pursuant to the role of Ekitipanupo as the indigenous Ekiti people’s parliament. Considering the fact that the interests of Ekiti people rest on the prevalence of peace, order, good governance, infrastructure and so-

cio-economic development, it was observed that 51.61per cent voted YES for continuity of the progress recorded so far while 45.16per cent voted YES, with amends, where necessary in order to avoid past misdeeds and 85.29 per cent voted in favour of endorsing Dr John Kayode Fayemi for re-election for a second term.

Prof Oyebode and Mr. Kunle Oladele said: “ Ekitipanupo, as the foremost, all-inclusive Ekiti socio-political group and indigenous intellectual roundtable that parades the best of the indigenes as members, representing most of the 131 towns in Ekiti State, we wish to intervene positively, as the need arises, in the state of affairs in our beloved homestead of Ekiti.

Accordingly, our call for a free and fair June 21, 2014 election is in conformity with the discharge of one of the fundamental roles of the forum in the unfolding political scenario in Ekiti State.

Ekitipanupo recognises the fact that every qualified candidate is entitled to contest for the Ekiti governorship seat. It added that the forum is favourably disposed to the state being governed by the candidate general-

ly considered as the best in relation to personality, track record, programmes and manifestos, especially relevance to the collective interests and aspirations of Ekiti people home and abroad and, more importantly, the ideals that Ekitipanupo holds highly vis-à-vis the good and progress of Ekiti State.

The group went on: “We recognise that the period of political campaign in a democratic process offers parties and candidates the opportunity to showcase their programmes and manifestos with a view to winning votes of the electorate. We also strongly believe that this can be achieved without resorting to violence as has been painfully observed lately” The group appeals to politicians and their supporters to embrace peace and maintain orderliness in exercising their rights. Calling on the Nigerian Police, State Security Service and other law enforcement agencies to curtail any excesses. It urged INEC, to be vigilant and non partisan in regulating political activities in accordance with the Electoral Act towards a hitchfree poll.

Some of the members of Ekitipanupo include Professor

Bamidele: why I chose Muslim woman as running mate

•Bamidele

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At the event which drew the cream of the corporate world, APC National leader, Asíwájú Tinubu told the PDP to perish its alleged plan to rig the forthcoming election in Ekiti and Osun states, saying that any attempt to subvert the people’s will would be resisted.

Tinubu said the PDP is aware that they could only win the state by manipulating the election because the party has not presented an alternative manifesto to challenge the ruling APC government in the state.

The former governor who dared the PDP-led Federal Government to arrest him for his plan to resist rigging urged the people of Ekiti State to defend their votes and prevent any attempt not to make their votes count.

Tinubu said: “Those in Abuja have sent their agent down again for a repeat performance.

They are not ashamed. Defend your votes, it is your right. No matter how much they com-

continuity, improvement in the capacity our people. Look at what Kayode is doing: job creation, empowerment, capacity building, knowledge development. I will put my money on that.

Kayode, thank you for not putting us to shame. Those of us who believe in you will continue to believe in you and will continue to look forward to a day that somebody like you will be at the helms of affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. A leader should be able to mobilise, compassionately develop.

We will make more progress, not go backward.

Fayemi combines speaking and doing, that is what an initiator, a successful leader must have”, Tinubu asserted.

The event was attended by people from corporate organisations, academics, private investors and political class among whom were the Governors of Ogun and Osun Sokoto.

Imo, Nassarawa, Oyo, Edo and Bauchi state Governors were represented.

HE Labour Party Governorship candidate in the June 21 election in Ekiti State, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele, has said religion and need for gender balancing informed his choice of Alhaja Maryam Ogunlade, a former Deputy Director in the Local Government Service Commission as his running mate.

In a statement yesterday by his Media Aide, Ahmed Salami, made available to reporters in Ado Ekiti, Bamidele said the step had confirmed that he would not run a government that would see the civil servants as enemies.

The House of Representatives member said that he owed the civil servants in high esteem as technocrats who perform the bulk of the transformation agenda of any government, adding his government would build a synergy with them in all facets of governance.

Bamidele described Alhaja Ogunlade an accomplished and exemplary civil servant, who has written her name in gold, saying he has started displaying that anybody can rise to

become the governor regardless of background, religion or professional career.

The LP candidate said: “What I have done is to show that nobody is inferior in Ekiti whether you are home or abroad based. We are all Ekitis and we are equal in the face of the law and in our commitments to the development of the State.

“Like we use to reiterate that the Labour Party is a party for the civil servants and the poor masses. With the selection of Alhaja Ogunlade as the deputy Governorship candidate, we have proved that our own progressivism and the claim that we will run a masses-oriented programme is by action and not a mere pronouncement like other parties”.

of International Law, Akin Oyebode; Ifaki Ekiti-born former Head of Nigeria French Village and President of Ifaki Progressive Union, Prof Ade-Ojo; former Chairman, Odua Investment Company Limited and former Chairman, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited, Sir Remi Omotoso; and former Minister

of Health and Human Resources, Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi.

Others are former Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank, Chief Bandele Falegan; 81-year-old retired health practitioner, Madam Bimpe Okunade; Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Otuoke, Prof Bolaji Aluko; Vice Chancellor, Federal

University of Technology, Akure, Professor Biyi Daramola; Mr. Kunle Oladele, a successful businessman; Igede Ekiti-born U.Sbased, University of Ife and Harvard-trained Bunmi Fatoye-Matory, a U.S based University Don, Prof Joseph Aina, amongst others.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

10

CITYBEATS

Maintenance begins on Lagos bridges

By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

THE China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) yesterday began the maintenance of the two bridges along Alhaji Masha Road in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The work will end on May 30.

Commissioner for Transportation Kayode Opeifa, who disclosed it yesterday, said work would begin on the Masha Bridge 1 (at Adeniran Ogunsanya junction) on Saturday and will end on May 20.

He said work would start on the second bridge on May 21 and end on May 30, adding that the exercise would include the replacement of the bridge expansion joints.

Opeifa said as part of the traffic management strategies during the exercise, vehicular movement on both directions of the bridges would be restricted.

Similarly, vehicles moving inwards Alhaji Masha Road, he said, would use the service lane during the maintenance work.

He advised motorists and other road users to use alternative routes to avoid delays, adding that government had directed all relevant agencies to ensure free flow of traffic.

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CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

LUTH declares patient ‘unknown’

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WOMAN has been declared an “unidentified patient” by the management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba.

According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the hospital, Mrs Hope Nwawolo, the light-complexioned woman of about 35 years old, was brought into the Accident and Emergency Centre of the hospital by a lady and some policemen, on the April 7 at about 10.20am.

The patient, according to

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By Oyeyemi GbengaMustapha

Mrs Nwawolo, was said to have been found unconscious in front of a company on Bode Thomas Road, Surulere, by the lady who promptly alerted the police.

Mrs Nwawolo said the hospital’s management requests anyone looking for a female relation that fits the above description to visit the Accident and Emergency Centre of the hospital for identification.

• The patient ...yesterday

Civil Defence official ‘shoots’ woman dead

N official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to Lagos State command has allegedly shot a woman, Mrs Angelina Dansu, dead in Lagos.

The tragedy, The Nation gathered, followed a pandemonium that ensued when some NSCDC officials arrived Saponkoji village near Ogogoro village on an Island in Apapa, Lagos.

Their mission was said to be undefined as they allegedly to have fired sporadically into the air.

By Jude Isiguzo,

Residents were said to have scampered for safety during the drama that lasted several hours, but luck ran out on the victim when the officials stormed her shop where she was selling kerosene.

An eyewitness, who identified herself simply as Bose, said the officials entered the woman’s shop on Wednesday and attempted to forcefully seize her petroleum product, which she

‘When they threatened to shoot her, she fled from the scene even in her nakedness ... one of the officials opened fire on her and the bullet hit her lap’ vehemently resisted.

The source said Mrs Dansu was

Illegal deal lands five marketers in jail

FTER intense legal fireworks that lasted over a year, five marketers of petroleum products have been jailed by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

The marketers are: Ishola Ganiyu, Ishola Omopariola, Kayode Ajose, Aramide Solomon and Aranosiola Muruf.

They were pronounced guilty

by Justice Ibrahim Buba on two of the five-count charges of conspiracy to wit tampering of pipelines and obstructing free flow of petroleum products.

They were arrested with two truckloads of stolen petrol from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline in Ibafo area

By Jude Isiguzo,

of Ogun State and charged to court after investigations by the Inspector General of Police Special Task Force on Anti-Pipeline Vandalisation.

Justice Buba, who found them guilty of the charges, said that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. He sentenced them to three-year jail each, but gave them an option of fine to the tune of N300, 000 each.

On January 6, last year, the convicts were arrested by operatives of the IGP’s task force while discharging the “stolen” products at a filling station in Ogun State.

The police were said to have acted

‘It does not matter the number of years ... the most important thing is that they have been convicted... I believe that this will serve as a deterrent to others’ based on intelligence report that vandals were operating and moving the products to an unknown destination. They were later traced to Ogun State where the products were being sold.

The head of the task force, Mr Friday Ibadin, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), who described the judgment as fair, praised the court for handling the case speedily.

He said: “I must sincerely commend Justice Buba for his efforts in expediting the process. It does not matter the number of years that they were sentenced to, the most important thing is that they have been convicted. There are so many others in various courts awaiting trial. I believe that this will serve as a deterrent to others. The department will do its best possible to drastically reduce the cases of pipeline vandalisation by ensuring that suspects are made to face the wrath of the law.”

nearly beaten to coma and stripped naked. When they threatened to shoot her, she fled from the scene even in her nakedness, adding that one of the officials opened fire on her and the bullet hit her lap.

The source said residents ran into their homes and remained there for about an hour before coming out one after the other to find the victim dead.

The deceased’s husband, Paul, who told The Nation that he was not at home when the incident occurred, said he returned to hear the news of the killing of his wife by the NSCDC officials.

The man who had not recovered from the shock said his wife was not a petroleum pipeline vandal as being suspected by the officials.

He said she bought kerosene with her money and was retailing the product when the officials came to seize it.

Paul, who lamented that the officials had left him with the burden of caring for their four children, said he was told that the officials came with guns, arrow, and cutlasses, among other weapons with which they broke into people’s houses, destroying doors in search of petroleum products.

All efforts to reach the spokesman of state command of the Corps, Kehinde Bada, on telephone, failed.

RCCG landlords decry illegal arrest •Urge Adeboye to intervene

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HE landlords of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), the Baale of Agunfoye Village, Chief Yekini Babatunde Agunfon, and the head of the family, Chief Amos Oshin Agbabo, have urged the church’s General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, to call its contractors to order and stop them from harassing the family with policemen.

Agunfoye village is the site of the new auditorium being constructed by the church.

The two men were on Friday whisked away by men of the X-Squad of the Police, Alagbon, Lagos, led by an officer, Mr. Dosunmu, based on a complaint lodged by the church’s contractors, Chief Tunde Ojelade (aka Mania), the Baale of Mowe and Chief

By Uyoatta Eshiet

Jimoh Balogun, the Baale of Imedu Nla. They have since been released.

The Baale and the family head said the call to Pastor Adeboye became important because they were afraid that their safety was no longer guaranteed.

The family had earlier appealed to the church to increase the money payable to tenant farmers on the acquired land for their damaged crops from N20,000 per acre to N50,000.

They also demanded additional N200,000 on every acre of the land purchased by the church as well as N50,000 per acre as compensation for damaged crops on the acquired land.

The family went to court to press for the demands as

• Pastor Adeboye

the church had given contractors money to pay customary tenants of the village instead of allowing the village heads to do the payment.

The families were inundated with demands and threats from the displaced people on the land who thought they had collected money from the church, hence their decision to go to court.

They said they were surprised to see five policemen coming to hound them like common criminals, arresting and embarrassing them, thus their appeal to Pastor Adeboye.

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

MICHAEL OTEDOLA (1926-2014)

• Mr. Ayo Otedola , one of the sons of the late Micheal Otedola (right) welcoming the President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote

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• Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Muazu and Lady Doja Otedola, widow of the former governor during the former’s condolence visit to the Otedola family at on Saturday

Lagos hosts summit on disaster tomorrow

Doctor, council chief bicker over construction work

HE Chairman of Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State, Mr Fatai Ajidagba, is at loggerheads with a medical practitioner who has accused him of using his office to oppress tax-payers.

The doctor, Abimbola Adekoya, alleged that the council boss started construction of blocks of shops in Amukoko, thereby hindering access into the entrance of a property belonging to a hospital in the area.

Although the Ajidagba has swiftly denied the allegation, Adekoya told The Nation that he had been conniving with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Amukoko Police Station to thwart justice in the matter, despite the state government agencies’ condemnation of his action.

Adekoya alleged: “Some unknown people came to my property facing the newly commissioned Cemetery Road which the Lagos State Government spent tax payers’ money to construct, dug foundation on the setback in order to erect shops in front of my house, thereby blocking access to the building. Besides blocking access to my

By Jude Isiguzo,

property, the shops, if erected on the setback, will constitute great nuisance on the new road since the setback which could be used as vehicles’ parking will no longer be available.

“The activity started last Friday at about 5pm. This shows that it is likely that no approval was given for the construction. They use the weekend to do this illegal work. The council’s chairman is using his office to perpetrate injustice. He is supposed to be the custodian of the law but he is using his office to intimidate me.

“Initially, I reported the matter to the DPO in charge of Amukoko division, but he connived with the chairman to cover up the matter. It was when I petitioned the Area Commander that I got some respite. The chairman called me one day and asked me to pay N1million per shop for him to collapse five shops for me to have access to my property; I told him I couldn’t do that. One day, the state government’s task force came and demolished the structure being built by the chairman; the next day, his boys returned to site. We really want the government

‘The man (Adekoya) is ... my professional colleague and personal friend; so, I won’t do what is not right to him... I decided to assist him by collapsing four out of the 10 shops to enable him have access to his house, yet he is not satisfied’ to intervene before things get out-of-hand.”

Ajidagba, however, said the doctor’s allegations were entirely false, explaining: ”It is not true that I’m depriving him of the right of way.

The land in question belongs to the markets’ association. During the construction of Alaba Road, I was the person who demolished the market and I promised to rebuild it after the construction. Now that election is approaching, the association has reminded me of my promise. The people are really worried; so, I was trying to rebuild the market that I demolished so as not

T • Ajidagba

to renege on my promise ”The man (Adekoya) is trying to stop me from rebuilding the market. He is my professional colleague and personal friend; so, I won’t do what is not right to him. The land can accommodate ten shops but as a friend, I decided to assist him by collapsing four out of the 10 shops to enable him have access to his house, yet he is not satisfied. ”It is true that the task force demolished the shops that I was building. When he reported to them, they came and demolished them, but when I later showed them the initial picture of the place, they accepted that they acted wrongly and asked me to continue. I am acting rightly and in good faith. If he likes, let him go to court, we shall meet there.”

o achieve synergy in response to emergencies across Lagos State, the Ministry of Special Duties has concluded plans to hosts the second State Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Summit for South West States and West African Cities.

The two-day summit which will begin tomorrow, according to the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Wale Ahmed, will hold at the Public Service Staff Development Centre, Magodo.

Addressing reporters at the weekend, Ahmed who described the spate of disaster in the state as worrisome, said the government was committed to updating its disaster preparedness strategy.

He said the government had upgraded the command and control centre with modern equipment to be more effective and efficient in responding to emergency calls from emergency hotlines.

Tagged “adapting West Africa emergency response systems to changing realities”, Ahmed said the summit would be de-

By Precious Igbonwelundu

clared open by Governor Babatunde Fashola, with the Attorney General, Ade Ipaye and Commissioner for the Environment, Tunji Bello, as guest lecturers.

Others expected as speakers are: Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris; Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperative, Prince Gbolahan Lawal; General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Femi OkeOsanyintolu and Director General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mrs. Dominga Odebunmi.

• Ahmed

• (L-R) Oba Akeem Adesanya, the Alara of Ilara-Epe; Akinwunmi Ambode, a distinguished indigene of Epe; Chief Lanre Razak, Executive President of Epe Club, Oba Sefiu Olatunji Adewale, the Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom and Chief Yinka Tobun at the civic reception held in honour of Ambode to mark his induction into the Epe Club ... at the weekend

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

12

NEWS (SHOWBIZ)

Etisalat Nigerian Idol: Voters favour Antwon for the first time

M •T Davido

Davido in brawl with Immigration officers at Lagos Airport

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HE Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has described as false the allegation by a popular musician, David Adedeji, popularly known as Davido, that officers at Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) refused him departure because he refused to bribe them.

According to a statement issued in Abuja by NIS spokesman, Chukwuemeka Obua: “The attention of the Comptroller General (CG) of Nigerian Immigration Service has been drawn to an incident that occurred on Thursday 8th May, 2014 between officers at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja and a Nigerian musician named Mr. David Adedeji Adeleke (a. k. a. Davido) (here -in - after referred to as Mr. Adeleke).

“Mr. Adeleke had approached Immigration Officers at MMIA on the fateful day with the intention of travelling out of the country and presented a US passport # 460918874 issued at Georgia on 14 December, 2009 and valid till 14th December, 2019. The officer that attended to him drew his attention to the fact that his US passport had no Nigerian visa on it with which he would have been admitted into the country. He responded that he had a Nigerian passport, but forgot it at home. The officer now informed him that he should go and bring the Nigerian passport to convince him that he did not enter Nigeria illegally with a foreign passport without visa. Mr. Adeleke started arguing with the officer who had to refer the case to his superiors. The verdict here too was that he can not make the trip unless he produces the said Nigerian passport. Livid with anger, Mr. Adeleke in company of his bodyguards, started protesting in a disorderly manner prompting the Comptroller of Immigration in-charge at MMIA to intervene. He advised Mr. Adeleke to call his bodyguards to order and comply with the lawful instruction which would not only erase any doubt as to his immigration status, but also establish his claim to dual citizenship.

“Mr. Adeleke left and on the following day, being Friday 9th May, 2014, produced his Nigerian e-passport # A02227477 issued at Abuja on 13th August, 2010 and valid till 12th August, 2015. This passport was endorsed/stamped and he then proceeded on his trip.

“However, Mr. Adeleke had posted a damning and defamatory message on Instangram, a social media outlet, where he alleged that officers at MMIA refused him departure because he refused to bribe them. This

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

behaviour of Mr. Adeleke is quiet unfortunate. One would ordinarily have expected some form of commendation from him for the professional manner the officers who attended to him conducted themselves, especially in saving him from imminent embarrassment at some international ports of entry by ensuring that his passport is endorsed, as is the law and practice in Nigeria.

“The intention of this release is not to join issues with Mr. Adeleke, but to set the facts of the incident, as it happened at MMIA on the said day straight.

The CG wishes to use this medium to appeal to Nigerians to exercise patience and cooperate with officers at their duty posts, so as to be of better service to them. The CG will also advise Nigerians not to encourage or indulge, but to report promptly any officer who, by words or deeds, happens to be seeking gratification before performing his/her lawful duty. All officers in uniform wear/carry name tags (and at the airports, special duty cards) by which they can be identified.”

OST of the time in the ongoing Etisalatsponsored Nigerian Idol show, judges have been upset with the decision of the public, who are perceived to be voting for contestants on sentiment.

Some of the candidates who made it to the Top 12 did not seem to satisfy the judges.

The three-man panel comprising R ‘n’B singer, Darey ArtAlade, Germany-based Nigerian soul singer Nneka Egbuna and Dede Mabiaku, expressed disappointment, saying the best candidates had always got the least number of votes.

But the case was different last night when, for the first time, the most “unlucky” candidate, Antwon, made it to the Top 6 category through the public vote.

Antwon was among the three who were saved by the judges through their Wild Card during the Top 12 stage. He was also the candidate who was rescued a second time with the judge’s only lifeline, before making it into the Top 8.

There was palpable silence in the studio as show anchor and On-Air Personality, IllRymz, was about to announce the voting result. The result had Evelle, Antwon, Lisa and Jezzy Rae at the bottom 4.

Hope was, however, raised when IllRymz asked Evelle to join Eye-D, Beebee Bassey, Xolani and Elvis Jay at the winners’ corner. But with one more winner to go, it was obvious the world stood still for Antwon.

Therefore, when his name was announced, everyone, including the judges, jumped for joy. Consequently, Jessie Raey and Lisa were evicted from the show.

For Lisa, Dede said: “We talked and I noticed the improve-

•Tiwa Savage and other celebrities during the #BringBackOurGirls rally in Lagos

Artistes cry #Bring Back Our Girls in Lagos

T

HE hash-tag demand for the over 200 female students abducted by the Boko Haram sect took a practical dimension at the weekend, as some artistes in Lagos took to the streets to lend their voices to the campaign.

Celebrities such as Tiwa Savage, Tonto Dikeh and Toke Makinwa led the protest that had notable faces like Elohor Aisien, Debola Williams and many others marching from Falomo roundabout to the State House, Onikan, where they met with the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola.

The celebrities, who described as unfortunate the activ-

ities of the insurgents in the country, demanded pragmatic measures by the government to ensure that the abducted girls are returned alive.

Fashola, in his short response, assured the group that the situation was under control, adding that there were efforts by the international community to address the situation.

Meanwhile, at the international level, notable individuals who have joined the call for the release of the abducted girls include Mrs. Mitchell Obama, wife of the United State President, Barack Obama; hip-hop artiste and businessman, Sean Combs, aka P’diddy, among others.

•From left: Director, Brand andCommunications, Etisalat, Enitan Denloye; the evicted contestants, Nyro Love and Ms. Oge, and Head, Youth Segment, Etisalat, Elvis Ogiemwanye

By Victor Akande

ment in the things I said to you.

If, at your age, you are able to attain this level; and if, at your age, you are able to gain this measure of maturity, there is a lot yet to come from you. So, I want you now to see yourself as a victor and not as one who is vanquished.”

To Jezzy Rae, he said: “Believe in the ability you hold. It is time for you to start your work. The Journey begins now.”

Darey also consoled the evictees with words of encouragement. According to him, “This is now the point where we know what you are really made of. The game is over in terms of Idol, but the reality starts now. Let’s see what you have learnt here.

Take it and merge it with whatever you have: your spirit, your verve and your music. Create your sound and go forth and multiply.”

In parting, Lisa said without the usual tears: “I want to say thank you to everyone that voted for me. The judges really helped me to get to this stage.

To my fellow contestants, I say I love you all.”

Jezzy Rae too did not betray his emotion when he said: “Since I’ve gotten this far, I know the journey has just started for me, and I know the journey will be beautiful.”

The show continues, with six contestants battling to make it to the next stage and win the ultimate prize of N7.5 million, an Android Tab, a Blackberry,

an iPod and a brand new SUV car.

Also, the first runner-up gets N1.5 million, an Android Tab, a Blackberry and an iPod, while the 2nd runner-up will receive N1million, an Android Tab, a Blackberry and an iPod. Organisers said each of the finalists from the 4th to 10th place would also receive a cash prize of N100, 000, an Android Tab, a Blackberry and an iPod. To vote for the contestant who will remain in the competition, viewers are expected to dial the number of their favourite contestant on an Etisalat line or send the contestant’s number to 33680 via SMS.

Jimmy Jatt plans big for 25th anniversary

C

ELEBRATED DJ Jimmy Adewale Amu, better known as DJ Jimmy Jatt, has announced a tour as part of the activities to mark his 25th anniversary in the industry.

During the event held at Oriental Hotels, Lagos, Jimmy Jatt, who also has a few songs to his credit, said: “It is hard to believe that 25 years have gone by and I have been having the time of my life doing the job I love. This anniversary celebration is to take people on my journey so far and to show my appreciation for their continued support all these years.”

The nation-wide tour will see Jimmy Jatt visiting six cities across Nigeria from

May 30, through mid June.

The tour will start in Lagos and run through Enugu, Benin, Port Harcourt, Ilorin and Abuja.

He also revealed that a ‘DJ Jimmy Jatt Documentary’ formal dinner would hold on August 3. According to him, other activities lined up for the celebration include the launch of DJ Jimmy Jatt Foundation for the Entertainment Arts in October.

He also announced the return of his popular TV show, Jimmy’s Jump Off, which had featured some of Nigeria’s biggest music acts, including Tuface, Mode 9, M.I, Ice Prince, the late Dagrin, Sauce Kid and many more.

A documentary on the respected DJ and an official

•Jimmy Jatt

video for the song, Glasses Up, featuring Tuface and Burna Boy, will be released as the theme song for the anniversary.

Chika Ike visits alma mater in style

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•Ike

OPULAR Nollywood actress Chika Ike has visited her alma mater, St. Francis Catholic Secondary School in Idimu, Lagos.

The actress, who was the Head Girl at the school, talked to the students on the importance of staying in school.

The visit also served as an opportunity to bring the students and teachers together to pray for the school girls abducted by the terrorist group, Boko Haram, in

Chibok, Bornu State.

The students, while expressing their fears and concerns, said their happiest moment would be when the missing girls are returned to their respective homes.

Ike, 29, is a graduate of Human Kinetics and Health Education from the University of Lagos, Akoka.

The CEO of Fancy Nancy Collections landed her first roles in Sweet love and Bless the Child directed by TChidi Chikere.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, LAGOS DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

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NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

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Mr. Uwatt Ime late of 4th Avenue 401 Road, B Close, Block 2, Flat 2, Festac Town, Lagos who died intestate on the 2nd day of February, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr. Oshinowo Musibau Ayoola otherwise known as Oshinowo Ayoola late of No. 5, Okesanya Street, Papa - Ajao Mushin, Lagos who died intestate on the 21st day of March, 2013.

Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ezidimma late of House 4, Close 4, Satellite Town, Lagos who died intestate on the 13th day of February, 2013.

Mr. Monday Udofia otherwise known as Monday Udofia and Monday Emmanuel Udofia late of No. 3, Sunny Villa Estate Addo Ajah, Lagos who died intestate on the 15th day of July, 2013.

Mrs. Ayan Aderemi Rosaline otherwise known as Ayan Remi late of No. 10, 2nd Avenue Housing Corporation Estate Igbeba Ijebu Ode who died intestate on the 5th day of November, 2010 at Ogun State.

Bashiru Olanrewaju Adisa late of No. 24, Samuel Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos who died intestate on the 5th day of September, 2008.

Mr. Joshua Uwuigbe Amayo late of No. 20. Oyegunle Street, Olodi Apapa Lagos who died intestate on the 12th day of May, 2013.

Mr. Fregene Endurance late of No. 3, Islamiyat Street, Agboro Express Lagos who died intestate on the 2nd day of September, 2013.

Mr. Patrick Aniesedo late of No. 5, Akulere Street, Onigbongbo Maryland Lagos who died intestate on the 12th day of March, 2010.

Mr. James Adeyeye Ogundairo late of No. 4, Ali - Iwo Street, off Oke Oja Ijora Lagos who died intestate on the 31st day of July, 2012.

Chief Abdul Mojeed Olalekan Akande late of No. 24, Eric Manuel Crescent, Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on the 28th day of March, 2002.

Mrs. Yusuf Falilat late of IA, ImonleNfe Alafia Orile Iganmu Lagos State who died intestate on the 17th day of June, 2009.

Dominic Abayomi Koti otherwise known as Koti Dominic Abayomi late of Block 9, Flat 2, LSDPC Progressive Estate EbuteMeta West Lagos who died intestate on the 3rd day of February, 2010.

Adebayo Akinrele late of Oto Police Barracks Oyingbo Lagos who died intestate on the 24th day of November, 2010.

Odunuga Oreoluwa Modupe late of No. 6, Olatunde Close Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on the 18th day of October, 2013.

Mrs. Victoria Adenike Dina late of No. 22, Atiba Osborne Street, Mende Maryland Ikeja Lagos who died intestate on the 1st day of January, 2012.

Joshua Ademola Oyekoya late of Plot 4 & 6, Idowu Alao Stree Beach Land Estate, Arepo Ogun State who died intestate on the 19th day of November, 2010.

Ewhenji Stephen Olom late of Room 3, Warders Barrack Ikoyi, Lagos who died intestate on the 20th day of March, 2013.

Mr. Mumuni Badmus late of No. 28, Arikewuyo Street, Orile Iganmu, Lagos who died intestate on the 24th day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

Alhaji Ajayi Oladipupo otherwise known as Liadi Oladipupo Ajayi late of No. 55, Hassan Street, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos who died intestate on the 1st day of December, 2009.

Eletu Rasaq Alhaji otherwise known as Eletu Rasaki Idris Alhaji late of No. 37, BamideleEletu Street, Osapa LondonLekki, Ajah, Lagos who died intestate on 13th day of May, 2013.

Mr. Bola Badmus late of No.38, Seriki Street, Okokomaiko Lagos who died intestate on the 1st day of January, 2005.

Mrs. Adebola Abosede Kusimo otherwise known as Lady B late of No. 17, Kusimo Street, Aguda Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on 2nd day of September, 2011 at Ahmed abab India.

Awobola Sunday late of No. 32, Charles Avenue Ajegunle Lagos who died intestate on the 22nd day of December, 2013.

Alhaja Oyebode Sukurat Asake Laguda late of No. 152, Borno Way, Ebute Metta, Lagos who died intestate on the 20th day of December, 2009 at Lagos.

Ajayi Oluwafunmilayo Mary late of No. 6, Aiyeleru Street, Itele Road AiyetoroAyobo, Ogun State who died intestate on the 1st day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

Oduneye Samson Olaitan late of No. 1, Isaac John Street, Igbobi Fadeyi Lagos who died intestate on 7th day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr. Wale Onakoya late of No. 14, Ifelodun Street, Oko-Oba Agege Lagos who died intestate on the 3rd day of August, 2013.

Alabi Ismaila late of No. 6, Idumagbo Avenue, Lagos who died intestate on the 29th day of May, 2013.

Vincent Young otherwise known as Young Arney Vincent late of No. 9, Frank Street, Agboju Amuwo Lagos, who died intestate on the 30th day of May, 2013 at Lagos.

Olatokunbo Ajibola Juwon late of No.4, Arowoiyabuno Street, Orile Iganmu Lagos who died intestate on the 22nd day of October, 2010.

Odinaka Oyemeluwe late of No. 9, Ajibode Street, Surulere, Yaba, Lagos who died intestate on the 19th day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

Taiwo Olubukola Adepetun late of No. 12, Nureni Street, Isolo, Lagos who died intestate on the 4th day of March, 2013 .

Mr. Adache Usman late of No. 69, Association Avenue Ojota Lagos who died intestate on the 4th day of January 2010 at Abuja.

Mrs. Layeni Nosifat Ibironke late of No. 30, Okepopo Street, Lagos Island Lagos who died intestate on the 2nd day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

Sada Leko Muntari otherwise known as Leko Muntari late of No. 34, Commercial Avenue, Sabo Yaba, Lagos who died on the 25th day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr. Ajose Muritala late of No. 11, Ogunkoya Street, IwayaYaba, Lagos who died intestate on the 31st day of January, 2011.

Mr. Hector Oladele Johnson late of No. 3, Akinola Solanke Street, Ajao Estate, Lagos who died intestate on the 18th day of December, 2012 at Lagos.

Balogun Taoreed otherwise known as Taoreed Babatunde Balogun late of No. 51, Eleshin Street, Obalende Lagos who died intestate on the 14th day of May, 2013 at Lagos.

Alhaji Ibrahim Abiodun Ogundimu late of No. 1A, Ita Omo Street, Isale -Eko Lagos Island Lagos who died intestate on the 15th day of April, 2007.

Augustina Anyika late of No. 11, College Road Olodi Apapa, Lagos who died intestate on the 20th day of August, 2013.

Pa. Yekini Joda Adepeju late of No. 10, Adekanbi Street, off Demurin Ketu, Lagos who died intestate on the 1st day of May, 2007 at Lagos.

Chief Ayo Samuel Amu late of No. 38, Shekoni Street, Coker Orile Lagos who died intestate on the 25th day of February, 2013 at Lagos.

Shasanya Olusegun Samuel Chief late of No. 8, Salami Lawal Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos who died intestate on the 24th day of January, 1985.

Elebile Oluwatoyin Maria otherwise known as Elebile Toyin late of No. 98, Okepopo Street, Lagos Island, Lagos who died intestate on the 13th day of June, 2013.

ASP Ilawole Claudius Kolawole (Rtd) late of Ilogbo Ajangbadi Lagos who died intestate on the 24th day of May, 2013 at Lagos.

Mr. Patrick Nwoko late of No 14, Oluyeye Street, Mafoluku Lagos who died intestate on the 21st day of May, 2012.

Ossai Lawrence late of No. 29, Uzor Street, Ajegunle Lagos who died intestate on the 16th day of November, 2013.

Mr. John Sunday Edokpolo late of No. 5, Oladipo Diya Street, 2nd Avenue Estate Ikoyi, Lagos who died intestate on the 3rd day of June, 2013.

Mesioye Dolapo late of No. 8, Brown Road Aguda Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on the 28th day of May, 2011.

Ogbe C. Julius late of 147B, Dogbolu Street, Idi Iroko Bus Stop, Ikorodu Lagos who died intestate on the 1st day of April, 2009 at Lagos.

Alhaji Muridiu AremuYekini otherwise known as M. A. Yekinni late of No. 4, Omole Street, Ijegun Egba, Satellite Town, Lagos who died intestate on the 16th day of April, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr. Sam Williams otherwise known as Mr. Samuel Williams late of No. 4, Sanni Street, Jah Michael Oke -Afo Lagos who died intestate on the 16th day of October, 2013 at Badagry Lagos.

Asaolu Florence Ajoke late of No. 22, Rev Dr. Onikeku Street, Agbado Opeilu who died intestate on the 1st day of January, 2010 at Lagos.

James Abudu Oshinnuga otherwise known as Baby Jayo late of No. 10, Shoyinka Street, Bariga Lagos who died intestate on the 14th day of February, 2011 at Ijebu Ogun State.

Emezue Joseph late of No 28, Aganga Street, IfakoIjaiye Lagos who died intestate on the 11th day of September, 2013.

Adeyemo Adewale Mufutau late of No. 32, Ibadan Street, Apapa Road, Lagos who died intestate on the 29th day of August, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr. Henry Ndudi Okei late of No. Umuiyagbo Quarters Illah via Asaba Delta State who died intestate on the 9th day of April, 2009 at Benin City.

Hunsu Abel Mevoyon late of No. 3, Dada Street, Ojo Town, Lagos who died intestate on the 1st day of September, 2011 at Lagos.

Mrs. Adedeji Bashirat otherwise known as Adedeji Bashirat Olubukola late of No. 4, Gbolagade Street, Obadore Lagos who died intestate on the 29th day of December, 2013 at Lagos.

Mrs. Dumaka Evangline Obiageli late of No. 15, Odunjo Street,Aguda Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on the 5th day of January, 2007.

Samuel Amarowei otherwise known as Samuel Ebimowei Amarowei late of No. 16, Orodu Lane Ajegunle Apapa Lagos State who died intestate on 19th day of July, 2013.

Gabriel Abiye otherwise known as Sumaila late of No. 9, Moshalashi Street, Ajegunle Lagos State who died intestate on the 13th day of November, 2011.

Mr. James Itebise late of No. 48, Yaya Crescent Olodi Apapa, Lagos who died intestate on 16th day of September, 2013.

Johnston Ralph Bamidele late of 11B, Awonike Crescent Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on 12th day of November, 2012.

Mary Mosebolatan Williams late of Old Barracks, Ibadan, who died intestate on the 6th day of November, 1968.

Okoli Philomina Mrs. Late of 2, Olowo Jeunjeje Street, Ajegunle Lagos who died intestate on 28th day of May, 2012.

Monica Adaeze Ohakam late of No. 8, Odeyemi Street, Ijegun Sattelite Town, Lagos who died intestate on 28th day of May, 2012.

Commodore Yinfaowei Innocent Kofi otherwise known as Yinfaowei Innocent late of Old Capt Quarters House D10 Navy Town Ojo Lagos who died intestate on the 18th day of August, 2013.

Anthony Adeyemi otherwise known as Adeyemi Remi Anthony late of No. 50,Pike Street, Lagos who died intestate on the 19th day of April, 2009.

Mr. Edmond Bernard late of Block C Police Barracks, Railway Compound, Lagos who died intestate on the 1st day of January, 2012.

Pa. Adetoye Olatunji late of No. 1,Adeyinka Street, Gbaga Ikorodu, Lagos who died intestate on the 29th day of January, 2014.

Saka Aweda Salami late of No. 12,Omidiji Street, Otto, Ebute-Metta, Lagos who died intestate on the 7th day of July, 2012.

Umo Sarah Akpan otherwise known as Umoh Sarah Akpan late of No. 5A, Isashi Road, Iyana Isashi Ojo, Lagos State who died intestate on 13th day of May, 2013.

Muraina OlasupoAdedeji late of No. 47, Oliyide Street, Mushin Lagos who died intestate on the 21st day of June, 2013.

Faderin Christiana Adeyinka otherwise known as Christiana A. Faderin late of No. 1, Agboole Kolawole Street, Awoyaya Ibeju Lekki, Lagos who died intestate on the 14th day of May, 2013.

Eteng Iniobon Bassey late of Yakurr L.G.A. Letekon Ukpawin Nko Yakurr Edo State who died intestate on the 22nd day of April, 2013.

James Okunade Ayoade otherwise known as James Okunade late of No. 5/7, Yokele Pekun Street, Old Ife Road Ibadan who died intestate on the 13th day of January, 2007.

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

Mrs. Arit Ime Uwatt and Anefiok Ime Uwatt both of No. 6, Yaweh Street. Isashi Lagos, the widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

Mr. Osinowo Shamsideen and Mr. Oshinowo Mustapha both of No. 5, Okesanya Street, Papa Ajao Mushin, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Mr. Ezidimma Chukwuemeka Vitalis, Ezidimma Kenechukwu, Ezedimma Chimezie and Ezedimma Chukwuemeka all of House 4, Close 4, Satellite Town, Lagos, the widower and children of the said deceased.

Hope Udofia and Elizabeth Udofia both of No. 3, Sunny Villa Estate, Addo Ajah Lekki Epe Expressway, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Mr. Ayan Pius Adedeji Adeyemi ,Mrs. Olufunmilayo Abosede Fadeyi (Nee Ayan) and Mrs. Oluwakemi Adewunmi Coker (Nee Ayan) all of No. 14, Onibuore Street, Ikate, Surulere, Lagos, the widower and children of the said deceased.

Saheed Adisa and Abolaji Adisa both of No. 24, Samuel Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Osagie Monday Amayo, Mrs. Janet Amayo and Mrs. Helen IyaYuwa Amayo all of No. 20, Oyegunle Street, OlodiApapa, Lagos, the widow and children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Comfort Fregene and Mr. Henry Jeremiah both of No. 3, Islamiyat Street, Agboro Express Lagos, the widow and brother of the said deceased.

Mrs. Maureen Aniesedo, Dr. Mike Idigo and Chief Augustine Oche all of No. 5, Akinlere Street, Onigbongbo Maryland Lagos, the widow and cousins of the said deceased.

Mrs. Funke Ogundairo, Master Adekunle Ogundairo and Master Akin Ogundairo all of No. 4, Ali - Iwo Street, off Oke Oja Ijora Lagos, the widow and children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Bamidele Abiose Akande, Mrs. Adedoyin Oyinkan Rhodes-Vivour, Mrs. Olakunle Okupe and Mrs. Tolulope Tiwalola Sadipe c/o Their Solicitor Chief Kayode Alli Balogun of No. 21, Oluyide Street Sobande Avenue off Mokola/Sango Road, Ibadan, the widow and children of the said deceased.

Yusuf Yakub Dare, Yusuf Ismail and Yusuf Ibrahim all of 1A, Imonle -Nfe Alafia Orile, Iganmu Lagos, the widower and children of the said deceased.

Mr. Olufemi Ayodeji Koyi and Miss. Olabisi Ruth Koyi both of Block 9, Flat 2, LSDPC Progressive Estate Ebute-Metta, West Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Adenike Akinrele,Gbenga Akinrele and Jumoke Akinrele all of No. 88, Ajeologo Street, Awoyaya Lagos, the widow and children of the said deceased.

Mobolaji Odunuga and Mofolorunso Odunuga both of No. 6, Olatunde Close, Surulere, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Mr. Babafemi Dina, Mr. Oluwatoyin Dina and Mrs. Taiwo Olasoji all of No. 3A, Awonaike Crescent, Surulere, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Funmilola Idayat Oyekoya, Dr.Olabode Olumide Oyekoya, Mr. Oluwaseun Ayodeji Oyekoya and Miss Oredolapo Olasunbo Oyekoya all of Plot 4/6, IdowuAlao Street, Arepo Ogun State.

Olom Emmanuel Ushie and Olom Lucy Oshama both of Room 3, Warders Barrack Ikoyi, Lagos, the widow and son of the said deceased.

Mr. Badmus Quadri and Mr. Badmus Rilwan both of No. 28, Arikewuyo Street, Orile Iganmu Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Ajayi Priscilla, Ajayi Oluwunmi and Ajayi Olasubomi all of No. 55, Hassan Street, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos, the widow and children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Olusola Idowu Eletu and Mrs. Idayat Oreoluwa Oyewole both of No. 37, Bamidele Eletu Street, Osapa London Lekki, Ajah, Lagos, the widow and daughter of the said deceased.

Monsurat B. Badmus and Babatunde Oladapo Badmus both of No. 38, Seriki Street, Okokomaiko Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Chief Olalekan O.Kusimo and Mr. Adeyemi A. Davies of No. 17, Kusimo Street, Aguda Surulere Lagos and No. 18, Fred Anyam Street, Adelabu Surulere, Lagos, the widower and nephew of the said deceased.

Awobola Toyin and Awobola Adekunle of No. 32, Charles Avenue Ajegunle Lagos, the widow and son of the said deceased.

Ibrahim Rotimi Oyebode of No. 152 Borno Way Ebute-Metta, Lagos, the son of the said deceased.

Mr. Ajayi Peter Kayode and Mrs. Ajulo Christiana Oluwagbemisola both of No. 6, Aiyeleru Street, off Itele Road Ayobo Ogun State, the children of the said deceased.

Mr. Olusegun Oduneye and Mr. Samson Olufemi Oduneye both of No. 1, Isaac John Street, Igbobi, Fadeyi Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Folashade Ilesanmi Onakoya and Mrs. Olayemi Grace Akomolafe of No. 14, Ifelodun Street, Oko - Oba Agege Lagos and No. 15, Oluwatoyin Street, Heritage Estate Akute, the widow and sister -in-law of the said deceased.

Sherifat Alabi and Zainab Alabi both of No. 6, Idumagbo Avenue, Lagos, the widow and sister of the said deceased.

Isaac Young Arney and Victoria Young Arney both of No. 12, Amodu Close Afromedia Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Oluwayemisi Ajibola Juwon and Miss Tope Ajibola Juwon both of No. 4, Arowoiyabuno Street, Orile Iganmu Lagos, the widow and daughter of the said deceased.

Timothy Chibuzo Ekemezie and Ugochukwu Ekemezie both of No. 8, Fashoro Street, Surulere, Lagos, the brothers of the said deceased.

Adetutu Omilabu M, Adefisayo O. Adepetun, Kehinde Obasa and Mobolaji O. Sowole of No. 25, Boyle Street, Onikan Lagos and No. 12, Nureni Street, Isolo Lagos, the children, niece and nephew of the said deceased.

Joseph Adache and Jane Audu both of No. 51/52, Marina Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Aminat Oluyole and Lateef Oluyole both of No. 30, Okepopo Street, Lagos Island, the children of the said deceased.

Muntari Leko and Alhaji Mamman Sada both of No. 34, Commercial Avenue, Yaba, Lagos the brothers of the said deceased.

Ajose Shamsideen and Ajose Ahmed Adedeji of No. 4, Awoyejo Street, Mushin, Lagos and No. 12, Onabanjo Street, Oworoshoki Lagos, the brother and son of the said deceased.

Mrs. Margaret Iyabo Johnson and Mr. Olayinka Johnson of No. 3, Akinola Solanke Street, Ajao Estate and No. 10, Eric Moore Close Surulere, Lagos, the widow and son of the said deceased.

Abiodun Fatimat Balogun and Aminat Abiodun Balogun both of No. 51, Eleshin Street, Obalende Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Sikiru Ogundimu and Muniru Ogundimu both of House 4, Block 2, Secretariat Estate, Alausa Ikeja, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Chioma Ojiaku, and Chidi Franklin Anyika both of No. 2, Hospital, Road, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Ismaila Adepeju, Shakiru Adepeju and Adeyemi Adepeju all of No. 10, Adekunbi Street, off Demurin Ketu, Lagos two of the children and brother of the said deceased.

Mrs. Grace Chieme Amu, Mrs. Kehinde Ikhuolegbe Madojemu, Mrs. Edelokun Susan Elemide and , Mr Michael Mark Ohiomero Ayo Amu of No. 38, Shekoni Street, Coker Orile Lagos, No. 53B, Road 6, Carrinton Lekki Lagos and No. 40A, Modupe Young Street, Lekki, Lagos, the widow and children of the said deceased.

Abiodun Shasanya and Bunmi Shasanya both of No. 8, Salami Lawal Street, Olodi Apapa Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Korede Muhammed and Mr. Gbolahan Shohunmi both of No. 98, Okepopo Street, Lagos Island, Lagos, the brother and sister of the said deceased.

Mrs.Sandra Ilawole and Miss Ayo Joy Ilawole both of Ilogbo Ajangbadi Lagos, the widow and daughter of the said deceased.

Mrs. Bridget Nwoke and Mrs. Kate Igweze of No. 26, Omilade Street, Lagos and 201 Road, Block 1, Flat 16, Festac Town, Lagos, the widow and sister-in-law of the said deceased..

Bruce Ossai and Mr. Felix I. Ossai both of 7th Avenue L Close, House 9, Festac Town, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Grace Osemwonyemwen Edokpolo, Mrs. Precious Osarieme Ubah, Mr. Osatohanwen Aristotle Edokpolo, Mr. Osarobo Edward Edokpolo all of No. 5, OladipoDiya Street, 2nd Avenue Estate Ikoyi, Lagos, the widow and children of the said deceased.

Mrs, Funmilayo Mesioye and Kunle Mesioye both of No. 8, Brown Road Aguda Surulere, Lagos, the widow and son of the said deceased.

Sunday Etareko Ogbe, Ogigbah Andrew Ogbe and Friday Ogbe all of No. 147 B, Dogbolu Street, Idi Iroko Bus Stop Ikorodu, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Ahmed Yekinni, Olatunde Yekinni and Yekinni Toyin all of No. 4, Omole Street, Ijegun Egba Satellite Town, Lagos, and No. 6, Idumagbo Adeniji Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Esther Williams and Mr. Obinna Williams both of No. 4, Sanni Street, Jah Michael Bus-stop, Lagos Badagry Express way Oko -Aro Badagry, Lagos, the widow and son of the said deceased.

Mrs. Akhamiokhor A. Yetunde and Asaolu Adenike Olufisayo of No. 1, Akhamiokhor Close Isheri Lagos and No. 5, Ogundare Awise Lane, Soliyi Gbagada Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Ahmed Oshinnuga and Kunle Oshinnuga both of No. 10, Shoyinka Street, Bariga, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Emezie Stella Oluchi and Ibezim Precious Chukwuemeka both of No. 28, Aganga Street, Ifako Ijaiye Lagos, the widow and son of the said deceased.

Kehinde Adeyemo, Damilola K. Adeyemo and Adebukola F. Adeyemo all of No. 32, Ibadan Street, Apapa Road, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, the widow and children of the said deceased.

Okei Tony Bona Venture and Okei Isioma Veronica both of No. 32, Mokoya Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Abel Bose, Abel Joseph and Abel Samson all of No. 3, Dada Street, Ojo Town, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Mr. Ajibade Abidemi Taohees and Mr. Babajide Teslim Ajibade both of No. 11, Fatai Bolaji Ajilekege Idimu, Lagos, the brothers of the said deceased.

Messrs Hyacinth Edochie Dumaka and Joseph Chekwube Dumaka both of No. 16, Gasper Street, Ikate Surulere, Lagos.

Dyipreye Lauretto Amarowei and Ajiri Oyintowela Amarowei Siseri both of No. 16, Orodu Lane Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos State, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Bose Gabriel and Elizabeth Sumaila both of No. 9, Moshalashi Street, Ajegunle, Lagos, the widow and sister of the said deceased.

Itebise Happy James and Itebise Judith both of No. 48, Yaya Crescent, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Monica Ayaba Johnston and Ladi Johnston both of No. 11B, Awonike Crescent, Surulere, Lagos, the widow and brother of the said deceased.

Dr. Adenike Adejoke Adewakun of No. 37, Hawley Street, Lagos, the grand child of the said deceased.

Eze Guy Nwajiafor Okoli and Dr. Eramus Ndukaku Okoli both of No. 2, Olowojeunjeje Street, Ajegunle, Lagos, the widower and son of the said deceased.

Kenneth Ohakam (Mr) and Onyinyechi Ezirim (Mrs) of No. 8, Odeyemi Street, Satellite Town Lagos and 5th Avenue V, Close House 5, Sattelite Town Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Yvonne Yinfaowei and Mr. Innocent Timiebi Yinfaowei both of Old Capt Quarters House D10 Navy Town, Ojo Lagos State, the widow and son of the said deceased.

Idayat Atinuke Adeyemi (Mrs) and Miss Temitope Olabisi Adeyemi both of No. 50, Pike Street, Lagos, the widow and only child of the said deceased.

Grace Edmond and Nfonabasi Edmond both of Woodward Police Barrack Railway Compound Ebute-Metta, Lagos, the widow and son of the said deceased.

Adedeji Michael Adetoye and Mrs. Abimbola Janet Borode of No. 1, Adeyinka Street, Gbaga Ikorodu, Lagos and No. 25, Dele Fanirin Street, Ile Epo, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Mr. Wasiu Aweda and Mr. Akeem Aweda both of No 12, Omidiji Street, Otto Ebute-Metta, Lagos, one of the children and cousin of the said deceased.

Michael Eshalomi and Gift Akpan Umoh both of No. 5A, Ishashi Road, Iyana Ishashi, Ojo Lagos, the brother and sister of the said deceased.

Adebayo Adedeji, Taiwo Adedeji and Kehinde Adedeji all of No. 47, Oliyide Street, Mushin, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Akinsete Abisola Ibironke and Olusegun Tolulope Faderin of Abijo Labora Oke Iran Town and I, Agboole Kolawole Street, Awoyaya, Lagos, the children of the said deceased.

Bassey U. Eteng, Emmanuel Bassey Eteng and Daniel Bassey Eteng of No. 1, John Paul Street, Lakowe Lekki, Lagos, the widower and children of the said deceased.

Grace W. Ayoade, Olabambo V. Ayoade, Michael A. Ayoade and Ibukunoluwa J. Ayoade all of No. 1, Wegbo Street, OnikeYaba, Lagos, the widow and son of the said deceased.

I. O. AKINKUGBE (MRS) PROBATE REGISTRAR

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

Tariff review?

Yes, but the GENCOs and DISCOs have a lot to do to earn it

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ARELY six months after take-over, the new investors in the power sector have been reported as pushing for a review of the current electricity tariff. Articulating their case penultimate week while playing host to members of the House Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, Mike Uzoigwe, Chief Executive Officer of Egbin Power Plc, informed his visitors that the assets taken over from the defunct Power Holdings Company of Nigeria (PHCN) are – with the current tariff being paid by electricity consumers – not bankable. He maintained that only an increase in tariff would ensure adequate Return on Investment.

His illustration of the case of the 1,320MW Egbin Power Plc is as persuasive as can be. From the November 1, 2013 date of the take-over by the private

‘The truth of course is that the electricity consumer has not been able to discern any headway in terms of new technologies and business model put on the table to justify the hyped take-over. It remains business as usual ... Tackling these issues would seem as fundamental as the craving for tariff review, which, in any case is much easier to effect’

investors to date, the company generated N13.3 billion worth of power to the national grid – an amount discounted to N13.16 billion by the market operator under the interim market rule.

Meanwhile, the investor’s expenditure outlay was N13.7billion for the period – a loss of N576 million. Of this, he claimed that only N6.5 billion had been paid by the market operator.

Clearly, the case for the review could not have been better made. It was after all expected that the service providers would seek to align their tariffs to ensure cost recovery and on such terms as to guarantee favourable returns on their investments and as befitting a truly deregulated electricity market. In other words, it comes with the territory that the operators retain the flexibility to adjust their tariffs under the keen eye of the regulator – the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Moreover, we understand the huge capital outlay in terms of the equipment and technology needed to turn the sector around, and the demand for credit from lenders are such that would require cash flow projections which the current tariff structure might not be able to support. In those circumstances, the case for review cannot be said to be lacking considerable merit, given that the alternative is for the sector to suffer further relapse.

Having said that, there are however, other sides to the tariff review argument which the operators cannot afford to ignore. The first is the need to overhaul the value chain to ensure that players keep up with their obligations. The suggestion, at least from the submission from the

chief executive of Egbin Power Plc, is that this is not yet the case. We expect NERC to step in.

The second issue is the pervasive corruption that has hobbled any meaningful progress in the sector. Nearly six months after, Nigerians are right to wonder whether indeed anything has changed. Not only have the vices associated with the PHCN festered, workers’ general attitude to work has remained largely the same. This is in spite of the new operators’ advertisement of improved and efficient service delivery. It is time for the operators to quit whining by focusing on what needs to be done. A major part of this is to devise means to collect their revenue.

Related to this is the high level of inefficiency in the value chain –by-products of obsolete and outdated equipment. This is a major source of loss in power generation and hence revenue to the operator.

Unfortunately, it is also responsible for denying the electricity consumer value for his money’s worth.

The truth of course is that the electricity consumer has not been able to discern any headway in terms of new technologies and business model put on the table to justify the hyped take-over. It remains business as usual. Not only are they still hung on the old estimated and sometimes, crazy bills, promises of supply of pre-paid meters have gone unfulfilled; meanwhile service delivery continues to plummet.

Tackling these issues would seem as fundamental as the craving for tariff review, which, in any case is much easier to effect.

Cheap chat

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President Jonathan’s media chats do more harm than good

HE Seventh Presidential Media Chat given by President Goodluck Jonathan came at a particularly auspicious time. The country was reeling from almost-continuous terrorist attacks masterminded by the militant Boko Haram which had left dozens dead and injured. As if that was not enough, nearly 300 young girls were abducted by the same group, provoking global indignation. The official response to this upsurge in terror had been widely condemned as unfeeling, insufficient and belated. The media chat was a golden opportunity for the president to clear the air, to comfort the grieving, and to reassure the citizenry.

Tragically, the president failed on all three counts. Auspicious the opportunity, but inauspicious the response. Far from clarifying issues related to rescuing the abducted girls, he implied that the delays were caused by a refusal of their parents to cooperate with the security forces. Other than perfunctory regrets, no real sympathy was expressed for the hundreds of Nigerians who had lost their lives or suffered injury or abduction on his watch. As for reassurance, the president’s gaffe-laden statements only served to make the country even more uneasy. The media chat was vintage Jonathan: nothing new was said, new howlers emerged to complement old ones, and scandalous statements outraged the sensibilities of many.

There were the usual comments about Nigeria’s size and importance as an investment destination; the routine excuses that the country’s problems were so deep-rooted that they would take a very

long time to fix; the same argument that things were not as bad as they seemed to be; the usual criticism of the alleged hostility and disloyalty of opposition politicians.

Even worse, the media chat was tainted by outrageous opinions that should not be associated with any reasonable person, much less a sitting president.

Jonathan somehow managed to draw a distinction between stealing and corruption, appearing to argue that Nigeria was plagued by the former to a larger extent than the latter. He argued that U.S. $20.9 billion could not be missing from the national coffers because its absence would certainly be noticed; in any case, since it was American currency, “America will know” about such a theft.

Then there were the flippant remarks that left much to be desired. The president seemed to be serious when he told the journalists interviewing him that they probably knew more about security-related issues than he did. He claimed that the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, had appeared before the National Assembly “200 times.” He recalled that entertainment had been provided for those who protested fuel price increases in Lagos in 2012.

A media chat is intended to offer a means whereby the president can communicate with the citizenry in a manner devoid of the officiousness and formality of high office.

The presence of interviewers creates the semblance of discussion, enabling the president to respond more directly to public concerns. In the hands of the right person, such chats are veritable tools of public enlighten-

ment: Franklin D. Roosevelt’s fireside chats were very popular during his presidency of the United States.

However, this has not been the case with President Jonathan. His media chats are a failure to the extent that they do not enlighten the public, but further confuse, annoy and repel them. The president’s infamous “I don’t give a damn” remark, made in a previous media chat, will never be forgotten.

When the president continues to blatantly repeat himself, it is a sure sign that he has run out of definitively new things to say.

When he utters unworthy sentiments, he dishonours the office that it is his privilege to occupy. When he attacks political adversaries, he comes across as partisan and small-minded. The president’s media chats have failed to achieve their aim and should therefore be discontinued.

‘When the president continues to blatantly repeat himself, it is a sure sign that he has run out of definitively new things to say.

When he utters unworthy sentiments, he dishonours the office that it is his privilege to occupy. When he attacks political adversaries, he comes across as partisan and smallminded. The president’s media chats have failed to achieve their aim and should therefore be discontinued’

What’s behind the WHO’s emergency declaration on the spread of wild polio

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HE WORD “emergency” was emphasized in the headlines about the World Health Organization’s May 5 declaration on the spread of wild poliovirus, and rightly so. The high season for the spread of the virus is approaching, and the WHO emergency measures are aimed at deterring transmission of the virus and protecting the hard-won gains of recent years.

Actually, the polio situation this year has been promising in some places. In Nigeria, where the virus has been endemic, only two cases have been reported this year, following declines last year; in Afghanistan there has been some spillover from Pakistan but only one case of the endemic virus in more than a year. Dr. Bruce Aylward, assistant director-general of WHO for polio, said that in both countries “we’re at a level of control there that we’ve never seen” before. In Syria, where a civil war has raised concerns about the difficulty of carrying out vaccination campaigns, the last case was in January.

The dark heart of the polio scourge lies in Pakistan. According to Dr. Aylward, of the 74 cases of polio due to the wild poliovirus this year, 59 have been reported from Pakistan and within Pakistan; 46 of those 59 were from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas; and 40 of those from just one agency or semi-autonomous administrative unit. By contrast, no other country this year has reported more than Afghanistan’s four cases, and three of those came from Pakistan.

What caused the WHO to sound the alarm — this is only the second such emergency declared; the first was for the H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2011 — is the fear that travelers are spreading the wild poliovirus, threatening to export it to nations where it does not now exist. Many populations are at high risk of infection due to fragile states, war and broken immunization systems. The WHO estimates that about 60 percent of the cases last year were due to international travel. Although the virus mainly strikes young people, there was evidence that adult travelers were contributing to the spread.

The target of the global polio eradication program has been to stop transmission by this year, but Dr. Aylward said Pakistan is the one country that is really “off track.” Attacks on polio vaccination workers there have stymied vaccination campaigns, opening a door to the highly contagious disease. The government has made some efforts in Peshawar to beef up security and resume vaccination campaigns, but it is not enough.

The WHO has called for travel restrictions in Pakistan, Syria, Cameroon and elsewhere to stop the spread by those who fly or travel by land. It may be tempting for the affected nations to shrug and take half-steps, but the threat of polio spreading is very real and poses a danger not only for their own populations but also for peoples far beyond.

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

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Conceal your intentions: keep people off-balance and in the dark by never revealing the purpose behind your actions. If they have no clue what you are up to they cannot prepare defense - 48 Laws of Power, (Law 3).

If we must overcome the enemy of our beloved country Nigeria, we must learn how to attack BokoHaram secretly without publicizing our moves. Publicizing our moves will do no good, and it will be detrimental to the military men on the mission. This is because when the terrorist know the number and strategy which the Nigerian armed forces are using, they will get to develop their own plans which will easily overcome the plan of our armed forces.

America discovered the hideout of the then head of Al Qaeda Osama Bin Ladin and it was not publicised.

For several month they monitored the hideout secretly, secretly they attacked the hideout in Abbotabad, Pakistan. Had it been that Osama know that the American special squad were coming for him , he would have changed location. But in the case of Nigerian armed forces dealing with terrorist, reverse is the case.

I found it very difficult to answer these questions: did Boko-Haram announce before they abduct our 234 school girls? Did they announce the first and second Nyaya bomb blast? Did they announce the Madalla Christmas day bomb blast?

Did they announce the multiple bomb explosion in Maiduguri and the rest? Absolutely the answer is NO. but whenever our armed forces

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Boko-Haram: Why not secret mission?

are trying to make a move, they myopically publicize it and by this lapse Boko-Haram get to know how they will operate and avoid areas which are not safe for them.

On Friday May 2, four battalions were mobilized for Sambisa forest and this new development was publicize by the media. The publicity of this move is not a welcome development because it will do the military men on this mission more harm than good and this is because since BH are aware of their coming,

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they will know how to best prepare for these four battalions. They are publicizing this for we the masses to know their moves and to calm our nerves, but we are not interested in knowing their moves, what we are interested in is the end result of their moves.

“The General who wins the battle makes many calculation in his temple before the battle is fought. The General who loses make but few calculations beforehand.” -Chapter 1, The Art of War.

What I am tryig to say is that our armed forces should always strive hard to set a working plan that will yield a pragmatic result for our beloved country Nigeria without really publicising the strategy.

We are tired of incessant bomb blast which is gradually becoming norms in the Northern part of Nigeria and we are tired of kidnappers; be them Boko-Haram or any body who they might be.

I always wonder how many Nigerians do these insurgents want to

with the recent rebasing of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), showing that the share of crude oil and natural gas to the nominal GDP has declined to 17.52 percent, 15.89 percent and 14.40 percent for 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively.

I doubt that there is any Nigerian that would not reflect on that news considering the harm that depleting reserves could do to Nigeria’s economy given that crude oil accounts for more than 90 per cent of the nation’s revenue. The question that most people have demanded an

answer to is, ‘what really is responsible for the dearth in the exploration and production of crude oil in Nigeria’? The answer lies in the inability to pass the proposed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law.

But then, there is another issue.

And that has to do with the challenges that serious exploration and production firms partnering with state-owned firms like the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) face in the quest to jointly

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• Jamiu Abdulrazaq, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai

NPDC and dwindling crude oil reserves

IR: Two breaking news in Nigeria in recent time should not go without comment. One was news of the successful listings of Seplat on the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) and London Stock Exchange (LSE). The other was the disturbing news that Nigeria’s crude oil reserves had dropped to 35 billion barrels from the 37 billion barrels it stood in the last two years. The reasons were linked to the lull in hydrocarbon exploration activities to replace depleted ones. This sorry situation was further confirmed

For Oputa , Otedola and Amaka Igwe, a tribute

IR: There is some truth to the old saying that there are only two days in a man’s life of which he could actually determine or do nothing about: the day a man is born and the day a man passes on.

Everyone experiences death. Death and dying are an inevitable part of human existence. Some people know ahead of time when their death will occur. For instance, terminal illnesses, when diagnosed ahead of time, allows its victim to set his or her affairs in order, make relationships right, and say goodbye to loved ones. In this case, every person involved has a chance to gradually adjust and make peace with death, as much as possible.

kill? Do they really have human sympathy at all? Do they even believe in God? I always go deep in thoughts regarding these questions because I know that neither the Qur’an or Bible is in support of killing of innocent people especially children and women.

I also commend the effort of the Nigerian armed forces towards combating terrorism in Nigeria and I advise the Nigerian armed forces to work as a team, they should forget their differences be it religious or ethnic difference. We hope on you people, because without the armed forces we are not safe ad our country as a whole will be unsafe.

The weakness of the armed forces is the downfall of our beloved country which we never prayed for.

However, not everyone has this chance as many deaths occur suddenly, like the case of Amaka Igwe, Nigerian film maker, Nolywood icon , entrepreneur, prolific producer and who recently died in the unripe age of 51 having given so much to the world. A visionary and pioneer of modern Nigerian TV drama and film, she hit national limelight as the writer and producer of award-winning TV soap ‘Checkmate’ and its off shoot ‘Fuji House of Commotion’.

Like it did to Amaka Igwe, the cold hand of death equally caught up with a former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, albeit at the prime age of 96. The late Justice Oputa, one of the few judges with in-

corruptible reputation in the country was appointed to head a panel constituted to investigate rights abuses during 15 years of military rule between 1976 and 1999 when President Olusegun Obasanjo took office as elected president on 29 May, 1999. Fondly referred to as ‘Socrates of the Supreme Court’ , the late justice Oputa was a gifted orator and prolific writer with over 40 publications in papers, lectures, conferences and seminars .

Like Igwe and Oputa, former governor of Lagos State, Sir Michael Otedola, was equally not spared the cold treatment of death at the age of 88. A great entrepreneur and uncommon philanthropist, Sir Otedola

touched and transformed several lives through his many business enterprises and philanthropic activities.

As Governor of Lagos state, his achievements remain indelible.

While praying for the repose of the souls of these eminent and illustrious Nigerians, we should draw vital lessons from their commitment to humanity, selfless services and other such traits that made their sojourn on earth such a memorable one.

There is no better time than now for Nigerians to draw inspiration from these departed compatriots in order to build a better, peaceful and united country.

• Tayo Ogunbiyi Alausa-Ikeja

bring on-stream, projects that would boost both Nigeria’s crude oil reserves and production capacity.

Seplat’s success can be traced back to the period between 2010 and 2012, when Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in the bid to divest some of its onshore assets, sold about eight Oil Mining Licenses to some indigenous companies. Today, only Seplat has been in full production since it acquired these assets from Shell. The reasons have to do with undue delays from government bureaucracy. It is one factor that has dampened indigenous companies’ ability to fund and develop the oil and gas sector, and to build a promising indigenous upstream industry.

And one of the reasons why local banks are refusing to fund any project where NPDC is the operator is because of the inconsistency in government policy and bureaucratic delays and undue government interferences.

Delays stifle investments; it is inimical to efforts to create jobs and curb rising unemployment; it diminishes the opportunity for human capital development and training opportunities for Nigerians; provides less or fewer contracts opportunities for local contractors, and thus contributing to militancy in the oil communities.

•Chinedu Gregory, Lagos.

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

COMMENTS

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RUTH, however underdressed, will always be more magnetic than untruth, however overdressed. This truism will be put to the test in the governorship elections in Ekiti State on June 21 and Osun State on August 9. By logical extension, next year’s critical general elections will also provide an opportunity to observe whether the maxim can stand the test of time in the context of political contest across the country.

Specifically on Ekiti, last week’s press release on the chances of the candidates in the approaching poll, issued by ANAP Foundation, was food for thought particularly because its appeal to objectivity seemed to contradict objective reality. It is worth mentioning that the body described itself as a “Non-Profit Organisation that is committed to promoting Good Governance”, with the elaboration that its formal statement on the June 2014 Ekiti election is part of its “Election Series which started in 2011.” According to the communication, “ANAP Foundation has also been collaborating with NOI Polls Limited to help publicise and institutionalise a polling culture which helps political leaders to be aware and more conscious of the yearnings of the electorate.”

In other words, the publicised result of the poll purportedly conducted in connection with the Ekiti election is possibly intended to encourage a front-runner mentality in the gubernatorial challenger and ex-governor of the state, Ayo Fayose, 53, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who held the reins of power from May 2003 to October 2006 when his four-year term was abbreviated by impeachment. ANAP claimed that 31 percent of the electorate endorsed Fayose, while 29 percent backed the incumbent governor and second-term aspirant Kayode Fayemi, 49, of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Three percent reportedly

‘These points will suffice to illustrate the immense possibility that the ANAP survey is an enlightening instance of hallucinatory realism; it is most likely the effect of a dreamstate or fantasy rather than external reality.

To put it more simply, it may well be wishful thinking, with the connotation of an agenda-setting venture without actual relevance to real life except perhaps as a lesson in politically motivated falsification. The exercise brings to mind the title of Darrell Huff’s 1954 book, How to Lie with Statistics, although this is not exactly the same thing as lying with cooked-up or doctored statistics’

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HE federal government’s recent disclosure of its plan to privatize the transport sector should gladden the hearts of Nigerians and potential investors alike. Considering the important position of the country as the largest economy and most populous nation in the African continent, which lately had the honour to be the first in West Africa to host the World Economic Forum (WEF), the direction that its transport sector is taking should be of interest in public discourse.

The decision of the federal government which was taken at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja was specific in its objective: “to open up the transport sector to the public for private participation”.

According to the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, who highlighted the governmen’s intention on this issue, four bills aimed at transforming the sector were discussed in detail: The National Transport Commission Bill; the Nigerian Ports and Habour Bill; the Nigerian Railway Bill 2014 and the National Inland Waterways Bill 2014.

According to Maku, government is working on an economy that focuses on the future, and one that is not expected to rely on the government, but on private sector and its participation. Indeed, he was on point when he explained that the President Goodluck Jonathan administration would “involve the private sector in the development of the infrastructure in airports, seaports and waterways”.

The fact that he added that government could no longer continue to run the sector on its own and that the best way to further improve Nigeria’s economy is to create new policies for different sectors of the economy that will drive private sector participation rather than for government to just continue to pour in money on investments really appears to have captured the essence of private-sector driven economy that most developing countries like Nigeria now subscribe to.

But keen analysts of the Nigerian economy, particularly how successive government’s policies tend to disrupt or even outrightly derails progress, will appreciate why the latest interest in transport sector privatization deserves to be discussed and interrogated. And perhaps no better way to engage the beautiful postulations from government, while we await the report of the committee working on the framework for the bills, than to remind government and the nation of a few courageous men in our land who had ventured into massive investments in the private sector but who have been made to suffer from either policy inconsistency or deliberate frustrations from government agencies. This is an important area to examine because public trust and interest of potential investors can only be convincingly won if those few individuals who have stood up to be counted for the right cause in the transport sector are seen to be treated fairly.

The case of Wale Babalakin’s BiCourtney Ltd comes handy as a reference point in private investment in the transport sector. The company was the first to build and operate an

When doctors need physicians supported Opeyemi Bamidele, 50, of the Labour Party (LP); and Kola Ajayi of Accord Party (AP) had zero. With a trivial difference of two percent supposedly separating the leading candidates, the pollster portrayed the election as a “close race.”

Significantly, the report said that 37 percent were “yet to decide.” With just over one month to go, it is reasonable to reckon that those allegedly undecided about who to vote for are likely to decide the outcome of the election, if the survey is of unquestionable veracity. But is it? To start with, the methodology adopted by the polling group is unclear, just as the margin of error is uncertain. What is more, there are clear curiosities in the announcement; especially the fact that the female support for Fayemi was put at 24 percent against 34 percent for Fayose, which is strikingly implausible, given the state administration’s widely acclaimed feminine-gender sensitivity due largely to the activism of the governor’s wife, Bisi.

To take the matter further, it is illogical that Fayose who conceded that he had a negative and unattractive track record in office without concrete evidence of reformation would gain acceptance so effortlessly. This is the character who said in a recent interview, ostensibly focused on the electorate, “I am assuring them that the Fayose they were afraid of is a better Fayose. He is more mature and more responsive.

If you say I’m a bad man, I say I’ve changed. I am appealing to them that I am a changed man.” ANAP’s portrayal suspiciously suggests that the electorate has had a change of heart, and Fayose is now in the good books of Ekiti voting population simply on the weak strength of his mere claim that he has improved, which cannot reasonably match Fayemi’s demonstrably persuasive governmental performance.

These points will suffice to illustrate the immense possibility that the ANAP survey is an enlightening instance of

hallucinatory realism; it is most likely the effect of a dreamstate or fantasy rather than external reality. To put it more simply, it may well be wishful thinking, with the connotation of an agenda-setting venture without actual relevance to real life except perhaps as a lesson in politically motivated falsification. The exercise brings to mind the title of Darrell Huff’s 1954 book, How to Lie with Statistics, although this is not exactly the same thing as lying with cooked-up or doctored statistics.

However, there is an unmistakable and potentially perilous dimension to the phoney -sounding poll result; namely, that it could well be a foretaste of a predetermined electoral outcome, meaning that it might serve as a way of preparing the minds of the people for an eventuality. The fact that the report was signed by Atedo Peterside, the president and founder of ANAP Foundation, whose association with President Goodluck Jonathan is beyond conjecture makes it understandably thought-provoking. It may not be without merit to imagine that a friend of Jonathan would be a partisan of PDP and an antagonist of APC. Furthermore, apparently informed assumption about the ownership of NOI Polls reinforces the possibility of the influence of agents of the PDP-constituted central administration on the survey.

It is instructive that, by way of response, the John Kayode Fayemi (JKF) Campaign Organisation declared, through Dimeji Daniels, “We hereby urge Ekiti people to be vigilant. We wish to state categorically that NOI Polls is nothing but an acronym for Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Polls, the real owner of the company who is Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy.” The spokesman added, “Our people would recall that the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the national level has indeed challenged Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to publicly deny her ownership of the company. Expectedly, she has kept mum on the matter. We again reiterate that challenge.”

According to him, “NOI Polls is nothing but a front organisation organising voodoo polls to achieve predetermined ends for the PDP. Indeed, since these folk are the pollsters of the Jonathan administration, Nigerians can now understand why we are in this present mess as this same company organises monthly polls for the Presidency under the close supervision of its owner, Dr.Ngozi OkonjoIweala.” No doubt, clarification by the accused would be in order.

It is an eye-opener that the release of ANAP’s statistics coincided with news of APC’s magnetisation of two former PDP members of considerable political stature, particularly a former governor of the state, Segun Oni, whose U-turn is remarkable. His term was shortened by Fayemi’s victory in 2010 after a three-and-a half-year legal challenge. The other person is a lawmaker in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mrs. Bunmi Oriniowo. Oni put the defining desideratum in a capsule, saying, “We must ask ourselves who is in a better position to give Ekiti a better future, the kind of future that we want.” Certainly, it will be a mission impossible for spin doctors to redefine this clarity for the people.

Interrogating the transport sector privatization agenda

By By Kabir Bello airport – the Muritala Muhammed Airport (MMA) 2 in Lagos – which, seven years after, is still standing firm as a worldclass infrastructure. It is important, therefore, that the experiences of the promoters of such a project, which did not have the luxury of the kind of legal framework and the assurance of removal of bureaucratic bottlenecks that the federal government is now promising, ought to be taken on board if the intention of the Jonathan administration regarding these four proposed bills is to be taken to heart.

However, the stories that have trailed the success of MMA2 are sufficient to jolt investors and get the nation pondering.

Government has failed woefully to honour its agreement with MMA2. It violated the most important clause of the agreement which is exclusivity. It has gone ahead to compete with MMA2 next door. How can a government that is promising reforms in the transport sector compete with its own concessionaire?

As if that was not enough, government has refused to honour court rulings. Not only did BiCourtney win its arbitration against government, it has also won in the High Court.

The federal government and other stakeholders have lost six appeals against this judgement and yet the government is not complying with the agreement.

The same BiCourtney is also being vilified over the LagosIbadan Expressway concessioning which the federal government curiously terminated in 2012. But a careful and unbiased assessment of the issue would reveal that out of the three years and six months that BiCourtney had the concession, direct delay by the federal government was two years, 10 months; rains accounted for another six months which showed that in effect, in a period of three years and six months, BiCourtney only had two months to work properly and did commence the work through Borino Prono.

I am aware of the level of work that is currently ongoing on that important Lagos – Ibadan road, but anyone who is knowledgeable about and sensitive to issues of law and legality would not miss the point that it might not be totally over as far as the legality of that purported termination of BiCourtney’s concession is concerned. Like the MMA2 issues, investors and discerning public would be interested in seeing how the final resolution would go beyond the mere award of contract on the road to Julius Berger Plc and RCC. For example, when was

the tender for that job done? If there was no tender, wouldn’t the contract be deemed illegal? Again, it would be asked, if indeed there was a tender, then the process must have taken place while BiCourtney was being misled into believing that it had a concession with the Federal Ministry of Works.

The point of interrogating government’s recent interest in the transport sector is that if the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway concessioning ends in arbitration, wouldn’t the ministry and its contractors be seen to have, all along, been working for the cocncessionaire who may likely find justice in court?

Well, the federal government has since set up a committee chaired by the Attorney General of the Federation, Bello Adoke, alongside Minister of Transport, Umar Idris, with participation from key stakeholders to work on the bills and present them to council for discussion and final approval. In fine-tuning the bills before their presentation to the National Assembly for consideration, it is pertinent to see the government applying wisdom and sincerity in pushing the needs for these bills.

Such a legal framework is a welcome development, no doubt, but it can’t function effectively and fairly without an appreciation of certain good reference points in the sector that will ensure that potential investors are no longer subjected to needles injustices of frustration, heavy losses and regrets.

• Dr. Bello, a socio-economic analyst, sent this article from Abuja.

‘And perhaps no better way to engage the beautiful postulations from government, than to remind government and the nation of a few courageous men in our land who had ventured into massive investments in the private sector but who have been made to suffer from either policy inconsistency or deliberate frustrations from government agencies’

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

22

COMMENTS

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IDDLE over the abduction of about 200 school girls from Chibok, Borno State will for quite sometime, continue to dominate public discourse locally and beyond. In the last couple of days, there has been heightened international attention on the matter especially given the spate of protests over the abduction and the inability of the government to secure the release of the girls.

At the last count, no less than four world powers and international agencies have indicated interest to assist the federal government in its efforts to get the girls freed.

Leading these countries is the United States which promised to give Nigeria all required support and assistance to save the abducted girls and bring the reign of terror unleashed by Boko Haram on parts of the country to an end. Britain and China have pledged to deploy high resolution satellite imaging capabilities to locate the girls’ whereabout.

With this renewed interest, expectations are very high that respite will come the way of the girls in the days ahead. But this hope will have to confront some of the challenges that have trailed the abduction.

There is the issue of time lag. It has taken about three weeks since the incident. This time frame is enough for the insurgents to conceal whatever information that would have been of help in facilitating the search and rescue operation.

Unconfirmed reports that the girls have been ferried out of the country pose another challenge. Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has boasted he will sell off the girls or marry them out as war booty. If this happens, deploying satellite imaging to locate a concentration of girls of the magnitude under estimation may prove futile.

Even then, there are still issues with the actual number of the abducted. The military, apparently dissatisfied with conflicting figures emanating from the school authorities and the Borno State government had to saddle that government with further dissemination of information on the matter. They may have also been piqued by the reluctance of the state government for full disclosure in respect of the actual number of students registered and their gender.

Matters were not helped when it was discovered through the intervention of the West African Examination Council WAEC

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Emeka OMEIHE 08112662675 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Still on Chibok and beyond that there were indeed male students enrolled in that school. That apart, the inability of the authorities to supply or publish the names and photographs of the girls for proper documentation did not go down well with the federal government. The excuse of the host government was that such was against the religion of the girls which was presumed to be Islam. And when eventually a list of the names came out from the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN northern chapter, the 180 names released had only 15 as Muslims while 165 were Christians. This may have fuelled speculations that there is more to the abduction than ordinarily meets the eyes. It may have also accounted for the reaction of the wife of the President who had heaped the blame of the mishandling of the incident on the Borno State government. She was even reported to have suggested that the abduction was contrived. Many have picked holes with the conduct of Mrs. Jonathan on this singular issue. She may not have given the issue the finesse it required especially given the conflict between what she was doing and her husband’s approach to the matter. The undefined roles of first ladies either at the federal or state levels on state matters may have further earned her criticisms. And when she wept alleging they wanted to kill her husband and make her a widow, she must have incurred the anger of many who felt such posturing was unedifying of the wife of our number one citizen.

But then, some of the doubts surrounding the abduction can only be ignored at the expense of the overall success of the rescue

URING the period March 2013 to March 2014, Nigeria’s Power sector recorded vibrancy in policy implementation. The high point were the practical steps to translate reform policies into reality.

At the start, the power reform process was practically on pause, with the sector lacking substantive leadership for about five months. The entrance of Professor Chinedu Nebo as minister raised hopes and birthed the promise of a new beginning for one of the most vital sectors of the national economy. It was time to get down to business to tackle issues that needed to be dealt with, in order to fast-track power delivery, in line with the Electricity Power Sector Regulatory Act EPSRA 2005 and President Jonathan’s Power Sector Roadmap of 2010.

In order to provide the formidable and focused leadership badly needed at the time, the minister held meetings and consultations with stakeholders. This established unprecedented synergy among the stakeholders and their different but related roles, resulting in a unified power sector with the same agenda, same focus and same commitment to deliver more power.

Seeing that the inability of the nation’s transmission capability at the time was grossly inadequate to wheel out even the available transmitted wattage, the minister, early in the day, took the bold, quick step of empowering the contracted managers of the TCN to resume work by presenting the required Schedule of Delegated Authority SODA to them. This was followed swiftly by the inauguration of the Supervisory Board for the company.

In view of the critical role of transmission in the power supply chain, the need to rehabilitate, upgrade and expand transmission infrastructure across the country became urgent. Massive fund-raising efforts by the minister followed, yielding substantial results. This was the first time ever, that external funding was sourced for the cash-strapped TCN, for its decayed infrastructure. These included funding from the African Development Bank and the Eurobond among others.

Mid-January 2014, the Federal Executive Council approved N1.9billion for the supply of 746 kilometers of aluminum conductor composite core reinforced (ACCR) for the re-conduction of the Onitsha-New Haven 330kv transmission line that runs up to Makurdi in Benue State. The Federal Executive Council also secured a loan of 170 million dollars from the French Development Agency to boost power transmission in the Federal Capital Territory.

Shortly after assumption of office, Professor Nebo took a tour of some generation, transmission and distribution facilities across the country, commissioning and activating some, including some high technology-based initiatives towards eliminating stressful processes and fraudulent practices in metering and billing.

The ministerial tour revealed various degrees of dilapidation and state of financial crisis that was worsened by the total lack of budgetary provision for generation and distribution companies

operation irrespective of the number of countries involved. There is no doubt that information emanating from the Borno State government left room for suspicion.

There were issues with the number of those abducted, the gender composition of those registered for the exams and their religion. And as it turned out, they were mainly Christians. That puts to serious question the claim that information about the girls could not be made public because of their religion and the purported fear of stigmatization. It is trite to say without knowledge of the actual number of girls abducted it will be difficult to say when they have all been rescued.

Even then, further disclosures from WAEC that it wrote the Borno State government on the need to transfer the students to safe centres but were told that adequate security would be put in place at Chibok is also a key issue. It would have been helpful for that state government to give account of the type of security it put in place to ensure the safety of the girls. These are very potent issues irrespective of the sentiments and anger that have trailed the abduction.

Many would want none of these details but quick action to have the girls released. That is how strong the sentiment had been. But beyond this sentiment, is the underlying need to take a critical perspective of the matter so as to enhance the overall success of the rescue operation. Besides, terrorists want maximum impact for effect. It would appear that objective has been achieved by the insurgents through the selective kidnap of girls

pursuing western education they deem evil. That was why Shekau had to come on board to further ruffle the sensibilities of the public by threatening to humiliate the girls. The shock and emotions elicited by that threat have achieved the objective of the terrorists. To underscore this point very poignantly, the media was awash shortly after with news of the abduction of another eight girls or so in another part of the same state.

The point here is that the terrorists went for the girls because of the impact they intended to create since killings and destructions have more or less become very familiar news.

Given the attention this singular abduction has generated, the terrorists may have now discovered that this is one area they have made real success and may begin to focus on it so as to get even with the authorities in their weird endeavour. We may witness more of the abduction of school girls and children if adequate responses are not made to beef up security around schools.

They may begin to focus on the more vulnerable to create public discontent and discredit the government.

The abduction has sufficiently aroused public sympathy on the unmitigated evil which Boko Haram has been. The pledge of other countries for logistic support to secure the release of the girls and combat terrorism is most welcome. Nigerians of all hue have also been sufficiently aroused to the dangers posed by the insurgents. That is why we have seen a plethora of condemnations from all political divide not only against the abduction but the Boko Haram insurgency.

A common string running through all these sentiments is that apart from freeing the girls, it is high time terrorism is wrestled to the ground. And that is the real issue.

President Jonathan has promised that this singular abduction will see the last of insurgency in the country. That is heart-warming provided the promise is matched with the necessary and sufficient capacities to stamp out these purveyors of hate, awe and terror.

The heightened interest against terrorism provides the needed ambience for Jonathan to fully deploy needed military arsenal; smoke out the insurgents and quash all their activities in the north-east. He has been made to take the blame for insufficient action or inaction. He must now do the needful and rise or fall together with its outcome.

Update on power sector reforms

By Kande Daniel in the 2013 budget.

To prevent a total collapse of the system due to non-budgetary provisions for the PHCN in 2003, and especially in view of imminent handover to private investors, the minister sought for, and the President graciously granted intervention funding in two releases, to the tune of about 13.8billion naira, as a lifeline, for the maintenance of the generation and distribution companies.

Virtually every aspect of the electricity value chain, as well as segments and agencies made good progress and recorded remarkable achievements in the period in review.

In collaboration with other agencies, the Presidential Action Committee on Power PACP planned and executed short-term projects towards service delivery targets.

The operations of the Presidential Task Force on Power were as vibrant as ever, monitoring, facilitating and fast-tracking the process of transformation.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission was strengthened to perform its regulatory functions more effectively, certifying, monitoring and ensuring compliance with the rules of engagement, as more and more investors entered the emerging electricity market.

The Rural Electrification Agency, resuscitated from a comatose state, was energized with funding as well as the appointment and inauguration of a Supervisory Board.

The envisaged local content for the nation’s manpower began to materialize, as the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria, (NAPTIN) continued to execute government’s deliberate strategy to provide the technical manpower required to replace aging personnel and indigenous experts for the expanding industry. The institute gives specialized, needs-specific training to young Nigerians, and graduated its first 243 engineers in November.

As envisaged in the Electricity Power Sector Regulatory Act, the role of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader (NBET) in boosting investor-confidence was consolidated, to enable it engage in the purchase and re-sale of power and ancillary services from independent power producers, and from PHCN successor generation companies.

The transfer of debts of the PHCN in the wake of privatization, to the Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Company facilitated the taking-off of successor companies, free of heavy debts and liabilities.

The Electricity Management Services Limited EMS was established in September 2013 to re-position the power sector for the

delivery of, not only increased quantity, but also quality of electricity. The EMS has already begun to carry out its mandate of ensuring standards of materials, thereby enhancing safety.

The quantum of electricity infrastructure delivered through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) in the period was a big plus to the reform process. Of the 10 NIPP plants completed or nearing completion, two were commissioned and others are due for commissioning soon. The process of selling these plants to capable investors is at an advanced stage, with over 200 investors bidding. The NDPHC has also completed several transmission and distribution projects.

In line with global trends, and in pursuance of the 2003 approval of renewable energy as part of the National Energy Policy, Nigeria is promoting energy security by diversifying energy sources. In addition to existing hydro plants, the 700 MW Zungeru Hydro Power Project (which was on the drawing board for 30 years) was flagged off by President Jonathan on May 28, 2013 with a promise to kick-start work on the 3,050 MW Mambilla project, as well as Gurara 2, among other smaller hydro projects.

Work on coal-fired plants in Kogi, Benue, Enugu and Gombe states has advanced considerably, targeting 30% of the nation’s power needs Work on the Wind Power Farm in Katsina for the development of wind-generated energy has progressed, and it is to be commissioned soon.

Perhaps the most interesting development in the renewable energy efforts is the Light Up Rural Nigeria Solar Project, commissioned by the President in rural FCT, and to be extended to other off-grid villages.

Over and above all the achievements recorded in the power sector in the last 12 months, the successful privatization of power assets, spearheaded by the Ministry of Power stands out. The Bureau for Public Enterprises BPE, working with the National Council on Privatisation NCP headed by Vice President Arch.

Namadi Sambo, planned and executed a massive privatization of the nation’s power utilities, now acclaimed to be highly transparent, and the biggest in the world.

Infrastructure vandalism is receiving Presidential intervention.

So is the urgent need for steady improvement in gas supply.

During the period, mature leadership and government’s respect for the dignity of workers led to systematic settlement of workers’ entitlement up 98%.

It is a thing of pride to the Jonathan administration, that between March 2013 and March 2014, these milestones were covered in the Power Sector Reform Roadmap, in accordance with the EPSRA of 2005.

• Daniel is the Special Assistant (Media) to the Hon. Minister of Power

BUSINESS

25

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

JOBS

THE CEO

Wanted! Professional crop breeders - P. 37 News Briefing IT skills’ll lower development INFORMATION technology (IT) skills in Nigeria could slow down the growth and development of the country if the youth are not equipped with modern and requisite skills, Oracle Corporation has warned.

–Page 26

Govt lauded for rejecting EPA THE Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has commended the Federal Government for rejecting the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA ), having taken into consideration the negative effects it would have on the manufacturing sector.

–Page 26

Assets under custody hit $25b THE Association of Assets Custodians of Nigeria (AACON) has said Nigeria contributes only $25 billion out of the $120 trillion global assets under custody.

–Page 39

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

-Dr Joseph Odumodu, DG, SON

‘Scrapping Cocoa Board was a mistake’ - P. 27

Foreign investors selling more than N investing, says NSE

EARLY two-thirds of foreign portfolio transactions in the first quarter were on the sell side, as foreign investors continued to be cautious of Nigerian equities.

In its latest foreign portfolio investment (FPI) report, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) at the weekend indicated that there appeared to be a reversal in foreign investors’ sentiments in the past few months compared with the corresponding period of last year.

While foreign investors dominate, by value, the stock market, most transactions in the past few months have been on the sell side.

The first quarter report for the period ended March 31, last year underlined the sustained but modest downtrend at the Nigerian stock market so far this year.

The benchmark index at the

• Divestments outpace investments in Q1

By Taofik Salako

NSE, the All Share Index (ASI), opens today with a negative average year-to-date return of -6.71 per cent.

According to the NSE, total foreign outflows stood at N229.03 billion in the first quarter, representing some 64.2 per cent of total foreign transactions during the period. Total foreign inflows stood at N127.41 billion. Altogether, foreign investors’ deals accounted for N356.50 billion during the threemonth period, more than 65.11 per cent of total transactions of N547.51 billion.

This indicated that indigenous investors accounted for N191.01 billion, 34.89 per

cent of total transactions, during the period.

The report used two key indicators-inflow and outflow, to gauge foreign investors’ mood and participation in the stock market as a barometer for the economy.

Foreign portfolio investment outflow includes sales transactions or liquidation of equity portfolio investments through the stock market while inflow includes purchase transactions on the NSE. The NSE report is regarded as a credible gauge of foreign portfolio investments in the country as it coordinates data from nearly all active investment bankers and stockbrokers.

“The rise in the foreign outflow is attributed to so many factors some of which are; uncertainty over the value of the naira, declining foreign reserve, drop in oil production over pipeline vandalism, insecurity, quantitative easing in USA, and the need for fund for political campaigns and the fear of post-election crises have mounted a divestment pressure on some investors,” Anetor Mustard of Interstate Securities Limited said.

Monthly analysis showed that there was increase in the momentum of foreign transactions in March, this year, with increases in both sell and buy orders.

However, the downtrend continued to dominate transactions. Total foreign

T

COMMODITY PRICES -$117.4/barrel

Cocoa

-$2,686.35/metric ton

Coffee

- ¢132.70/pound

Cotton

- ¢95.17pound

Gold

-$1,396.9/troy

Sugar

-$163/lb MARKET

CAPITALISATIONS NSE

-N11.4 trillion

JSE

-Z5.112trillion

NYSE

-$10.84 trillion

LSE

-£61.67 trillion RATES

Inflation

-8%

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

-15.87%

Savings rate

-1%

91-day NTB

-15%

Time Deposit

-5.49%

MPR

-12%

Foreign Reserve

$45b

FOREX CFA

-0.2958

EUR

-206.9

£

-242.1

$

-156

¥

-1.9179

SDR

-238

RIYAL

-40.472

DPR urged to sanction erring marketers

By Toba Agboola

DATA STREAM Oil

outflow in March 2014 stood at N75.42 billion as against inflow of N55.13 billion, totalling N130.55 billion. Foreign investors accounted for 78.25 per cent of total transactions-foreign and domestic, of N166.84 billion in March 2014.

The flow of investments in March, this year contrasted sharply with the situation in March, last year when there were more inflows than outflows. Total foreign inflows totaled 53 per cent of total foreign transactions in March 2013.

Total foreign transactions stood at N80.14 billion in March 2013, consisting of inflow of N43.13 billion and outflow of N37.01 billion.

The NSE report noted the “significant increase” in foreign transactions, driven by sales, since the beginning of this year as against decline in domestic participation.

• From left: Chief Executive Officer, Newlord Nigeria Limited, Vishal Daryani; Chief Executive Officer, Carlisle Limited, Shade Animashaun and Executive Director, Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman at the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) seminar by the bank in Lagos… on Friday.

Deadline for payment of Kaduna, Afam power assets expires T

HE deadline set by the Federal Government for preferred bidders of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (DISCO) and Afam Generation Company (Genco) to pay the 75 per cent of the bid price of the assets expired yesterday.

According to sources at the agencies responsible for privatisation of public owned assets, who spoke to The Nation, said the deadline became necessary because the new owners were footdragging in paying the bal-

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

ance, a problem which delayed the conclusion of privatisation of the successor companies unbundled from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

The sources said the preferred bidder for Afam Power Generation Plc, the Taleveras Group, a consortium made up of Alstom Nigeria Limited, Alstom Group, the Rivers

State Government and Talevaras Petroleum Trading BV, paid 25 per cent of the bid price of $260,050,000, but were reluctant to disclose the bid price of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company.

They explained that what led to the deferment of sale of Kaduna DISCO was not finance but technical, adding that none of the previous bidders met the technical re-

quirement of the privatisation agencies.

But they noted that the preferred bidder, Northwest Power Limited met the Aggregate Technical Commercial and Collection Loss reduction (AT&C) of 29.26 per cent, but refused to disclose how much the consortium offered for the utility firm.

The two preferred bidders have been granted access to the assets since February and have been working with the transitional committees to be familiar the terrain.

HE Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has urged the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to stop erring marketers who hoard petroleum products.

The Public Relations Officer, Seyi Gambo, said some marketers were either hoarding or diverting petrol to cause artificial scarcity, noting that the measure sometimes resulted in long queues at filling stations.

He said regulatory bodies such as DPR, saddled with inspect stations, should sanction erring marketers.

“There is need for prompt and adequate monitoring of filling stations by the management of DPR to check abuses in petroleum distribution processes by some marketers.

“The queues and artificial scarcity currently experienced at filling stations are caused by some dubious marketers who want to make money at all costs by hoarding the product.

“Many filling stations are still selling petrol for between N110 and N120. This is against the normal pump price of N97 approved by the government.

“DPR should re-strategise their operational monitoring of stations to curb abuse of power by these erring marketers,” he said.

Gambo said to ensure adequate flow of petrol in the country, the government allocated the importation of petrol for the second quarter of the year.

“The Federal Government has approved the release of the import allocations for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the private Oil Marketing and Trading (OM &T) companies for the second quarter of the year.”

26

BUSINESS NEWS

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

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

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Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1.

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

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

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

ment is very expensive and that is why we appealed to the government to include us in the zero tariffs waiver granted airlines.”

On the challenges faced by the ground handling company, Owolabi said SAHCOL needs assistance in the tarmac and cargo areas, adding that any assistance in these areas would be appreciated.

Meanwhile, investors in the aviation sector are shying away from putting their money in ground, ramp, passenger and cargo handling services because of the huge outlay required to procure operational equipment, investigations have revealed.

Apart from the huge capital outlay, low returns on investment, high insurance premium and recurrence of incidents at the apron where aircraft clip wings account

for the reluctance by investors in the sector.

While many investors rush into setting up airlines, which could either be scheduled or charter, many consider ground, ramp, passenger and cargo handling risky.

Though dozens of foreign airlines, both passenger and cargo flying into Nigeria, there are a few formidable ground, ramp and passenger handling company with Nigerian Aviation Handling Company ( NAHCO), PLc and Skyways Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL), leading the pack.

The two firms handle major passenger and cargo airlines which fly into international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and other airports.

While only SAHCOL and NAHCO have heavy duty equipment for cargo, ramp and passenger handling at the 22 airports in

12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

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

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

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LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

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

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LAGOS – UYO 10.35

11.35

LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 1. IRS 11.15 13.15 2. Arik 15.50 18.00 LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20

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HE Managing Director of Sky way Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL) Mr Oluropo Owolabi has appealed to the Federal Government to include cargo handling firms in the list of companies to benefit from waivers granted airline operators on aircraft and spare parts import.

The government last year granted zero tariffs on aircraft and spare part importation.

It was part of its efforts to reduce the cost of domestic airlines’ operations and ground handling firms.

Owolabi, who spoke in Lagos, said then the government assured ground handling firms that they would be included in the waiver.

He said the assurance had not yielded sufficient results for ancillary service providers.

He said: “Ground handling business is very expensive. Our equip-

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40

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

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik

T

SAHCOL chief seeks zero tariff waiver

08.00 18.00

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

• From left: Head, Corporate Planning and Strategy, Skye Bank Plc Mr. Tajudeen Ahmed with Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, former Finance Minister, at the Covenant University international conference on Africa’s Development at Ota in Ogun State.

IT skills’ll slow down development, says Oracle chief C URRENT Information tech nology (IT) skills in Nigeria could slow down the growth and development of the country if the youths are not equipped with modern and requisite skills, Oracle Corporation has warned.

The Federal Government is aiming at increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) from the information communications (ICT) sector from its current over $25billion to $50 billion, according to the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson but Oracle says if steps are not taken to empower the youths with the relevant ICT skills, government’s ambition will remain a wishful thinking.

Its Africa Operations Nigeria Managing Director, Adebayo Sanni said the youthful segment of the entire population constitutes about 70 per cent of the population, adding that such population demographics could be both a challenge and an opportunity.

T

By Lucas Ajanaku

He spoke on the sideline when the new partnership between Oracle Corporation and Lagos State government was unveiled at the Digital Village, Alausa, Ikeja. He added that the youth, with their energy could make the difference if they are equipped with the relevant ICT skills.

“The IT skills we currently have in Nigeria is a potential slow down to achieving the increase in the investment level from $25billion to $50billion,” he said, adding that there is urgent need to take action.

According to Sanni, over the last 14 months, Oracle has invested massively in the country, opening an office and engaging more indigenous capacities to drive the African operations of the technology firm.

He said the firm has also institutionalised a strong leadership structure that has effectively positioned

the country as the hub of its activities on the continent.

Speaking with The Nation, Commissioner, Science and Technology, Mr Adebiyi Mabadeje said the state government took the initiative to develop human capacity in the state.

He said: “With the assurance from the governor, we will ensure continuity; we are working closely with our technology partners to ensure that we can have ready-market people who already understand their technology as soon as they come out from school. So what we are doing is to work with them to give us their curriculum, we are also working with them to train in Oracle language to train in Java database so that by the time they are out of school, they already know what they need to know and ready to be employed into the market and not . we are also working with the school as well, the tertiary institutions as well as selected secondary schools to build Oracle into their curriculum.”

MAN lauds govt for rejecting EPA

HE Manufacturers Associa tion of Nigeria (MAN) has commended the Federal Government for rejecting the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA ), having taken into consideration the negative effects it would have on the manufacturing sector.

MAN said it supports the government’s initiative in seeking other African Union (AU) members’ support in throwing away the EPA, adding that it should continue in its efforts at convincing other Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member-states on the dangers of the agreement.

The EPA is a reciprocal preferential trade Agreement being pro-

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

moted by the European Union (EU) to create a Free Trade Area (FTA) between the EU, African, the Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP).

The Nation learnt that the ECOWAS Commission, which is one of the six regional economic communities, is negotiating the deal on behalf of the 16 countries in West Africa, including Nigeria.

MAN President, Chief Kola Jamodu, insisted that no country can develop without protecting its industries. He said the nation stands the risk of having its market flooded with European goods with the resultant negative effect

on our industries and economy if the EPA is approved.

He stressed the need for employment generation, noting that the Transformation Agenda and the Nigerian lndustrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) requires that local manufacturing be protected.

He further said MAN is delighted that Nigeria’s position has been vindicated by the support it received at the extraordinary session of the Conference of African Union Ministers of Trade in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on aligned with Nigeria’s position on EPA by expressing their dissatisfaction with the agreement because of its negative impact on the continent’s effort to industrialise and create jobs.

the country, other firms mainly provide ancillary services at the Lagos Airport.

Owolabi attributed the reluctance by many investors in the sector to go into ground and cargo handling to the huge cost of procuring handling equipment.

He said it cost about $500,00 per piece to procure some handling equipment.

He said some big cargo aircraft, including the Boeing 747 -800 and other freighter will require no fewer than four of such equipment to handle one aircraft.

He said only big players could spend as much as $2 million to acquire the equipment.

Lower crop yields, says expert

F

By Daniel Essiet

ARMERS in the North may face crop fail ure, diseases and extreme weather as a result of drought, experts have warned.

Already, there is a forecast of little rainfall in the North.

The Director Africa Region, Cassava Adding Value to Africa, Dr Kola Adebayo, said prolonged droughts may worsen to affect groundwater in dry locations, and reduce food production.

According to him, drought-related developments will led to lower yields.

He called on the government to collaborate with research institutions to explore options for tackling the climate change challenge. He urged the government to improve agriculture, and include more focus on agribusiness as a critical driver of development.

Adebayo said attention should focus on production agriculture.

According to him, if the nation wants to become more self-sufficient, then farmers should be recognised as businessmen and businesswomen and entrepreneurs with innovative approaches to marketing crops and improving food security.

Meanwhile jobs ralated to agricultural infrastructure are expected to grow in coming years, Adebayo, has said.

He said there are long-term opportunities for workers as new openings are emerging.

He said agriculture will play an important role in the economy providing more jobs that will foster the attainment of the country’s industrial goals.

According to him, ongoing interventions will support agroprocessing and value addition, market linkages, men, women and youth participation and enhancement of household income, food and nutrition security.

It will also spur economic growth and poverty reduction by ensuring food, income and nutrition security among beneficiaries.

Adebayo expects the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the government to focus on development of irrigation, aquaculture and livestock, crop diversification and intensification and environmental issues.

As a result, he said there will be opportunities in food retail, catering, input supply and research.

Of the infrastructure jobs,there will be openings for labourers, freight, stock and material movers, tractor drivers, and packers as workers retire or resign the industry.

According to him, there are job opportunities in coming years.

He explained that increased agric trade would boost infrastructure jobs as agri businesses expand to accommodate new

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

27

THE CEO

‘Scrapping Cocoa Board was a mistake’ For 27 years, Dimeji Owofemi, Executive Vice Chairman, MultiTrex Integrated Foods Plc, has been in the agro-allied business.

He criticised the scrapping of cocoa boards, saying those countries that recommended it, retained similar boards in their countries.

Owofemi spoke at the firms premises of the firm in Lagos. Group Business Editor, SIMEON EBULU, was there. Excerpts:

I

N what ways have government policies inpacted the economy?

Government is a lot of the time hypocritical and pretentious. There is no inducement for hard work. Take the export of the raw commodities and the value addition for instance. About 20 per cent of the crop is value addition.

The people who are involved in raw commodity exports are mostly European companies who want to keep their home factories running. In addition to their getting that incentive, there is double jeopardy for those who are adding value to the remaining 20 per cent.

European countries’ regulation also impose tax on anything that is processed, meaning that our system here gives them double advantage.

You give them 10 per cent, or whatever percentage and we get charged about seven per cent for exporting the value added product; so there is already a 17 per cent gap.

When as a foreigner I can see how you are discouraging value addition engaged in by indigenes, then I will not bring in that foreign investment. There is no such thing called foreign investment.

You can’t practice Brentwood economy in a Nollywood environment, its suitable for Hollywood environment, where all other things are equal. Because that is what economist will put to escape when it doesn’t work. Otherwise, how would you justify Europeans coming to Africa to say sign this partnership agreement?

Is that a partnership agreement? It is a takeover agreement. It should be called European acquisition agreement.

Is this not an indictment on our financial system?

The truth must be told, we as a country have no confidence in our banks. When China generates money where do they take it to, do they bring it to Nigerian banks? When Britain generates money, do they take it to another country? So the big income from the government and the economy, exclude our banks from having access to it.

So when a foreign company comes to Nigeria and it wants to do business, it goes to borrow money from the same bank. What they do is when they raise funds they syndicate it.

Any bank in the US that wants to lend Nigerian bank money, they are accessing the same money that Nigeria put in their banks. When it is about to access that money, that bank would again say there is a country risk, they put four per cent. This implies that your money is coming back to you as a country risk and it is now recorded as foreign investment coming to you, whereas it is your money in the first instance.

The banks are just being made scapegoats that they don’t support the real sector, they have not got the money to support the real sector.

So, you support what Aganga is insisting on?

It is not Aganga, it is Nigeria. And other Af-

• Owofemi

Profile Institutions attended

The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

Qualifications

HND, ACA

Previous positions

Management Accountant, Cocoa Industries Ltd.

Present position

Executive Vice President, Multi-Trex Integrated Foods Plc

Experience

27 years

rican countries have started seeing the sense in what we are saying. The European Union Minister was here with his delegation because he has been hearing us work against it. Why should we allow our borders to be open again when we have a flipper of opportunity to add value? They can see that Nigeria and other West Africa countries are now generating revenue; they want to come and wait for that revenue.

They pretend they are setting up industries here, but they will be setting up only packaging industries; everything will be brought from outside the country and it will come with their own citizens to and run it. In the days

when... and the rest of them started, there was none of them that did not have expatriates in large number. Those they call directors or technologists are workshop officers in their country. The person knows the limit of his power, he gets the same salary he will get when he is there, but we get charged the salary they want, so it is a way of repatriating the so called investment.

There is always this fear about inconsistensy about policies. What is your take on this?

We will not stop talking. It is no longer wise to leave it to government. If we were not making noise some civil servants would have been compromised, even as far as Manufacturers

‘There are still cotton boards in the US. They still have grapes board in the US. Why did they ask us to scrap our own? Nobody is asking that question. When it was scrapped and you realised it, you now got money from the same set of people, who in their wisdom also gave you for 25 years. But your own bank is seeing it as trading money’

Association of Nigeria. But we recgnise what people like Chief Kola Jamodu have done, he stood his ground, and the reason is because he is coming from this area. He has run industries before, industries that belong to foreign bodies and he knows what efforts to put in for it to stand. There is no country in the world that has more human resources than Nigeria and I am ready to prove it on any platform.

Including China and India?

For our own economy we have enough. That is the point I am making. In Africa, we are leaders. Anywhere you get to in the world and you don’t find a Nigerian, don’t stay there.

We are just specially gifted and what happened is because sometimes we talk more about what is not happening in our society and blow it out of proportion.

They don’t want to do business with Nigeria because there is security problem, it is a sad thing that is happening, but because may be there was no stitch in time, if there was stitch in time, it wouldn’t be happening the way it is happening.

Have you anything to do with AMCON? We are in AMCON as a company, we have our loan bought by AMCON, but they were probably told untrue stories and they are acting on it. When the truth became clearer and they wanted to help the company by giving additional capital. Central Bank in its wisdom, because they feel some bad eggs created problems, rather than punish those ones loitering around the corridors of power, they put a blanket ban that anybody whose loan has been bought over by AMCON should not be allowed to even have access to borrowing from Nigerian banks for working capital. I borrowed money from you to buy a car but you are saying I shouldn’t be allowed to borrow money to buy fuel into the car and yet you are expecting me to pay back the loan.

The year 1986 seems to have been a sort of •Continued on page 28

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

28

THE CEO

‘Scrapping Cocoa Board was a mistake’ •Continued from page 27

watershed for the cocoa industry, the dismantling of the cocoa board, the privatisation, deregulation and so on. Actually, what did you get through that structural adjustment programme?

We did not plan what will happen after the scrapping of the cocoa board. What we got wrong is, World Bank says we should go and scrap our cocoa board, just like EPA is forcing us now, attempting to force us with the promise that it will benefit us by just increasing taxes on the existing poor people.

Scrap your commodity board you are subsidising by using commodity board, you are protecting them and shielding them,” they said. The mother and father of free economy or capitalism is America. America is forever subsidising its farmers. They created the WTO to protect themselves.

Then again with the General Agreement on Trade (GAT), they created so many things to protect themselves. When one fails they will device another one.

What we got wrong is that, we never planned for the future. And not to plan is to plan to fail.

If we scrap this commodity board, what will happen to the farmers? What are the structures sustained by this commodity board or cocoa board that will suffer if we scrap it? Do we have the alternative value structure to protect this value chain?

That’s what we got wrong. Nobody asked that question. When it also dawn on them that there was now the aftermath, after they realise they have created a problem for the farmers, they started ad hoc measures without looking for a way to proffer solution on the existing problem. Instead of encouraging banks to go to ADB to borrow money and lend it to willing investors, without telling those banks the tenure to lend it. So, the banks took the loan for 25 years and they gave it out for threethree years with the intention that they will roll it over. They were treating development fund as a trading fund.

The project has failed from the on set, for the reason that you can’t do this kind of business with a two or three year loan. It won’t work.

And they didn’t have the capacity to sanction those banks and correct them even when complains were made. They lent it out in hard currency in an environment that is just devaluing- it is the devaluation of the currency that the World Bank wanted when they say scarp your board.

There are still cotton boards in the US. They still have grapes board in the US. Why did they ask us to scrap our own? nobody is asking that question. When it was now scrapped and you realised it, you now got money from the same set of people, who in their wisdom also gave you for 25 years. But your own bank is now seeing it as trading money. They lend it again through banks who they had given N10 exchange rate to come and pay back, refused to give that same rate because they are seeing it as foreign exchange rate, and took the money from you at a rate which they pass to the customer but they never gave them the facility in naira.

When eventually government say come and pay back at 22 per ent, even if they had the naira to pay at 22 per cent, the quantum of naira is now more than the money they borrowed, which means either the capacity of the machine suddenly expands to cope with the volume of money they need for that purpose.

So, they were constrained there.

Another basic component you mentioned was actually the devaluation, which…

It is the devaluation because it was meant to make our economy penetrable, America is forever asking China to devalue its currency, because then your export become unattractive and they can dump sales on you. Anybody who wants to produce in that economy cannot compete. So, they want to make your economy uncompetitive by insisting that you must devalue. China is forever never going to do that because they know that it doesn’t make sense and America knows it doesn’t make sense. The British government refused to join the EU, they

• Owofemi

‘So, they want to make your economy uncompetitive by insisting that you must devalue. China is forever never going to do that because they know that it doesn’t make sense and America knows it doesn’t make sense.

The British government refused to join the EU, they joined the EU but they held on to their pout. The reason they did that is to protect their own economy’

• Owofemi

joined the EU but they held on to their pout.

The reason why they did that is to protect their own economy.

Just around this time, last year, the Nigerian raw cocoa lost its export vaue on alleged policy assessment, what is the situation?

It has. Even as at that time what happened was that when you make it an all comer affair, it is not your field and the attraction for everybody who set up a finance company at that time, was because of foreign exchange. And cocoa, up till today, is about 70 per cent of the foreign exchange earner in non oil, so everybody rushed into cocoa, anybody could gather the bags. People saw the opportunity from the supply point of view because they are in hurry to make quick money, you know they were taking deposit at 15 per cent everybody comes inside forum. The only way they can pay that return is to turn the naira into foreign exchange then bring it back and turn it back into naira, that was the basis of forming that numerous finance companies at that time. And so the rush put pressure on the farmers as well. When I came into this industry people were selling for less than N4,000 per ton, at the last count it is about N540,000. You can look back and say farmers are making more money but break it down on the value chain.

Who is making the money? It is not that farmer.

He has no capacity to compete. He has no capacity to even negotiate. Those capacities have been removed.

How much of that goes to the farmer per ton?

Nigeria still gets the highest but it doesn’t make it right. Along the West Coast, Nigerian farmers get the highest proportion, about 60 to 80 per cent, where they are not cheated. Where they are not cheated is 80 per cent, where they are cheated is about 60 per cent. Cheated in the sense that this foreign buyers goes to the field with adjusted weight that has already adjusted the price they are giving. So, they give a good price in the imagined sense of it but they have taken the weight to balance the price back to a lower amount. Government is no longer, at that time, responsible for making sure they get the chemicals they need. The current minister, who would imagine that it is possible to stop government from importing fertiliser, which government will give a lot of money to import, they will subsidize it; the same people who brought it are coming back to collect it and they go to the farmer and sell it at increased price therefore the farmer can only buy so little and the quantity he is going to apply to the farm is insufficient. So, if you talk about outbreak of disease on the farm, these are the consequences. The people who caused us to scrap it are coming with what they now called different policies for farmers; private partnership, they have all sorts of coinages.

The fact that children are no more interested in looking back in sustaining what is inherited from cocoa farming does it create some fear in

you that the supply source may dry up?

If people don’t die we wouldn’t probably give birth to new ones. And so when you give birth to new ones you will not be able to take care of them. It gives me sleepless night that you are talking about generating employment when the real employment is on the farm or in the factories. When banter statistics of how many employment have been generated they should group it into qualitative and quantitative. Because the fact that more people are being employed does not mean those are the people which kind of employment we need, not labourers.

We need people who read Economics, Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical or Electronics, where are they going to work?

Manufacturing sector over the years has been endangered. What is the staying power of your company?

The staying power is passion, it is just passion. I mean if you have done something for 27 years you most love it so much that you are not distracted to do other things. It is passion that is making me stay. The investment in this place has the capacity to, direct and indirect, to employ about 1500 people and it is the same for other factories. We are about eight that is functioning; eleven that are cocoa processing but the eight that are functional, one percent. The only two doing very well among us are owned by foreign companies, and I give kudos to those foreign companies that dared to invest in Nigeria, in our industry. The remaining six are all Nigerians. Three of us are candidates of AMCON. AMCON is the savior, as far as I am concerned, that can CBN say, don’t allow them to borrow money for working capital, how do we generate the flow to about giving waiver or discount they will be looking at the total which the act insist they must look at. But they forgot that what happened to us happened in America. How did the American government deal with it, they pumped cash into those industries and they were eventually able to pay back. Take Peugeot automobile for instance, they can employ 10,000 people minimum, if not 20 or 30 sub industries, but what brand of car are our leaders riding? Toyota, Mercedes, BMW and so on. Do not blame those people riding those cars? Because that is the car that is available, I am probably guilty of the same offense. But Peugeot those not make a car and nobody is thinking. Right, we are going there to control that company but we are going there to make sure it works.

Such that over the years Peugeot have not been able to evolve because design has moved away from Peugeot 504, so for them to compete now you need to change the entire production line.

Where is that money? Ajaokuta was designed to do flat ships when what you need is rods, and we spend so long a time thinking about the fact that Ajaokuta is not producing what it is suppose to be producing. How long are going to be doing the thinking and the talking? When are we going to be walking the talk?

What can you say on CBN raising the cost of servicing debts?

First, it is the government. The government in a way setup the CBN, they had since independence. If government says bring Nigerian money to Nigerian bank CBN will do it tomorrow. Because it is holding the money on behalf of the government, it is a banker the government. And the owner of the money will tell you how to put its money. Now, the same government that is blaming the banks, the little deposit we put there, when they do these their treasury bills, which is what you are talking, cash ratio, they pay the bank 12 per cent. Can they go to the same bank and tell them to lend single digit to the industries. They say there is a risk in lending to industries; let us not kid ourselves that there is no risk, even the book of investment says the higher the risk, the higher the returns.

But if you know you are going to be disgraced for taking cognate risks you will rather go and put the money in treasury’s bill. If you look back, when government created the AMCON money and said buy “toxic asset”. When they gave the money to the bank it is in that period that the banks started declaring billions of profit. Banks that were declaring N15 million, N40 million profits suddenly declared N100 billion profits; how did they generate that profit? Very simple, they take that money they declared as toxic asset they put it back in CBN for fear of it might go bad again. So banks are scared to even take risk. Maybe now that investment bankers are they are borrowing at a high rate. If government should go to the bank tomorrow and say treasury-bill, we will pay you four per cent; interest will come down because it is the reference point. They can’t lend at a lower rate than the rate at which rate treasury-bill are issued. You pretend to be mopping up money from the person who you have taken your own revenue away from and you are expecting him to develop that economy for you.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

29

MONEYLINK

Anambra partners traders on revenue collection

T

O stimulate trade and commerce in Anambra State, the state Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Mr Ifeatu C Onejeme, has held a meeting with leaders of the various market associations in the state to seek their support in the drive to “extend the frontiers of excellence” in the state.

Onejeme met with executives of AMATAS, including its President, Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo; Vice President, Chief Dozie Akudolu as well as the chairmen and secretaries-general of the major market associations in the state to get their support on how to achieve the four-point agenda of the administration.

Presenting his economic agenda to the citizens shortly after his swearing in on March 17, this year, Governor

Stories by Collins Nweze

Wiillie Obiano, listed the four pillars of his administration to include, agriculture, trade and commerce, industrialisation and oil and gas.

Chairman/Chief Executive of the state Board of Internal Revenue, Sir Okey Mokah, cleared all grey areas agitating the minds of the traders and market associations.

The executives of the market associations pledged their support and readiness to work with the government to achieve its objectives.

They agreed that outstanding market stallage fees, levies and traders tax for 2012, 2013 and this year would be paid considering that the Obiano administration would no longer tolerate delays in the payment of

revenues due to the government and would close any market that fails to collect and remit revenues, levies and taxes promptly.

The traders agreed to set up a joint Revenue Collection Task Force with the Ministry of Trade and Commerce to collect arrears of stallage fees, levies and traders taxes for 2012, 2013 and this year.

On sanitation and environmental cleanliness, it was agreed that the leaders must ensure that their members maintain cleanliness in all markets in the state as the present administration will not hesitate to shut any market that fails to meet acceptable sanitation standards.

The commissioner assured that the Obiano administration would fasttrack the modernisation of the

markets and construct new ones to demonstrate its commitment to encourage the traders.

He said: “Government has resolved to improve and modernise existing markets, especially the state-owned markets through the provision of boreholes, conveniences, fire-fighting facilities and other specific facilities required by the markets.”

In addition, the traders said the government planned to partner with the private sector to build ultra modern hyper-markets and malls to further drive the government’s initiatives to expand state’s capacity for trade and commerce activities.

The traders were also informed that the government’s determination to stop street trading and eliminate street markets. The government

Sterling Bank trains SMEs’ operators

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TERLING Bank have organised seminar for Small and Medium Enterprises’ (SMEs) owners.

The bank’s Executive Director, Abubakar Suleiman said the programme was aimed at enhancing the managerial and entrepreneurial qualities of SMEs’operators. He said SMEs play critical roles in the development of the economy.

“It is our view that for us to be able to support SMEs, the standard for reporting and the day-to-day management of the organisation needs to improve. We are hoping that this seminar would achieve this objective. We are focused on people who have done business with us for a while and we want to assist them to take their businesses to another level. The process for

transforming SMEs to become bigger players and part of national growth does not start and end with finance. A huge part of it starts with education,” he said.

Suleiman assured that the bank will continue to invest in capacity building in the sector as the national economic development prospects of any country is hinged on SMEs. He, however, noted that the expected growth of the sub-sector would not be achieved unless there is an improvement in the quality of infrastructure.

Chief Executive Officer, Africa Star Limited, Mr. Bawor Benjamin, commended the bank for coming up with the training, adding that it would go a long way in encouraging owners of small and medium

S

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year

35m 35m

11.039 12.23

19-05-2014 18-05-2016

Skye Bank launches Ria money transfer

KYE Bank Plc has launched a new money transfer service Ria Money transfer service.

The new service complements the bank’s other international money transfer services.

Speaking at the event in Lagos, the bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) designate, Timothy Oguntayo, said the product is in tandem with the bank’s concept of value creation and addition.

Noting that if banks must function as a one-stop financial supermarket where customers’ needs can be addressed, such lenders must provide needs-satisfying products timely and effectively.

He said the new money transfer service would be available at the

•Sterling Bank CEO,Yemi Adeola

scale businesses and give them an idea of how to grow their businesses, establish proper structures, so that they can access funds for business growth.

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

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33

NIDF

OBB Rate

Price Loss 2754.67

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10%

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

Amount 30m 46.7m

Rate % 10.96 9.62

Date 28-04-2012 “

GAINERS AS AT 6-3-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

NPFMCRFBK 0.90 MOBIL 129.40 REDSTAREX 4.30 AIRSERVICE 2.14 EVANSMED 2.58 NEM 0.79 DIAMONBANK 6.31 BERGER 9.18 UBCAP 2.24 FCMB 3.60

C/PRICE

CHANGE

0.95 135.87 4.51 2.24 2.70 0.82 6.53 9.50 2.31 3.70

5.56 5.00 4.88 4.65 3.80 3.49 3.49 3.13 2.78 2.60

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD NGN GBP

147.6000 239.4810

149.7100 244.0123

150.7100 245.6422

-2.11 -2.57

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

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

DISCOUNT WINDOWx Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

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

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00%

LOSERS AS AT 6-3-14

SYMBOL OSB2020S2 MAYBAKER 7UP INTENEGINS IPWA CONTINSURE STANBIC LEARNAFRCA SEPLAT ZENITHBANK

O/PRICE 100.00 1.78 85.50 0.53 0.54 1.07 22.57 1.68 696.12 23.00

C/PRICE 103.37 82.00 0.51 0.52 1.04 22.00 35.03 1.64 682.33 22.63

CHANGE -3.97 -4.49 -4.09 -3.77 -3.70 -2.80 -2.53 -2.38 -1.78 -1.61

bank’s 250 branches nationwide as well as through some specially designated branches, assuring that quality service would be the watch word.

On the new product, the bank’s Executive Director, Southsouth/ Retail Banking, Mrs. Ibiye Ekong, assured the public that the bank would make funds remittance and collection easy, safe and convenient for senders and recipients. She said the bank would strive to make Ria Money the reference in money transfer business in the country.

Business Development Director, Africa, Middle East and America, Ria Money, Manuel Villena, described the market as the largest in Africa.

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

added that Williams Street, Bright Street, Sokoto Street and New Market Road Street markets in Onitsha would be relocatedwhile Williams Street traders should move to their markets.

Chief Ezenwankwo pledged his association’s commitment to work with the government, assuring that AMATAS would facilitate the movement of street traders to the shops built for them.

The meeting also discussed modalities for working with commercial banks, the office of the Attorney- General, the Lands Registry and the governmentowned market associations to develop a government-managed shop title documents’ registry that would record and manage all transactions involving transfer of title, mortgages and pledges over shops in the market.

Amount Sold ($) 399.9m 399.9m 399.9m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.75 155.8 155.7

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

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

NSE

6-2-14

28-10-11

% Change

CAP Index

N13.07tr 40,766.16

N6.617tr 20,903.16

-1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name Offer Price AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 153.82 ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.06 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.17 CANARY GROWTH FUND 0.71 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CORAL INCOME FUND 1,637.31 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,074.11 FBN HERITAGE FUND 115.92 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 1,087.30 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 INTERCONTINENTAL INTEGRITY FUND 1.05 KAKAWA GUARANTE ED INCOME FUND 143.11 LEGACY FUND 0.78 NIGERIA INTER DEBIT FUND 1,916.66 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 12.72 STANBIC IBTC ETHICAL FUND 1.07

Bid Price 153.13 9.08 1.05 1.17 0.71 1.33 1,634.46 1,073.58 115.15 1,087.00 1.62 1.03 142.62 0.76 1,909.29 12.40 1.04

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

1.2543 1.3132 0.9098 1.1597

1.2655 1.3132 0.9270 1.1597

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917

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

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000

8.5000

Movement

30

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 09-05-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 09-05-14

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

31

EQUITIES

T

NSE summons six stockbroking firms

HE national council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) would this week begin a disciplinary hearing on the fate of inactive, illiquid and delinquent stockbroking firms with the first batch of the affected operators expected to appear before the council on Thursday.

The Disciplinary Committee of the National Council of the NSE has invited six stockbroking firms to appear before it on Thursday to explain why the Exchange should not take disciplinary action against them for failing to activate their dealing member licenses.

The affected companies included Al-Pina Investment and Trust Company Limited, BBL Asset Management Limited, Integrated and Allied Securities Limited, MultiTrust Securities Limited, Standard Chartered Securities Limited and Trans Lux Services Limited.

In a notice signed by head, legal department and council secretariat, Irene Robinson-Ayanwale, the NSE indicated that the six stockbrokers were part of a group of stockbrokers that it had earlier queried over their operating status.

The disciplinary committee is expected to determine the propriety

S

•Begins disciplinary proceedings against inactive firms

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

of the dealing licenses of the affected members at the hearing.

The NSE had in December 2013 commenced a process to determine the propriety of dealing licence of 53 stockbroking firms, a development that may lead to withdrawal of operating licence of erring stockbroking firms.

A query by the management of the NSE to the 53 stockbroking firms obtained by The Nation directed the stockbroking firms to show reasons why disciplinary actions should not be taken against them for failure to regularize their operating status and other sundry outstanding regulatory issues.

The query was signed by head, broker dealer regulation, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Olufemi Shobanjo.

A source in the know of disciplinary process of the NSE indicated that the Exchange may withdraw the operating licence of some of the stockbroking firms, which failed to provide tangible reasons to show liquidity, continuous operations and compliance with extant rules on

dealing member firms.

The Nation’s check showed that most of the queried firms had in September 2013 been suspended for failure to comply with extant operating rule that requires all stockbroking firms to establish compliance department and appoint accredited compliance officers. The suspension by the NSE implies that they will not be allow to trade at the stock market or act in any issue relating to the capital market, especially as it relates to regulatory approval of the NSE. The latest query on regularization of operating status also referred to “all outstanding regulatory issues”, indicating a build-up of the case against the stockbroking firms.

The queried dealing member firms included Mainstreet Bank Securities Limited, Standard Chartered Securities Limited and First Atlantic Securities Limited, three broker-

age firms owned by banks.

Other queried firms included AAA Securities Limited, Alliance Capital Management Company Limited, Alpina Investment & Trust Company Limited, BBL Asset Management Limited, BFCL Asset & Securities Limited, BIC Securities Limited, CEB Securities Limited, Colvia Securities Limited, Consolidated Investment Limited, Dakal Services Limited, Decanon Investment Limited, Empire Securities Limited, Enabell Capital & Investment Limited, Epic Investment Trust Limited, Equator Stockbrokers Limited, First Equity Securities Limited, First Express Limited, Folu Securities Limited, Genesis Securities & Investment Limited, Ideal Securities Limited, Indemnity Finance Limited, Integrated & Allied Securities Limited, KFF Worldwide Solutions Limited, Kingdom Securities Limited, Lion Stockbrokers Limited, LMB Stock-

brokers Limited, Maninvest Asset Management Plc, Mayfield Investment Limited, Metropolitan Trust Nigeria Limited, Midland Capital Markets Limited, Midlands Investment & Trust Limited and ML Securities Limited.

Others included Monument Securities & Finance Limited, MultiTrust Securities Limited, Omas Investment & Trust Company Limited, Peninsula Asset Management & Investment Company Limited, Platinum Capital Limited, Professional Stockbrokers Limited, Prudential Securities Limited, Regency Financing Limited, RIV Trust Securities Limited, Riverside Trust Limited, Securities Trading & Investment Company Limited, Sikon Securities and Investment Trust Limited, Trans Lux Services Limited, Transglobe Investment & Finance Company Limited, Tropics Securities Limited, Truebond Capital & Asset Management Limited, WT Securities Limited and Zuma Securities Limited.

SEPLAT adds N5.78b from oversubscription

EPLAT Petroleum Development Company Plc, the first upstream company to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), has increased its capital base by about N5.78 billion with the absorption of the oversubscription from its recent $500 million initial public offering (IPO).

SEPLAT at the weekend added about 10.03 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to its shares. The company attributed the additional shares to oversubscription and allotment that resulted from the recent IPO. After a highly successful global IPO of $500 million, SEPLAT had made history mid April as the first upstream company to be listed on the NSE. It also simultaneously listed its shares on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

The initial offer size of the IPO was expected to raise gross proceeds of approximately $500 million, equivalent to £300.9 million and N82.5 billion. SEPLAT had however indicated it intended to absorb over-subscription. According to its IPO report, the over-allotment option in the global IPO shall represent 15 per cent of the final amount allocated to the international offering in the base offer.

Thus, the global offer will comprise a base offering and an overallotment option, consisting of new shares to be issued by the company.

The listing of Seplat activated the exploration and production subsector of the oil and gas sector of the NSE and added N313 billion to the aggregate market value of quoted companies. About 543.3 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each were then listed at N576 per share.

The supplementary listing at the weekend increased SEPLAT’s outstanding shares to 553.33 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each.

SEPLAT’s market consideration closed the weekend at N682.33 per share, indicating an increase of 18.5 per cent on its listing price.

The company had indicated that it intended to use $48 million from the net proceeds of the IPO to repay in full all outstanding amounts under its shareholder loan from MPI S.A. (MPI) while the balance would be used to acquire and develop new acquisitions or pay down any additional debt raised in

connection therewith, of both onshore and shallow offshore acreages, assets or joint venture (JV) farm-ins.

According to the company, the main source of acquisitions is expected to come from divestitures by various internatioanal oil companies.

Caverton gets listing date, to add N32b to NSE

C

AVERTON Offshore Support Group, a leading provider of marine, aviation and logistics services to local and international oil and gas companies in Nigeria, will list its entire issued share capital on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on May 20.

Coming on the heels of the listing of SEPLAT Petroleum Development Company, the first upstream company to be quoted on the NSE, the listing of Caverton will further integrate the oil and gas sector into the Nigerian stock market.

Having met all NSE and other regulatory requirements, Caverton Offshore Support Group has been given approval to list by introduction on the main board of the exchange. The company’s 3.35 billion shares will be listed for trading at N9.50 per share.

Caverton Offshore Support Group (Caverton) is the holding company of Caverton Helicopters and Caverton Marine Limited, two Nigerian companies that have within a short period grown dramatically to become industry leaders in the oil and gas aviation and marine sub-sectors,

M

two highly technical and capital intensive areas previously dominated by foreign firms.

Chairman, Caverton Offshore Support Group, Mr Aderemi Makanjuola, said the listing will usher the company into its next phase of growth.

“We are extremely pleased as Caverton enters its next phase of growth as a listed company. Leveraging on our expertise and execution capabilities, we plan to embark immediately on fleet expansion and the development of new service areas in the offshore marine and aviation sectors,” Makanjuola said.

He said the company is keen on exploring entry into new markets while it will create a balanced and diversified portfolio.

“We are pleased to have strong technical partners on board with us. This is in line with our strategy for sustainable growth and we are confident that the company will continue to achieve its growth aspirations while fostering indigenous participation in the Nigerian oil and gas industry,” Makanjuola said.

According to him, the listing rep-

resents a major milestone for the company in its steady march towards becoming the leading provider of oil and gas logistics services in sub-Saharan Africa.

“Our past and present speak eloquently for us. But we are not content on resting on our oars. Rather, we are keen on further diversification operationally and geographically. Apart from operating in Cameroon, we have been invited to bid in Ghana and invited to come for discussion in DRC. We are keen on building a world-class company that outlives us and becomes a byword for cutting-edge services and the best of corporate governance not only in Nigeria but in Africa,” Makanjuola said.

He noted that as a wholly-owned Nigerian company, Caverton has demonstrated that when given the opportunity, Nigerians can compete favourably with the best of foreign nationals adding that the company is desirous of opening the doors of opportunity to many other Nigerians.

“Becoming a publicly quoted company allows us to do more in this regard and permits us to add more value to the country and its economy,”

Makanjuola said.

Caveton’s rising business profile has been powered by strategic partnerships, highly skilled management and staff, investment in cutting-edge technology and facilities, and strong financial performance. In the 2012 financial year, the company’s turnover rose 47.6 per cent to N16.132 billion, from N10.928 billion in 2011. Profit after tax and exceptional items jumped to N1.035 billion from N60.373 million in the previous year, an increase of 1,625 per cent.

Even though its operations predated the passage of the Local Content Act by many years, Caverton has been seen as the poster-child of indigenous capacity and ownership since 2010 when one of its subsidiaries, Caverton Helicopters, edged out long-established foreign operators to win a $648 million, multi-year contract from Shell Petroleum Development Company for the supply and operation of seven helicopters. Won after a rigorous competitive bidding process, it is on record as the biggest contract ever awarded by the oil multi-national to an indigenous company.

Meristem highlights benefits of Meritrade online portal

ERISTEM Securities Limited, a dealing member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), at the weekend highlighted the benefits of its newly introduced online trading portalMeritrade, stressing that the portal will bring the stock market closer to local and international investors to maximize their opportunities.

Meritrade is an online stock broking platform which allows users buy and sell stocks online through the NSE from the comfort of their homes, offices, cars and mobile devices. The platform de-

fines stock broking in entirely different language and creates a world class experience, bringing the broker to the comfort of investors’ homes and offices.

Head, stockbroking, Meristem Securities, Mrs. Gbadunola Sokunbi said Meritrade comes with ease and is for the benefit of the retail segment of the Nigerian capital market; thus, making Meristem contribute to the positioning of the NSE to champion the acceleration of Africa’s economic development while creating durable wealth.

According to her, the Meritrade platform will guarantee investors’

convenience as it will enable retail investors to open stockbroking account without having to walk into a stockbroking house from wherever, whenever and even on the go.

She outlined that the new portal will allow investors to fund their accounts by making deposits without necessarily walking into a banking hall, place orders for prompt execution and receive contract note instantly.

“Other benefits of the platform are real-time notification on trade execution, trade the way an investor wants, manage and take full

control of investors’ investments at all times as well as explore market data and quality research reports.

The development of the new trading platform has become imperative with the NSE’s recent launch of its new trading engine, the XGen platform, which enables completion of trading transactions without human intervention,” Sokunbi said.

She enjoined investors to enjoy the fairly extensive walk-through system and its mobile apps noting that the mobile stock trading experience is second to none in Nigeria.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

32

ISSUES

Building industry threatened by fake cables, wires

•Cable reels

Although Nigerian cables and wires are among the best in terms of quality and durability, their manufacturers are faced with lot of challenges. Many of them have received International Standards Organisation (ISO) certification, which make them the products global brands, yet the industry still contend with cheap and substandard cables from Asian countries. Weak regulation and compliance have exacerbated the problem.

Assistant Editor OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE reports that unless the government and policy makers insist on proper regulation and compliance, the future of the sector may be bleak.

I

F there is any made-in-Nigeria product that buyers have confidence in, it is electrical wire or cable. Many of the manufacturers have positioned themselves as competent players in the sector. Though their contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) are still minimal, some of them are quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). Most are also award-winners in electric and telecoms cables manufacturing, but they are managing to survive stiff competition from cheap and substandard imported cables and wires.

Studies have also traced the various cases of fire outbreaks in homes and offices to imported cables, which are usually below specification with exaggerated grade. The stunted growth in the sector has also been traced to faking and substandardisation. Manufacturers said faking and substandardisation is caused by unscrupulous businessmen who travel to China and India to not only fake original brands but also ask for reduction in the diameter of copper content of the cables and wires, adding that this is the cause of frequent fire in homes and offices. The reduction, which affects the quality of the cables, is sometimes from 2.5 square metres to 1.73 square metres, which make them hot and unable to carry the current that consequently lead to the frequency of fire outbreaks.

It was also gathered that the importers are able to achieve • Continued on page 33

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

33

ISSUES

Building industry threatened by fake cables, wires • Continued from page 32

these evil machinations due to weak regulatory institutions, poor legal framework and poor policy implementations. This brings into question the capacity of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to stem the tide of the importation of fake and sub-standard cables into the country.

Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Mr. Muda Yusuf said the preponderance of cheap and substandard cables in the country is due low level of compliance with regulations and laws of the land.

How fake and substandard cables come into the country According to Yusuf, importers fake documents including specification and other information about the products they bring into the country. He said: “Some of these importers come in with fake documentation, incorrect specification and information on the cables and wires they imported into the country from these Asian countries especially China and India.”

He also said a major factor encouraging the importation of fake and sub-standard cables and wires is the decline in value system in the economy as the system gets easily compromised. He stressed that any system that can be easily compromised cannot be effective. He regretted the inadequacy of consequences for infraction and urged for adequate penalty for offenders.

He said: “It depicts the decline in the value system of the country because the system is easily compromised. There are many unscrupulous business people who go out there to specifically request for substandard products in order to get something cheap to make a lot of profit. In other climes, if you commit such atrocities and you are caught, you pay dearly for it because there are consequences for infractions. If our system had been such that adequately penalises people that commit crimes, there will be a reduction of such infractions.”

He said all these portend danger to the economy especially safety issues. For instance if one uses sub standard cables for wiring his house or office, one runs the risk of losing one’s life savings. There have been reported cases of fire incidence attributable to use of imported sub standard cables, he added.

Way forward Yusuf said local manufacturers can assist the regulatory agencies with intelligence reports. He noted that except they have such intelligence reports they will not be effective in their regulatory mandate. He also stated that because the local manufacturers have their distributors in the markets, it makes it easier to get vital information from them such as knowing those behind the importation of fake goods and the warehouses they are stored.

Another challenge has to do with the nature of the distributive sector of the economy.

He said it is similar to a jungle where the rule is the survival of the fittest. Because of competition, people do all manner of things to make sure that they stay afloat and in the process they compromise standard, safety and basic values just because they want to make it big. “People engage in cutting corners. I think it’s an orientation and culture issue that needs to be addressed by government and the people as a whole. Our system should have deterrent functions that penalises offenders because its absence has created chaos with those doing genuine business losing money while those engaged in shady deals are making huge profit from

•Wire reel

‘It depicts the decline in the value system of the country because the system is easily compromised. There are many unscrupulous business people who go out there to specifically request for substandard products in order to get something cheap to make a lot of profit. In other climes, if you commit such atrocities and you are caught, you pay dearly for it because there are consequences for infractions’ it,” he said.

The Managing Director, Coleman Technical Industries Limited, Mr. George Onafowokan, said local manufacturers are not only faced with the challenge of importation of fake and substandard cables into the country but also that of sufficient funds to expand capacity.

He called for more intervention fund for manufacturers, especially cable manufacturers noting that it is only through such interventions that the sector can make significant input into the sector.

According to him, previous government’s interventions were deployed to capacity utilisation and quality improvement.

The crippling power sector challenge has not helped matters. Managing Director, Cutix Plc., Ifeanyi Uzodike, lamented that power has been a major challenge for the company, noting that stable power could drastically reduce the cost of doing business.

He said: “Our major challenge is the fact that there is no power and we have to depend on our power to carry out the installations here. If you get to the factory, you will see we are running on a 1000KVA generator at the new plant and another 1000KVA at the old site. There is unstable public power; we have to burn diesel and also buy new power generating sets. We have bought new generators that would be delivered soon. The money invested in running these generators would have been ploughed back to expand production capacity.”

“Actually, some business men who want to cut corners would go to China and ask them to produce cables to specifications that are below international standards, with the hope of making more profit. When these goods get into the country through the ports, customs officials at the ports turn a blindeye, and allow the goods entry.”

President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Chief Kola Jamodu, urged government to disregard the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA ) by the European Union. He said his argument is based on the fact that if signed, it will affect local industries. He argued that no country can develop without protecting its industries. MAN believes that Federal Government’s efforts to enlist the support of other members of African Union to reject EPA in its present form should be sustained.

Integrity of locally-made cables Indigenous cable makers say locally made cables are the best. Yusuf said generally Nigerian cables have a reputation of being of high quality, adding that they may be a bit expensive than the imported ones.

Onafowokan said the firm’s new factory with an installed production capacity to process 15,000 metric tons of copper and 18,000 metric tons of aluminium per annum which is equivalent of 50 per cent of the country’s total capacity and power cables have proved its consistency in quality. He said the product will feed the GENCOs and DISCO (Successor companies from the unbundled Power Holding Company of Nigeria)in the power sector reforms. Noting that it will save the nation the much needed foreign exchange as the new owners of the power firms will not only cheaply get the materials they need for generation, transmission and distribution but also on time unlike when they had to import everything that they need.

Onafowokan said if given an enabling environment, cable manufacturers will build capacity and put the nation on the right lane among the comity of nations.

Cutix boss the firm manufactures over 14 different high quality products in the electrical wire and cable market. These include bare copper conductors on reel, bare stranded copper conductor and insulated copper conductors on Reel.

An importer of cables and wires, Mr. Anthony Chikwe, said locally manufactured cables are the best, insisting that as a business man he must survive. Though he said not all imported cables are substandard he agreed that some of his colleagues may not be totally free of the accusation of importing low quality cables. He blamed the regulatory bodies for not doing their jobs well and the government for not providing an enabling environment for businessmen, arguing that this makes a lot of them to think of survival first before the effects of their actions.

•MAN President, Kola Jamodu

•DG LCCI, Muda Yusuf

Consequences of weak legal system Analysts say the inability to get convictions in the law courts speaks volumes of the judicial system. Yusuf said the judicial system needs to help the manufacturing sector to keep sanity in the polity. The LCCI boss said If there are situations where these economic saboteurs have been apprehended convicted and publicised, others would have sat up and do the right thing. He regretted the unwinding legal process which makes it almost impossible to ensure that fraudulent people are convicted.

“If people do such things and get away with it, then we have a problem and there may not be an end in sight to stopping the importation of fake cables into the country,” he said.

Chikwe agrees with Yusuf. According to him, since no importer of fake cables has

•MD Coleman, Onafowokan

been convicted ‘as they know their way around’, it makes it impossible for new entrants to be properly guided.

According to him , as far as the government does not deem it necessary to put the necessary checks in the distributive trade and do proper monitoring at the borders, there will be no end to the challenge.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

34

THE NATION

BUSINESS INSURANCE

Cornerstone partners FRSC on accidents eradication

W

ORRIED by the high rate of road accidents and the vulnerability of children and young people, Cornerstone Insurance Plc has entered into a bilateral partnership with the Lagos Zone RS2 Headquarters of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to check the menace and its attendant fatality.

Acting Zonal Commanding Officer John Meheux, who spoke at the inauguration of the Safe Route to School road initiative of insurance firm in partnership with FRSC, said the deal is in line with the commission’s mission statement and pillars of decade of action on promotion of stakeholders cooperations as articulated in its corporate strategic goal 2013.

Meheux said the project was initiated by Cornerstone as an integral part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with 2013 as a pilot phase.

He said the Command entered into a five-year project implementation understanding with the firm with the concept for each year to be designed and implemented by the two bodies in line with the biddings of the corps and the strategic goal for the year.

He noted that the project was designed with the laudable objectives of carrying the messages of road safety through motor parks, media advocacy like radio, TV and print media and handbills with series of road shows, all structured towards community based advocacy.

He added that the implementation of the pilot phase which started with inaugural rally in April, last year started with a road show and consummated with motor park rally with the theme “Stay alive, prevent road crashes: Your intervention can make

Stories by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

a difference”.

He said: “It is my strong belief that the various successes recorded in the rallies and other advocacies, formed part of the achievements of the Zone in reducing road traffic crashes by 33.7 per cent as against the 2013 strategic goal mandate of 20.

“Road accidents are the highest threat and have a tremendous impact on children and young people. Globally, road accidents are the leading cause of death for young people aged between 10 and 24 years, and is predicted that by 2015, it would be the leading cause of premature death and disability for children in developing countries from age five and above (WHO). It is therefore no coincidence that the UN Third Global Road Safety Week held in all FRSC formations, and in the 187 United Nation member countries had as its theme “Keeping Children Safe on the Roads”.

“Our collaboration with Cornerstone Insurance for 2014 has as its theme ‘Safe Route to School’. This theme is very apt and is in keeping with global thinking. All children have a right to safe walk to and from school, markets, hospitals, places of worship, among others.

He explained that FRSC Zone 2 comprising Lagos and Ogun states would assign Road Guard Marshals to assist our children cross the roads at designated points near their schools at peak periods between 7 am to 9 am and 12 noon - 2 pm and also teach our children on how best to use Zebra crossings, foot bridges, and other road signage, using the Road Safety Clubs in schools.

Meheux encouraged other

•From left: Corps Commander, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos Sector Command, Mr. Chidi Nkwonta; Mrs. Adeyinka; President, the Rights Groups Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin and Meheux at the event in Lagos.

stakeholders to emulate the efforts of Cornerstone and appealed to all and sundry to ensure that school children and indeed all children are protected when they go to and back from school.

General Manager, Cornerstone Insurance, Mrs Yinka Adekoya, said the company care about the environment and the community and the constant pursuit for innovative ways to respond to society’s biggest challenges drives their approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR).

She said: “For instance, we are worried and disturbed by the soaring rates of road accidents in the country. In fact an account shows that road crashes claim more lives that HIV/ AIDS and Malaria combined in Nigeria. This is a big challenge that requires both conscious and collective efforts.

“Usually, as an insurer, you insure and you pay when people die; but

for us the real test is: We don’t want people to die. We want people to live happily; we don’t want people to be maimed as an aftermath of road crashes. This is why we felt it is an opportunity to partner with one of the most credible agencies in the road safety value chain to touch lives and minimise the impact of road crashes.

“This year, we are turning our attention to an important segment of the society; and that is the children.

The kids are the most vulnerable member of the society, a respectable number of them walk to school every day under challenging circumstances, safety wise.”

She said there is a report that a child is knocked down every other day en route to school by unwary driver and that 80 of children related causalities can be linked to lack of adequate safety road signs.

“This is what informs the ‘Safe

Route 2 School’ CSR project. From today into the next few months, we would be activating scores of schools across Lagos State. The plan is to put in place illuminated safety signs and zebra crossing markings with on the spot safety sensitisation on the useof these facilities. The- exciting part of the- project is that, nomination of school for activation is opened to the public. If you want your school nominated; all you are required to do is to log on to our website.

“Beyond this, we have also provided additional platform to give everyone the opportunity to take part in this project. If you want to endorse this project, please do not miss the opportunity to sign on to the pledge to help the children get to school safely. This banner would be on tour across Lagos. This way, we hope to speak to the inner persons of as much number as we contact to commit to the safety of a Nigerian child,” she said.

Shareholders laud insurance firm N4.3b profit, dividend

S

•From left: President, Association of Registered Insurance Agents of Nigeria (ARIAN), Olamerun Gbadebo;

former Commissioner for Insurance and Patron, ARIAN, Chief Oladipo Bailey; representative, Ondo State Governor, Adejuyigbe; Commissioner for Education, Chief Tola Adeniyi and GMD, AIICO Insurance Plc Edwin Igbiti at the investiture of ARIAN Executives and Presentation of 2013 ARIAN Man of the Year Award to Dr Olusegun Mimiko for his contribution to health insurance scheme / cooperative thrift societies in the state.

NAICOM Steering Committee on Micro Insurance, Takaful to (CBN), Small and Medium EnICRO Insurance and submit report soon geria terprises Development Agency of Takaful Steering Commit-

M

tee set up by The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) in December last year is set to submit their report to the Commission.

Chairman of the committee and Director-General, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Mr Sunday Thomas gave this hint while speaking with The Nation in Lagos.

He said the committee had been working and would submit its report soon.

He said the the committee’s primary responsibility was to make micro insurance successful.

According to him, members of the committee were drawn from NAICOM, NIA, Central Bank of Ni-

Nigeria (SMEDAN), National Association of Micro Finance Banks, among others.

He said the job assigned to them was significant, adding that they were conscious of the urgency of the assignment, and would do their best to meet the expectations of the NAICOM.

HAREHOLDERS of Custodian and Allied Insurance Plc have lauded the board and management of the company for growing the group’s profit before tax to N4.33 billion. They also praised the firm for announcing a dividend of 16 kobo dividend per sharein 2013 financial period.

National Coordinator of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr. Sonny Nwosu, who spoke at the 19thAnnual General Meeting (AGM) of the firm in Lagos, cautioned the firm to ensure its management expenses does not rise beyond limits.

He also criticised the ‘No premium, no cover’ policy of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), noting it is a problem for firms and that it may affect the growth of their businesses.

He advised the firm to continue to educate the Nigerian public on the need to be insured.

Chairman, Custodian and Allied Plc, Chief Ade Ojo, affirmed that the company would pay 16 kobo dividend to its shareholders.

He said this demonstrates the firm’s regular dividend payment to its shareholders.

Ojo said this was the first consolidated result of the post-merger Custodian group with a top and bottom line growth.

According to him, the growth was fuelled by 28 per cent increase in gross

premium income and 38 per cent rise in fees and commission income while the anticipated cost savings that were envisaged in the merger manifested in noticeable reduction in underwriting expenses which went down by 15 per cent and management expenses which went down by eight per cent in spite of the generous redundancy benefits paid to the disengaged employees.

He said the group’s profit before tax was N4.33 billion while the earnings per share and net asset per share increased to 60 kobo and 325kobo respectively.

Total asset, he said, stood at N45.65bn while shareholders’ funds were N19.1 billion.

He said that the successful integration of the Crusader operations and the resulting strong entity with enviable result had demonstrated that Custodian is ready for the future.

He said: “Our strong balance sheet and financial capacity, expanded and diversified product portfolio, operational efficiency and highly professional team will ensure that the company maintains its leadership position and provides superior return on investment to our loyal shareholders.

“The company’s name was changed to Custodian and Allied Insurance Plc, when it was sanctioned by the court after it completed a successful acquisition.”

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

BUSINESS MOTORING

The new Sentra comes with “eco” button that conserves fuel when activated, thus reducing unnecessary anxiety on gas mileage. Its suspensions are built to soften road bumps for a comfortable ride and access mountain curves with poise. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO writes

•Nissan Sentra

T

HERE is something unusual about the new Nissan Sentra that distinguishes the mid-class sedan from the Toyota Corolla that has for sometime charted the way in this segment.

Its Asian makers said: “The contemporary Nissan Sentra has undergone tremendous transformation with exceptional upscale features that are evidently glaring and trendy to give the car an edge over competitions.”

The new design, it added, is the most revolutionary in Nissan Sentra’s 30-year history.

“This model represents the most innovative, highest quality, highest value sedan lineup in Nissan history, and with the complete redesign, it is closer in look and feel to ‘D’ Segment vehicles than a typical compact sedan,” the Japanese automaker affirmed.

But what makes the new Sentra tick? Designed to order with approximately 15.2-footlong, the Sentra now has ample rear-seat legroom, measuring 37.4 inches, which is more than the back-seat legroom of a typical compact car.

The new Sentra is also five percent lighter than its predecessor but slightly larger in overall dimensions with more interior room and aerodynamic looks.

Amazingly, the car tops 68km per-gallon fuel economy rating for combined city/highway travel, and it is easy to see why the Sentra is a noteworthy new model.

“If you think that 68km per gallon is unattainable figure, then have a try in the new Sentra and discover how frugal the car is with fuel even when driven in normal fashion and the travel included a highway in the mountains and foothill roads,” Mr Stallion NMN Head of Sales and Marketing Amit Sharma said.

The entire Sentra variants come with 130horsepower, four cylinder engines that produces a maximum 128 foot-pounds of torque at 3,600 rpm.

A peep in the cabin says much more with upscale feeling,inside and out, such as the light-emitting diodes accent headlights, tail lamps and chrome-look door handles which are standard on all models.

Nissan Sentra comes with new styling

•Interior of the car

And unlike the previous model, the dashboard has also been modified with soft-touch feel and a pleasant appearance, just as the centre armrest between front seats is cushioned.

While leather-trimmed seats are available, the premium gray-coloured, cloth-covered seats provided good support especially on hot afternoons.

The optional navigation package, which added voice recognition control, hands-free

text messaging, a rearview monitor and colorful, 5.8-inch display and touch screen, could attract a little more but it is amazingly priced when compared with competitors in this segment.

Nissan did not compromise on the front-seat legroom to add space to the back seat. Frontseat passengers get a full 42.5 inches of legroom, and the front seat tracks are long to accommodate many sizes of passengers.

Coupled with this is the 15.1-cubic-foot

trunk which is generously sized and is 18 percent bigger than the Corolla’s trunk. All this comes from a 2.3-inch longer car than its predecessor.

Although the Sentra is a bit shorter in height than the previous model, at 58.9 inches, it is taller than most compact sedans.

While the Sentra has intriguingly grown larger, it is some 150 pounds lighter with improved aerodynamics that helps account for fuel economy.

Nissan says the new Sentra epitomises Nissan’s new tagline, innovation that excites.

Available in 1.8-Litre engine, double overhead cam four-cylinder that develops 10 less horsepower than its predecessor’s 2.0 litre unit, the new Sentra is astonishingly solid with decent throttle response which delivers 96kW of power and 174Nm of torque in both the manual transmission and CVT (continuous variable transmission.)

The Sentra’s agility in traffic is also a soothing relief as Nissan engineers have found the right combination to deliver adequate power and better-than-expected, realworld fuel economy.

The new Sentra comes with “eco” button that conserves fuel when activated, thus reducing unnecessary anxiety on gas mileage. Its suspensions are built to soften road bumps for a comfortable ride and access mountain curves with poise.

Perhaps one of the most quiet in its class, the Sentra doesn’t have the kind of sound deadening and noise isolation that is found in most upscale cars, so the interior acoustics insulate sounds and disturbing noise from nearby trucks and engine that ordinarily, could permeate the passenger compartment.

Nissan Sentra’s four out of five stars in overall crash testing and side crash test recently earned the car a plush credit in safety, which is reassuring when talking safety.

36

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

MOTORING

‘Auto policy‘ll create million jobs by 2020’

S

TALLION Group of Companies chairman Mr Sunil Vaswani has projected that the new auto policy would create no fewer than a million jobs in the country’s automobile subsector by 2020.

Vaswani said the nation’s ‘’current population can convincingly support the production of half a million vehicles annually, which is more than sufficient to sustain an automotive industry,” he envisaged.

He spoke at the inauguration of

Stories by Tajudeen Adebanjo

Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria assembly plant in Lagos.

Nigeria and Bangladesh, he said, are about now the only top 10 countries by population without vibrant automotive industry as China, India, US, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan and Russia.

He hailed the Federal Government’s new automotive policy initiative, describing it as a crucial step towards industrial and regional economic emancipation.

Vaswani said the automotive industry is a proven spark for regional development.

“This initiative facilitated the rollout of the locally assembled Nissan Patrol at the Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria factory in Nigeria which also marks a historic moment in Nigeria’s automobile industry. We are committed to deliver more Nissan models for the Nigerian customers in the coming months,” Vaswani said.

According to him, the evolution of automotive companies in Nige-

ria would not only encourage more foreign direct investments (FDI) but stimulate industrial clusters such as original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and component manufacturing facilities, including steel plants, glass manufacturers, aftermarket shops and transportation service providers.

He cited Detroit in the United States and Ulsan in South Korea as major auto economies with strong industrial clusters while listing ABC regions near Sao Paulo in Brazil; Pune, Gurgaon, Chennai

in India and Guangzhou province in China as emerging clusters in the developing countries.

“These clusters have led to new municipalities with solid road infrastructures, railway, freight connectivity and housing developments,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to support the new auto policy initiative and discourage gratuitous importation of fully-built-up vehicles in favour of locally assembled vehicles which would create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

Hyundai opens N500m service facility

H

YUNDAI Motors Nigeria has commissioned an ultramodern service, sales and spare-parts facility and skill acquisition centre valued at more than N500m in the Orile area of Lagos.

The facility which is one of its numerous aftermarket midpoints in the country will provide full-scale service support for the growing Hyundai clientele in Nigeria and render technical training assistance to dealerships across the West African sub-region.The auto firm’s After Sales General Manager, Mr Rama Subbiah, during a press tour said the facility had been accredited

by Hyundai Motors Corporation Korea as the hub for technical training support and spare parts depot in West Africa.

“We will from this facility in Orile – Lagos provide technical training

support, using intensive classroom coaching and web-based modules to train and retrain technical personnel and supply the parts’ needs of dealerships across Nigeria,” Subbiah said. The facility, he stated, will further allow existing and future customers to enjoy onestop shopping, covering all aspects of vehicle ownership and seamless access to quality service.

“We have concluded plans to expand Hyundai service network through the appointment of provisional agents to provide service support for Hyundai vehicles nationwide and our mobile service will offer unlimited technical assistance to distressed customers outside Lagos,” he said.

The location of the 100-staffed service centre is aimed at maximising sales potential and enhancing Hyundai

•A cross section of the technical staffers at the centre.

growing clientele, 14 years after the Stallion Group and owners of the franchise got the Korean automakers’ consent to market and distribute Hyundai products and services in Nigeria.

He said: “As a global brand with

reputation for excellent performance, Hyundai takes pride in repositioning to meet global corporate identity for quality service and customer satisfaction and that is why we are expanding our network to cater for all our

customers irrespective of their locations.

“We are committed to upholding the reputation of Hyundai and making the brand one of Nigeria’s most sought after passenger car.”

Auto award holds Friday

T

HE 2014 edition of The Nigerian Auto Awards (TNAA) will hold on Fri-

day.

Disclosing this at a press meet with journalists in Lagos recently, the publisher of On Wheels magazine and Managing Director of MMQplus, organisers of the event, Mr Jabez Aina-Scott said the event will celebrate and uphold the values of brands and personalities in the auto industry.

T

•PAN Nigeria Limited Managing Director, Alhaji Ibrahim Boyi flanked by Group Managing Director Explicit Communications Mr Tunde Thani (left) and Managing Director, BKG Exhibitions Ltd, Mr Ifeanyichukwu Agwu organisers of Ninth Lagos Motor Fair and Third Autoparts Expo Nigeria at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

PHOTO: TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

A

LL the diversions on Abuja roads because of the fear of Boko Haram should be dismantled to enhance free flow of traffic. Towers could be mounted in front of the Police, Naval, Military and other offices for surveillance in their office environments.

What are the armed forces doing in cities? They should have their offices in less developed areas where they can have large hectres of land and ample setbacks away from the roads; not less than 500 meters.

There are many security and

Jabez Aina-Scott said the award is designed to encourage innovations, market leadership, management integrity, good corporate governance, creativity and customer satisfaction in the auto industry.

The awards will come in three major categories of : The Auto Support Services Awards, Tyre Awards, Logistics and Auto Awards with each set featuring a number of awards slated to be won by worthy and deserving industry players.

Toyota boss bows out

OYOTA (Nigeria) Limited (TNL) Managing Director Mr Chandrasheker Thampy has stepped aside as part of the management restructuring in the company.

A statement from TNL said Thampy will take up the position of Advisor and Director within the Company/Government Relations and to be in charge of the proposed Toyota Assembly in Nigeria.

The company’s erstwhile Executive Director, Mr Kunle Ade-Ojo, takes over as the new Managing Director Thampy’s management experience spans over three decades in the automobile business, across India, Middle East and parts of Africa and was appointed Managing Director TNL in January 2007.

During his tenure, the Toyota brand and many Toyota Models won several outstanding awards at the Nigeria Auto Awards and Guild of Motoring Journalists among others.

In 2013, he won a personal award as the Managing Director of the Year at the Nigerian Auto awards.

Ade-Ojo is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Reading, United Kingdom and holds M.Sc. in Automotive Product Engineering from Cranfield University United Kingdom.

As a Global Management Associate, he worked extensively in different operational departments while at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A and returned to Nigeria as the Business and Strategic Development Manager of TNL.

SAFE DRIVING

Bombings and traffic management (2) intelligence Experts in and outside Nigeria. Why is it that the Government at the Federal and State levels cannot privately engage their services for a more proactive action on surveillance, security equipment and counter – terrorism?

There has been various announcements by various Government and Government Agencies in Nigeria that people should avoid night journeys. There is no doubt about the fact that night

journey is unavoidable for some classes of people and vehicles.

What the government should focus on is how to make every part of Nigeria, including the highways safe and secure both in the day and in the night, not by embarking on measures that can further compound the challenges of innocent citizens and businesses.

Attention, suggestions and actions are centered mostly on ensuring security in the North East.

I stand to be corrected, there is no

State in Nigeria that is attack – proof or immuned against attacks by the Insurgents and other criminal activities. If not that the Lord has been with us in Nigeria, who knows what would have happened. It is now time for us to stop climbing the palm tree with Banana ropes. It is now more expedient than ever before, for more results-oriented, effective and proactive actions to be taken to guarantee the safety of lives and properties in Nigeria.

Jide Owatunmise Registrar / Chief Executive, Professional Driving and Safety Academy

37

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS JOBS

•Cocoa beans farmers

Wanted! Professional crop breeders Farmers are looking for new improved crop varieties with high nutrient and drought tolerance levels. They want varieties that are disease resistant and can guarantee increased farm yields.

This has opened job opportunities for trained crop breeders to develop more robust varieties.

Assistant Editor CHIKODI OKEREOCHA writes.

A

T moment, there is growing demand for vitamin A garri by Nigerians in Diaspora. To fill the gap, Niji Lukas, a private food company based in Oyo State, exported 40 tons of high quality vitamin A garri to Europe in October and November last year.

Groups of commercial processors have since been identified in the four target states – Oyo West, Imo East, Akwa Ibom South, and Benue North – to process fresh yellow cassava roots into garri and fufu for sale. These states will be used to reach others with vitamin-enriched cassava.

Earlier, vitamin A maize and orange sweet potato have been released in Nigeria, while the introduction of other bio-fortified crops, such as iron pearl millet, iron bean, and zinc rice are in th pipeline. No fewer than 50 vitamin A

crop varieties are at different stages of evaluation to identify those that are agronomically competitive for the third wave of release of new varieties, according to Dr. Paul Ilona, Country Manager, Nigeria, HarvestPlus, the organisation that leads the global effort to reach people with crops with essential nutrients.

Despite the successes so far recorded in

the multiplication and dissemination of vitamin enriched cassava varieties, Dr. Ilona said more robust varieties need to be continuously developed in the years ahead. However, the snag, he said, was that the number of national crop breeders is small. The Deputy Director, Research & Development, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr. Robert

‘The job of a plant breeder could be carried out in academic, research and commercial settings, and due to this, individual tasks may vary according to the specialist area and level’

Aseidu, agrees with him. “It is of concern now that we don’t have enough breeders,” he said.

Although IITA, according to Dr. Aseidu, has about 15 000 and 3, 500 varieties of cowpea and yam, more experienced plant breeders are required to churn out more varieties to meet the growing requirement of farmers for disease resistant, drought tolerant, and high yielding crops. New breeds of cocoa, rice, and sorghum, among others, are urgently required by farmers.

Indeed, on account of advances in breeding, the fortunes of farmers are changing. For instance, 10 years ago, farmers could plant a hectare without getting up to 10 tons per hectare. But today, farmers are recording bountiful •Continued on page 38

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

JOBS

Wanted! Professional crop breeders •Continued from page 37

yields of about 55 tons per hectare because of the ingenuity of plant breeders. Today, plant breeders are in hot demand by various research institutes and commercial farmers across the country.

Essentially, plant breeders/ geneticists are professionals who are improving the quality and performance of existing agricultural and horticultural crops as well as create new varieties. They develop useful traits, such as disease resistance or drought tolerance, or to improve characteristics such as appearance.

Their role, experts said, is vital to the agric sector, as there are constant challenges to meet market requirements, consumer demands and increase and maintain yields in important crops.

Plant breeding is the art and science of changing the traits of plants in order to produce desired characteristics. It can be accomplished through various techniques ranging from simply selecting plants with desirable characteristics for propagation, to more complex molecular techniques adapting the genetics of plants for the benefit of humankind. The aim of plant breeding is to improve the quality, perform-

U

ance diversity of crops with the objective of developing plants better adapted to human needs. The expertise of plant breeders allows quicker, more accurate work by selecting the plants containing the genes of interest.

The job of a plant breeder could be carried out in academic, research and commercial settings, and due to this, individual tasks may vary according to the specialist area and level. However, in tasks can include producing research aims and objectives; predicting the costing of the work; researching methods and techniques for improving plant breeding; identifying and selecting plants exhibiting desirable traits based on natural genetic variation; crossing plants to produce new breeding material for field and glasshouse trials; and analysing and scientifically assess-

•Minster of Agriculture Dr Adewunmi Adesina

ing plant breeding in laboratory and field trials and selecting the best varieties.

Other tasks include multiplying up and producing virus-free

•Lagos State Commissioner of Agriculture Prince Gbolahan Lawal

plants; maintaining detailed records throughout the research and development cycle; managing, supporting and training technical and field staff; keeping

‘Plant breeding is the art and science of changing the traits of plants to produce the desired characteristics. It can be accomplished through various techniques ranging from simply selecting plants with desirable characteristics for propagation, to more complex molecular techniques adapting the genetics of plants for the benefit of humankind’

up to date in the fast-moving area of science and translating ideas from scientific literature into new approaches to breeding problems; monitoring the activities of competitors (in commercial settings) and developing a product market profile, among others.

Developing a new strain to create a new variety can be time consuming and may take many years.

Time is spent selecting plants with the desired attributes and assessing them for yield, disease resistance and end-user quality. The most promising samples then need to be purified and multiplied for entry to official trials.

Creative solutions for youth unemployment

NEMPLOYMENT is one of the critical problems facing Nigeria economically and socially. According to recent World Bank statistics, youth employment rate is 38 per cent.

Though adjudged the home of the world’s fastest growing economies, Africa still has large numbers of unemployed young people who are positioned for the impending economic explosion through skills to work programs and entrepreneurship.

The continent , and in particular Nigeria, has become the country carrying the hopes of the world through the latent potential of its resources and economic growth, and countries, such as China and Japan waiting on the sidelines to pump billions of dollars into an identifiable platform or ecosystem

By Bolade Sinari Daranijo

that will provide a gateway for this development.

The world’s economy is changing rapidly, and our desire is to create a platform for sustainable mass employment for millions via the Information Communication Technology (ICT) platform.

We cannot solve a problem with the same mindset that created it.

It is time to think outside the box and connect to new Intellect, Inspiration and Ideas for a new economy.

Nigeria is very much absent in the global market where the world economy has since shifted from the age of Industrial production where the primary value was matching human resources to natural resources, to a new economy where

the key driver of economic growth is knowledge based. We have the world’s largest educated labor force idle, awaiting direction via online wealth creation avenues.

Innovation is the bane of the future development of nations. Our deepest desire is to help our youths fulfill their destinies by creating an ecosystem that will help create a mindset change. To enable us achieve the role of a catalytic change agent, we must remove all mental barriers in order to instill change.

The quality of human capital and direct connection to skills for work plus attitudinal change is all we need to make this economy work.

The government thus needs to fulfill its role as a catalyst and not a financier, and provide infrastructural framework for the

citizenry so they can connect to available resources, and feel a direct connect to government. Government should provide an infrastructural platform and expertise to help translate this talent and creativity into sustainable and profitable enterprise by providing the private sector with simple rules of entry for young entrepreneurs (tax breaks infrastructural support, access to finance, access to market, mindset change, patriotism and national pride).

Hence we propose to curb the high unemployment rate in Nigeria by providing a one-stop “ecosystem” that will encourage acquisition of direct skills to work and provide sectoral information on capacity building in different areas to produce youths with the right mindset and desire to help

themselves by using information available in the ecosystem to access finance, markets, ideas, contacts, experience, knowledge and world wide web for instant revenue generation online and beyond. Hence the concept of globalisation and open opportunities for all to connect and compete.

Given the conditions in Nigeria, a valuable tool for liberation will be re-educating and re-skilling people to change their behaviour to improve their lives, hence creating economic growth and employment.

The SINBOL E-Connect/Youth Employment Platform is an ecosystem designed as a online shop for the unemployed in Nigeria.

CAREER MANAGEMENT

Seven tips on creating workplace self-motivation W

ORKPLACE motivation is one of those interesting things. We think it should just drop out of the sky like magic but it never really does. We also don’t really think about how to create motivation for ourselves.

However, we really can create it with the right tools.

First, let’s get on the same page about what motivation is. Motivation is what causes you to take action. Clearly, you’re at work so you do have some motivation because your action is going to work and performing your job. What we are talking about is feeling engaged and inspired about the actions you do take.

Let’s look at some of the tools you can use to get fully engaged and motivated in the workplace:

By Olu Oyeniran

Change There’s nothing like changing things to really get the juices going. You don’t want to change things just for the sake of changing; however, you want to change things that don’t work well.

With that, you must have a vision of what the right outcome would be and then you apply your steps to create the action for change.

Goals Many times, the lack of motivation is due to a lack of direction or goals. Sit down and figure out what would really get you up in the morning and make that your goal.

Having a goal isn’t enough, though. It has to be a goal that you yearn for or have some emotions

about. Once established, put together a plan for how you will achieve your goals. Keep in mind SMART for goals = Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Resonate, Time bounded if you really are going to shot for something worth having.

Be accountable The vast majority of us want to do things but we’re really lazy about doing them. It’s often easier to diet or workout with someone because we have a person that is looking for us to perform. Find someone to hold you accountable to yourself and be willing to trade off the favor.

Clean up your own internal litter We all have baggage, but sometimes we have so much of it clut-

tering up our life that it bogs us down and we fail to see what’s possible. Creating a clutter-free physical work environment also gives significant push to get on with work at hand.

Surround yourself with the right people Yes, your mother was right… it is important to hang out with the right people. In this case, hang out with people who are inspired and motivated as it will be contagious.

Research the issue Find out from others what motivates them. In the process, you may hear something that would really be great for you. Don’t be afraid to copy what works.

Cop an attitude Motivation creates more motivation. Look for it and it will be there.

We often get hung up about our ability to control things in the workplace. The one thing we can control is our attitude and approach to various workplace challenges. Change your perception or paradgme. You will see how things are different, even with the same facts!

These tools for workplace motivation are simple to do which means there is nothing but you holding you up from trying them.

•Oyeniran is Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Associates. He can be reached on Jobsearchhow.com.ng Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

39

AFRICA BUSINESS

Emerging stocks slip as Great Wall slumps

M

OST emerging-market stocks fell as Great Wall Motor Co. dragged Chinese shares lower, offsetting a rally in Indian equities. Brazil’s Ibovespa declined for a second day as lender Itau Unibanco Holding SA sank.

Great Wall, China’s largest SUV maker, slumped 17 per cent after after delaying sales of its new flagship vehicle. India’s Sensex rose to a record before general-election results next week. The Philippine peso surged after Standard & Poor’s raised the nation’s credit rating.

Nigeria’s naira extended a weekly loss as President Goodluck Jonathan faced a credibility crisis over kidnapping by Islamist extremists.

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index slid less than 0.1 per cent to

1,008.04 . It has climbed 0.4 per cent in the last five days, poised for a second weekly gain. Friday data showed consumer inflation in China moderated to an 18-month low and the decline in factory-gate prices persisted, adding to signs that domestic demand remains muted.

“China is much more important in overall emerging-market sentiment,” Lars Christensen, chief emerging-market analyst at Danske Bank A/S in Copenhagen, said by phone.

“The big worry in the background remains that something might go badly wrong.”

The developing-nation gauge has gained 0.5 per cent this year and trades at 10.5 times projected 12-month earnings, data compiled by Bloomberg

show. The MSCI World Index has risen 1.2 per cent in the year and is valued at 14.1 times forecast earnings.

The FTSE/JSE Africa All Shares Index in Johannesburg fell 0.4 per cent, after touching a record intraday high yesterday as the ruling African National Congress decisively won a fifth straight national election. The rand depreciated 0.4 per cent.

The naira lost 0.1 per cent, taking its weekly loss to 0.8 per cent, as the hunt continued for more than 200 girls kidnapped by extremists.

The death toll in an attack by suspected Boko Haram militants on a town near Nigeria’s border with Cameroon this week exceeded 300, an official said. The Nigerian Stock

Exchange All Share Index (JALSH) was little changed.

The Ibovespa declined 0.2 per cent, reducing a weekly advance to 0.7 per cent, as recent stock gains were seen as excessive considering the prospects for Brazil’s economy. Itau, Latin America’s biggest bank by market value, dropped 0.7 per cent.

The premium investors demand to own emerging-market debt over U.S. Treasuries fell two basis points today to 276, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. indexes.

Five out of 10 industry groups in the emerging-markets measure dropped, led by health care and telecommunications shares. Taiwan’s Taiex Index fell 0.5 per cent.

The Hang Seng China Enterprises

Etisalat celebrates distributors, partners

E

TISALAT Nigeria has strengthened its route to the market with its Distribution Partners Awards tagged Heroes Awards in Lagos.

During the event, the company rolled out the red carpet and doled out awards in 11 categories to appreciate the effort of its distribution partners towards its success in the past business year.

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, said the firm was pleased to recognise and reward its distribution partners because they are an important link with the subscribers and have to believe in the business to represent it well before the public.

Willsher thanked the partners for their role in taking Etisalat to high in the telecoms industry, hoping that team work would take both parties higher.

“The awards we have given today are just a token to show that we appreciate the effort of our distribution partners in helping take our products and services to the end users. We are grateful to our distribution partners for the part they have played in taking us to where we are today. We hope that they will keep up the effort so that we can both achieve our goals,” he said.

The distribution partner with the Highest SIM Activations Award went to Upper Room Limited. Mr. Olukorede Odukoya, Managing Director of the company, went home with a new Toyota Hilux truck. Ten distribution partners won in the Best Overall Performance category. The CEO’s Award for Overall Excellence went to Office Devices Limited, Alennsar Infinity Company Limited and CantStop Nigeria Limited.

A total of 50 distribution partners were rewarded at the event.

The prizes include a Toyota Hilux for the Distribution Partner with Highest SIM activations; a Land Rover LR4 each for topthree Distribution Partners with Best Overall Performance, and other exciting prizes.

According to Edward Emeano one of the three distribution partners, who won the CEO’s Award for Overall Excellence, “it is a thing of joy to work with Etisalat as the company’s service offerings make marketing easier.

I am pleased to be recognised today but this is only possible because of innovative products and services which Etisalat offers.

I am honoured to be part of the Etisalat team.”

•Prof. Utuama (right) presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award to Umadia for the MD, Ecobank Nigeria, Jibril Aku, during the event in Warri ... at the weekend.

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Nigeria’s assets under custody hit $25b, says AACON

HE Association of Assets Custodians of Nigeria (AACON) has said Nigeria contributes only $25 billion out of the $120 trillion global assets under custody.

Speaking ahead of the AACN’s yearly investors’conference, which holds in London on May 28, its President, Segun Sanni, said 50 per cent of Nigeria’s assets are in stocks while the balance are spread between treasury bills and government bonds.

He explained that assets under custody are the value of client assets held by a custodian at a particular reference date.

Sanni said Africa’s contribution to the global assets under custody stands at $1 trillion, adding that the balance are in developed and merging markets.

He said Nigeria falls within the frontier market category,adding

that improved investment climate is needed for the country to attract both portfolio investments and foreign direct investments.

He said foreign investors not only boost domestic investors’ confidence, but remains a barometer for accessing how stable an economy is.

He said the conference with the theme: Nigeria: The road to emergence captures the direction in which the country is heading.

Sanni, who also highlighted the benefits of foreign portfolio investment, said the conference would help the country attract more investment, and give the Nigerian capital market more visibility.

“When foreign investors invest in your market, obviously they bring in foreign exchange. The second benefit is that by their very nature, since they are foreign investors and operate in various markets with differ-

ent high standards of performance and governance, they tend to bring progress to the market because they ask for one improvement or the other in the way things are done.

Therefore, when foreign investors invest in the market, they bring improvement to processes, technology and governance,” he said.

Sanni said the Acting Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Governor, Dr. Sarah Alade, and the Director-General, Securities and Exchange, Commission, Ms. Arunma Oteh, are among stakeholders who have confirmed that they would attend the conference.

Vice-President, AACON, Mrs. Kemi Adewole, explained that the conference would give the association and speakers from Nigeria the opportunity to talk about changes that had taken place in the market and how the investors could take advantage of them.

‘Ghana needs to improve fiscal position’

G

HANA’S efforts to narrow its budget and current-account deficits will be key to maintaining its credit rating, Standard & Poor’s said.

“We are very worried about the sustainability of the situation,” Konrad Reuss, head of S&P’s subSaharan Africa unit, said in an interview in Abuja.

“What is critical for us in the coming months and the year ahead is really that the government will be able to manage these accounts in a better way,” he said.

Ghana has been struggling to curb

spending since its fiscal deficit ballooned to 12.1 per cent of gross domestic product before 2012 presidential elections. The gap will probably exceed 10 per cent of GDP for a third consecutive year this year, Moody’s Investors Service said in February. Ghana’s cedi has lost 18 percent against the dollar this year, making it the worst performing African currency.

West Africa’s second-biggest economy has a B rating at S&P, five steps below investment grade, with a negative outlook. The International Monetary Fund warned last

month that Ghana and Zambia are most at risk in sub-Saharan Africa if there is a sudden reversal of foreign inflows. Spending has been growing at unsustainable levels in the two countries, the organisation said.

Ghana scrapped fuel subsidies last year and increased water and electricity prices as it sought to trim the budget. Finance Minister Seth Terkper said last month he aimed to cut the government’s wage bill, which absorbs more than 70 percent of tax income.

Reuss said discussions about wage agreements in the public sector “are steps in the right direction”.

Index of mainland companies listed in Hong Kong dropped 0.5 per cent, extending its weekly loss to 1.2 percent. Great Wall (2333) tumbled the most since late 2008 after it delayed the sales of its new Haval H8 vehicle for the second time this year.

The Shanghai Composite Index slipped 0.2 per cent, taking its weekly loss to 0.8 per cent.

Delta lauds Ecobank on CSR

D

ELTA State Government has commended Ecobank for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) roles in critical sectors of the state.

Speaking at the 15th Delta State Federations Cup Final, which took place in Warri at the weekend, Deputy Governor, Prof.

Amos Utuama, said Ecobank deserves accolades and commendation for sponsoring the competition since its inception 15 years ago.

He noted that with the development, the bank has helped in no small measure to engage youths in the state productively, urging other corporate organisations to emulate the bank.

Also, the Chairman, Delta Football Association (DFA) Cup Organising Committee, Mr. Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, observed that with the sponsorship, Ecobank has demonstrated its love for the youths and people of Delta State.

The Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Jibril Aku, said the bank will continue to support sports and other initiatives in the state and the country.

Aku, who was represented at the event by the Executive Director, Southsouth/Southeast, Mr. Kingsley Umadia, used the opportunity to explain the bank’s various CSR initiatives, products and services, and significant milestones, urging Nigerians to continue to do business with the bank.

Guinness Nigeria targets cheaper beer

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UINNESS Nigeria Plc, the west African nation’s second-largest brewer, is expanding its offering of lowerpriced beers to arrest sliding profit amid a slowdown in consumer spending in Africa’s biggest economy.

The unit of London-based Diageo Plc (DGE) has started sales of the new Dubic lager brand, which costs less than the company’s flagship Guinness stout, Chief Executive Officer Seni Adetu said in an interview with Bloomberg TV Africa’s Boason Omofaye at the World Economic Forum in the capital, Abuja. The brewer also plans to improve distribution in Africa’s most populous nation by making its drinks available in more outlets.

“One area we are disadvantaged versus our competitors is in terms of our play in the value segment,” Adetu said. “That’s an area where historically Guinness Nigeria has not played in. We are Guinness — we tend to be more of a premium brands company.

It’s now we are getting our footprint in the value sector.”

Guinness Nigeria net income declined 22 per cent to N5.9 billion in the nine months through March, and revenue also fell, the Lagos-based company said April 28.

Nigerian drinkers are switching to cheaper brands after a fuel subsidy cut contributed to a downturn in discretionary incomes, according to Adetu.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

40

Taxation

Collection procedure (1) Self Assessment OR self-assessment filers, the “due date of payment” is determined as follows: •For companies with accounting year ending on 31st December, the due date of payment is 30th June of the succeeding year; •For companies with accounting year ending on 30th September, the due date of payment is 31st March of the succeeding year; •For companies with accounting year ending any time between January 1 and June 30, the due date of payment is 1st January of the succeeding year; and •For all other cases the due date of payment is six months after the accounting year end.

Under the self-assessment system, a corporate taxpayer is expected to attach a draft/cheque for the tax payable to the returns filed. However, under the provisions of the Act, it has up to two months from the due date of payment within which to settle the assessment. This latter arrangement applies to lump sum payments only. Self-assessment filers who file their assessments promptly and attach drafts/cheques may be granted, on application, the concession to pay the remaining tax due in not more than five monthly instalments commencing from the month immediately following the due date of payment. Such payments may not extend beyond November 30 of the year the assessment and the tax payable relate.

F

Undisputed government assessment Government-assessed tax will continue to be payable within two months from the date of the assessment. However, where the two-month period expires after December 14, such tax must be paid not later than that date.

Example 1 ABC Limited was assessed on July 1, 1992 for 1992 current assessment for N500,000.

Comment The assessment is expected to be paid between July 1, 1992 and August 31, 1992 and not by December 14, 1992.

Example 2 ABC Limited was assessed on December 1, 1992 for 1992 current assessment for N1m.

Comment The company has two months within which to pay the assessment but since the two-month period expires after December 14, 1992, the last date for the payment of the tax should be December 14, 1992.

Disputed assessment An amount payable in connection with a determined formal objection or appeal must be settled within one month from the date on the notice of amended assessment, but where the one

month period expires after December 14; such tax must be paid not later than that date.

Terms of Payment: Lump sum payment All assessments and the provisional tax are payable in one lump sum.

Instalment payments A taxpayer may arrange with the Service the payment of the current self-assessment by instalments. The maximum number of six monthly instalment payments may be enjoyed by a selfassessment filer provided the taxpayer remits at least one instalment with the self-assessment tax return. However, where the period of the instalment payments expires after the 30th November of the year of assessment, the balance of the payments must be paid not later than that date otherwise interest at commercial rate is payable on the balance.

Government assessment Government assessments are payable in one lump sum only except where interest at commercial rate is payable for deferment of payment.

Qualification for instalment concession Granting instalment payment concessions is not automatic.

It is at the discretion of the Service. It must be applied for and approved in writing. To qualify for the grant, a company must prove to the satisfaction of the Service that the payment of the tax due in one lump sum will impose financial hardship on its operations. In other words, the company should convince the Service that it is unable to pay the whole tax due in one lump sum. The application must also be lodged with the relevant office of the Service before the due date of payment.

Additionally, an application for instalment payments not backed up with at least the first instalment as evidence of cooperation may not be considered.

Example 3 ABC Limited was assessed N100,000 on July 1, 1989 for 1989 year of assessment. 50 per cent was paid at the end of that year and the balance remained unpaid till June 30, 1992.

Comment Penalty starts to count from the date the notice of assessment was issued.

1/7/89 31/12/89- 6 months 1989 100,000 at 10% for 6 months =5,000 1990 50,000 at 10% for 1 year = 5,000 1991 50,000 at 10% for 1 year =5,000 1992 50,000 at l0% for 6 months =2,500 Total penalty due on 30th June, 1992

17,500

Self Assessment, Provisional Tax and Penalty

• Acting Executive Chairman, FIRS, Alhaji Kabir Mohammed

Mashi

A self-assessment filer is exempted from the payment of provisional tax. However, a company that is so exempted but fails to file the self-assessment on the due date of filing or having filed, fails to pay on the due date of payment, will be required to pay the provisional tax together with the statutory penalty.

Interest The interest is to compensate the government for the use, by the taxpayers, of the funds that legally belong to it. It is also to prevent the creation of an unfair financial advantage for those who do not pay their taxes as and when due.

Interest will therefore accrue fewer than two conditions: •Where penalty is payable (i.e. where the payment of government assessment, self -assessment or provisional tax is late); and •Where the taxpayer has the formal approval of the Service to defer the payment of the tax.

In the first case, the interest is charged together with the penalty for late payment. In the second case, only the interest is chargeable for the period of the deferment.

Reckoning of Interest Interest is due from the date of reckoning. The date of reckoning is determined as follows: Self Assessment The reckoning of interest starts from a day after the due date of payment.

Government Assessment The reckoning of interest would start a day after the date the assessment was issued.

Collection procedure (2) Interest & Penalty for Late Payment The interest is not an alternative to the penalty. Interest is for late and deferred payments while penalty is charged for late payment of tax. Interest is therefore charged in addition to the penalty in cases of late payment.

Self-Assessment Penalty starts to count from the due date of payment but interest starts to count from a day after the due date of payment.

Government assessments Penalty is charged from the date the assessment was issued but interest is reckoned from a day after the assessment was issued.

Example 4 A company was served a notice of amended assessment for N500,000 to replace a disputed government assessment on May 1, 1992. The tax remained unpaid till October 31, 1992.

Comment Penalty for late Payment Note: 6 months 1/5/92 to 31/10/92 Penalty = 6/12 of 10/100 of 500,000 =N25,000 Interest Due date of payment Day of Reckoning Interest rate 02/05/92 to 31/10/92 Total Payment Tax 500,000.00 Penalty 25,000.00 50,000.00 Interest Amount Payable 575,000.00

01/05/92 02/05/92 20% per annum 183 days.

Deferred Payment: Interest & penalty When a company arranges with the Service to defer the tax due, interest is chargeable but penalty may not be imposed if the application is approved. The interest is calculated on reducing balance basis.

Interest on payments in excess of approved instalments When a taxpayer seeks to pay the tax due in a number of instalments greater than that approved for self assessment as specified above, interest is payable on the excess number of payments, also on reducing balance basis.

Example 5 XYZ Limited, with March 31 applied for the payment of the tax due, amounting to N100,000 in 10 equal monthly instalments.

Comment a.)Since the company is entitled to six instalments in the year of assessment, the first six payments terminating on August 31, 1993 will not attract interest.

However, interest will be charged on the balance of four months on reducing balance basis as follows:

b.) April 1 to September 30 (6 months) 6/12 of 40,000 x 20/100 N =4,000.00 c.) Oct 1 to Oct. 31 (1 month) 1/12 of 30,000 x 20/100 =500.00 d.)Nov. 1 to Nov. 30 (1 month) 1/12 of 20,000 x 20/100

=333.33

e.) Dec. 1 to Dec. 31 (1 month) 1/12 of 10,000 x 20/100

=166.67

Table of Payment Due Date 30th Sept.

31st Oct. 30th Nov. 31st Dec.

Tax N 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000

Interest N 4,000.00 500.00 333.33 166.67

Amount Payable (Tax + Interest) N 14,000.00 10,500.00 10,333.33 10,166.67

Default in payment of approved instalments When a company defaults in the payment of the instalments as approved, the concession stands cancelled. Interest starts to count from the date the default occurs. The calculation of the interest is also on the reducing balance basis.

Interest on arrears As from January 1, 1991, arrears of tax are to carry interest at commercial rate. The interest is in addition to the annual penalty and both are to be charged annually.

Lateness in filling application for instalment payments Where a company is late in applying for instalment payment arrangement, interest should be charged from the date of reckoning (a day after the due date of payment) to the date of commencement of the payments. The accruing interest should be added to the tax and spread over the number of instalments allowable under the circumstance.

Petroleum Profits Tax (PPT) In view of the fact that transactions in the oil industry are in dollars and the operators are allowed to keep their proceeds of sale in accounts overseas, government has directed that the estimated tax of an accounting period under the provisions of Section 27 of the PPT Act, 1959 shall be made and submitted to the Service in US dollars and when payments are being made, each monthly payment shall be in US dollars and shall be equal to one-12th of the estimated tax or of the fraction of the remaining months of the accounting year for which a revised estimated tax becomes necessary and is so estimated.

The final PPT payable, that is, the 13th instalment, shall be ascertained as provided for in Section 38 (4) of the same Act such that so much of the amount of instalments of estimated tax that had already been paid in US dollars shall be deducted from total PPT computed in US dollars based on the annual accounts.

Litigation

As explained above, instalment or deferred payments, as the case may be, will be approved for companies with convincing proof of serious financial problems. However, where the arrangement fails to yield the desired result, legal action may be instituted against defaulters to enforce payment.

Withholding Taxes (WHT) Payments made to companies and certain categories of individuals are to suffer deductions at source as follows: Rates Type of Payment

Applicable WHT Applicable WHT Companies *a Individual *b (i)Dividend, Interest and Rent 5 5 (ii) Royalties 15 15 (iii) Commissions, Consultancy Technical & Management 10 5 (iv) Construction 2.5 2.5 (v) Contract Supplies* 2.5 2.5 The Payment of withholding tax is now in the currency of the contract agreement.

The individuals covered by the Federal Inland Revenue Service are the non-residents, residents of Abuja, members of the Police & Armed Forces and External Affairs Officers. Other individuals are under the tax jurisdiction of the State tax authority where the individuals reside. *The term ‘contract supplies’ covers all forms of supplies, deliveries, or the like through competitive bidding, tenders, LPOs or other arrangements, whether oral or written. The term does not cover across-the-counter cash sales or supplies in the ordinary course of sales.

WHT on Investment Income (i) Non-Residents: WHT on dividends, interests, rents and royalties payable to non-resident remain the final tax. (ii) Residents: With effect from January 1992 the provisions in the Act regarding these payments as final tax have been amended.

They are now to be regarded as payments on account.

Remittance of WHT to tax authorities Failure of an agent of deduction to remit WHT within the statutory time-limit will attract: (iii) Interest at commercial rate on the amount not remitted by the agent, (iv) Prosecution of the agent for default, and (v) Denial of Tax Clearance Certificate to such an agent.

Furthermore, where the agent is a government ministry, parastatal or department or a local government, the Service may authorise the Accountant-General of the Federation in writing to deduct such tax plus interest at the prevailing commercial rate from any allocation due to such agency.

WHT as tax credit Withholding taxes are advance payments and they can only be applied as tax credit to settle the assessment of the year to which the income that suffered the deduction relates. Where the withholding tax credit exceeds the assessment for a given year, the excess may be carried forward as future set-off.

Refund/set-off Where it is proved that the person who suffered the deduction is not liable to tax or that tax withheld is in excess of the assessed tax, the service will grant a refund or a carry-forward, as the case may be, after the claim has been confirmed by tax audit process.

POLITICS

43

MONDAY MAY 12, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

LAGOS 2015

•Mrs Dabiri-Erewa

•Bello

•Banire

•Opeifa

•Gasper

•Mrs Orelope-Adefulire

• Mrs Nelson

•Dr Adebule

•Mrs Tejuoso

• Okoya-Thomas

As Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants intensify their consultations with stakeholders on their ambitions, chieftains eyeing the deputy governorship have also begun underground moves, reports EMMANUEL OLADESU.

I

Who is next Lagos deputy governor?

T is a season of ambition in Lagos State. No fewer than 10 chieftains of the All progressives Congress (APC) are struggling to get the governorship ticket. But, there is also a stiff competition among loyal party members who want to be running mate to the flag bearer.

In many states, deputy governors are spare tyres. This is not so in Lagos where the deputy governor is never idle. Since 2007, deputy governors have had the privilege of heading a ministry, in addition to assisting the governor.

Lagos State has produced seven civilian deputy governors. For ethnic balancing, Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo, an Awori, was selected as running mate to former Governor Lateef Jakande in 1979. They were re-elected in 1983. In the Third Republic, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu paired with the late Governor Michael Otedola. The choice was informed by the belief that she could work harmoniously with the Epe businessman.

In 1999, Afenifere leaders selected Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele as running mate to Senator Bola Tinubu. Many members of the Justice Forum predicted that both may not be able to work as a team. A section of the party preferred Mrs Tawa Williams for the job. But, it was overruled by the Ijebu-Igbo mafia. Early in the life of the administration, relations between the two Third Republic senators were strained. When BucknorAkerele left the executive council, Chief Olufemi Pedro, a banker, took her position. There was amity, until the governorship nomination. When Pedro was impeached, the former Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, became the deputy governor. He was in office for two weeks.

When Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) emerged as the Action Congress (AC) candidate in 2007, Mrs. Sarah Sosan, daughter of Prince Remi

Durosinmi, was selected as his running mate. But, in 2011, another running mate, Hon. Joke Orelope-Adefulire, emerged. By next year, she would have spent four years as the deputy governor.

Who becomes the next deputy governor? There is no shortage of competent politicians in the APC for the role. Eyes are on some chieftains as the preparation for the next elections begins. During the recent party congress held at the APC Secretariat, Ogba, Ikeja, delegates, who spoke with our correspondent, acknowledged that the choice of the running mate would be made by the party leadership. They also said that a factor that will shape the selection is the emergence of the flag bearer. Also, if zoning is adopted for the governorship, it will affect the choice of the running mate. During the congress, the 30 per cent affirmative action plan for women was implemented. If this is applied to the governorship race, the next deputy governor will be a woman.

However, if a Christian emerges as the governor and the Muslims start to agitate for a Muslim deputy, then, the next deputy governor may not be a woman.

In Lagos APC, 10 names have featured prominently in the discussion on the choice of running mate. Not all of them are scheming to emerge as the deputy governorship candidate. Therefore, for some of them, it is not a do-or-die affair. The aspirants are House of Representatives member Hon. Abike DabiriErewa, former Rector of Lagos State Polytechnic Olawumi Gasper, federal legislator Mrs. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, member of House of Assembly Hon. Funmi Tejuoso, and Secretary to Government, Dr. Oluranti Adebule. Others

are Women Leader Mrs. Kemi Nelson, Transport Commissioner Kayode Opeifa, and the Deputy Governor, Hon. Orelope Adefulire. A source said that the slot had earlier been suggested to the APC Interim National Legal Adviser, Dr. Muiz Banire, and Commissioner for Environment Tunji Bello by some influential party leaders.

Dabiri-Erewa The broadcaster-turned politician is from Ikorodu. She has had the honour and privilege of being elected into the House of Representatives thrice. In the Lower Chamber, she is not a bench warmer.

Dabiri-Erewa has sponsored a number of bills and resolutions. She is the Chairman of Disapora Committee. At the party level, she served on the strategic committee that midwife the birth of the APC. The politician was actually dragged into the governorship race few weeks ago by the leaders of Ikorodu Division, who are clamouring for power shift. But, the Dabiri-Erewa has tentacles across the three senatorial districts.

She was raised by her illustrious parents at Surulere, Lagos Central. She is also a community leader in Lekki.

Gasper Gasper, an enginer, is a former polytechnic don. He began his teaching career at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti. Later, he transferred his service to the Lagos State Polytechnic where he became a successful rector. Currently, Gasper, who

hails from Lagos Central, is the Director-General of the Lagos State Board for Technical and Vocational Education.

Okoya-Thomas Jumoke Okoya-Thomas is a member of the House of Representatives from Lagos Island. She was re-elected in 2011. She is the daughter of the eminent Lagosian, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, the Asoju-Oba of Lagos. The Lagos chief is one of the pillars of Tinubu and Fashola administrations.

Tejuoso A lawyer, Mrs. Tejuoso, is a lawmaker. She is the daughter of the eminent medical practitioner, Dr. Ademola Smith. She was the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly.

Nelson Nelson, a nurse, is an experienced politician. She is an articulate, loyal and dependable chieftain. She was the National Republic Convention (NRC) senatorial aspirant for Lagos West in the Third Republic. She was defeated in that contest by Tinubu. In 1999, she became a commissioner in the Tinubu Administration. She is the APC Women Leader in Lagos.

Adebule The Secretary to Government is from Ojo Coastal Area, Badagry Division. She holds a doctorate degree from the Lagos State University

‘If zoning is adopted for the governorship, it will affect the choice of the running mate.

During the congress, the 30 per cent affirmative action plan for women was implemented.

If this is applied to the governorship race, the next deputy governor will be a woman.

However, if a Christian emerges as the governor and the Muslims start to agitate for a Muslim deputy, then, the next deputy governor may not be a woman’

(LASU), where she had worked before her appointment.

Bello Bello is a political scientist, journalist and lawyer. Politics has been in his blood from his days at the University of Ibadan, where he served as the Vice Chairman of the Student Union. Between 2003 and 2007, he was Commissioner for Environment. He was re-appointed as commissioner in 2011. He is a committed Muslim. Bello is a loyal party member and a seasoned administrator. He does not have scandal. He will be a bridge between the out-going government and the in-coming administration.

Opeifa The human right activist is a former university teacher. He is the son of Pa Opeifa, the Asiwaju of Awori, Lagos State. He was a House of Representatives aspirant in 2007. That year, he was appointed as the Special Adviser on Transport. Three years ago, he became the Transport commissioner.

Banire Banire, who holds a doctorate degree in Law, was a don at the University of Lagos, Akoka. He was a member of the State Executive Council for 12 years.

The politician from Mushin, Lagos West, is the APC Interim National Legal Adviser.

Orelope-Adefulire Orelope-Adefulire is the daughter of Pa Karimu Laka Orelope, a prominent progressive politician from Alimoso sub-zone. In the Third Republic, she was a member of the House of Assembly. In 2003, she became a commissioner in Lagos State. In 2007, she was reappointed as a commissioner. Three years ago, she became the deputy governor.

44

THE NATION MONDAY MAY 12, 2014

POLITICS In this piece, Williams Adeleye contends that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hired commentators to malign the reputation of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu because of the growing popularity of their party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is largely perceived by Nigerians as the government-in-waiting.

T

HERE is no doubt that these are interesting times in Nigeria’s political landscape.

And it is not surprising. The 2015 general elections are around the corner and politicians are at liberty to dig into their bag of tricks to sway potential voters to their side, even if some of them have to demonise their opponents. What is however, worrisome is the activities of some socalled commentators and political analysts, whose comments and write-ups are nothing but outright partisanship. Indeed, it will not be out of place to describe such commentators as paid agents and favourseeking cronies of the government in power.

The interest being expressed by all shades of opinion and groups since the formation of APC is a confirmation of the discomfort of the ruling party on the one hand and on the hand the expectation of deliverance from poverty and want by the longsuffering people of Nigeria. However, there are those who have resolved that the only way to slow down the growth of the APC is by demonising its leaders through outright lies and falsehood in the hope that lies repeatedly told can become truth.

The recent article by Femi Aribisala in the Vanguard Newspaper of Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at page 17 is a classic example of a political hatchet job carried too far. In his article titled: “There is nothing progressive about the APC’, Femi Aribisala tried in vain to confuse his readers and create doubts in their minds about the credentials of the APC as government-in-waiting. He engaged on a rehash of the wellworn (to use his own words) and ineffective tactics of the PDP - referring to the APC as a Muslim party and demonizing its national leaders.

In all, Aribisala listed some grounds which he thinks will justify his deepseated hatred for General Muhamadu Buhari (rtd) and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu – two personalities he has chosen to vilify for reasons best known to him.

He alleged that the APC is a regressive party. The only reason he gave for such a conclusion is that General Buhari ‘truncated’ a democratic government – an apparent reference to the 1983 coup that ousted the Shagari Administration of the Second Republic. What he failed to add in his jaundiced allegation is that the1983 coup of Buhari and his colleagues in the military was a popular movement which did not come as a surprise to many at that time.

Indeed, Nigerians today still relish the 20 months of Buhari/Idiagbon administration as twenty months of order and probity in public life. Of course, there would be certain decisions and actions taken during that period that he (Buhari) would not take today with benefit of hind-sight.

But that was 31 years ago as a 40 year old!

It was also convenient for Aribisala to overlook the fact that President Shagari was a Northern-Muslim whose questionable election victory of 1983 over Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a Southern-Christian, was one of the grounds for the military putsch of December 31, 1983.

Which ethnic or religious chauvinist will overthrow a President who shares the same ethnicity and religious persuasion with him?

As a corollary to above, Aribisala referred to Buhari and Tinubu as dictators -Buhari for overthrowing a government (that was lacking in legitimacy) and Tinubu for foisting candidates (including his wife) for election on his party, and for making his daughter the Iyaloja of Lagos State. He also accused Buhari of calling on his supporters to go on rampage if he lost an election. These cannot be farther from the truth. In the

• Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu

• Prof. Attahiru Jega

• Chief Olisa Metuh

A season of dirty politics first place, very few contemporary Nigerian politicians can be more democratic than Buhari. A man who kept subjecting himself to seeking political office through the ballot box cannot be said to be a dictator.

Who can be more democratic than a man who resorts to the law courts for redress anytime he felt cheated at the polls? I think it is libelous for people to continue to peddle the lie that General Buhari asked his supporters to protest violently, if he lost the 2011 election. The truth is that General Buhari warned of possible dire consequences if the elections were rigged. Was it not President John Kennedy, one of the most respected and revered American presidents that made the indelible remark that ‘those who make peaceful change impossible make violent change inevitable’? I believe that it was General Buhari’s quest to avoid a breakdown of law and order that prompted that comment, which in any case, had been made by other politicians before Buhari.

On the allegation that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu imposes candidates including his wife on party members, I want to ask ‘does he also impose the candidates on the electorate?’ If indeed, the electorate had any problems with the candidates of Tinubu’s party, they would have used their votes to express that. This allegation smacks of jealousy. He was also accused by Aribisala of imposing his daughter as the Iyaloja of Lagos. Market women and men are very vibrant and organised set of people. I am not sure that you can impose a leader on that kind of group without a fight. I am not aware that the market men and women registered any protest on the emergence of the new Iyaloja.

Asiwaju’s detractors would wish they had the kind of ardent followership that God has given him the grace to enjoy. Those who understand what leadership means know that the major task of a leader is to set direction for his team and convince them to buy into it. Obviously, reaching a consensus on candidature for election may not be possible at all times but the majority view will always prevail. What

political opponents of Asiwaju call imposition is actually consensus building which is an acceptable mechanism for decision-making.

On the emergence of his wife as a Senator, when has it become a sin for the spouse of a successful man to also become a success in the same vocation? The question should be whether or not Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu has the credentials to become a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The people of her senatorial district have already answered that question with their votes. I think Aribisala should go and read the stories of family political dynasties to understand that there is nothing essentially negative about this.

The Clinton, Bush, Kennedy, Cuomo, Rockefeller, Roosevelt, Daley, Adams, and Harrison families in the United States of America, Aquino family in Philippines, and the Gandhi family in India are relevant examples here. In contemporary times, the Bush family has produced two Presidents and two State Governors. Mrs. Hillary Clinton may well be on her way to becoming America’s first female president.

Here in Nigeria, President Shagari’s son is the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State. The current Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives had an elder brother who was also a Federal legislator. Dimeji Bankole, the son of a former chairman of defunct ANPP and later frontline member of the PDP, Chief Alani Bankole, was a Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives.

The late Senator Olusola Saraki’s offsprings - Bukola and Gbemisola also held public offices as Governor and Senator. Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello served as a Senator while her father was President. In Yobe State today we have the former governor of that state His Excellency Bukar Abba Ibrahim representing the people of his senatorial district in the Senate while is wife is also a member of the House of Representatives. The wife of the former governor of Niger State, His Excellency Abdulkadir Kure, is today one of the three senators representing Niger State. Going back in time, late

Chief Oluwole Awolowo was a member of Lagos State House of Assembly in the Second Republic. His sister, Dr. Tokunbo AwolowoDosunmu was a gubernatorial aspirant of the SDP in the short-lived Third Republic. Both are children of the revered Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

I do not think it is a sin to aspire to public office just because a relation has made a success of public office.

Perhaps, we should be asking successful men and women in business and politics why their off-springs do not follow in their foot-steps. It could be a case of leadership failure at the home front. Like a Harvard Review article puts it, ‘democracy does not eliminate political dynasties; even the most enfranchised nations in the world have them. Voters tend to give political scions one free election before evaluating them on their own merits.’

On corruption, Aribisala questioned the anti-corruption posture of Buhari and Tinubu. According to him, General Buhari built a palatial guest house in Daura as a Head of State. If this is all he can come up with against Buhari, then, Aribisala deserves pity. If after a meritorious military career during which he was Petroleum Minister, military governor, and then, Military Head of State, not to talk of various command positions, all that Buhari can be accused of is building a palatial guest house in Daura and not series of choice properties in Abuja, Lagos, New York, Dubai, Paris, or London, then General Buhari should be hailed as Mr. Clean. The fact on ground suggests that General Buhari is the most exemplary Head of State (military or civilian) that Nigeria has had. As to the alleged discharge and acquittal of Tinubu on technical grounds by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, I hope Aribisala is not suggesting that the Code of Conduct Tribunal was compromised. Whatever corruption allegations anyone has against Tinubu should be proven in a law court and not on the pages of newspapers. It does appear that Aribisala does not believe in the rule of law as he would want us to be-

‘I do not think it is a sin to aspire to public office just because a relation has made a success of public office. Perhaps, we should be asking successful men and women in business and politics why their off-springs do not follow in their foot-steps. It could be a case of leadership failure at the home front’

lieve. He would rather that people be sent to jail on mere allegations of operating foreign bank accounts.

Interestingly,even he could not conjure up any allegation of corruption against Tinubu in his article.

Aribisala was also uncomfortable with the decision of APC to allow defecting members of the PDP to join the party. This is gibberish. People like Aribisala were the ones who accused the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo of being a political puritan who did not relate with some politicians that could have helped his political cause because they were not ‘clean’. Does anyone need to be reminded that this same the late Chief Awolowo predicted some decades ago that a time of political alignment and realignment was coming in Nigeria? Why should a political party be afraid of allowing people to willingly join it? What is important is for the party to have a clear code of eth-ics which will guide the conduct and behaviour of members.

Perhaps, what gave Mr. Aribisala away as engaging in political jobbery is his decision to join the PDP in painting the APC as a Muslim party.

He concluded that the APC is a Muslim party just because some members of its Interim executive committee bear Muslim names. He conveniently listed all those he considered to be Muslim and left out those who are not. Let us for the purpose of argument conceded without admitting that majority of the interim officers of the party are Muslims, how does that make the party a Muslim party?

Is there a written or unwritten code that precludes non-Muslims from occupying leadership positions in the party? Does the fact that the majority of delegates at the on-going National Conference are Christians make it a ‘Christian’ conference? Has the APC declared any ideology or principle in its manifesto that gives the impression that the party is pro-Islam and anti-Christian? Indeed, it is people like Aribisala that should be accused of religious bigotry and ethnic chauvinism by reading religion and ethnicity into every issue. Are Kayode Fayemi, Rochas Okorocha, Rotimi Amaechi, Adams Oshiomole, George Akume, Tom Ikimi, etc Muslims? Even some of the recognisable leaders of the party who are Muslims have proved to be religiously moderate and tolerant Nigerians who are married to Christian spouses and have allowed them free rein to practice their faith. In Lagos, Asiwaju Tinubu as governor returned Christian Mission schools to the various Christian denomination owners.

The same man instituted an Annual Thanksgiving Service every January with a well-known Christian clergy presiding. That tradition subsists till today under another Muslim Governor without the Muslims in Lagos complaining! People like Aribisala should recognise and promote this in their writings.

In Osun State, the governor, a Muslim, practically bank-rolled the funeral expenses of a foremost Christian evangelist. In addition, he donated a princely sum of money to a Christian denomination that held their annual convention in Osogbo last year. As if by some divine arrangement, all the Southwest governors of APC with the exception of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola are married to practicing Christians.In all the APC – controlled states, no one, including Aribisala has heard of any form of discrimination against any religious or ethnic grouping. APC does not and will not elevate any religion above others. The party is not built on any religious philosophy but on the principles of fairness, equity, and justice for all. No attempt to give it religious coloration by any one or group will succeed.

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USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY Council endorsed the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents in case of any emergency on the metropolitan Roads. Accordingly, the public may easily contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/Wrong Parking on – 08091626747. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can also be contacted on – 07051246833, 08191778888.

148TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

PREPARED BY COUNCIL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KANO.

T

he 148th Kano State Executive Council sitting presided over by Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE, today Wednesday 7th May, 2014 (8th Rajb, 1435 AH) central theme is on the progress so far made in the execution of major projects now dotting every part of the State. These major projects under review are costing the State over N24 billion and are being acknowledged, appreciated and supported by the citizens. In fact, citizens have begun to evaluate the significance of such projects in relation to their economic and social progress. We can identify four (4) fundamental trends of this administration's transformation under the present leadership, which is shaping every aspects of the State for the better. First, the State is witnessing rapid urban and rural transformation, followed by improved socio-political economic development, infrastructural upsurge and finally educational and agricultural rejuvenation. Thus, the administration is on the right track and the completion of these projects will change Kano State forever.

Thus, during the 148th sitting, Council deliberated on fifty two 52 memoranda submitted by thirteen (13) MDAs out of which thirty five (35) were approved for execution with an expenditure of Two Billion, Seventy One Million, Six Hundred and Fifty Six Thousand, One Hundred and Forty Four Naira, Fifty Kobo (N2,071,656,144.50) covering twenty three (23) projects as follows: 1.

MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT Eight (8) of the nine (9) memoranda submitted for deliberations by Council from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport were either informative, for noting or approved for execution as follows: o Four (4) of the eight (8) approved memoranda submitted from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport were on Progress Reports presented on projects being executed by the administration. Thus: a) Progress Report on the Construction of Covered Sewage Conduit/Road Over Jakara - Kwarin Gogau Rivers (2nd Week of April, 2014):The progress of works on the cited project was summarized and presented to Council for consideration as an update. The contract was awarded to Tec Engineering Company Ltd at the sum of N5,564,487,900.20 in October, 2013 with a completion period of one year. 30% mobilization fees amounting to the sum of N1,585,879,051.56 was released to the contractor. The scope of works involves the construction of Circular Covered Sewage/Asphalt Road provision over Jakara - Kwarin Gogau Rivers. Overall percentage progress of the works is now at 5.5%. Council appreciated the report. b) Progress Report on the Construction of Flyover Bridges (State Road - K/Nassarawa and Ibrahim Taiwo Road from Gidan Radio Kano) - (1st Week of April, 2014):The Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport presented the cited progress report to Council for information and update. The contract was awarded to Tec Engineering Company Ltd at the sum of N5,933,520,068.34 in December, 2012. The contractistobe completed in June, 2014. The scope of works involves the construction of two (2) flyover bridges. One (1) of the bridges starts from the State Road crossing over the Silver Jubilee Roundabout and the Gidan Murtala Rotary Junction terminating after Kofar Nassarawa Gate. The second (2nd) bridge starts from Gidan Radio along Ibrahim Taiwo Road crossing over Obasanjo Road and the Rotary Intersection and comprising five (5) interchanges slip roads and expansion of some portions of all the roads involved.

30% mobilizationfees amounting to the sum of N1,695,291,448.00 was paid to the contractor as mobilization fees. However, the contractor had raised interim valuation statements No. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 which were respectively paid in the sums of N191,868,164.63; N384,662,097.55; N486,547,817.45; N228,429,399.82; N341,295,199.59; andN256,181,176.42.

Presently, the sub - structures of all main bridges and the loops are completed while the construction of the superstructures for all components had reached advanced stages. Thus, the construction of substructure, pre-cast and retaining walls at the main bridge at the State Road - Kofar Nassarawa have reached 100% level. The construction of substructures, pre-cast/launching of beams, retaining walls and casting of in - situ deck have reached 100%, 100%, 100% and55% respectively at Ibrahim Taiwo Road section. Thus, the overall/general percentage progress of the works is at 88% level. c) Progress Report on the Construction of 1.76 Kilometer Flyover Bridge and Nine (9) Clovers Over Murtala Muhammad Way (from Wapa Roundabout through Yan' Kura to Tafawa Balewa Road Junction) (2nd Week of April, 2014):The cited progress report was summarized and precisely presented to Council for consideration for information. The contract was awarded to Tec Engineering Company Ltd at the sum N10,180,245,223.03 in December, 2013 with a completion date of April, 2015. 30% mobilization fees of the sum of N2,901,369,888.56 was released to the contractor. The scope of works involves the construction of Flyover Bridge over Murtala Muhammad Way with nine (9) Clovers and Slip Roads. As at now, the overall/ general percentage progress of the work is estimated at 10% level. d) Progress Report on the Construction of Sports Complex at Former NAMA Site Kofar Na'isa (2nd Week of April, 2014):The cited progress report was summarized and precisely presented to Council for consideration. The contract was awarded to Tec Engineering Company Ltd at the sum of N2,761,959,814.28 in March, 2013 with a completion date of February, 2014. 30% mobilization fees amounting to the sum of N749,674,806.37 was released to the contractor. The scope of works involves the construction of a Sports Complex for more than ten (10) different sporting pitches and the construction of 4,112.18m road network of 7.0m width carriage way and 1.5m shoulder on both sides and 9029.6M side and main drain and culverts of various types and sizes within the Sports Complex. The overall/general percentage progress of the project isat 72% level. e) Presentation of Request for Funds for the Construction of Housing Estates and Commercial Development Plan at Dawanau:The Hon. Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport notified Council, through the contents of this memorandum that the cited contract was awarded through the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning.

The original contract sum was N11,968,516,818.98 and involved the construction of a 37.32 Kilometers of various width carriageways within the proposed Kano Northern Terminus at Dawanau. Details on the scope of works were presented to Council for consideration as a reminder.

Nevertheless, exigencies of the situation necessitated the re-appraisal and streamlining the project based on basic requirements for optimum usage. The project was downsized to the provision of dual carriageway (4.32 Kilometers long and 14.6 meterswide), housing estate and commercial development.

Categorically, the new scope of works was assessed at the in - house Engineer's estimate of N791,553,043.36.

After Following due the contractor acceptedto execute the project at the reviewed estimate of N791,553,043.36. f) Re - Presentation of Formalization of Instruction for Chalet 2 Interlock Tiling Works at Government House, Kano:Messrs. Bukar Makoda and Sons Ltd. was presented to Council, through the contents of this memorandum as the contractor engaged in executing interlock tiling works at the Government House, Kano. The contractor was instructed to undertake the cited project due to the urgency involved. The extent of works executed were assessed and estimated to the tune of N23,212,860.00 by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport.

Details were presented to Council for consideration along with the request for Council to approve the formalization of the verified works executed so as to facilitate the payment of the sum of N23,212,860.00 to the contractor. Council approved as requested after following the required due process. g) Presentation of the Re-Design and Conversion of KASCO Stores to Skills Acquisition Centers (Garment Clusters at the 44 Local Government Areas), Kano:The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport reminded Council, through the contents of this memorandum that, the empowerment policy of the present administration prompted the granting of approval for the conversion of all abandoned KASCO Stores in Kano State to Garment Cluster Centers. This was in order to provide empowerment opportunities for apprentices in Garment production throughout the 44 Local Government Areas of the State. The conversion in 39 sites has been completed and the remaining 5 sites have reached 82% - 95% completion stage as at April, 2014. Council appreciatively acknowledged the presentation. h) Presentation of Report on the Request for Funds to Enable the Installation of Recording Meters for Diesel Supplied to MDAs:The need to properly process and efficiently record all fuel supplied to electric power generation points at

the MDAs and Street/Traffic Control Lights is considered paramount by the State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport.

In this vein, Council was notified of the existence of quality type recording meters for installation at the 140 electric power generation points supplied with diesel by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport. Each meter costs N88,800.00 (installation, VAT and other related taxes inclusive). Therefore, 140 (points) x N88,800.00 = N12,432,000.00 which was requested for release by Council for the stated purpose. Council approved the release of the requested sum of N12,432,000.00 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport for the stated purpose.

2.

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso The Secretary to the State Government submitted eighteen (18) memoranda for deliberations by Council on behalf of the Chairman and some MDAs. Eleven (11) of them were approved for execution. Thus: a) Request for Funds for the Sponsorship of Thirteen (13) Kano State Indigenous Blind Persons to Attend the 2014 Training Session of the Nigerian Farm Craft Center, Lagos:Cognizant of the laudable achievements recorded in the implementation of the general empowerment policy of the present administration, the Secretary to the State Government endorsed the cited request and presented its highlights, on behalf of the Special Adviser on Disabled People's Affairs, for consideration by Council.

The contents of the memorandum requested the release of the sum of N3,125,500.00 to sponsor thirteen (13) Kano State Indigenous Blind Persons to attend the 2014 Training Session of the Nigerian Farm Craft Center, Lagos and the sum of N900,000.00 in order to redeem a pledge made to eighteen (18) sponsored Blind Kano State Indigenous graduates from the same Center. Thus, the total sum of money requested for release by Council for these candidates was N4,025,500.00. Council considered and approved the request. b) Request for Funds to Enable the Unarmed Combat Training for 500 Trainees of Course 4 at the Corporate Security Training Institute Zakirai, Gabasawa Local Government Area:The authorities at the Corporate Security Training Institute submitted the request for the release of the sum of N3,075,000.00 for the training of 500 screened candidates. The amount is for the procurement of 500 pairs of uniforms, 500 batons/holders, other training equipment and teaching aids. Council considered the request as relevant and approved the release of the sum. c) Request for Funds for the Sponsorship of Twelve (12) Kano State Indigenous Candidates (Second (2nd) Batch) to Undergo "Graduate Training Skills Programme" at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN):The contents of this memorandum substantiated to Council the need for the Kano State Government sponsorship of twelve (12) candidates to undergo training at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) based upon the beneficiaries' appeal to Government to reconsider its stand on withdrawing the support. Specifically, the appeal was for the State Government to consider and approve the release of the aggregate sum of N11,160,000.00 to enable sponsored candidates undergoing the stated training at NAPTIN to continue with their studies. The amount is to cover training expenses and the procurement of Laptop computers for the students.

Congruence of the request with the empowerment policy of the present administration prompted Council to approve the request. d) Request for Funds to Enable the Provision of Five (5) Operational Vehicles and Two (2) Motorcycles to the Northwest University, Kano:To enhance operations at the Northwest University, Kano, the authorities at the Institution submitted the request for the procurement of two (2) Toyota Hilux Double Cabin Pickups for the Security and Physical Planning Development and Maintenance Units, three (3) Toyota Corolla for the Deans Students' Affairs, Management Sciences and the University's Registrar's Offices, and two (2) Motorcycles for Dispatch and Patrol Operation purposes at the total sum of N32,375,000.00.

Council approved the release of the trimmed down sum of N13,275,000.00 to the Northwest University to enable the procurement of two (2) operational Vehicles and two (2) Motorcycles. e) Request for Funds for the First (1st) Round of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) (19th - 23rd May, 2014):The Kano State Ministry of Health submitted the cited request to Council for consideration. Council was informed that the MNCHW activities were recommended to be undertaken twice in a year spanning one (1) week each by the National Council on Health during its fifty third (53rd) Meeting.

The first (1st) Round of 2014 MNCHW includes, routine immunization, iron - foliate supplementary for pregnant women, De-worming of children and screening for malnutrition, etc. The cost implication for the exercise is estimated at the sum of N9,395,100.00, which is to cover for the procurement of commodities/ drugs (N4,847,500.00), training (N1,149,600.00), launching (N484,000.00), social mobilization (N484,000.00) and monitoring and supervision (N2,314,000.00) expenses. Council approved the request. f) Presentation of a Proposal for the Creation of a Business Data Management System:A comprehensive Business Data Base Management System was proposed by the Kano State Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Tourism through the introduction of a "Customized Reloadable Business Identification Card" (CRBIC) for Indigenous Business Operations in the State. This is with a view to facilitating effective monitoring and control of business activities along with enhancing the process of economic growth and development in the State.

Details were presented to Council for consideration along with the request for Council to approve for the implementation of the initiative. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Tourism is to collaborate with Messrs. Bizi and Messrs. E-Tranzect Int. Plc in the process.

Council acknowledged the presentation and approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the three partners as requested but instructed the Hon. Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Tourism to ensure that the interests of the State Government are upheld and protected. g) Re - Presentation of report on the 1% Deduction from the Statutory Revenue Allocation Due to States and Local Government Councils:The Office of the Secretary to the National Economic Council informed the State Governments of the decision of the Federal Government to deduct 1% from the Statutory Revenue Allocation due to the States and the Local Governments to support the Nigeria Police. However, the communication understands that most States are against such an arbitrary decision without involving and the backing of their Executive Councils and House of Assemblies. For this reason, the memorandum sought each State to table and submits its Executive Council and State House of Assembly resolutions and decision on the matter.

The details presented were acknowledged by Council, which directed the Secretary to the State Government to write a letter to the Hon. Speaker Kano State House of Assembly on the contents of the presented notification. h) Request for Operational Funds from the Multi-Agency Taskforce on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking headed by the NDLEA:Operations of the Multi-Agency Taskforce on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as headed by the NDLEA were considered as commendable by the Kano State Executive Council, which considered the cited request as appropriate.

Specifically, the sum of N12,861,000.00 was approved for release by Council to cover for the activities of the Taskforce for three (3) Months (April - June, 2014). i) Request for the Refund of Expenditure Incurred During the Screening Exercise on Selecting Kano State Indigenous Candidates for Training in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering at College of Aviation Technology, Zaria:The Secretary to the State Government substantiated to Council, through the contents of this memorandum that, the Committee assigned for the cited exercise executed its assignment judiciously and selected forty (40) Kano State Indigenous Candidates to study Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Programme at the

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014 Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.

Details were presented to Council for consideration along with the request for the release of the sum of N100,000.00 to the Committee as refund for the incurred expenditure. Council approved the request. j) Request for Funds to Enable the Procurement and Allocation of Three (3) Toyota Hilux Pickup Vehicles to the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Corporate Security:The Senior Special Assistant on Corporate Security submitted the cited request to Council for consideration.

Nature of operations in the dispensation of duties at the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Corporate Security was considered vital as Council approved the release of the sum of N6,950,000.00 for the procurement and allocation of one (1) Toyota Hilux DC Pickup vehicle for use at the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Corporate Security.

3.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH The only memorandum submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Health was approved for execution. Thus: Presentation of Brief on the Need and Request for Funds to Enable the Procurement of Required Office Furniture/Working Materials for the Renovated Four (4) Zonal Medical Stores (Rano, Gwarzo, Gaya and Dambatta):The Hon. Commissioner for Health reminded Council, through the contents of this memorandum, of its commendable approval for the release of the sum of N44,882,237.52 to enable the execution of renovation works at the four (4) Zonal Medical Stores at Rano, Gwarzo, Gaya and Dambatta.

Reportedly, the improvement works were successfully executed, what remained was the provision of the required office furniture and working materials assessed and estimated at the cost of N8,709,104.50, which was requested for release. Council approved the request.

4.

OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE The Head of Civil Service submitted only one (1) memorandum for deliberation by Council. It was approved for execution as follows: Request for Funds for the Operational Requirements of Public Service Reform Activities for the Year 2014:The Head of Civil Service submitted the cited request for consideration by Council. Council was informed that, the Civil Service Reform Activities are undertaken in collaboration with DFID of the United Kingdom (UK) through the programme titled 'State Partnership for Accountability, Responsiveness and Capability' (SPARC). The sum of N742,500.00 is required for the Reform Activities for the procurement of stationery, internet subscription, logistics for holding meetings and production of report. Council approved the request.

5.

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES This Ministry submitted five (5) memoranda for deliberations by Council. Three (3) were approved for execution as follows: o All the three (3) approved memoranda for execution by the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources were in line with the Empowerment Policy of the present administration in Kano State. Each had to do with the conduct of one agricultural production skill acquisition training programme or the other.

Thus: a) Request for Funds for the Conduct of the Seventh (7th) Batch Training of 132 Participants at the Livestock Training Institute, Bagauda:The contents of this memorandum traced and recounted the achievements recorded at the Livestock Training Institute, Bagauda established by this administration. To sustain the laudable effort, the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources submitted the cited request for deliberation and granting of approval for the release of the aggregate sum of N20,058,200.00 to enable the conduct of the seventh (7th) Batch Training of 132 participants at the Livestock Training Institute, Bagauda. The amount is to cover training expenses (N8,319,000.00), and the procurement of post-training package (N11,739,200.00). Council approved the request. b) Request for Funds to Enable the Conduct of the Eleventh (11th) Batch Training of 500 Beneficiaries from the Final Five (5) Local Government Areas (Kunchi, R/Gado, Sumaila, Rogo and Wudil) at the Kano Poultry Training Institute Tukwui, Makoda Local Government Area:The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources informed Council, through the contents of this memorandum that ten (10) Batches of 3,900 beneficiaries from thirty nine (39) Local Government Council Areas of Kano State benefitted from the training at the Poultry Training Institute Tukwui. These comprised women.

In a nutshell, the eleven (11th) Batch Training was earmarked for 500 female participants at the total cost of N56,315,550.00, which was requested for release by Council to cater for the training of 500 trainees (N17,870,550.00) and the procurement of post training packages (N38,445,000.00). The request was considered as appropriate and was approved for the stated purpose. c) Request for Funds for the Conduct of the Fourth (4th) Batch Training of 400 Beneficiaries at the Kano Fisheries Training Institute, Bagauda:The Fisheries Training Institute, Bagauda had successfully graduated 1,200 beneficiaries in three (3) Batches.

The commendable achievements recorded instigated the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to submit the cited request for the training of 400 beneficiaries (N10,778,600.00) and procurement of Post Training Packages for the trainees (N49,260,000.00). Thus, the total sum of N60,038,600.00 is therefore required.

Congruence of the request with the empowerment policy of the present administration prompted Council to approve the release of the requested sum of N60,038,600.00 to enable the conduct of the fourth (4th) batch training of 400 beneficiaries at the Fisheries Training Institute, Bagauda.

6.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION Two (2) of the five (5) memoranda submitted for deliberations by Council from the Ministry of Education were approved for execution as follows: a) Presentation of Information Memorandum (IM) on the Situation of Guidance and Counselling in Kano State Secondary Schools:The Hon. Commissioner for Education presented the details contained in the cited Information Memorandum. The entire situation regarding Guidance and Counselling in the State's Secondary Schools was presented to Council for information based on which Council was notified that there should be a single structure of Guidance and Counselling for all stakeholders to fully synergize. Details were presented to Council for consideration along with the adoption and full implementation of Guidance and Counselling in Kano State Secondary Schools and the employment of fourteen (14) Professional Counsellors that applied for employment.

Council appreciatively acknowledged the presentation and approved the implementation of Guidance and Counselling and the employment of the fourteen (14) Professional Counsellors as instructors for deployment appropriately into the educational system. b) Request for Funds for the Up - Keep of Public and Voluntary Secondary Schools in Kano State:The cited request was presented so as to address the shortfall of revenue generated internally by the public and voluntary schools in Kano State due to the implementation of the "free education policy" at all levels of the present administration. Details were summarized and presented to Council for consideration as follows: SN Organization No. of Schools Enrolment Fund/Head (N) Total (N) i.

KSSSMB 889 506,849 300.00 15,054,700.00 ii.

STSB 38 16,582 300.00 4,974,600.00 iii.

SMOE 02 1,793 300.00 537,900.00 iv.

Voluntary 16 6,601 300.00 1,980,300.00 Total 0 4 945 531,825 300.00 159,547,500.00 Specifically, the request was to cover the third (3rd) term of the 2013/2014 academic session. As such, Council was requested to approve the release of the aggregate sum of N159,547,500.00 for disbursement to 945 Secondary Schools (Public and Some Voluntary) in Kano State for their up - keep in the third (3rd) term of the 2013/2014 academic session. Council approved the request.

7.

MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES Three (3) of the four (4) memoranda submitted for deliberations by Council from the Ministry of Water Resources were approved for execution as follows: a) Request for Funds to Enable the Construction of Perimeter Wall Fence at the Premises of Irrigation Department of the Ministry of Water Resources located at the Farm Center, Kano:The Hon. Commissioner for Water Resources adequately substantiated to Council, through the contents of this memorandum, the need for the execution of the cited project. Prominent among the reasons presented were to forestall illegal trespass, safeguard encroachment and secure the premises from wanton pilfering of resources.

Importantly, the scope of works required was assessed and estimated to the tune of N2,148,388.00, which was requested for release by Council for the stated purpose. Relevance of the request to the provision of the required security to public owned property prompted Council to approve the release of N2,000,000.00 for the project. b) Request for Funds to Enable the Procurement of 4,000 Metric Tonnes of Aluminium Sulphate (Alum) and 1,000 Drums of Super Flocks:Cognizant of the resolve by the present administration in Kano State to supply potable water for use by the citizenry in Kano State, the Ministry of Water Resources submitted the cited request for consideration by Council. Essentially, the Ministry of Water Resources responsibly alerted Council, through the contents of this memorandum that, the available water treatment chemicals could be exhausted in the next forty (40) days. As such, it was considered expedient to provide more of the required chemicals for water treatment so as to maintain the currently improved potable water supply situation in Kano State.

In this vein, the memorandum requested the supply of 4000 metric tonnes of Alum at the sum ofN137,000,000.00 and 1,000 drums of Super Flocks worth the sum of N300,000,000.00. The total sum of N437,000,000.00 wasrequiredfor the procurement of the two items, which was approved by Council . c) Request for Funds to Enable the Replacement of Two (2) 1000KVA CAT Model Electricity Generators:The cited request was submitted so as to remedy the mechanical problems developed by the two (2) stated electricity generators that serve the Watari Water Treatment Plant. The State Water Board assessed the following two (2) options open for adoption in order to solve the problem:

51 i.

Complete overhaul of the two (2) machines at the sum of N46,977,309.81. ii.

Replacement of the two (2) machines with brand new ones of the same model at the sum of N73,168,800.00.

Professionally, the second (2nd) option (item ii.) was recommended for adoption on which Council was requested to approve the release of the sum of N73,168,800.00 to enable the replacement of the two (2) 1000KVA CAT Model electricity generators that serve the Watari Water Treatment Plant. Council approved as requested so as to maintain the improved potable water supply situation.

8.

MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND BUDGET The only memorandum submitted for deliberation by Council from this Ministry was approved for execution. Thus: Presentation of the Need for Legislation on Some Key Government Social Policies for Sustainability:The Hon. Commissioner for Planning and Budget reminded Council, through the contents of this memorandum, of the various Social Policy Programmes initiated by the present administration formulated for the benefits of the poor and vulnerable groups in the society of Kano State. The programmes introduced for improved health delivery, educational advancement, alleviation of poverty and social vices include the following: i) Free treatment of accident/emergency victims ii) Free antenatal care programme iii) Free education iv) Free feeding in primary schools v) Free uniform for new intake into primary schools Council was notified that success of these policies largely depends on their effective implementation and continuity/sustainability over time. Administrations change in accordance with democratic dispensation. As such, such laudable policies need to be protected by appropriate Laws that will ensure their continuity and sustenance.

Thus, Council was requested to approve for the relevant Stakeholders/Lead Agencies in conjunction with the Kano State Ministry of Justice to enact appropriate Laws that will ensure the continuity/sustenance of such policies irrespective of time or Government in power.

The presentation was appreciatively acknowledged by Council, which directed the Ministries of Health and Education to submit proposals on the appropriate legislations for adoption as Laws on the stated policies in liaison with the Ministry of Justice.

9.

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, INTERNAL AFFAIRS, YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURE Approval was granted for the execution of the only one (1) memorandum submitted for deliberation by Council from this Ministry. Thus: Request for Funds to the Kano Pillars Football Club on quarterly basis:The Hon. Commissioner for Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture submitted the cited request in respect of the Kano Pillars Football Club.

The routine/statutory financial details/implications were comprehensively presented to Council for consideration summarized and forwarded in the following two (2) prayers: i.

Council to consider and direct the Kano State Ministry of Finance to handle the payment of harmonized salaries of players and that of the Technical Crew to the total sum of N192,739,789.00 according to the details presented. ii.

Approve the release of the sum of N175,653,750.00 (i.e. N43,913,437.50 on quarterly basis) to the Kano Pillars Football Club subject to retirement of previous releases to cater for the payment of other fees highlighted.

Council noted, considered and approved execution of the two (2) prayers forwarded but specified the following regarding item (ii.). o The sum of N27,000,000.00 loaned to the Club be deducted from the sum of N175,653,750.00 due to the Kano Pillars Football Club as stated in item (ii.). The balance of N148,653,750.00 to be divided into four (4) or N37,163,437.50 be released to the Club as quarterly grant from the Kano State Government to run its affairs.

10.

MINISTRY OF RURAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Council approved the execution of the only one (1) memorandum submitted for deliberation from the Ministry of Rural and Community Development as follows: Request for Funds for the Provision of Potable Water to Daburau G/Rimi; Daburau G/Nasidi; and Yan' Awaki Villages in Madobi and Tsanyawa Local Government Areas Respectively:Cognizant of the laudable resolve of the present administration to provide potable water for use by the citizenry in all nooks and crannies of Kano State, the Ministry of Rural and Community Development submitted the cited request for consideration by Council at the aggregate sum of N22,000,000.00. Council considered the request as relevant and approved the release of the sum of N22,000,000.00 to enable the execution of the stated project on contractual basis.

11.

MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING Four (4) memoranda were deliberated upon by Council and approved for execution by the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning. Each of them had to do with the payment of compensation for structures/properties affected in the course of execution of development projects: a) Presentation of Report from the Executive Council Compensation Committee in Respect of Properties Affected by the Construction of Kofar Dawanau - Yan' Taya Road Project:The Ministry of Land and Physical Planning earlier submitted a request for the release of the funds to effect payment of the cited compensation. Council directed the Committee on Compensation to verify the claims.

The assignment was carried out by the Committee, which verified the total compensation cost to the tune of N77,288,465.00 covering sixty five (65) structures/properties/land. Council acknowledged the presentation and approved the release of the aggregate sum of N77,288,465.00 to the State Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to execute the payment of compensation for the sixty five (65) items affected by the execution of this historic project. b) Presentation of Report from the Compensation Committee in Respect of Properties Affected by the Construction of Jakara Channelization (Wuju - Wuju) Road, Warure - Section II:The Compensation Committee evaluated and verified the request for the release of funds from the State Ministry of Land and Physical Planning in respect of payment of compensation cited. The Committee verified the compensation cost to the tune of N174,282,737.00 in respect of ninety eight (98) properties.

Council acknowledged the presentation and approved the release of the aggregate sum of N174,282,737.00 to the State Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to effect payment of the stated compensation in respect of properties affected by the construction of Wuju - Wuju Road. c) Presentation of Report from the Executive Council Compensation Committee in Respect of Properties Affected by the Construction of Service Lane Along Zaria Road Construction Project:Thirty two (32) properties/structures were verified as affected by the construction of Service Lane along Zaria Road construction project. The Kano State Compensation Committee concluded that the cost of compensation for this project was to the tune of N31,832,570.00, which was recommended for release to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to effect the payment. Council acknowledged the presentation and approved as requested. d) Request for Funds to Address Phase II of the Outstanding Local Government Areas 5 Kilometer Road Projects on Site Challenges (i.e. Compensation Issues, Relocation of Services, Other Encumbrances, etc.):The Hon. Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning summarized and presented the financial requirements for the payment of compensation for properties/structures affected by the construction of 5 Kilometer road project in respect of nine (9) Local Government Areas. Thus: SN LGCA Revaluated compensation (N) No. of structures affected i.

Bunkure 144,74,264.00 265 ii.

Garko 112,832,420.00 221 iii.

G/Malam 124,483,852.00 201 iv.

Gaya 116,130,450.00 223 v.

Kibiya 101,641,980.00 161 vi.

Kumbotso 19,989,260.00 051 vii.

Takai 89,611,885.00 124 viii.

T/Wada 79,099,700.00 228 ix.

Wudil 45,989,550.00 111 Total 0 9 834,519,361.00 1,585 As such, Council was requested to approve the aggregate sum of N834,519,361.00 to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to effect payment of the stated compensation. Council approved as requested but directed that beneficiaries should be paid through their personal Bank Accounts, which should be opened within a week if not already available.

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 148TH EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SITTING 1.

FLAG OFF OF MAKARFI-FULATAN-ROGO- KARAYE ROAD PROJECT Council acknowledged the flag-off of foundation laying ceremony for the construction of Makarfi - Fulatan - Rogo - Karaye Road Project by Governor Engr.Rabi'uMusaKwankwaso, FNSE on Tuesday6th May, 2014.

The road covers a distance of 55 Kilometers and is estimated to cost the total sum of N1,687,507,533.85.

2.

Presentation of Awards to Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE i.

Award from the people of Garun Malam Local Government Area to the Governor forhis contributions to the creation and general development of the Local Government area. ii.

Award from Jakara Community to the Governor forthe construction of a Women Centre and School at Jakara Quarters. iii.

Souvenir presented to the Governor by the Kano State Football Association for his commitment to sporting activities in the State.

Signed: Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports andCulture www.kn.gov.ng/new

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NEWS

THE NATION MONDAY MAY 12, 2014

From left: Niger State Governor Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu; USAID Administrator Rajiv Shars; Nassarawa State Governor Umar Tanko alMakura; Taraba State Acting Governor Umar Garba and Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako during a meeting between USAID and Northern Governors Forum in Abuja.

•From left: Provost, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Prof Adeyemi Idowu; outgoing Lagos State University (LASU) Librarian Dr Adetoun Idowu; LASU Chapel of Light chaplain Pastor Femi Somoye and Prof Emmanuel Akinade at the Valedictory service for the Librarian

•From left: Assistant Category Manager, Oral Care, Unilever Nig. Plc, Tolu Dima-Okojie; Vice President, Customer Development, Mr Shahzeb Mahmuud; Brand Building Director, Mr David Okeme; Category Manager Oral Care, Oiza Gyang and Vice President, Brand Building, Mr Robert De-ureede during the launch of Close Up Naija Harbal Toothpaste at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE.

Founder/President Rhesus Solution Initiative (RSI) (middle) with her husband and All Progressives Congress (APC) Interim National Legal Adviser Dr Muiz Banire (second left); member, Lagos State House of Assembly Hon Adefunmilayo Tejuoso (right); Commissioner for Education Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye (second right) and Alhaja Fatimat Oyefeso during 2014 Rhesus Factor Day Walk for Life PHOTO: TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO from Maryland to Mile 12.... yesterday.

Chief Operating Officer, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Ms Adebisi Awoniyi (third left) handing over the keys to a patrol van, donated by the company to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Lagos Sector Commander, Mr Chidi Nkwota, in Ojodu, Lagos. With them are the Chief Financial Officer of BASL, Mr Olusola Olayinka (left), Head of Aeronautical Services, Mr Raphael Uchegbu and Head of Finance, Mr Ade Olugbebi.

• From left: Oragano Gold (OG) Executive Rory Cox; Chief Sorochi Mark; Media\Event Consultant Lisa Olu Akerele; Mr Abbey Ikeola; Mr Milles Anderson and Hon J.d Gyang at the launch of Gourmet Hot Chocolate and Organo Green Tea at the Posh Barcelona Hotel, Wuse 2, Abuja

•From left: Ernest Nzelu; Okon Sampson; Nwala Simon; Victor Jubilee; Vivian Chinasa; Friday Peter; Funso Ayeni; Femi Atanda; Kazeem Gbenga and Bishara Yohanna, all - winners of the Legend Extra Stout Unique Dubai Shopping experience at the Dubai Shopping mall in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

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THE NATION MONDAY MAY 12, 2014

NEWS Jonathan: $15b coastal railway coming

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the $15billion (N2.5 trillion) coastal railway line, which will link Lagos to the North through the Southsouth and the Southeast.

He spoke at the weekend at the groundbreaking of the $16 billion Ogidigben Gas Plant and Export Processing Zone in Ugborod and the Nigeria Maritime University in Oporoza, Delta State.

The President said: “The project will cost between $12billion and $15billion.

“It will link Lagos, the rest of the Southwest, the Southsouth and the Southeast to the North. If we achieve that it will improve communication and improve our GDP,” he said.

Jonathan said his administration’s commitment to developing a comprehensive transport infrastructure in the country informed the decision to build the costal rail system.

He said a functional railway system is germane to the nation’s quest for improved transportation and easy movement of goods and service.

Alleviating concerns, particularly of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), on the fate of the coastal road project, Jonathan said the project had not been abandoned.

From Shola O’Neil, Warri

“Our roads fail so easily because of the load they carry and that is why we are emphasising the coastal railway. I had that discussion with the Premier of China and they are totally committed.”

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan urged the country to support the President.

“I must say that we must all give the maximum support to the president. Yes Mr. President is from the Niger Delta and we thank other parts of Nigeria for supporting him to become president in 2011.

“We thank them for their support so far, we plead with them that they should continue to support him now and beyond 2015.

“We have a president who has been brought to power by Nigerians, for us in the Niger Delta we must continue to be in the forefront of that support.

“We must continue to extend our hands of fellowship to other parts of Nigeria to continue to support him not just in 2015 but beyond.

“We want to thank you Mr. President because today you are starting a movement in Warri South West that will make it the most educated, the most industrialised and the most empowered local government in Nigeria,” he said

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Three Dutch nationals freed

HE three Dutch nationals, who were kidnapped at Letugbene in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, were released on Saturday night, the police said yesterday.

The police said they adopted high level of professional policing, including engaging a negotiator, to locate and free the victims.

Commissioner of Police Hilary Opara described the operation as delicate, adding that the aim was to rescue the victims alive.

Gunmen, on May 4, kidnapped three Dutch and two Nigerians, who are also naturalised citizens of the Netherlands.

The gunmen, however, released the Nigerians, Femi

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

Soewu and Sunny Ofehe, on Monday evening.

Ofehe, the Founder/Executive Director Hope for Niger Delta Campaign, a NonGovernment Organisation (NGO) based in the Netherlands, brought the Dutch to Amatu ll in Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State, on a charity mission.

Though the gunmen had demanded N500million, Opara said the police were not aware that any ransom was paid.

The police boss, who spoke in Yenagoa, said the police rescued the victims after pressuring the assailants.

He said the police employed a negotiator to dia-

logue with the abductors to know the victims’ state of health.

“Through the negotiator, we were able to establish that the victims were hale and hearty while we continued with our undercover policing,” Opara said.

The commissioner said after locating the kidnappers’ hideout, the police moved to the area and barricaded it with gunboats.

“When we found out where they were, we blocked the waterways with our gunboats. So, they had no place to go again. They had no alternative than to release them.

“We made many trips in the water and we were able to know some of their identities.

“It was a delicate operation because our aim was to rescue them hale and hearty.

“It is not something you begin to go and exchange fire. It was professionally done,” Opara said.

He said they were released on Saturday in Ezetu creeks in Southern Ijaw.

The police chief said he brought the victims to his office in Yenagoa at 10pm and handed them over to the Deputy Governor John Jonah after debriefing.

He said they were handed over to the Dutch Ambassador to Nigeria, John Groffen, at 11.45pm.

Opara thanked the people for giving the police vital information and the government for financing many trips to the creeks.

Tricycle operators protest in Bayelsa

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From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

UNDREDS of commercial tricycle operators, known as Keke NAPEP, barricaded the road leading to the popular Swali market in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, at the weekend to protest the involvement of corps marshals in an accident that killed two children.

Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) marshals, who were on patrol, were said to have pursued the tricyclist in their patrol van.

It was gathered that three children were inside the tricycle, when the tragedy occurred.

One of them was reportedly crushed on the spot by the FRSC patrol van; the other died at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC).

The third was said to be on the danger list at the hospital.

A source said the corps marshals were pursuing the tricycle operator with their van, when the incident occurred.

“They were chasing him but the man refused to stop. They continued pursuing him. But the man was determined to escape.

“The tricycle somersaulted and threw the children on the road. One of the kids was crushed by the FRSC van. The others were injured. One died in the hospital . We don’t even know whether or not the third child will survive,” he said.

‘NDDC committed to high quality’

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HE Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has re-stated its commitment to executing high quality projects and programmes that would bring growth to the region.

The Managing Director, Bassey Dan Abia, said this when he inspected some NDDC projects in Delta State.

He said the new board was in a hurry to complete on-going projects and would not compromise on quality.

Dan Abia, who was accompanied by the Executive Director Projects, Tuoyo Omatsuli and the Delta State rep-

resentative on the board of the NDDC, Tom Amioku, inspected the 42.6-kilometre Iselegu/Utagba-Uno/Obiaruku and the 18-kilometre Ugiliama/Eweshi/Ogume/ Abbi roads in Ndokwa West Local Government Area.

They also inspected the newly completed proto-type hostel building at the State University in Abraka.

The NDDC chairman said the new leadership was making efforts to complete and hand over quality projects that would be of immense benefit to the people.

Akpabio swears in two commissioners

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From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

KWA Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio yesterday swore in two commissioners.

Akpabio urged the commissioners to shun politics, ethnicity and tribe in the discharge of their duties.

The commissioners are Ignatius Edet from Ibiono Ibom and Ante Okwong from Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Areas.

The governor said: “We are immune to politics, ethnicity and tribe in the discharge of our functions.

“We, therefore, urge you to expand your perspective to embrace our state as a whole and see yourself beyond the narrow confines of your community and the restrictive armpits of your politics. You do not represent your local government in this cabinet; you represent the entire state.”

•Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko (right) receiving last year’s hajj report from the Chairman of the Hajj Committee, Senator Bello Jibril Gada.

Residents protest at Shell facilities

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ROTESTERS marched on oil facilities operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Bayelsa State at the weekend over the company’s divestment plans and proposed sale of its Oil Mining Licences (OMLs).

Stakeholders and indigenes of Nembe-Bassambiri, who are host to some of Shell’s installations in Nembe Local Government Area, were angry at Shell’s plan to sell OML 29 without consulting them.

Shell has reportedly placed its 45 per cent stake in four oil wells, including OML 29, for sale as part of the company’s divestment.

OML 29 is believed to be the most lucrative asset of the wells being sold.

Its output is said to have increased to 62,000 bpd of oil and 40 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscf/d). It also holds reserves of 2.2 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe).

Oil theft and pipeline vandalism were said to be the reasons why Shell decided to engage in divestments.

Aggrieved protesters asked Shell to stop production for three days to address their demands.

Over 100 demonstrators, consisting of women, youths, chiefs, leaders and

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

elders, came in 15 speedboats; they were led by a member of the community’s oil and gas committee, Chief Brigidi.

They took over the Nembe-Brass waterways, singing solidarity songs.

They took their protests to Shell’s Santa Barbara Flow Station, Tora Manifold and Odema Flow Station.

Their presence initially created panic among Shell workers living in houseboats.

But the tension was dispelled after operatives of the

Joint Task Force (JTF) deployed to guard the facilities discovered that the protesters were armless.

A member of the NembeBassambiri Council of Chiefs, Bukunor Alfred, said members of the community were angry with Shell.

Also, the Chairman of Opu-Nembe Improvement Union (ONIU), Ebinyo Robert, said the community would not let the company leave unceremoniously after destroying its environment through pollution.

He insisted that the company must involve the com-

munity in all the processes involved in selling OML 29.

Robert said the communities have nominated three companies, Amot Oil E&P Limited, A-Abas Resources and Isea BMG, to participate in the bidding process.

The Operations Team Leader, Santa Barbara Flow Station, Akpe Emmanuel, welcomed the protesters on behalf of Shell.

He thanked them for the peaceful manner in which they conducted the demonstration and promised to pass their grievances across to the management.

Mobile policeman lynched in Delta

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MOBILE policeman has been lynched to death by a mob in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha Local Government Area of Delta State.

He was accused of killing a private security officer after a scuffle in the State Polytechnic.

The security staff was attached to the office of the rector.

An eye witness said that the armed mobile police officer drove into the school in company of a female student and a young man who was not a student.

The policeman and his companions drove to the administrative block and parked their vehicle at the exit point used by the rector.

He said: “The security officer challenged the man who drove the vehicle ordering him to park the vehicle elsewhere. The policeman and his companions snubbed the

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

security man and walked into the bursar’s office, demanding to see the bursar who was at a management meeting.

“The bursar came out from the meeting and was confronted with a gun by the policeman and his companion.

“The bursar reportedly pushed the gun away; the security officer came in at this time and a scuffle ensued during which the gun went off.”

The policeman’s mission on campus could not be confirmed. But sources said he may have been invited to the school by the student to help compel the bursar to issue her a receipt.

The policeman was beaten by a mob; he died on the way to the hospital.

The rector, Dr Edna Mogekwu, said the police were investigating the matter.

THE NATION MONDAY MAY 12, 2014

55

NEWS

National peace prayer in Abuja

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•Ekiti State Deputy Governor Prof Modupe Adelabu holding a sample of the Vuvuzela-as part of campaign materials for Governor Kayode Fayemi’s re-election. With her are House of Representatives members and Coordinator, John Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation, Bimbo Daramola (middle) and Dapo Adelabu.

Four killed in Taraba attack

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HE police in Taraba State said yesterday in Jalingo that gunmen suspected to be herdsmen attacked Dinya village in Gassol Local Government Area and killed four persons.

Police spokesman Joseph Kwaji said the gunmen set 30 houses on fire.

“The police, on arrival at the scene of the attack, recovered 13 empty shells of AK47 rifle, four cartridges and an assault rifle,’’ he said.

The police spokesman said detachments of the police and army had been drafted in the area, adding that investigation was ongoing.

The Ward Head of Danacha, Daniel Mbaterem, said the gunmen stormed the village at 8am and began killing the villagers and burning houses.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Jukun, Tiv and Fulani communities recently signed a peace deal to end hostilities in the state.

Violence had engulfed parts of Taraba for over a month, leading to the death of over 50 people and the destruction of property.

Court detains union members

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From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

USTICE Theresa Igoche of a Makurdi High Court has ordered the detention of 13 former executive members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Benue State.

They are to spend six weeks in jail with no option of fine.

Delivering judgment in a suit filed by the state chairman, Joseph Ikyume and other exco members, Justice Igoche said evidence showed that the defendants did not hand over the union’s affairs to Ikyume as directed by the court on November 1, 2007.

S h e sa i d c o u r t o r d e r s were meant to be obeyed by all citizens, no matter how highly placed. The judge said the defendants were guilty of contempt of court.

C H R I S T I A N group will hold a national prayer meeting “National Peace Prayer Rain” next month in Abuja.

The National Peace Prayer Rain is being organised by the Christian Ministers Welfare Initiatives (CMWI-MOG).

The event will be attended by prominent Christian leaders and top government officials.

A statement by the group’s president, Apostle Daniel Aderemi Adebiyi, said he believed that with fervent prayers, Nigeria will overcome its security challenges.

He noted that the peace prayer meeting is being put together in response to the call by President Goodluck Jonathan that Nigerians should inter-

Worship centres destroyed in Kaduna A CHURCH and two mosques have been destroyed by youths in Kachia town, Southern Kaduna.

A source said trouble started when a fence which was being erected around the Eid praying ground in the area was pulled down.

He said: “There is a parcel of land which the Muslims use for their Eid prayers.

They decided to fence it because, according to them, people come in there to defecate.

“In the process of fencing the land, the people around claimed they have exceeded the boundary and pulled down the fence.

“Last night, the Muslim youths decided to attack the Nasara Baptist Church and burn it down. In retaliation, Christian youths burnt down the mosque at Government College, Kachia and another mosque in the area.

“The situation has been brought under control and I can confirm to you that there was no death.”

•Yero:

enough is enough

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

Another source said: “When the fence was demolished, the youths alerted the local government chairman, Peter Agaite and he promised to repair the damaged portion, but failed to do so. That was why both sides went on a damage spree.”

Governor Ramalan Yero has warned that the government will not allow enemies of peace cause mayhem in the state. He directed security agencies not to spare anyone found fomenting trouble.

The governor in a statement by his Director-General, Media and Publicity, Ahmed Maiyaki, said the administration will no longer tolerate act of unwarranted violence against innocent citizens.

He called on the people in Kachia town and environs to remain calm and shun any

attempt by enemies of peace to escalate misunderstanding in the area.

The governor called on residents to avoid taking laws in their hands as the government was working with security agencies to ensure the protection of life and property.

The statement said: “Government will not fold its arms and allow “enemies of peace” cause mayhem in our state.

“I call on all law abiding citizens to go about their businesses without fear of intimidation as security forces have been directed to deal with trouble makers.”

Yero assured the people that security agencies have begun investigations into the cause of the crisis and will not spare anyone found culpable “no matter their status in the society”.

“We will no longer toler-

•Yero

ate these acts of unwarranted violence against innocent citizens; enough is enough.”

The governor said the government will continue to pursue its peace building agenda and will not rest on its oars, until Kaduna is returned to its pre-crises era.

Police spokesman Aminu Lawan said the situation has been brought under control.

He said: “Our men are fully on ground. No life was lost, but we don’t have the number of worship places that were burnt.

“We will let you know in due course as we don’t want to give wrong figures.”

States need ingenuity to develop, says Ahmed

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WARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has said states need ingenuity to develop, given the shrinking revenue allocation from the Federation Account.

He said the era of governments’ reliance on Federation Account for growth and development was over.

Ahmed spoke at the weekend in Ilorin, the state capital, during the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the state-owned Harmony Holdings Limited.

The governor said the holding company has a revenue target of N50 billion by 2032.

“The purpose of the Kwara Holdings Limited is becoming clearer to all of us.

We are finding ourselves at a time in Nigeria where it is no more business as usual.

“It is becoming clearer everyday that we cannot continue our affairs the way we used to.

“As a government we can-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

not continue to rely on money coming from the Federation Account for growth and development. The reason is because the allocation is becoming smaller every other day.

“The rate of population growth is higher than the rate of growth of the internally generated revenue (IGR). More people are pursing allocation that is not forthcoming.

“That tells us that as a government, we must begin to think strategically. That is why any serious government that intends to deliver goods and services to the people must look for other ways and means to raise money to drive governance.

“If you don’t have the idea, you have no business contesting. You cannot come to the seat and begin to complain that the allocation is small.

“You must come up with ingenuity on how to raise

the money and part of this is to use what we have to get what we want. That led us to begin to review all government assets.

“Today, government had to take a look at all the assets it has with a view to converting them to resources that can help build the state. Because Kwara needs money, these companies were not set up for social services.

“The only way we can get it done when we have an articulate way we can measure our assets, put them into use for them to generate revenue for us. It is that simple.

“The moment that the resources we expect to come from Harmony Holdings Ltd improves and becomes standard, then government can commit itself to long term borrowings to execute capital projects.”

cede for the nation.

Adebiyi said the event is interdenominational.

He said: “If one checks the national prayer history from America and other developed nations till date, there is always a significant change and that is why we are gathering all patriotic Nigerians and religious leaders to pray for the nation.

“After the National Prayer Rain, Nigeria will experience joy, gladness; we shall all say praise the Lord of Hosts.”

100,000 groups for NACC summit From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

NO fewer than 100,000 cooperative societies in Southwest will today converge on Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, for the National Association of Cooperative Consultants (NACC) summit and exhibition.

NACC coordinator Akintola Ademola said this yesterday at the pre-briefing of the week-long Ibadan 2014 Southwest Cooperative Sector Assessment Summit/Exhibition at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan (UI).

Ademola said it was obvious that the nation is facing serious socioeconomic challenges, which are causing major setbacks for our nation’s economic development.

“Socio-economic challenges viz-a-vis, high degree of poverty, alarming increasing rate of unemployment, poor standard of living, which has certainly threatened our existence as a nation,” he said The NACC boss said in the past cooperatives have played a prominent and pivotal role in reducing socioeconomic challenges in advanced countries.

He said:"Empirical studies of the economy of the nations of the world show that micro, small and medium scale enterprises create over 70 per cent of jobs. Invariably, cooperatives are the power that fuel small and medium scale enterprises"

Dickson gives N30m to women in Lagos

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AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson yesterday in Lagos presented a N30million draft as revolving loan for Niger Delta women in Lagos. He said the era of free money was over in the state.

Speaking at a programme at the Navy Barracks, Ajegunle, Apapa, which was attended by the Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Uche Secondus and over 3,000 women, the governor said the loan could be accessed through the formation of cooperative societies.

Dickson, who urged the women groups to make prudent use of the facility to improve

their economic fortunes, assured them of his preparedness to make more funds available, if they justify the purpose of the scheme.

According to him, the state government is collaborating effectively with credible financial institutions to raise about N30million as trust fund to drive its small and medium enterprises development policy.

He stated that a similar programme was going on in Bayelsa State and “the aim is to make our women less dependent as well as contribute their quota to the GDP of the state.”

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NEWS

Chibok girls: Protest continues in Edo From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

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ROTESTS continued yesterday in Benin, the Edo State capital, for the releases of the over 200 schoolgirls abducted by suspected members of the Boko Haram sect in Chibok, Borno State.

The protesters included the Widows’ Initiative, the Braveheart Initiative, the Conference of Non-Governmental Organisation (CONGOS).

They marched on the streets of the ancient city.

At the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) centre, their spokesperson, Ms Funke Ojeikere, wondered how modern technologies had not been deployed to quell insurgency in parts of the country.

She said: “Why was protection for our children in schools in Northeast not intensified, even after the devastation and pain of the 59 innocent children murdered at the Federal Government College (FGC) at Buni Yadi on February 25, 2014?

“How is it that security is not upgraded around institutions, even when warnings of potential threats or imminent aggressions are used? The warning after Buni Yadi that girls would be targeted and the Giwa Barracks (attacks) in Maiduguri are two cases in point.”

The groups wondered why Nigerians were not safer after geometric progression in security votes.

“We speak out today and will do so everyday until these girls are all accounted for. As mothers, fathers and siblings, we call for the urgent and complete end to the politicisation of insecurity in Nigeria. Our pains and solutions are collective,” Ms Ojeikere said.

U.S trains 1OO Nigerian soldiers From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

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HE United State of America (U.S) Marine Corp Africa Training Team has concluded the training of 100 Nigerian soldiers at the Amphibious Training School (ATS) in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

The Nigerian soldiers underwent a rigorous three-week competence/warfare training, which included fire team formation, use of micro terrain, preparation for combat, mission planning, shooting position, casualty evacuation, among others.

At the grand finale of the training, Brig.-Gen. Enang Ukagu, the Commander of the ATS, said it was meant to equip the ATS personnel with basic concept of amphibious and marine operations.

Ukagu said the training was to also provide a high-level military intelligence and knowledge of combating sea piracy and other forms of illegalities around the marine areas.

He said: “The objective of this training has been achieved and the soldiers are now combatready to engage in any warfare with the enemy in the coastal areas.

“The U.S Marine Corps Africa has added value to the capacity building of the Nigerian Army, especially in the amphibious and coastal operations.

“I must commend the graduating soldiers for having gone through the three weeks intensive and rigorous training, may your efforts never be in vain.”

The Chief of Army Staff Lt.Gen. Kenneth Minimah said the Army was addressing the security challenges in the country.”

Monarch fingered in FUTO, host communities’ crisis

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HE management of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, at the weekend indicted traditional rulers of the host communities in the recent invasion of the university by armed youths from Umuchima and Umuanunu in Owerri West Local Government Area.

The attackers destroyed and the looted the school property.

The institution alleged that the youths were incited by some of the traditional rulers, who had demanded that FUTO authorities pay them salaries and return a substan-

•‘Traditional rulers not complicit’ From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

tial part of the acquired land to the host communities.

The pro-chancellor and the Chairman of the 10th Governing Council of the institution, Dr Emma Enemuo, addressed reporters in his office on the crisis.

He accused the monarchs of unleashing their youths on the university, following the refusal to grant their demands.

Dr Enemuo said: “It is saddening that traditional rulers, who are supposed to educate

the youths, are now inciting them to attack a Federal institution. In one of our meetings, we told them that we did not have the powers to negotiate with them on a land that was legitimately acquired by the Federal Government.

“Compensations were paid but they still threatened that since we could not negotiate with them, they were going to send their youths to negotiate with us. I think the recent invasion and destruction of the university property was a fulfilment of that threat.

“There is no way the university can be paying salaries to traditional rulers. There is nowhere in the world where universities pay salaries to traditional rulers. We are not going to do that. Where do they expect the school to get that kind of money?”

The pro-chancellor, who expressed shock over the damage and looting perpetrated by the youths, urged the Federal Government to protect the lives of the university’s workers and forestall further destruction of the

•Obi (right) receiving a plaque from Prof.

Anya at the event...at the weekend.

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Obi, Ihejirika, others honoured in Lagos

ORMER Anambra State Governor Peter Obi; ex-Chief of Army Staff, Gen. General Azubuike Ihejirika, former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dele Ezeoba, former Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji were at the weekend honoured in Lagos.

Also honoured were former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Reginald Chike Stanley; former Chief Executive of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Chima Ibeneche; former Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, Reginald Ihejiahi and former Chief Executive Officer of Price Waterhouse Coopers, Ron Igbokwe.

They were hosted by their fellow Igbo kinsmen from various parts of the country.

The venue was the prestigious Orien-

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tal Hotel and the occasion was for reflecting on the contributions of the Igbo sons and daughter to the service of their fatherland and humanity.

The chairman of the occasion and the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, called for a return to regionalism based on the present six geo-political divisions of the country.

He urged Igbo in positions of authority to serve the people and the country well, like those being honoured.

The guest lecturer, Rev. Godfrey Nzamujo, the brain behind Songhai Farms in Benin Republic, reminded the Igbo that part of Nigeria’s problems was the bastardisation of the values in public service.

He congratulated those being honoured for making the Igbo nation proud.

Using Obi as an example, Nzamujo said he had interacted with the former gover-

nor on several occasions when he held court in Anambra.

The chief host and President-General of Ndigbo Lagos, Prof. Anya O Anya said the honour was to acknowledge those who had proved their mettle in serving others.

He said: “Former Governor Peter Obi, for example, not only brought the discipline and prudence of corporate governance into public service but through the simplicity of his lifestyle removed the pernicious ogre of domineering arrogance, which others in such positions had been identified with over these three years.”

Obi, who spoke on behalf of other recipients, urged Igbo to show interest in the progress of the race.

The royal father of day was Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe (Agbogigi), the Obi of Onitsha.

Two suspected kidnappers killed in Aba

WO suspected members of a kidnap gang, Chukwu Orji and Udechukwu Kwuoka, have been killed.

A member of the gang reportedly escaped with bullet wounds.

It was learnt that the two suspects died on their way to the Abia State Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH).

They were said to have sustained gunshot wounds during a shootout with members of the Aba Area Command Police Anti-Robbery Team near Aro Ngwa Junction on the Port Harcourt-Enugu Expressway.

A short double barrelled gun, six live cartridges and an unmarked Volkswagen Passat saloon car were among the items reportedly recovered from the suspects.

It was learnt that the gang members were on their way to Nkporo, in Bende Local Government Area, when the Anti-Robbery Unit began to trail them.

They allegedly shot a woman, identified as Mrs. Ifeoma Ubah of 66 Mbaise Road, Aba,

•Police alert to fleeing suspect From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

in the leg in a foiled kidnapping attempt.

A policeman, who spoke in confidence, said: "On May 4, the gang attempted to kidnap Mrs. Ifeoma Ubah at 66 Mbaise Road, but it was foiled by the police Anti-Robbery team. Since that day, we have been trailing them after a manhunt was placed on the

gang.

"On May 7, while they were going for another operation from Aba to Nkporo in a saloon car without a registration number, we trailed them to Aro Ngwa Junction. On sighting the police, they opened fire and three of them were hit by bullets. But one escaped into the bush with bullet wounds.

"Two members of the gang died on the way to ABSUTH for medical treatment. But we were able to recover the car, a double barrel gun and six live cartridges from them."

Police spokesman Geoffrey Ogbonna said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing member of the gang.

He urged the public, chemists and doctors to watch out and report to the police any patient with bullet wounds seeking treatment.

Jonathan to inaugurate 324 housing units in Enugu

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will, on May 23, inaugurate the 324-unit Elim Housing Estate in Enugu.

The Minister of Housing, Lands and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi, conveyed the President's message at the weekend during her inspection tour of the estate.

The Managing Director of NBP Projects Limited, the developers of the estate, Rev. Ugochukwu Chime, said the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria funded the estate.

Chime said the estate was designed to meet the needs of the middle and low income earners.

He also said the homes in the estate ranges from one-bedroom and two-bedroom terrace flats to threebedroom fully detached bungalows.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

According to him, each of the units costs between N3.5 million and N10 million.

The NBP chief said the prices of the house were set by the FMBN, adding that the bank had provided for easy purchase of the units with minimal initial deposits that were as low as 10 per cent.

Chime said: "Besides, there is a stable mortgage loan repayment rate of six per cent per annum (on the balance) for an extended period of up to 30 years subject to the applicant's age."

Eyakenyi said the successful completion of the estate was a major project under the current administration's drive to provide affordable housing for Nigerians.

university’s property.

He said: “We need adequate protection against these invaders because no one knows their next line of action. This is because they are enjoying the support of their traditional rulers; they can go any length to carry out their threat.

“I am calling on the Federal Government to come to our aid.”

But one of the traditional rulers in the area, Eze James Muruako, denied the allegation.

He said the communities were legitimately demanding their rights, which include employment of the youths.

Abia unhappy with Imo over ‘returned’ civil servants From Uochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

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HE Abia State Government has accused its Imo State counterpart of not absorbing its sacked indigenes from Abia into its civil service.

Abia State blamed Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha for alleged insensitivity to the plight of Imo indigenes in the neighbouring state.

Charles Ajunwa, the Chief Press Secretary to Abia State Governor Theodore Orji addressed reporters at the weekend in Umuahia, the state capital, on the civil service controversy.

The governor’s spokesman urged Okorocha to check his records, adding that Abia State had re-absorbed 2,133 indigenes who were disengaged from the Imo State civil service.

According to him, Okorocha’s apology on May Day to Imo State civil servants sacked in Abia State was unpalatable.

Ajunwa said majority of the disengaged workers had been re-absorbed into Abia State civil service.

The governor’s spokesman noted that it was wrong for the Imo State governor to have used the May Day to castigate his Abia State counterpart over the matter.

He said Orji deserved “an unreserved apology from the Imo State governor” because Okorocha’s statement was “unfair”.

Ajunwa said: “The Abia State Government was able to quickly reabsorb them without fuss and Governor Orji wrote to his colleagues in the Southeast before the decision to disengage nonAbia workers in their employ, wherein he explained the reason for his action.”

The governor’s spokesman said Orji informed his fellow governors in the zone in writing on his decision and the reasons for the action.

Ajunwa said some of the governors did not take a similar step before sending home Abia civil servants in their states.

He urged Okorocha to reabsorb indigenes of his state who had not been taken back by the Abia State Government.

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NEWS

Security agencies probe ‘involvement’ of Malians Continued from page 4

that we have a constitutional right to gather and protest in a peaceful and orderly manner.”

The group went ahead with the sit out.

A former World Bank President, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, justified the defiance. She said: “Over 50 policemen took over the Unity Fountain venue and tried to forcibly prevent us from having our sit-out for our Chibok

girls. We held it.

“We promised the Chibok community that we shall stand with them all the way. We are resolved. Federal Government is in our prayers to bring back our girls.

“In a democracy where Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees us right-peaceful gathering; the Federal Government uses the police to intimidate us? No way.”

Investors warn against ‘hasty’ sale of Mainstreet Bank Continued from page 4

•Indian beachgoers pass a sand sculpture, calling for the release of kidnapped school girls in Nigeria, which has been created by sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik on the beach in Puri, some 65 kms from Bhubaneswar…on Saturday.

PHOTO: AFP

How to end Boko Haram insurgency, by APC Continued from page 4

sect, the government had often boasted that it was on top of the situation, stressing that, when Nigerians became weary of the empty boast, the Federal Government shifted the blame on to the opposition, particularly the APC. Akade said that the blame game had not ended the insurgency, recalling that more lives have been lost this year, owing to the government’s inaction.

He stressed: “Amid all these, valuable time was lost to deal with the insurgency. And now, we have reached a sorry pass.

The government has lost the initiative to the terrorist.”Hailing the military for risking their lives to battle the insurgency, the former Osun State governor said the APC did not share the pessimism that soldiers lack the ability and capability to deal with the situation.

He said the military could surmount the challenge, if they are given the wherewithal.

Akande added: Our optimism stems from empirical facts. The Nigerian military has excelled in peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions around the world since our independence in 1960 to such an extent that Nigeria has become one of the top troops contributing nations around the world.

“However, stories emerging from the front in the battle with Boko Haram have been saddening: low morale among our troops, obsolete equipment, including guns that fail to fire and armoured personnel carriers that won’t move, given to our troops, and cases of deserters.

“When Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno called the attention of the nation to the fact that the insurgents’ morale was higher than that of our troops and that they were better armed than the soldiers we are sending to battle, he was roundly pilloried and shouted down.”

Akande renewed the APC’s call on the National Assembly to institute a probe into how the huge allocations for security had been spent.

He said after series of finger pointing and name calling, the reality of the grave danger looming on the country dawned on the President who acknowledged the abduction only 19 days after, when the opportunity to pursue the abductors and rescue the girls had been lost.

Akande recalled that President Jonathan was forced to acknowledge the abduction, ahead of the World Economic Forum on Africa hosted by Nigeria, because the attention of the international community shifted to the country because of the terrorist attacks.

He also alluded to the President’s wife, Mrs. Patience’s summoning and humiliation of government officials as if they were behind the abductions.

Akande chided the PDP Women Leader, Mrs. Kema Chikwe, for doubting the abduction and insisting that the names and pictures of the victims should be published without sparing a thought for the stigma that may assail the girls when they return home.

He, however, praised the offer of assistance by the international community, including Britain, Canada, China, France, United States, the Economic Community of West African States and the United Nations, pointing out that their proposed intervention had confirmed the belief that terrorism is a global battle.

However, he maintained that the security and safety of Nigerian citizens are the primary responsibilities of President Jonathan, adding that the Commander-in-Chief must not abdicate this duty simply because foreign powers have offered to assist Nigeria.

Akande urged vigilance and speed, saying that the decisions and actions taken in the next few weeks and months may determine whether Nigeria will overcome violent terrorism or sink deeper into lawlessness and disorder.

He said: “The challenge we face is much bigger than the pursuit of office or individual ambition.

Even without the Boko Haram crisis, the nation ran itself as if on auto-pilot. The Jonathan Administration did little and depended on the ingenuity of the Nigerian people to fend for themselves and cover up governmental shortcoming.

“However, a crisis has come which no amount of private ingenuity can resolve. Only government can answer this call. The time has come for strategy and action. The time has come, but government has been found sorely wanting. Just as they have left the girls in the forest and at the mercy of armed terrorists without mercy, this government has left the nation in the cold.

“We must acknowledge that the nation has been brought low.

We now suffer more violence and destruction than many places that are formally at war. For too many, Nigeria has become not a place to live but a place to die. We must change this evil equation. At moments like these, Nigeria needs a leadership that is bold, coherent, sincere and focused. Unfortunately, that is not the case right now for our dear nation.”

In Akande’s view, only a nonpartisan approach can resolve the crisis. He urged that President to stop buck passing. He said: “Having imposed a state of emergen-

cy on Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, he has assumed full responsibility for the security of those states and it is disingenuous of him to point accusing fingers at the governors of those states, who cannot even move around their states freely without clearance” Noting that the Federal Government’s response has reached a strategic stalemate, Akande called for a multifaceted strategy to combat the crisis.

He urged the government to develop a counter-terrorism strategy. His words: “Presently, there is poor coordination between and integration of military means and political and economic objectives. There is currently no publicly known counter-terrorism strategy guiding the response to BH, and the impact of this can be seen in at least three ways: first is the chaos and confusion surrounding the government’s intention to explore a negotiated settlement by dialoguing with BH. “One minute the government favours and seeks to dialogue and grant amnesty to Boko Haram; the next minute government rules it out. There are mixed signals from the government.

Second is the lack of use and coordination of military, political and economic means, yet successful counter-insurgency requires close coordination of military, political and economic means and objectives.”

Akande also asked the government to buuild a new intelligence gathering infrastructure. He said: “In 2012, Nigeria announced plans for a new intelligence fusion centre to coordinate, improve and integrate intelligence gathering and sharing across agencies. We need to obtain more timely and actionable intelligence from local sources in the areas affected by Boko Haram. We would also establish an office of the Special Anti-Terrorism Coordinator.

On the need to improved intelligence, he said: “The solution to preventing, limiting and responding better to BH attacks does not lie in deploying more troops but in improving intelligence and increasing force enablers. The fight against BH will be enhanced if government focuses on these two elements.”

To the APC Chairman, an improved contingency planning can also be helpful. Major militaries around the world have plans for the major challenges they are likely to face, he said.

Akande also suggested an alignment of military and political solutions, pointing out that Boko Haram is unlikely to be defeated militarily.

He added: “Most insurgencies are ended through some form of negotiation. Government must

develop a strategy along the lines of the policy followed by President Yar’Adua (over the MEND insurgency in the Niger Delta) at least to the extent that we use employment and other rehabilitative incentives to separate the rank and file from Boko Haram’s leadership.”

On the de-radicalisation strategy, he said: “The Northern region is in urgent need of a counter-radicalisation programme to prevent many more young people (illiterate and unemployed) from being radicalised. Such strategies would require initiatives to counter violent extremist ideology and create positive incentives against radicalisation (beyond the current focus on punitive measures – arrest, detention and killing), give voice and representation to young people in the region.”

The APC Chairman called for the regionalisation of the ECOWAS and AU response to ensure multinational security operations across the Sahel to track and hunt down Boko Haram insurgents.

He said the government should always reform the way information is released and managed on Boko Haram.

On the “Economic Development Plan for Northern Nigeria”, Akande said: “The proposed recovery fund for the Northeast is grossly inadequate window dressing. A real and massive effort is needed. Clearly, more financial resources are needed.

“Economic revival goes beyond providing substantial funds. It has to be guided by clear objectives, roles of public and private sectors and civil society groups, and must include social (education, health, religion, culture and traditional institutions), environmental, and political aspects, in addition to economic issues.”

sets, to which every Nigerian has a claim, they insist that all the processes leading to their sale, or privatisation at any material time must be done in such a manner that no one is seen to be excluded, either by way of withholding information, or restricting access to the process by not allowing sufficient time for qualified people to participate therein.

The groups and stakeholders, said it would amount to disservice and criminal acquiescence for AMCON to ignore the concerns of Nigerians by going ahead with the process of selling Mainstreet Bank Limited or any of the other two when they are eventually brought to the market without incorporating the interest of other potential buyers (even if a single buyer) by ignoring the call for elongation of the time allotted to submit EOI and proceed with the divestment as contained in the AMCON’s advertisement.

They drew AMCON’s attention to the mood of the nation, regarding the kidnapping of “our daughters” by Boko Haram, stressing that no feeling of any one Nigerian should be further dampened by actions of those entrusted, not only to protect, but defend their interests.

Taking cognisance of the transition in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the groups said much confidence would be derived if AMCON were to tarry a while and give the CBN Governor-designate, Godwin Emefiele, and his team the benefit of introspection, rather than rush the process as though any harm will be done if the divestment is not accomplished today

and foist upon the new CBN Governor a fait accompli.

They recalled the lingering and unresolved labour issues that have trailed the acquisition of some of the sold or acquired banks, stating that none of the bridged banks being prepared for privatisation at this time should be made to suffer the same fate.

They said labour matters are intractable and should be properly addressed to avoid any backlash.

In its advertisement calling for Expression Of Interest (EOI), AMCON said interested buyers should provide information in respect of the vehicle or entity they intend to use in the acquisition, among others, with evidence of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, ownership of the acquiring entity, identifying all shareholders with five per cent , or more stake, and strategic rationale for the acquisition of Mainstreet Bank.

In addition, interested firms are expected to provide relevant financial services industry where they have acquired cognate experience and demonstrable evidence of ability to manage a bank of the stature of Mainstreet, as well as evidence of financial capacity.

In the case of a consortium, AMCON required that the parties must provide evidence of alliance or partnership, clearly indicating the leader of the group that is authorised to submit the EOI, adding that full names of contact persons, email addresses as well as any relevant information that demonstrates credibility and eligibility for the transaction are required.

Presidency: it’s blackmail Continued from page 4 butions to just making these recommendations, he would have sounded like a statesman.

“But let him be informed that even those recommendations that he has made are things that are already in place. These are steps that had already been taken by this administration. So there is nothing original in his recommendations that is unknown to the administration.

“But he went beyond making

recommendations to begin to engage in politics. We will like to advise people like him that where national interest is involved, we should come together and work hand-in-hand with the government.

“This is not the occasion for politicking, campaigning about 2015 and trying to run down the country.

“In fact, it is people like him who run down their country that are creating problems for the country.

More foreign experts join search for abducted girls Continued from page 4

found and brought back to all of us alive and well.’’

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has intensified collaboration with the Federal Government to combat cross border terrorist activities carried out by Boko Haram, ECOWAS Communication Director Sonny Ugoh said yesterday.

Ugoh says the regional bloc is also working with other neighboring regional organisations including the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) to improve security in their member states, following the girls’ abduction.

“There is a collective sense that ECOWAS is willing and determined to support the Nigerian government to address this men-

ace, because what affects one member state affects the others; that is the spirit of the ECOWAS Integration project. There is a sense of solidarity [and] the value for the support of each other,” said Ugoh.

His comments follow a U.N. Security Council demand for an unconditional release of the girls abducted by Boko Haram militants.

The chairman of the ECOWAS commission, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, issued a solidarity statement to President Goodluck Jonathan to assure him of the regional bloc’s support to combat the Boko Haram militants.

“There is recognition, both locally and internationally, that this is an unacceptable behavior. And in response to that the interna-

tional community has risen to support the ECOWAS position,” said Ugoh. “ECOWAS is ready and willing to work with the Nigerian government to see how this [violence] can be addressed, and use the opportunity to also make a point about the need for us to now increase collaboration within West Africa.”

“Some of the terrorism issues that we have to deal with have to do with the situation in the Sahel. So there is a larger issue of the Sahel impact on [us],” said Ugoh. “We are actively working to have a holistic response to these and then working beyond West Africa with our neighbors to see how we can collaborate in responding to the dynamics and the specifics of this in terms of the various manifestation of terrorism in West Africa.”

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NEWS Only53 local govts have emergency management institutions, says NEMA •Agency decries grassroots’ low capabilities in disaster management

From left: Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Fulvius Rusticus; German Ambassador, Mrs Dorothee Janetzkewenzel; Baby Arrion, wife of the head of EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, and the Head, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Micheal Arrion, at a reception to mark EU Day in Abuja.

PHOTO: NAN

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•Brand Building Director Foods, Unilever Nig. Plc, Mrs. Nsima Ogedi-Alakwe (second right), cutting the tape to inaugurate the renovated Home Economic Laboratory donated by Unilever to Pacelli School of the Blind, Surulere, Lagos...at the weekend.

With her are Corporate Relations Manager, Mr. Yemi Adeboye (right), others from left; Matron of the school and Principal, PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE Sister Jane Onyeneri, pupils and others

•Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson (middle) presenting a cheque of N30 million revolving loan to President, Ijaw Women Leadership Forum, Southwest, Mrs Pat Ngene on behalf of Niger Deltans in Lagos at Ajegunle Apapa Lagos...yesterday. With them is Co-ordinator, Ijaw Monitoring Group, Mr Joseph Evah

285,574 permanent voter cards not collected

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HE Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) at the weekend said no fewer than 285,574 permanent voter cards were yet to be collected by owners.

State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Alhaji Halilu Pai told reporters in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, that only 347,741 of the cards had so far been collected, since the commission began issuing permanent voter cards.

The REC said, if all eligible voters collected their cards, ahead of the June 21 poll, 634,315 voters would be ex-

pected to cast their ballots for their prefered candidates.

Pai said it was not in the interest of the commission or any of the governorship candidates to learn that qualified voters get themselves disenfranchised by being unable to vote through their own mistakes.

According to him, it is worrisome for residents across the state to show such apathy towards an election, which is their civic responsibility.

He clarified that voter cards are the only weapon through which individuals could choose candidates of

their choice on the day of the poll.

He therefore urged residents who are yet to collect their cards to rush to the headquarters of their respective local governments to collect them since there was no time limit for it.

The REC however, reminded the electorate not to forget to bring along their temporary voter cards while coming to collect the permanent ones, adding that no voter without the permanent voter card would be allowed to vote during the election.

NLY 53 of the 774 lo cal governments have some semblance of emergency management institutions, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said. This is grossly inadequate, the agency added.

Its Director General Muhammad Sani-Sidi, who highlighted low institutional capabilities in data generation; risk analysis, early warning services and gross inadequate funds as hindrances to effective and efficient disaster management at the states and local governments, noted that Nigeria was yet to meet the required number of fire stations per community.

Sidi spoke at the International Symposium of Integrated Disaster Risk Governance held in Beijing, China.

He said poor implementation of existing disaster action plans and mitigation strategies as well as weak enforcement of the land use planning posed challenges.

Sidi said fire service stations in the country were far below the recommended numbers per community, noting that inadequate equipment for critical stakeholders posed another challenge.

According to him, Nigeria, through NEMA has been working in all priority areas, most especially institutional framework for DRR; risk assessment, monitoring and early warning; disaster edu-

By Precious Igbonwelundu

cation and capacity building, among others.

Sidi advocated private sector participation in disaster risk reduction, adding that conflict prevention and management should be included amongst the key priorities of Framework Two with consideration of the peculiarities of Africa and other developing nations noted.

To Sidi, Framework Two should be made a global convention rather than guidelines and principles for ratification by all nations, adding that international assistance should be based on the ratification.

Co-organised by United Nation International Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) and Peoples’ Republic of China, the symposium was convened to bring together informed government officials and scientists to share their achievements and experience, to identify challenges and bottlenecks in the implementation of the current Hyogo Framework for Action. The symposium was also to provide recommendations and inputs for the formulation of the Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

In Africa, Nigeria is one of the foremost countries with high level of commitment to the implementation of the HFA.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

60

FOREIGN NEWS Wanted warlord killed in Congo

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DRC militia boss who had been hiding in neighbouring CongoBrazzaville since being sentenced to death three years ago has been killed, police said yesterday.

Udjani Mangbama was among 11 people killed on Saturday in an area near Owando, 500km north of Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo, top police official Jules Monkala said in a statement.

He said the fighting left “three dead and four wounded in police ranks, as well as eight dead among the attackers, including Udjani Mangbama”.

The ex-rebel leader and his men had failed to comply with a police check and attacked security personnel with clubs and machetes, killing three, he said.

The government spokesperson in the Democratic Repub-

lic of Congo, whose capital Kinshasa sits across the Congo river from Brazzaville, had said late on Saturday it was thought Udjani Mangbama could be among the dead.

Kinshasa had issued a statement saying the authorities “were surprised and concerned to find out that Udjani was roaming freely” in the Republic of Congo.

Udjani, thought to be in his late twenties, and his father Ibrahim were sentenced to death in absentia in 2011 by a military tribunal in Kinshasa for leading an insurgency responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Udjani led an armed movement that erupted in 2009 in DRC’s northwestern Equateur province when the Enyele tribe took up arms against the rival Mayanza over access to fishing ponds.

South Africa: Zuma dedicates win to Mandela

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OUTH AFRICAN President Jacob Zuma has dedicated his electoral victory to the late Nelson Mandela. Meanwhile, workers at the country’s platinum mines are heading back to work after a 15-week strike.

Using Mandela’s clan name as a sign of respect, Zuma said: “We dedicate our victory to Madiba’s memory.”

Zuma was speaking on Saturday for the first time following the ANC’s 62.15 percent election win in Wednesday’s vote. He promised to push through business-friendly reforms and pursue economic growth.

“This mandate gives us the green light to implement the National Development Plan and to promote inclusive economic growth and job creation,” Zuma said in his acceptance speech, referring to a pro-business platform adopted by the ANC in 2012.

Zuma’s party, the African National Congress (ANC) won 249 of the 400 seats in parliament, the electoral commission said in its official tally. Its main rival, the Democratic Alliance, won 89 seats while the ultra-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) took 25 seats.

Egypt’s Sisi chooses stability over freedoms

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RESIDENTIAL frontrunner Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who ousted elected leader Mohammed Morsi, has prioritised stability over freedoms, insisting it will take up to 25 years for Egypt to achieve “true democracy”.

Three years after millions of protesters demanding “bread, freedom and social justice” ousted strongman Hosni Mubarak’s regime, Sisi warned such aspirations were hindering national security and slowing a muchneeded economic recovery.

“You write in the newspaper, ‘No voice is louder than freedom of speech!’ What is this?”

Sisi asked a group of Egyptian journalists at a round-table meeting in Cairo this week.

“What tourist would come to a country where we have demonstrations like this? Are you forgetting that there are millions of people and families who can’t earn their living because of the protests. It is one of the manifestations of instabili-

•As AU reconsiders suspension ty.”

Since 2011, Egypt has seen two presidents ousted after mass street protests, a deadly crackdown on protesters that has killed scores, and a spate of militant attacks that has left the country deeply polarised and its economy in shambles.

The situation was further aggravated when the interim authorities installed by Sisi passed a law that bans all but policesanctioned protests.

Several top campaigners of the 2011 anti-Mubarak uprising have been jailed for breaking the protest law, while a brutal government crackdown against supporters of Morsi has killed more than 1 400 people since his ouster in July last year.

While there has been international outrage over the crackdown that has also seen hundreds of Morsi supporters sentenced to death after speedy trials, Egyptian media has largely

backed the authorities.

“The number of television channels that are shut down, the number of journalists who are in detention, the number of political prisoners who are in jails... all this is unprecedented,” said Osama Diab, analyst with Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights.

Sisi was attempting a “tradeoff between freedoms and stability which we have been living for the past 30, 40 or even 50 years”.

During the round-table as well as in a separate television interview aired on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sisi repeatedly spoke of stability and showed unflinching determination to fight the Muslim Brotherhood to which Morsi, Egypt’s first freely elected president, belongs.

Sisi said that given the situation in Egypt, which cannot be compared to Western democra-

•Sisi

cies, it could take “20 to 25 years to achieve true democracy” in the Arab world’s most populous country.

Egyptian Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab said Thursday that the next African summit in June will address the issue of the resumption of Egypt’s activities within the African Union after their suspension a year ago.

Mahlab, who is currently on a visit to Equatorial Guinea, underscored painstaking efforts exerted by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry on that score, stressing the importance of Egypt’s return to its African fold, given that it was one of the key founders of the Organisation of African Unity, which has now become the African Union.

China to finance rail line connecting East African cities

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HINA agreed to help fund the construction of a railway line linking the Kenyan port city of Mombasa to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan.

China Exim Bank will provide 90 percent of the $3.8 billion cost of the project and Kenya will finance the remainder, according to an e-mailed statement from the office of the East African nation’s president. The first part of the line will be a 609-kilometre (378 mile) railway joining Mombasa with the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

The planned railway line will be Kenya’s largest post-colonial project and should “eventually unify all of East Africa,” President Uhuru Kenyatta said in Nairobi. Kenya, East Africa’s biggest economy, has a singletrack railway line built by colo-

nial power Britain shortly after the turn of the 19th century.

“This is indeed a major undertaking that will boost the connectivity and integration of the East African sub region,” Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said. China Communications Construction Co. (1800) will be the lead contractor of the project.

Construction of the first part of the line will start in October and take 42 months to complete, Kenya’s presidency said .

Kenya’s government will allocate 49 billion shillings ($560 million) for the project, while additional money will be spent to acquire land and build an inland container depot in Nairobi, Treasury Secretary Henry Rotich said in January.

He said at the time the cost of the project would be 448 billion shillings.

Brazil confirms atypical mad cow disease

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RAZIL has confirmed a second case of atypical mad cow disease, a year after several countries banned Brazilian beef imports when a similar case of the disease was confirmed.

The agriculture ministry said late on Friday that a lab in Weybridge, England approved by the World Animal Health Organization confirmed it was a spontaneous case of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease, with no link to contaminated feed.

The 12-year-old cow found dead in March in a slaughterhouse in Mato Grosso state was born and never left the same farm where cattle are fed by pasture grazing and mineral salts, and not feed, according to a ministry statement.

Classical cases of mad cow are caused when cattle are fed brain or spinal tissue of other ruminants, which is now forbidden in nearly all beef producing countries, including Brazil. In atypical cases, the animal contracted the protein spontaneously, rather than through the feed supply. The ministry said the diseased animal was incinerated and none of its parts entered the feed chain.

In late 2012 tests showed that a cow that died two years earlier in Parana state had developed the protein that causes mad cow disease, though the animal never developed the disease and died of natural causes.

The World Animal Health Organization maintained Brazil’s status as a country with an insignificant risk of BSE after it confirmed the atypical Parana case in tests carried out in England in 2012.

Even so, several countries including South Korea, China and Egypt banned some or all beef imports from Brazil, the world’s top exporter.

•People queue up to vote on the future of Donetsk and Luhansk regions...yesterday.

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PHOTO: AFP

Eastern Ukraine votes on referendum

SEVERE shortage of polling booths, ballot papers being printed off unsupervised, and confusion over what people are actually being asked to vote on, are reported to have beset the hastily-organised poll in Donetsk and Luhansk provinces, held in defiance of Moscow by pro-Russian militants.

More than three million ballot papers have been distributed across the regions, with organisers claiming to have spent just £980 on the entire ballot.

While voting has so far has been largely peaceful, in Mariupol - the scene of fierce fighting in recent days - there were just eight polling stations for half a million people.

It has led to lengthy queues, and at one centre, ballot boxes were put out on the pavement.

The vote has been declared illegal by both Kiev and the international community and marks a serious deepening of the political crisis in Ukraine.

Acting chief of the Ukrainian presidential administration Sergiy Pashinski said: “The turnout throughout the whole region amounts to zero as far as formalities are concerned.

“I would like to underline one more time it’s not a refer-

endum. It is a desultory attempt by terrorists, bandits and killers to cover their activity by having citizens vote in Luhansk and Donetsk.”

Although a ‘yes’ vote would likely only be recognised by Russia, it would greatly undermine a presidential election that Ukraine is to hold in two weeks, which the US and Europe see as crucial to restoring stability.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “It is regrettable that separatists who are causing so

much disruption to the lives of ordinary citizens are going ahead with their illegitimate, so-called referendum today.

“All Ukrainians will have a proper opportunity to express their democratic choice in the forthcoming presidential elections on May 25.

“The focus must be on ensuring that free and fair elections can go ahead in a calm and stable environment.”

It came as France and Germany called on Russia to prove it had withdrawn its forces

from the Ukrainian border.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande issued a joint statement saying there needed to be a “visible” reduction in troops close to the crisis-hit country.

The vote comes amid intensifying violence on the ground in east Ukraine.

Troops have been battling the well-armed rebels, who have barricaded themselves in towns and cities in Donetsk and Luhansk.

UN imposes sanctions on CAR ex-president Bozize

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HE UN Security Council ordered sanctions on Friday against three Central African Republic leaders, including former president Francois Bozize.

The leader of the anti-Balaka militia Levy Yakete and the Seleka militia’s number two Nourredine Adam were also targeted.

These targeted sanctions - an asset freeze and a travel ban were anticipated in a 28 January UN resolution proposed

by France and the United States.

The decision taken by the Se-

curity Council’s Sanctions Committee was delayed for several weeks by Russia and China, who requested time to examine the case before finally giving the green light, diplomats said.

After the mainly Muslim Seleka rebels were ousted from power in January, Samba Panza was chosen to head a transition government until elections could be held.

But a cycle of revenge attacks between the Muslim ex-rebels and vigilante groups from the Christian majority have led to unabated killings and loot-

•Bozize

ings, and caused a major humanitarian crisis.

The Sanctions Committee accused the three men of “engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR.”

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

61

FOREIGN MUSINGS

South Africa: Zuma ‘s second coming Global Focus and Syria’s rebels finally blinked DAYO FAKUADE, Foreign Editor

I

T is South Africa’s first post Nelson Mandela’s general elections and expectedly the African National Congress won. What is unexpected is the gains made by some opposition parties which chipped significant votes and seats in parliament from the ruling ANC. With 11.4 million votes out of a total of 18.4 million it clinched the victory with 62.1 percent having 249 seats out of the 400-seat parliament. Those born after the end of apartheid in 1994 were able to cast their ballots for the first time, although only a third of those entitled to do so registered to vote. It also marks the 20th anniversary of the end of apartheid and enthronement of democratic rule in the nation of about 50 million people.

The ANC victory would return controversial and flamboyant President Jacob Zuma for a second five-year term, though he had earlier pledged to serve only one term, after reflecting on the bitter succession struggle he had with former _President Thambo Mbeki in 2009. He recently believed a second term will enable the ANC finish with its reform efforts which had been widely criticized as not addressing the country’s inequality problems adequately. He was dogged by allegations of corruption in the build-up to the election after an independent inquiry found he had “unduly benefited” from an expensive government-funded upgrade to his Nkandla private residence. On campaign trail, he denied all allegations of financial impropriety claiming that he needed the upgrade because one of his then four wives was raped in the residence ten years ago before becoming president. He ironically was to be charged with rape although found not guilty and was acquitted by the court. The verdict on the ANC’s handling of the economy is not too good as reforms are slow to accomplish. The recent World Bank declaration of Nigeria surpassing South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product of $196 billion might not tell the whole story about both countries’ economic fundamentals as Nigeria’s wealth is generally known to be less impactful on the generality of the citizens, rampant corruption, bad governance and lack of infrastructural development and South Africa is still a member of

BRICS-the five-nation listed as the fastest growing economies in the world nevertheless.

President Zuma, who has rightly dedicated his re-election to late President Nelson Mandela has a task ahead in his second term as to reduce inequality among South Africans and deliver more quickly on promised basic social services which will make life more meaningful for the average citizen. That is the best legacy he can bequeath to the man Mandela. We wish him well in this gargantuan task.

In Syria, the evacuation of another set of rebels, about 2,000 of them following their capitulation to government forces last week is a scenario that is not unexpected. The same exercise was carried out last January involving about 1,200 war –wearied and disgruntled rebels.

In the words of one of the rebels who tearfully told nesmen that “The world failed us” and that his heart will always remain in Homs. That dictator Bashar al-Assad is left to the massacre of his own people, even with alleged use of chemical weapons, is a result of lack of collective and decisive action from the superpowers, which refused to arm the rebels at critical stages of the war. The rebels themselves did not help matters by their lack of a cohesive and unified front to fight a common enemy; rather a myriad of groups with dif-

‘

President Zuma, who has rightly dedicated his re-election to late President Nelson Mandela has a task ahead in his second term as to reduce inequality among South Africans and deliver more quickly on promised basic social services which will make life more meaningful for the average citizen. That is the best legacy he can bequeath to the man Mandela. We wish him well in this gargantuan task

’

FOREIGN NEWS

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Italy's Berlusconi begins year of community service

ORMER Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi carried out his first four-hour community service stint Friday, observing work on an Alzheimer’s ward as part of a tax fraud sentence.

The three-time former premier made no comment as he came and went from the sprawling Sacra Famiglia centre for the elderly and infirm, under the gaze of dozens of jour-

F

nalists kept behind barricades.

But he later told regional Lombard TV that many of the patients he saw were “in a very, very difficult situation, difficult to endure.” One woman, he said, kissed him, while a group of men who were able to walk about turned off the TV and came over to chat.

“Of course, these were the less serious cases,” Berlusconi said.

While he was heckled on ar-

rival by a lone protester who said he should instead be at a nearby prison, a supporter waved down his car as he left the premises and Berlusconi had the car stopped to thank her.

Berlusconi, 77, was ordered to perform four hours of community service a week after his four-year sentence was reduced to one by a general amnesty.

Chelsea Clinton bags Oxford Doctorate

ORMER US President Bill Clinton has said he “couldn’t be prouder” of his daughter after Chelsea was awarded a doctorate from Oxford University.

Chelsea Clinton was accompanied at the ceremony by her father, her mother, Hillary, and her husband Marc Mezvinsky.

Wearing her graduation robes, the 34-yearold received her doctorate degree in international relations.

Chelsea is reaching a number of milestones this year.

She and her husband are expecting their first child in the fall. And she has taken a more public role at her family’s Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation, where she serves as vice chairwoman..

Bill Clinton father was a Rhodes scholar at Oxford from 1968 to 1970.

On Saturday he wrote on Twitter: “Couldn’t be prouder of @ChelseaClinton today. Congrats on your doctorate.”

He also posted a photograph of the four of them together.

•From Left: Marc Mezvinsky, Hillary, Chelsea and Bill at Oxford...at the weekend

sms 08134230367 ferent ideological posturing and goals both within and outside daborgu@gmail.com of the country, dominated the Syrian battlefields even attacking and killing each other. kind. Well, Egyptians have since been treated to Iran and Russia have propped up the AlawiteSisi’s notion of justice with the unilateral ban on led government of Assad and gradually increased the April 6 Youth Organisation which led the mass their support, providing it with an edge that has revolt against ex –president Mubarak and the helped it make the routing of the rebels possible.

Muslim Brotherhood, killing and jailing of thouThe Sunni-dominated opposition has meanwhile sands of its members and leaders in trials that enjoyed varying degrees of support from its main make mockery of Egypt’s judicial system and inbackers - Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other ternational conventions. Of course this has raised Arab states along with the US, UK and France. concern, condemnation and outcry from the outThe Assad killing machine has in the last count side world, including the Washington-based killed more than 150,000 of its citizens including Human Rights Watch. So Egyptians; especially women and children with almost 10 millions in journalists and civil society, should brace themvarious neighbouring refugee camps. The devasselves up for the worst in Sisi, when he becomes tation left behind in Homs as well as in other president. cities where the rebels earlier had strongholds Our man, former Italian, three time Premier are horrendous and will take years and huge reSilvio Berlusconi has finally checked in for his sources to fix not to talk of the irreplaceable four-hour daily, one year of community service human loss from the war.. at an elderly centre, observing work on AlzheTo add insult upon injury, the dictator is seekimer disease . The 77-year old is reportedly in ing re-election in the poll slated for this June evigood spirit. It is part of an amnesty deal which dently begging for votes from those who might reduces his conviction on tax fraud charges from have lost loved ones from his brutal and murderfour years imprisonment to one year of commuous misadventure in power. In a free and fair nity service. He also lost his senate seat but ‘’The election, such a dictator does not deserve a conTeflon’’ still wields considerable power and insideration from a people so much traumatised fluence in the ever topsy-turvy Italian political for more than three years . Assad should have life. been cooling his heels in the International CrimFlight MH 370 is yet unsighted and in a sad note inal Court for war crimes. of resignation, the families of the victims and In other news, Egypt’s strongman Abdul Fattah Malaysian Airlines and governments of China as al- Sisi, the Field Marshal who has retired to conwell as Malaysia are working on paying compentest in the country’s June’s presidential election sation as the case was with the Air France 447 and who is undoubtedly the front runner, has which disappeared in June 2009. This it is hoped been giving hints as to what Egyptians should will forestall lengthy lawsuits as responsibility expect, when he is in the saddle. Answering rewill be difficult to apportion without knowing porters’ questions last week in a round-table sesthe cause of the crash. sion in Cairo, he did not hide his scorn and conAs we say with passion, our globe is all we tempt for the rule of law and freedom, the basic have. We all owe it a duty to protect it for our ingredients of the very democratic rule he is ofcollective use. Think and act green. Plant a tree fering his service to build for his country. He stattoday in your neighbourhood and do an act of ed that it will take about 25 years for Egypt to random kindness by putting a smile on a strangattain full democracy noting that he will focus his er’s face. It makes us all better for it. See you next energies on stability rather than freedoms of any week.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

62

SPORT EXTRA Poyet coy on future after Swansea defeat

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UNDERLAND head coach Gus Poyet will hold further discussions with chairman Ellis Short over the future direction of the club.

The Stadium of Light outfit brought the curtain down on their Premier League season on Sunday with a 3-1 home defeat to Swansea City, ending the Wearsiders’ five-match unbeaten run.

But the campaign will be remembered for Poyet’s heroics in lifting Sunderland from bottom of the league at Christmas to a 14th-place finish.

Despite survival, the Uruguayan’s future at the club has come into question of late, but Poyet insisted managerchairman meetings were natural at the end of a season.

“I want to inform everyone that every single manager in the world, when he finishes the season, has a meeting with the chairman of the football club,” he stressed.

“Winning the league, going down, being in the middle, having a big name somewhere else, with contract, without contract - it’s natural.

“Every now and then when a manager says ‘I need to meet with the chairman to see where we are going’, you all start to think ‘oh, he’s leaving’, or he’s not happy, or there is a problem.

Pellegrini targets more titles

M

ANUEL Pellegrini turned his attention to

winning more titles after Manchester City was crowned Premier League

champions on Sunday.

A 2-0 victory over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium

•Captain Vincent Kompany and manager Manuel Pellegrini parade the trophy bedecked in blue ribbons again

J

•Poyet

Martinez proud of Everton campaign

J

OBERTO Martinez expressed his pride after Everton rounded off an impressive season with a 20 win at Hull City on Sunday.

Goals from James McCarthy and on-loan striker Romelu Lukaku sealed all three points at the KC Stadium to ensure the Merseyside club sealed fifth spot and took their points tally to 72.

Everton looked set to secure a UEFA Champions League spot before losing their way, but European football will return to Goodison Park next season after they sealed a Europa League berth.

Martinez was left to reflect on a positive first season at the helm following his move from Wigan Athletic.

He said: “Today was a representation of all our hard work over 10 months.

“To take 72 points and get 15 clean sheets is a remarkable achievement.

“If you look at the beautiful aspects of the two goals we scored, you can be very proud of this group of players today.

“It was the perfect way to sign off the season. I don’t think this group know how to perform in any other way.

“All season the players have been so professional and tremendous ambassadors for the standards we expect at Everton.”

on Sunday ensured City won the Premier League for the second time in three years, with Liverpool having to settle for second place.

Pellegrini’s side only needed a point to regain the title and despite West Ham manager Sam Allardyce stating his intention to spoil the party, that never looked like happening.

City dominated from start to finish and Samir Nasri opened the scoring six minutes before half-time with a fine right-foot strike.

Captain Vincent Kompany added a second goal early in the second half to ease the nerves and there was no way back for West Ham. Wily Chilean Pellegrini has won the Premier League and the League Cup in his first season in English football, but he is not finished yet.

He told Sky Sports: “Big teams cannot be satisfied with one title. It’s very important.

“Celebrate, today, tomorrow and Monday and on Tuesday start working for next season because this club and players deserve more titles. “(We have a) very special group.

“Maybe they were in a difficult moment when I arrived here, but as I just said they always believe what I tell them, the way I like to play, how we tried to be the whole year, as a winning team, thinking and playing that way.”

Mourinho plans Chelsea improvements OSE Mourinho insists Chelsea is happy with third place in the Premier

League and is confident they can challenge for the title next term.

The Stamford Bridge club finished their campaign with a 2-1 victory over relegated Cardiff City on Sunday and Mourinho immediately turned his attention to strengthening his squad for a championship charge next year.

After Craig Bellamy had put Cardiff ahead early in the first half, it took Chelsea until the 72nd minute to draw level through Andre Schurrle, and three minutes later they

secured the win thanks to Fernando Torres.

The victory sees Chelsea finish four points behind champions Manchester City, but Mourinho’s side scored 31 fewer Premier League goals an area of obvious need for improvement.

“Finishing third is not a drama, it is a position we will have to accept in a transitional season,” the Portuguese said.

“We deserved to win (against Cardiff), we played well, especially for an end-of-season game.

“We need to improve, we know that, but today with young players in creative roles we played well.

“We can improve our killer

instincts, because we need to score more goals from less chances.

“The club will not run away from the responsibility of bringing in a couple of important players to help the team immediately.”

Torres’ strike took him to five Premier League goals and although he has struggled to find the back of the net this season, Mourinho insists he expects him to be part of the club’s future.

“Yes he’s in my plans,” Mourinho said of the Spanish striker. “He’s a good player.

“He’s not the kind of guy who will score goal after goal but the way he works and moves he contributes to the

Alan Pardew might not be popular with Newcastle fans but Mike Ashley will be pleased that his manager has brought in nearly £79m.

And the £66m picked up by

Norwich, the £65m banked by Fulham and Cardiff’s £64m will give them a financial advantage in next season’s Championship.

team.

“He’s a player I like.”

Liverpool top earners over season with £99m

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IVERPOOL may have lost out in the title race but they are top of the table when it comes to earnings over the 2013-14 season.

Brendan Rodgers’ side finished two points behind Manchester City, who lifted the Premier League trophy, but their projected earnings are £1m more.

And the value of TV revenue can be seen by bottom club Cardiff, who received just £1.2m as a merit payment from the Premier League, picking up £64m when television is factored in.

Manchester United have had a hugely disappointing campaign on the pitch but their appeal to broadcasters is clear, as only the top four earned more over the season.

There was potential for teams such as Hull to earn up to £4m from the last round of matches but the positions stayed largely the same.

•Mourinho

HOW THEY STAND AND PREDICTED EARNINGS P Man City 38 Liverpool 38 Chelsea 38 Arsenal 38 Everton 38 Tottenham 38 Man Utd 38 Southampton 38 Stoke 38 Newcastle 38 C Palace 38 Swansea 38 West Ham 38 Sunderland 38 Aston Villa 38 Hull City 38 West Brom 38 Norwich 38 Fulham 38 Cardiff 38

W 27 26 25 24 21 21 19 15 13 15 13 11 11 10 10 10 7 8 9 7

D 5 6 7 7 9 6 7 11 11 4 6 9 7 8 8 7 15 9 4 9

L 6 6 6 7 8 11 12 12 14 19 19 18 20 20 20 21 16 21 25 22

F 102 101 71 68 61 55 64 54 45 43 33 54 40 41 39 20 43 28 40 32

A 37 50 27 41 39 51 43 46 52 59 48 54 51 60 61 40 59 62 85 74

GD 67 51 44 27 22 4 21 8 -7 -17 -15 0 -11 -19 -22 -20 -16 -34 -45 -42

Pts 86 84 82 79 72 69 64 56 50 49 45 42 40 38 38 37 36 33 31 30

Prize Total with TV £24m £98m £22m £99m £21m £95m £20m £93m £19.2m £86m £18m £90m £16.8m £91m £15.6m £78.5m £14.4m £77.2m £13.2m £78.8m £12m £75m £10.8m £75m £9.6m £76m £8.4m £73m £7.2m £73m £6m £69m £4.8m £67m £3.6m £66m £2.4m £65m £1.2m £64m

Adebayor: We did all we could

•Adebayor

T

OTTENHAM forward Emmanuel Adebayor has insisted the team did everything they could to achieve UEFA Champions League qualification.

The Togolese forward found himself frozen out at the beginning of the season at White Hart Lane, with former coach Andre Villas-Boas opting for Roberto Soldado instead.

Spain international Soldado struggled to find the net and never convinced as the focal point of the team’s attack and Tim Sherwood was quick to reinstate Adebayor after replacing Villas-Boas in December.

Spurs ended the season on a high as a 3-0 home win over Aston Villa on Sunday secured a sixth-place finish and Europa League football for next season, with Adebayor netting his 11th Premier League goal of the season with a first-half penalty.

Spurs’ initial target at the start of the season was to clinch a Champions League place and although they have ultimately failed, Adebayor believed the team did everything they possibly could to finish in the top four.

He told BBC Sport: “We had a good momentum this season, we have qualified for the Europa League once again and hopefully next season will be a better season.

“We did everything we could to reach the top four.”

Midfielder Paulinho echoed Adebayor’s thoughts regarding a top-four finish, but the Brazilian was more damning about their campaign, acknowledging that it has been a “difficult” season.

RESULTS England - Premier League Cardiff 1 - 2 Chelsea Fulham 2 - 2 Crystal Palace Hull 0 - 2 Everton Liverpool 2 - 1 Newcastle Man City 2 - 0 West Ham Norwich 0 - 2 Arsenal Southampton 1 - 1 Man Utd Sunderland 1 - 3 Swansea Tottenham 3 - 0 Aston Villa West Brom 1 - 2 Stoke Italy - Serie A Atalanta 2 - 1 AC Milan Bologna 1 - 2 Catania Cagliari 0 - 1 ChievoVerona Livorno 0 - 1 Fiorentina Sampdoria 2 - 5 Napoli Sassuolo 4 - 2 Genoa Torino 1 - 1 Parma Roma 0 - 1 Juventus Spain – La Liga Athletic Club 1 - 1 R/ociedad A/Madrid 1 - 1 Málaga Elche 0 - 0 Barcelona Getafe 1 - 0 Sevilla Granada 0 - 2 Almería Real Betis 4 - 3 Real Valladolid Espanyol 1 - 1 Osasuna Celta de Vigo 2 - 0 R/Madrid

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014

63

SPORT EXTRA

Atletico, Barca set for dramatic duel Onazi’s Euro dream ends as Madrid misses out in Liga race O

A

TLETICO Madrid and Barcelona will fight it out for La Liga in a dramatic duel at Camp Nou

next weekend after both sides failed to win their penultimate Primera Division matches on Sunday.

•Messi is pulled back by Elche's Javi Marquez as he tries to dribble towards goal

A goalless draw at Elche for the Blaugrana meant Atletico would have won the title with a victory at home to Malaga, but Diego Simeone’s side were held themselves to a 11 tie at home to Malaga.

The two teams therefore both remain in control of their own destiny ahead of a mouth-watering decider in the Catalan capital next Sunday.

Atletico, unbeaten in five fixtures against Barca in 201314, now need only a point at Camp Nou in the last round of La Liga in order to be crowned champions, while the Catalans must beat Simeone’s side to claim the

title via their head-to-head record.

A win for Gerardo Martino’s men would see both teams finish the season on 89 points, but Barca would prevail thanks to their superior head-to-head record in the two meetings between the sides (being as the first was a 0-0 draw and they would have won the second).

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are out of the race altogether after losing 2-0 at Celta Vigo on Sunday, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side will finish second if they beat Espanyol next weekend and Atleti defeat Barca at Camp Nou.

Pogba: Juve now wants 100 points P AUL Pogba says Juventus have set their sights on reaching the 100-point mark in Serie A this season following their 1-0 away win over Roma on Sunday.

A single Pablo Osvaldo strike in the dying seconds of the match at the Stadio Olimpico saw Juve emerge victorious and move to 99 points form 37 games and they are determined to add three more points to their tally against Cagliari next week.

“Collecting 100 points wasn’t our original aim, that was winning the Scudetto,” Pogba told reporters.

“We’re going for it now though and I think we can do it.”

Pogba then went on to admit that Roma made life hard for Juventus, but he feels the reigning champions showed they are a great team.

“We demonstrated once again that we’re a great team, because it wasn’t an easy game.

“We were up against a good side, one of the best in Italy, so we’re happy to have got the result.”

Echiejile ‘represents’ as Monaco win away

E

LDERSON Echiejile received a 76th minute caution, but that would not temper the joy of the Super Eagles defender and his Monaco teammates, as they secured a 2-1 away win over relegated Valenciennes.

Echiejile, who was making only his 4th start for the Ligue 1 side since his January move from Portugal, was in action

for the full 90 minutes.

Valere Germain broke the duck for the visitors with five minutes left in the first half, after good work by Yannick Ferreira Carrasco.

And it wasn’t until the 70th minute that the home side found a response through Malian international midfielder, Tongo Doumbia, who scored his 4th goal of the season off an assist by Frenchman Arthur Masuaku.

But the visitors, who are already assured of an automatic place in the Champions League next season, didn’t relent.

Their Moroccan connection

jelled beautifully when French born Moroccan midfielder, Mounir Obbadi, became the creator for another Moroccan international, Nabir Dirar, to fire the winner with just three minutes left to play.

•Echiejile

ITALIAN SERIE A TABLE Pos Team P 1 Juventus 37 2 Roma 37 3 Napoli 37 4 Fiorentina 37 5 Inter 37 6 Torino 37 7 Parma 37 8 Milan 37 9 Verona 37 10 Lazio 37 11 Atalanta 37 12 Sampdoria 37 13 Udinese 37 14 Genoa 37 15 Cagliari 37 16 Sassuolo 37 17 Chievo 37 18 Bologna 37 19 Catania 37 20 Livorno 37

W 32 26 22 19 15 15 14 15 16 14 15 12 12 10 9 9 9 5 7 6

D 3 7 9 7 15 11 13 9 6 11 5 8 7 11 12 7 6 14 8 7

L 2 4 6 11 7 11 10 13 15 12 17 17 18 16 16 21 22 18 22 24

GF 77 72 72 63 61 56 56 55 61 53 42 45 43 40 34 42 32 28 32 39

GA 23 24 38 42 37 46 46 48 63 54 49 59 54 50 50 70 53 57 65 75

GD 54 48 34 21 24 10 10 7 -2 -1 -7 -14 -11 -10 -16 -28 -21 -29 -33 -36

Pts 99 85 75 64 60 56 55 54 54 53 50 44 43 41 39 34 33 29 29 25

GA 25 32 37 39 51 53 43 52 42 52 78 48 46 47 71 53 56 61 59 76

GD 51 67 64 27 15 8 15 -4 -7 -3 -33 -8 -8 -18 -28 -20 -25 -31 -21 -41

Pts 89 86 84 69 60 59 56 49 48 46 43 42 42 40 39 39 38 36 36 25

SPANISH LA LIGA TABLE Pos Team P 1 A/Madrid 37 2 Barcelona 37 3 Real Madrid 37 4 Athletic Club 37 5 Sevilla 37 6 Real Sociedad 37 7 Villarreal 37 8 Celta de Vigo 37 9 Levante 37 10 Valencia 37 11 Rayo Vallecano 37 12 Espanyol 37 13 Málaga 37 14 Elche 37 15 Almería 37 16 Getafe 37 17 Granada CF 37 18 Osasuna 37 19 R/Valladolid 37 20 R/Betis 37

W 28 27 26 20 17 16 16 14 12 12 13 11 11 9 11 10 11 9 7 6

D 5 5 6 9 9 11 8 7 12 10 4 9 9 13 6 9 5 9 15 7

L 4 5 5 8 11 10 13 16 13 15 20 17 17 15 20 18 21 19 15 24

GF 76 99 101 66 66 61 58 48 35 49 45 40 38 29 43 33 31 30 38 35

GENYI Onazi’s manager at Lazio, Edy Reja said Inter’s goalkeeper was ‘Man of the Match’, and admitted Lazio’s Europa League dreams are over, following their 4-1 loss to Inter on Saturday.

“It was a good performance with many scoring opportunities, it’s just that we didn’t make the most of them”, Coach Reja told Sky Sport Italia.

“We also conceded too many, as we didn’t close off the corridors we knew that they would try to go down.

“In the second half Samir Handanovic was Man of the Match, as he made four or five decisive saves. Clearly Inter were waiting for us to come forward and then go on the counter-attack.

“Now we have abandoned these dreams of the Europa

League, but considering the circumstances we were in this season and this evening it was a tough one.

“Inter wanted to win at all costs tonight and I wanted more fight from my men.”

Onazi was in the starting line up, but was pulled off in the 68th minute and replaced by Antonio Candreva.

•Onazi

MILO AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIP

NSSF President tasks Amuneke to monitor Team Nigeria

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RESIDENT of Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Ibrahim Mohammed has invited Coach of the Golden Eaglets, Emmanuel Amuneke to take advantage of the Milo Africa U13 Championship to identify young talented school boyplayers to invite to his camp ahead of the African U-17 Championship.

Mohammed spoke from Akure where the NSSF are organising a talent hunt program for schools in Ondo State and said the Milo is a major milestone for school sports in Nigeria and the African continent.

“At the school sports federation, our major objective is to provide the opportunity for students to identify their innate talents and also to be identified for proper grooming to become future stars. This is why we have totally aligned with Nestle PLC, the sponsors of the Milo African Championship which is offering international exposure not just to the Nigerian student but also their counterpart from the rest participating countries”,

By Bowale Odukale declared Mohammed.

“I will like to seize this opportunity to invite the national coach of the U-17 team to please go and watch the team preparing in Ilorin for the tournament because it is in the schools that you will find the raw talents within the right ages”,he added St. Barnabas LGEA Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria’s representative in the 3rd edition of the Milo African Championship to hold in Lagos from May 29-31 at the Campos Square Stadium, has been training at the Kwara State Football Academy in Ilorin ahead of the tournament under coach Paul Adams Odey.

Numbers of friendly matches have been lined up for the team to improve their competitive edge and Coach Odey expressed confidence in the readiness of team Nigeria.

Three other schools from South Africa, Ghana and Kenya will be joining St. Barnabas for the third edition of the Milo African Championship

Kogi Utd blames bad pitch for TEAP loss

A

CTING Head Coach of Kogi United, Yinka Kelvin said the poor state of the pitch contributed to his club’s 0-1 loss to TEAP in the Nigeria National League Week 15 encounter in Abuja.

Kelvin, who is fondly called “Number One” gave kudos to his boys’ display after losing his first game in charge of Wada Boys as acting coach just as he declared that the club would make adjustment in some department to improve their performance in the second round.

He lauded the NNL for an improved programme this season but charged them to look into the situation of pitches used as home games by some clubs in the league.

“I think we’ve tried, we’ve come a long way and I really commend the players for their

commitment and attitude, I do hope they will improve on their performance for the second round” “Yes we are going to make few adjustments in the team, especially in our defence and attack, those are the major areas we are lacking depth and we do hope the few changes would help us to end well.”

“I think the NNL board have done well this season, especially with their calendar, the fixtures have been properly followed, but they can still do more to improve the league, I hope they will also do something about some league venues, I believe if we want our league to be more attractive, approval given to some pitches like Old Parade Ground in Abuja and Hadeija Stadium among others needs to be revisited.”

Osaze hails Mighty Potters

S

UPER Eagles’ Striker Osaze Odemwingie has hailed his club side Stoke City for reaching the top ten of the just concluded English Premiership League after winning West Bromwich on Sunday, as Manchester City secured their second Premier League title in three seasons as they stroll to victory over West Ham. Odemwingie, took to the social networking site twitter

By Bowale Odukale “congratulations to the mighty potters on the first top ten finish and getting to the 50 points mark” he tweeted.

Osaze, who described his move to Stoke City as a “step forward” has consistently appeared in the line ups for Stoke City and has being superb in the front of goal for Stoke six times in fifteen appearances, played 1295 minutes for his club.

TODAY IN THE NATION

MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL 9 NO 2846

‘Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has boasted he will sell off the girls or marry them out as war booty. If this happens, deploying satellite imaging to locate a concentration of girls of the magnitude under EMEKA OMEIHE estimation may prove futile’

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

W

E cannot live without technology, and that is at once the bane and grace of this age. Technology defines our age and makes great nations, and also unmakes their foes. All over history, nations grow on the level of their technologies. Whether it was the mechanics of Rome, the literacy of Greece, the navy of England, empires raise technology as their mistress of progress. Today, we have heard of new technologies, including the power of robotics.

Very soon, it will turn humans into ciphers of their handmaidens. We will become slaves of our doing. Our Frankenstein wonders will make us merry and mourn.

Today the edge the United States holds over others derives from its technological superiority. Its military, especially its navy, is the best the world has ever known because of its technology. The best Air Force of the world is the United States Air Force, and the second best Air Force in the world is the Air force of the U.S. navy.

Security cannot be guaranteed with technology. The failure of Nigeria to tackle the menace of Boko Haram may be due to corruption, even if the President says stealing is not corruption. We are yet to know how all the trillions allocated to security in the past few years have been expended. We have soldiers and police even though we hosted the World Economic Forum with over 600,000 men who could have worked their way into Sambisa forest to chase down the terrorists and save the girls. But technology is prime guarantee, especially in monitoring and tracking the vermin of Boko Haram. It also helps in documenting and comparing data, what the United States used in decapitating Al Queda and dousing the life of Osama Bin Laden. Those who underplay the power of technology should read books on how Osama was tracked and killed. If members of our security council have not read them, at least they can watch the movie titled Zero Dark Thirty. They will realise how all the money we have wasted on corruption in the name of security could have made the help of the U.S. and other world powers superfluous.

Democracies also thrive on technology and nothing demonstrates this better than the vote. Over the years, elections have worked on a simple principle: one person, one vote. But to realise this, technologists have adopted a variety of methods. The most obvious has been the thumbprint. For decades, the issue was social. Who should vote? It was initially patriarchal. Only men had the right. Then the women’s movement rose from the martial femininity, ardour and articulations of such amazons as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and her fellow suffragist Susan B. Anthony. By fighting the pa-

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

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

Ekiti and Osun as guinea pigs

‘

The card reader, if implemented with integrity and purpose, is an antidote to the subversive cunning and impunity of the vote bandit. It records the imprint of the voter and forestalls the injuries of double registration and multiple voting. We cannot have a Mike Tyson vote and be counted in Nigerian poll • Prof. Attahiru Jega trician logic of patriarchy, property and politics they railroaded the world by partnering with abolitionists. Female angst and turbulence led the world to cow to Seneca Falls when the beginning of women’s fight began and led to the woman vote.

Then the other matter was colour and what we know as universal suffrage, empowering everyone to vote.

Here in Nigeria, feudal hubris that made only men and literate votes is succumbing.

But we have a peculiar cultural problem with our vote. That is, the belief by an oligarchy that the vote is democratic only in theory but the result must favour their narrow agenda. That is why we have rigging.

This has led to the abuse of our democracy, the fall of wisdom and the peacock reign of

RIPPLES 51 MILLION NIGERIANS DON’T SLEEP WELL–sleep disorder specialist

How would they sleep on EMPTY STOMACH?

’

the bandit. When we fail to attack the essential nature of democratic banditry, we have rigged election and the wrong person takes reign. We lie that we have the right people in office. We gradually, if we don’t control matters, slide into the arms of the tyrant who parades himself as the people’s anointed.

“One person, one vote” cannot work without technology. Hence the trend towards computerisation of the vote is intended to avoid the corruption of mathematics by those who count the vote. As Einstein once said, “Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted.”

That is the logic of the great world math-

HARDBALL

S

ELECTIVE sanction was apparent as Ahmed Gulak lost his job in the presidency on April 29. Apart from his official role as an adviser on political affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan, he was an enthusiastic defender of the administration and a passionate promoter of a second term for Jonathan next year. His aggressively defensive voice was loud and clear whenever Jonathan’s critics and antagonists had anything to say against the president; and he seemed to be in the good books of party hierarchs until news of his removal from office changed all that.

Surprisingly, not to say unbelievably, reports said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu, while explaining the reason for the action against Gulak, declared that he only had himself to blame and mentioned two alleged faults, arrogance and irrational disposition. With all due respect to the new PDP leader, it must be noted that Gulak, a lawyer and former legislator in Adamawa State, perhaps had good grounds for self-importance, given his closeness to Jonathan based on his contribution as director of mobilisation in the campaign leading to the president’s election in 2011.

Moreover, reflecting his degree of involve-

An infection called arrogance ment in Jonathan’s affairs, just before his sack he inaugurated the Goodluck Support Group (GSG) in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

Ironically, this same mission led to his undoing as the governor, Godswill Akpabio, and the state chapter of the PDP reportedly accused him of associating with individuals opposed to the state government. He was said to have visited the state “to inaugurate a sectional and unknown Support Group in favour of our dear President without bothering to pay any courtesies to the state leadership of the party.”

His role was described as “ignoble and contemptuous”.

Gulak’s subsequent resignation on May 2 as national coordinator of the Goodluck Support Group provided sufficient evidence that he was experiencing a storm, although he reportedly gave no reason for his disengagement.

On the allegation of arrogance, it is no news that highly positioned members of the PDP in particular, and those connected with them, are usually peacockish, which is to say that they

ematician, and he was not necessarily referring to democracy of politics, but the democracy of sociology and economics, on which the democracy of politics partly depends.

Einstein was the progressive of numbers and the physical world. He knew little of the impact of his ideas on democracy. Technology today owes a lot to him. That is why in the world over, once a person votes, technology takes over. The more technical the process, the less rig-prone will the vote be.

That came to mind when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) decided not to use its latest technology of the card reader for the two upcoming elections in Ekiti and Osun states. The card reader, if implemented with integrity and purpose, is an antidote to the subversive cunning and impunity of the vote bandit. It records the imprint of the voter and forestalls the injuries of double registration and multiple voting. We cannot have a Mike Tyson vote and be counted in Nigerian poll.

INEC insists it will use permanent voter cards alone without the technology savvy of the card reader. It says it will use the card reader in 2015.

One can understand the fear of the electoral body about a new technology. It seems the best way to ensure its success is to try it in smaller elections. In Ekiti State where the election for governor will take place on June 21, 657,256 PVCs have been printed, although not all have been collected. In Osun State, where the election takes place in August, 1,256569 PVCs were reported printed but, like in Ekiti, not all have been collected. This is a fraction of the elections nationwide. This is manageable geopolitics. These states can be used as guinea pigs and lessons can be learned for the bigger ring of a national poll.

In democracies, local elections are laboratories. Also technologies always thrive when begun in small places. The strengths and weakness become platforms for improvements and assured implementation.

Osun and Ekiti are small states. INEC has denied that it ever planned to use card readers. That is beside the point. It still has the opportunity to use it. It is good for the integrity of the umpire and it presages confidence in 2015.

The Anambra governorship poll is still wrapped in murk in so far as even the INEC boss felt helpless over an inconclusive exercise. Card readers are not magic, but they are the best armoury and counterfoil to fraud. As Alan Kay said, “the best way to predict the future is to invent it.” Societies have invented their futures with technology. INEC can do that for Nigeria by using card readers in the labs of Ekiti and Osun.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above are proudly power-conscious and carry the mentality to a nauseating extent. Consider the specific major example of Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, who has controversially snubbed the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, which is investigating the N10 billion chartered jets’ scandal linked with her.

The lady is accused of blowing the money on flying in chartered Challenger 850 in her official capacity in the last three years; and further findings indicated that she allegedly chartered other jets, including a Global Express XRS, all pointing to insensitive wastefulness in the country’s oil and gas sector.

Instructively, the probe is bogged down by alleged intransigence by Alison-Madueke and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Andrew Yakubu, who have been requested, without success, to provide information on the funding of the minister’s mode of air transport as well as possible enabling regulation. Not a word has been received from these individuals in response to the committee’s enquiries.

Given such egregious exhibition of the arrogance of power, among others, should Gulak be faulted for allegedly showing symptoms of what looks like a PDP infection?

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