The Nation May 13, 2015

Council approves Arase as IG

NEWS – Page 5

Newspaper of the Year

•President, Buhari, others mourn Zik’s first son •Abductors of OAU lecturers demand N70m ransom •APC ‘ll retrieve stolen money, says El-Rufai MORE ON •NDIC sues Okupe, others over N34b debt •AND PAGES 8,11&57

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3213 WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Senate in final battle with President

Five banks lose N312m to CBN’s sanctions

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

T

S

ENATORS will today begin the process of overriding President Goodluck Jonathan’s veto of the constitution amendment.

There is pressure on them not to go that way.

The President rejected the amendments carried out by the lawmakers, claiming that they did not follow the constitutionally-laid down procedure for such an amendment in addition to sidestepping the powers of the President.

The Supreme Court also granted an order stopping the lawmakers from overriding the presidential veto, pending the determination of a suit initiated to resolve the imbroglio.

But the senators said the judiciary lacks the power to prevent it from carrying out Continued on page 4

•"Penny Pritzker, U.S. Commerce Secretary, Tony Elumelu, Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Antonio Gracias, Founder and CEO, Valor Equity and Julie Hanna, Founder and CEO, Kiva during the event hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House to celebrate Global Emerging Enterprenuers" ... on Monday

HE shareholders funds of five commercial banks dipped by N312 million following fines they paid to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for contravening the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act last year.

The banks are GT Bank, Zenith Bank, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Access Bank and Sterling Bank.

A breakdown of the figure as contained in the banks’ annual reports showed that Access Bank paid the highest fine of N184 million for various Continued on page 4

•INSIDE: IPMAN BACKS SUBSIDY REMOVAL P3 GOVT SPENDS $5B ON POWER PLANTS P53

Buhari to get Jonathan’s handover notes May 28 Council of State okays transition programme From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will on May 28 lead President-elect Gen. Muhammadu Buhari on a tour of the Presidential Villa.

Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam yesterday broke the news to State House correspondents at the end of the Council of State meeting in Abuja.

He briefed journalists alongside Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu.

According to him, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki, briefed the Council on the war against Boko Haram, assuring all that the incoming government will WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS have less to do on inseKIDNAPPED ON curity.

APRIL 15, LAST Aliyu said President YEAR EVER

?

RETURN?

Continued on page 4

•From left: Former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar; former military President Ibrahim Babangida; former President Shehu Shagari; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; President Goodluck Jonathan; former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon; President-elect Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and former Head of Interim National Government Chief Ernest Shonekan, after the National Council of State meeting in Abuja ... yesterday.

KEY DATES IN THE TRANSITION

•May 22 •May 24 Jumat prayer

Sunday service

•May 28 •Tour of Villa •Handover •Dinner

PHOTO: NAN

•May 29 Inauguration

•POLITICS P17 •SPORTS P23 •MONEY P26 •INVESTORS P28 •LIFE P43 •FOREIGN P59

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

2

NEWS

Fuel scarcity …

W

•From left: Managing Director, Samsung Electronics, West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim; Special Adviser to the Governor of CrossRiver State on International Development Co-operation, Mr. Roy Ndoma-Egba; Programme Coordinator, United Nations Population Fund, Dr. Aline Mukundwa and Programme Officer, Science, United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Dr. Osuji Otu at the inauguration of Samsung Digital Village in Oban community, Akamkpa, Cross-River State.

•From left: Head, Brands and Corporate Communication, Deekay Group, Mr. Damilola Owolabi; Managing Director, Mr. Kavine Vaswani; Head of Sales, Mr. Augustine Christy and Head of Human Resources, Mr. Olusoji Obasanya after the unveiling of the first Nexus brand showroom on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.

•Director, Customer Business Development, Procter & Gamble (P&G), Mr Ayman Fahmy (left); Communication Manager, Ariel Sub-Saharan Africa, Jeanne du Plessis (middle) and General Manager/Vice President, P&G Nigeria, Mr. George Nassar at the launch of Ariel Automatic Washing Machine Powder in Lagos.

•First President, International Right of Way Association (IRWA), Mr Charles Ebiai speaking at the association’s Chapter 84 Nigeria Educational Conference and installatain of new officers in Abuja. With him are: New Chapter President, Mr Eze Odigbo and New Secretary, Mrs. Akobundu Ken.

ILL the lingering fuel scarcity ever abate? Neither the Federal Government, nor any of the stakeholders in the importation and distribution chain of petroleum products can convincingly answer this question.

After their parley in Abuja penultimate Monday, the Federal Government and the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) promised that the scarcity would end before that week. But nine days after that promise, Nigerians still go through pains to buy fuel.

The product has not only become scarcer, the prices have soared with almost all the filling stations selling above the approved N87 per litre ceiling.

It was learnt yesterday that the NNPC depot in Lagos has been overwhelmed by marketers, who could not load products from depots owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in other parts of the country.

In the Apapa axis, where the depots are concentrated, there were long queues of trucks waiting to load product en route other parts of the country but could not do so.

Stakeholders blamed the situation on marketers’ failure to meet part of the conditions outlined in the Bulk Purchasing Agreements (BPAs), which they signed with the NNPC to allow them access to petroleum products from the depots.

The Nation gathered that many marketers could not pay N2.5 million meet other conditions laid out for them before they can lift fuel.

The development came on the heels of the suspension placed by MOMAN on the importation of fuel, following the seemingly irreconcilable disagreement between its members and the Federal Government over subsidy payment.

According to MOMAN, the government is still indebted to its members to the tune of N200 billion after paying the controversial N156 billion.

MOMAN’s President Femi Olawore said his association got N154 billion and not N156 billion as announced by the minister.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has insisted that the subsidy balance was N130 billion.

As at yesterday, MOMAN members - Mobil, Forte Oil, MRS, Oando, Total and Conoil - were yet to resume importation, without which the scarcity will persist.

More than a week after major oil marketers acknowledged the receipts of N154 billion of the N156 billion the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, claimed the Federal Government paid and a botched meeting she led other officials to hold with the marketers, there is no sign the scarcity will end soon.

The National President of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chinedu Okoronkwo, gave an insight into the problems yesterday.

He said the problems were not only many but complicated, blaming the inability of his members to lift fuel on financial constraints.

His words: “Independent marketers are unable to load from the depots belonging to the national oil company (NNPC) because they could not pay certain fees. The Federal Government has not set-

By Akinola Ajibade

tled us via paying our subsidies.

“The fuel scarcity has caused a lot of ripples in the industry. There is a long queue of trucks waiting to load fuel from depots. Getting to depots to load is a problem. A lot of trucks could not load fuel because of one problem or the other.”

Okoronkwo also identified the pipeline network as another problem stalling fuel distribution.

He said the pipelines were laid in a way that cannot guarantee even distribution of products to the depots, thus making it difficult for marketers to load fuel as at when due.

“One of the reasons why fuel scarcity persists is the location of the pipelines. Instead of ensuring distribution of fuel across the country, the fuel supply is restricted to Lagos. Everybody is coming to Lagos to load fuel. That is the reason behind the queue in Apapa and other loading points in Lagos,” Okoronkwo said.

He urged the Federal Government to pay attention to the pipeline network to reduce fuel supply problems.

The IPMAN, which said depot managers across the country should be held responsible over the prolonged scarcity, called on the PPMC to immediately redeploy all depot managers who have served for more than a decade in their stations.

This position was echoed by the Eastern Zonal chairman of the association, Chief Chukwudi Ezinwa, who told reporters in Enugu, that the PPMC management should be blamed for allowing a manager to stay for as long as 18 years in a particular depot.

He accused them of sabotaging the system which, he noted, often leads to scarcity and hike in products' prices.

Ezinwa said: "The problem is that most of them have over-stayed in a particular depot where they have made so many friends and in a bid to satisfy those interests, other marketers are suffering. So, they should be transferred so that new people will come and sanitise the place.

"There have been occasions where we accused PPMC officials of taking bribe to give us products and nothing has been done about it. Nobody has ever set up an inquiry to investigate these allegations and this raises further question of total corruption in the system."

Ezinwa accused the depot managers of frustrating products loading.

He said: "Rules are no longer followed at the depots; all they do is to give priority to the highest bidders and those loyal to them.

"The report I got from the unit chairman in Aba shows that the depot manager is not playing according to the rules. PPMC have rules and the rules are that you release products according to the programme.

"The last batch he released was about 90 trucks but only 12 marketers who were in line got products; others were diverted, making it difficult for marketers in the programme to get and sell to the public.

"I have made efforts to talk to the depot manager of the consequences of what he is doing but it always fell on deaf ears. As far as IPMAN is concerned, if the Aba

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

3

ty …a problem that won’t abate ‘

The problems of fuel supply keeps reverberating in the industry. One of such problems was payment of certain fees by marketers before loading. Cases abound where marketers are prevented from loading fuel until they pay the money

•One of the filling stations in Abuja...yesterday.

IPMAN backs subsidy removal

I

F members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) have their way, the Federal Government will no longer pay subsidy on the importation of petrol (Preimium Motor Spirit).

The marketers, through their chairman in the Northwest Zone, in Kano yesterday, pushed for the removal of fuel subsidy.

They also urged the incoming Muhammadu Buhari-administration to immediately scrap the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and other agencies that usurp the powers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The Northwest Zonal Chairman, Alhaji Muhammadu Lawal Danzaki, told reporters

depot manager is not changed, there is no way the people in Aba and environs will have petroleum products.

"It is turning into a market for the highest bidder. And legitimate marketers who are supposed to have products are starved and we have cried for a long time but the government doesn't appear to be interested in checking the situation."

But the Aba depot manager, Mr.

•Seeks scrapping of PPPRA, PPMC, DAPMAN From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

that the nationwide fuel shortage will linger, until the sharp practices by members of the Depot Marketers’ Association of Nigeria (DAPMAN) and Major Oil Marketers’ Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) have been dealt with.

According to him, the two legs in the distribution chain of petroleum products have connived to inflate prices in a bid to stampede the Federal Government into paying the fuel subsidy debt before May 29.

Danzaki also blamed the acute scarcity on the fear of MOMAN members and depot

Emmanuel Mgbakiri, denied the allegations and wondered why IPMAN should go to the press without first reporting him to the appropriate authority "If he (IPMAN chairman) feels I am the problem, he should go to the area manager and tell him what I have done wrong; there are proper ways of channeling issues. Please, I am a public servant; I am not permitted to talk to the press", Mgbakiri maintained.

owners that the incoming administration may introduce its fuel supply system.

He identified the importation and sale of petroleum products at exorbitant prices to IPMAN and the duplication of NNPC functions by its subsidiaries - PPPRA, Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) and DAPMAN - as major impediments to free fuel flow in the country.

The IPMAN chief admitted that the scarcity and its attendant soaring fuel pump prices have been taking tolls on Nigerians.

Danzaki suggested what he called short and long-term solutions to end the perennial scarcity.

Kofo Oladehinde, a member of the independent Marketers Branch (IMB) of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG), pointed out some of the hitches in the distribution of fuel.

He said the development has stalled efforts by NNPC to make fuel available to the consumers.

“The problems of fuel supply fuel keeps reverberating in the industry.

One of such problems was payment

‘

He recommended that the NNPC should be granted the monopoly to import products as the long-term solution and the removal of middleman from products’ distribution as a shortterm remedy.

He suggested the building of new refineries by the incoming administration as the enduring solution to scarcity, even as he frowned at the introduction of mega stations in the country by the NNPC. According to him, the stations have become conduit pipes, claiming that 90 per cent of the stations belong to IPMAN members.

“The remaining 10 per cent owned by NNPC is a far-cry to the solutions to recurring fuel scarcity,” he said.

He, however, advised the president-elect to take the fuel scarcity problem with utmost seriousness and tackle it head-on.

of certain fees by marketers before loading. Cases abound where marketers are prevented from loading fuel until they pay the money,” he said.

According to Oladehinde, who works at Mosimi Depot, not a few marketers have been unable to load from the Mosimi Depot.

NNPC’s spokesman Ohi Alegbe said any marketers who cannot pay the stipulated fees will not be allowed to load products at any of the

NNPC depots.

Alegbe said: “This is business. If you come to the NNPC depots to load fuel, you must meet your financial obligations before you can take our fuel.

“The moment you pay, you get fuel. If you do not pay, there is no fuel for you. If you allow marketers to take fuel without paying the prescribed fees, we will not be able to run NNPC well.”

Govt clamps down on erring filling stations in Abuja, Ogun

T

HERE seemed to be no end in sight to the lingering nationwide fuel scarcity yester-

day.

But the hammer fell on some filling stations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Ogun State, where attendants sold products above the N87 pump price. The stations were shut.

In Abuja, queues of vehicles that kept vigil at filling stations in anticipation of getting fuel in the wee hour, created traffic jams on major

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja and Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

streets and highways.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Super Mega Station which dispensed fuel, had two queues stretching beyond five kilometres away from the selling point. They blocked the service lane of the Kubwa Expressway.

Another NNPC Mega Station, on Olusegun Obasanjo Way, had a queue that crippled traffic on the dual carriage way.

Those who hawk fuel in plastic containers sold 10 litres for between N2, 000 and N2, 200 to desperate motorists.

Others patronised filling stations on the outskirts of the city including Masaka, in Nasarawa State and Kaduna road, where the product was sold for as high as N140 per litre.

Some commuters, who were stranded for hours at bus stops, returned home as commercial vehicles deserted the roads.

In Ogun, the government sealed a privately-run filling station in Olomoore, Abeokuta, the state capital, for selling adulterated fuel.

The state had discovered through its Ministry of Commerce & Industry that the station was selling adulterated product to unsuspecting custormers.

It also clamped down on filling stations selling above the official N87 lump price.

The ministry’s Task Force on Enforcement and Compliance unit

stormed the filling station following complaints by a victim who bought adulterated product. The victim alleged that the product damaged the engine of his truck.

The station manager was arrested by the police attached to the task force for further interrogation.

Others stations that were forced to bring the pump price for between N140 and N150 to the approved pump price, reverted to the illegal price immediately the task force team left.

4

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

NEWS Buhari to get Jonathan’s handover notes May 28 Continued from page 1

Jonathan will give the handover notes to the President-elect on May 28. A dinner will be held on the same day.

The inauguration of the new government, he said, will hold on May 29.

According to Aliyu, many African and world leaders will attend the inauguration.

Suswam said: “On 28 th , President Jonathan will conduct Gen. Buhari and the Vice President-elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, round the Villa .”

He said the council decided on a template to be followed during transition in Nigeria as this is the first time a ruling party is handing over to an opposition party.

His words: “We have never had it. This is the first time one is going to be developed, so that there is no speculation as to what needs to be done as everything will be in a template. If there is a transition –whether it is from the same party to the same party or from one party to another – it is the same template.”

“You will recall that we have never had a template in which to follow and how we go about our transition but what is going to happen this time around is going to be permanent.”

On security, Suswam said: “The National Security Adviser did a very comprehensive briefing on the security situation in the country, among which was the issue of Boko Haram, successes recorded so far, which are known to all Nigerians.

“But he did mention that it took a while because Nigeria, after the civil war, relaxed.

There were no serious challenging security issues in the country and so when Boko Haram emerged, it was a new phenomenon. The military and security agencies could not cope with it because nobody anticipated it.”

According to him, the NSA explained that it took time to tackle Boko Haram as Nigeria tried to get the collaboration of some surrounding African countries which Nigeria had never had or shared security intelligence with.

He said: “But now all of

them are on board and it becomes easier for us to witness what we have witnessed, where we have Cameroon, Chad, Sudan and even Mali collaborating with Nigeria in order to fight this insurgency because they are also affected.”

The clashes between herdsmen and farmers were also addressed.

Suswam said: “Actually, the report that was presented by the Economic Council under my chairmanship regarding the issues of grazing and what the Federal Government needs to do in order to address that will be presented to the incoming president so that he will act on it, since there is no time for the administration to do that.”

“But on the whole, the summary of what the NSA presented to council was to say that Nigeria is now better prepared than it was three years back in fighting any form of insurgency because outside the immediate surrounding countries, the international community had also keyed in to give serious assistance.

“So, moving forward is not going to be like what happened before where these insurgents had a field day, where our military were put in a bad light. Our military is well equipped now; there is better training for them to cope with terrorism.”

“So Nigeria is fully ready as a country to fight any insurgency moving forward. But that the incoming administration will pick up from the solid foundation that has been laid in addressing security challenges. There is a new way of doing things and he believes that the incoming administration will have less problems than the outgoing administration.”

The NSA, said Suswam assured the Council of State that the enclave of Boko Haram, Sambisa forest, will be properly combed and anihiliated before May 29 .

“And that will at least put paid to the incessant guerilla style attacks that have been raging in the past.”

The governor spoke of a Continued on page 60

Five banks fined N312m Continued from page 1

•Inspector-General of Police Solomon Arase (right), after his confirmation at the Presidential Villa in Abuja ... yesterday.

With him is the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, PHOTO: NAN former Inspector General Mike Okiro.

contraventions in the period under review.

The bank was fined N184 million for not obtaining approval from CBN for the additions to investment in property of N5.15 billion, noncompliance to implementation of the recommendations of a financial services prov i d e r , PricewaterhouseCoopers.

It was also fined for contravening the CBN’s foreign exchange manual and weaknesses noted in internal control and know your customer procedures.

A further breakdown of the fine, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) indicated that Access Bank contravened the minimum documentation in the credit file and reporting of public sector deposit in line with CBN guidelines.

Sterling Bank followed by paying N50 million for under reporting of public sector deposits as at Aug. 29, 2014.

Zenith Bank was fined N48 million for non disclosure of date of last lodgment on credit print out, appointment of a deputy general manager and incomplete reporting of all transactions of politicallyexposed persons.

The bank was also fined for incomplete reporting of international funds transfer, incomplete reporting of some currency transactions and misclassification of some public sector deposit among others.

GT Bank during the review period paid N24 million as fine for the appointment of top management without CBN’s approval and infrac-

tion arising from anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism spot checks among others.

The FCMB Group was penalised N6 million for not implementing prior year’s external auditors recommendations, incorrect returns to CBN and failure to comply with ATM operation standards.

Mr Sunny Nwosu, National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association, expressed concern about the various amount paid by banks for contraventions in 2014.

Nwosu said the amount would have translated to higher dividend for shareholders, noting that banks should be very careful and avoid wastage of shareholders’ funds.

“If we have a very punitive regulator, we should learn how to manage them,” he told NAN yesterday in Lagos.

Nwosu said the board and management of the banks should bear the cost because of their negligence and not the shareholders.

Mr Boniface Okezie, President, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), said the apex bank was killing the banks with fines and various regulatory headwinds.

Okezie said some of the contraventions would have been resolved administratively as against the depletion of shareholders and banks operational funds.

He urged the CBN to temper justice with mercy and allow banks to survive and give investors’ value for their investments.

Senate in final battle with President over amendment Continued from page 1

its constitutional duties.

Yesterday, although the first reading of the Bill on “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Fourth Alteration) Act 2015” was listed on the Senate Order Paper, it was shelved.

The item listed as first on the order of Business of the Day had Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and 46 others as sponsors.

Ekweremadu is the Chairman, Senate ad hoc committee on the review of the 1999

Constitution (as amended).

Without offering any explanation, Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba moved a motion that the first reading of the controversial Constitution amendment Bill be deferred to another legislative day.

The first reading of the Bill, which has been passed by the two chambers of the National Assembly would have marked the beginning of the process to override the President’s veto by the upper chamber.

The National Assembly on Monday gazetted the Fourth Alterations of the Constitution to pave the way to override President Jonathan’s veto.

The Gazetted copy of the Fourth Alterations of the Constitution obtained by our correspondent is entitled “National Assembly Journal No 06 vol.12 dated 6th May, 2015, with a long title: “A Bill for an Act to further alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, and for other related matters.”

It is listed as “Bill No SB 548”, containing all the alterations of the Constitution adopted and passed by the National Assembly.

Gazetting of the document is preparatory to a fresh passage of the Bill after it must have scaled first, second and third readings – in line with legislative practice.

Speaking on why the slated first reading of the Bill was stepped down yesterday, a source said the absence of SenContinued on page 60

PDP panics over election cases in Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom

T

HE leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed apprehension over its electoral victories in Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom states, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenges the results at the tribunals.

At a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said it’s worrisome that even in victory, the APC has remained desperate in the desire to be in total control of the polity by attempting to take over the states genuinely won by the PDP. “You will recall that we had earlier alerted Nigerians to a groundswell of plots by the APC to foist a one party rule in our country by attempting to destabilise the PDP, take over some of our states and legislative seats, all to ensure that there is no strong oppo-

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

sition when they eventually assume power.

“As we speak, the APC has resorted to instigating crisis, inciting the people while mobilising resources to armtwist the judiciary, ostensibly to torpedo the will of the people in these states.

“In particular, our findings show that in Delta, Rivers and Akwa-Ibom states, the APC machinery is working round the clock to ensure that it upturned the victory of the PDP and the mandate freely given to us by the people in these states”, Metuh said.

The party claimed to be aware of clandestine moves by the APC to procure and compromise some stakeholders in the elections, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security personnel to

bear false witness and doctor electoral materials against the PDP at the tribunal.

“This is in addition to sponsoring negative publications in some section of the media, laced with false claims and distortion of election figures to suit their nefarious plans of swaying public opinion and the course of justice against our party in these states.

“We know that the main aim behind APC’s desperation to take over these three states is their belief that they are strategic to the PDP and that taking them away will further weaken and undermine our party and accelerate the quest for a one-party state in our country.

“However, the PDP wishes to state in very clear terms that we will not accept any attempt by anybody whatsoever, especially the APC to manipulate the process and

rob us of our clear victories in these states or any other state for that matter”, Metuh added.

The party warned the APC not to take its civility, “driven by patriotic zeal” for peace, unity and harmony in the country for granted, adding that its members across the country were willing and ready to defend the party’s mandate in the three states, using all available instruments within the ambit of the law.

Metuh continued: “As a party that has made history by nurturing democracy for 16 years, and elevating it to a standard appreciated by the democratic community the world over, we cannot fold our hands and watch while the gains are being undermined by the APC and its agents.

“It is on this note that the PDP draws the attention of

the judiciary, INEC and security authorities to the heinous scheme by the APC to drag their institution and men into these criminal plots.

“In view of the above therefore, we urge these institutions to closely monitor its officials involved in the elections and do everything within the law to safeguard their reputation against the acts of a few greedy and dubious individuals.

“Finally, while we note that the APC should be held responsible should there be any breakdown of law and order in Rivers, Delta and AkwaIbom states, we charge the people not to relent but to stand up and defend their mandates and use all means allowed by the law to ensure that their will, expressed through the ballot box is not thwarted by desperate and greedy enemies of democracy”.

•Metuh

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

5

NEWS

Jonathan: indiscipline rampant under Suleiman Abba

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday gave reason why the immediate former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, was sacked.

He was quoted as saying that indiscipline was rampant among the rank and file of the police under Abba.

Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and former IGP, Mike Okiro, said this to State House Correspondents after the council, chaired by Jonathan, confirmed Solomon Arase as the substantive IGP. On why Abba was sacked, Okiro said: “I may not at-

•Police council confirms Arase as IGP From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

tempt to answer that question because I’m not part of the Presidency that removed him. So, I cannot give adequate answer.

“Though at the meeting, he (Jonathan) tried to explain to members based on the question raised by one of the governors that Nigerians may want to know why the former IGP was removed.

“The President, in very brief way, said during the period of the former IGP, a lot of indis-

cipline was noticed among the rank and file of the police and as such, he felt that a new IG should come and try his luck. That is what he said, though I cannot give details of that.”

On issues discussed at the closed-door meeting, he said: “Issues that border on security were discussed, how to ensure that Nigerians live in peace, how to ensure that their security are assured and how to ensure that their lives and property are well-protected.

With that, a new IGP was

brought on board to ensure that the policies and programmes put in place are promoted.”

Arase took over from Abba, who was removed by the Presidency on April 21 through a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati. No reason was given in the statement for his removal.

In an interview with correspondents, the newly promoted IGP said: “I have just been confirmed.”

On what else was discussed at the meeting, he said: “We talked about the security challenges we are having and our strategic responses to addressing those challenges.

“I can assure Nigerians that we are going to address these issues.”

He disagreed that the current security situation in the country was getting worse and next to the period of the civil war in Nigeria.

On the dismantling of roadblocks, he said: “We already have an enforcement policy in place. Sixteen teams have moved out across the length and breadth of this country to

ensure there is strict compliance to that order.”

He promised to put the welfare of the men and officers of the police force on the front burner.

He said: “To my men, I will tell them that their welfare will be number one on my cardinal responsibilities. You don’t motivate a workforce, except their welfare is paramount. I’m going to ensure that their welfare is going to be put on the front burner.

“To Nigerians, I know that their expectations are high, but I can assure them that no Nigerian will suffer any injustice by my inaction or action.”

Campaign for Senate Presidency disrupts proceedings From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

H

•From left: Dr. Olaopa; Director-General, National Productivity Centre, Abuja Dr. Paul Bdliya; Prof. Taiwo and Yelwa, at the NISER seminar in Ibadan...yesterday.

PHOTO: FEMI ILESANMI

Experts list obstacles to achieving Vision 20:2020

F

OR the nation to achieve its dream of joining the league of the 20 largest economies by 2020, it must double its productivity, embrace high quality workforce and overcome epileptic power supply.

Public service experts, academics and top civil servants said this yesterday at a research seminar organised by the Nigerian Institute of Economic and Social Research (NISER), Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

They listed over-bloated civil service, poor motivation, irregular payment of salaries, gratuity and pension and lack of reward for outstanding performance as parts of major threats to achieving higher productivity, particularly in the public sector - the largest employer of labour in the country.

A public administration expert, Dr. Tunji Olaopa, who chaired the seminar, empha-

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

sised the need to form a partnership between research institutes and the government to ensure input of research findings in policy formulation.

Dr. Olaopa, who is the permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, insisted that planning without productivity measures complicated the country’s governance predicament.

He said: “Good governance is premised on the capacity of the Nigerian state to efficiently and effectively provide adequate goods and services that will constitute the dividends of democracy for Nigerians.”

Consequently, Dr. Olaopa and other experts recommended that experts should develop a national productivity policy paper for the incoming Muhammadu Buhari administration.

The permanent secretary also

listed intervention required in rescuing the situation as including “getting the critical sectors of the economy to articulate their productivity plans based on agreed national benchmark and launch of productivity metrics and tools to be deployed to enable employers and employees to begin to sign in to productivity bargaining”.

He recommended value system reorientation, national waste reduction strategy as well as research, development and innovation.

The Director, Productivity Measurement and Statistics Unit of the National Productivity Centre, Alhaji Jibril Yelwa, who delivered a lecture on the topic: “Computing Productivity in the Nigerian Economy: Issues and Challenges,” said the nation would need to double its productivity within the remaining five years to be among the 20 largest economies in the world by 2020.

His words: “The result of data analysis shows that Nigerians, based on 173.6 million population, achieved labour productivity level of $2,760 per head in 2013, which stood at N430,560 per head.

“By normal distribution, 60 per cent of the total population was supposed to be the expected working population and the expected productivity levels would have been $5,017 per head or N782,572 per head. The gap was $2,610 or N352,082 per head.

“The real implication of this is that each Nigerian should double his or her contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to reach the expected level of productivity.”

The Director-General of NISER, Prof. Olufemi Taiwo, emphasised that people now live in a competitive world.

But he noted that the reality was yet to fully dawn on leaders on the African continent.

14 doctors on trial for alleged misconduct

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OURTEEN medical doctors are expected to appear before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal for various offences ranging from improper conduct and negligence of duty.

The tribunal, which started a four-day sitting yesterday, has the status of a High Court.

Its judgment can only be appealed before the Court of Appeal.

The medical doctor to the ailing Governor Danbaba Suntai is one of those to be arraigned at the sixth sitting of the tribunal.

Dr. Zakari Aliyu, who was also the Chief Medical Director of Taraba State Specialist

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

Hospital, is undergoing trial at the tribunal.

Dr. Aliyu is facing one countcharge of divulging information regarding the health record of Suntai, which was published by media houses.

According to the charge sheet, the doctor's conduct was "contrary to Rule 44 of the Code of Medical Ethics, 2008 edition and punishable under Section 16(1) (a) and (2) of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap. M8 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004."

Dr. Aliyu, who was absent at the first sitting, in his letter to the tribunal requested that his

matter be shifted to a later date.

He has since relocated to the United State (U.S.).

Others doctors to appear before the tribunal are Fibian Osuji, Freeman Miri, Sunday Elusoji, Iyiola Joseph, Obafemi Kuye, Mukaila Oyewunmi, Erinfolarin Adebayo, Bolanle Adeyemi Ola, Rasaq Akintunde Akindele and Olaide Festus Bolaji. These doctors will be appearing before the tribunal for the first time.

But Amos Essien, Asemota Omoruyi Orhi, David Udoh and Adolphus Oraifo have ongoing trials before the tribunal.

The tribunal chairman, Prof.

Jonathan Azubuike, in his

opening remark, said the panel would ensure quick dispensation of justice.

He stressed that "a lot of water has passed under the bridge, and we have been struggling to ensure that cases get judgment."

Prof. Azubuike requested that doctors standing trials appear in person.

Most prosecuting counsel were not on ground at the beginning of hearing, which necessitated the adjournment of some cases till tomorrow.

One of the doctors, Elusoji, was said to be writing an examination in Lagos, thereby necessitating the adjournment of his trial till tomorrow.

EIGHTENED campaign by senators for various positions in the Eight National Assembly yesterday disrupted Senate proceedings.

Those aspiring for positions, especially the office of the Senate President, and their supporters took their campaign to the floor of the upper chamber to the amazement of the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided.

Office seekers were observed dashing from one seat to another in their bid to lobby their colleagues to back them.

The open campaign became almost embarrassing as the clauseby-clause consideration of the National Tobacco Control Bill was going on.

The consideration of the Bill had to be temporarily suspended for the presiding officer to address the near rowdy session.

Senator Chris Ngige (Anambra Central), who was speaking on the Tobacco Control Bill, was the first to raise the alarm that he was being distracted by those campaigning for the Office of the Senate President.

Ngige said: “Mr. President, please could you tell all these campaign co-ordinators to allow us treat this Bill. They are disrupting the chamber and we are not allowed to give the Bill the utmost attention it deserved.”

Following Ngige’s observation, Ekweremadu was forced to call those involved to order.

Ekweremadu said: “All campaigns for Senate Presidency are hereby suspended until the end of proceedings. Dear colleagues, please take note.”

The Deputy Senate President’s order did not quite help matter as the supporters of the principal actors persisted in their push to gain some mileage against their opponents.

The same scenario was enacted last week during the induction of new senators and members of the House of Representatives.

Front-runners in the race for Senate President are Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Account, Senator Ahmed Lawan, Minority Leader Senator George Akume and Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment Senator Bukola Saraki.

Observers said that the open campaigns in the Senate chamber could introduce some element of desperation by aspirants.

Already, various caucuses have been formed by senators to push the aspiration of their preferred candidate.

ASUU faults removal of varsity council chairmen

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HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan (UI) chapter, has described the sack of university council chairmen by the Federal Government as illegal and abuse of the autonomy of the tertiary institutions.

In a statement by its chairman, Prof. Segun Ajiboye, the union said the sack was done in bad fate, against the tradition and principle of university autonomy/academic freedom as well as agreement reached with the union.

It called on the President Goodluck Jonathan administration to rescind its decision and recall the UI Governing Council’s Chairman, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo, “if only to absolve itself from the tag of brazenly flouting the rule of law towards the end of its tenure”.

“The Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 1993 as amended by the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003, 2007, Act No 1 Section 2A clearly states the tenure of council thus: ‘The

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Council so constituted shall have a tenure of four years from the date of its inauguration, provided that where a council is found to be incompetent and corrupt, it shall be dissolved by the Visitor and a new council shall be immediately constituted for the effective functioning of the university,” he said.

Prof. Ajiboye declared that the council chairmanship and the council were created by statute and could not be tampered with, except in the event of a proven case of maladministration, physical impairment or recorded case of loss of life.

The only condition, upon which the chairman could be removed, Prof. Ajiboye noted, was either as a result of incompetence or corruption, “which had not been alleged nor established in this case”.

The ASUU chapter said it would continue to fight for the repositioning of public universities and ensure that no gains of its previous struggles were undermined by any government.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

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NEWS APC to Nigerians: disregard speculations on appointments, zoning

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the citizenry to disregard speculations about the appointment of ministers and the zoning of offices under the incoming Buhari Administration.

In a statement in Abuja on Monday, APC National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed disowned the rumour concerning appointments, zoning of the National Assembly’s principal positions and other offices.

The party said in the true tradition of the APC, all issues of public interest will be handled transparently and conveyed to Nigerians through the usual commu-

No appointments have been made and no offices have been zoned nication channels. ‘’No appointments have been made and no offices have been zoned. The main concern of our party at the moment is to ensure a smooth transition and to hit the ground running, in the overall interest of the longsuffering people of Nigeria. ‘’At the appropriate time, Nigerians will be informed of the appointments made and the offices zoned,” APC said.

•Vice President Namadi Sambo (second right) inaugurating the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC/NIPP) Gwagwalada 330/132/33KV Transmission Substation in Abuja...on Monday. With him from left are: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power Mr. Godknows Ighali; Minister of Power Prof. Chinedu Nebo and Managing Director, NDPHC Mr. James Olotu.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

Bickering not in PDP’s interest, says Mu’azu

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HE National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, has appealed to stakeholders and members of the party to put behind them the disappointment of defeat and misunderstandings.

He advised the party faithful to put the survival and stability of the party ahead of all other considerations.

Mu’azu, who spoke in a statement yesterday, said though the party’s defeat in the last general election was painful, members should key into the intervention by President Goodluck Jonathan and not allow the situation to further divide the party.

The statement said: “The na-

•Party chairman: I’m abroad on medical advice From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

tional leadership of the PDP has noted the various reactions that trailed the unfortunate loss of our great party in the last general elections.

“In the last few weeks, the media have been fishing on these reactions with a section even blowing it out of proportion to a level that has become a threat to our oneness as a family.

“As the national chairman and a key stakeholder in this party in the last 16 years, I quite understand and appreciate the concern, pain and frustrations

Babalakin sues EFCC for malicious prosecution

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HE Chairman of BiCourtney Ltd, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), has sued the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for “making desperate efforts to prosecute him maliciously”.

Babalakin, who is seeking a judicial review of the actions of the AGF and EFCC, had on February 23, 2015 been discharged by Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of a Lagos High Court, along with Alex Okoh, Stabilini Visinoni Ltd, BiCourtney Ltd, and Renix Nigeria Ltd. They were prosecuted by the EFCC for allegedly laundering N4.7 billion.

After two years in court, the judge ruled that there was no basis for the charges and consequently struck out the charges. He discharged Babalakin and other defendants.

The court observed that the entire 27 charges did not contain any single charge that constituted an offence under the laws of Nigeria.

Following reports that the EFCC was planning to file the same charges against him on the same subject matter and on the same provisions of the law, Babalakin promptly approached the Federal High Court, seeking protection and a Judicial Review of the actions.

The court presided over by Justice Tsoho on April 29, 2015, granted a restraining order against EFCC prohibiting the agency from proceeding with the action pending the determination of the suit.

Among the issues raised by Babalakin in the affidavit filed on his behalf is that EFCC had continued to act in breach of all rules of prosecution in his pursuit. Babalakin stated that he was declared wanted by EFCC, barely 30 minutes after he spoke to its officials, in a bid to embarrass him as there was no basis for the declaration.

He also alleged that after he had been charged to court, EFCC summoned him to take further statements, which showed clearly that it had no case against him as at the time of filing the charges and was only out to implicate him at all cost irrespective of evidence.

It would be recalled that the criminal charges were filed against Babalakin a day after the Federal Government terminated the Lagos Ibadan Concession, which is being handled by the prominent lawyer’s Company.

The coincidence raises a lot of questions, as it appeared that the charges were filed to gag him and prevent him from challenging the termination of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) project. Babalakin is a pioneer of PPP in Nigeria, and only recently, MMA2, which is run by his company, has been adjudged the best terminal in Nigeria and the first privately owned airport terminal in the country.

Babalakin’s lawyers decried what they described as the pervasive powers of EFCC, which, if it is not properly exercised, could lead to the indiscriminate trampling on the right of innocent citizens.

of our members regarding our defeat.

“I am also deeply worried about the division the development has generated within the PDP family, especially regarding whether or not the national leadership should be dissolved as a direct consequence of our collective challenge.

“In the course of events, there have been reactions and counter-reactions among party members; mistakes have been made, some of them avoidable. But this is the time to put all of them behind us and move ahead as our party and its interest remain paramount and overriding.

“Expectedly, our party has had a share of media bashing and misrepresentations, which contributed immensely to the misunderstanding we are facing in our fold.

“For instance, in one of the

press reactions from my office, the media quoted one of my aides as saying that our party will be “buried’ without the National Chairman, a clear deviation from what was actually said. Such misrepresentations of our party leaders also abound in the social media and we must be wary of them.

“However, I have already issued a strong warning to all my aides to henceforth desist from making comments on matters of party administration in the media or any other forum whatsoever.

“Having been a state governor on the platform of this party for eight years and having the grace of being a committed member for the past 16 years, I very much appreciate the reactions of some of our members like Governor Ayo Fayose, whose victory in Ekiti in June last year helped

to strengthen our party, particularly in the Southwest region.

“Nevertheless, in the larger interest of our party, we all must resolve to bury the hatchet, pick our pieces and move on to rebuild our party and return to our winning ways.

“In the wisdom of leadership of the party, we have set the machinery in motion by the constitution and inauguration of the Post Election Assessment Committee headed by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

“The needful thing to do at the moment is for all hands to be on the deck with this committee to come up with meaningful report that will provide answers to our challenges and roadmap for the future.

“Furthermore, my absence from the country lately has led to some apprehensions

within the party resulting in various public interpretations. But the fact is, following the rigorous campaigns and its attendant toll on my health, I had to yield to the advice of my doctor to take a two-week bed rest for proper checks and recuperation. I am happy to inform all our members that I have been responding to care and will soon return to the country.

“Finally, I wish to charge all members that though we have had our setback, we are not down and out. The PDP remains the largest political party in this country. What we need now more than ever before is to unite as therein lies our strength as a family.

“Fighting ourselves will not yield anyone any good. Our members, therefore, must remain focused and join forces with their leaders at all levels to actualise our collective quest to rebuild the PDP and reposition it to regain power in 2019”.

Senate passes tobacco, equipment leasing bills

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HE Senate yesterday passed a Bill to regulate the production, manufacture, sale, advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products in the country.

Also, a bill to control the practice of equipment leasing was read for the third time and passed.

In his lead debate, Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Ifeanyi Okowa, represented by Senator Chris Ngige (Anambra South), noted that the Bill entitled: “A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Tobacco (Control) Act,1990 and to enact the National Tobacco Control Bill, 2012", was long overdue for repeal since it was enacted in 1990 - about 25 years ago.

He said the existing Tobacco Act was inadequate and, hence, the need to enact the National Tobacco Control Act that was adequate in ensuring the protection of the present and future generation from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco consumption.

Okowa said the new Bill would also protect Nigerians from exposure to tobacco smoke, spelling out the dangers of tobacco and limiting its use without unduly interfering with civil rights and liberties.

‘Include provisions for damages, others’

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TOBACCO control group, Coalition Against Tobacco (CAT), has urged the National Assembly to include claims of damage and provisions for litigation in the National Tobacco Control Bill.

The Senate yesterday passed the Tobacco Bill sponsored by Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Ifeanyi Okowa, with provisions on smoke-free public places, cigarette advertising, sponsorship and promotion.

In a statement yesterday, coordinator of the group, Toyosi Onaolapo, who hailed the Senate for rising up to public health concerns, said some excluded provisions must be included during the harmonisation with the House of Representatives.

“This Bill has overlooked a very important and fundamental provision which is the aspect, whereby those who have suffered from tobacco use either directly or through second hand tobacco use access justice by recourse to claims for damages as is the norm globally.

“We have to ensure that whatever Bill that is From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

According to him, the Bill was also aimed at ensuring that Nigeria had a comprehensive tobacco legislation for effective regulation and control of production, manufacture, sale, labelling, advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products.

The Bill, he added, would help domesticate the World Health Organisation (WHO) framework Convention on

By Seun Akioye

passed follow globally acceptable standards and that all interest groups are protected in the Bill.

“We call on the Committee on Harmonisation to quickly look into previous bills passed by the Senate and House and ensure that provisions for claims for damages and litigation are included before it is forwarded to the President for assent.”

CAT insisted that unless the litigation provisions are included, the tobacco industry will continue to evade justice and reign of impunity will continue.

About three tobacco control bills have been passed by the National Assembly in the 6th and 7th Assemblies.

The most prominent being the one sponsored

by Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, which was passed in 2011.

The bill was not signed by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Tobacco Control, and other related treaties that Nigeria was a signatory to.

The senator stressed that it would also promote and protect the population’s right to health, life, physical integrity, safe and healthy workplaces.

He added that it would ensure the establishment of appropriate government organs to coordinate the execution of proposed legislation and prescribe punishments for those, who flout the provisions of

the legislation.

On the other hand, the Equipment Leasing Bill, which was presented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Trade and Investment, Senator Odion Ugbesia (Edo Central), seeks to regulate the business of leasing and bring sanity and certainty into the practice of leasing.

According to him, the Bill would also usher in a regulatory regime that would protect both the parties in a transaction.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

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NEWS

APC to Fayose: stop lying on e-payment system

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has asked Governor Ayodele Fayose not to discredit the e- payment system, initiated by his predecessor, Dr Kayode Fayemi.

It said discrediting the scheme as harbouring ghost workers was insincerity taken too far.

A statement by the Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said Fayose’s claim was another lie to explain away his “greed, insensitivity and lack of commitment to the welfare of Ekiti workers”.

“The e-payment system is

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

the system embraced all over the world, including many PDP-controlled states and at the federal level.

The e-payment system has proved very effective in Ekiti State as workers were not owed any salary during Fayemi’s tenure.

“The system has also been used by Fayose to pay workers since he assumed office; and so when did he suddenly discover that the e-payment system is not good?”

The APC spokesman alleged that the governor was

up to a systematic sacking of more workers.

‘We are aware of his plans to bring into the Ekiti State Civil Service outsiders from Ibadan.

“Ekiti workers should ask Fayose why the same e- payment system ensured their regular salary payment under the Fayemi administration but it is now impossible under his administration, despite reduction in the work force as many workers, including permanent secretaries, have been sacked.

‘Many employment schemes that take millions of naira from government’s

treasury have been cancelled by the governor, six months moratorium was granted in bond debt repayment, which enables him to save N3 billion.

‘There is 60 per cent cut in running grants and allowances to workers and traditional rulers. This is apart from N22 billion refund on federal roads constructed by Ekiti State and N2 billion Ecological Fund he had received.

The question is what is Fayose doing with all these funds?” Olatunbosun said.

He added that it was wicked of the governor, who

claims to be a friend of the masses, to allocate N200 million monthly to himself as security vote and another N250 million running grant as first line charge.

“How many times will this governor conduct verification exercise after the first two exercises during which three teachers died in a road crash on Ise-Ekiti Road while travelling for their verification exercise?”

Olatubosun challenged the governor to tell Ekiti people how much he pays monthly to his sponsors who, he alleged, helped him fix the June 21 governorship election.

‘No abortion for Sambisa victims’

By Joe Agbro Jnr

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HE Bishop of the Lagos West Anglican Diocese, the Rt Revd James Odedeji, has said abortion was not a solution to ameliorating the plight of expectant women rescued from the Sambisa Forest.

He spoke at a briefing ahead of the Synod of the Lagos West Diocese, scheduled to begin tomorrow at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church, Ikeja GRA, Lagos with the theme, ‘Looking unto Jesus.’

The bishop said while the church will continue praying for them, it would not encourage abortion.

“The Church of God does not support abortion of any kind. It is unfortunate that we are in this mess,” Bishop Odedeji said.

He called for prayers for the rescue of the Chibok girls kidnapped over a year ago by Boko Haram.

Bishop Odedeji also called for prayers for incoming leaders, specifically for the Lagos State governor-elect, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode.

“On the incoming governor, we need to pray for him because the Bible encourages us to pray for our leaders.”

CAN chief Atilade advises Buhari

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HE Southwest Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Magnus Atilade, has urged Presidentelect Muhammadu Buhari to prioritise health, education and welfare, in addition to tackling corruption and security.

The CAN leader, who is also the National President of the Christian Welfare Initiative (CWI), said this in a statement yesterday.

He said: “A situation where we depend on one form of healthcare (orthodox or allopathic) is not the best.

“There are other options, such as complementary alternative medi-care, which our government needs to apply. People who are going to practise it are properly trained.

“The Federal College of Complementary Alternative Medicine in Lagos and Abuja should be immediately reopened for this purpose.”

“This is because the orthodox and alternative medicines are not enough to take care of the bloated world population, pointing out that in Nigeria, over 60 percent of the population rely on traditional and alternative medicine.”

Tribunal orders substituted service From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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HE Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Akure, Ondo State, yesterday ordered substituted service of the petition brought by the All Progressive Congress (APC) and its candidate, Gbenga Edema, challenging the victory of the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Coker Malachi.

The petitioner’s lawyer, Charles Titiloye, said Malachi had been evading service of the petition.

The Tribunal Chairman, Justice O A. Ogar, ordered that the petition be pasted on the front wall of the fence of the state PDP secretariat at 3 Bishop Fagun Road, Akure.

The tribunal stated that the said service shall be deemed as proper service on the respondent.

All the five APC lawmakers-elect whose elections are being challenged by the PDP were in court to be served copies of the petition against them.

Justice Ogar praised Titiloye for bringing his clients to collect the petitions without waiting for substituted service.

‘Tinubu a pacesetter’

By Sina Fadare

F •Fashola cutting the tape…yesterday. With him are Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (second left); Justice Atilade (right); Ipaye (left) and Justice Ilori. INSET The building.

PHOTO: MOSES OMOSEHIN

Fashola: timely dispensation of justice’ll end violence

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has said timely and accurate dispensation of justice can help prevent violence and societal unrest.

He spoke yesterday at the inauguration of a magistrate’s court complex in Ogba.

The 22-courtroom complex is named after a former Chief Judge, Justice Samuel Ilori.

Fashola said the court would also provide the judiciary staff with a conducive work environment.

Fashola explained that the location of such facilities has a key role to play in maintaining law and order.

“A society that is able to dispense justice will achieve

•Governor inaugurates Justice Samuel Ilori court house

By Adebisi Onanuga and Miriam Ekene-Okoro

so many things because in doing so we would be ordering the society and controlling how the society develops.

“We would be punishing, whenever it is necessary to do so, those who threaten our society, those who threaten our children, our wives and our mothers and in that way, we would be strengthening our democracy.

“No matter how beautiful the road we build, if we choose to ignore law and order, ultimately, our society cannot progress. So, it is im-

portant to pay attention to those charged with the responsibility to enforce laws and administer laws.”

On why the complex was named after Justice Ilori, the governor said: “The labour of yesterday has made endeavours of today possible.”

The Chief Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, said the judiciary will be grateful to the governor for the beautiful edifice.

She said: “Today’s inauguration and handover attest yet again to the unshakeable commitment of the Lagos State government to sustain infrastructure development in the state judiciary and to

the improvement of justice delivery and justice administration.”

Justice Ilori thanked the governor for the honour. He said: “At the time you decided to name this court after me, I am sure you were not aware of my historical connection to this land. The small seed I sowed then has come back as this court house, and I thank you for naming it after me.”

At the ceremony were Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Ade Ipaye, Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary Lawal Pedro and others.

My firm didn’t collect money from Ajudua, says Afe Babalola

By Adebisi Onanuga

•Chief Babalola

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EGAL luminary Chief Afe Babalola yesterday said his firm, Afe Babalola Chambers, did not receive any payment from Lagos socialite Fred Ajudua to represent a former Chief of

Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi.

Chief Babalola spoke through a Managing Partner, Adebayo Adenipekun, while testifying at the trial of a court registrar, Oluronke Rosolu, before a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja.

Led in evidence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Seidu Atteh, Adenipekun told the court, presided over by Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo, that as the head of administration of the chamber when the said transaction took place, he would know if any

payment was made and from whom.

He contended that the law firm also had no dealing either with Bamaiyi or Ajudua.

“Ajudua did not brief our firm to represent Bamaiyi at any time. That is not correct.

We did not receive any legal fee from Ajudua in respect of the general.

“We were never briefed to represent Bamaiyi and we did not receive any money from Ajudua,” Adenipekun maintained.

After Adenipekun made the disclosure, the court adjourned the matter till today for continuation of trial.

Lt.-Gen Bamaiyi had alleged that Rosulu, a former registrar to Justice Joseph Oyewole, collected $330,000 from him on behalf of Ajudua on November 20, 2004.

He claimed the money was given to her as part-payment of the legal fees requested by Afe Babalola Chambers to represent him in his murder charge before Justice Oyewole.

According to Bamaiyi, the alleged fraud took place between November 2004 and June 2005 while he was on remand alongside Ajudua in Kirikiri Maximum Prison.

ORMER Osun State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning Wale Bolorunduro has described former Lagos State Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a pacesetter.

Bolorunduro said Tinubu pioneered Public Finance Management Reforms, adding that this has made him the first governor to make his administration transparent and accountable.

“It is this Public Finance Management Reforms pioneered by Tinubu that the Federal Government is just beginning to initiate now.”

He said the Tinubu administration set the path of revenue growth for the state by introducing revenue automation and passing a law that gave autonomy to the Inland Revenue Service.

“Tinubu, against all odds and federal might, rose like a colossus to get the support of financial institutions for his administration and won.”

Material recovery facility launched

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday commissioned the first waste Material Recovery Facility (MFR), expected to generate gas from biodegradable waste and convert same to power supply.

Fashola said the N1.3billion facility was funded by West Africa Energy, noting that the company was expected to pay an average of five per cent of the accruable revenue for the period of the agreement and on expiration of the project.

The government’s equity contribution was provision of the land for the construction of the facility.

The governor said the facility would provide raw materials for plastic paper and metal manufacturers and create jobs.

MFR is a material reclamation facility that receives, separates and prepare recyclable materials for the end user.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

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NEWS Ekiti HoS defends verification

Oshiomohole to wed on Friday

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HE Ekiti State Head of Service, Olugbenga Faseluka, has said the ongoing verification embarked upon by the government would help in the management of personnel.

Speaking in Ado Ekiti yesterday shortly after his verification, Faseluka said the government targeted an integrated payroll and personnel information management system that transcends the biometrics payroll currently used.

The Head of Service said the exercise will be used for the payment of April salary and will capture complete information about the career history of every officer so that it can aid efficiency in personnel management.

He added that it would also assist those who are in charge of human resources management as well as pension and payroll, among others.

Faseluka, who was verified at the Political and Economic Department of the Governor’s office at 4:25 pm, expressed satisfaction with the cooperation and attendance of workers.

He said the government wanted a system that would be owned by the workforce.

He said no major hiccups have been reported, except minor challenges which could be surmounted using administrative expertise.

NEPA retirees decry unpaid N17b arrears From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

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ORMER workers of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), who were forced to retire in 2000, have called for the payment of their unpaid arrears and entitlements put at over N17 billion.

The frustrated retirees, under the auspices of the Electricity Sector of the National Union of Pensioners (NUP), said in a statement in Ibadan yesterday that the entitlements include harmonisation arrears totaling N14 billion and compensations of over N3 billion.

The statement, which was signed by Gabriel Oladigboye and Femi Afolabi, was issued at the end of an emergency meeting yesterday.

They claimed that evidence show that the said amount was stuck between the National Electric Liability Company (NELMCO) and the Pension Transition Arrangement Department (PTAD).

The statement reads: “We are also using this opportunity to clarify the impression being created that the company has settled the PHCN workers entitlements.

“We make bold to explain that we retired under NEPA and not PHCN as being erroneously claimed.

“As our name signifies, we belong to NEPA year 2000 retirees, not PHCN as being claimed. By their claim, the management is excluding us from our legitimate entitlements.

“The NEPA year 2000 retirees are asking the government to compel both NELMCO and PTAD which are supposed to be in custody of these entitlements to pay us by the end of the month.

“We ask the government to be mindful of the fact that most of our members have died in pursuit of this legitimate right.”

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole will wed his fiancée, Miss Iara Fortes.

The ceremony will take place on Friday at the Etsako West Local Government Council Marriage Registry, Auchi, Edo State, by 10am.

The intending couple had courted for sometime before they agreed to marry.

According to sources close to the governor, the ceremony will be low-key, to reflect the spirit of the time.

Entertainment of guests will take place at the Peoples’ Hall in Iyambo, Etsako West Local Government Area.

Court fixes June 1 for illegal demolition case

By Precious Igbonwelundu

•From left: Corporate Services Manager, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr Oladimeji Oduyebo, Executive Director, Children Emergency Relief Foundation (CERF), Mrs Abosede Oyeleye and Head, Human Resource, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mrs Adejoke Alli, during the cheque presentation to CERF, as part of Fidson’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

OAU lecturer’s abductors demand N70m

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HE abductors of a senior lecturer of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Dr. Femi Omisore, have demanded N70 million from his family.

Omisore, a senior lecturer in the Department of Environmental Design Management, was abducted last Saturday in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on his way to a funeral in Oye-Ekiti.

The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), OAU chapter, Dr. Caleb Aborisade, said the kidnappers used Omisore’s telephone to call his wife on Monday.

Speaking at an emergency congress, Aborisade denied that Omisore had been killed.

He described the kidnap as “callous”, saying the university community has been inmourning since the incident occurred.

Aborisade said the “wicked act” offends our culture, desecrates our institutions and cast utter shame on our collective humanity.

•ASUU: overhaul security agencies in Ekiti •Kidnappers threaten more abductions From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti and Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

He confirmed that the lecturer’s driver was killed and his car burnt by the kidnappers.

The ASUU chairman, who pleaded with the kidnappers to release Omisore unconditionally, said they should consider his contribution to the society.

He said: “The congress sympathises with the family of the driver and also with the family of our colleague.

We condemn the kidnap of our colleague and the killing of the driver. We demand for Omisore’s immediate and unconditional release.”

ASUU has called for an overhaul of the security agencies in Ekiti State for their failure to tackle kidnappings in the state.

The union urged security agencies to deploy appropri-

ate technology, such as tracking devices, to curb kidnapping.

It called on Governor Ayo Fayose to declare a state of emergency on insecurity, saying “any further delay may spell doom for the state”.

The Chairman of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) branch of ASUU, Dr. Bola Oniya, said security agencies have failed in their duties.

He decried the kidnap of seven persons in Ekiti State in the last two weeks without any clue to their whereabouts.

Oniya called on the Fayose administration to bring the perpetrators to justice, describing the kidnap of lecturers and medical professionals as “gross error of unimaginable proportion”.

The ASUU chair said the erroneous impression that dons and their medical colleagues earn good wages is

misplaced, noting that they are being owed close to three months arrears of salaries and bonuses.

He said: “Government should, as a matter of urgency, overhaul security agencies saddled with the responsibility of keeping peace in the state.

The Ekiti State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. John Akinbote, has said kidnappers have threatened to abduct seven more health workers.

Akinbote said the threat was sent to senior union officials yesterday.

He wondered why health workers, who render humanitarian services, have become endangered species.

The NMA chief urged health workers to be more security-conscious.

Akinbote called on security agencies to protect health workers.

El-Rufai: we’ll retrieve stolen money ADUNA State Goverfrom PDP govt nor-elect Nasir ElRufa’i has said the

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Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stolen so much from the national treasury and the new government will politely ask its members to return the money.

He said politicians both at the state and national levels, who have “soiled” their hands with public money, should be ready to make refunds as soon as the All Progressives Congress (APC) takes over power on May 29.

The governor-elect spoke yesterday when executive members of the National Union of Textile Garments and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) visited him.

He explained that the recovery of the money has become necessary because the incoming government will inherit a bad debt situation, stressing that the APC government would ask politicians who stole government money to return such funds.

El-Rufai said: “We will po-

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

litely ask those who stole government money to return the funds.

“This is because people who are in government now are there to work for themselves but the APC government is made up of people who are ready to work for the masses and for the country.

“We will work with the textile union to ensure that lives of Nigerians get better.”

The governor-elect decried what he described as the “shameful” state of the textile industry in the area, pledging that his administration will reverse the trend.

According to him, the textile industries in Kaduna used to employ about 33,000 workers and lamented that the current figure of 1,600 employees was unacceptable.

He said the APC govern-

ment would revive the textile industries to generate employment and impact on the lives of the people.

He said: “We have met at a forum of northern governors-elect and we decided to ensure the revival of the textile industries.

“It is a shame that the largest economy in Africa imports textile materials from Senegal and other countries.”

President of the union Comrade Oladele Hunsu congratulated El-Rufa’i on his victory.

He described as indelible, El-Rufa’i’s activities as FCT Minister and urged the governor-elect to take steps towards reviving the textile industry.

He said illegal importation of textile materials had crippled activities of the local textile industries.

“The way you fixed Abuja, we believe you can also fix Kaduna with good roads and

•El-Rufai

industries.

“All nations want to employ their youths, produce goods and services, overcome poverty and underdevelopment.

“Adequate security should be provided to protect the properties of the companies particularly in the light of criminal vandalisation going on in some closed textile companies namely Arewa Textiles, KTL among others” Hunsu said.

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HE Court of Appeal in Lagos yesterday fixed June 1 for the hearing of an appeal filed against Lagos State government and the police over the demolition of houses in some communities in Badagry.

The appellants, who are residents of Atinporomeh, Araromi Ale Extension and Mowo communities in Badagry, had instituted a fundamental rights suit at a Badagry High Court, ýdemanding N100 billion as general damages for “unlawful and wrongful invasion and demolition” of their houses.

They are Charles Adu, Joshua Medepo, Godwin Ogungbe, Oluseyi Adeleye, Alao Alapanla, Johnson Adebiyi, Justice Ovemurai, Afolabi Olukoya, Ibrahim Adedeji, Kolawole Adewumi, Edun Talabi, Joseph Onwueka, Joseph Ibukun, Adebayo Oke, Olanipekun Ayanleye, Sylvester Enebeli, Shittu Abdullahi, Afolabi Kehinde, Ahmeed Alade, Iwueze Emmanuel, Oladimeji Oluwaseun, and Martha Adeogun.

But, Justice ýYetunde Adesanya struck out the suit for want of jurisdiction.

Dissatisfied, the plaintiffs approached the appellate court to set aside the lower court’s decision.

At the appeal court yesterday, Justice Sidi Bage adjourned the matter after the appellants’ lawyer, Declan Kemdirim, said both the government and the police have not filed their defence.

Consequently, Justice Bage said the appeal would be heard on the appellant’s brief alone.

The appellants are contending that the lower court erred when it held that their claim was intertwined with the issue of title to land, adding that there was no justification for such conclusion.

They argued that the trial judge erred in law because she relied on the affidavit of the first to fourth respondents that the reliefs of the appellants were deeply rooted in the title and therefore came to a wrong conclusion by striking out the suit.

They want the court to set aside the ruling and allow their appeal.

Joined as respondents are Inspector-General of Police; Lagos State Commissioner of Police; Area Commander, Area K Command; Ministry of Police Affairs and Lagos Task Force on Environment and Special Offences.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

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CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

Man, 27, ‘kills’ 44-year-old friend

Don’t aid my kidnappers’ bail, A victim plead

LAGOS businessman has cried out over plans by some “powerful” people to get those who kidnapped him freed.

Alhaji Ahmed Fashola, Kings Petroleum Limited Managing Director alleged that they are planning to get bail for the suspected who are in custody of Lagos State Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) in Ikeja.

Fashola was kidnapped last November 13 at Idimu in Lagos and was rescued some days later by the police.

He told reporters in Lagos yesterday that those who shared out of the ransom the suspects got are planning to hire lawyers to release one of them.

Fashola said: “The suspect (Afam) should not be released. If he is released, I will not be the only one that will live in fear and threat to life, a lot of people’s lives will be in danger.

“Why do you arrest kidnappers if they will not end up in jail completely away from the society for

By Ebele Boniface

peoples’ lives to be safe? Please don’t release Afam because he is a dangerous kidnapper,” he said.

According to him, releasing Afam is tantamount to aiding kidnapping business in Alimoso.

“I thank God that the suspects were arrested especially Afam. I will say that I am lucky too because I am alive; I was rescued and no ransom was paid. I wish to use this opportunity to thank the police and commend them for the excellent way they handled the kidnap case professionally. I am impressed. Their excellent performance gives me more hope that we should have confidence in the police,” he said.

Relieving his ordeal when he was kidnapped, he said: “That fateful day, I closed from work; a Honda Pilot car doublecrossed my car. Five hefty

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HE Lagos State Government has ordered tanker drivers off Alaka and Eko bridges to ensure public safety and free flow of traffic.

The government urged the drivers to comply with its Road Traffic Law, which is aimed at keeping the state moving.

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) General Manager Babatunde Edu, said yesterday after a tour that the disorderliness and chaos on Eko Bridge/Funsho Williams Avenue, were intolerable.

He said it had become necessary to curb the drivers’ excesses to cushion the hardship on other motorists.

Edu noted that the axis was gradually becoming an eyesore, adding that if not properly managed, it could aggravate to lawlessness and indiscipline being witnessed daily at Apapa.

According to him, government being responsible and responsive would ensure that every citizen has a right to the roads, which he said, were not constructed only for articulated vehicles.

“Section 21 of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority Law of 2007 restricts driving or propelling, whether mechanically or otherwise, of articulated vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, lorries, trailers and tankers on the BRT Lite Corridor between 11am and 4pm and between 11pm and 5pm”, he said.

men emerged with guns and forced me into their car. I later found myself in a toilet at Isheri Ikotun, in a bungalow. They wore police TeeShirt but I know that police will not behave like that. They broke two side glasses, took my phone and blindfolded me.

“A man came and chained my leg and hands before removing the cloth they used to blindfold me. I heard voices of children and a woman which made me to know that the house is residential. The woman was taking children to school and bringing them back. I recognised IK. There were two guys on ground. One asked me whether I needed food, I said no but I took table water.

“I did not know that they had taken my phone. They called my wife demanding $400,000. My wife said where do they expect her to get

•Fashola

that kind of money?

“When police came and rescued me, I heard gun shots. I told police that the leaders IK and one other said they were coming the following day. So they waited. When IK and the guy came in, IK scaled the wall and escaped. I stayed four days in the toilet.

When police busted the house they met two men, three children and a woman. They arrested everybody.”

Lagos orders tanker drivers to leave Eko Bridge

Guard charged with N11, 000 theft

A •The Eko Bridge...yesterday

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

The tankers, Edu said, should make use of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway which is primarily designed for such purpose, urging them to stay away from all bridges except during the time frame stipulated by law.

He attributed the perennial gridlock being witnessed around the state to the spill over of traffic from the Ijora entrance of Eko Bridge con-

necting Apapa. “This act of insensitivity has crippled the economy of the state denying other people their rights to livelihood”, Edu said.

The LASTMA chief said government is not unaware of the problems of petrol scarcity, and appealed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other stakeholders to live up to their responsibilities.

He enjoined tank farm owners to ensure that only tankers booked for

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•One of the affected electricity poles

vail on the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to repair the damaged poles and cables, noting that it is dangerous for it to be on the ground.

A woman, Mrs Rekiat Adebayo, described the situation as pa-

thetic, adding that she was deep in prayers with her children as the storm was threatening their apartment.

She also sought IBEDC’s quick intervention to ensure safety of lives in the area.

Free eye screening for The Nation staff

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immediate loading allowed to come to Lagos in order not to compound traffic.

He enjoined the Petroleum Tankers Drivers (PTD) Branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to urge their members to comply with traffic laws.

Children accused of beating up father

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Rainstorm destroys homes, electricity poles AINSTORM on Sunday destroyed houses, electricity poles and properties worth million of naira at Iloye community in Adalemo-Sango.

The community’s major road has been rendered impassable by the fallen electric poles.

Yesterday, residents, with the help of sympathisers were still evacuating and sun-drying their properties; many others were thinking of how to re-roof their houses.

A landlord, Mr Ahmed Adam, whose roof was blown off, said: “I have never witnessed such a rainstorm in my life. Initially, it did not appear as if it was about raining to that extent. As it began with heavy storm, suddenly, I heard a loud sound and before I realised what was happening, my building was stripped naked – its roof was gone!”

Adam was also hit and injured by the debris while trying to salvage some of his documents.

“The incident has caused me and other affected victims serious pains and losses”, he said.

Adam appealed to Governor Ibikunle Amosun to come to pre-

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27-YEAR-OLD man, Fatai Afobaje, was yesterday arraigned before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly killing his friend and dismembering his body.

Afobaje, who resides at 332, Oko Agbonla Irese Village in Magbon, a suburb of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder.

The Prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Elizabeth Ekuma, said the offence was committed on February 13 in Afobaje’s residence.

She said Afobaje killed one Rafiu Sulaiman, 44, his close friend, who visited him.

Ekuma said the accused cut-off his friend’s head and hands of with a knife.

“The victim had gone to visit his friend and on getting there, the security man at the gate allegedly charmed Sulaiman which rendered him unconscious.

“Sulaiman was carried into the room where Afobaje chopped off his head and hands before he buried his trunk,’’ Ekuma said.

He said when some policemen searched the house, the found the chopped-off parts where they were buried.

She said the widow identified her husband when she saw his wedding ring on one of his chopped-off fingers inside a calabash in Afobaje’s home.

Magistrate A.O. Komolafe ordered the accused remanded in Ikoyi Prisons pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The case has been adjourned to June 22.

HE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), The Nation Chapel, will today hold free eye examinations for all staff members. The eye examination is in honour of the former union chairman and Crime Correspondent, the late Jude Isiguzo.

It is tagged “NUJ/Jude Isiguzo Health Day.” Consultant ophthalmologist and Director, Guinness Eye Centre, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Prof Adebukola Adefule-Ositelu will lead other ophthalmologists from LUTH for the event.

WO siblings yesterday appeared before an Apapa Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly assaulting their father, Mr Ihiomah Ogidinta. They were said to have beaten up their father and tied a skipping rope round his neck.

The accused - Flora Ogidinta, 36, and Chiedoziem Ogidinta, 29, who live at Flat 18, in Festac Town, Lagos, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, attempt to murder and threatening violence.

The Prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Soji Ojaokomo, said the accused committed the offence last April 1 at their residence.

The accused, he said, attempted to unlawfully kill their father by jointly beating him up and tying a rope round his neck.

The prosecutor said the accused confessed they carried out the action because their father was having an affair with their late mother's friend.

"The complainant said his children threatened to do worse things to him the next time he brings the woman home," Ojaokomo said.

Ojaokomo said the offence contravened Sections 56, 228 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

Senior Magistrate Patrick Adekomaiya granted them N50, 000 bail two sureties in the like sum each and adjourned the case till May 21

TINUBU Magistrate’s Court in Lagos yesterday granted security guard, Samuel Moses, N50,000 bail for allegedly stealing N11,000.

Magistrate Olaitan Ajayi, ordered him to produce two sureties in the like sum.

Moses, who lives in Jakande Housing Estate, Lekki, Lagos denied the charge.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Sergeant Daniel Ighodalo, told the court that the accused committed the offence on April 28 at Ikoyi Branch of UBA Plc on Awolowo Road.

He said the guard stole the money from one Mr Mohammed Adamu under the pretext of helping him to pay it into his son’s account.

“The complainant, who is an illiterate, had approached the accused in the banking hall to help him fill a teller for N11, 000 which he intended to send to his son.

“Moses filled the amount on the teller in his own name instead of filling it in Adamu’s son’s name.

“The accused also filled Adamu’s name and phone number as details of the depositor.

“After the accused had completed his fraudulent act, he gave the teller to Adamu who ignorantly went to pay the money into Moses’ account in the bank,” Ighodalo said.

The prosecutor said the next day, Adamu went back to the bank to lodge a complaint that his son had yet to receive the money he sent to him the previous day.

“Fortunately, the complainant had a copy of the teller in his possession.

“When the bank officials inspected the details on the teller, they discovered that the accused had substituted his account details with that of Adamu’s son.’’

Ighodalo said the bank officials immediately blocked Moses’ account, adding: “On May 4, Moses tried unsuccessfully to withdraw money from his account and he went to report his inability to access the money in his account to the bank staff.

“The staff, on noticing that his account was blocked due to fraud, alerted the authorities.”

The case has been adjourned to June 6.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

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BUSINESS EXTRA

Expenditures on NIPPs hit $5b, says NDPHC boss

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HE aggregate expendi ture on the National In tegrated Power Plants (NIPPs) is now $5billion, the Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC),James Olotu has said.

Olotu, who spoke yesterday through the Associate Head of Generation, Onuoha Igwe in Abuja during at the opening session of the company’s meeting with electricity generation companies,

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

said by the time the conception is fully on ground, “NDPHC or NIPPs would have consumed “over $5billion on the aggregate.”

He said in 2007, the committee for building mediumsized power plants in the Niger Delta, was originally funded with $2.5million following the approval of the National Assembly to use the excess crude oil account to

fund the projects.

Olotu said upon the committee’s study, the Federal Government decided that seven power plants should be built as medium-sized power plants in the Niger Delta utilising available gas close to the plants, adding that the decision was to transmit the power from the Niger Delta to the central part of the country.

Olotu explained that it was expected that the grid would

be built into the power plants, for the power to reach the beneficiaries, pointing out that the NDPHC owns the distribution component.

He said as the company is contributing to the development and enlargement of the grid, as a whole, it is equally building infrastructure on transmission network to close up the loop.

Olotu said the transmission system currently in place that is owned by the Transmission

Company of Nigeria (TCN) at the 330KV level, ends in Jos and Enugu , stressing that “the plant in Jos and Enugu is not covered by the 330KV. “ He however said by July, the double circuit which is built in Uguaja to loop the gap between Enugu and Jos would have been completed.

“By the grace of God, between now and July this year, we should have that Eastern plan completed,” he said.

Olotu, who blamed the recurring power shortage on vandalism of gas pipeline, said: “At any point in this chain, what we have been seeing in the past year or two, is persistent damage on the gas pipelines.

“The moment those gas pipelines are disrupted, there is nothing to turn the gas to the power plants, and when the gas turbines are not working you cannot have the power,“ he said.

Appeal Court upholds injunction in Okomu Oil’s suit

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HE Court of Appeal sit ting in Benin yesterday refused to quash the interlocutory injunction which barred the Okomu Oil Palm from further destruction of farmlands currently occupied by Cocoa Farmers settlers in Area BC 10 Forest Reserve at Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State.

It said the application filed by the Okomu Oil Palm Company lacked merit.

Justice U. I. Erameh of the Edo State High Court sitting in Okada had slammed the interlocutory injunction against the Okomu Oil Palm Plc and its Managing Director, Dr. Graham Heifer in a suit filed by the Cocoa Farmers (Hassan Tajudeen, Fatai Oyelaji, Alhajij Ganiyu Eniola, Pastor C. O. Osunlakin on behalf of themselves and Yoruba Cocoa Farmers in Area BC 10, Okomu Forest Reserve).

Delivering judgment in the appeal, Justice U. A. Ogakwu, who read the judgment on behalf of Justice P.M. Ekpe and Justice H.A. Barka said the appli-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

cation lacked merit and was incompetent.

Justice Ogakwu who affirmed the decision of the lower court also granted restorative order against the appellant.

Ogwaku held that it was incurable and ineffective for the appellant to raise fresh grounds of appeal and urged the appellant to abide by the consequential order of the court.

The presiding judge lamented the failure of the counsel to the appellant to give proper advice when the appellant resorted to self-help and further embarked on the destruction of the cocoa farmland, in spite of the order earlier slammed on the appellant, which he described as fait accompli.

He said: “There is an enduring need to ensure that the sanctity of law is obeyed. The appellant has no locus to raise fresh ground of appeal.

The injunction succeeds to forestall further injuries on the respondents.”

‘Nigerian’s environment business friendly’

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HE Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Fulvio Rustico has said Nigeria has a very conducive weather for Gelato ice cream business.

Gelato is an Italian ice cream known for its creaminess, variety of flavors and absence of sugar.

He spoke after a four-day intensive Gelato training Course by Hatlab Ice Cream, Abuja in collaboration with Gelato University Carpigiani, Italy.

He said: “Gelato is a big business; you have more than 170 million people, and in this country, you have the temperature

From Chioma Onyia, Abuja

which is the same as the Italian weather, so Nigeria has similar temperature. It’s only 10 degrees more all the year. We are not so lucky as you are so its hot; Gelato is very tasty. Nigerians love to eat nice things as Europeans and it cost nothing to get a Gelato like this and it gives you lots of pleasure.”

The Managing Director, Hatlab Ice cream, Katifat Balogun, said: “The population for the country is huge, the weather is good and above all, its been a wonderful enterprise.”

PZ Cussons, NOTAP sign MoU on Chemical Science, Technology

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N furtherance of its Cor porate Social Responsibil ity Programme, PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) to support research in chemical science and Technology.

Under the terms of the MoU, PZ Cussons has agreed to fund the upgrade of the chemical laboratories in two Nigerian Universities and one Research Institute while NOTAP will co-ordinate the

project.. The benefitting institutions are: University of Calabar, Modibo Adama University of Technology, Yola and the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria.

PZ Cussons’ intervention is borne out of its concern to fill the infrastructural gap in those institutions. The intervention is to assist the institutions acquire and install state-of-the-art equipment to facilitate the conduct of robust research activities that will produce high calibre R&D personnel.

• From left: Group Managing Director/CEO, First City Monument Bank, Mr. Ladi Balogun; Executive Director, Lagos and Southwest, Mr. Femi Bakre; Chief Operating Officer, West Africa ERNG, Mrs. Lolade Oresanwo and Chief Executive, Mr. Paul O’Callaghan, at the inauguration of Solous 1 Material Recovery Facility at Igando, Lagos ... yesterday.

NDIC sues Okupe, others over N34b debt

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HE Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corpora tion (NDIC), Liquidator of Gulf Bank Nigeria Plc, has urged the Federal High Court to enlist its suit against Presidential Aide, Doyin Okupe and two others as undefended.

NDIC instituted the suit in 2007 against Okupe, Value Trust Investment Limited and the firm’s director, Ray Ahazie.

The liquidator claimed that as chairman of Value Trust, Okupe and the other respondents borrowed money to execute a project for the Bayelsa State Government from the defunct Gulf Bank.

In its statement of claim filed before the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, on July 10, 2007, the claimant, through its lawyer, Dr. Abiodun Layonu, averred that the defendants were granted a credit facility by the bank to finance the importation of 10,000 metric tones of rice for onward delivery to the Balyesa state government vide an offer letter dated October 27, 2000.

The NDIC claimed that the terms and conditions of the offer and acceptance were later formalised in a memorandum of agreement duly signed and stamped between the bank and the defendants.

The claimant averred that the respondents were in debt of N34.2 million, being outstanding balance on the loan they collected before the bank was wound up.

The NDIC is also claiming

By Precious Igbonwelundu

the interest on the said sum at the rate of 21 per cent per annum from May 2007, until the final liquidation of the said sum.

In securing the facility, the NDIC alleged that the defendants and Balyesa state government through its banker, Societe Generale Bank, granted a bank guarantee in the contract sum of N500 million in favour of Gulf Bank.

The claimant said Okupe and Ahazie also entered joint and several guarantees to the full amount granted in favour of Gulf Bank to further secure the facility.

It further claimed that when the ship carrying the 10,000 metric tones of rice arrived the Nigerian territorial waters on December 28, 2000, it could not berth at the Apapa Port until January 03, 2001.

The claimant further stated that as a result of congestion, the ship arrived Port-Harcourt territorial waters on July 26, 2001, but refused to berth on grounds that the shipping agency fee of $155,000, (about N18.6 million) had not been paid Upon enquiry from the local representative of the shipping company, Koda International Nigeria Limited, the claimant said the Gulf Bank was informed that a bill of $155,000, had been sent to the first defendant -Value Trust Investment Limited, for settlement as per the

agreement between the investment company and the Oversea Supplier Luck Rice International, of which it (claimant) had no prior knowledge of.

It also claimed that upon further inquiry by Gulf Bank, Koda International Nigeria Limited disclosed that the $155,000, was for port dues - harbour, conservancy and anchorage fees.

After reviewing the Charter Party agreement between Value Trust investment Limited and Lucky Rice International under “Clause 28”, the NDIC said it discovered that the liability for the payment of shipping fees was actually for Value Trust International.

It averred that when the investment company could not come up with the $155,000, representing the shipping agency fees, Gulf Bank decided to pay the fee to Koda International Nigeria Limited., The Bayelsa state government rejected the rice NDIC further averred that when Balyesa state government reneged on its promise to take the rice, Gulf Bank was forced to commence an open market sale of the rice, by which time some of the bags were damaged, culled or lost on board.

It stated that the realities affected the amount realised from the sales, adding that only N454,574,150 was deposited in the account, leaving a disparity of N70,

425,850 between the initial overdrawn position of N525 million in Value Trust Investment Limited account, which has attracted interest since 2001., NDIC also claimed that in a bid to resolve the issue, it had a meeting on September 21, 2005 at the Ikoyi office of Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), where it was agreed that N196,642,996.08 be waived from the outstanding N240,811,060.59.

The claimant alleged that the defendants were to pay the bank the sum of N44,168,064.51, out of which they only paid N10 million.

It averred that the defendants have since refused, neglected and failed to liquidate their indebtedness despite repeated demand and their admittance through a letter dated February 15, 2006.

At the resumed hearing before Justice Saliu Saidu, counsel to NDIC, Oburume Ayeteno, told the court that it has filed an application to place the suit on undefended list and was ready to argue it.

Okupe’s lawyer Yemi Gbonegun, however objected to the claimant’s application, stating that the defence had filed its statement.

He claimed that the said statement of defence cannot be traced in the court’s file, and prayed for time to regularise its processes before the court.

The judge adjourned to July 8, 2015 to enable the Counsel file his defence.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

NEWS Rivers Assembly threatens govt officials with warrant of arrest From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

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HE Rivers State House of Assembly has threatened to issue a warrant of arrest against any official who fails to honour its invitation to its sitting tomorrow.

Deputy Speaker Leyii Kwanee, who presided over the plenary yesterday, issued the threat, following the failure of some commissioners and heads of corporations to honour their invitation.

Kwanee said: “If any person wants to test the will of this place, on Thursday at 10am, we will be compelled to issue a warrant of arrest. No one can test the will of the Assembly, no matter how short its time.”

The House of Assembly, on Monday, summoned the Commissioners for Finance, Agriculture, Power, Health, Tourism, Information, Budget, Works and Transport.

The Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), who were also invited are: the Accountant-General, Chairmen of Board of Internal Revenue, Rivers State Assembly Service Commission and Secondary School Management Board.

But, yesterday, only the Commissioners for Transport, Budget and Power and the Chairman of Rivers State Assembly Service Commission, appeared before the lawmakers.

The summon was on the state economy and conflicting reports from the government, which they said were “very embarrassing” to them.

The lawmakers’ action followed a motion brought by Deputy House Leader Nname Ewor, on those matters.

Girl stabs brother to death over argument 21-year-old girl, Omasan Ogbe, yesterday stabbed her teenage brother, Laju, to death during an argument over house chores.

The incident occurred in Ugbuwangue, Warri, Delta State.

It was learnt that Omasan asked Laju, who was the only son of the family, to do the dishes.

The boy was said to have resisted, reminding his sister

A

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

that he had fetched water and was tired.

The argument was said to have resulted in a fight. Laju reportedly slammed the sister on the floor.

He was said to have run to the back of their home, his sister wielding a kitchen knife behind him.

Omasan allegedly stabbed Laju in the chest, when he caught

up with him.

A family source, who spoke in confidence, said: “He fell to the ground and started screaming for help. People rushed to the house to help the boy.”

Laju was rushed to the Warri Central Hospital but he died because he lost a lot of blood.

He was buried in front of his father’s house at Ugbuwangue.

As the reality of her action dawned on her, Omasan was said to have attempted an escape.

But she was apprehended by

neighbours and handed over to the police.

Attempts to speak with the children’s mother were unsuccessful.

Their father was said to have died over 10 years ago.

The woman was still in shock at the time of filing this report.

Police spokesman Celestina Kalu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), confirmed the teenager’s death.

She said investigation had begun into the matter.

Ugolor: Nov 5 for hearing in N5m non-compliance award against IGP

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HE Court of Appeal, sitting in Benin, the Edo State capital, has fixed November 5 for hearing in a non-compliance case over a judgment it gave on May 6, 2013, ordering the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to pay N5 million judgment sum to an activist, Rev. David Ugolor.

In the suit between the IGP, Police and the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (appellants/respondents) and Rev. David Ugolor (respondent/applicant), the lawyer to the respondent, Emmanuel Afolabi, prayed the court to direct the appellants/respondents to “obey the order it made on May 6, 2013, directing the appellant/respondents to pay the judgment sum of N5,000,000.00 to the Deputy Chief Registrar of this court, who shall immediately deposit same into an interest-yielding account to abide by the outcome of the appeal filed by the appellants/respondents”.

Afolabi said the application was filed on the following grounds:

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

“The appellants have failed to obey the order of this court directing the appellants to pay the judgment sum of this court, who shall immediately deposit same into an interest-yielding account.

“The order made on May 6, 2013 has not been obeyed till date, whereas the order has not been set aside by the appellate court.

“The conduct of the appellants/respondents shows that the appellants/respondents have no respect for the lawful order made by the court.”

Presiding judge, Justice P. M. Ekpe, supported by Justice H. A. Barka and Justice U. A. Ogakwu, fixed hearing in the matter for November 5.

The Appellate Court awarded N5 million against the applicants/respondents for allegedly detaining Ugolor illegally over the murder of Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, the former Principal Private Secretary to Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, on May 4, 2012.

Akwa Ibom tribunal orders substituted service on Udom

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HE Akwa Ibom State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Uyo, the state capital, yesterday granted the prayers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr Umana Okon Umana, and his Labour Party LP) counterpart, Senator Helen Esuene, for a substituted service of the court process on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Emmanuel Udom.

The duo, through their lawyers, informed the tribunal that they had difficulties serving Emmanuel, who was declared winner of the April 11 governorship election.

Umana and Esuene rejected the result of the election.

They alleged irregularities in the conduct of the election, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said Udom won.

Following the difficulties

From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

they said they encountered in serving Udom the tribunal’s papers, Umana and Esuene had prayed the court to grant a substituted service on the PDP candidate.

Tribunal Chairman Justice Goddy Anunihu ordered that Udom be served the necessary papers and processes by pasting same on the walls or gate of his house.

The chairman also ordered the court papers to be pasted at a conspicuous place and photograph of it taken as evidence of service.

He granted four other prayers made by Umana, that: INEC make all documents used in the conduct of the election available to Umana; granted Umana leave to observe and inspect the materials; ordered INEC to make available certified true copy of the election result and ordered for forensic analysis of the electoral materials.

•From left: Project Coordinator, Face of Democracy Nigeria (FDN), Vivian Lam; Face of Democracy Northern Nigeria, Queen Debby Balat and Face of Democracy Nigeria 2014, Queen Jenifer Ohia, presenting Democracy Heroes Award to the representative of the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA) and Director, Political Civic Education, Mrs. Ngozi Ekeoba, at a ceremony in Abuja...yesterday.

Elders: 2015 polls worst in Rivers history

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HE leaders and elders of Rivers State, under the aegis of the Founding Fathers Foundation of Rivers State, have described this year’s general elections as the worst in the history of the state.

The group, also known as the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council (RELEC), at its meeting yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, noted that politically-motivated violence, which led to the death of many innocent persons and destruction of property worth billions of naira, was not the character of true Rivers indigenes.

Through its Chairman, Chief Albert Horsfall, a former Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), RELEC congratulated

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

President-elect Muhammadu Buhari on his victory in the March 28 election.

But it declined to do same for the “winner” of Rivers governorship poll, Chief Nyesom Wike, apparently because of the cases at the election petitions tribunal, sitting in Abuja.

The state governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, and the standard bearers of some the other political parties, who have filed their petitions at the tribunal, have insisted that the “sham” April 11 poll was massively rigged in favour of Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Horsfall said: “We abhor and condemn every act of violence, including what some people will call mischief. It is not the culture of Rivers State. We want to remind all and sundry that the cradle of Nigerian civilisation is from here. Civilisation entered Nigeria through our shores and it is truly shameful that violence during the last elections was uppermost in this (Rivers) state and those who promoted it and acted it have dragged us to the barbaric stage of life and we reject it and we ask all those who are involved either in promoting the same or projecting it to drop their guns now.

“This state does not need violence. We need peace, tranquility and security to prevail herein, so that Rivers

people and those who are non-Rivers people, who come here for one business or another, will enjoy a peaceable state here and so their businesses.”

On its demands from the President-elect, who they hinted they would soon, RELEC said they would inform him that the people of the state had always been good Nigerians, adding that they would support his government and work hard to promote peace and tranquility in Rivers.

He added: “We are good Nigerians and we intend to remain good Nigerians.”

It urged the people to shun violent politicians, who they said do not mean well for them.

APC alleges plot by Akwa Ibom REC to impede inspection

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HE Akwa Ibom State All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Resident Electoral Officer (REC), Mr. Austin Okojie, of planning to scuttle the inspection of electoral materials as ordered by Justice Adedayo Oyebanji of the National and State Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Uyo, the state capital.

Justice Oyebanji, on May 8, granted a prayer by the counsel to the petitioner, Chief Assam Assam (SAN), for the tribunal to grant leave for the inspection of the polling materials to verify the authenticity of 450,0000 votes.

The 450,000 votes were said to have been scored by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate in Akwa North West Senatorial District and Governor Godswill Akpabio.

•REC: allegation baseless From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

The tribunal also ordered that the inspection be carried out within 10 days in the presence of the respondents or their agents and security agents.

But a chieftain of the APC, Mr. Akanimo Edet, alleged that Okojie had directed 10 Electoral Officers (EOs) in the senatorial district to mix up the senatorial election ballot papers alongside other ballot papers used during the general elections.

Edet said the action was meant to halt the successful inspection of the over 450,000 ballot papers used in the March 28 senatorial poll.

According to him, investigation revealed that efforts by the petitioner, Chief Inibehe Okori, inspect the materials had been

undermined by the electoral body on the prompting of Akpabio.

Edet said: “The commissioner had summoned a meeting of the Eos, where he instructed that the senatorial ballot papers should be mixed up with others to make the inspection nearly impossible to cover up the fraud.

“Our Investigation also reveals that there is massive ongoing filling of incidence forms in a bid to make up for the bogus figures declared for Akpabio. This is at variance with the card reader analysis records, which is one of the contentious issues the governor is battling to provide answers to in the tribunal.

“When lawyers to the petitioner went to the electoral commission to facilitate the inspection, as ordered by the tribunal,

INEC officials declined to oblige the petitioner the right for inspection. They said the REC and the Head of Operations were not available to approve the inspection. They insisted that the REC who was nowhere to be found must approve the tribunals order.

“The duo making themselves unavailable is part of the conspiracy between the REC and Akpabio to ensure that the inspection does not go unhindered. It is also part of a plot to ensure that the inspection does not take place within the 10 days period allowed by the tribunal.

The tribunal has a 180 days lifespan and a total of 35 petitions are before it.”

But Okojie described APC’s allegation as false.

The REC said he had been ill for three days and was in a hospital in Benin, the Edo State capital, for treatment.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

15

DISCOURSE

‘I came, I saw, I succeeded’ Text of a lecture entitled: Good Governance As Catalyst for Development in Nigeria: The Delta State Experience, delivered by Delta State Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan at the University of Ibadan 2015 Alumni Association National Public Service Lecture.

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ODAY’s event affords me immense pleasure to be here as speaker at this forum organised by the alumni of this great university. I know the quality of the audience here and the great tradition behind this citadel of learning where many lives have been molded and leaders trained. I salute the foresight of the founding fathers of the institution.

Till date, the University of Ibadan remains a foremost Nigerian university. As a physician myself, I remember the place that the University College Hospital holds in this country even today. The name is mentioned with awe in many circles. Again, I salute the current leaders who have preserved its standards and tradition.

In accepting to come here, I wish to use it to also bid you farewell, as this will be one of my last public lecture outside Delta state before handing over on May 29th to my successor, an alumnus of this university. I am sure this university is proud to have trained and prepared the incoming Governor of Delta state.

There is no doubt that he will perform excellently well in the best tradition of UI. The topic we are considering today is important at this juncture in the history of our country as we transit from one government, from one ruling party to another. It is happening at a time the yearnings of Nigerians to join the league of developed states are palpable. On March 28 and April 11, the people spoke and we all heard. I think the decision of the people should not be taken lightly.

Both parties, my party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) that ran the affairs of the country for 16 years, and the new kid on the block- the All Progressives Congress (APC) should take more than a passing interest in this unprecedented phenomenon.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me now quickly look at the topic I have been assigned to speak on. I will not attempt to give theoretical, academic definition of the core terms and concepts employed in this lecture. This is primarily because my audience comprises not just those in the academia, but people of diverse backgrounds and interests. I have attended many academic conferences and I know the disputations that follow definitions. Most importantly, I believe the organizers invited me to deliver this paper because of my experience in the last eight years in Delta State. Had they wanted an academic paper, they would have invited a great Professor of Public Administration.

However, I believe operational contextualization of key concepts will suffice as we go along. For a start, we cannot avoid explaining what Good Governance means to us in setting the stage for this paper. I have chosen, in the spirit of the topic, to narrow it down to good governance in the public sector. This is not because it is not relevant to the private sector where there exists much waste and mismanagement leading many private institutions to collapse. But, here, we limit definition of good governance in the public sector to the effective use of public resources for general good. We remember the Social Contract Theory which presupposes that leaders are recruited to ensure optimal utilization of resources—political, economic, social and spiritual—for the general good according to the terms agreed with the people.

In any case, the 1999 constitution has a working definition of good governance. Section 14 states that government exists for the welfare and security of the people. It then be-

hoves every elected leader and indeed appointed one for that matter to ensure that the expectations of the people, are met.

Good governance in our age and time is therefore an integral part of democracy. Good governance is acting in accordance with the law; enthroning ennobling values and strengthening institutions of state with a view to getting them to perform to the expectations of the people. Good governance is dispensing justice without fear or favour.

Good governance is realising that today is a passage through which we approach tomorrow. It is realising that governance is a long continuum. There is no end to it. Therefore, in conceiving and enunciating public policies, the leader, as administrator, should take both the short and long range perspective of issues at hand. He must be a man of VISION and MISSION. The vision is the plan, the map for the journey. It is usually spelt out in the party manifesto in a skeletal form. It is revealed through an ideology where there is one and subject to the approval of the electorate at the poll.

A leader who lacks vision is purposeless as there can be no mission without vision. The mission is contained in specific goals outlined and the modus operandi is clear for getting the deliverables across to the people. It spells out how the welfare of the people is to be taken care of. In short, therefore, good governance is hinged on good vision. Good governance in our country at this time can only come through a leadership that would govern through leadership principles that represents the overall interest of Nigeria.

One such principle is accountability and transparency. Government exists for the people and everyone must be carried along. The President and governors are mere caretakers and should therefore give account of that which they have been saddled with. There is much work to do in Nigeria as well as Sub-Sahara Africa to reduce poverty and achieve great economic progress. One index that we must do everything in our power to reverse is our over-dependence on export of primary agriculture commodities and mineral resources. If we fail to do this, we shall remain permanent underachievers.

At independence, in 1960 much of Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria emerged from colonial rule with rural economy though we were relatively wealthier than South-East Asian economies. Today, that has changed. South East Asia economies are two and half times richer than Sub-Sahara African economies.

Between 1960 and now, South East Asian economies grew by 6 percent while Sub-Saharan Africa by 3.5%.

South East Asia achieved great progress by diversifying their economies from export of primary commodities into manufacturing, agroprocessing, value addition and subsequently, they moved up in the value chain of the global economy.

Sub-Saharan Africa remains exporters of primary commodities and mineral extraction. In Nigeria, oil export accounts for 90% of export proceeds and 70% of public revenue.

This narrow revenue base is responsible for high unemployment; low income levels and is simply not economically sustainable. In Nigeria, I think everyone now knows that the oil sector has limited opportunities for employment. That is not all. The revenue from oil while making it possible for government to obtain funding for government activities creates a problem of its own at the same time. As rent, oil income creates distortion in the economy as it

leads government not to pay attention to other productive sectors other than mining of oil. I guess this is the theory of oil curse.

My point in the above is to highlight the thinking behind our policy of Delta beyond oil. If you wanted a conceptual explanation of Delta beyond—that is it. It made sense when we initiated this programme on assuming office eight years ago. In the light of recent crash in crude oil prices, it makes even more urgent sense today. We knew that depending on export of minerals has even more damaging effect on the economy, if not reversed. It is unpredictable and it is volatile. The external shock we face following the fall in crude oil prices is self-evident. et, I believe Nigeria is the country with the opportunity to lead the African renaissance. Nigeria is well endowed with good soil; Nigeria has good weather good condition; Nigeria has quality human capital and a population imbued with entrepreneurial spirit. But, somehow, we have managed not to harness our resources. Perhaps, the lack of vision and creativity is responsible. Perhaps, the political will. Perhaps all of the above, I might even add. It saddens me greatly that because of our condition many Nigerians, including professionals are doing menial jobs in other countries, some even engage in crime and prostitution, thus soiling our collective image as a nation.

This is the challenge—the challenge of development. As Professor Okwudiba Nnoli once pointed out, development is not about the number of roads constructed—as important as it is, but the indigenous contribution to the provision of such amenities. For instance, how well represented are Nigerians in the management and running of the oil and gas sector of the economy? How well have we done in building a robust industrial sector (at a time the developed world is moving to postindustrial age)? In this Internet age, are we creating content? If we are not creating content, and only consume what others produce, are we not doomed? Good governance therefore is all encompassing.

Ladies and gentlemen, I must declare that notwithstanding the earlier points I made about the state of Nigeria, I do believe some progress have been made but a lot more is needed. Far more has to be done. I say this conscious of the fact that the question might be posed to me: ‘but are you not one of them’? As a leader, I understood the enormous expectations of the people, I did what I thought was best in the interest of Delta state. I made my own contributions to the strengthening of national unity. I supported my party, the PDP and did not shy away from difficult political choices that confronted the party. I took positions I believe was in the best interest of the country. But ultimately, I believe in the principle of collective responsibility. I did my best and the facts show that it was so. But until Nigeria resumes it proper place in the community of nations, until Nigeria becomes a powerful nation with powerful voice across the world, I cannot say that my own contribution alone is enough.

Therefore, the leadership of Nigeria must collectively fashion a new value system. This is because it is the responsibility of leaders to mobilise the people towards effecting the necessary changes in attitude. It is the leaders’ duty to impart nationalism and patriotism in the people.

The leaders have the sacred task of ensuring that there is sincere popular participation in conducting pub-

•Dr. Uduaghan

The leadership of Nigeria must collectively fashion a new value system. This is because it is the responsibility of leaders to mobilise the people towards effecting the necessary changes in attitude lic affairs, rather than indifference, cynicism and apathy. I believe that the key to unlocking the great potential of Nigeria is to increase popular participation. The people must be involved.

But, before I turn my attention to Delta state and its government that I lead, let me quickly reflect on a couple of points at the critical juncture we are in as a nation. The elections of March 28thand April 11thhave introduced a new reality. Nigeria’s electoral map has been redrawn. It was the first time a ruling party would be voted out. It was also the first time that the defeated leader would submit so willingly to the verdict of the voters. President Jonathan has shown great leadership and statesmanship and we are proud of his conduct. The election, however, also showed deep division, perhaps more than anyone could have anticipated. It was the first time the entire North would speak with one voice, and the old Eastern region also with a voice. The North Central, contrary to traditional pattern backed the opposition party- the APC. In voting, the entire North West voted massively for General Muhammadu Buhari, the APC candidate, while those in the South East and the South-South voted generally above 90 per cent for the PDP. The state elections were even worse for PDP. In Plateau State where the PDP managed a slim victory in the presidential election, the people hopped on the APC platform. Benue state unequivocally voted for the APC candidate. My interpretation is that these developments have placed a huge burden on the president-elect and his team to begin a unification and healing process of the country. The situation is so bad that not a single member of the National Assembly was elected on the platform of the APC in eleven of the twelve states of the old Eastern and Mid-Western region.

I hope the APC leaders will listen to my voice as this will greatly help in moving the nation forward. I can speak of these things because as a member of the PDP that have governed Nigeria in the last 16 years, I am not without some understanding of what lies ahead. My opinion does not make me less partisan or less chieftain of the PDP. I am a patriot but a card carry member of the PDP and I believe that my party despite its shortcomings and mistakes is still a great party with a profound vision for Nigeria and Africa.

I believe that the PDP had a great vision for Nigeria and still has. PDP

has done a lot for the country. PDP in 1999 was the party that took over from the military and within 16 years was able to consolidate civilian democratic rule. This is an achievement.

Had PDP not been so successful in deepening democratic values and institutions, there would be no APC as opposition about to take over office.

I accept PDP can be criticized for many things, but this party which did not exist before 1998 came together and with many strange bedfellows was able to stabilize the polity and began the process of massive economic reforms that has never been seen before in Nigeria. As far as I know, PDP is a true National Party.

APC was a vehicle to capture power.

APC has to be tested before it can become a National Party.

For the records, PDP governments initiated reforms in telecommunication, agriculture, power sector, expansion and reform of infrastructure such as road, airport, seaport, manufacturing, the rebasing of our economy showing the growth of our GDP as being the largest in Africa. There has been a lot of progress under the PDP within this period.

You know I wish to state that, I have not taken a lot of time to study the ‘change’ APC is promising Nigerians. Now they are about to resume office, I hope they get serious about it. Recently, APC chieftains including the President-elect are saying something to the effect that they cannot perform miracle and that they will need time to make an impact.

Nigerians are not that patient.

And it is for this reason that I am calling on the PDP to reinvent, reoragnise and reimagine itself. The PDP has to show that it is a party of credible leaders with robust and visionary progamme. As opposition party, the PDP has to be effective as a party and as the conscience of the nation. Gone are the days when party’s leaders boasted that the PDP would hold on to the reins of power for sixty years. It took only sixteen years for that dream to collapse. This is not the time to despair. This is the time for hard work. I call on all committed, knowledgeable and mature leaders to step forward to pick up the pieces. If the New Patriotic Party and National Democratic Congress could do it in Ghana, the PDP could yet bounce back. It has the resources to do so. We may have lost the election but let us not lose the lesson of the defeat. As Confucius, the Chinese philosopher once said: “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall” In 2007 Deltans gave me on the PDP platform the mandate to govern, and we have, I believe, done so to the best of our ability. Delta state with this administration set out on a journey of transformation, anchored on the three point agenda of Peace and Security, Human Capital and Infrastructure Development aimed at diversifying our economy from overdepending on oil. We christened our transformation goal: “Delta Beyond oil”.

It was a tall ambition but it was worth every effort we have so far put into this initiative of building a politically, economically and culturally inclusive society in the midst of our diversity.

No part of Delta has been left behind. No part has been neglected. It was not easy. At the beginning, we felt people did not quite understand what we were trying to do. Overtime, however, that changed. We found the people had a growing understanding of our ideas, programme and vision.

Our mission of building a Delta beyond oil has proven not misplaced if the recent crash in oil prices is anything to go by. The fall in oil prices has led to decline in public revenue, budget cuts, depreciation of the naira and raising inflation. I am happy that we had already started the journey of shifting Delta from over-reliance on oil income. The administration following us has something to build upon.

•To be continued

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WEDNESDAY MAY 13, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Otunba Morakinyo Hanson, in this interview with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, explains why the Federal Government’s transition committee should cooperate with the incoming administration. He also says that the next Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly should be a woman.

‘Lagos House of Assembly needs woman Speaker’

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HAT are the expectations of Lagosians after elections?

It is not a surprise that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the election, going by its track records. This started from the period when Asiwaju Bola Tinubu laid the foundation for the socio-economic and political development of the state. The same model is being developed and built upon by Governor Babatunde Fashola. The people are enjoying it and they believe there should not be any gap in between.

They believe there should be continuity, so that the foundation laid and built is taken over by another APC pragmatic leader. That is one of the reasons they voted enmasse for the continuity of the APC government in the state.

Unlike previous elections, between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC, this one was keenly contested...

It shows the level of political awareness and sophistication in the state.

If you want good democracy which is anchored on democratic principles, what happened is not unexpected. In that case, people should have choices.

Things should not tend toward a one party state, opinion should differ. In fact, the beauty of the elections is that people should have different shades of opinion, such that it makes the elections healthier. This really made the election more democratic, it was not won on a platter of gold; people actually fought hard to get whatever positions they were elected for. Campaigns were based on issues and not on personalities. People actually voted for the APC because of its campaign programme. That does not actually mean that those who did not vote for APC will not enjoy the benefit of democracy or good governance. Nigeria is not a one party state, democracy is about competition. It is about the choice among various options that are available. It shows that there is alternative platform, if you don’t perform. The fact that there is an alternative will make you to perform better.

It was speculated that the APC may lose Lagos, but that was not the case...

Those who believe in the efficacy of prayer, like the Christians, Muslims and traditionalists embarked on prayers to help the situation. Beyond that, I think that there was a kind of political development in this part of the country, where they have to dis-

• Resident electoral commissioner for Plateau, Dr. Godwin Kwanga (l), presenting certificate of return to Mr Yusuf Gagdi during the official presentation of certificate of return to members-elect of Plateau House of Assembly in Jos on wednesday

cuss issues and get the best candidate.

The level of enlightenment, political development, development of democracy is very encouraging. People are politically conscious; they know the benefit they will derive, if they vote the right candidates. They are aware of the benefits of square pegs in square holes. They have all enjoyed democracy for about 16 years; they have enjoyed a process of continued development. Lagos State has witnessed rapid growth, security and peace. Lagos is a modest example of good governance, projected by the APC. So, they do not want anything that will thwart the efforts. They don’t want anything that will stop what they have been enjoying since the 1999. They are satisfied, but that does not mean there cannot be alternative.

Those who thought in this line, voted otherwise. At the end of the day, majority carried the day.

Now that Lagos is aligning with the Federal Government, what advantage will this provide for the people?

Looking back, politics in Nigeria was not played according to the rule.

It became a game of winner-takes-all.

In the developed world, party politics is people centred. For instance, in Britain, there is a basic minimum, where Labour or Conservatives cannot go below. The people determined what their party should do. Before now, especially during the years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rule, they believe a state that is being governed by a party that is different from the PDP that is at the centre doing well should not be commended. They became jealous and would do everything possible to stifle the progressive politics. That was what brought the delay in the take off of the Lagos State BRT, Light Rail and so many other programmes pursued by the APC. The refusal by the Federal Government to allow the Lagos State government to make use of Ikorodu Road for its transports programme delayed the take off of the BRT. So, the 250 buses procured for the purpose were just laying there for over two years or more. That is politics of bitterness. So, in reverse, now that we have a friendly party at

the centre, Lagos State and others will now benefit maximally. Lagos State for instance is spending huge sum of money on providing the security which is directly under the Federal Government for the people of Lagos.

Now, Lagos may be spending less on security matter. All that the state needs to do is to let the Federal Government understand the enormity the security situation. More equipment and facilities will have to be deployed to combat crime in the state.

State police has been supported by the APC. Will it work out this time?

The manifesto of the party and summary of the whole thing is that the party is committed to true federalism. This is not just federalism on paper, but as it should be practised.

The Nigeria constitution is tailored along the pattern of the American constitution. They have state police and even community police. There are various security outfits that control traffic. I am of the opinion now that we have a progressive, serious and committed party at the centre, the National Assembly should have a look at the matter again. They tend to scare people away, that chief executives of the states will use the state police to harass or oppress opponents. The statement is unfounded.

Even now, are you telling me that the government at the centre cannot use the police to harass their opponents?

They can. So, what are we talking about? I think democracy is growing, we will get there. There are institutions that can check the excesses of chief executives.

There has been lack of cooperation between the transition committees of the outgoing and the incoming governments...

In other climes, when elections are held at that level, there is what is call a shadow government. For every ministry, there is a shadow minister.

The shadow cabinet would be in existence for one year or more before the election. Now, you want to have a smooth, seamless transition without the cooperation of the parties involved. The APC is trying to get a detailed record and want a seamless transition. They have a committee that will engage the Federal Govern-

The real competence should be in term of ‘education and experience. That means the person must have served long enough to enable him function in that capacity

• Hanson

ment, so that they can take off properly. If they don’t know what is on ground, how can they take off properly? Let me tell you, the APC does not have that kind of time on its hands. So, they must know exactly what is on ground to enable them take off properly. You must give them adequate information, to enable them to plan ahead. They should be able to take off on good ground, such that within six months, the people will be able to see the difference. That change can only be effected if you have your facts. If you don’t have adequate data and facts, how do you effect a change? The current Federal Government should try to understand. The postponement of the elections actually limited the time available for them to have the understandings. They have to rush virtually everything. They cannot just fold their arms and wait till the day of the handover, when those who should do the explanation would have gone. They need to compare notes to enable them take off properly.

The race to the Lagos State Speakership is on the front burner, how should it be handled?

Lagos State is the Centre of Excellence, the first condition that a person must meet to become the Speaker in a state like Lagos is competence.

That person must be eminently quali-

fied to occupy the position. The real competence should be in term of education and experience. That means the person must have served long enough, to enable him function in that capacity. He should be in a better position to lead a Lagos Assembly that is virile and fluid. These conditions are very critical, but when you also view party decision on zoning this can take a second or third in term position. So, for me, it is competence, education and experience before zoning.

Some people are tipping Hon. Funmilayo Tejuoso for the post; being a woman does she stand any chance?

As at today, she is the most qualified, but I don’t know what will happen tomorrow. I don’t think that there is anybody who has the experience in the House that matches the one of Tejuoso. In terms of experience, qualification and even when you talk about zoning, there is none in the House that can match her. You are talking about a person that was elected into the House in 2003. When she got there, she was the only female member of the House. She is going there now as a fourth termer.

I don’t think in this country, there is any female that has such an enviable record. I remember she was made the Deputy Chief Whip in 2003, she was Deputy Speaker in 2011, but after two years, she was illegally and wrongly removed. The House did not follow due process in her removal. I was a Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State service when the matter happened. They told us that the lady was arrogant and proud.

The lady is from my constituency, I have known her for a very long time now. This is a very humble lady, but a lady must be a lady. You don’t expect a married woman to be relating with people without her preserving her dignity and self respect. Even as a man, I don’t relate with just everybody. I know that I’m not proud but there is a limit I can relate with people. I don’t just jump on people, just like I don’t expect people to jump on me. I must know who I’m dealing with. Given your background there are companies that you should not keep. She comes from a very noble family in Lagos and you don’t expect her not comport herself in that disposition. She must keep her head high.

Youths call for re-organisation of PDP

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GROUP, the Plateau State Youth Coalition for Consolidation, has admonished the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to gloss over its defeat by the All Progressive Congress (APC), but re-organise for future political contests.

A statement by the spokesman of the group, Hon. Isah Musa, said for the sake of unity and peace, the PDP must acknowledge that the general elections were keenly contested by the APC and the PDP, adding that the best approach is for the party to put its house in order for future elections.

He said: “The coalition identified with the PDP in the election based on our belief and desires in the consolidation of the laudable achievements of the PDP government led

by Governor Jonah Jang.

“It will be in the interest of the

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

people for the APC to congratulate the PDP where it lost and the PDP to also do the same thing in the interest of give and take, as expected in a democracy.

“The coalition congratulates Governor Jonah David Jang over his victory in senatorial election for Plateau North. The victory is in appreciation of the monumental achievements of his leadership in the last eight years.”

Musa said, although the ruling party lost the governorship election, Jang deserves praises for laying a solid foundation for the future development of the state. “The coalition has resolved to take the loss at the polls as a wake-up call for the reorganisation of the PDP against future elections,” he added.

18

THE NATION WEDNESDAY MAY 13, 2015

monarchical state which started in the remote past, was centralised with vari‘ousTheelaborate court rituals and hierarchy of chiefs and officials which have been an accepted pattern of political organisation. It must be noted however, there have been remarkable variations as regards the details of the political arrangements ’ Nigeria: Political power imbalance:

The bane and chain down of Nigeria’s progress and development •Excerpts from a 261-page book by Sir Olaniwun Ajayi ...Continued from last week.

T

HAT which is a necessary element in the social character of the Yoruba, loquacity, they possess in an eminent degree, and extend it often to the jocose, the humorous and witty as I have seen it in them in their own house where I have ample opportunity to judge this character and form an opinion from actual observation and intercourse.

From morning until night, the gags, the jocose laugh, the merry tale, the jokes, the proverbs and so on, all from the life of those who, within doors, attend to domestic duties. But that hour of the day when most of this quality is to be seen is in the evening after the day's labour has been performed and the weary ones have returned home to feast and rejoice in the presence of one another. Then, however, that social life is to be observed not so much within the courtyard as before their compound or under their magnificent shade trees.35 The Yoruba: Their Political Organisation Under the introduction of this chapter, we stated that there was no definite knowledge of the origin of the Yoruba. But there is a crucial aspect of the Yoruba which relates to their historical consciousness. The myths of the Yoruba from time immemorial give Ife the pride of place and the honour of being the place where God created man, both White and Black, lfe being their final and present settlement. In their checkered advance into the interior of Africa where they now settle in lfe, in every place they reached or stopped, they left a tribe of their own people.

One significant point regarding the history of the Yoruba race is the question of language. Linguistic evidence suggest that the Yoruba language has been spoken continually within the area and among the people for upwards of 4000 years. It seems unlikely that the evolution of the Yoruba language and its regional variations or dialects evolved from a group of speakers of proto-Yoruba numerous enough to impose their language over several other groups speaking different languages. It seems more likely that the group of Yoruba speakers evolved over several centuries from a single centre and as they move further away in time and space, there emerged dialectal variations in the form of language they spoke. 36 Before we go further, it will be helpful and well to make a short reference to those things that mark Yoruba race out as particular, other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. unique and, indeed, distinguished from other races and in There is hardly any source, in this connection, better than The Rev'd Samuel Johnson in his 'History of the Yorubas.'

The great, distinguished author writes: "...Love of independence, a feeling of superiority, over all others, a kin commercial spirit, and of indefatigable enterprise, that quality of being never able to admit or consent to a defeat as finally settling a question upon which their mind is bereft, are some of those qualities peculiar to them, and no matter in what circumstances they are placed, the Yoruba will display them... But apart from the general, each of the leading tribes has special characteristics of its own; thus dogged perseverance and determination characterise the ljebu; love of ease and a quickness to adapt new ideas - the Egbas; the ljesas and the Ekitis are possessed of a marvellous amount of physical strength, remarkable docility and simplicity of manners and love of home. Among the various families of Yoruba proper, the lbarapas, are laborious farmers, the lbolos are rather docile and weak in comparison with others, but the Epos are hardy, brave and rather turbulent, whilst the Oyos of the metropolitan province are remarkably shrewd, intelligent, very diplomatic, cautious almost to timidity, provokingly conservative, and withal very masterful. The whole people are imbued with a deep religious spirit, reverential in manners, showing deference to superiors and respect to age, where they have not been corrupted by foreign intercourse; ingrained politeness is part and parcel of their nature. 37 In this regard, it may be apposite to add that other important traits of the Yoruba people are Justice, Fairness and SelfRespect.

Johnson in his book-'The History of the Yoruba' deals in extenso with manners and customs of the Yoruba race, extolling the traits of virtue, values, culture and tradition 38 N. A. Fadipe in his Sociology of the Yoruba edited by Professor F. O. Okediji and Dr. D. O. Okediji, deals copiously with the beautiful traits and characters of the Yoruba race.

The book also makes a strong point about changes for the worse which the intervention of Christian Missionaries brought. The culture of respect to elders, age and to parents has retrogressed remarkably.39 Thus social virtue, filial duties, gorgeous dress of various forms, marriage - early intimation, formal betrothal and actual marriage are no longer the same. One crucial and important feature of Yoruba life and living which evangelization deprecated and disparaged was Ifa, a master piece of the oral and intangible cultural heritage of Yoruba race. We shall in due course and in appropriate place and time deal with this aspect.

We may now adumbrate, however briefly, the view of James Coleman as stated in his book - 'Nigeria: Background to Nationalism' in which he wrote:

•Sir Olaniwun

Theft was very rare. Scantiness or ‘ complete absence of clothing notwithstanding, the Yorubas were noted for being loathsome of fornication. Friendship was warm and sincere among the Yoruba people. Children were obedient and dutiful to their parents

’

"Additional distinguishing features of the Yoruba are of significance. One is comparatively large scale political organisation which existed before the British intrusion. The Alafin of Oyo and his council ruled over a kingdom which surpassed in size of any of the northern emirates with the exception of Kano and Sokoto...A second feature, already noted, was the substantial degree of urbanisation which prevailed in preEuropean times." 40 Finally, apart from the Efik of old Calabar and a few sections of ljaw on the Niger Delta, the Yoruba people have been subjected to more intensive westernisation than any other group in Nigeria. Christian missionaries entered Yoruba land in 1841(sic) 1842, and Lagos predominantly a Yoruba city, was annexed to the British Crown in 1861.All these factors have combined to differentiate the Yoruba markedly from other groups in Nigeria.41 We have observed previously in this chapter, that when Obatala, the leader of the Yoruba, became faulted as the leader, the leadership was preferred on Oduduwa. Oduduwa, from then on became the progenitor of Yoruba race.

However, the precise period when Oduduwa, now the ancestor of Yoruba, took place is a matter of conjecture. This much can be inferred that, having regard to earliest radiocarbon dates from archaeological excavations in lfe which are associated with pottery fragment about the mid- 10th century to the mid-11th century during the reign of a woman Ooni called Luwo Gbagida, we may begin to have an inkling as to when Oduduwa's reign began. Tradition tells us that Luwo Gbagida, the Ooni forced the Ife people to adopt clean habits. Tradition further states that this female Ooni worked Ife community so hard that Ife people swore never to have a female Ooni again. Records indicate that Luwo was Ooni between the 10th and 11th centuries. Furthermore, this female Ooni is variously listed as the sixteenth or nineteenth Ooni in the Oduduwa dynasty of which Sir Adesoji Aderemi was the forty-eighth.

If Luwo, the sixteenth or nineteenth Ooni was on the throne in the tenth century, then it will be a safe and dependable likelihood that Oduduwa might have ascended the throne as the Ooni two centuries previously. 42 After Oduduwa had assumed his position as the ancestor of the Yoruba race, the most important and crucial event was

the reorganisation of the Yoruba Kingdoms, presumably those in existence before him, and the establishment of new ones.

Tradition has it that Oduduwa called his children and ordered them to go and found their own respective kingdoms, giving each of them a royal symbol. According to the leaders, pursuant to the tradition, met at a place in Ile-lfe still called lta ljero (the place of consultation) where they agreed and planned which way each should go and how they should be contacting one another. tradition the emigration, was orderly, particularly between This migration led to the foundations of many kingdoms with Ile Ife as the source. It would be labouring the obvious to say that in the homogenisation of Yoruba history and culture, Ife occupies an important crucial place. The monarchical state which started in the remote past, was centralised with various elaborate court rituals and hierarchy of chiefs and officials which have been an accepted pattern of political organisation. It must be noted however, there have been remarkable variations as regards the details of the political arrangements.

Ife for decades, if not centuries, became the basis of Yoruba historical consciousness. Indeed, the monarchical system has been of tremendous importance that it became necessary for any would-be ruler in Yorubaland to seek validation by making sure that his descendants are traceable to Ife. Unfortunately, lfe hegemony culturally is no longer as relevant, effective and respected as before. 43 After the end of 16th century, the political organisation of Yoruba kingdoms, which were quite similar had been complete and had taken firm root. Each of all the Kingdoms, especially in the case of paramount rulers, would have a capital city or town, around or near which quite a number of other towns and villages, markets and farmlands are situated.

In all cases in Yorubaland, each of the Oba will claim descent from Oduduwa. One significant feature of the kingdom would be the Aafin (palace). The king would wear a beaded crown and would carry a staff made of beads.

At this juncture, before we mention the other features appertaining to a Yoruba king (particularly the paramount palace of each Yoruba paramount ruler. ones), it will be of great interest to know the extent of the Thus, in the case of Ado-Ekiti (Ewi, the traditional ruler or king) 10.9 hectares; Egbaland (Alake, the traditional ruler or king) 2.5 hectares; Ila (Orangun, the traditional ruler or king) 5.8 hectares; Ile-Ife (Ooni the traditional ruler or king) 8.1 hectares; Ilesa (Owa Obokun,the traditional ruler or king) 20.6 hectares; Ondo (Osemawe, the traditional ruler or king) 17.4 hectares; Owo (Olowo, the traditional ruler or king) 43.9 hectares; and Oyo (Alaafin, the traditional ruler or king) 6.9 hectares. 44 To complete the scenario, it will be appropriate and interesting to show the pictures of some of the king's (Oba's) palaces. A few of them will surely suffice.

Apart from his palace, the Yoruba king would have the following: the king would wear a beaded crown and carry a staff made of beads, his slippers, flying whisk, his sceptre, etc.

Under the paramount ruler and ruling in various towns and villages were (Obas) kings of lower ranks and Bales. The Oba of lower ranks would be allowed to wear crown but Bales will not. In some areas, there might be Olojas. They do not wear crowns or bear any of the features aforementioned.

The king (Oba) in each case has the prerogative to appoint people-men and women-into chieftaincies, either statutory or title. In accordance with the Yoruba organised system and practice, every individual in the community, even the king, has obligation to the community and also has to observe what the Yoruba call Eewo under pain of sanction.

The Yorubas: Their Tradition and Culture In the preceding part of this chapter, we referred briefly to a few distinguishing features which make the Yorubas unique and distinctly different from other ethnic nationalities. These features relate to their uncanny sense of justice, fairness and self-respect. These are basic distinguishing traits of the Yoruba.

With respect to social virtues, the Yorubas were reputed for being virtuous, loving, kind, and hospitable. A guest, however unexpected, will receive hospitality from his Yoruba host for as long as he wishes to stay. Theft was very rare. Scantiness or complete absence of clothing notwithstanding, the Yorubas were noted for being loathsome of fornication.

Friendship was warm and sincere among the Yoruba people.

Children were obedient and dutiful to their parents. The young were very respectful and polite to their seniors, indeed to the elders. Just as wives were respectful to their husbands. In fact, at the to greet their husbands, just as sons or daughters would respectfully prostrate or kneel down to greet their parents or their elders. Also sons or daughters would prostrate or kneel down to greet parents-in-law. With the Yorubas, politeness and respect to elders and seniors could not be compromised. When it is inexpedient to show resistance, the Yorubas would submit to oppression and wrong to a great extent. However, the Yorubas would react appropriately whenever an opportunity offered itself.

This trait of the Yoruba character is based on the Yoruba proverb- "Bi owo eni ko te eku ida, a kii beere iku ti o pa baba eni", meaning ,"If one has not grasped the handle of his sword, he should not attempt to avenge the death of his father."

The Yorubas can achieve by diplomacy what they cannot effect by force. This is another characteristic making the Yorubas different from other ethnic nationalities, some of whom have the trait of pride and intractable spirit.

• To be continued.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

19

COMMENTARY LETTER

EDITORIALS

Terminating terrorism •The incoming Buhari administration must deal decisively with terror

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S President-elect Muhammadu Buhari prepares to assume the mantle of office on May 29, his government must take comprehensive steps to tackle the growing menace of terrorism, inter-communal clashes and other forms of internecine violence that continue to trouble Nigeria.

The Boko Haram insurgency is obviously the biggest problem in this regard.

Although sustained campaigns by the armed forces since the end of March have recorded significant successes, especially in the recovery of territories and the liberation of captives, the insurgents still manage to launch hit-and-run attacks.

One of the latest took place on May 8 at the College of Business and Administrative Studies in Potiskum, Yobe State. Five insurgents killed a security guard, shot at students, and triggered an improvised explosive device (IED) which injured about 20 students.

‘It is especially important for the Buhari administration to bring an end to the culture of impunity. No longer should the perpetrators of internecine violence be allowed to get away with their crimes. The discredited process of setting up tribunals and panels of inquiry whose reports are subsequently ignored must not continue’

Then there are the inter-communal clashes that have come to rival Boko Haram attacks in their savagery and violence. There are long-running disturbances in Benue, Kaduna, Plateau and Taraba states, in addition to periodic flare-ups in almost every other state. In Taraba, an estimated 100 people were killed at the beginning of May in a series of attacks launched by ethnic youth militias and by individuals alleged to be soldiers.

If the Buhari administration is to make good on its promises of positive socio-economic and political change, it will have to put the restoration of peace and stability at the top of its agenda.

The first thing to do would be to unlearn the failures of preceding administrations. The most tragic of these is President Goodluck Jonathan’s under-estimation of the seriousness of the Boko Haram insurgency. Instead of confronting it decisively from the onset, excuses were made for a succession of military and political missteps which only underscored governmental incompetence, even as the terrorist threat expanded inexorably. While government dithered, a rag-tag militia transformed itself into a formidable terrorist organisation.

To further worsen matters, serious effort was not made to mobilise local populations against terrorism and communal unrest. Instead, they were often seen as the enemy, and treated as such. The Joint Task Force in Borno State has been repeatedly accused of gross human rights abuses in its efforts to crack down on Boko Haram, and security agencies have been similarly charged with aggravating

unrest in Plateau, Adamawa, Kaduna and Taraba states.

The Buhari administration should build on the current successes of the military by ensuring that they are able to hold recaptured territory, rescue and succour Boko Haram captives, and liaise effectively with the allied nations of Niger, Chad and Cameroon in the push to end the insurgent menace. It must investigate the corruption in the military that damaged its readiness and effectiveness. It should speed up the creation and training of special forces troops who are better able to prosecute unconventional conflicts. It must rescind the dubious contracts given to ethnic militia groups and return the armed forces to its pride of place.

Sustained attempts must also be made to convene roundtable meetings at which different parties will thoroughly air their grievances, and more must be done to follow up the resolutions of such parleys. In the Fulani-settler disputes, for example, the need for a grazing corridor in Middle Belt states has long been advocated; it should be implemented without delay.

It is especially important for the Buhari administration to bring an end to the culture of impunity. No longer should the perpetrators of internecine violence be allowed to get away with their crimes. The discredited process of setting up tribunals and panels of inquiry whose reports are subsequently ignored must not continue.

Peace is essential to any strategy of change. It is to be hoped that the incoming administration will achieve this fundamental objective of purposeful governance.

Lagos rape cases • It’s time for a legal and social system to curb the menace

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OR a crime that is most often unreported by victims, news that the Lagos State Government documented no fewer than 12, 120 rape cases in the last four years shows the disturbing depth of what has become a potent social issue. The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, who gave the information said the names of 140 sex offenders had been recorded in the Sex Offenders’ Register.

Also speaking on the subject, the Director, the Office of the Public Defender (OPD), Mrs Omotola Rotimi, said the agency in the last one year recorded 526 rape cases, with 227 pending in court. It is worth noting that the OPD provides free legal aid to indigent people and its services in connection with rape cases reinforce the gravity of the offence from the standpoint of the state government.

However, these statistics are inadequate to paint a picture of what progress, if any, has been made in the criminalisation of rape. It is not enough to talk about the number of rape cases officially noted without verifiable details of successful prosecution and punishment of the guilty to serve as deterrent. It needs to be stressed that when the legal consequences of rape are not so obvious, potential rapists may not be discouraged.

Apart from punishing the crime, which is a secondary matter, it is of primary importance that victims should be encouraged to formally report the offence and to trust the legal system for justice.

By opening a sex offenders’ register last

year, the Lagos State Government took a significant step that deserves to be emulated by others at the state and federal levels. Ipaye said at a ceremony to launch the register: “The major aim of the Sex Offenders Monitoring Programme and the Mandated Reporter policy is to reduce repeat cases by providing names and personal details of convicted sex offenders in the state to a central database…The database will be accessible to individuals and organisations that need information. For example, school proprietors who want to recruit can access this register as a form of background check.” He added: “It is envisaged that the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register will be open and maintained by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice in partnership with the Lagos State Judiciary, the Nigerian Prisons and the Nigeria Police.”

Notwithstanding the usefulness of monitoring sex offenders, it would be helpful to address the causes of rape, which at bottom reflects an objectification of femininity. It makes sense to regard rape as a mental health problem and rapists as individuals with mental health challenges. Given its anti-social nature, rape deserves condemnation in the strongest terms, and rapists also merit no less.

It is observable that rape cases usually present peculiar difficulties that make trial of offenders a herculean task. However, this reality should not silence the collective voice of disapproval and everyone who desires a decent society should speak against the evil.

It is apt to wonder whether rising incidents of sexual assault mirror the ineffectiveness of the apparatuses of socialisation, especially the structures of formalised religion. Rape is a moral minus that raises questions about nurture more than nature.

What is to be done, considering the trauma that lingers after victims experience rape and the fear of stigma that restrains them from reporting their dehumanisation? Certainly, the justice system has an important role to help alleviate the psychological suffering of rape victims by ensuring that rapists are made to account for their misconduct. Also, the sting of stigma can be softened by a judicial process that appreciates the vulnerability and innocence of victims.

‘Certainly, the justice system has an important role to help alleviate the psychological suffering of rape victims by ensuring that rapists are made to account for their misconduct.

Also, the sting of stigma can be softened by a judicial process that appreciates the vulnerability and innocence of victims’

Tobacco Bill as public health legacy IR: A national newspaper had in a special report published on May 3, drew public attention to some critical bills that may not become laws as a result of the imminent winding down of the Seventh National Assembly.

The report listed the National Tobacco Control Bill (NTCB), State of the Nation Address Bill, Creation of States Bill, Petroleum Industry Bill and Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill as those that should be completed before this Assembly closes because of their potential impact in national development.

Of the five bills, the Senate on May 4 passed the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill raising hope that the remaining four bills may soon get necessary attention.

The National Tobacco Control Bill as its citation suggests, seeks to regulate the manufacturing, advertising distribution and consumption of tobacco products in Nigeria. Its major highlights include prohibition of smoking in public places, ban on all forms of direct and indirect advertising, prohibition of sales of cigarette in single sticks and mass awareness about the dangers of smoking.

It is worth mentioning that the National Tobacco Bill is one that has enjoyed tremendous support from the Nigerian public. Survey after survey have put public support for the bill at above 80 per cent. The most recent by NOI Polls shows that over 90 per cent of Nigerians support tobacco control measures. At the various public hearings organized by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, interest groups including public health professionals have spoken in support of the bill. Nonetheless, one continues to wonder why such public interest bill had to suffer neglect and delays.

Globally, the tobacco industry has covertly worked to undermine any effort by governments to enact laws aimed at reducing smoking. The tobacco industry hold very dear an objectionable mantra which promotes the supremacy of profit above human lives and well- being. The industry’s seen and unseen hands in setting back the wheel of progress as regard the tobacco bill is real and palpable. Our parliamentarians need to stand strong for public health and not those promoting addiction of our children.

As works on the bill intensifies, several articles have emerged attacking some sections of the bill particularly that which mandates government to protect public health from the tobacco industry.

The tobacco industry which is the purveyor of diseases and deaths is rabidly opposed to laws that will lead to reduction of their profits. The primary business of the tobacco industry is to sell more and more cigarettes sticks. The industry has nothing positive to contribute to tobacco control efforts. While they openly mouth their so called “willingness to accept regulation”, they sponsor front groups to undermine the process.

As we await key decisions of the National Assembly on this very crucial bill, there is no better time for the message for a strong and effective tobacco control bill. This assembly, by passing a bill that will ultimately reduce deaths and diseases from smoking would have bequeathed an indelible public health legacy.

•Muhammed Yinusa, Kano

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

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• Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •General Manager (Abuja Press) Kehinde Olowu •AGM (PH Press) Tunde Olasogba

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

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: It started like a minor development that would soon fizzle out with time. Most government officials that spoke about it gave glimpse of hope that all will soon be well – that within a couple of days the market would be flooded with petroleum products and that the pains of Nigerians would soon be over. After almost about two weeks of waiting in vain to get this all important product, Nigerians are becoming agitated because of the ensuing agonies and frustrations associated with the scarcity of petroleum product. Most filling stations in major cities across the country have become a beehive of activities with multitudes of people waiting endlessly for the scarce commodity. In the

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Fuel scarcity and Nigerians’ agony few places where the product is available, it is being sold in very exorbitant prices which make it to be beyond the reach of the ordinary folks.

From all indications, this particular occurrence might take a bit longer before it subsides. Feelers from experts in the sector have revealed that this current shortage

APC governors’ request for bailout IR: We are in no further need of politicians; we need some statesmen now-Paul Harris.

Nigeria at this particular time is crying for a statesman who is faithful, a friend to truth and a real promoter of public agenda and we are hoping that this expectation shall receive attention when Buhari finally assumes office.

The President- elect, Gen Muhammadu Buhari is yet to take over the mantle of leadership; the game has not started yet but some elected officials are already twisting strategies to achieve their hidden agenda.

The visit of the governors-elect under APC to the President-elect is a positive development but the idea behind the visit has left Nigerians bewildered. Governor Rochas Okorocha, the Progressive Governors Forum chairman is reported as requesting the President-elect to “do everything possible to bring about a bailout, not only for the states, but for the Federal Government, at least for the people/ public servant to get their salaries”.

For God’s sake, it is too early and such shouldn’t be mentioned now.

Why should Buhari bail the governors out in the first place? It seems a case of the children eating sour grapes while the father’s teeth are set on edge.

Buhari to my knowledge has not been elected to bear the burden or bail out states that squandered their

S

allocations and revenue on corruption and frivolities; the massive votes he got are not to bail out governors who could not manage their resources.

I am aware that most states have blatantly refused to conduct local government elections, yet they get allocations meant for their local government, so where does the fund go?

States also generate internal revenue aside what is coming from the federal government, how are these spent and for what purpose?

If Buhari has any thing to bail out, it must be the insecurity, unemployment and shrinking industrial capacity; let him bail out the administration at the federal level where corruption has been handed down and economy comatose; the jumbo pay to the National Assembly members that continues to take a chunk of the national budget; the debt profile said to be N12 trillion and the persistent oil fall that is also affecting the value of naira. All these are serious economic challenges that need urgent bail out from Buhari. . Nigerians are yeaning for a true statesman; a leader that could take us to the Promised Land where wailing and gnashing of teeth being experienced as a result of mis-governance at the moment would become a thing of the past.

• Sunday Alifia Ibadan, Oyo State

might last for sometime bearing in mind the fact that fuel marketers are not really sure about the likely attitude of the incoming Buhari administration towards fuel subsidy and other related matters. The argument goes that major marketers are being very careful with regards to fuel importation until they are certain about Buhari’s policy direction for the industry.

It is sad that Nigerians have to suffer so much to get a product that nature has endowed the land with.

Those that actually benefit from the oil wealth of the country are the few political and economic elites

who get engrossed in many dubious oily deals. What the masses often get is incessant increase in the pump price of the product. Of course, Nigerians are not new to such as successive administrations in the country have had to increase fuel prices on various occasions. A chronicle of increase in the prices of petroleum products in Nigeria reveal that every regime since Gowon has, at one time or the other, tampered with fuel prices for one reason or the other.

The question, of course is how long Nigerians will continue to bear the burden of the incompetence of those who rule us. It is bad

enough that our lives are being endangered as a result of security challenges; worse that public electricity supply has remained epileptic in spite of several reforms and funds committed into the sector; it is intolerable that Nigerians continue to suffer before they could get access to fuel, a product that providence has blessed the country with.

It is hoped that the incoming Buhari administration would look into the various allegations of incompetence, lack of transparency and accountability being levied against NNPC. Let the change that Buhari and his party clamoured for begin with the country’s oil sector.

This is the time to sanitise the sector to ensure that probity and transparency become the order of the day. Nigerians do not deserve this continuous suffering in the midst of plenty.

•Tayo Ogunbiyi Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

For SGF, Ogbeh fits the bill

S

IR: The thoroughness deployed to the President- elect’s choice of cabinet members will determine the extent to which he is willing to go to effect the change that he and his party have been professing. The revolutionary outcome of the just concluded elections must be matched with an equally revolutionary cabinet that is truly capable of effecting a radical change of guard.

Nigerians are looking forward to a cabinet that is vintage Buhari, reflecting all the fine ideals and principles that the General is known for.

The major concern here is the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF – an office which is the single most important and strategic office to the president.

The office coordinates government business, supervises MDAs and serves as secretariat to Federal Executive Council. Most importantly, it is the engine room of policy formulation and implementation which is the crust of government business. It is to be assumed that the occupant of an office this close to the president should be above board

and as a confidant of the president, he must be trustworthy, honest, and dependable if he is not to become a liability to or lead the President astray on matters of state.

Audu Ogbeh is one of the few politicians in the country whose background recommends him for the office. I am rooting for him because he shares one or two qualities with the President-elect that make them a good pair to partner on good governance. They are both respected for their good names and integrity which should naturally endear the one to the other and engender mutual trust and confidence between them.

In a country where public office reduces erstwhile saints to moral dwarfs, Ogbeh, like Buhari, has always lived a noble and unblemished life. Neither has been found wanting, both in his public or private life.

Also, they share an unwavering and burning passion to repair and rebuild Nigeria. Recall Buhari’s untiring attempt, four times in a row, to seek the platform of the presidency to deliver good governance to Nigerians. Ogbeh in his various

talks and lectures on leadership leaves no one in doubt as to what good governance entails and how to deliver it.

The other reason why I prefer Audu Ogbeh for the SGF job is because he is sufficiently endowed for it. He possesses the intellectual and administrative capacity to run the office. He has the drive and passion for work that is almost unprecedented among public office holders in contemporary Nigeria.

Audu Ogbeh is a multi- talented personality who fits into life’s many departments. A seasoned politician, administrator, lawmaker, academician, agro consultant and playwright, his greatest strength ever lies in his chosen vocations, farming and politics.

The country has everything to gain and the incoming administration certainly has nothing to lose if a man with this rich background is drafted as a key functionary of its government.

• Alex Ohemu, Makurdi, Benue State

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

21

COMMENTS

Our Girls; UK Polls; Solar Energy Revolution; Bank Of Industry; Tesla Powerwall solar batteries

O

Tony Marinho

UR Girls are still missing since April 15, 2014. We pray the Chibok Girls will soon be free.

Their painful stories must be documented as documentaries and stories, by Nollywood

and in text books of contemporary Nigerian history ‘Lest we Forget’ for we are a very forgetful country. We even have a government which forgets, without apology, to pay its fuel bills promptly precipitating totally preventable misery for all, even government officials themselves. Even haughty National Assembly (NASS) was jolted by a power cut during session. Welcome to the real world. Why did government not pay two weeks ago to entirely prevent this fuel horror? UK polls: No violence, murders, cheating at polls. Nigeria must learn the correct civilised political dance. But let’s talk solar and progress in 3-6 MONTHS! AFRICA –GO SOLAR! NIGERIA –GO SOLAR, PLEASE! IF WE GET SOLAR RIGHT WE WILL POWER NIGERIA OUT OF PENURY AND REPLACE THE UNSUSTAINABLE ‘GENERATOR GENERATION’ WITH A SOLAR SEASON OF SILENT POWER WITHIN ONE YEAR. Nigeria needs modern solar factories to mass produce solar equipment, AN OPPORTUNITY LOST by Obasanjo in 1999 with cell phone factories. He preferred tobacco to telecom factories.

The Bank of Industry (BoI) is supporting solar ventures but at what price or result? Did the BoI strangely post a profit of N5.2billion? Is it supposed to make huge profits or minimal profits on low interest loans? So how did BoI get N5.2b profit?

The Buhari government should note that its ‘latest best friend’, China, has interest rates of just 5.1% vs 21-25% for the common man and common business in Nigeria-a CBN/Bank sector corruption. Bring down Nigeria’s interest rates.

The Nigerian electricity single federal national grid groans in the federal darkness of just 2,800Mw in 2015 instead of the needed 150,000Mw for the population. Hurray, Independent Power Plants were finally approved, along with some scanty railway services, in a 40 years late decentralisation scheme.

I

N the last elections, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), the party that has ruled the country for 16 years since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999, was disgraced at the polls by the rival opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, APC. That scandalous defeat of a ruling party that had boasted to high heavens that it was capable of ruling the country for at least 60 unbroken years has now almost torn the party into shreds. The defeat, though much expected by political pundits, seems to have caught those at the helms of affairs in the party by surprise. Now, the party bigwigs are enthralled in a trajectory of sleepless nights.

The party is currently embroiled in a crisis of confidence which has reached a boiling point. At the centre of the crisis is the national chairman of the party, Adamu Mu’azu, on the one hand, and other members of the National Working Committee, NWC, who have come under tremendous pressure to abdicate office on account of the poor showing of the party in the last elections. Many of the aggrieved party members including some state governors are united in the clamour for the party leaders to leave the scene.

But the leaders have vowed not to cave in without a fight.

As usual, the media is awash with accusations and counter-accusations.

While the accusations are predicated on why the leaders should throw in the towel after leading the party to a disastrous defeat in the elections, the leaders themselves are holding on to the constitution of the party which empowers them to be in office until the next national convention of the party which comes up in

That federal might was wielded by selfish Fellow Nigerians, whose ideas still cripple plague us. Those ‘False Federalism’ ideas strangled development.

Now, together with individual solar power, the sun is at last seriously creeping into Nigeria. A batch of 170 schools and some health facilities will be serviced by the 5MW Lagos Solar Project in Lagos and a 1,000MW Damaturu Solar Power Plant, Yobe State. Every single Nigerian state should take note of these and other solar events nationwide and try to save themselves by getting their citizens and businesses off the national grid. This will help the troubled grid to cope as it is assailed by unrestrainable ‘vandalism’ and ‘vicious pricing systems’ and ‘poor delivery systems’ decimating the gas supplies. And IF NIGERIA GOES SERIOUS SOLAR, DO NOT GO ‘OLD SOLAR’ with old lower efficiency technology.

Nigeria must not become the ‘SOLAR DUMPING GROUND of even one or two year old equipment’. Solar research moves monthly. On April 20, the Tesla electric car guru Elon Musk announced the ‘NEW ENERGY REVOLUTION’ with TESLA SOLAR GREEN HOME BATTERIES with a 7kWh unit costing $3,000 and 10kWh Unit $3,000-ideal for homes and offices to get off the grid or when you are thrown off the grid. The Buhari government should lead the way to state, LGA, Private sector and CBN to Google this and other new solar technology to rescue from the grid and bypass the backward government officials still with 19th century ideas on power. ‘Tesla Solar’ should be receiving visits now.

Nigeria does not need to reinvent the wheel. It should use that huge red powerhouse in the sky freely sent by a gracious God. NIGERIA JUMPED FROM LAND LINES TO CELL PHONES UNDER OBASANJO. IT MUST JUMP FROM GENERATORS TO SOLAR ENERGY UNDER BUHARI. It needs brilliant intelligent go-getting professionals in the corridors of federal, State and LGA to get their political bosses to take on board with solar and other cutting edge technology.

‘POWER NIGERIA AND YOU EMPOWER NIGERIANS’, ‘SOLARISE NIGERIA AND WE WILL ALL SMILE’. Remember the New Environmentally Friendly building just opened in the Pan African University, Lekki, Lagos? Have your government officials visited it for ideas to use during the next four years or are they just ‘armchair solar supporters’?

‘SOLAR MAKES SENSE’ –EXCEPT to entrenched FUEL CARTELS AND GENERATOR SELLERS. The CBN should set Nigeria free from the huge cost of excessive fuel and oil consumption to power and maintain Nigeria’s one million generators by setting up a $5billion solar Loan Scheme, low interest, 3.5 year repayment scheme to solarise Nigeria so the money will be back in the bank before 2019. The money can be used to purchase equipment and support factories to produce solar technology with today’s cutting edge solar science. The GENCOs and DISCOs will not like it but Nigeria requires 150,000MW. Every Nigerian state is larger than 2050 countries and must face the responsibility to the citizens who deserve more than exercise books, a few potholes filled and unfulfilled promises. States must provide Independent Power Plants to power their citizens into the 21st century. To date we have too little and it is nearly too late. At federal, state and LGA, we expect rapid fire progress.

FOUR YEARS IS A SHORT 1460 DAYS. What are your LGA, state blueprint in power, education, health, transport, youth development, library services, youth centres? Without the detailed budgetary lines international examples and close monitoring, the money will be stolen again by politicians, party and civil servants using imaginary contracts.

‘Every single Nigerian state should take note of these and other solar events nationwide and try to save themselves by getting their citizens and businesses off the national grid.

This will help the troubled grid to cope as it is assailed by unrestrainable ‘vandalism’ and ‘vicious pricing systems’ and ‘poor delivery systems’ decimating the gas supplies’

PDP: Time to face reality a year or two from now. But the warring members think this is mere balderdash. The consequence of this is that both sides are, at the moment, holding on to their gunpowder.

As the May 29 handover date approaches, senior members of the party comprising governors and associates of President Goodluck Jonathan have perfected a grand plan to ratchet up the pressure on Mu’azu. The governors and Jonathan’s closest aides have been in a long-drawn battle with the NWC with both sides trading blames over who was (more) responsible for the party’s poor outing at the just-concluded elections.

Top on the list are allegations of betrayal and diversion of campaign funds which are being peddled by both sides. Not even the president’s directive that the warring members should stop trading words in the media because it could escalate the crisis the party is facing, has been able to douse the raging storm. The president’s charge has simply been largely ignored.

The fact remains that the governors and Jonathan’s trusted aides who are up in arms, seem to have vowed that they would not stay in the same party with either Mu’azu or members of the NWC as presently constituted. The issue seems to have been aggravated by the outcome of the recent elections in Britain. In the aftermath of the elections, those rooting for the removal or resignation of the PDP leaders have been justifying their stance against the backdrop of the resignations of

‘With the current fratricidal war in the PDP, it is doubtful if any lesson has been learnt at all from the party’s unimpressive outing in the last elections’

leaders of the Labour Party, Liberal Democrats and others in the United Kingdom following the failings of the parties at the UK general election which was held towards the tail end of last week.

In what looks like a confirmation of the high-level resolution and determination of some of the PDP governors and party leaders to see to Mu’azu’s exit, Babangida Aliyu, the loquacious governor of Niger State, has joined Ayodele Fayose, his Ekiti State counterpart, in urging the NWC to emulate the British political leaders who resigned after leading their parties to defeat in last Thursday’s election. Aliyu said any leader that leads his political party to defeat as it was in the case of PDP, is supposed to resign. As he puts it: “It is unfortunate that people had to be called to resign. The leaders are supposed to voluntarily resign their positions for the loss at the just concluded general election. It is unfair that they are threatening to form a factional PDP because they were asked to resign”. The governor noted that morality and principle were key attributes the PDP must imbibe to succeed for future elections, adding that what happened in the United Kingdom election last Thursday was a reflection of morality and principle, which must be brought to the Nigerian polity.

In the last eight years of Aliyu’s stewardship as the governor of Niger State, he has consistently portrayed himself as a man who fires from all cylinders. Sometimes, he gets himself entangled in unnecessary and avoidable controversies. In this recent outburst, what Governor Aliyu fails to understand is that morality and principle have never been found in the DNA of the average politician in Nigeria. In other words, it is alien in this clime. Aliyu

himself alluded to this many months back at the heat of the electioneering campaigns when he openly declared that there are no saints in politics, although he was to recant this later in the face of a deluge of criticism that greeted that speech.

With the accusation of the embezzlement of campaign funds and the ease with which Nigerian politicians jump from one party to another like a woman changing wrappers, it is clear that there is nothing like morality or principle among them. Even the current crisis in which the PDP leadership is enmeshed is due to the fact that the leaders involved are either shameless or they lack principles and morality. Mu’azu and the others at the hierarchy of the party may hold on to their offices by hook or crook for the time being, but it is certain that come what may, they would soon be flushed out from their present comfort zones because they have failed to provide the needed leadership when it matters most.

And there are no two ways about that.

However, one thing that is clear is that the APC, a rainbow coalition of opposition parties that had been on the sidelines of national politics for the past 16 years, has learnt a lot from its seemingly weak position of yester-years and therefore, converted these weaknesses to strength through well-thought out and good campaign. The party’s victory did not come overnight. It is the climax and reward for a painstaking campaign at a time the people were crying for a change in the leadership of the country.

Winning elections is certainly one of the things any political party will always wish for. But sometimes, it is not as simple as that. In every

Dele Agekameh election, for the winners, it is a beautiful thing to behold; as for the losers, it inflicts a permanent nightmare of sort. That is, perhaps, the situation in which the PDP as the losing party at the last election, has suddenly found itself. Surprisingly, as it is, there appear to be too many contending interests in the party, all jostling to take control of the moribund party machinery. With the current fratricidal war in the PDP, it is doubtful if any lesson has been learnt at all from the party’s unimpressive outing in the last elections. Already, the party is seriously polarized along primordial lines. The major challenge now facing the party is to prevent itself from imminent extinction. Therefore, my unsolicited advice is for the party to quickly close ranks and settle down to its new role as an opposition party rather than crying over spilled milk.

For a party that has over the years been calling the shots and dictating the tune, playing opposition may be quite a difficult task. The truth is that the party leaders should realise that the merriment is simply over!

For comments, text (only) to: 08058354382

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

COMMENTS ‘Even the most vocal supporter of President Jonathan that will be truthful to himself/ herself will admit that the firing and hiring, disappointing and appointing that the president has embarked on just a few weeks before hand-over is a confirmation of the cluelessness and lack of basic rudiments of governance that the country has been saddled with in the past five years. It is another reason why everyone gifted with the ability of deep reflection should give thanks to God that the president did not win re-election. He just doesn’t have what it takes to lead a nation into greatness. From Simon Oladapo, Ogbomoso’ .

•Buhari

For Segun Gbadegesin The English adage that says ‘what is good for the goose is good for the gander’ can be very wrong. The goose is female and the gander is male. It is not everything good for the woman that is good for the man. For example, how good is the lipstick on your lips, as a man. How good is a high-heel shoe on your feet? Would you like to tie buba and iro to a party. How about pregnancy that women cherish so much.

We cannot go the way of the white man foolishly because it is good for him.

I thank you Prof immensely for your thought-provoking article. You made me breathe fresh air off election. However I wish you could refer to the all encompassing CONFAB we all are waiting for. Thank you . From Engr Ohizu, Warri Thank you sir for your great and thoughtful write-up on the back page of The Nation. Good talk from you great Nigerian! From Aboh Agbochenu, Benue State.

God bless you sir. You spoke the mind of millions of patriotic Nigerians. The appointments are based on political rascality. Its objective is to compensate and please PDP members in strategic positions to guarantee economic returns after the President might have left office. From Tunde Bankole What is interesting is the way we humans don’t pause to think about the ultimate effect of our actions, but rather are the first to complain when they start manifesting. And we never ever see the role we played in their cause. I think the APC had better wake up from its criticism syndrome and fixation on PDP, and realise that it is now the government. It should start planning how to execute the miracle it promised Nigerians. From ED Onwubiko, Jos. Thanks for your piece in today’s The Nation.’ I am from Bayelsa State but I think Nigeria has had the worst President in GEJ in history. A peep into his academic claim is very necessary. Anonymous It baffles one to comprehend such postelection appointments. President Jonathan is acting naively unlike a national leader. Probably he is planting them for continuity of his sagged administration and as cronies to tip the incoming ‘fresh government’. The solace is that APC is equal to the task. Thanks. From Wagor.B, Port-Harcourt.

Beloved Segun Gbadegesin, thank you so much, you’ve said it all. Thankfully, “Nigerians did not elect a naive President” From Ayodele.

God bless you sir for this write -up.

From Aderemi John Quadri, Ikorodu Re:Disturbing developments . Do some Nigerians really know the meaning of the word “Statesman”? It was not voluntarily that defeated President Jonathan conceded defeat to Gen.Buhari (rtd.) in the last elections .It seemed God must have somehow used President Obama to intervene.

Speeches and actions of GEJ particularly after the elections do not qualify him to wear the tag of a statesman. He remains a former president . From David Ladipo, Abuja

I read that penetrating article on why and how President Jonathan lost the election. I think we demand from him what he does not have in terms of sound and discernible mind. He’s sly and is guided by primitive instinct not even reasoning. I’m happy to see his back. From Adeoye Sir, insofar as an appraisal of GEJ presidency is concerned, his recent hiring and firing is true to type, his administration has been grossly inept and clueless, so his statesman-like attitude of accepting the results of the election was because he was left with no choice but to concede. From Tokunbo Alake, Lagos.

One thing about President Goodluck Jonathan is that everything he does is by experiment and that is exactly what he has done in the case of those appointments.

Nigerians voted for General Buhari because he is competent and he promised to fight corruption and fix the economy.

Those appointees are corrupt PDP members who cannot survive because they have the blood of corruption in their system. As for Peter Obi, that position is too sensitive for him. I will embark on a oneman protest if he is allowed to retain the SEC chairmanship. Anonymous Re: “Disturbing developments.” You have said it all. I totally agree with you that Nigerians did not elect a naive President. Yes, our President-elect is not a naive person. He is not a person who is lacking experience or judgement. If he likes, he can reverse all the appointments made so far but, only people will label him an inconsiderate and wicked President because, as a matter of fact, he is not bound morally and politically to retain all these new appointments. I want to be a little bit proverbial and philosophical, you see, when the thought of doing something great occupies our minds, we feel radiant and joyful. Then the process of disseminating this joy is what remains. Upholding negative thoughts in our minds can never give us joy, we all know that. Any bird that compares itself with the vulture will only end up in the pot of soup. Complaisance is a good virtue for a good leader. However, today, how many of our leaders imbibe this quality? If they promise that they are going to be complaisant, when they get what they want, they will turn their back and become unapproachable, erratic, irrational, autocratic, self-centered and self-deluding. From Prince Adewumi Oyeromade Agunloye Re-Disturbing developments. To me, there is nothing disturbing in areas you cited. PDP disagreements should bother no- PDP apologies. When they are tired of accusations and counter-accusations, the rowdy attacks will subside. On later time appointments, I noted that you wrote nothing about same, when Ex-Governor Kayode was appointing some fresh Permanent Secretaries, creating 19 additional LCDAs and employing people to work, three to two weeks to the end of his tenure.

I think your write-up should have been generalised on ‘What outgoing number ones in Nigeria; Governors and President should not be doing when exiting offices.

From Lanre Oseni.

Sir, you have a hard pen, weigh your audience; they need to understand your message. Anonymous

‘Thankfully, Nigerians didn’t elect a naive President’ like GEJ. His late appointments go to show many things he forgot to do. He’ll see more when he finally returns to Bayelsa; an abandoned airport, uncompleted East West road, a local stadium, displaced neighbours at Otuoke, Kpansia and other pains too many to count. Anonymous In addition to what you have catalogued in your publication, he also set up councils for 12 federal universities and four polytechnics which have been without councils for the past four years. Anonymous For Olatunji Dare Necessity is the mother of invention. I think most states like Benue and Osun should adopt the Imo formular. It is my strong belief it will reduce the tough times workers are faced with. On the Surkano approach, I do agree very few Nigerians can be that patriotic as almost all are corrupt. However Nigerian leaders should create proper mentoring for youths to prepare them for leadership. I also suggest patriotism should form part of our curriculum in all our schools. From Lukman Olumo Dear Prof, your piece is a story that everyone knows is the truth, but with no politician bold enough to push for. The North is very strongly frightened by the idea, though wrongly and so Buhari won’t be able to sell it to his folks. Thanks for the piece all the same. From Dr. Clement Emudainohwo.

The incoming government of General Buhari should cut all the so-called jumbo pay for the political office holders to save money for development of Nigeria rather than the money entering into private pockets. Let him reduce numbers of political appointees because it is conduit pipe of siphoning our money. From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State.

For Tunji Adegboyega Re: The baptism Buhari should expect.

Tunji, you have again made my cup of tea with the above well-informed treatise.

If one may ask, why are you disturbed whether GEJ - an ordinary civilian - is laying landmines for GMB? Is GMB not a master on the field to de-mine all buried landmines? Whether Jonathan likes it or not, the incoming government must render ALL his post-election defeat appointments null and void without any compensation to the beneficiaries and Nigerians will stand by such act . One begins to wonder that it seems these locusts called PDP are still suffering from somnabolism. Nigerians have collectively voted for a ‘Tsunami’ change and the time and the hour have come. Anything less than the desired change would be totally rejected by the teeming masses. All our change, that is stolen wealth, must be duly recovered from these wolves who have transformed (sorry) pauperised the entire landscape with poverty, hunger, illhealth, fraud of unimaginable magnitudes, armed robberies, etc.

Nigerians should not lose sleep on GEJ’s latest post-election defeat antics because he has just woken up from his slumber.

By the way, Mr President, where is ‘Mama Peace’, your Achilles heel now? Let her

•Jonathan

come out of her cocoon because Nigerians are currently thirsty for more of her grammatical jokes! Things have fallen apart within the PDP household that has murdered sleep and will therefore sleep no more. Finally, a word of advice for GEJ: let him pack his bag and baggage now for onward transmission to Otuoke and stop inundating us with ephemeral appointments which are all circus show and a game of sanctimonious hypocrisy.

From Ch. Soji Oloketuyi, Ijabo Street, Igbemo Ekiti.

Could recent changes in the leadership of the Stock Exchange be another attempt at putting business fronts as protector of illicit investments? Buhari must shine his eyes. Anonymous.

Why all these hiring and firing at this dying minutes of the Jonathan administration? Do they not have political undertones to bring enemies for the incoming administration that would review the appointments and sacks that never followed due process? Obviously, the appointments are more of compensation for party loyalists. Let’s keep watching events unfold. From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Anambra State.

I read your comment on page 13 of The Nation newspaper and I am utterly disappointed that a respectable profession like journalism has been infiltrated by people like you who are making their parochial views public. I also pity The Nation that promotes partisan and divisive views above unity of Nigeria. Anonymous.

Re: The baptism Buhari should expect.

GMB cannot fall into any booby trap if he checks what amount our indebtedness is as at May 29, 2015. From there, we would know whether to continue to import fuel or begin to mend our refineries. Last minute appointments by GEJ would not be the first.

Recall that ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi made appointments of some permanent secretaries, etc. and even created 19 additional LCDAs two weeks to his exit. I doubt it and stand to be corrected if you wrote any danger in that then. General Buhari (rtd) won’t be the headache of Nigeria as he is honest enough. I make reservations about whom the problems are.

I am hopeful GMB will try to weather the storm. From Lanre Oseni.

Even the most vocal supporter of President Jonathan that will be truthful to himself/herself will admit that the firing and hiring, disappointing and appointing that the president has embarked on just a few weeks before hand-over is a confirmation of the cluelessness and lack of basic rudiments of governance that the country has been saddled with in the past five years. It is another reason why everyone gifted with the ability of deep reflection should give thanks to God that the president did not win re-election. He just doesn’t have what it takes to lead a nation into greatness. From Simon Oladapo, Ogbomoso.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

25

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

‘Why govt must encourage modular refineries’

By Chikodi Okereocha

ODULAR refineries or mini-refineries will ease the supply of petroleum products supply across the country and also resolve the controversy over the removal of subsidy, the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Business Development (IBD), Paul Ikele, has said.

In an interview with The Nation, ahead of this year’s International Business Development Week/Seminar billed for June 23 and 24, Ikele said the establishment of modular refineries is a better option in an environment like Nigeria’s where petroleum product scarcity is perennial.

He argued that if private investors are allowed to build and operate modular refineries with newer technologies, it would rest the current controversy over whether or not to remove subsidy. According to him, if petroleum products are available to Nigerians on sustainable basis, the issue of payment of subsidy would not arise.

The IBD Registrar pointed out that the technology used in building the existing refineries are obsolete, demanding so much for maintenance, which Nigeria can ill-afford given the current economic downturn occasioned by the crisis in the international oil market. “Let’s look at modular or mini-refineries with newer technologies that can assist the existing refineries whose maintenance demand so much due to obsolete technology,” he stated.

Ikele advised the incoming administration of Muhammadu Buhari to be cautious over the issue of removal of subsidy on petroleum products. According to him, there is need for government to do a thorough study and review of the entire system before deciding on whether or not to remove subsidy.

“They (incoming g government) are coming in new so, they can’t just go straight and say remove continue the payment of subsidy. They should review the entire system to see what could be done to resolve the issue.

But setting up modular refineries is a sustainable option,” he said, adding, “We have what it takes to do it. If small countries can have modular refineries why can’t we?”

At a recent conference on Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) organised by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Dizeani Alison-Madueke said aspiring modular refinery operators would be scrutinised and granted licences to install and operate such facilities.

The Minister said the Federal Government in the short project cycle, low cost and flexibility for establishing modular refineries would encourage proper investment in refinery operation and minimise crude oil theft and operation of artisanal refineries.

She further said to ensure the success of the modular refinery initiative, several financial institutions had been approached to assist operators in the funding of the initiative, adding that the regulatory agency would soon roll out the details of the programme.

M

Commercial banks are not manufacturing-friendly as their interest rates are usually very high; therefore, commercial banks remain a major challenge to the sector. Even the Bank of Industry’s (BoI) framework, which pegs interest rate at nine per cent, only finances machinery acquisition; it does not cater for working capital.

-MAN President, Dr Frank Jacobs

Six states, four firms to raise N300b in debt issues S IX state governments and four companies plan to raise about N350 billion through bond issues as governments turn to the capital market to bridge shortfall in allocations.

Sources said the state governments have either secured approvals or are processing applications to raise fresh funds through debt issues. The state governments plan to raise between N5 billion and N40 billion in medium term revenue bonds.

The states included Zamfara State, Cross Rivers State, Plateau State, Benue State, Kogi State and Oyo State. A source at Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), confirmed that the apex capital market regulator has approved applications by two state governments and currently processing applications by four other state governments.

Zamfara State and Plateau plan to raise N30 billion each through medium-term fixed rate debt issues. Cross Rivers State is eyeing N40 billion while Benue State has filed application for N11 billion debt issue. Oyo and Kogi states plan to raise N5 billion each. SEC has already approved the fund raising plan by Oyo State.

Total debts by the Federal Government and State Governments are currently over N12 trillion.

Official records by the Debt Management Office (DMO), the national agency that oversees debt issues by governments and state governments, showed that total public debts by the Federal and state governments closed the first quarter at about N12.1 trillion.

According to the report for the period ended March 31, 2015, external debts by the Federal and State Governments stood at N1.86 trillion. Domestic borrowings by the Federal Government totaled

By Taofik Salako

N8.51 trillion while domestic debts by state governments stood at N1.69 trillion.

Also, FCMB Group has secured approvals to raise about N130 billion in combined debt and equity issues. The financial services holding group plans to raise N100 billion through bond issue and N30 billion through offer for subscription. Mansard Insurance is also seeking to raise about N8 billion through combined debt and equity issues. The insurance company will raise about N5 billion through debt issue and N2.5 bil-

lion through supplementary equity issue. Fidelity Bank plans to raise N35 billion through debt issue while Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN) is seeking to raise about N8 billion through a convertible debenture issue that is expected to mature next year.

SEC had earlier approved about N45 billion for four states including Bauchi, N15 billion; Kaduna, N8.5 billion; Ebonyi, N9.34 billion and Gombe State, N10 billion.

Reacting to controversy over the approval of the Gombe State bond, SEC had said bond applications by sub-national govern-

ments usually follow due process in line with the rules and regulations of the Commission and extant laws guiding such issuance.

According to the Commission, SEC is unique among other capital market regulators around the world in carrying out pre-offer and post-offer inspections to ensure that funds raised from the capital market are not misappropriated but applied for the purposes stated in the issuance prospectus.

The commission noted that its inspectorate department usually carries out on-site verification inspection of the projects completed from the proceeds of any previous issuance before granting approval for subsequent issue.

•From left: Group Head, Customer Experience Management Group, Sterling Bank Plc, Mrs. Titilayo Ogundipe; Executive Director, Finance and Strategy/Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman and Head of Strategy, Mr. Ighodalo Aimienwanu, during the bank's pre-Annual General Meeting (AGM) press conference in Lagos.

Experts urge tax reforms, diversification of economy EPRESENTATIVES from the international development sector, Nigeria’s public and private sector and economic and financial experts have stresed the need for tax reforms and the diversification of the economy as a way out of the economic menace the country is facing.

They said the country’s long-term fiscal prosperity is only guaranteed if the country begins a shift away from its dependence on crude oil.

They spoke in Lagos at a post-election conference on Nigeria’s economy, during a summit organised by a non-governmental organisation-Budget.

Among discussants were: Chief Executive Officer of RTC Advisory Services Opeyemi Agbaje, who was of the opinion that fuel subsidy removal, is fundamental to economic growth, as is working to increase the number of taxpayers in Nigeria. “Tax rates are unrealistic. We will get better compliance with more realistic tax rates,” he said.

R

Fidelity, Stanbic, Sterling go for N84b new capital - P 26

By Nneka Nwaneri

He urged individuals to empower themselves with knowledge, bearing in mind that government will not solve all of its problems.

“We can only hold government accountable based on the promises they made. They can also be made to explain what taxes are used for,” he said.

Dr Agbaje called on government to reduce the cost of production for manufacturers by fixing power, which constitutes up to 40 per cent of the cost of production. He added that with 18 hours of constant power supply, production cost will reduce, thereby making local manufacturers competitive and open opportunities of exporting their products to other countries.

CEO Delta Energy, Ronke Onadeko, said an economy solely reliant on oil is not sustainable.

“When crude oil goes into the refinery, it comes out with less value so it is not a revenue generator. She

described oil as a small piece of with desperation to take from or all of it, even though the country makes adequate revenue but has been very trivial with its spending.

She advised government to be more prudent in their spending and not borrow to pay salaries,” she said.

Mr Vincent Nwani of the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) was of the view that arbitrary fees and fines is a major issue that need to be addressed by the incoming government if there is any hope of achieving success with tax reforms. He therefore called for the eradication of unofficial and undocumented taxation in Nigeria.

Dr Yemi Kale, the StatisticianGeneral of the Federation, Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, also spoke on the need for Nigerians to put in more interest in what forms government revenue and how it is spent.

CEO, Proshare Olufemi

Total Nigeria vs Mobil Oil Nigeria: Same turf, different results - P28

Awoyemi; Yinka Ibukun of Bloomberg News and Africa Editor of The Economist, Jonathan Rosenthal also spoke at the event.

A panel of discussants was set up.

It was with the theme Expanding Nigeria’s Revenue Base and Developing Strategies for Efficiency and Transparency.

Those who contributed to the discussion include: Partner, Tax and Regulatory Services, PricewaterCoopers Taiwo Oyedele; Ifeanyi Peter of the UK’s Department For International Development and Austin Ndiokwele of the UK-funded Federal Public Administration Reform Programme Nigeria. Mr Oyedele spoke on reforms and how Nigeria can save the much-needed funds. He suggested that states fund their representatives at the National Assembly to cut down the high cost of governance at the federal level. He gave statistics that the National Assembly’s budget of N150billion is larger than the individual budget of 21 states.

Buka: The new goldmine - P40

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

26

THE NATION

BUSINESS MONEY

e-mail: money@thenationonlineng.net

Fidelity, Stanbic, Sterling go for N84b new capital

T

OUGH regulatory policies, especially the hike in Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and drive to finance more Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are pushing banks into seeking additional capital, termed Tier-2 funds.

The CRR is a portion of bank’s deposits kept with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and it is currently 75 and 20 per cent for public sector and private sector deposits.

Three lenders, Sterling Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc and Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc are seeking a combined capital of N84 billion from investors to enable them fund expansion plans and stimulate balance sheet positions.

Sterling Bank plans to raise between N20 billion and N30 billion this year to fund its expansion plans. Fidelity Bank Plc at the weekend signed off a N30 billion 16.48 per cent fixed rate bond due in 2022 while Stanbic Holdings Plc said it will raise N24 billion in a rights issue once shareholders approve the transaction.

Stanbic IBTC, majority owned by South Africa’s Standard Bank , said it would seek approval at a general meeting on June 3. The bank’s first quarter pretax profit fell 46 per cent to N4.81 billion ($24 million) against the same period last year. Stanbic did not give a reason for the decline in profit but said in a statement that revenues rose to N33.73 billion for the period to end-March from N30.22 billion a year ago.

Fidelity Bank Chief Executive Officer Nnamdi Okonkwo said the facility is part of the bank’s efforts at deepening the SMEs sector which, arguably, is the engine room of the economy.

He spoke at the signing which had the full complement of the Board, Planet Capital Limited, Lead Issuing House/Underwriters, representatives from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Registrars and Stock brokers.

Sterling Bank’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO)/Executive Director Mr. Abubakar Suleiman said the bank was on track on its expansion targets which it unveiled in 2013 and would soon embark on another phase of its growth strategy.

‘Nigeria to make list of top 20 economies by 2030’

B

LOOMBERG report on new world economic order has ranked Nigeria’s economy to be among top 20 largest in the world by 2030. Nigeria is the only African country on the forecast report, ranked 19th, just above Netherlands, which is 20th.

Though the forecast falls below the 2020 projected by the Federal Government under former President, Olusegun Obasanjo to arrive at the top 20, this is the first time such report is projecting the country in the top global economies.

Recent global economic reports have placed Nigeria as one of the fastest growing economy in the world, a report which tallied with last year’s rebased gross domestic product (GDP) figures placing Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa, pushing South Africa to second position.

The Bloomberg report was derived from Economic Research Services (ERS), the United States international economic development research agency’s latest global economic research report. The ERS International Macroeconomic Data Se t provides historical and projected data for 189 countries that account for more than 99 per cent of the world economy.

Stories by Collins Nweze

According to him, the bank currently has 1.5 million customers and has been able to achieve over three per cent market share from one per cent a few years ago. He revealed that from 84 branches in 2006, the lender’s branch network should hit the 200 mark by the end of the year adding that it would increase the number of its Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) to 1000 by the end of this year. He also stated that the bank will soon deploy a new core banking application which would significantly boost the quality of its operations and service delivery.

The Executive Director said that the bank’s goal was to be among the top five lenders in the industry not in terms of balance sheet size but in the areas of quality service delivery and compliance to regulations.

He pointed out that there were banks

with much bigger balance sheets which were not meeting customers’ expectations in key areas, stressing that as Sterling Bank expands and becomes a bigger financial institution, it will continue to outperform its peer group.

As he put it, “We have consistently outperformed our peer group and we will outperform the next group. We want to be there when it comes to service delivery, in terms of compliance to regulations and how we are perceived as good corporate citizens.”

The CFO noted that regulatory headwinds, especially the hike in Cash Reserve Requirements (CRR) on public sector deposits had impacted banks’ profitability and restricted their lending capacity to finance economic growth.

He argued that the amount of bank deposits that the CBN had sterilized

as a result of the 75 per cent CRR on public sector deposits and 20 per cent CRR on private sector deposit was “unprecedented” and had constrained banks’ capacity to lend.

He pointed out that the deposit with the CBN were non-earning adding that not only does this impact banks’ bottom line but it also prevents lenders from funding businesses. He however emphasised that despite the tough operating environment Sterling Bank was still committed to meeting its expansion targets.

Afrinvest West Africa Plc Managing Director Ike Chioke said the limitation on public and private funds by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the emerging deals within the corporate space, such as the power sector, have increased the need to shore up capital. According to him, Eurobond issuances come at attractive rates relative to the domestic market

L-R: Executive Director, Zenith Bank Plc.; Ebenezer Onyeagwu; Group Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Bank, Peter Amangbo and Country Manager, International Finance Corporation Nigeria, Eme Essien Lore, during the signing ceremony for a $100 million facility to the bank, in Lagos.

IMF pegs Nigeria’s exports to ECOWAS at $6b

N

IGERIA’S exports to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member-countries have been increasing yearly, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation Staff Report. They increased from $1 billion in 1990 to about $6 billion in 2013, IMF said.

The report said the implementation in January 2015 of the Common External Tariffs (CET) for ECOWAS membercountries is expected to reduce incentives for informal trade and simplify Customs procedures, potentially increasing recorded trade volumes.

“Moreover, the slowdown in Nigeria will adversely affect informal exports to Nigeria.

Anecdotal evidence indicates that

goods that are subject to import restrictions in Nigeria have become key export goods for neighboring countries. Those informal exports to Nigeria are important sources of income for some neighboring countries and outward spillovers may be nontrivial,” it said.

It said growing cross-border activity of Nigerian-based banks has increased the scope for spillovers through financial channels, along with regulatory and supervisory challenges.

It added that the depreciation of the exchange rate would add to inflation, reflecting the passthrough of higher domestic prices for imports, but the effect is likely to be contained, in part due to lower food prices from increased local production of staple food crops.

The IMF said the outlook was compromised by low fiscal and external buffers, which have reduced the capacity to absorb shocks relative to the experience of the 2008-09 financial crisis.

The lender said the government expressed its determination to implement appropriate measures to manage risks.

“They agreed that the oil price shock is significant and, at least in part, permanent, but saw a smaller effect on economic activity than staff, owing to measures targeted at sectors critical for growth (agriculture, power, small enterprises) and the impact of remittances. They noted that rising food self-sufficiency would limit the pass-through to inflation and activity in housing construction would continue,” it said.

Only 20% N220b MSMEs’ fund disbursed, says CBN

O

NLY about 20 per cent of the N220 billion Micro, Small, and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) fund has been disbursed to beneficiaries, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said.

CBN Director, Banking Supervision, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins, said the supervisory bank was working on ways of ensuring that more funds get to the critical sectors of the economy.

Head, Relationship Management, MSME Development Finance Department, Tobin Jonathan, said CBN was jolted by the low access to the fund by operators.

CBN, he said, is worried that since

the fund was launched last August only an insignificant portion has been disbursed to operators because of stringent conditions for accessing the funds.

MSME-operators, Ibrahim said, were complaining that the criteria were too difficult to meet, hence, CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele relaxed them to make the funds more accessible. He added that the CBN also addressed other complaints by participating financial institutions, including the spread of profit to cover their cost of operations.

“So, they can collect the forms at two per cent and give it out at five

per cent. So they have seven per cent spread which is good enough. That has encouraged so many of them to begin to apply,” Jonathan said.

The Project Manager for Financial Infrastructure Project to the CBN, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Ubong Awah, said: “We are collaborating with the CBN to establish the National Collateral Registry which will be launched by June.”

He said it is important as part of efforts to stimulate financing to the MSME sector in Nigeria, stressing that collateral registry would provide part of the infrastructure for pushing the initiative ahead.

and presently have many viable onlending outlets.

Chioke, who spoke on the theme: “Navigating growth in a challenging environment” admitted the danger of potential pressure that may arise upon the payment of coupon on Eurobonds raised by banks, adding that the lenders will require the dollar biannually to fulfill obligations to Eurobond holders.

He insists the applauded privatisation of the power sector in 2013 may begin to reveal structural and financial challenges in the near term if not wellmanaged, given that approximately $2.5 billion was raised by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) from the privatisation of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN’s) generating (GENCOS) and distribution (DISCOS) companies.

About $5.7 billion additional fund was raised by the Federal Government from last year’s sale of the National Integrated Power Plants (NIPP).A significant portion of the funding for the acquisition of these assets by private sector investors was provided by local banks with minimal equity contributions. This, Chioke said, has absorbed an enormous level of funds from banks.

“This investment is, however, supposedly, yet to yield returns and has in part led to the rush for Eurobonds by banks in an attempt to restructure credit to the power sector.

A major apprehension is the currency mismatch as cash flows from power assets are generated in naira,” he said.

Western Union signs pact with Skype

W

ESTERN Union, a global money transfer company, has announced an agreement that allows Skype customers to replenish their accounts at more than 50,000 Western Union Agent locations throughout the United States.

A report by payments.com said Skype Credit, the payment service that enables calls to mobile and landlines worldwide — as well as text messages to mobile — on the Microsoft-owned video, voice chat and messaging service, is now able to be topped up through the Western Union Quick Collect service.

The service facilitates consumer-tobusiness payments. While Skype-toSkype calls are free, Skype Credit is required to call landline or mobile numbers.

Western Union President for the Americas and European Union, Odilon Almeida, said, “The relationship is a logical one, as both Western Union and Skype have a mission to connect people when they are apart. Western Union is optimising its money transfer system to link cash and digital for money movement and payments across the globe. We are driving our innovation on the back of what our customers want. Skype is a classic example; where customers can enjoy full digital access with a walk-in payment option.”

Director of Business Development at Microsoft, Enrico Noseda, said: “Through Skype, Western Union customers can stay in touch with loved ones to let them know about money transfers and share everyday experiences,” said.

Western Union’s Skype partnership comes just a few weeks after it announced a new partnership with Hyperwallet, and a few months after Western Union announced it would accept Apple Pay at several flagship locations.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

27

MONEY Senior Mobile Analyst at WorldRemit Alix Murphy has said mobile money will play a pivotal role in global remittances and help to reduce fees, improve speed and convenience for users. In an interview with THE NATION, she says mobile money remains a key of financial inclusion and getting financial services to the unbanked. Murphy says there are two-and-a-half billion unbanked people in the world and that one billion of these people already have access to a mobile phone, a potential means of accessing financial services, reports COLLINS NWEZE.

Mobile money will boost remittances, says WorldRemit ditions but will accelerate again to reach an estimated $636 billion in 2017.

The lender said fees are far too high and that the average cost of sending $200 to sub-Saharan Africa remains at 12 per cent of the amount, higher than the G20’s target of five per cent.

This, it attributed to the cost of bricks-and-mortar agent networks of traditional firms. “There is a huge potential for mobile technology to reduce costs on both the send and receive sides,” he said.

According to the global lender, mobile money will grow to play a huge role in remittances and help to bring down fees.

“Worldwide Mobile Money usage is exploding with 261 mobile money services now live across 89 countries with 103 million active users as of December 2014. More than half of these services currently in operation are in sub-Saharan Africa,” it said.

Mobile money helps to reduce remittance fees, adding that the median cost of sending $100 via Mobile Money is $4, less than half the average cost to send money globally via traditional money transfer channels.

F

OR the Senior Mobile Analyst at WorldRemit, Alix Murphy, mobile money remains the main or only means of accessing financial services. She said Nigerians in Diaspora are famed for their generosity, and keen adopters of new technologies including mobile money services.

She said Nigerians are among the first to really embrace the technological revolution in money transfers. Using convenient online and mobile services, they are very likely to sustain the record in sending remittances.

She said WorldRemit has been supporting commercial relationships with telecoms operators all over the world, as well as promoting mobile money opportunities in developing countries, including Nigeria.

Murphy, before joining WorldRemit, was the market intelligence analyst for the Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA), where she analysed trends in mobile money and digital identity and consulted mobile operators on revenue opportunities.

“That’s why WorldRemit has worked hard to connect to more mobile money services than any other money transfer firms,” she said.

Global prediction Murphy reiterated World Bank’s prediction that the number of international migrants is expected to exceed 250 million this year. “So we shouldn’t be surprised that as long humans continue to go abroad for work or family reasons, we will continue to see increasing volumes in international remittances,” she said.

She said that remittances create opportunities and that in Nigeria, as elsewhere in Africa, there is a huge appetite for business and there are countless examples of Nigerians receiving money from relatives abroad which they used to finance or set up small businesses at home.

“Let me look at this from the perspective of international transfers: the Groupe Speciale Mobile Association actually noted that the average cost of sending money internationally using mobile money as a receive method was $4. That’s less than half the cost of sending money internationally to Africa by traditional money transfer firms,” she said.

On how to boost mobile money businesses, he advised: “Establishing trust among customers is important for all financial service providers. Both banks and Mobile Money services have an important role to play in increasing awareness about the enhanced security and protection that digital financial transactions can bring. Cash is anonymous, whereas digital transactions necessarily have an audit trail from end to end, not to mention increased speed and reliability,” she said.

Mobile money model On the right mobile money model needed by Nigeria, Murphy said every country has its own unique context which impacts the ability for Mobile Money to thrive. “Most of the successful Mobile Money services involve some type of partnership between banks and telcos, but one important thing to remember is that Mobile Money requires

• Mobile money in action

significant investments in technology, agent training, marketing, and customer education in order to succeed. We partner with both telcos and banks that have made this commitment to investing in customer education,” she added.

She advised Nigerian shareholders not to be in a hurry to reap from mobile money businesses. “Shareholders who invest in Mobile Money must understand the very different dynamics of this industry compared to typical banking or telco services. The most successful Mobile Money services in other countries took several years to become profitable, but their shareholders made long-term investments which required patience and dedication in order to establish an excellent service,” she said.

Poor network quality On tackling poor network in the industry, she said Nigerian operators should look to countries like Somaliland, Kenya, or Zimbabwe for a sense of the overwhelming success of mobile money services.

“Clearly, there are major incentives for telcos to invest in network infrastructure. There is no doubt that investments in robust and resilient systems, as well as adequate customer education about coverage and network safety will ultimately allow telecom operators to drive mobile money adoption rates,” she said.

Murphy said WorldRemit is looking at telcos, banks, and regulators to work in unison for a more inclusive financial services environment. “The World Bank noted that Mobile Money has contributed significantly to an increase in financial inclusion in East Africa, and we expect to see similar impact as Mobile Money services grow in other regions. There are a number of instructive learnings from other African markets,” she explained.

The company, she said, wants to enrich people’s lives by giving them the power to share money with friends and family – anytime, anywhere. She said traditional money transfer companies, with their brick-and-mortar business model and agent-exclusivity arrangements, have long since overcharged customers, while delivering an appalling customer experience.

“WorldRemit is an online service that lets people send money to friends and family living abroad, using a computer, smartphone or tablet. It is a convenient, low-cost alternative to traditional money transfer companies that use high street agents and charge unreasonable fees.

Around the world, WorldRemit offers customers the option of receiving money as airtime top-ups, bank deposits, cash pick-up, or Mobile Money.

In Nigeria, WorldRemit currently sends to most major banks as well as providing airtime top-ups for phones on Airtel, Etisalat, GLO, and MTN,” she said.

Expansion plans Murphy said that WorldRemit’s international business development team is already working with existing and prospective partners on the ground in Africa. As the business grows, we will most likely devote more and more resources to fast-growth markets.

“As a business, we are growing incredibly fast and we now have more than 180 employees around the world. It’s important to make sure that we continue to work as smoothly and effectively as we have done in the past.

“WorldRemit is shaking up the money transfer industry like no company has done before. We are working hard to launch our service in more and more countries, including the United States, where

Benefits to consumers

• Murphy

many Nigerians live. We are also adding more receive options.

“For our existing and prospective customers, that means they will get to use a service as convenient and innovative as no other. In five years, we expect that, by and large, customers will be embracing the convenience of sending money online and from Smartphone to Mobile Money services – a true mobile-to-mobile experience,” she said.

World Bank position World Bank said Nigeria received $21 billion last year, accounting for two-thirds of all remittances to subSaharan Africa, an online money transfer service.

The global lender said Nigeria remains among the world’s largest recipients of remittances and that remittances to the region are projected to reach $36 billion in 2017.

In 2013, remittances financed onethird of the country’s imports.

In an emailed report titled: How Mobile Money will Power Global Remittances, it said global remittances will grow slowly this year, but accelerate again in 2016 and 2017.

Furthermore, it said global remittances will this year, reach $586 billion at a slower growth rate of 0.4 per cent due to economic con-

‘Establishing trust among customers is important for all financial service providers. Both banks and mobile money services have an important role to play in increasing awareness about the enhanced security and protection that digital financial transactions can bring. Cash is anonymous, whereas digital transactions necessarily have an audit trail from end to end, not to mention increased speed and reliability’

Some of the benefits to the consumer include security, convenience, accessibility, speed and ease of transaction, competitive charges, access to quality advisory services, and integrity of transactions; the customer literally carries his bank in his pocket or bag wherever he goes.

Other not-so-obvious benefits, which are nonetheless important, are better cash flow management, enhanced financial planning, and inculcation of sustainable savings habit, which boost financial security and comfort in retirement.

“Mobile payments, which I perform on my phone, help to reduce my travelling costs,” a farmer in rural Nigeria who uses mobile payment services said.

Mobile money also has the potential to galvanise economic activities, leading to higher socioeconomic development, lower cost of transactions and reduction of cash handling costs, among other benefits.

Role of regulators The Central Bank of Nigeria said over the next few years, the focus of the regulator will be to strengthen the institutional and regulatory frameworks to achieve improved financial inclusion. The application of mobile technology for financial services especially in rural areas will ensure that a large percentage of the population outside the formal banking system would have access to financial services using one of the three models of card-based, account-based and virtual account.

Nigeria’s telecoms subscriber base, put at 131 million as of last September by the Nigeria Communication Commission, should play a major role in bringing the unbanked into the formal banking system.

With over 50 per cent of Nigeria’s adult population unbanked, mobile banking could be the catalyst that will help quicken the adoption of banking services by this critical segment of the population.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

THE NATION INVESTORS: FACTS to FACTS

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Total Nigeria vs Mobil Oil Nigeria: Same turf, different results

ETROLEUM stocks are popular with Nigerians.

One of the earliest organised sectors with long-established brand names, the centrality of premium motor spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, to the daily living of Nigerians, who depend mostly on petrol as substitute for epileptic public power supply, has continuously reinforced the brand awareness of petroleum stocks.

But even with hundreds of brand names now parading the downstream, the sector is still dominated by few companies. These are usually referred to as oil majors.

Total Nigeria Plc and Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc are leaders among the six oil majors. Both companies shared many similarities including incorporation and business history, foreign ownership, listing history and fundamental assets. A subsidiary of French multinational and Europe-leading oil company-Total S. A, Total Nigeria has considerable influence and size in Nigeria and globally. With five Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) bottling plants, three lubricant blending plants, four aviation depots and hundreds of retail outlets spread across Nigeria, Total Nigeria prides itself as the leader in the industry. Mobil Oil, the earliest petroleum-marketing company to be incorporated in Nigeria, is a subsidiary of Mobil Oil Corporation of the United States of America.

With between 64 and 59 years of operations in Nigeria and 36 years as quoted stocks, both companies are the earliest examples of blue chips that several investors know.

Interestingly, both companies were listed in the same year, in the same month and within the same week. While Total Nigeria’s assets base substantially outweighs Mobil Oil Nigeria’s, stripped down to the barest, both companies have similar net assets base.

They also operate in an industry with little product differentiation and deregulation.

Audited reports and accounts of both companies however appear to be showing marked differences.

Year-on-year and on the average, Mobil Oil Nigeria appears to know the oil field better than its competitor. While the reports seem to illustrate the tight top-line in the largely regulated sector, the mid-line and bottom-line differ according to the logistics, management and internal structure and control of the companies. Audited reports and accounts for the year ended December 31, 2014 showed that the two companies barely grew their top-line by one per cent.

That is the only similarity. While Total Nigeria appears to be losing steam, Mobil Oil Nigeria shows considerable improvement in profitability and returns.

Sales Generation Turnover growth, expectedly, remains generally muted. Both Total Nigeria and Mobil Oil Nigeria grew the top-lines by one per cent in 2014. Total Nigeria had grown turnover by nine per cent in 2013. Mobil recovered from a decline of three per cent in 2013 with one per cent growth in 2014.

On the average, Total Nigeria has grown its top-line by an average of five per cent over the past two years as against a two-year average decline of one per cent recorded by Mobil.

Profitability Mobil has shown stronger fundamental performance than its competitor over the years. Besides the average growth, Mobil ran a more profitable business in the immediate past year while Total Nigeria showed a worrisome decline

grown by 14.6 per cent over the past two years compared with 3.4 per cent by Total Nigeria. This trend is replicated in all the indices. Mobil has average pre-tax profit growth rate of 45.5 per cent, average gross margin of 13.05 per cent, average pre-tax profit margin of 8.6 per cent and average net profit growth of 52.5 per cent respectively. Total Nigeria, on the other hand, recorded average pre and post-tax profit declines of nine per cent and 1.5 per cent respectively. Average gross margin was lower at 11.85 per cent while average pre-tax profit margin stood at 2.85 per cent.

Actual Returns While Total Nigeria has steadily maintained a lead in share price at the stock market, Mobil fundamentally makes better returns to investors. Since fundamental returns are intricately linked to underlying profitability, Mobil improved on its returns while Total Nigeria suffered a decline. Mobil returned 17.2 per cent on total assets in 2014 as against 12.6 per cent posted in 2013, indicating a two-year average of 14.9 per cent. Return on equity also increased from 36.5 per cent in 2013 to 47.2 per cent in 2013, representing average return of 41.9 per cent.

Total Nigeria’s return on total assets almost halved from 10.2 per cent in 2013 to 5.8 per cent in 2014 while return on equity slipped from 40.3 per cent to 31.8 per cent. Average returns on assets and equity thus stood at eight per cent and 36.1 per cent respectively.

The Bottom-line

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

Stories by Taofik Salako

in intrinsic performance. Mobil’s gross profit grew by 8.0 per cent in 2014 as against 21.1 per cent growth in 2013. However, gross profit margin underlined improved top-line management at 13.5 per cent in 2014 as against 12.6 per cent in 2013. Profit before tax built on this with 65 per cent growth in 2014 as against 26 per cent in 2013. Average pre-tax profit margin, which indicates average

Facts to Facts

Turnover growth Gross profit growth Pre-tax profit growth Gross margin Pre-tax profit margin Net profit growth Return on Assets Return on Equity

Total 2014 % 1 -2.75 -32 11.6 2.3 -17.0 5.8 31.8

pre-tax profit on each unit of sale, also improved from 6.5 per cent in 2013 to 10.6 per cent in 2014.

After taxes, net profit grew by 84 per cent in 2014, an impressive consolidation on 21 per cent recorded in 2013.

On the other hand, Total Nigeria’s gross profit dropped by 2.75 per cent in 2014 as against modest growth of 9.5 per cent in 2013.

Gross profit margin followed the downtrend, dropping from 12.1 per cent in 2013 to 11.6 per cent in

2013 % 9 9.5 14 12.1 3.4 14.0 10.2 40.3

Average % 5 3.375 -9 11.85 2.85 -1.5 8 36.05

2014. Profit before tax dropped by 32 per cent in 2014 compared with an increase of 14 per cent in 2013.

This underlined the relapse in the intrinsic profitability with pre-tax profit margin dropping from 3.4 per cent in 2013 to 2.3 per cent in 2014. Profit after tax also dipped by 17 per cent in 2014 as against 14 per cent growth in 2013.

On the average, Mobil Oil Nigeria shows substantial lead above its competitor. Mobil‘s gross profit has

Turnover growth Gross profit growth Pre-tax profit growth Gross margin Pre-tax profit margin Net profit growth Return on Assets Return on Equity

The queues are back at the petrol filling stations. That is the regular reminder of the state of the downstream sector. With a seemingly stunted deregulation and the intricacies of the politics of the oil business, petroleum companies are influenced by more by exogenous rather than endogenous factors.

These compound the almost monolithic nature of the business where little product differentiation gives less room for marginal errors. The margin of profitability, and sustainability of such, thus depends on high level of appropriate mix of often-difficult variables. Total Nigeria is exploring initiatives to break away from the mono-product syndrome with its recent diversification into the solar power business. But this obviously has not gained the traction to fundamentally impact the bottom-line.

While Mobil’s performance was somehow boosted by a one-off asset sale, it obviously has shown better choices. Its focus on the midline and financing options has strong influence on overall performance. Mobil has less leverage and financing burden compared with Total, which is substantially leveraged and carries the burden of multi-billion naira financial charges, which further clobbered the overall performance.

Mobil 2014 % 1 8.0 65.0 13.5 10.6 84 17.2 47.2

2013 % -3 21.1 26 12.6 6.5 21 12.6 36.5

Average % -1 14.55 45.5 13.05 8.6 52.5 14.88 41.85

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHWEST STATES

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

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Owo: Fear grips Ondo town as robbers threaten revenge •Residents groan as banks remain closed •Natives turned their compound to vaults •Petty robbers now have free day

Nearly two months after a large ‘army’ of robbers invaded Owo town in Ondo State, killing no fewer than 20 residents in the process, residents are complaining about the continued closure of all the commercial banks in the town since then even as rumours of a likely second attack by the robbers rent the air, TAIWO ABIODUN reports.

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INSIDE

RDINARILY, residents of the Owo community in Ondo State should still be enjoying soft pillows of sympathy over the 20 souls that were gruesomely mauled down six weeks ago when over 50 armed robbers took their reign of terror to the ancient town. But no; the residents remain fear-struck, unsure of whose head will host the next bullet as the bandits who escaped during the bloody raid are threatening to revenge the killing of some of them who fell to the superior fire power of soldiers during the March 26 tragedy.

Penultimate Monday, there was pandemonium in the town when the rumour tore through the community that another set of armed robbers had come in. While some got injured while running for cover, not a few market women lost

their money in the melee. In the end, all turned into a hoax.

Natives have now turned their compound to vaults, making thieves and burglars have free day since all banks in the town had remained closed since March 26. Besides, the natives take the risk of travelling several kilometres to transact banking businesses.

The Olowo of Owo, Oba David Victor Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi III is now pleading with the State and Federal Governments to secure his domain and the state as the robbers have made the state unsafe.

Visibly shocked, the monarch said: “I have been to the scenes of the incident with the state governor, Dr.Rahman Olusegun Mimiko. It is painful and pathetic. I commiserate with the families of the victims who were killed.

I learnt that some of these robbers who escaped had been arrested elsewhere. I learnt the robbers were over 40 and they came in different vehicles. I have gone

Ikorodu community gets free medical check -up, glasses PAGE 34

round the banks to see the evil they perpetrated. In fact, God has been kind to us in this town; it could have been worse than this if God did not intervene. I am deeply moved and shocked by the ungodly act ... May the souls of the deceased rest in peace. However, I thank our security officers, soldiers and the people who immediately went into action and exhibited their outstanding gallantry during the raid.”

The Olowo, however, appealed to the people to be vigilant and prayerful, adding: “I am appealing to you all to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement or persons or anybody with suspected bullet wounds to the police. We have never experienced this since this kingdom was founded by our forefathers and this will be their first and their last in Owo. Armed robbers cannot come and spill innocent blood here and go scotfree. Owo is a sacred town.”

He pleaded with the state Continued on pages30

Leadership lessons from S.M.I.L.E

PAGES 32 & 33

‘Secret of Lagos’ development’ PAGE 34 & 35

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Owo: Fear grips Ondo town •Continued from page 29

government to compensate the families of the victims.

The Owo Local Chairman, Tunde Owabimbola, said the townsmen had brainstormed over the issue, adding: “We are forming a formidable security group that cuts across all fields like the petroleum marketers, the traditional chiefs and hoteliers in the community who are ready to fund the security outfit. We cannot make all these known on the pages of newspapers.”

While the Head and Chairman, Owo Kingdom Advisory Committee, Mr Kola Akinmulero, a US-based businessman who came

home said he almost ran into the robbers on his way to Owo that evening. He advised that there should be security men manning the ancient town, adding: “I believe we should have a neighbourhood police as being practised in the United States. We should have local or state police and even the Friday Police who should be working as their brothers’ keepers. We want all Owo people to cooperate and make sure it works out.”

Mr Ademola Adetula, a former Managing Director of Hope Newspaper, said: “The armed robbers unleashed terror on innocent and hapless citizens; the society will continue to experience organised crime and the kind of gory and senseless

killings which occurred in Owo on that day. I believe that organised and violent crimes will continue to thrive until the country has the courage to identify and curb the menace of arms merchants who are presently providing the oxygen for violent crimes across the country.”

Akinola Akintola Bayoriade, the NURTW Secretary (Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo), said: “People are tired of going to Akure which is about 35 kilometers to use ATM to withdraw money. Even those going to collect one thousand naira will still have to travel there. The banks should be opened with good security.”

Prince Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi, a retired Justice, has also appealed to the state and federal government to provide

security for the ancient town. “It is their duty to secure the lives and protect the property of the people,” he stated.

Worse still, for the past few weeks, local robbers have been going from one house to another, robbing those who keep money at home for safety, while many are leaving the town in droves for safety since all commercial banks in the town had shut down.

Those who want to transact business activities now face the rigour and the risk of travelling about 40 kilometres to neighbouring towns like Ikare, Akure and Ondo to withdraw money with their ATM or transact other businesses. Sadly too, robbers are now attacking them along the routes.

A thrift collector who does not

Anguish, pain as UCH doctors’ T strike shuts down hospital •Management, Doctors trade blames •MDCAN urges them to embrace peace From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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F there is anything to remember in the on-going industrial action embarked upon by the the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), University College Hospital (UCH) chapter since May 1st, it is the untold hardship that it has brought many patients especially those who needed urgent medical attention were turned back by the hospital.

Right now, UCH patients are faced with series of pain and agony as a result of the strike action. Some families are losing their loved ones due to lack of care at the hospital, while others are now seek solace in either private hospitals or traditional clinics including Traditional Birth Attendants, and Faith Based Clinics. One of such unfortunate families was the Owolabi’s that rushed one of their family members to the hospital but was asked to go back home due to the strike. In pain, Wasiu, was rushed to the hospital on Friday morning.

He was said to have been bleeding from the nose a night before he was rushed to the hospital in the early hours of Thursday.And because, there was no doctor on ground to attend to any patient, he was advised to go to other hospitals that were open to patients. Similarly, many people have been facing the same agony as a result of the doctor’s strike action.

A preganant woman, Mrs Waliyat was rushed to the Maternity ward, but was turned back. Although, she has been attending her ante-natal clinic in the hospital, she was rejected at the entrance of the hospital based on the ground that nobody will attend to her And because her condition was critical, she was rushed to a state hospital in the city on emergency and there, she was saved. As if it was not enough, an old man who had a car accident lamented the ordeal he passed through when he came to the hospital on the second day of the strike action. He came from Ikire to Ibadan but was rejected at the entrance of the hospital, despite his critical condition. He was told to look elsewhere for help.

However, those who would not let their families to die now prefer to patronise other hospitals in the city.

Meanwhile, investigation has shown that the in-flocks of pregnant women to the Traditional Birth Attendants clinics are enough to tell the scenario of the after-effect of the indefinite industrial action. Compliance with the strike was total as several clinics departments in UCH

•Prof. Alonge

•Dr. Ogunjinmi were devoid of the usual beehive of activities as the doctors stayed away from their duty posts, forcing hordes of patients, several of whom turned up as early as 6am to seek treatment elsewhere.Another patient, Mrs Yemisi Banjoke, exprssed hope that the strike would not take a long time to be resolved so that people would have access to medical care at the hospital. According to her, accessing a private hospital is totally unaffordable, adding that the level of poverty in the country will not give room for equal rights of the citizenry.

“I cannot afford the cost of treatment at private hospitals that is why I use the general hospitals. This strike will make a lot of people suffer in terms of finance. I appeal to the government to dialogue with the doctors so that the strike does not become indefinite,” she said.At the outpatient department as well as medical and surgical emergency wards, skeletal services were available, but

priority was being given to critical cases. Only a handful of patients were encountered waiting for service. One of them, who spoke to The Nation said he was only able to obtain a card because he was familiar with one of the staff duty.

Another patient encountered who identified himself as Taiwo, recounted how he brought his father from OmiAdio to UCH. “I feel so bad to have come from that far distance only to be told that doctors are on strike. I also feel bad spending money bringing my father yet no doctor to attend to us. It is very painful,” Taiwo lamented.

Another patients, Alhaji Saheed Lamidi lamented the attitude of some nurses at the hospital and appealed to the doctors to return to work, adding that the nurse spoke to patients with little or no respect. In his remark, the President of the ARD, UCH, Dr Lukman Ogunjimi alleged that the university management was reluctant to implement their request for over seven months they have been having negotiation with them. He said casualisation of medical officers and the refusal of the UCH management to honour a circular issued by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation on the welfare of doctors were issues at the centre of the strike.

He said: “We have about 600 doctors in this hospital. The reasons why we are on strike are clear. What we are against is casualisation and we want skipping to be implemented as directed by the Federal Government in circulars issued by the Head of Service of the Federation and that issued by the Federal Ministry of Health.”

The Federal Government in the circular said a particular grade level should be skipped by all health workers. It has been done for all other health workers while some centres have started doing it for doctors. This is backed up. Here in UCH, it has not been done.”He went on that: This strike is a local one and we are following a national directive from our national leaders. Some centres are enjoying all this benefit already and they do not need to join us in the strike action. Just yesterday, Abeokuta branch. Started their own and within two hours their hospital management has resolved their demands” The ARD boss said they have been attending to patients at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the emergency centres, stressing that the care of their patient is very paramount to their hearts.

Ogunjimi appealed to the members of the public and well meaning Nigerians to prevail upon the hospital manContinued on page 36

want her name in print (for fear of being traced) was waylaid and robbed in daylight while those who converted their homes and dug holes or vaults to save their money are not left out as they burgle their homes daily.

Now the natives sleep with one eye open on hearing that the robbers who escaped had vowed to return and unleash terror on them.

How they struck Mrs. Morenike Ogunseitan, a strong member of All Progressives Congress (APC) and a living witness, said when the armed robbers struck on that fateful Thursday, March 26, and started shooting, little did they know that they were robbers as they mistook them to be rival party members that had come

HE noose of the law has been tightened on cigarette smokers in Ekiti State with the inauguration of Ekiti State Smoke-Free Law Enforcement Committee.

A three-month prison sentence awaits anyone caught smoking in public places as the war against illegal use of tobacco gathers steam in the Fountain of Knowledge.

Security agencies like the Police, Civil Defence Corps, Environmental Health Officers have been empowered by law to arrest culprits and ensure that they are brought to justice.

The law established the fact that offences shall be summarily tried.

The move was aimed at giving legal teeth to the Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Law passed by the House of Assembly on 26th September, 2012 and assented to by the former Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on 31st December, 2012.

The enforcement committee which has members drawn from government, non-governmental organizations, security agencies and private sectors has since swung into action to ensure arrest and prosecution of offenders.

The advocacy was driven by a non-governmental organization based in Ado-Ekiti, the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD), which was established in 1998 and driven by a commitment and vision of a peaceful world where all people have equal rights and opportunities.

NISD has over the years collaborated with various development partners in its core themes of Violence Against Women, Good Governance, Child Development, Health and Sanitation, Capacity Building, Provision of Free Legal Services to Women, Budget Monitoring and Provision of Qualitative Care and Support Services for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, among others.

The organization had in July 2013 in partnership with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK) embarked on a project to strengthen implementation and enforcement of Ekiti State Law on Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places and mobilizing support for the passage of the National Tobacco Control Bill.

These were borne out of its concern on the deadly effects of smoking in public places and the fact that tobacco use is a major preventable cause of premature death and disease presently causing nearly 6 million deaths globally each year.

The concern was further raised by the discovery of the fact that tobacco is expected to cause 8 million deaths annually by 2030 with 80 per cent of these premature deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries.

Statistics also revealed that 600,000 people die globally each year from the effects of Second-hand Smoke (SHS) which is the tobacco smoke that is inhaled involuntarily and passively by someone who is not smoking.

Non-smokers exposed to SHS exposed have a 25-30 per cent higher risk of coronary heart disease than do non-smokers who are not exposed to SHS. It is believed that exposure to SHS occurs mainly in work places, homes, public places and private vehicles.

According to the results of the first Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) released on 11th July, 2013, 2.7 million Nigerians were exposed to SHS in public places; 5.2 million at home; 36 per cent of adults when visiting cafes/coffee shops and tea houses and 8 in 10 adults were exposed when visiting restaurants.

Also, 16.7 per cent of adults were exposed to SHS when visiting government buildings, 9.4 per cent using public transportation and 5.3 per cent when visiting healthcare facilities.

It is against this backdrop that the fight against smoking in public places is being stepped up in Ekiti State to protect public health and prevent deaths of smokers and non-smokers alike.

Delivering his address at the occasion, the Executive Director of NISD, Mr. Abiodun Oyeleye, explained that the tobacco epidemic has adverse impact on public health of developing countries including Nigeria.

He said: “Tobacco use is a major cause of premature death and disability, mostly affecting our economicallyproductive pop-

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as robbers threaten revenge to disrupt their rally.

She said: “When our leader said he would go to the police station to report that the venue given us to use had been hijacked by a rival party, we supported him not knowing it was armed robbers that struck. But when we started hearing the sound of dynamite that sounded like bomb, we were quickly alerted that the dare devil armed robbers had come, and everybody fled to different places.

“They barricaded all roads leading into the town and held everybody hostage while they positioned themselves in different places as operations went on simultaneously.

Some stationed themselves at ECO Bank, First Bank, Skye Bank, WEMA Bank, while others invaded Divisions

A and B Police Station where they killed six policemen and a pregnant policewoman. They seized their APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) and their guns while they started shooting sporadically at passersby and also used grenades to break into their vaults and ATM machines”. High Chief Jimoh Ayodele Ojomo, who escaped by the whiskers, said: “About 30 innocent people were killed while some were fatally wounded during the operation.

A final-year medical student who came home because of the election was killed; another one who was celebrating his birthday and his friend were forced out from where they were hiding in one of the shops and were made to lie flat on the ground before they were shot in

the head.

“Two mentally unbalanced persons (a male and a female) who were innocently roaming about were brutally killed by the dare-devil robbers for their refusal to keep off from the road. Two elderly men were felled by bullets. At the WEMA Bank, its manager, a security officer and an official in the marketing department were felled by a hail of bullets. Two secondary school students from same parents were shot. A 75-year -old man who, after spending 35 years in the United States of America, was mowed down despite the fact that he surrendered to them.”

Explaining how her husband was killed, Madam Folakemi Olubaka, wife

of the late Chief Oladimeji Kehinde Olubaka, said: “My husband was installed the Chief Olubaka of Ijebu land last year. He was a security officer at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo. When he heard of the invasion of Oceanic Bank by the robbers he quickly went to the police station to alert the police. But the news we heard of him was that before he got to Division A, the robbers who were in army uniform had overrun the station, killed policemen and seized their weapons. Thinking that he was reporting to the right people, immediately Olubaka reported the matter to the robbers to come and rescue the town, he was asked to leave as they pretended to be soldiers and police officers. As he made to walk out

Smoke in public, go to jail •Ekiti goes tough on smokers Cigarette smokers in Ekiti State are in for hard times, with the inauguration of a committee to enforce the law against smoking in public places. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports. ulation in both urban and rural communities.

“In Nigeria, tobacco use will soon surpass all other risk factors combined as major etiological agents of premature death and disability unless strong policies are put in place to dissuade from starting its use, while encouraging users to quit.

“Tobacco fumes inhaled by non-smokers wreak more havoc on the human system than an active smoker.

“The fumes alone contain at least over 7,000 chemicals of which at least 69 of them are toxic such as carbon monoxide, arsenic, polonium, butane, benzene, acetone, ammonia, methane, and so on.

“Even brief exposure to tobacco fumes is harmful. Just 30 minutes of exposure increases the risk of heart disease. Exposure in persons with asthma can trigger a life- threatening event.”

He explained that awareness has been created among various stakeholders such as religious and political leaders, hoteliers associations, drivers’ unions, youths, women, senior government officials, ministries, departments and agencies.

According to Section 3 of the Law, public places where smoking is now prohibited in Ekiti State include any part of an enclosed or partially enclosed public places or workplace, a government school or a registered independent school, facilities where health care services are provided; sports, athletics or recreational facilities, state government buildings and any other places prescribed by the government of Nigeria, and there shall be no access to tobacco products within the 500 meters radius of such facilities.

Also included are offices and workplaces including corridors, lounges, eating areas, reception areas, lifts, escalators, foyers, stairways, toilets, sundries, court buildings, factories, cinema halls, theatres, video houses, such other halls or places of performance, discotheques, or any other entertainment facilities during which it is open to the public.

Others are hospitals, clinics and other health institutions, restaurants, hotels, bars of eating places, children homes, residential houses and such other premises where children are cared for, places of worship, prisons, police stations and cells, airports, airfields and aircrafts, passengers’ ships, commuter boats, trains, passengers’ vehicles, ferries, railway stations, ports, motor parks, public transport terminals and all kinds of public transportation.

Smoking

is also outlawed in educational facilities, libraries and schools, markets, shopping malls, retail and wholesale establishments, amusement oars, stadia, sports and recreational facilities, public buildings and gardens, private vehicles with non-smoking occupants or persons below the age of eighteen.

Punishment for contravention of the Law is found in Section 6 with any person who contravenes any of the provisions of the Law other than Section 3 liable on conviction to a fine of ten thousand Naira (N10,000.00) or to an imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or both.

A fine of twenty five thousand Naira (N25,000.00) or to an imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both awaits any offender who contravenes any of the provision of Section 3 of the Law. The Law further prescribes a punishment of N250,000.00 for the violation of sub-section (1) or (2) stated above if it be a corporate offender.

The inauguration of Ekiti State Smoke-Free Enforcement Committee was performed on behalf of the state government by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr. Bolanle Fakunle.

Dr. Fakunle, who is a medical practitioner is the Chairperson of the Committee saddled with the arduous task of putting a stop to smoking in public places in the state.

Members of the Committee are Mr. Lawrence Ojo, Permanent Secretary/ Solicitor General, Ministry of Justice; Mr. P.A. Bankole of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr. M.T.Olowolafe, president of the Environmental Task Force in all the 16 Local Government Areas and Mrs. O.O. Kayode Ojo, Director of Administration and Supply, Ministry of Environment.

The rest are Mr. Kunle Olofintuyi of the National Orientation Agency, Mr. Taiwo Omoniyi of Ekiti State Hoteliers Association, Mr. Tope Babalola of the Ministry of Information, Youth and Sports, Mr. Tunde Balogun, the Director of Environmental Health and Sanitation, Mr. Oyeleye of NISD and representative of the Ekiti State Police Command.

Delivering her keynote address, Dr. Fakunle said her ministry and NISD are collaborating with relevant MDAs and organizations to ensure compliance with the law.

She restated the commitment of the state government to ensure that the law is complied with to guarantee a safer environment and promote public health.

Dr. Fakunle said: “The harmful effect of smoking extends far beyond the smoker to second-hand smoke.

“Non-smokers are exposed to secondhand smoke at work or in other public places there-

of the station, he was shot from the back, and his lifeless body left on the ground in a pool of his own blood.

Olubaka was said to be preparing for the one-year anniversary of his installation.

Among those were killed are two elderly men who were running back to their farm on hearing the news of the robbers invasion.

WEMA Bank driver’s account Olamide Afolabi, a driver with WEMA Bank said: “It was around 4.45pm on that Thursday when we started hearing the sound of gunshots .We all ran for cover. The robbers came and blasted the door and asked all to cooperate. They kept on Continued on page 36

by increasing their risk of developing heart disease by 25-30 per cent and lung cancer by 20-30 per cent.

“Also second-hand smoke causes health problems in both adults and children such as coughing, overproduction of phlegm, reduce lung function and respiratory infection including pneumonia and bronchitis.

“The passage of the law on prohibition of smoking in public places in Ekiti State is not actually directed at stopping people from cigarette smoking but to prevent people from smoking cigarettes in public places because of the detrimental effects on nonsmokers’ health.

“Participants are to note that smoking of cigarettes in some parts of the world is done in designated places.

“It is imperative to note that Ekiti State is committed to protecting and ensuring quality environment, which is adequate for good health and wellbeing for present and future generations.

“I therefore seize this medium to encourage the committee members to see the task before them as a crucial assignment that must be handled with serious dedication towards achieving the desired goal.”

With the anti-smoking law in public places enforcement committee in place, smokers in Ekiti State are now expected to restrict the act indoors to avoid going to jail.

Smokers who are in transit in Ekiti State should also take note because to be forewarned is to be forearmed.

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SOUTHWEST REPORT After four years as a lawmaker in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Olusegun Olaleye, representing Ibadan North II Constitutency, wants to lead the House as Speaker. A one time President, National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), Olaleye spoke with TAYO JOHNSON about his ambition and vision for the 8th Assembly.

‘Why I want to be Oyo House Speaker’

W •Cross section of the participants

PHOTOS: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE.

•Bimpe Bamgbose-Martins

•Paul Bamgbose-Martins

Leadership lessons from S.M.I.L.E The Strategy for Mentoring Initiative and Leadership Empowerment (SMILE) has conducted its graduation for students of its Leadership and Mentoring Programme. As expected, the focus was on building strategic leadership for the youth for a better nation. SEUN AKIOYE reports of our society.”

SMILE’s unique selling point is the “release of self” and the empowerment and mentoring of the next generation of leaders in the country. During the launch in April 2011, Dame Abimbola Fashola said mentoring and leadership empowerment remains the key to success for any society.

“Mentoring and leadership empowerment remains the most powerful tools to positively impact the next generation of leaders. The younger generation needs to be guided, inspired, encouraged and taught to imbibe the essential ingredients of success which includes hard work, right attitude, moral values, determination, perseverance, passion and can –do-spirit among several others.”

Monroe agreed with the First Lady. At the ceremony he told the pioneer students how discovering and developing leadership in young people will produce the next generation of leaders in Africa which is badly lacking on the continent.

“One of the obligations of leadership is to transfer what you have in you to the next generation, make yourselves unnecessary by giving out all you have, success without succession is failure,” Monroe said.

Since then, SMILE has gone ahead to train many Nigerians who have submitted themselves to its training and mentoring under the different platforms it offered like the one year leadership and mentoring course for graduates and young professionals to provide a platform for them to acquire knowledge, develop skills, competencies and values that will empower them to excel and become effective leaders. There is also the Change Agent programme designed for underserved young people especially in secondary schools.

The SMILE programmes, four years after its inception have already produced visible change agents who are making a difference in their different spheres of influence. The organisation also recently made some significant changes to its strategy to make room for more youth involvement by “providing more platforms and opportunities for young people to organize and drive our

events.”

New interventions to the programme include: ICT training for underserved youths, internship programme for secondary school leavers to help them build skills, gain valuable work experience that would keep them engaged while they seek admission into higher in-

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N the last four years, Mrs. Bimpe Bamgbose-Martins an Associate member of the Chattered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD), United Kingdom and the Managing Director of a construction firm, Matokins Nigeria Limited, has been doing something many people would say is out of sync with her education and career.

With a degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan, Bamgbose-Martins found her true calling when she came in contact with the teachings and mentoring of the late international coach, motivational speaker and Pastor, Myles Monroe. On her return from the mentorship programme she began to put into action all the lessons from Monroe by establishing a unique institution that would provide leadership empowerment and life skills for Nigerians.

Her idea is a paradigm shift from the self help mentors who may have bastardised the meaning of leadership for self gains and recognition. Her method is aimed at releasing potential into the new generation of young people that can be trained and mentored to become successful leaders. For this she got the total support of her mentor whom she fondly called “papa”. According to Monroe, “SMILE is introducing a new phenomenon with the theme of self replacement.”

One of the important people to buy into this idea early is the First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola who according to Bamgbose-Martins is “a woman of exemplary character” and “who has been a pillar of strength for me personally, since the inception of SMILE four years ago and from whom I continue to glean wisdom and inspiration.”

The Quest for Leadership The founding of SMILE is to play a strategic role in the quest for building the next generation of leaders in Nigeria. According to Bamgbose-Martins, the school offers “tailored made programme to meet every leadership needs of every major strata

Mentoring and leadership empowerment remains the most powerful tools to positively impact the next generation of leaders. The younger generation needs to be guided, inspired, encouraged and taught to imbibe the essential ingredients of success which includes hard work, right attitude, moral values, determination, perseverance, passion and can –dospirit among several others

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stitutions, scholarship programmes to provide opportunities and financial support for indigent students with great potential and school educational outreach programmes to inspire students in different public schools to aspire for greater heights in their academics and life.

This vision is already bearing fruit as some of the youth have gone

ahead to become skillful in many areas. For instance, 17-year-old Lekan Adepoju, a secondary school leaver who is currently seeking admission into a higher institution was responsible for putting together all the technical details about the organisation and the videos.

The release of leaders The graduation ceremony for 28 graduates of the 2014/2015 batch of the One Year Leadership course was a milestone in the fact that it was coming a year after the tragic death of the mentor of the institution, Monroe, in the Bahamas. Monroe had always been present at every graduation to inspire and encourage the students but this year, his spirit seems to loom large over the auditorium as video clips of his past messages to the students were shown.

Bamgbose –Martin acknowledge the fact that S.M.I.L.E may not have come into being without the support of Monroe. “Today is a particularly significant day for us at S.M.I.L.E as it marks the first set of graduations after the passing of our founding father, late Dr. Myles Munroe without whom S.M.I.l.E may not have come into existence as this organisation was birthed under his teaching and grew immensely under his direct supervision.”

The theme for this year’s event was “Youth as agents of national transformation” underscores the crucial role youths can play in the development of the nation especially in the new era in Nigeria.

The guest of honour, Dame Fashola was lavish in her praise for the founder and the strides she had made in four years.

She also revealed some ‘pleasant truths’ about the founder. “SMILE calls me her mentor but I beg to disagree, we share ideas and same convictions that this country must change, that is what gave birth to SMILE,” she said.

She had some words for the graduating students too. “What you have gone through is to become a better person and you must key into that change philosophy.” However she also noted that the students didn’t appreciate some of those who were mentioned to have made great strides in the society. “I expected that you will give a standing ovation to the teenagers who have put all these programmes together,” she told the students who later redeemed themselves with much standing ovation, Mrs. Fashola said “Now, you are standing up too much, you are embarrassing me.”

Mrs. Fashola has been one of the pillars of support and inspiration for the programme and she made a solemn pledge to stay involved. This is no mean commitment as many of the students also find her involvement a source of inspiration.

“I will not miss anything SMILE calls me to for anything in the world,” she said.

Some of the sponsors of the organisation were there to offer a token of their advice to the graduating students. Akeem Ogunniran, Managing Director, UAC properties Ltd spoke about the power of dreams which is exemplified in the fact that the biggest brands in the world today were started by young people. Annul Bathia, Director Corporate Social Responsibility of Chi Nigeria Ltd also spoke about the power of focus while Niyi Adesanya, the founder of 5th Gear Consulting, also a leadership and motivational organisation promised gifts to the top three graduating students and promised to also be involved with SMILE. Part of the highlight was the presentation certificates to the students by Mrs. Fashola and the presentation of 100 books to five public schools in Lagos. The books donated by UBA Foundation went to schools where SMILE is already working and mentoring young people including, Omole Senior Grammar School, Mende Senior Grammar School, Ikosi Senior High School, Government Senior Model College and Baptist Senior secondary school.

Also two 300 level University of Lagos students who have been great mentors to their peers were rewarded.

So how has the programme impacted on the lives of the students? Femi Adeyemi who got an award for his mentorship of secondary school students during the programme said his life cannot be the same again. “This programme is unique and it has impacted me a lot, I have developed unique leadership qualities and from here I will go and do greater things,” he said.

Bosede Bello, a school teacher and graduating student agreed. “There is no way I can be the same, this programme has changed my life.” Though not alive to hear these testimonies, this was the plan and goal of Monroe when he partnered with Bamgbose-Martins to establish SMILE four years ago.

Monroe: “I am confident Nigeria is in good hands because SMILE exists.”

•Mrs. Abimbola Fashola

What is the secret behind it?

HY exactly do you want to be the 8th Speaker It is due to my quality representation and access to of the Oyo State House of Assembly? my people. I equally ensured that they are proud of I have been nursing the vision to be the my performance as an honourable member. I also speaker of the house for a long time, and that aspiration ensure they get the dividends of democracy timely. I is centred on my desire to give quality service to the did not forget my root and where I am coming from. people of the state. It is my believe that the 7th assembly I am sure you have a blueprint for the job you are has set a standard, because there was peaceful cohesion aspiring for. Can you share it? between the legislature and the executive arm of governI want a house that will constructively partner and ment. There is a family co-existence between us, which I engage the executive arm of government. I want a believe we need to consolidate on at the 8th assembly. house that will strengthen the programmes of the We need to make sure there is peaceful cohesion, peaceexecutive arm of government through the inful interaction between the legislative and the strumentality of the legislative activities. executive arms of government, there must My vision is to birth a house that will be internal peace and sense of unity in give room for robust debate without doing our oversight function and our any prejudice to whatever anybody legislative duty. There will be a simpresents. My vision is to lead a ilarity between the 7th and the 8th house that will come with very Assembly. The 7th Assembly viable and constructive laws consist of three parties, while that will enhace governance; the 8th assembly consist of Amendment to laws that are three parties also. If I emerge already obsolete. My vias the speaker through the sion is to berth a house help of all stakeholders inwhereby the welfare of volved, I will ensure we every honourable will give room for more robust not be in jeopardy, where deliberation on the floor of all the honourable memthe house, we need to give bers can be able to access room for people to ventiresources for the good use late their constructive opinof the their constituent ions on issues. The aim is to without any hindrances. allow the deepening of our My vision is to work collegislative duties as lawlectively with my colmakers. leagues at the 8th assembly There are two of you josto bring about a rebranded tling for this position, what is house that will be a model, a your cutting edge? house that is intellectually enIt is not for me to determine dowed, a house that is all involvmy cutting edge, it is for the peoing for public participation and ple out there to determine what my •Olaleye imput in our bills, laws, a house that cutting edge is. The only thing I can will have a periodic public hearing,a say is to make reference to my backhouse that will held enhance the opporground. I was a Minister at Kuti Hall for tunity for the Oyo State people to own gov1994/1995 set, I was University of Ibadan (UI), ernment to see themselves as partners in governance, Student Union President for 1995/1996 session, I was the a house that will hold the government accountable, a Vice-President of National Association of Nigeria Stuhouse that will be respected. Although there was redent (NANS), I was the President of NANS in 2000, I was spect between the legislature and executive arm of at the constitutional reform conference in 2005 to reprethe government in the 7th assembly but we need to sent the youth of this country. I have served in different work more on that. One good thing about Governor capacities and worked with different NGOs and I have Ajimobi was that he was a former legislator, so most been in the state assembly since 2011 representing the often times he does not try to choke the house in people of Ibadan North II and I am the Chairman Comterms of his programes, because he himself believes mittee on Public Account, Finance and Appropriation. in robust debate and likes engaging people construcThis is the first time a lawmaker will be winning an tively because he is an intellectual. election twice to represent the people of Ibadan North II. Many people have misconstrued the role of lawJust like the governorhas broken the second term jinx, I makers in the provision of infrastructural facilities, have also broken it in my constituency. I am an activist what is your experience like? cum politician, I have been in the human rights struggle A lot of people, to a large extent when it comes to during the years of the NADECO struggle. I was one of legislative work think that it is to construct boreholes, the people that brought the idea of stay at home protest taring roads, empower traders, and others. Even when when the military were killing the people. I have been in some people are sick they will call the honourable and out of political prison for 19 times during the course that they are sick and they need money. Basic role of of my human right struggle days. the legislative is to legislate, bring about laws that Have you made your intention to the leadership of will ensure good governance. Appropriate money your party and what was their response? for compulsory projects, carry out oversight function In any aspiration you need to make it loud. You need and ensure budget implementation, that is when you to talk to the party stakeholders, big players in our party. will be able to know how many boreholes the govThe party is above everybody because the party gave ernment had sunk in my constituent, how many roads, birth to everybody. It gave birth to all political office have they tared, how many schools have they conholders. APC is the party I respect so much and I have structed and re-constructed, how many hospitals have informed my leaders. I believe God will speak through they built. As a legislator we do not have milions in the party and through the democratic people of the parour account but the metality of our people is that we liament itself. I believe God will make it happen. I know should give them money and that we should come I have had a good representation at the 7th assembly and ourselves to build borehole and write your name will perform better if elected as the speaker of the 8th there. We only have a token intervention fund and it assembly. is very little. It poverty that is affecting the mentality Zoning is a factor to be considered, bearing in mind of our people and our nation is still backward in terms that the governor is from Ibadan, do you thing Ibadan of orientation but the president elect, Gen Buhari will deserves the speaker at ?this present time? ensure a new orientation and rebranding for the naI don’t think we have to bury competence, I do not tion. think we have to deny merit on the basis of zoning. To a As the Chairman House Committee on Finance large extent the most important thing is to always look and Appropriation, how will you access the budget for the best in any system to handle leadership responsiimplementation and performance of Governor Ajibility. In respect of the speakership, I believe that when mobi administration, and what is delaying the pasyou look at the house standing order, we talk about the sage of the 2015 budget? fact that the speakership position should be given to a The performance of the budget so far has been honourable member with a vast experience. When you very impressive, but unfortunately in the last one and look at APC as a party, we have five ranking honourable half years, there has been shortage of funds from the members and we are all from Ibadan/Ibarapa zone, so federation account to the states and that has really where do you want to zone to. So it is good to allow affected the level of implementation of budget and it people to show their aspiration irrespective of where has really affected the execution some projects too. It they come from and within the confine of this aspiration is not only in Oyo State but some other states too. We let us distil it, let’s ensure that we come out with the best just thank God that our governor is applying wisdom choice. to ensure that he can be able to steer the ship of the You are in the house for the second term, having state properly with the situation. broken the second term jinx within your constituency.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

34

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Succour as NGO supports the needy

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

A

Non-Governmental Organisation, The Counseling Ambassadors Organisation (TCA), has extended a hand of fellowship to the less privileged in the society.

The gesture according to TCAO Public Relations Officer, OlusegunOyewole, was borne out of the need to keep the masses alive and sustain the indigents in the society.

She said living in a society where government pays less attention to the suffering of the masses is daunting, adding that TCAO finds it necessary to support the masses and make them less reliant on government at all times.

According to her, “TCAO has been undertaking the task of providing succour in any and all respects to the rejected, helpless people, irrespective of race, tribe, religion or colour. Someone would dare to ask and say what is unique about an NGO sustaining or keeping the masses, but TCAO has done more than keeping or sustaining the masses, but rather taking the giant stride in giving empowerment/skills development, vocational education and training to the marginalized and vulnerable persons in the society and people dependent on the informal economy.”

Olusegun-Oyewole said several programmes have been packaged to tackle youth unemployment crisis in Nigeria and unlock the potentials of people, reducing the statistics of those depending on aid.

“TCAO believes in the total well being of the human being and for this reason she offers counseling to those people who are aching in heart and having issues that the society see to be embarrassing and so they die in silence. The counseling arm of the organization provides succour to those aching in heart, having emotional and even spiritual issues.”

She listed some of the beneficiaries to include victims of the Abuja bomb blast, adding that TCAO annually provides food items to the indigents in the society in order to exterminate poverty in the land.

“TCAO brings together both the high and mighty, La creame of the society, and the less privileged people in the society together on the platform of Berachah, a musical concert where everyone has the opportunity to praise and worship God without limits.

Berachah, she said, is a large event which requires huge resources to organise and yet caters for those who are in need of empowerment materials and some other forms of financial needs.

She said five persons benefited during the 2014 edition of the concert while adding that the five beneficiaries were given some empowerment materials including deep freezer, sewing machine, industrial sewing machine, generators etc.

She said apart from the empowerment materials, there was also the release of N267, 000 to Mr. Samson Babatunde, a burns victim to enable him carry out surgery in his hand, while N1.7Million was expended on a baby with hole in the heart for surgery last year.

She said the forth coming 8th series of Berachah will feature prominent personalities including the Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dame Emmanuella Fashola.

“The glory of the latter house must surely surpass the former because everything has been made ready for the event,” Olusegun-Oyewole enthused.

•One of the beneficiary

•A cross section of women and children at the event

Ikorodu community gets free medical check-up, glasses R ESIDENTS of Adamo Igbaga village, a remote community in the outskirt of Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State, received a fresh breath of life recently.

They burst into jubilant songs and took to unusual dance steps when Charity Mission Empowerment Foundation (CMEF), a Non-Governmental Organization, (NGO) based in Ojodu, Lagos State visited the community to conduct free medical check on the people. They were given free drugs and eye glasses to improve their health conditions.

Long before the arrival of the CMEF crew led by the founder and coordinator, Princess Ngozi Oluwagbemiga, the villagers - men and women, children and adults alike, among them, a 106- year- old, Madam Comfort Peter, already gathered under canopies waiting patiently for the team.

At the end of the day, their patience was worth the while as they went home fulfilled.

In a chat with The Nation, Madam Peter,expressed gratitude to CMEF for the gesture, describing it as uncommon in the history of the village. She noted that she had, had a running battle with her sight and thought that her plight was beyond redemption.

“I never thought that I could see with my eyes again because my sight was as good gone. Fortunately, for me, they came and allayed the fears that crippled me all along. They gave me a pair of glasses and some medication to help my health condition. I am very grateful.”

Following in her footsteps, the traditional ruler of the community, Chief Jimoh Odofin, 60, expressed happiness over the exercise. Odofin, a building contractor, who benefitted from a free medical treatment and eye glass given after an eye test by the medical team, said, signs that he needed an eye glass appeared when suddenly,it became difficult for him to read. “We do not have a health centre in Igbaga.

Most villagers travel several kilometers to the city to seek medical assistance and it is always difficult when we have emergencies.

“This is why we are grateful to the organizers of this medical intervention for their assistance. They have met us at the point of our needs,” he stated.

“We attended to a total of 215 people; 115 in the morning session and 100 in the evening,” said Mrs. Helen Adamu, a matron and member of the

By Innocent Duru

medical team.

Speaking, Princess Oluwagbemiga revealed that, beyond free medical services, CMEF has also trained auxiliary nurses, members of the police, bankrolled several surgeries for the needy, and also gave out mobility aids for the physically challenged in the society.

“It is what I love doing. We have

M

ANY would brand it civilisation. A teenage Yoruba boy wakes up in the morning and takes a fond stare at his father. He takes two footsteps towards the old one and stretches out his right hand to greet his ‘friend’ – sorry, father! ‘Morning dad; wazzup …’ he says. To him, the dog’s belly is the only home to cultural values!

Of course, many a father with no regard for tradition would even give such child a warm embrace, but certainly not die-hard custodians of traditional values in the ilk of Chief Fatai Lawal Olumegbon, the Olumegbon of Lagos. Such a child would not be fortunate to escape his ire!

An encounter between this reporter and Olumegbon at his palatial Ikoyi, Lagos home last week established it: That he would never settle for anything short of unalloyed traditional etiquette and moral rectitude from any of his children. Everyone felt a sense of parental discipline when his last child prostrated to greet everyone at the session. His humility was infectious.

“Oh, this is a typical African child,” a guest gleefully remarked.

And Olumegbon looked into his eyes, revealing emphatically: “Naturally, a lion cannot beget a dove.

Tradition and culture run in my family. No civilisation or wealth can take it away from us. I have deep passion for the tradition and culture bequeathed to us by our ancestors.

And at over 50, I am old enough to know that any society that jettisons its culture and tradition is courting perdition. That is why we, Lagos chiefs, don’t joke with the festivals, sacrifices and other traditions of our ancestors - and that is a major secret behind the steady growth of Lagos.

“Also, my regard for our culture is exemplified by my personal lifestyle. I am a man of moderation. I neither smoke nor drink alcoholic

plans to run a mobile clinic in order to avail everyone of our services,” she said.

The Adamo event climaxed on Sunday March 15, 2015, with a thanksgiving/lecture at Famous Gospel Proclaimers’ Church, (FGPC) Ojodu, Lagos. In his lecture entitled: The Impact of Empowerment Strategies for greater economic development, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, Online Editor, of this newspaper, said there was need

By Dada Aladelokun

beverages; I only drink water and soft drinks. And you will rarely see me in social events carousing,’ he added.

Perhaps his way of life has to do with his birth. Maybe yes. He went down memory lane: “I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth. My father, Akanni Eko, was a Marine Engineer; my mother, Alhaja Sikirat Eko, was the mother of the Oba of Lagos.

My father was from the Olumegbon family, while my mother hailed from the Elegushi family. I was the only child of my mother. After passing out of Ansar- Ud- deen Secondary School, Surulere, in 1977, I attended Lagos State University (LASU), where I studied History and Diplomacy and later, Lagos Business School (LBS), where I bagged a Diploma in Business Entrepreneurship.

“So sad, my father died when I was just nine years old and I became an orphan at 10. But I was privileged to be under the guardianship of the parents of the present Head of Service (HOS) in Lagos State, Mrs. Shade Jaji.

Her elder brother, Adedapo would not spare me the rod because I was stubborn. Shade would always cry for me, but today, I thank God the beating has made me what I am today. I founded my own business concern, Olofinjana Enterprises; I became the Secretary General, Movement of Oojo, which the extended as far as Badagry, Seme, Badiya et cetera. My life is a worthy lesson for every growing child.”

Olumegbon, a kingmaker, who capped all the Idejo Chiefs, then dropped a bombshell: “If my father were alive, he would never have allowed me to become the Olumegbon on September 25, 2002. He was a devoted Muslim. He did not smoke, drink or womanise. Chief S.L Edu of blessed memory was his closest

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

35

SOUTHWEST REPORT

•Otufodunrin delivering his lecture at the CMEF event

for wealthy men in the society and government to factor-in the poor in

scribed CMEF as God’s own project. “CMEF has been a road map to liberating the poor and less-privileged in Nigeria and Africa from the shackles of poverty through skills acquisition, counseling and general empowerment,” he said. He noted that with the increasing number of the poor and lessprivileged in the world following incidences of war and famine, duty calls on everyone to stand up and be counted for good works. “CMEF is a product of passion and love for humanity and I urge everyone to play a part, even as I commend those already running with the dream,” Bukola stated.

Mrs. Helen Oghuma, a board member and partner of CMEF, said she identified with the group after she was convinced that the group sincerely wanted to positively touch people’s lives. “I could not but share in the vision after I saw that those behind it had genuine feelings for the needy.”

•Ngozi

,

I never thought that I could see with my eyes again because my sight was as good gone. Fortunately, for me, they came and allayed the fears that crippled me all along.

They gave me a pair of glasses and some medication to help my health condition. I am very grateful

their plans and policy thrust, as according to him, true development begins with a happy people. “It is high time the wealthy and by extension, government understood that the happy life does not consist of how much an individual or government has, but how well the people live.

That is the totality of well-doing,” he said, stressing that it is only when the people are happy that the government and the wealthy will truly enjoy their privileged positions. “Therefore,” he continued, “the people should be first in all things. This is why groups that aim at making life better for people like CMEF should be encouraged.”

Also speaking, Rev. Dr Bukola Oluwagbemiga, the General Overseer of FGPC and husband to Princess, de-

‘Secret of Lagos’ development’

Asiwaju is a man of vision; cry to his house and you will leave smiling. I am a graduate of the Asiwaju School of Thought. We remain loyal his cause

,

friend.

Olumegbon, who “had always dreamt to be a king,” is married to the daughter of the departed Lagos monarch, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan - the younger sister of the Onilado of Ilado. “My first son is an engineer; the daughter that followed him is a lawyer; all my children studied in the best schools in the world. I had children at an early age. I am a shrewd businessman, but first, an Ifa priest and custodian of the deities of my forefathers,” he emphasised.

Saying that his influence has immensely helped his community, he explained: “I have built a more befitting palace for the Olumegbon clan, educate our youths to look away from dependency on land as a means of survival and train them in schools to become self-reliant and responsible citizens. These have helped us to retain 1400 hectares of land, making us the largest land owner in Lagos.

Julius Berger is now clearing the land, which extends as far as Ajah, Sangotedo and Okun Ajah.”

Maintaining that protracted tussle over the land had long been settled, he said: “We are the rightful owner of Ajah land, going by the Supreme Court judgment given on December 9, 2002 by the Honourable Justice Salihu Modibo Alfa Belgore in Abuja.”

Asked if he was already fulfilled in life? He answered: “No. I can only be fulfilled when I become the Oba of Ajah. Until I was 20 years, I never knew I was a prince and yet my am-

bition was to be a king. In 1981, I was involved in the Eyo Elegushi as a youth because of the interest I had in Eyo in general. But in 1982, I became aware of the Eyo Olumegbon through my uncle who sighted me in 1981 at Eyo Elegushi parade. He told me about the Eyo Olumegbon; the organisers were instructed to give the Eyo cap freely to me as I am a potential king.”

Olumegbon, who urged the incoming Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government to fight corrup-

tion, improve education, agriculture, power sector and electricity supply, urges the Governor-Elect of Lagos State, Akinwumi Ambode to build on the legacies of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola in Lagos.

He heaped eulogies on Tinubu, saying: “Asiwaju is a man of vision; cry to his house and you will leave smiling. I am a graduate of the Asiwaju School of Thought. We remain loyal his cause.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

36

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Ayangburen stool: Court to rule on May 22

J

USTICE Akintunde Savage of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikorodu will on May 22, 2015 rule application seeking to nullify the selection of Odofin of Ikorodu, Chief Kabiru Shotobi as the new Ayangburen by the king makers.

Justice Savage, at the end of a fivehour sitting, announced the date for the ruling last week after hearing the arguments and submissions of counsels to the various parties in the suit.

The applicants, Mathew Adetayo Shodipo, Omobo Sokelu, Shakiru Shodipo, Nurudeen Fakomaya and Albert Aina had filed a suit, IKD/ 454GCM/2014 (for themselves and on behalf of the Lambo branch of the Lasunwon ruling house of Ikorodu) and through an originating summon challenged the nomination of Shotobi by the kingmakers as the oba-elect of the ancient town.

Joined as respondents in the suit are Ezekiel Shodipo, Tajudeen Odofin (for themselves and on behalf of the Adegorushen branch of the Lasunwon ruling house the Odofin of Ikorodu, Chief Kabiru Shotobi; the Olisa and regent of Ikorodu, Chief Zacheus Oludele Odusoga; Solomade of Ikorodu, Chief Afolabi Adekayaoja; Apena of Ikorodu, Chief Karimu Ore and Oponuwa of Ikorodu, Chief Jacob Kolawole Adaraloye (for themselves and on behalf of the kingmakers.

Others are Ikorodu Local Government; Ikorodu division of council of Obas and Chiefs; Secretary, Ikorodu Chieftaincy Committee, Ikorodu Local government: Lagos State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, L a g o s State.

At the resumed sitting of the court last week, counsel to the applicants John Osighala told the trial judge, that filed several affidavits, counter affidavits and further affidavits in response to various papers filed by other counsels in the matter.

Osighala said they were seeking powers of the court to determine six issues raised in their originating summon dated December 29, 2014, which was supported by a 22 point affidavit, and to which was attached three exhibits marked A, B, and C. He said the court has judicial and inherent powers under section 6(6) of the 1999 constitution to determine the questions raised.

He said if the six questions were answered in the affirmative, then the court should grant them the five reliefs sought which he said were hinged on the affirmation of the six issues raised before the court. Osighala said “it is unarguable that exhibit A, which is the consent judgement delivered by Justice Habeeb Habiru (now a Justice of the Court of Appeal) in suit, is an enrolled order of the court, It is clear and unambiguous.”

He submitted that the court should look at Exhibit A and other judgement of a Lagos High Court and Court of Appeal marked exhibit 10 and 11 in other papers filed before the court, in reaching decision on the proceedings in the court adding, “the court should

•Shotobi

By Adebisi Onanuga

give them holistic and natural effect”.

He explained that the “effect” in Exhibit A was that parties in that suit are the same in the on-going suit before he court and that they include privies, agents and ancestors in title.

The lawyer posited that it was also not in dispute that the respondents did not appeal against the decisions in the consent judgement marked exhibit A and therefore “it is binding on all parties” adding that parties in the suit have been caught by the doctrines of “estoppel”.

“In the circumstance and in line with the principle and doctrine of reciprocity, we urge your lordship to answer the questions in affirmative and grant the reliefs sought”, he stated. Osighala noted that the counsels to the respondents, in order not to be caught by the doctrines of estoppels, raised several issues in their counter affidavits to the originating summon and that he dealt with all of them.

He pointed out that one cardinal issues raised in all the counter affidavits was the difference between an obaship and a chieftaincy title and that he responded to the issue in three-fold.

He argued that exhibit A which is the consent judgement simply said “the next available chieftaincy” adding that all other legal arguments being raised by counsels to the various respondents on the difference between “obaship and chieftaincy” was an attempt to re-write the consent judgement in suit number IKD/57/2007 stressing, “exhibit A is clear and unambiguous and it stated “the next available chieftaincy title to the family”.

He said there are only three titles available to the Lasunwon Ruling House of Ikorodu and listed them to include Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Odofin of Ikorodu and Otunba of Ikorodu.

He said the third respondent, Chief Kabiru Shotobi, having ascended the position of Odofin of Ikorodu upon the consent judgement, and that upon the demise of Ayangburen on August 22, 2014, it then means that the next available title to the family is Ayangburen of Ikorodu. Osighala posited that it was wrong for the other counsels to now want to re-write the history of the fami-

ly by exempting the title of Ayangburen from the titles available to the family. “The consent judgement listed the three titles available to the family. So the next available is the Ayangburen of Ikorodu.”

Referring to a 1958 Declaration filed by the counsel to the 11th and 12th respondents, S.A. Quadri, he argued that Section 4(2) under Chieftaincy Law, in spite of amendments, was still very applicable to the matter in court saying that the Customary Law regulates selection of Ayangburen and that the subheading sees the Ayangburen as a Chieftaincy.

He also referred to a Supreme Court of Nigeria judgement in Arowolo versus Akapo case which was cited in all written addresses to counter affidavits before the court as encapsulating obaship as chief in generic word.

He submitted “paragraph 4.03 of the written address submitted that the word “Obaship” is generic and so held by the Supreme Court that in Arowolo versus Akapo suit. So arguments canvassed that there is a difference between obaship and chieftaincy is not valid”.

Citing Onogbe(JSC) to buttress his argument, he said, “It follows therefore that before a person is selected for the position of oba, he must first be presented by the ruling house” adding that all arguments being canvassed by the respondents, particularly second respondent, clearly showed that they are caught by the principle of estoppel for now”.

He stressed that if the defendants had anything, they would have appealed against the 2007 judgement of the court and urge the court to answer his client’s prayers in affirmative and grant the reliefs sought.

Counsel to the first and third respondents, Gbenga Hassan, opposed the application saying that the applicants were merely seeking to interprete the 2007 judgement of the court to suit them. He formulated his arguments on three main issues and submitted that the court lack the power to interprete the judgement.

Hassan argued that the claims of the applicants are incompetent having failed to exhaust all remedies before coming to court, explaining that there are mediatory procedures they should have fol-

lowed which cannot be waived. He said since they have failed to explore the mediatory role, the court should dismiss their application.

On the second issue, he argued that exhibit A clearly showed that it was chieftaincy title that was conceded and not obaship position.

Relying on arguments canvassed in his counter affidavit, he said it was clear that the next available chieftaincy title was Otunba of Ikorodu and not oba of Ikorodu. He submitted that the grand norm regulating chieftaincy titles in the state now is the Obas and Chieftaincy Laws of Lagos State and that section 2 of the law defines chieftaincy titles as relating to the immediate community and obaship to paramount ruler of a native community recognized by the government.

“For the applicants to say that chieftaincy and obaship are same is misconceived. I therefore urged the court to discountenance it”, he said citing the decided case of Rabiu versus Kano State government to buttress his arguments that obaship and chieftaincy titles are not the same.

He posited that the first and third respondents are clearly not in breach of the consent judgement tagged exhibit A and that “applicants are too ambitious to misconstrue the purport of the consent judgement” and urged the court to hold that they were not in breach of exhibit A. He argued that the reliefs sought from court by the applicants are baseless and unfounded in law and intended to mislead the court.

On the third issue, Hassan submitted that the applicants are estopelled having waived their rights during the selection process.

According to him, “by the action of the applicants to jointly participated in the selection process, they have waived their right as they did not complain at selection stage”.

He said exhibit C, which is the minutes of the family meeting, showed that the applicants participated in the selection process and did not object to the process emphasizing , “they cannot approbate and reprobate now having not objected to the process”.

He further submitted that exhibit A is a contractual agreement between the parties and urged the court to hold that they can no longer complain at this stage of the process and that the court should dismiss the application.

At this stage, Hassan informed and referred the court to a rejoinder filed before the court on points of law, dated March 4, 2015.

But Osighala challenged the competence of the rejoinder, arguing that it was not known to the adjudicatory system and that there is no provision for it within the rules of the court.

“To file a process termed a rejoinder is an abuse of court process. I object to it and should be struck out”, he submitted before the court.

But Hassan, citing decided case of Ojukwu versus Onyeador 1991 7 NWLR part 203, argued that fresh issues raised by applicants can be responded to by respondents by way of rejoinders and urged the court to discountenanced the arguments of counsel to the applicants that the rejoinder be disregarded.

Owo: Fear grips Ondo town as robbers threaten revenge •Continued from page 30

shouting, ‘where is the money, where is the money? Give us our money.

We then gave them money. One of them came and said ‘if you people are not careful, we will kill you now, we have killed one of your colleagues; so you people should cooperate.’ They brought out dynamite and blew up the ATM machine and vaults. “They asked me to drive the car and block the road and the Bank Manager, Abiodun Olasemojo, Femi Olupona, Ademola Oyedokun (Head Marketing) had been killed outside.

We later heard that it was soldiers that rescued us. The operation lasted about three hours. We were all in the room hiding till some soldiers came to rescue us. We heard that soldiers were alerted and went after them. I was surprised how they killed Ademola for when he was approached by one of the robbers and asked for official car key, we complied. They asked Ademola to lie flat and asked me to drive. When I was driving out, one of the armed robbers asked me to stop again or he would fire me. They had already hijacked the police APC. They shot from the APC into the car I drove out. When the robber who was with me saw that my head had been covered with blood, he asked me to go inside the bank. It was when they had all gone and we went out that we saw those killed.

Recounting how it happened, Afolabi said: “The robbers started robbing at the same time. We heard that one was captured alive while 26 were arrested. They did not wear mask but nobody could look them in the face. Their ages ranged between 20 and 26.

“Presently, some wounded ones are still nursing their wounds in the hospital, while Yinka Bolanle (30), was shot in the belly and still receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC).

Bolanle was shot in the belly when he went to the First Bank to collect money. Now, over 15 victims are still being hospitalised in different locations.”

Why they struck Unsubstantiated claims revealed that the reason behind the robbery was that news filtered in that some millions of naira were brought to the banks by a political party which was to be shared among supporters on the eve of the presidential election. Another source said the robbers, having succeeded in raiding Ikare some months back, planned an attack on Owo. The attack was neatly carried out in a commando style as they were said to be over 50 robbers with different types of vehicles including Jeeps and Hilux vehicles, while they hijacked police armoured tanks and started shooting from the vehicles.

Anguish, pain as UCH doctors’ strike shuts down hospital Continued from page 30

agement to fulfil their demands, threatening that they will not call off the strike. Meanwhile, Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Temitope Alonge, had denied having doctors with casual status in the hospital. Alonge said that some of the issues raised were internal matters that had been resolved, adding that the issue of salaries and wages that are due to workers are not the prerogative of the ministries. ”Funding for the hospital is coming directly from the federal government and when you prepare the budget, it captures specific part of personnel cost, but the issue of Skipping doesn’t exist in the calender of the federal government. When we had a meeting with the resident doctors we explained to them that the budget of 2014 which was approved in 2015 only has the issue of the correction of anomalies of relativity and the issue of Skipping was

not captured. It is the prerogative of the National Salary and Wages Commission. So, the issue of employment is resident in the Head of Service and what the resident doctors presented to us was a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

A letter is an intent and does not carry much weight as an MOU. The next one is a circular which is something that has been agreed up and has received the backing of government, it can be issued by government establishment on behalf of government. What we got from the resident doctors was an MOU and not a circular. ‘’In the circular that we have from the National Salary and Wages Commission, there is nothing like skipping for doctors. So, whatever conflict that has arisen, the only body that is empowered to provide an answer is the National Salary Wages Commission. You don’t pay what you don’t have.

No Chief Medical Director (CMD),can unilaterally wake up and change the salary table. He said any CMD in the

country that has paid the Skipping allowance will be summoned next week to explain to the Ministry of Health where he got the money from, which salary table he is using and who gave the approval. Alonge assured the people of Oyo State and Nigeria that he does not have any power to withhold salaries that has been appropriated to any healthcare worker.

Also, the consultants, under the aegis of Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria(MDCAN) rose from an emergency congress over the weekend, urging both the striking doctors and the hospital management to sheath their swords for the sake of the patients.The consultants equally revealed that MDCAN has set machinery in motion to address “the contentious issues in collaboration with resident doctors and UCH Management.”A statement by MDCAN General Secretary for UCH, Dr. Victor Makanjuola after the congress said the consultants considered all issues being raised by the resident doctors, declaring them(the issues) as legitimate and urging the hospital management to speedily address them.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

37

THE NATION INVESTORS

72% of capital market operators deficient, says SEC

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EARLY three in every four capital market operators have not fully complied with extant registration and regulatory requirements required for their various functions, underlining the worrisome corporate governance and compliance status among operators in the capital market.

Official status report by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) obtained yesterday indicated that about 72 per cent of capital market operators have deficient registrations for their various functions.

According to the apex capital market regulator, only 269 capital market operators are duly registered for their functions. Also, the Commission stated that there are currently 51 approved fund managers.

Out of a total of 1,128 capital market operators listed by SEC, 808 operators have deficient registrations. A breakdown of defaulting operators showed that 189 operators have not completed the primary registration requirements

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

for their various functions while 619 operators are currently operating with expired fidelity bonds.

The status review highlighted that several high-brow law firms, reporting accountants, banks, investment management firms, trading and dealing firms and advisory firms are operating with incomplete registration or expired fidelity bond.

The report indicated that several operators pose potential risks to capital market operations by not providing fidelity bond against internal malpractices, otherwise known as fidelity bond.

Operating in the capital market without a valid fidelity bond is a contravention of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) No. 29, 2007 and SEC Rules & Regulations.

A fidelity bond is essentially a form of insurance against internal fraud, malpractices and willful professional negligence.

It provides cushion for various

losses that might arise from employee’s dishonesty. In line with international best practices, the Nigerian capital market regulation requires operators to possess subsisting fidelity bond.

The expiration of their fidelity bonds makes the functional registration of the companies and individuals as capital market operators incomplete.

The deficiency in the registration of the operators violated SEC’s policy on fidelity bond, which requires operators to renew their fidelity bond annually, in line with the Gregorian calendar year.

The fidelity bond policy requires that all registered capital market operators must maintain a fidelity bond which has a validity period from January to December of each year.

The apex capital market regulator had indicated that any fidelity bond which falls short of full-year coverage will not be accepted.

According to the report, nearly half of operators with expired fidelity bond, and as such incomplete registration, are solicitors

including high-brow Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) law firms.

Accounting firms are the second largest group of culprits with several well-known accounting firms, with registration as reporting accountants, operating with expired fidelity bonds.

At least five banks, which were registered as issuing house or investment adviser, were listed among the defaulters while several fund managers, registrars and brokers were also listed in the search.

Market sources, who pleaded for anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said the large number of incomplete registrations and expired fidelity bonds could affect the integrity of the market place.

According to them, such deficiencies are usually indications of poor corporate governance and financial liquidity, two factors that have been fingered in most cases of frauds in the market.

•From left: Member, Business Education, Services and Trainning Unit, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Wole Ogunjobi; Vice President, LCCI, Mr. Gabriel Idahosa; Director-General, Mr. Muda Yusuf; and Lead, Marketing Communications Accenture Nigeria, Mr. Segun Olalandu; during the inauguration of the 2015 LCCI mentoring program in Lagos.

We will compensate Transcorp’s shareholders for past losses, says Elumelu

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HE board of directors of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc has assured that it would continuously work to improve overall performance and enhance returns to shareholders with a view to compensating long-term shareholders of the group.

Chairman, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu, told shareholders of the group that the directors were not unmindful of the fact that some shareholders might have suffered losses on their investments, assuring that the group would compensate the shareholders with better returns over the years.

“Transcorp’s shareholders are generally long term shareholders and we know that in the past, those shareholders have lost money. We have our work cut out for us to help them recover that money and our focus is on planting seeds to grow the company through re-investment of profits among other measures,” Elumelu said at the yearly general meeting of shareholders.

He noted that the conglomerate has achieved consistency in dividend delivery and corporate stability and now turning its focus to

growth.

According to him, the board and management of the group are committed to creating sustainable value for all stakeholders.

He highlighted that the board had focused on operational excellence since it took over the conglomerate in 2010 and now the group has attained strong momentum.

Elumelu cited the group’s performance in 2014 as a glimpse of the future. Transcorp recorded a turnover of N41.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014, indicating an increase of 120 per cent over N18.8 billion recorded in 2013.

Group gross profit also rose by 92 per cent to N27.6 billion as against N14.4 billion in 2013.Group operating profit rose by 33 per cent to N13.6 billion. However, profit before tax declined by 14 per cent to N7.7 billion in 2014 from N9.0 billion in 2013. But total assets for the group grew by 14 per cent from N149.6 billion in 2013 to N170.8 billion in 2014. It declared a dividend per share of 6.0 kobo.

At the meeting, shareholders unanimously approved the 2014 annual account and consolidated financial statements as well as divi-

dend payout.

In his remarks, chief executive, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom said the company has shown it is on track to deliver on its growth and expansion plans in spite of macroeconomic and industry challenges.

According to him, the group achieved N27.6 billion in gross profit and N7.7 billion in profit before tax in 2014 in spite of a sizeable exchange loss on foreign currency loans in the power business, capital market volatility, and lower average occupancy in the hospitality business.

“The story of Transcorp is a standout among conglomerates in Nigeria and one that gets better each day. Our focus early on was turnaround and stabilization and this year’s results reiterate this commitment. Now, our focus is on growth. From hospitality to power, agribusiness to energy, we are blazing a trail in the sectors in which we operate and our ability to deliver in the face of strong economic headwinds, as we witness more stability in the economy, we will be able to perform ever better,” Nnorom said.

They called on the apex capital market regulators to undertake complete review of capital market operators with a view to delisting non-compliant operators.

SEC is finalizing the launching of a National Investor Protection Fund (NIPF), which will compensate investors for defalcations by insolvent or bankrupt capital market operators which are not dealing members of Securities Exchange or Capital Trade Points. In other words, the NIPF will be for the purpose of compensating investors whose losses are not covered under the Investors Protection Fund (IPF) administered by Securities Exchanges and Capital Trade Points. The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) already has an Investors Protection Fund (IPF).

SEC is expected to provide the initial take-off grant for the NIPF. It will subsequently generate funds through grants, subventions, donations and annual contributions to be made by all capital market operators not subject to contribute to the IPF of Securities Exchanges and Capital Trade Points. The board of the NIPF is also empowered to obtain loans, subject to approval of SEC. The board of the Commission has already approved the operating rules for the NIPF and it is currently in the process of announcing a board of trustees for the NIPF. According to the rules, investors can only receive a maximum compensation of N200, 000 from the NIPF. This maximum amount claimable under the NIPF is 50 per cent of the N400, 000 limit stipulated by the IPF of the NSE. According to the rules, the maximum amount payable to an investor who has suffered loss shall be N200, 000 or its equivalent in form of shares and units of bonds. However, where the amount of loss is lesser, the investor shall be paid the calculated amount of loss.

Beside the variance in the maximum compensation, the SEC’s NIPF also differs from the NSE’s IPF in the area of recognition of previous infractions and losses. Where the NSE’s IPF took on backlog of complaints from the NSE, the SEC’s NIPF will not recognize any claim prior to establishment of the NIPF. “Any claim prior to the incorporation of the Fund shall not be covered by the Fund,” the rules stated.

However, the amount of compensation to be paid by the NIPF may be reviewed from time to time as approved by the board of the Fund.

Ajaegbu, Umaru others join stockbrokers’ council

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TOCKBROKERS have elected nine distinguished financial markets’ operators into the council of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) as part of efforts to enhance the professionalism and practice of stockbroking in Nigeria.

The new council members included the President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mr Chidi Ajaegbu, Managing Director, Ashaka Cement Plc, Mr Kwairanga Umaru and Managing Director, Vetiva Capital Management Limited, Mr Chuka Eseka.

Other members included Managing Director, Arthur Steven Asset Management Limited, Mr Olatunde Amolegbe, Managing Director, Network Capital Limited, Mr Oluropo Dada, Chairman, Investigating Panel of the CIS, Mr Muiz Kareem; General Manager, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr Yusufu Modibo, Deputy Managing Director, Fund Quest Financial Services Limited, Mr Olabisi Oni and chairman of CIS’s Professional Development Committee, Mr Oyewole Oyeniyi. Their election was endorsed after the institute’s recent annual general meeting.

Ajaegbu, a fellow of CIS and ICAN, is ICAN’s golden jubilee president and founder and chief ex-

ecutive of Mutual Alliance Market Limited. He holds Master’s Degree in Banking and Finance from University of Lagos.

Kwairanga is a consummate banker and veteran stockbroker. He holds an MBA from Liverpool John Moores University, UK and M Sc in Corporate Governance.

He has served in various capacities in the financial and real sector of the economy.

Eseka is a frontline investment banker and securities strategist. He is a chartered accountant and stockbroker with over 23 years industry experience.

Amolegbe holds an MBA and M Sc in Corporate Finance from University of Ilorin and Russel-List University in the United Kingdom. He has been instrumental to development and implementation of investment policy strategy over the years. Dada holds M Sc in corporate governance from Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom. His working experience covers banking, finance, stockbroking, issuing houses activities, investment advisory, general administration etc.

Kareem, an Economist, holds an MBA from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife and Kensington University Glendale, USA respectively. He qualified as an Authorised Dealing Clerk in 1985 and became a fellow in 1993. Modibo holds both Master’s in Banking and Business Administration. He has been into the capital market and banking operations since 1984. Oni holds MSc in Economics.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

38

SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Essiet_daniel@yahoo.com 08180714151

Buka a name for local restaurant in the country, is fast gaining grounds across Europe and America.

It is a trend being championed by Nigerians living in Diaspora; and they are recording successes, OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE reports.

Buka:The new goldmine

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RACE Shadare, a Nigerian on a business trip to London, United Kingdom, wanted a Nigerian delicacy that she was used to, after four days in the country. And after the fourth day of asking around, she was introduced to a Nigerian Buka at 105, Old Kent, where she had a good Nigerian meal of Amala (yam flour) and vegetable soup.

Similarly, Godwin Chukwu, a Nigerian visiting Brooklyn, New York, United States, was determined to enjoy his holiday to the fullest. However, barely 72 hours after his arrival in God’s own country,” he bagan to grow apprehensive. This stemmed from the meals he was offered- pure American foods like burger, salad, lamb-in-tomato sauce. He eventually had his appetite satisfied after he was taken to a Buka in Fulton Brooklyn.

Shadare and Chukwu’s yearnings for local delicacies in foreign lands aptly captures the yearnings of Nigerians when on visit to other countries, especially in Europe and America. And because of this yearnings, smart and enterprising Nigerians in Diaspora have been capitalising on this trend to make a good living and smiling to the bank in the process. One of such enterprising Nigerians is Mr. Lookman Afolayan Mashood, the proprietor of “BUKA”a local restaurant in Fulton Brooklyn established in April 2010, that caters for the food requirements on Nigerians living in New York.

Mashood’s “BUKA” has created for itself a niche, becoming a reference point for those seeking some authentic Nigerian traditional food such as pounded yam, egusi soup, amala, edikaikong, Isi-ewu, pepper-soup, goat meat, stockfish, snail etc. Entering into Mashood’s BUKA says all about the name. A Buka in typical Nigeria parlance depicts a local eatery without the trappings of a star grading.

But Mashood’s BUKA is designed with a touch of class, combining the sassy American touch of decor, blended with home touch of Nigerian pride, enuncited in a green and white banner hanging over the bar. This can be said to replicate the owner’s taste and style. Mashood, without a doubt, is living the American dream, while projecting Ni-

•Mashood

•BUKA... caring for Nigerian and multi-racial delicacies

geria to the global space through the variety of foods and culture.

The Buka dream, which cost a whooping $250,000 to bring into reality, enjoys patronage that by far transcends Nigerian tastes, thereby becoming a multi-racial eatery. Little wonder that from the New York Times to the Village Voice, BBC and CNN, Americans are raving about BUKA. The restaurant is indeed unique and offers a taste of authentic dishes to Nigerians who crave good home cooking and non-Nigerians who just want to give it a try. And with a population of over eight million New Yorkers, patronage is huge.

“Apart from the traditional Nigerian community, we have about 60 per cent Caucasians and others who have come to appreciate Nigerian dishes. We serve food the traditional way, where people eat with their fingers, chucking,” Mashood said, adding that at times, some Nigerians come in and ask for cutleries.

Apart from the sumptuous meal that keeps the clients coming back, Mashood’s disposition to service gives him an edge over any

competition. This is a very vital factor for a business to be successful. He rightly acknowledges that dealing with Nigerians abroad is the most difficult thing that anybody can do. “Restaurant is a service business. We are like our home government’s ambassador as people come in to learn more about Nigeria by asking questions not only about the food but the way we do things as a people. So we have to endure any attitude they put up and be very courteous, no matter what,“ the BUKA proprietor explained.

Mashood, who migrated to America in 1996, got his first job as a dish washer at 700 Washington Avenue. When he left the place in 1998, he was inundated with calls by those who knew him as a dish washer and later as a chef to set up an African restaurant.

Mashood who sees himself as an ambassador of sort , says he has done so much for Nigeria in terms of positive projection of her culture through the foods served in BUKA and the local music.

Are there challenges? “Oh, yes. There are too many regulations in this line of business, such that it is easier to run a hospital

than an eatery. Food must be served with the right quality and standards. We host people of different races and we must keep up to speed with expectation,” he enthused.

For him, his business has come this far because he refused to be dettered by people who were aversed to his opening of an African restaurant, believing that it required a lot of money to set up and would attract low patronage.Now, he is vindicated.

“What we have now is unique and fantastic! It’s good food. I can tell you, 98 per cent of my food is not processed. I don’t have any regrets. I feel whatever you have, if you do it right, people will love you for it,” Mashood said. He, at some point not only had Nigerian cooks and stewards, but also from British, Russian, German and Japanese decent.

He advised Nigerians who intend to immigrate to America to make sure that they have the necessary papers before embarking on such mission and also make up their minds to work hard, noting that without this in a matter of months the person will be frustrated. “The American dream is alive for those on the part of the law, frustrations he said will come in the way of not getting a good job and not being able to meet up with basic needs,” he warns.

Gas demand: A boom for entrepreneurs The power crisis is pushing consumers and businesses to alternative sources of power - and one of most obvious is gas.This has created business opportunities for Nigerians in clean energy business. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

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HE nation’s power crisis is pushing consumers and businesses to alternative sources of power.As a result of of this, there is a wave of demand for off-grid energy products, including solar lights, geysers, gas stoves and generators.

Nigerians understood the disastrous economic, health, and environmental impacts of using candles or kerosene-based lighting, and believed using lighter gas could be the first step in demonstrating the opportunity to shift practices.

One entrepreneur, who has positioned himself to take advantage of the power crisis is Sir Uchenna Ibuaka, Chief Executive, Lakewood Energy West Africa Limited, who has seen an uptick in people asking about gas as a way to power their households in the bid to slash electricity bills.

His due diligence has uncovered a tremendous market opportunity for liquid propane gas (LPG) products with over 50 million people alone not inadequately covered by the electricity grid already spending so much on energy each year .

To this end, he has entered the market with a disruptively innovative, highly affordable gas powered generator and then quickly following with a full range of gas powered appliances targeting this nascent consumer class—whose incomes and energy demands were expected to rise along with the fast growing economy.

He is encouraged by increasing number of households using liquid petroleum (LP) gas, or propane. Companies are switching to gas.He currently operates within Lagos but it has the ambition growing nationwide.

He is very optimistic that his company could therefore make a big difference, not only in Lagos but other parts of Nigeria.

But he became interested in “clean tech”

•Ibuaka

more than five years ago while working in the United States. While there, an expert told him it will require a massive breakthrough

to address the nation’s power crisis and that alternative energy was the way to go.

It immediately sparked his imagination and thought as alternative energy is a big unexplored area with not much efforts made to tap energy from, LPG,he recalled.

Subsequently, he set up a company to do business under the clean tech.

He discovered Nigeria was in need of liquid propane (LP) gas generators since it would enable Nigerians us to cut back on the amount of fuel import.

Like other products, he said LPG standby gas generators continually monitor home’s connection to the local electric utility. When outages trigger, the system automatically switches to generator power until local power is restored.

According to him, there are opportunities for small and business time investors as homeowners can obtain varying levels of gas generators power suitable for running everything from specific applications, to complete whole-home or office building comfort.

With the nation’s infrastructure in tatters, many believe it is an ideal time to deploy

‘There are opportunities for small and business time investors as homeowners can obtain varying levels of gas generators power suitable for running everything from specific applications, to complete whole-home or office building comfort’

new power. He believes that gas energy can do more than provide temporary refuge for Nigerians; he thinks it can be a permanent boom to the impoverished nation.

As the cost of electricity rises and frustration with load-shedding increases, companies are spending millions to generate their own power are turning to renewable energy.

To sustain its economic growth rate, he said the nation will require an increase in power generation capacity—an opportunity that will require contributions from both traditional and renewable sources.

He explained that the average household spends quite a fortune on energy, adding that the per-unit cost to generate power is so high that renewable sources are becoming cost-competitive.

He saidNigerians need gas power generators to provide emergency back-up to prevent the National Grid collapsing. As long as the demand for more energy continues to grow, he said gas business will continue to boom and become more lucrative.

He said there are opportunities for new investors and engineers to invest in LPG business and make a living with gas expected to become the preferred fuel for household cooking and heating .

Ibuaka believes Nigerians with investment as small as N500,000 can invest in gas business and make money especially with today’s unstable energy market. With energy prices ,he is of the opinion that individuals and small businesses can make profits off gas business , especially LPG generators as the wave of the future.

To assist would-be investors,his company provides training classes focusing on generator selling, sizing, installation, and target either air-cooled or liquid-cooled generator and transfer switch systems.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL

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Auto accidents: Insurance firms,AGPMN sign MoU

GROUP, Eagle Search and the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMN) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will allow accidents victims across the country to receive prompt medical attention.

Also in partnership in the scheme are 13 insurance firms and brokers technology firms and banks, including Chams Access, Premium Manifest Alert, Digital Torch, Interswitch, Zenith Bank, Webplanet Consult, Leadup, Investments and Micadans Ltd. Its Group Coordinator General, Mr. Sunday Ajanaku, who spoke in Lagos, said the need for the organisation to implement the scheme for the benefit of all Nigerians was borne out of the desire and passion for the generality of accident victims irrespective of the nature.

He lamented that several lives had been lost because there was no prompt medical attention to vic-

•Scheme to create 25,000 jobs

By Lucas Ajanaku

tims, adding that subscribers to the scheme will begin to receive financial assistance and many other benefits attached with the Social Security and e-Manifest Card which members will be issued to them.

According to him, victims who subscribe to the initiative will now receive prompt and free medical treatment at all Federal Medical Centres, specialist, teaching and general hospitals, health centres and additional 12,000 designated private hospitals of AGPMPN members.

He said: “This scheme will create about 25,000 jobs across the 37 states of the federation, including Abuja.

This is because young school leavers will be employed as data field officers. This will help reduce crime rate among youths. The scheme will become operational

throughout the federation from second and third quarter of this year after the recruitment and orientation exercise.

He explained that the e-Manifest Card are in different categories which he said take care of all the strata of the society beginning from infants to the aged.

He said: “We hereby appeal to all our operational partners including the insurance companies, military personnel, all security operatives, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and its sister agencies at the state level, state Ministries of Health, legal practitioners, media houses (print and electronics). We never forget the less privileged consisting of rural and urban poor parents, guardians, school owners, teachers, students, artisans, market men & women, motor bike and tricycle

operators, drivers, farmers, civil servants, corporate organisations and individuals to key into the social security and e-Manifest Card Scheme at an annual token when the registration begins.”

He said the scheme will be available in both off /online registration, adding that the project was designed for economic benefits of every one that would be fortunate to have the Social Security or EManifest Card particularly the indigent Nigerians that never prepared for untimely financial responsibilities.

He said: “Imagine, when the bread winner or the only child in a family gets involved in an unfortunate accident and unprepared emergency situation occurs without timely medical treatment or financial assistance to such victim[s] how would the victim feel? These ugly situations are happening around us every second of lives”.

He said the organisation enjoins the general public, intra state trav-

ellers, traders, market men/ women and individual mobile phone subscribers that had a mobile insurance policies/passenger’s manifest with banks, network providers, private and public motor parks across the country to report any accident and related challenges such as medical expenses/bill, hospital treatment and other accidental claims from the policy underwriters, service providers, banks, private and public motor parks nationwide.

“We assure the general public that the organisation will keep to its responsibilities under the scheme and will remain committed to the social security of life and properties of all Nigerians in our communities with frequent meeting with our operational partners as well as adequate sensitisation lectures for our social service & field data workers and cyber cafe centre/agents to enable them get acquainted with the scheme to meet immediate needs of all Nigerians,” he said.

‘Citigroup can plead guilty to settle forex probe’

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ITIGROUP Inc said it could plead guilty to an antitrust charge to resolve a United States Department of Justice investigation of its dealings in foreign exchange markets.

In a regulatory filing on Monday, the company also said the Justice Department had advised that it did not intend to prosecute the bank in a separate investigation into the setting of interest rates between banks.

Citigroup is one of the six major banks that have been under investigation over the past year by global authorities, including the DOJ, for trying to manipulate rates in the $5trillion-a-day foreign exchange market.

The banks have been accused of sharing confidential information about client orders and coordinating trades from 2008 until October 2013 to boost their own profits.

Bloomberg, citing sources, reported last month that the DOJ had been pressing Citigroup’s main unit to plead guilty to criminal charges.

It said Citigroup had countered with an offer that the plea come from a subsidiary that is smaller than the Citibank NA unit.

Bloomberg said the related fine would likely not exceed $1 billion.

Citigroup left its estimate of potential unreserved litigation costs unchanged from year-end at $4 billion.

China’s smartphone market slows

T •Managing Director, Citibank Nigeria, Omar Hafeez and Country Compliance Officer, Ms. Shola Phillips presenting a plaque to the 2nd runner up of the Citi Journalistic Excellence Awards, Mrs. Omobola Tolu-Kusimo, of The Nation.

Australia in corporate tax crackdown

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USTRALIAN Treasurer Joe Hockey has said the government will introduce a new tax crackdown against 30 multinational corporations.

Without identifying the targets, Mr Hockey said the big corporations were “diverting profits earned in Australia away from Australia to no-tax or low-tax jurisdictions”.

He described the crackdown as “the first of its kind in the world”.

The legislation will be introduced to Parliament this week.

Mr Hockey said it was “pretty evident” which companies would be targeted.

Big multinational firms such as Google, Apple and Microsoft have been accused of moving their prof-

its to countries with lower rates of tax.

The move will see Australia join the United Kingdom (UK) in its bid to tackle alleged tax avoidance by big firms, although Mr Hockey said the proposed legislation would go “much further” than Britain’s current tax laws.

Australia’s tax crackdown announcement comes a day ahead of the publication of the government’s 2015-16 budget papers, when it will set out its proposed revenue and expenditure in the following financial year, and its fiscal policy for several years after that.

The new law would allow the Australian Taxation Office to charge tax on profits diverted off-

shore.

The legislation would come into effect from January next year, but must first be passed by parliament.

More detail about the tax crackdown is expected to come with the budget.

A large slice of Australian government revenue comes from royalties paid by mining firms on commodities such as iron ore and coal.

But Mr Hockey said last month the government faced a multibillion dollar revenue loss due to a plunge in the price of iron ore.

Despite this, the government has said it remains committed to achieving a budget surplus.

‘Airbus remains committed to A400M’

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HE Chief Executive of Airbus Group has said the company remains committed to its A400M military plane following Saturday’s crash in Spain.

Four airbus employees were killed and two seriously injured when an A400M plane crashed on a test flight.

Shares in the aerospace and defence firm have fallen 4.5 per cent in Paris to •60.54.

All A400M aircraft have been grounded but Airbus says it will press ahead with a test flight .

In a letter to staff seen by the Reuters news agency, Tom Enders said testing would go ahead as planned to “demonstrate to our customers, the air forces, that we fully trust this great transport plane and are as committed to the programme and the further rampup of deliveries and capabilities as ever”.

Mr Enders asked staff to observe a minute’s silence at midday for the two test pilots and two engineers who lost their lives on Sat-

urday.

The A400M was developed at a cost of •20billion ($22.3billion; £14.5billion) to give Europe’s NATO partner independent access to heavy aircraft for military and humanitarian operations.

But it has been hit by delays and cost overruns.

European governments injected more money into the project in 2010. But further delays and technical problems resurfaced last year, leading to management changes.

HE number of smartphones shipped in China fell for the first time in six years Smartphone shipments to the world’s biggest market, China, have contracted for the first time in six years, according to market research firm IDC. The number of smartphones shipped fell by four per cent from a year ago to 98.8 million units in the January to March period.

Between the last quarter of last year and the first quarter, s hipments were down eight per cent, said IDC. A build up of unsold stock is leading to a slowdown in the maturing Chinese mobile market, the firm said.

“China is often thought of as an emerging market but the reality is that the vast majority of phones sold in China today are smartphones, similar to other mature markets like the US, UK, Australia, and Japan,” said Kitty Fok, managing director at IDC China.

“Just like these markets, convincing existing users as well as fea-

ture phone users to upgrade to new smartphones will now be the key to further growth in the China market.”

China surpassed the US to become the world’s largest smartphone market in 2011.

IDC expects flat growth in Chinese market this year, adding that as the country’s growth slows, Chinese manufacturers will focus on expanding in global markets such as India and South East Asia.

US tech giant Apple overtook China’s Xiaomi in the first quarter to be the top smartphone provider in the country thanks to consumers’ preferences for the larger screens of the latest iPhone models, according to IDC. Apple now accounts for 14.7 per cent of the market, compared with 13.7 per cent smartphone maker, meanwhile, has said it is focusing on expanding abroad.

In April, India’s Ratan Tata, the chairman emeritus of the Tata conglomerate, bought a stake in Xiaomi - a move seen as part of the smartphone maker’s bid to increase its presence in the world’s third largest market.

Greece seeks eurozone recognition of economic progress

G

REECE is urging eurozone ministers meeting in Brussels to recognise progress made in talks, on the eve of a major repayment to the nternational Monetary Fund(IMF).

Greece has said it will honour •750m (£544million, $834million) payment.

No breakthrough is expected at the Brussels talks, as Greek ministers try to unlock •7.2billion in desperately needed bailout funds.

But the Athens government wants a “clear confirmation of progress” to help free up some of

the money.

Although it has until the end of June to agree a new reform deal with creditors, it has run out of money and called on local governments and other public bodies to dig into cash reserves to help pay its debt interest instalments.

Greece’s left-wing Syriza party is hoping a positive statement from Brussels would mean that part of the EU/IMF bailout money could be paid out and would enable the European Central Bank to restore liquidity to the country’s beleaguered banks.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

BUSINESS AFRICA

T

Lonmin plans 3,500 job cuts in South Africa

HE world’s third-largest platinum producer Lonmin is planning to cut 3,500 jobs in South Africa through voluntary layoffs to slash costs as the price of the metal falls, it said.

“We are in talks with our em-

ployees, our unions about reducing labour costs by 10 percent which may result in a reduction of head count of 3,500 colleagues,” Lonmin CEO Ben Magara told a news conference.

Lonmin, which owns the

Factories struggle as power cuts threaten South African growth

R

OLLING power blackouts in South Africa and the risk of strikes are weighing on manufacturing output, threatening already anemic economic expansion and clouding the central bank’s task as it seeks to tackle inflation.

A government report will probably show factory output increased one percent in March after two months of contraction, according to the median estimate of 17 economists surveyed

by Bloomberg. The industry shrunk for seven of the last 12 months and the purchasing managers’ index signals a decline in April. While investors are pricing in a 25 basis-point rate increase by September, four-month forward-rate agreements have retreated over the past two weeks.

Regular blackouts have limited production just as Africa’s most-industrialized economy seeks to recover from the slowest growth since a recession in 2009. The slow growth from an industry that makes up 13 percent of gross domestic product may test the resolve of policy makers to act to curb inflation, seen accelerating through the top end of the Reserve Bank’s three percent to six percent target range.

The PMI, an indicator of factory activity, fell to the lowest level in 11 months in April, signaling a slide in production. That may put at risk the government’s forecast of economic growth quickening to two percent this year from 1.5 percent in 2014.

A five-month work stoppage at platinum producers, followed by a strike at engineering companies cut one percentage point off economic growth last year, according to the central bank. While the biggest unions have yet to table demands before goldindustry wage talks that are due to start next month, National Union of Mineworkers General Secretary Frans Baleni said in March he may ask for a doubling of entry-level basic wages. Gold producers have said any pay increase must be linked to productivity.

“The risk of a mining-sector strike in the middle parts of this year is quite high,” Jeffrey Schultz, an economist at BNP Paribas Cadiz Securities in Johannesburg, said by phone on May 8. “Should we see a large strike in the gold sector similar to what we saw in the platinum sector last year, that will undoubtedly have a negative impact on manufacturing prospects.”

Yields on government rand bonds due December 2026 rose three basis points to 8.09 percent as of 5:20 p.m. in Johannesburg. The rand lost 1.1 percent against the dollar to 12.0474, taking the drop this year to 4 percent.

While the central bank left its benchmark repurchase rate unchanged at 5.75 percent since July to help support the economy, rising gasoline, electricity and food costs are putting pres

Marikana mine in South Africa where 34 workers were shot dead by police during a wildcat strike in 2012, said it had held “constructive” talks with trade unions over its plans.

“We are having to take this tough decision because it is important to protect the majority of our jobs,” said Magara.

The company hopes that unions can convince the workers to consider voluntary layoffs or early retirement.

But the National Union of

Mineworkers (NUM), the minority union at Lonmin, has vowed to fight against any job losses.

“We are not happy with the decision,” NUM secretary general Frans Baleni told AFP. “To us it doesn’t matter if it’s voluntary, retrenchment is still job losses.”

Platinum prices have fallen by a third over the past four years.

South Africa accounts for 80 percent of the world’s platinum supply — a mineral used in

jewellery and in catalytic converters.

The largest union at Lonmin, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), which last year led the country’s longest mining work stoppage, is yet to react.

The five-month strike by 70,000 platinum workers last year hit production in the world’s top platinum-exporting country, with companies reporting a combined loss of over two billion dollars in earnings.

•From left: Vice President, Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), Dr Nat Ofo; President/Chairman of Council, Dr Suleyman Abdul Ndanusa; and Special Guest of Honour, Ms Bennedikter Molokwu at the 14th induction of the institute at the Golden Gate Restaurant, Ikoyi, Lagos.

EMPOWERMENT CLINIC

Adversity can advertise your ability

By Goke Ilesanmi

and pursuing us desperately.

Discovery

•Ilesanmi

I want to start by thanking all of you my fans for your calls, emails, etc., throughout the period I could not write. I am back now.

Life is indeed full of ups and downs that are often inevitable.

These ups and downs can be summarised as “Adversity”, that is, a situation in which one has a lot of problems. Most times, adversity is destined to advertise your latent potential or ability.

As a young boy, I had always thought adversity was a very bad aspect of life until I was proved wrong one day. My mother sent me on an errand to a friend’s house and there was a fierce dog there that was always ready to prevent your entry. Despite the possibility of the dog’s attack, I took the risk of going there because of the respect for my mother and exceptional generosity of her friend, which even made a friend of mine to accompany there. We were about entering the house when the dog suddenly came out from its hiding place, barking repeatedly

While the fierce chase of the dog lasted, I discovered that I ran faster than my friend did. He was one of the fastest runners representing his school and I had always succumbed to him midway into any length of race, whether 100 metres or 200 metres because of my belief that he would win.

But the adversity of the rampaging dog “quarantined” my mediocrity and misconception, and stretched me to the limit to run faster. I started articulating my race bragging rights over my friend just as it is done by wrestlers at the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Luckily for us, my mother’s friend later saw us around the house and took us inside. After attending to us, she saw us off to avoid repeat of our encounter with the dog. But I did not tell my mother the dog encounter in detail so that she would not stop sending me there. After all, her friend’s generosity was enough compensation for me.

Another time and victory So the following week, my mother sent me to her friend again. Then I remembered the dog, equipped myself with a plank and headed for the house. With boldness, I entered. When the dog saw me with the plank, it ran away and

started barking from afar to the extent that everybody started commending my bravery. To reinforce my victory, I went there the second day on my own to boost my confidence. It saw me and ran away again.

I felt extremely happy because I could now go to the house anytime I wanted.

So the adversity of the dog made me realise my bravery and ability to run faster than my friend that I had adored in race. Most times, prosperity may be very difficult, if not impossible, to achieve without adversity.

Challenges are channels of advantages Paradoxically, to succeed in life as an individual or business, you need to pray for having more adversaries around you than friends. An adversary is a person, organisation or country that you are fighting or competing against. The reason for this paradox is that when you surround yourself with just friends alone, you may feel relaxed or complacent as you continue to swim in the ocean of over-dependence and trust that may be a fantasy after all. However, if you are aware that you do not have friends around you, you will face reality and consistently be on your toes to utilise and maximise your latent potential. It is interesting that corporate monopolies become complacent and mediocre because there are no competitors to put pressure on them to boost their performance and

innovation.

On a daily basis, we pray to succeed in life and ignorantly pray against adversity. But success and adversity are conjoined twins!

Most times when we pray against adversity, we are indirectly praying to terminate God’s plan for our life because the road to success is always rough. That is why most people fail to ply it. Success is often difficult in a comfort zone.

Biblical allusion By way of biblical allusion, in Genesis 37, Joseph’s brethren (except Reuben) conspired together to sell him to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver and they (the Ishmeelites) took him to Egypt. Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard later bought him from the Ishmeelites. Being a handsome person, the wife of Potiphar wanted him to sleep with her. He refused and the woman then lied against him and he was sent to the prison. In the prison, his ability to interpret dreams made him shine as he interpreted dreams for Pharaoh, his butler and baker and was made a prime minister in the process at the age of 30. So his adversity massively advertised his ability. There is no gain without pain.

In 2001, a friend of mine faced so much adversity in his workplace that he repeatedly said “Why Me?” even though Dbanj had not released his hit song then. The intense pressure he faced made him embark on a massive job search and he finally got a job in a multinational firm where he was spoilt

with all comfort. He later thanked God for the adversity.

Final note Adversity can advertise your ability when you handle it with positive mindset and banish all sorts of fear. This is also possible when you always prepare for the worse and hope for the best with your Plans A and B. You can surmount your mountain of adversity when you believe that setbacks offer opportunities for comebacks. By way of flora allusion, note that a grain of wheat planted will first die, then germinate and continue to develop until it is due for harvest. You are in the incubation period of your success and can overcome your adversity when you stop doubting yourself and believe it is inevitable.

John 16: 33 embroiders this reality with a measure of hope thus, “... In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” So, commit your situation to God while doing your own bit. You are a success.

GOKE ILESANMI, Managing Consultant/CEO of Gokmar Communication Consulting, is an International Platinum Columnist, Certified Public Speaker/ MC, Communication Specialist, Motivational Speaker and Career Management Coach. He is also a Book Reviewer, Biographer and Editorial Consultant. el: 08055068773; 08187499425 Email: gokeiles2010@gmail.com Website: www.gokeilesanmi.com

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Life

43

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

Text only: 08023058761

• Dance drama of Obele and the story teller by BEETA Universal Arts Foundation

Port Harcourt steps down in low key – SEE PAGE 44

Soyinka eyes top UK job – PAGE 45

•

‘Pastors should stop running to govt houses’ – PAGE 45

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

44

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

UNESCO World Book Capital 2014 After its run as UNESCO World Book Capital 2014, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, last Friday rounded off the year-long programme at the Atlantic Hall of Hotel Presidential with a symposium and a drama performance of Oladipo Agboluaje’s Obele and The Story Teller. But, given the project’s significance, its rich content and colourful opening last year, the closing was an anti-climax of sorts, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

Port Harcourt steps down in low key

U

NLIKE the huge turn-out of distinguished guests, scholars, top government functionaries and the colourful trappings that characterised the opening of Port Harcourt as UNESCO World Book Capital in April, last year, the closing last Friday was without spark.

But for the drama performances of Obele and The Story Teller by Beeta Universal Arts Foundation, the ceremony would have been uneventful. None of the literary scholars from Rivers State hitherto given lots of attention during past book festivals attended. From Pa Gabriel Okara to Elechi Amadi, J P Clark, Kaine Agary, Igoni Barrett and Lindsay Barrett were absent. Except for the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Michael West, who represented the Commissioner of Education, no top government functionary was at the ceremony.

About 90 per cent of the guests at the Atlantic Hall, Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, venue of the event, were teachers and student representatives from 100 participating schools in the state.

The main ceremony was preceded by a symposium on how to sustain the legacy of book clubs with Blessing Ahiazu, Promise Ogochukwu, Uzo Nwamara, Onyi Sunday, Chibuke Akwarandu and Bereni Fiberasima as panelists.

West said the choice of Port Harcourt as UNESCO World Book Capital last year was a function of the contributions of the state government to the growth of education, especially reading culture. He said in appreciation of the honour, the state named one of its primary schools after World Book Capital. “A reading society will always be a progressive one, and it is the only way of transforming from a third world to a first world,” he added.

He noted that no nation coulddevelop without focusing on education, saying without education, the world will be in darkness. He added that reading and writing are hallmarks of education and that the present administration in Rivers State realised it hence made it a focal point of its administration. “The government made it a point of duty to build libraries in the state to inculcate culture of reading,” he said.

World Book Capital Project Director, Mrs Koko Kalango, highlighted landmark activities undertaken to commemorate the one-yearreign of Port Harcourt as World Book Capital, which included phased pilot programmes that test ran some of the events such as book clubs, walking books, book donation drive and seed library.

She disclosed that the Port Harcourt Book Centre is under construction and is planned as a model centre for harnessing and building the knowledge base of the population of Port Harcourt, Rivers State and the Niger Delta. “It sits on three hectares and will comprise a worldclass library, a discount bookshop, a theatre, a writer’s residence and an event centre. The centre will be a place for information and knowledge acquisition. In addition, through its elibrary it would take the benefits of the book to the wider society. With sponsorship from Rivers State government and SHELL, phase one of the library block, events centre, perimeter fence and external works commenced last year,” she said.

About 30 individuals, schools and corporate bodies were given awards for their outstanding contributions to the project. They included Ajibola Agbedeyi, Emilia Walter, Collins Ajanaku, Damiloa Giwa, Justina Ogoloma as outstanding volunteers. Others were Gloria INyang, Joy Thomas, Chukwuemeka Agha, Tolu Frazier, Victoria Nelson and Okereke Chuwkwuemeka.

The companies honoured were Nigerian Bottling Company, University of Port Harcourt, NLNG, Redeemed Christain Church God

•From left: Monica Umah (SPDC),Kalango, Emmanuel Ekpenyong (SPDC) and Mayen Effiong (Proj. Manager PHWBC) at the closing ceremony

(RCCG), House on The Rock, Kilimanjaro, Abundant Life Ministries, Kings Assembly, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Port Harcourt Polo Club, Ignatius Ajulu University of Education and Rivers State University of Technology.

It will be recalled that for one year, Port Harcourt, served as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Book Capital. That reign ended on April 22, when the city handed over to Incheon, in South Korea, which became the 2015 UNESCO World Book Capital. Port Harcourt, the immediate past World Book Capital City, is the second African city and the first sub-Saharan city to be so honoured.

The brain behind Port Harcourt’s emergence is Rainbow Book Club, Port Harcourt run by Mrs Koko Kalango, which submitted a bid to UNESCO with the support of the Rivers State government, which led to the city emerging as 2014 UNESCO World Book Capital.

With the theme: Books: Windows to our world of possibilities, Port Harcourt beat 10 other contenders to clinch the nomination, which many believe has had a catalytic effect on the Niger Delta region. The honour done the city is believed to have helped in creating a band of social change agents who will collaborate and actively participate in building a peaceful, prosperous society having been informed and empowered by reading.

However, in the last one year, Port Harcourt, which also witnessed some very troubling political upheavals, such as maiming of political opponents, violence and several deaths, contributed its quota to stimulating interest in books and reading around the country. These distractions, especially political change of guards in the state according to observers, may have accounted for the low key closing ceremony witnessed last Friday.

From Port Harcourt to Incheon On April 23, at the opening ceremony of Incheon World Book Capital 2015, in South Korea, Kalango highlighted the many virtues of book and why it continues to be a sort-after commodity in spite of the socio-economic problems that often militate against it.

“Nigeria became the World Book Capital

‘A reading society will always be a progressive one, and it is the only way of transforming from a third world to a first world...The government made it a point of duty to build libraries in the state to inculcate culture of reading’ – West

amid mixed feelings of joy and grief. Nine days before this historic occasion, Boko Haram, an Islamist extremist group that believes western education is evil, abducted over 200 schyool girls in Chibok in the Northeast. It seemed ironical that the book was being brought to focus, against the backdrop of a retrogressive and dangerous movement directly opposed to the ideals of the World Book Capital initiative.

Such tragedy, if anything, should challenge us to continue to work to rescue our society from the grip of those who stand against the progress and liberty that education brings.”

She continued: “The plight of the missing school girls was given prominence by Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate for Literature, Professor Wole Soyinka, in his keynote address at the Port Harcourt World Book Capital opening ceremony, where he called on the Federal Government to ‘bring back the pupils.’ His alarm triggered off the now worldwide campaign with the slogan ‘bring back our girls’. Soyinka’s call for the return of the schoolgirls has been echoed by thousands around the world, including Malala (the girl-child education activist), and Wife of American President, Mrs Michelle Obama.

“Two days after the Chibok girls were kidnapped, 304 people, mostly students from the Danwon High School, here in South Korea, lost their lives in a boat mishap when the MV Sewol sank just off your coastline. A year has gone by but the pain and agony of these tragic incidents remain with Nigeria and South Korea. In spite of these terrible occurrences, and the many challenges of the world in which we live, the book continues to stand out, the repository of the written word, enabling mankind pass on information, and therefore knowledge, from generation to generation. Today, the book has brought us together as a family, united by a shared thirst for knowledge, linked by the common desire to advance the written word for benefit of the individual, the society and our world.

“For Port Harcourt, our tenure as World Book Capital has been one of excitement, new discoveries and ‘possibilities,’ which was our theme for the year. We had a rich and varied array of programmes for a wide reach and maximum impact. There were programmes for chil-

‘We have promoted Nigerian and African writers by featuring a book of the month in the 12 months of our tenure, and have nurtured artistic talent by collaborating with the University of Port Harcourt to adapt our books of the month for stage performances’ –Kalango

dren and youth, arts and culture, library and community development and deliberate plans for sustainability beyond the World Book Capital year,” she added.

On the benefits of the project to Nigerians, she said: “It brought education to the forefront of our national consciousness and triggered off more attention to the books in our personal and national life. It also put Nigeria on the world map for achievement related to books – an area where we have unparalleled laurels with authors, such as Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; Chinua Achebe, the author of Africa’s most popular novel, Things Fall Apart and Zainab Alkali. It also shone light on Port Harcourt authors like Chimeka Garricks, Gabriel Okara, Elechi Amadi and Kaine Agary, as well as the younger generation of authors such as Ben Okri, Chimamanda Adichie, Sefi Atta, Chika Unigwe and Chibundu Onuzo.

“It showcased Nigeria’s rich literary heritage – our authors and literature and boosted tourism in the sense that as a result of this nomination, we had several new visitors to Nigeria and Port Harcourt in particular. We collaborated with several international partners and as a result of the various programmes they came to Nigeria. Such collaborations include partnership with UNESCO, PEN International, HAY Festival. Also this year, the Port Harcourt Book Festival had more international participation.

She added: “We have represented Nigeria on the world stage by participating in various international book fairs in Cape Town, South Africa, London, United Kingdom and Frankfurt, Germany. These outings helped create awareness of our literature and encourage discussions around as we also organised discussion forums with Nigerian and African authors.

“We have groomed writers through the Writers in Residence Programme, which resulted in a publication of an anthology of the 12 authors who participated. We also continue to run writers workshops during the PH Book Festival.

Again, we had a writing exercise that involved secondary school students in Rivers State and from around Nigeria. In addition, we organised a national essay competition for students in tertiary institutions. From this World Book Capital year we would have published eight books, four of which are anthologies; two are the products of a writing exercise with children in Rivers State and children from around Nigeria while two are a record of the WBC year.

“We have promoted Nigerian and African writers by featuring a book of the month in the 12 months of our tenure, and have nurtured artistic talent by collaborating with the University of Port Harcourt to adapt our books of the month for stage performances.

“We have been able to set up 12 “seed” libraries in indigent communities, such as orphanages, prison, home for street children, home for handicapped children. We have run 200 book clubs in 100 schools in Port Harcourt and through this exercise over 68, 000 books have been donated to the libraries in these schools.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY13, 2015

45

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Soyinka eyes top UK job

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OBEL laureate Prof Wole Soyinka is one of the three candidates for the Oxford professor of poetry, a 300year-old elected post, seen as the top academic poetry role in the United Kingdom.

First held by Joseph Trapp in 1708, the professorship, which is second only in prestige to that of poet laureate, has been filled in the past by Matthew Arnold, Cecil Day-Lewis, WH Auden, Seamus Heaney and Paul Muldoon.

Acclaimed poet Ruth Padel was elected the first woman to hold the post in 2009, but she resigned less than two weeks after her election. She resigned following the revelation that she had alerted journalists to allegations of sexual harassment they made against her rival for the position, Nobel laureate Derek Walcott.

The eminent poet Geoffrey Hill was elected the following year ahead of nine other candidates. Hill, winner of a host of poetry awards, will complete his five-year tenure this summer, with Oxford graduates due to vote on their choice of his successor next month.

Candidates need to be nominated by at least 50 Oxford graduates. Soyinka, who writes drama, novels and poetry, and who was imprisoned in solitary confinement in Nigeria during the 1967-1970 civil war, his poems smuggled out on toilet paper, received more than 90 nominations, including votes from writers Melvyn

‘Oxford’s professorship of poetry is one of the most famous and illustrious positions in the world of letters, and the chair has been occupied by some of our greatest writers, both poets and critics’

AWARD Bragg and Robert Macfarlane.

Soyinka won the Nobel in 1986 for his “wide cultural perspective [which] with poetic overtones fashions the drama of existence”. He will be competing for the Oxford post with Ian Gregson, a poet, literary critic and professor of creative writing at Bangor University who was backed by 54 graduates. In a provocative statement setting out his intentions if he were to be elected, Gregson said he wanted to “address the major issue facing contemporary poetry, which is, nonetheless, the one most shunned in the poetry world: how poetry has suffered, in recent decades, a catastrophic loss of cultural prestige and popularity”.

“Five hundred years, in which poetry and indeed, the poet played a central role in the culture, are at an end. You could, now, be as talented, but self-destructive as Dylan Thomas, or you could fight a corrosive but symptomatic gender battle like Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes, but go unnoticed,” he writes, blaming the shift on the rise of popular culture – including television, which he says “shaped a crucial shift in which the visual took the upper hand over the verbal, and thus, the literary” – but most of all on new media.

“It is not the content of the internet that’s the problem, but its form,” writes Gregson. “No matter how many poems are mounted on the web, the sensibility it

• Prof. Soyinka

creates is indifferent to poetry. This is a medium ,which ranks words below images, and delivers those images at great speed. It is the opposite of poetry, which, in this context, is made to seem ponderously slow, atavistically verbal, and snobbishly inaccessible.”

Seán Haldane, a poet, award-winning novelist and psychotherapist who ran

against Hill in 2010, is the final candidate, with 51 backers. “Oxford’s professorship of poetry is one of the most famous and illustrious positions in the world of letters, and the chair has been occupied by some of our greatest writers, both poets and critics,” said Seamus Perry, professor of English literature at Oxford. “It has been an honour and a delight to have Geoffrey Hill in the post, and he will be a hard act to follow. I am delighted to have such a strong and diverse list of candidates for this year’s election.”

The winner will be announced on June 19 . The professor’s duties include giving one public lecture a term, as well as encouraging “the art of poetry in the university”, and are rewarded with a stipend of £12,000 a year.

•Culled from The Guardian of London

‘Pastors should stop running to govt houses’ Pastor Kingsley Innocent is known for his strong views on morals, religion and governance. He is the Senior Pastor of Bible Believing Mission Incorporated, aka God of Talk na do, in Abia State. In this chat with EVELYN OSAGIE, he shares his thoughts on the last elections, execution of Nigerians in Indonesia and xenophobic attacks in South Africa, among others.

On xenophobic attacks in South Africa

change in government will bring about change in many sectors in the country. There are lots of things to be done by the in-coming administration. The president-elect should brace up for the challenges ahead which we pray that God will help him overcome. He cannot do it alone. We urge him to choose men, who have quality of character, men with the vision of nation-building, and not the old elements who have plunged our country into shame and disgrace over the years.

The in-coming administration would need to handle security issues properly, for the good of the country. It should also tackle power outage so that we can have 24 hours of electricity supply. Before now, the Presidentelect, General Muhammed Buhari made great impact on our refineries through the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) . We believe he can still do it again. The issue of fuel scarcity would be a thing of the past, if he can fix our refineries and build new ones.

W

HAT happened in South Africa is a surprise. It contradicted the tenets of ‘African unity’. We urge our leaders to find ways of reconciling the issue. And even though it may take time to heal, Africa should remain united and in its fight against those who want to divide us because the world is watching. Africa has been looked down upon over the years; we cannot afford to still remain there. As Africans, we should strengthen ourselves and get going.

On executions of Nigerians in Indonesia Capital punishment is not the best solution to crime in the world. In as much as crime is not acceptable, then capital punishment does not give the opportunity for that soul to be saved. It is ungodly for any man to issue out capital punishment to another man because he has committed a crime. The same man who has been executed today for committing a particular crime, if given an opportunity to live may even fight that crime better. Oftentimes people commit crime without knowing the implications because of ignorance.

I once held a crusade and after my ministration, a young man made a clean start from being an armed robber to walking the right path. He had gone into armed robbery without having any choice and wanted badly to get out. But he was told that he was condemned by God, which made him decide to go into it fully. And so, he became a deadly armed robber weighed down with the burden that God would ever forgive him until the day he came to the crusade ground. Interestingly, armed robbers also attend church and crusades! I told him there is hope for him and that God can make his life better. And he can even become a better preacher than I. He gave his life to Jesus and decided that he would never rob again. Today, he is a great evangelist, and has touched lives of other people positively. If that young man was killed before he met me, he wouldn’t have

• Pastor Innocent

INTERVIEW the opportunity of turning a new leaf.

On Chibok girls in Boko Haram’s pen Recently, the Nigerian military have recovered some women and children that were captured by Boko Haram. I am very optimistic that the Chibok girls would be found and rescued, but it may not be all of them. Some of these girls may have been given away in marriage which is not fair. Some of them may have given birth. God will help us and I pray that such a thing does not happen again. We hope that the activities of Boko Haram will surely come to an end. The painful aspect is that this hope is rather coming a little bit late but it is never late than never.

Expectations of the new administration The issue of leadership has been the problem of the nation. It is because our leaders are corrupt that our society is not enjoying what it should be enjoying. It is hoped that the

Failed elections prophesies The presidential election was an interesting one that shows more than ever Nigerians alive and involved in our country’s growing democracy. The outcome of this election shows that Nigeria is growing and there is hope. And in all these, the church is not silent. I once said there is hope for our nation; and this is the beginning of that manifestation.

On prophesies made during the period and their manifestations, I would prophesy can’t be wrong because God cannot lie. Whatever God says must come to pass. However, predictions and prophesy are not the same.

Predictions may fail but prophesy will not because of the Source. You’d know a prophet, not at the point of prophesying, but when his or her prophesy comes to pass. It is the fulfilment of prophesy that will determine a true prophet.

I consider most of the things that were said during the elections as predictions. Men predicted and their predictions were wrong.

As Nigeria’s democracy continues to grow, a word caution to my fellow ministers of God, let us be careful of what we say and the things we predict. Let us be careful to note when we are talking and when God is talking. You don’t have to lie about your personal opinion and say it was from God. We should not be carried

away by sentiments or situations, but be focused and go back to Bethel, the place of the altar. This is not to discourage pastors from prophesying but to urge us to retrace our steps.

Like I’ve said Nigerians have proven that change is what they need now. I am hopeful that God will give us the desired change.

On politicians bribing some pastors The issue is a source of concern and worry.

It is one story that should not be heard of the church. I am very ashamed as well. The reason for this is that too many pastors are running to government houses hence, this whole shame. It is a disgrace that money was given to ministers of God to mobilise votes. It is ungodly; God is not part of this. Our place is the place of the altar. Let us sit down and do what God has called us to do. We are not politicians; the church is not a forum for politics.

A politician, who releases money because he wants to be elected is simply saying he is not coming to do anything that will better the lives of the people. The church should say no to it, they should stand against it so that our nation can move forward and for our country to be developed the way other countries are.

We should stop running around government officials; rather, we should pray for and tell them the truth. To better our nation, the time has come when integrity, people’s record and capabilities should count. The prerequisite for getting into public office should not be how much money that a person has, but strength of his or her character. The President-elect, General Muhammed Buhari may be a Muslim, but his character, personality and integrity have got him the position. This should serve as lesson to those seeking political offices.

On 2015 elections I commend the INEC Chairman, Prof Attairu Jega. He conducted the 2015 elections in such a way that we have not seen. Prof. Jega is a true Nigerian, who had a good plan and motive.

But his Resident Electoral Commissioners didn’t live up to expectations. They messed up his plans which left the system with some questions to answer. Although the exercise in some place many may say was not completely free and fair due the RECs short comings, it was an improvement on 2011 general elections.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

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Enwezor curates spectacular exhibitions

H

UNDREDS of knives studded into the ground to resemble spiky flowers; a four-metre wall of battered suitcases; a grainy video of a man choking; the words “Death Love Hate” revolving on a circular neon: these are the first works you see inside Okwui Enwezor’s exhibitions at the Giardini and the Arsenale. Spectacular and unassailable, they announce this curator’s themes and concerns: violence, deportation, oppression, the essential role of language in art. Adel Abdessemed calls his knife-blossoms “Nympheas”, defying lineages of beauty after Monet. In a gap between his trunks and valises, Fabio Mauri has slipped a paper explaining that his work “The Western Wall or the Wailing Wall” references journeys of no return to Auschwitz and modern migrations. Christian Boltanski’s “L’Homme qui tousse” (1969) and Bruce Nauman’s “Life, Death, Love, Hate, Pleasure, Pain” (1983) are classic distillations of claustrophobia and fear heralding a dark, troubling biennale.

Enwezor, Venice’s first African curator, called for a “parliament of forms” of global contributions. But his own vision is so powerful that he has swept up all voices into an epic display of protest. With lively national pavilions (see below) rising to his challenge, he orchestrates a multi-part chorus which rings out as the most cohesive, authoritative, arresting, urgent biennale for decades.

For Iceland, Christoph Büchel transforms the disused church Santa Maria della Misericordia into a simulated yet actual environment, “The Mosque” — Venice has never had one — welcomed by the city’s Muslim community. Qibla wall, mihrab, prayer mat facing Mecca are juxtaposed with the Catholic architecture: analogy for layers of history and religion fuelling both progress and conflict.

For Poland at the Giardini, CT Jasper and Joanna Malinowska record the staging of a Polish opera in a Haitian village, with animals criss-crossing the set, to question cultural identities and colonisation. In the Arsenale, Chile’s Paz Errázuriz explores marginal urban existence in intimate yet formally composed black-and-white photographs of male transvestites in drag make-up in underground brothels in 1980s Santiago: a story of the resilience of secret, unacknowledged lives.

EXHIBITION Against projects of this seriousness, the British pavilion looks the tritest thing in town: Sarah Lucas’s huge yellow sculpted phalluses and torsos with vaginas, buttocks and belly buttons studded with cigarettes, sometimes draped over toilet seats, are embarrassingly puerile and have nothing to say.

For Enwezor’s show, the stage is set by Oscar Murillo’s giant, black, oil-drenched drapes obscuring the classical columns of the Giardini’s international pavilion, and lending a smouldering smell. The edgy/ laconic aesthetic and personal myth of 29year-old Murillo — London-based son of immigrant Colombian cleaners, he paints with a broom — have made him the market’s hottest currency. Here he inaugurates black as the colour of revolution. It dominates throughout: Adrian Piper’s blackboards repeatedly inscribed “Everything will be taken away”; Glenn Ligon’s black silkscreens “Come Out”; Wangechi Mutu’s caged black nude “She’s got the whole world in her”; Huma Bhabha’s quartet of fraught, totemic black wooden sculptures with staring faces entitled “With Blows”, “With Words”, “Mechanic” and “Against What? Against Whom?”.

With nonstop declamations of Das Kapital in a central arena — a comically incongruous, popular meeting place from the first hour, when I glimpsed billionaire collector François Pinault and über-dealer Iwan Wirth hanging out there — Enwezor’s was always going to be a stridently political biennale.

The current art world is rich, global, selfsatisfied, swollen with hype, and irrepressibly smart at co-opting critique. In this it mirrors the capitalist system on which it depends: the market buys, manipulates and absorbs almost anything. Where, then, is the spirit of dissent? Enwezor’s triumph is to explore the multi-faceted ways in which artists young and old are responding to what he calls “the state of things . . . the exploitation of nature through its commodification as natural resources, the growing structure of inequality and the weakening of broader social contract”.

Tunisian Nidhal Chamekh, 29, shows a drawing cycle, “De quoi rêvent les martyrs?”; sketches of body parts, animal heads on human forms, guns and batons combined with Arabic scripts and phantasmagorical

‘Arts not for dullard’

D

IRECTOR General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, (NCAC), Mrs Dayo Keshi, has urged educational institutions to place more emphasis on the teaching of Arts subjects because of the inherent benefits to youths.

Mrs Keshi, who gave the advice in Abuja at the second Nigeria Arts Olympiad and Taiwan award presentation, said the creative industry is now made up ot artists who are millionaires.

She said: “The teaching of Arts should be compulsory in school curriculum, compulsory in the sense that it will be regarded as one of the main subjects that children should be encouraged to take, especially the creative ones.

“Arts is not for dullard but for those that have interest in it” “So if you don’t channel it right, you might even have children who might be frustrated. So, Arts should be one of the main subjects that our children should be encouraged to offer.

“I see Arts taking over oil as a new source of revenue for Nigeria in less than 10 years time because the truth of the matter is that it is natural for you to keep focusing on one area of the economy, so long as it is natural. “ But the truth of the matter is that great countries in the world, including China, have placed premium on their Arts, so why not Nigeria which has a number of young creative people who should know that this is where we should encourage our people

From Bukola Amusan,Abuja

ART EDUCATION and children. This is an area we need to invest in heavily”she said Mrs Keshi urged embassies, high commissions, corporate organisations and donor agencies to partner with the NCAC in order to keep encouraging children to participate in future competitions both locally and abroad.

She said the contest was organised to promote cross-cultural understanding amongst the younger generation through the use of art and creativity.

“It is also worthy of note that the NCAC coordinated the competition in collaboration with the FCT Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC and private school owners Association in Nigeria She said the art Olympiad with the theme, “My favourite sport was organised by the international Child Arts Foundation(ICAF) Washington DC, USA through a structured school plan where the children were encouraged to break the old stereotype and embrace Artistes-athlete ideal of a creative mind At the end of the competition, Ibrahim Mustapha of Holy Child Private school, Dutse, Abuja emerged with the first position, Abdulmalik Ibrahim also of the same school school took the second position while Tiffany Hezekiah Uraiaku of ANG International School, Rivers State took the third position.

• Enwezor

landscapes in confined spaces: a dystopian record of the upheavals of the Arab Spring.

Alexander Kluge, 83, who began his career as assistant to Fritz Lang and was a friend of Theodor Adorno, presents “Nachrichten aus der Ideologischen Antike: Marx, Eisenstein — Das Kapital” (2008-15), a Tower of Babel video montage splicing footage of Russia’s 1905 uprising with talking heads: a lawyer debating guilt and accountability, a pianist hammering out key by key an argument for music’s revolutionary role.

Charles Gaines’s lyrical crossover of songs, texts and drawings turning on traditional spirituals, “All on Account of the Tariff”, is an unusual poetic rendering of radicalisation.

Painting, rare here, is political: Kerry James Marshall’s sonorous “Lovers” and “Playground”; Chris Ofili compressing menace into willowy theatrical figures in “Bending over Backwards for Justice and Peace” and “The Caged Bird’s Song”. After many sprawling junk-and-entropy installations in the Arsenale — Katharina Grosse’s volumes of painted fabrics, soil and aluminium debris “Untitled Trumpet” is typical — Enwezor surprisingly concludes at

F

ORMER Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) president Bolaji Rosiji has been honoured by Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN) at its first Elders Day in Lagos.

The award presented to the Heart of Gold singer, by Alhaji Kollington Ayinla, was a token of FUMAN’s appreciation for his support for the elders. As PMAN president Rosiji organised the first Legend Night. It was a well-deserved honour for Rosiji who was full of smiles as he mingled with everyone at the event.

Top Fuji artiste Pasuma ignited the atmosphere with his stellar performance.

In his speech, Rosiji who is also FUMAN patron pledged to join the likes of Fuji Maestro Alhaji Kollington to make FUMAN a force to reckon with. He supported the elders with equipment and N100,000 cash.

He said: “One of the reasons why I am interested in this constituency and indeed other constituencies is because I have a principle and that principle is music, culture and development. They are all intertwined. And also I have always celebrated the elders. Remember the event that we did for Legends of PMAN many years ago, Legend Night that was an expression of that passion for this constituency.”

“Fuji is the means of communication among our people. We have various forms of music in terms of the Yoruba genre. You have the Apala, Sakara, Fuji and so many other genres but Fuji has become a main movement within that sub-culture. So it is an important constituency.

Rosiji revealed his plans to do

an octet of colossal, frail, upended naked selfportraits by Georg Baselitz. With gouged eyes and throbbing red members, they recede into inky jet backgrounds against rough walls: the 77-year-old artist still fighting an upsidedown, unjust world.

That the personal is political here is axiomatic; the documentary impetus overwhelming. Isaac Julien interviews Marxist theorists. Hans Haacke proposes a 2015 “World Poll” via iPad. Andreas Gursky’s photographs “Chicago Board of Trade” and “Toys R Us” dissect capitalist strategies.

Ukrainian Mykola Ridnyi’s film “Regular Places” chronicles everyday confrontation (“Get the fuck out of here you bitch”) in Kharkiv.

Political art has never had this level of global visibility, and there is something about this biennale’s gravitas and broad platform that feels inevitable and right for now. Enwezor’s specific reading of art’s social responsibilities is not the only approach to culture, but at this scale and in this geopolitical climate it is an immensely potent one.

•Culled from Financial Times

FUMAN honours Bolaji Rosiji AWARD something about indigenous music, not only for the Yoruba genre also in the east and in the north. “I have talked extensively with Danmaraya Jos and the likes. We are losing them. I remember in an assembly of Yoruba musicians; there are only a couple of Apala musicians left. They are all going and this is a genre of music that has brought up generations of parents. So we are trying to see what we can do to revive it. So its music, culture and then we can have development.”

On PMAN crisis of the Caretaker Committee he said, “In my last count, I think PMAN had about five presidents. So what we need to do is to forget about our personal interest. We have to just shelve personal interest and work for the union. I will commend any effort to bring concerned stakeholders together. I commend any effort like that but we want to see the fruit of that effort. We want to see where it has led us.

I’ve been speaking to Kevin Lucciano, he has several challenges and there is no one who is going to take on the mantle of leadership in PMAN that is not going to have those challenges. But what we need now is one PMAN that everyone recognizses and we are still looking forward to that day.

Asked if he has any plans to run for PMAN president again, he said: “I won’t do that but definitely if there is room for us to help in the monitoring the electoral process I will be happy to be part of that”.

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South African Jazz maestro Rashid Lombard is founder and Festival Director of Africa’s biggest Jazz festival, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. For over 20 years, Lombard has remained true to his dream of making Jazz a major tourism attraction. He is an advocate of music for tourism and empowerment. He also believes that partnership is key to keeping Jazz and its festivals alive. EVELYN OSAGIE met him at the just-concluded Lagos International Jazz Festival where he was special guest of honour.

‘Keep Jazz music alive’

‘The partnership must be equal and fair. It is a venture that will impact on the economy and create jobs and empower people especially the youths who are looking for careers. I am talking of putting up events. It can happen; I’m very excited that the first footprints, when I met Ayoola in 2005, was to take on a name like the Lagos International Jazz Festival, is very brave’

The Arts for unity and employment

T

HE arts and culture is an important factor that can unite people in social cohesion that has to do with business because it is part of the creative industry, which like other industries, such as oil, construction and the rest, creates wealth. We must take it seriously. If you look at the Lagos International Jazz Festival (LIJF), look at how many people and service providers that have been employed. There is sound, light, stage, catering, among others. You are creating other jobs. It is part of the bigger economy.

The Arts as wealth spinner It’s a huge economy that we have to deal with. It’s like a golf course which is designed for five years. They design it for life. And that’s how the arts and culture is. It is God’s gift to our people in the continent. Our culture and heritage is deep. It goes way back.

Take the music, take the blues BB King sings, it comes from Africa. Ali Farka Toure is a multi-instrumentalist. Take Fela, from Jazz music into highlife. There is so much of value in what we have in the arts. I’d stick to the music because that is a sector I work and I found myself in. It is my passion and my life. Music has lots of tourism potential. At the Lagos International Jazz Festival there was a workshop on the tourism potential of Jazz music. The government should begin to partner with musicians to bring tap its wealth. We’ve got the best. It is unfortunate that we are importing more foreign music than exporting our music or playing our music. Also, the cutting of scales is not working in Africa.

Keeping the Cape Town Jazz Festival alive The accomplishment of the festival is hard work. It’s taken a lot of passion and believing in oneself, like the Co-founder of the Lagos International Jazz Festival, Ayoola Sadare. And it takes a lot of honesty to do it right. I am very excited that I have done it.

It’s a model that works. I now stay back… they say I have retired. I don’t retire. Artistes and activists don’t retire. I’m just doing things differently. I now impact my knowledge on how you can make it sustainable and give your sponsors, such as government, the corporate world and the citizens of South Africa, something to be proud of.

T

HE Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) Caretaker Committee headed by Kelvin Lucciano, has fixed election for July. At a meeting at its Opebi Ikeja Lagos secretariat, attended by Orits Wiliki, Tee Mac and Murphy Van-Anthony among others, an electoral committee was raised for the election.

Lucciano said the proferation of factions within PMAN was becoming counter-productive to the union, adding: “Today, we have decided to call on the press and the members to inaugurate the electoral committee that will now move and create an avenue for credible election which will come in July. We are happy today that most of the factions you have heard about are here. We have Murphy, Tee Mac, Hajia Dangaji and she will be here any time soon. So these are the factions that we recognise. We do not see the Pretty Okafor camp as faction. We see Hajia, Murphy, Teemac, Preddy Wise as a faction and we have all come together as one and decided to move on the same direction.

Oris Wiliki, who cleared the air on the dissolution of the Caretaker Committee as alleged by the Pretty Okafor faction

• Lombard

MUSIC Success secret of the Cape Town International Jazz festival The success is about me having to travel and attended other Jazz festivals, such as the Montreal, Perugia, New Orleans, New Port, Montreaux Jazz festivals, among others, and learning and Africanising it. It has been amazing. The other success is that you must remember that the public will turn on the radio and listen to the stereo. Don’t give him bad sound or bad performance. Content is key. The media is also looking for us to be successful. ‘Is your hospitality and service good?’ ‘Is everything well organised?’ ‘Is the food hygienic enough?’ Safety, security, logistics and information are also important.

It is little things like that that is very critical.

It is not a rocket science. It’s logic. You deal with media problem. Do you have a media centre here? No. You come to Cape Town, I’ll give you computer, some refreshment, you get beer, some red wine, some white wine, I’ll give you some food, because you got a job to do and you are accredited. Instead of you going to your hotel, I’ll give you facility to file the story that you can churn out. When we then talk about organi-

sation, it means signing people. You are creating professions, careers; that is success. It can be done. I have done it in 17 years. I can get somebody to do it in the next three years.

Replicating Cape Town’s success in Nigeria First is partnership. You have to get government backing – national government, then provincial government or municipal.

You also need to get the government departments or agencies, such as Arts and Tourism, Safety and Security, the Police, to be fully involved. Through that the organisation works. The next thing is give it a good programme with a good name like the one you already have – the Lagos International Jazz Festival. But you have to look further what other names you can bring in. The beauty that will bring foreign visitors is that they just want to listen to foreign sounds; so you have an advantage. Content is key: think of bringing in people like Ahmad Jamal, a lot of locals know Ahmad Jamal, you think of getting Jose Mendes. Ask people here: get someone to ask what artistes they would like here – is it Earl Klugh or Kenny G. You can start thinking forward. What that means is that once a year, some towns, taxi, restaurant, crafters etc will be busy and a lot of

Peace may return to PMAN soon •Caretaker Committee picks July date for election owing to a court judgment he got dissolving the Committee, described the judgment as a distraction. “That is not enough to truncate the mandate that was given to the caretaker committee. This committee has only one mandate that was given to us by the Trade Union Registrar, go and bring everybody together, conduct a free and fair election. Kevin is the substantive Chairman of this Committee until we say no,” he said.

He said the seat of PMAN president is golden hence the protracted crisis spanning over 15 years. “The seat is golden and because of that we have had several people just waking up and declaring themselves as president. This is the craziest union as far as I am concerned to have about six to seven presidents at the same time. We know it’s not peculiar to us but ours is being such that it’s so nauseating. It’s such that is so annoying.

You have a union that is as huge as PMAN yet we can’t get our bearing right. We have greed, ego and all sorts destroying this

union. So for us here we have said that all that must stop. Those illegality that has kept us in one place for upward of over 10 years must stop because we are losing, losing very terribly”.

Teemac recalled that three years ago when they had too many factions, they went to the Federal High Court and we got a preliminary ruling saying no election could take place on either side until the court rules. “When I joined the Peace Initiative Committee, we all agreed to drop all the court cases. I asked the PMAN lawyers to drop the case in the Appeal court against Dele Abiodun, and against Kunle Femi. We had a couple of cases. Then I asked one lawyer Duro to drop the case in the Federal High Court in Lagos. ..No court on this earth can elect a PMAN president.

It’s not possible. A court, maybe, could look into the grievances. We the musicians elect the delegate conference for the election of the PMAN president”.

Reacting to his appointment, Charles Imoluame thanked the association on

Jazz guys like to play golf. They can go on excursion somewhere, wildlife. That is how it is done in South Africa. It is a system that it’s going to work out. The partnership must be equal and fair. It is a venture that will impact on the economy and create jobs and empower people especially the youths who are looking for careers. I am talking of putting up events. It can happen; I’m very excited that the first footprints, when I met Ayoola in 2005, was to take on a name like the Lagos International Jazz Festival, is very brave. It puts you on the international radar; they are watching. My people called me telling me about how safe or unsafe Nigeria is but I said, they should leave it, we artistes heal.

So many years ago when I called George Benson’s manager to play in Rwanda.I designed the Rwanda International Jazz Festival. It failed. I was told there was war in Rwanda, I said no. I am an optimist. I believe it can work. Although I am not very rich or even rich, I’m comfortable and I sleep nice at night.

The other big Jazz festival in Africa is the Lagos international Jazz Festival. It is registered. We should all just come and support it. Others could be Jazz series, that’s fine but this is iconic. We need an iconic event. And I speak openly to other promoters, keep the music industry alive. We must collaborate.

This is an iconic event, I see it flying.

behalf of the electoral committee.

“This committee will be working relentlessly in the next few months to make sure that we have a credible president. We assure you that on our own part, we will do our best just as we have sworn to an oath that we will do our best to be neutral, to look at all the candidates that will come without bias. And we welcome both young, old, male, female musicians to come and contest freely because in this committee we have every faction represented.

“So nobody is going to take anybody for granted in this kind of election that we are going to do. We promise the states also that we will do our best to consider their advices when it comes to telling us about those that qualify for the election because we rely more on the states to tell us those who are qualified to contest this election.

If you are not a member of a state chapter, if you have not paid your dues or you are not current with your activities in your chapters we are not likely going to honour your candidature to be president of PMAN. We have seen so much in the past few years and we pray that we get out of the problems we have had. So I like to thank you again!

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

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E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

BABATUNDE OLAIDE-MESEWAKU examines, among other issues, the Lagos State Development plan (20122015), which is charting a new road map for tourism growth in the state.

Roadmap for Lagos tourism growth

‘Tourism departments should be created in all the local governments in the state with principle of Sustainable Tourism as the focus.

The functions of this department will include collection of data on available heritage materials or sites in their respective local governments’

T

HE core concern of this piece is to make an input into the Tourism Agenda of Mr Akinwunmi Ambode as Governor of Lagos State having made tourism as one of his key agenda. As a Lagosians not only with relevant educational background in Travel and Tourism Management and Museum Studies, but a practicing cultural tourism exponent of over a decade, I feel a sense of responsibility to contribute to the development of my state especially where it concerns area of one’s specialisation and expertise. Moreso, at the moment, there is no discernible policy on tourism planning and development in the state. In addition, the global trend in tourism planning and development has taken a conscious tilt towards Sustainable Tourism. The concept of sustainable tourism has been adopted in such African countries as Ghana, Gambia, Kenya and South Africa – four major growing tourism destinations in Africa.

What is Sustainable tourism?

The World Tourism Organisation (WTO) sees the concept of sustainable tourism development as meeting the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunity for the future.

It is envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social, and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled, while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, and biological diversity, and life support systems. The concept of sustainable tourism, therefore, implies that in the formulation of tourism development planning policies and the implementation and evaluation of tourism programmes a conscious consideration should be given to long-term economic, environmental, socio-cultural and political well-being of all stakeholders.

Who are the key stakeholders in sustainable tourism?

The major stakeholders are the governmental bodies, pressure groups, tourism industry, the host community, tourists, voluntary sdector, experts and the media.

Striking a balance amongst all these interests in a destination is pertinent. Tourism is an interesting phenomenon because for it to thrive, the ideal conditions are political stability, security, a well-defined legal framework and the essential services and infrastructure ( power, roads, water supply and a suitable environment) that the state is able to provide. These are the window of opportunities for tourism development venture already provided by the Fashola’s administration.

Why Sustainable Tourism for Lagos State?

The World Travel and Tourism Council recent reports show that Travel and Tourism’s contribution to the world GDP grew for the fifth consecutive year in 2014, rising to a total of 9.8 per cent of world GDP (US$7.6 trillion). The sector now supports nearly 227 million people in employment – that’s 1 in 11 jobs on the planet. Its growth of 3.6 per cent was faster than the wider economy and out-performed growth in the majority of leading sectors in 2014. The established fact here is that tourism remains the largest foreign exchange earners of any country and the largest employer of labour globally. Its potential to create and generate employment for thousand of jobless youths in Lagos state and thus reduce poverty cannot be over-emphasised.

In the contemporary socio-economic mi-

• Governor-elect Akinwumi Ambode

• Eyo masqueraders during a performance

TOURISM lieu of Lagos State available statistics show that Lagos is home to 2,000 industrial establishments, 10,000 commercial ventures and 22 industrial estates. Lagos is responsible for 30 per cent of the nation’s GDP; the State accounts for 70 per cent national maritime cargo freight; 80 per cent of international aviation traffic and 50 per cent of national energy consumption. If Lagos were a country in its own right, its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $80 billion (2010) would make it the eleventh-biggest economy in Africa. What is more, Lagos population according to the United Nations projections will be 20 million in 2015 thus making it the 3rd largest city in the world.

With these robust statistics that hugely support accelerated development in tourism venture in the State, sustainable tourism becomes imperative as the appropriate policy to adopt for its implication for the environment, the economy and control of tourism activities.

With the Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP) 2012 – 2025 having a baseline picture of the state in spheres of Economic, Infrastructure, Social Services and Protection and sustainable Environment; the mega city status of Lagos state with it’s strategy of focusing on Power, Agriculture & Agro-Allied, Transportation and Housing (PATH) to move the state along the path of emerging world economies such as Brazil, India, Russia, China and South Africa (BRICS), appropriate environmental enablement that naturally supports a booming tourism system and destination is already entrenched.

Lagos State, apart from being the economic hub of the nation and the West African region, is also the entertainment hub of Nigeria. It is endowed with natural landscape and topography traversed by sea and

lagoon waters and festooned with beautiful beaches and waterfronts coupled with its diverse tangible and intangible cultural and natural heritage. All these are unique tourism products that are yearning to be tapped, harnessed and developed for the socio-economic transformation of the state.

With the socio-economic indices and demographic details enumerated above, Lagos State provides huge domestic market and veritable grounds for ‘explosive’ and rapid tourism development with consequent excessive pressures on infrastructures, the environment and natural resources. The appropriate tourism type to adopt in this circumstance not only to drive the economy, but to minimise the adverse effects of inherent negative tourism activities by putting in place a mechanism for control, conservation and protection of basic resources and the environment in a destination, is Sustainable Tourism.

Some of the most important principles of sustainable tourism development applicable to Lagos State for tourism development and destination management are that: •Tourism should be initiated with the help of broad-based community-inputs and the community should maintain control of tourism development. A pro-poor strategies should be adopted, especially in the rural areas in which the community people will be suppliers, producers, workers and decision makers.

• Tourism should not only generate, but provide quality employment to its community residents and a linkage between the local businesses and tourism should be established; • A code of practice should be established for tourism operations and practices based on internationally accepted standards.

Guidelines for tourism operations, impact assessment, monitoring of cumulative im-

pacts, and limits to acceptable change or carrying capacity at the designated destinations should be established; • Education and training programmes at both the state and local government levels to improve and manage heritage and natural resources should be established The Areas of Policy Focus and Operation in the first four years There is the need for the creation of designated tourism destinations in the state with attractive pull factors established. These destinations are better located in rural locality of Epe, Badagry, Ikeja and Ikorodu.

This will accelerate infrastructural development in these areas, create jobs and reduce urban migration. Destinations can be countries, or a collection of countries, a distinct state, local government or town or resort, park or areas of outstanding natural beauty or coastline like the Eleko, Lagos and Badagry Beaches. The key features of a tourist destination, which the state will look into, include visitors’ attractions like historical and heritage sites, man-made and natural environment; access or possible provision of access; internal transport network; development of tourist infrastructure and superstructure; and that the destination is administratively possible to plan and manage.

As one of the major pull factors in the proposed designated destinations, I want to suggest the construction of divisional ethnographic museum in each of the five divisions of the state with a policy to encourage and empower local governments in the state to build their own museums and develop heritage sites within their areas. Other superstructures can also be constructed as part of the pull factors in the destinations. Examples of superstructures are Canadian Tower, Statue of Liberty in US, Brighton pier in London etc. The proposed Badagry Film City project by Lagos state is also an example.

Development of local and international festivals in the state is key. The Black Heritage Festival should be replaced with IBILE HERTAGE FESTIVAL. The latter has lost all the essence of being a festival as originally conceived. The word IBILE is an acronym for the five divisions of Lagos State: Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island and Epe. Lagosians, for the first time, will regard it as their festival and participation level will increase geometrically.

To make the festival international such as the PANEFEST in Ghana, the ROOT Festival in Gambia and Vodoun Festival in Republic of Benin, there is the need to create the Lagos State Diaspora Agency responsible for the marketing of the festival and the tourism potentials of the state internationally and seek the cooperation and partnership of International Organisations for tourism development in the state. The Agency will create a healthy synergy with the existing tour operator outfits within the state.

Tourism departments should be created in all the local governments in the state with principle of Sustainable Tourism as the focus. The functions of this department will include collection of data on available heritage materials or sites in their respective local governments. Create tourists information office; coordinates and implement the state’s programmes on tourism at the local government level; facilitate trainings of stake holders and create a linkage between the tourism sector and the open market in their areas. Resuscitate indigenous technology in visual arts, painting, carving, woodwork, textile, sculpting, pottery, ceramics, weaving and crafts, bead-making etc.

The creation of a full-fledge Department of Tourism at the Lagos State University for capacity building in this sector is germane.

The state can as well develop a partnership with certain international organisations or agencies who are experts in the subject matter for capacity building. These organisations have done it in many African countries, especially the Gambia.

The role of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture in the state is key and pivotal in the realisation of this entire proposal and its objectives.

•Babatunde Olaide-Mesewaku writes from Badagry.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

49

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

X-raying the governor of example

T

HE Example, the title of this book, is a snatch off Sam Omatseye’s “In Touch” back page column in The Nation Newspaper, in which he has, even bordering on the cliché, lauded Babatunde Fashola, SAN, outgoing governor of Lagos, as “governor of example”.

All then falls into conceptual logic.

The Example is all about “The Era of Babatunde Fashola as Governor of Lagos State” — the book’s sub-title — a glorious showcase of the wonders Fashola has wrought in his eightyear Lagos governorship, heading to a glorious finish on May 28.

The tale, a relay of 36 contributors, is told mainly by participant-observers, cabinet members past and present. The only exceptions are John Kayode Fayemi, a gubernatorial peer and former governor of Ekiti, Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman, Zinox Group, Aderemi Makanjuola, CEO Caverton Helicopters, Marvel Akpoyibo, former Lagos State Police Commissioner, Walter Olatunde, project director of Deux Projects Ltd, Aminu Yaro Idris, Sarkin Hausawa of Lagos State, Prof Adewale Oke, CMD, LASUTH and Mark Eddo, the maker of a triad of documentaries on the renascent Lagos of Asiwaju TinubuBabatunde Fashola era, and proud Eko citizen.

Of course, the book’s editor is also the Example christener, Sam

BOOK REVIEW From Uzor Maxim Uzoatu Title: The Example Edited by: Sam Omatseye Reviewer: Olakunle Abimbola Pagination: 351 Publisher: Kraft Books Ltd Omatseye. “On creation time, it was not difficult to call this book and project its name,” he gushed in his Editor’s Note. “It is a book about how one man redefined governance and invited others to the party. He invited them not by words or personal gestures, but by the ambition of vision, the assiduity of performance and the clarity of results.”

That states the obviousness of the Fashola wonder, the governor’s cascade of policy excellence, in its overwhelming glory. But did the underwhelming result of the 2015 election in Lagos State justify Governor Fashola’s overwhelming work?

What really happened? Lagosians, spoilt by too much of good things, forgot, in a terrible hurry, the Egypt of past woes just because they had birthed in the Jerusalem of sheer bliss?

The profile of the electorate as sheer ingrates, a rabble easily misled by crass demonisation and subversive money during electioneering?

Or simply: that sterling policy and telling performance are never enough, without the active complements of doughty politics and vibrant social mobilisation?

These painful questions resonate, even more, with the symbolism of former Governor Fayemi penning the first of the 35 contributions (“Class Captain Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN: a technocrat as politician”), after Prof.

Itse Sagay, SAN, had declared Fashola, in his excellent Foreword, a former student in whom he was well pleased — the governor as complete servant of the law, the governor as thinker and the governor as policy wonk.

But Dr. Fayemi too executed the most brilliant policy framework, so far, in the history of Ekiti. Yet, what all that earned him was democratic ouster by the Ekiti electorate. Worse — ingratitude of ingratitude, even bordering on collective social suicide — the Ayo Fayose gang is busy putting most of Fayemi’s social and physical infrastructure policies to the sword, while the Ekiti, hitherto beneficiaries and eventual losers, seem to break into a manic cheer!

Again, what went wrong? And with the balance of perceived forces just before the election, was Lagos consigned to the Ekiti fate, before the Almighty Himself, who never rewarded good with evil, took supreme charge, blessed Fashola’s heroic performance and granted Lagos the golden continuity the Tinubu-Fashola continuum had earned, by a dint of hard work and uncommon service?

Perhaps that question should be left to analysts, political pundits or even

A lady of diligence

W

RITTEN by the three authors listed above and with a foreword by no less a personality than His Excellency, the Rt. Hon. Gabriel Torwua Suswam, Ph.D CON, the Executive Governor of Benue State, the work is a befitting tribute to the life and career of Chief Mrs. Rhoda Tor-Agbidye. From the first to the last page of the book, she comes out clearly and unmistakably as indeed, a woman of substance, a lady of uncommon and unique qualities of selflessness, dedication and humanity.

The importance of the study, however, transcends the role model qualities of the iconic and quintessential Lady that is its focus. The work is also a trailblazer in the sense that it represents a rare recognition of the contributions of an individual civil servant to the development and betterment of the Nigerian society. Mrs TorAgbidye belongs to this group of people, who are generally anonymous, are often vilified by their political masters, and have for years remained unsung in biographical treatises by academics! Yet they constitute the driving engine that gives the momentum to the implementation of development initiatives in our society. That the focus here is on a woman is certainly an additional applause for the authors.

Structurally, the main body of the book is very compact and is made up of six closely interested chapters. For the purposes of this Review the six chapters can be grouped into three broad themes which are: i) Early life, family and Education ii) Religious Life and Marriage; and iii) Civil Service Career, Social and Political Life and Public Perception It needs to be emphasised though that this division is only for the sake of providing analytical guide, for our perception of the variety of important issues presented in the study, they flow rather seamlessly into each other!

In the first two introductory chapters the authors discuss the Birth, Upbringing and Education of Mrs Rhoda Tor-Agbidye. It is not deemed heuristic or even necessary to offer here detailed coma by coma review of all the events that characterised those formative years; suffice it for us to note some of the highlights of this

BOOK From Uzor REVIEW Maxim Uzoatu Title:

Chief Mrs. Rhoda TorAgbidye MFR: An Epitome of Diligence

Authors:

Tyotom Keghku, Abraham T. Ibi and Thaddeus T. Ajabu

Reviewer: Tony Edoh PhD Publishers: Aboki Publishers (2014) period that would, ultimately turn out as crucial determinants of the societal avant garde played by the adult Mrs. Rhoda Tor-Agbidye.

Inter alia some of these factors as identified in the book by its authors included the unshakable commitment and devotion to the Christian faith by her parents as well as the latter’s determination “to serving the Lord God and to raising children of high moral standard.” These, among others, were traits and values that were to sketch and shape Mrs. Tor-Agbidye’s primary and secondary school days at Uavande Girls and Bristow Gboko respectively. They also provided her behavioural barometer and moral compass at the FTC Kaduna and the Kaduna Polytechnic.

Other milestones in Mrs Tor-Agbidye’s tireless

sociology experts to ponder before the next round of elections in 2019. For now, the celebration of a citizen, who in the words of Prof. Sagay has achieved “spectacular success, in an arena in which the majority of actors have been such tragic failures” is quite in order.

All of the cabinet-member contributors agree. But before you dismiss them as a bunch of policy in-breeders luxuriating in incestuous praises, the seven “outside contributors” did not differ. Indeed, viewing the governor from the horizontal plane of a partner, rather than looking up from the vertical stairs of a subordinate, they weighed in with clinical praise.

Zinox’s Stan Ekeh went to the governor to donate security and technological equipment worth N50 million, as part of his firm’s corporate social responsibility (CSR). But before you could call Stan, the governor had named him a member of two crucial bodies: the LASU Governing Council and the Lagos State Innovation Council, based on his entrepreneurial track record. Mark Eddo too conducted a perception workshop, which the governor, with his entire cabinet in tow, attended. Again, before you could call Mark, Mark Eddo Media Ltd had become the state’s partner in global perception management. Three excellent documentaries are the result.

That has got Mr. Ekeh quipping: Fashola does not see, in anyone, white, black, yellow, Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa.

All he sees is an agent of development; and how Lagos, his envisioned Africa’s model megacity, can put that talent into use.

Marvel Akpoyibo, former Lagos State commissioner of Police, marvelled at the governor’s successful public-private collaboration in security, in the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF); and how it gave policing in Lagos a boost, and secured the state. With the acclaimed success of the experiment, one just marvels at

and rather poignant search for the educational Golden Fleece include Abingdon College, Oxford, the University of Jos, and the Benue State University, Makurdi. At the later institution Mrs. Rhoda Tor-Agbidye has, doggedly, clawed her ways from an MPA to an M.Sc and is currently at the final stages of the Ph.D. It is important to observe that these first two chapters are much more than mere chronicles or rhapsodic rendition of the subject’s educational attainments. Here the writers analytical craftsmanship is unmistakable at work as the book in this section also offers incisive perceptions on the place of education in Nigeria’s national development. No less arresting are the identification and analysis of the role of the family in the process as well as the legion of factors that, in concert, have straight jacketed and, subsequently, distorted educational development in Nigeria.

Discussions of the Religious Life and the marriage of Mrs. Tor-Agbidye dominate the second broad section of the work. Once again, as in the section that preceded it, the three writers used the opportunity to offer highly perceptive insights on both the subterranean and mediterranean variables that have had strong bearings on the subject’s life in these contexts. In summary, these include the expositions on Tiv culture and historiography, the establishment and spread of Christianity in Tiv land as well as discussions on Mrs. Tor-Agbidye’s father, Evangelist Joel Agabi and his missionary works, among others.

The preceding served as a useful backdrop to the more detailed discussions on the young lady’s budding relationships with, and eventual marriage to the young Dr. Tor-Agbidye, her paramour since their student days at Bristow.

Also discussed in detail by the authors is the Agbidyes long lasting relationships with their family friends, Dr. John and Mrs. Joyce Allagh.

Finally, the section stands for the generous manner in which it is adorned and annotated with family picture, heirlooms that span the gamut of Mrs. Tor-Agbidye’s life from childhood to the present. If indeed, as the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand Words” the rich menu of pictorials presented by the authors are clearly worth more than a million words.

The last section of the study made up of chapters four, five and six are indeed, among the best in terms of flow analytic skills and communication of points. The first of the three is an assessment of the Civil Service Career of

why such is not happening at the federal level.

Caverton Helicopters’ Makanjuola’s testimony, still under public-private collaboration, offered another peep into how steady Lagos would appear in the hands of its present managers, starting from the Asiwaju Tinubu administration in 1999. While in 2009, Lagos acquired two state-of-the-art surveillance helicopters, the in-house “purser”, the accountant-general, back then, was a certain Akinwunmi Ambode. Now, Mr. Ambode is governor-elect. Talk of seamless continuity!

But the main story here is that the LSSTF idea, under which Caverton and Lagos collaborated on the security choppers, emerged from the Lagos State Corporate Assembly, a government-private sector forum, which conceived the idea in 2007. It was a tribute to a governor’s rigorous engagement of the private sector in the Lagos mega-city agenda. But if Lagos and Caverton could pair to deliver a solid security project, could the Federal Government not partner with interested investors, to deliver local refineries, migrate from fuel importation to fuel exportation, and boost the national purse?

The Fashola government’s rich PPP culture would be incomplete without mentioning the Lagos-Deux Projects Ltd collaboration in health facility management, which formed the contribution of Walter Olatunde, project director of Deux. If LASUTH, LASUCOM and other state health facilities enjoy a lease of good maintenance, it is thanks to this partnership.

Still, while these private sector collaborators deserve their accolades, the real hero of the Fashola success are the cabinet members, and other Lagos public servants, who zestfully queued behind a workaholic leader, who is neither afraid nor tired of dreaming big dreams; and post haste, pushing those dreams into reality.

Mrs. Tor-Agbidye. As a prelude the authors presented a well crafted, albeit abbreviated history of the civil service in Nigeria. In focus are its characteristics, functions and challenges.

Even the most rabid connoisseur of Nigeria’s Public Administration will certainly find something to savour in the highly and interrogative analysis offered here.

The above provide useful praxis within which Mrs. Tor-Agbidye’s long career in the public service is situated and evaluated; starting from the early days at ABU, Zaria, through stints with Aper Aku to Dr. Ayu as President of the Senate, the University of Agriculture and to George Akume and the present position of Principal Private Secretary to Governor Gabriel Suswam.

Through all these as the authors indicate, what mattered most to Mrs Tor-Agbidye was dedication and the rending of committed and unalloyed service the society no matter who is at the helm of affairs. As the writers aptly put it: “inspite of the differences in their personalities, ideologies, style of leadership … she remained committed and was NEVER found wanting at anytime” (p.9b) (Emphasis is mind).

They posited further that through thick and thin: “Rhoda has been dutiful and diligent on her job surmounting all challenges and displaying resilience, humility and professionalism even under pressures (p.98). · The role of civil servants in the development process; · The expectations of the society; · Political participation; · Woman participation, sovereignty majority rule, of law, etc.

Mrs. Tor-Agbidye’s brief incursion into to the murky waters of partisan politics as a PDP causus Chairman in Logo Local Government Area is also highlighted. So also are the legions of humanitarian and philanthropic activities with which she has been involved all her life.

The concluding chapter of the book is a presentation of the “views of various peoples, who have encountered and interacted with Chief Mrs. Tor-Agbidye in various capacities and in different places” (p.134). However, we do not believe that much intellectual dividends are these have been so meticulously done in the text. In any case, it is necessary to commend the authors for the wide coverage of opinions gamered. The over 50 individuals sampled represented every sector of the Benue society: former Governor, Permanent Secretaries, Traditional Rulers, Legislators, Judges etc.

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 12-05-15

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 12-05-15

Unilever Nigeria explains 92% slash in dividend payout

U

NILEVER Nigeria Plc yesterday said it took the difficult decision to drastically reduce its dividend payout as a delicate balancing act to provide the company with enough retained earnings to finance its growth targets while meeting immediate expectation of shareholders.

Addressing shareholders yesterday at the annual general meeting in Lagos, chairman, Unilever Nigeria Plc, HRM Nnaemeka Achebe, said the decision on the dividend payout was difficult because the directors of the company were mindful of the dividend expectation of the shareholders but were also focused on the financing need for the company’s future growth.

Unilever Nigeria reduced its dividend payout from N4.73 billion for the 2013 business year to N378.3 million for the 2014 business year following a steep decline in the perfor-

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

mance of the company. Shareholders would receive a dividend per share of 10 kobo for the 2014 business year as against N1.25 received for the 2013 business year. Shareholders approved the dividend payment yesterday.

“The decision on dividend payout was indeed a difficult one. The board was caught between delivering shareholders’ expectation on dividend and providing the right financing platform for the company to deliver its growth targets,” Achebe said.

Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of Unilever Nigeria for the year ended December 31, 2014 showed that turnover dropped by seven per cent from N60 billion in 2103 to N55.75 billion in 2014. Interest expense, otherwise known as finance charges, however

rose by 65 per cent from N1.16 billion to N1.91 billion. This further constrained the profitability of the conglomerate as pre-tax profit dropped by 58 per cent from N6.79 billion to N2.87 billion. After a 78 per cent reduction in tax provisions, net profit after tax dropped by 49 per cent to N2.41 billion in 2014 as against N4.72 billion recorded in 2013.

Earnings per share consequently dropped from N1.25 in 2013 to 64 kobo in 2014. The contraction also affected the company’s balance sheet as shareholders’ funds dropped by 20 per cent from N9.35 billion to N7.48 billion.

Achebe blamed the performance on the tough operating environment and deliberate decisions taken by the company to reposition itself to contend more successfully with the volatile operating environment.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 12 -05-15

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

55

MONEYLINK

$479.3b GDP: SAP Africa invests $500m in Nigeria, others Stories by Collins Nweze

•Dhana

T

HE rebasing of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to $479.3 billion has attracted over $500 million investment from SAP Africa, a leader in enterprise software and softwarerelated services into Nigeria and other African countries.

Speaking yesterday in a forum

held in Lagos, Managing Director, SAP Africa, Kudzai Dhana, said the decision to invest the fund was reached by the firm’s global executive board, based on the need to step up its presence in the continent.

He said the company has strong ambition for Africa and that it is working hard to support its customers in the continent to grow. He said the company wants to support government’s effort at creating sustainable infrastructure adding that Nigeria needs strong collaboration and partnership to address some of its skills-gap challenges especially in the Information Communication Technology (ICT).

He said if Africa is to continue on the path of positive economic growth, the continent will have to better capitalise on the potential of

Visa in plans to buy former subsidiary Visa Europe for $20b

V

ISA Inc is in preliminary talks to buy former subsid iary, Visa Europe Ltd, in a deal that could be valued at up to $20 billion, a report by Bloomberg said.

The talks, which began when Visa approached Visa Europe, are at an early stage and could fall apart if the two sides cannot agree on a price, Bloomberg said.

Visa’s shares were up four per cent at $69.29 on the New York Stock Exchange last Friday. The range being discussed is $15 billion-$20 billion and both companies are working with advisers, Bloomberg said.

Visa said last year it might have to pay more than $10 billion to buy its London-based European licensee, Visa Europe, if the owners exercised their option to sell it. Visa Europe, which since 2007 has operated independently of Visa, is a cooperative of more than 3,700 European banks with more than 500 million cards in circulation.

Visa has a call option to buy shares in Visa Europe, while Visa Europe members have a put option to sell shares to Visa. A spokeswoman for Visa declined to comment. Visa Europe was not immediately available for comment.

its youth , as more than half of 55 per cent of Africa’s inhabitants will be younger than 24 by 2025.

For this to happen, African governments require forward-looking partnerships with private sectorfocused educational initiatives that provide cost-effective ways of providing the public with access to skills that will improve their chances of employability and make them much more productive within the workplace.

In the wake of a series of innovative projects aimed at promoting skills development on the continent, including an announcement last year of a skills development projects with NITDA and alignment

with SAP’s Skills for Africa programme, SAP Africa yesterday announced its plan to launch SAP Smart Academy both in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja, this year.

This, he said, will enable tertiary students to further boost their labour-market relevance through specialised SAP technology skills training.

A product of SAP Education Africa, the academy courses have been designed to help students learn how to effectively leverage SAP technology solutions with a view to ultimately drive greater efficiencies within organisations and industries once they secure employment.

AfDB okays $12.7m equity fund

T

HE Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $12.73 million equity investment in the African compartment of the Moringa Private Equity Fund. Moringa will invest in scalable, replicable agroforestry projects in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.

The Fund will invest in projects that combine plantation forestry (producing biomass, fuel wood or timber) with agricultural elements (producing staple food crops for local markets and/or niche export crops) to capture most of the value chain. The Fund will also be associated with a grant-based Technical Assistance Facility.

Sponsored by La Compagnie Benjamin de Rothschild (CBR) and ONF International (ONFI), the international subsidiary of the French Office National des Forêts, the Fund will benefit from CBR back-office and investment platform, while ONFI contributes agroforestry technical expertise and regional presence in the Fund’s targeted geographies.

The Moringa investment strategy is well aligned with the AfDB’s TenYear Strategy (2013 to 2022), focusing on inclusive green growth as the pathway to sustainable development and creating broad-based prosperity, as well as the its Climate Change Action Plan, which aims to make investments to reduce the continent’s vulnerability to climate change.

This strategic feat should allow the bank to provide a significant boost to Moringa’s operations via its high public profile, sector expertise and network across the African continent.

FCMB rewards customers with cash prizes

T

HE first draws of the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited promo tagged, ‘’FCMB Millionaire Promo’’ has taken place across the three regions and 25 zones of the bank across the country.

While three customers of the Bank were rewarded with the sum of N1 million each at the regional draws held in Lagos, Enugu and Abuja, a total of 640 others smiled home with LED televisions, generating sets, decoders, tablets, smart phones and other consolation prizes at the Zonal draws held in different parts of the country. The exercise was conducted through electronic selection of qualified customers.

At the Lagos/South-West Regional draw which took place in Lagos, Mr. Emeka Eze got the reward of N1million, while at the Abuja/North Regional draw held in Abuja, Mr. Chinedu Okpara got the same amount, just as Mrs. Rita Okoye won N1million at the South-East/South-South Regional draw that took place in Enugu.

The FCMB Millionaire Promo, which commenced in February and will run till July, is targeted at all segments of the society and for existing as well as potential savings account customers.

The eligible products/accounts for the promo include FCMB basic savings, kids account, Nairawise, e-savings, premium savings and third party accounts.

Speaking on the promo and how to participate draws, the Senior Vice President/Divisional Head of Retail of FCMB, Mr. Olu Akanmu, said that all an existing or new customer of the Bank needs to do is to Save N10,000.00 in any of the eligible savings account of his or her choice for 30 days to qualify for the electronic selection of winners where the star prize of N1million and other fantastic prizes will be won.

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FIDELITY NIG FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

126.04 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.63 1.39 1,744.73 1,104.77 112.34 121.16 1.67 1.1978 1.3117 0.7319 1.1349

125.82 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.62 1.33 1,744.73 1,104.00 111.75 120.30 1.62 1.1912 0.7203 0.7203 1.1349

BERGER CONOIL FIDELITYBK UPL MANSARD ABCTRANS PZ CONTINSURE SKYEBANK UNILEVER

O/PRICE 9.52 38.02 1.80 5.48 2.99 0.55 28.00 0.95 2.38 43.00

C/PRICE 10.00 39.92 1.89 5.75 3.13 0.57 28.98 0.98 2.45 44.00

CHANGE 0.48 1.90 0.09 0.27 0.14 0.02 0.98 0.03 0.07 1.00

LOSERS AS AT 12-05-15

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

ETI PORTPAINT RTBRISCOE TOTAL COSTAIN MAYBAKER LIVESTOCK UNITYBNK OANDO NASCON FLOURMILL

23.27 3.83 1.01 165.00 0.82 1.87 2.52 2.37 18.10 8.70 36.95

C/PRICE 21.01 3.64 0.96 156.90 0.78 1.78 2.40 2.26 17.30 8.35 35.50

FOREX RATES (NairaVs Dollar) April 1, 2015

Inflation: Febraury

8.4%

Monetary Policy Rate

13.0%

Foreign Reserves

$28.2b

Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

$67.91

CHANGE -2.26 -0.19 -0.05 -8.10 -0.04 -0.09 -0.12 -0.11 -0.80 -0.35 -1.45

Interbank ($/N)

199.00

$1

Black Market ($/N)

215.00

$1

London Inter-bank Offered Rates (LIBOR)

Money Supply (M2)

GAINERS AS AT 12-05-15

SYMBOL

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

N16.42 trillion.

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N17.2 trillion

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

16.5%

Tenor 1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 6 Months 12 Months

April 31

May 6

Rate)%

Rate (%)

0.1735 0.2147 0.2615 0.3841 0.6709

0.1715 0.2108 0.2626 0.3857 0.6744

Nigerian Stock Market Indices NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

12-02-15 Rate (%) Rate (%) 13-02-15

Overnight (O/N)

14.683

76.583

1M

15.033

15.977

3M

15.809

17.177

6M

16.493

17.908

Transaction Dates 03/02/2015 3/12/2014 1/12/2014

Amount Offered in ($) 500m 400m 350m

Amount Sold in ($) 499.93m 399.97m 349.96m

Statistics All Share Index Mkt Cap (NGN’bn) Deals Volume (mn) Value (NGN’mn)

4 May 34,649.3 11.8 3,385 564,28 6,087.80

5 May 29,383.93 9,804.36 3,714 377,75 6,568.66

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Feb. 13, 2015

Rates

T-bills - 91

12.44

T-bills - 182

13.85

T-bills - 364

13.92

Bond - 3yrs

15.92

Bond - 5yrs

17.22

Bond - 7yrs

16.59

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

56

SHOWBIZ

• Wande Coal performing in Abakaliki

J

UST when it seems his star is dimming, having been scarce in recent times, at most concerts in Lagos, former Mo’hits Crew member, Wande Coal treated the huge audience at Abakaliki Township Stadium, to a series of hits from his repertoire, when he stormed the Enugu State capital alongside other artistes last Saturday.

The event was the annual Nigerian Breweries pan Nigerian concert tagged Star Music Trek.

After performances from

• The crowd at the Star Trek show

Star Trek: Wande Coal, others shine in Abakaliki Cynthia Morgan, Burna Boy, MI Abaga and Tony One Week, all backed up by DJ Neptune and DJ Snoop Damaja on the wheels of steel, the pop singer kept the crowd on their feet, as he doled out songs such as Bumper To Bumper’, Taboo, Pere and You Bad off his debut album, M2M. The crowd also had a swell time with the singer’s new works like The Kick, Baby Hello and Wake Up.

His performance left the crowd screaming for more as a long night of top-notch music drew to a close.

“I feel blessed performing for this massive crowd. Big thank you to everyone that keep supporting our music and to STAR for bringing us closer to our fans in different cities,” said Coal, after his show.

The Abakaliki event was the second in the series, following this

Regina Askia’s daughter survives auto crash

F

E

• Regina Askia right and daughter

belt on.”

The car, according to Askia, took a full side impact from a truck in an intersection. While the side, and back of the vehicle were crushed.

Stephanie managed to climb out, but fell unto the tar and hit her head. She went on to reveal that her daughter spent two days in ICU, recovered and was discharged

• DNA Baba (right) adressing a press conference

J

OINING the wave of Nigerian musicians based abroad relocating to the country, U.S.based Adeyemi Gideon Ayomide, better known as DNA Baba, has come to Nigeria.

The musician was unveiled at a press conference after a brief performance at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on Sunday, amidst notable

Speaking on this year’s trek, Corporate Affairs Adviser, NB Plc Kufre Ekanem stated during the April 24 unveiling of the show that the choice of acts was based on their dedication to their musical careers, an attitude the Star brand seeks to celebrate.

Other cities where the eightweek show will take place are Makurdi, Sapele, Auchi, Ibadan and Lagos.

Jesse Jagz hits the ground running

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

X Nigerian beauty queen and actress-turned-nurse, Regina Askia has a lot to be grateful for, as her first child, Stephanie Regina Hornecker, survived a ghastly car accident recently.

The accident, according to Askia, occurred in Ivory Coast last Wednesday where Stephanie is interning in her father’s company, and having a vacation.

She said in a Facebook post: “Thank you God! The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies have no end, they are new every morning, new every morning, great is thy name oh Lord. My daughter Stephanie was involved in a ghastly car accident in Ivory Coast, where she was interning in her father’s company and catching a vacation. Driving back home with friends, Stephanie was in the back seat, thankfully with her seat

year’s first outing in Calabar, Cross River State. The next leg, according to organizers, will take place in Awka, home to Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), on Saturday May 16.

The show has other great artistes like 2Face Idibia, Davido, Timaya, Banky W, Mr. Raw, Naeto C, Yemi Alade, Oritse Femi, Faze, Sean Tizzle, Pasuma, Sound Sultan, MI and Seyi Shay among others.

with clean bill of health.

“Good news is she and her friends all made it out, but Stephy suffered some compression to the chest and neck contusions. This happened Wednesday night and I am just knowing about it. I’m too weak with relief, and I’m just blessing God. Rejoice with me,” she added.

Photo: Olusegun Rapheal

DNA Baba storms Lagos

By Joe Agbro Jr.

stakeholders in the entertainment industry, fans, family and the media.

DNA Baba’s single, La Liga Me, produced by hit maker Yong Jonn (The Wicked Producer) and re-

corded at Hit Factory Studio, Lagos generated more than 15, 000 downloads in less than 48 hours after it premiered online.

The artiste says he looks forward to releasing more hit singles, surprising collaborations, great videos, and lots more.

OLLOWING his return to former label, Chocolate City, Jesse Abaga, aka Jesse Jagz, has signed a three-year contract with the outfit. According to information, the new deal will see the artiste releasing six albums in three years.

Starting from this year, Jagz is expected to release two albums, namely Gunspiracy Theory and Oddyseus. Both albums, information has it, are about 80 percent done, with arrangement also concluded on the medium of release.

According to reports, Oddyseus is likely to conform to the registered formats of pop and hip hop albums, while Gunspiracy Theory will see the artiste bringing out his inner creativity and pushing his art across the borders of Nigerian sounds.

It has also been revealed that the rapper is currently working on a third studio album with Ice Prince.

He said: “At the end of my current three year contract with Chocolate City, I will have released six albums. That is two albums every year.”

The rapper, singer, producer and

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

songwriter returned to Chocolate City last April, after calling it quits with the label in May 2012 to establish his own imprint known as Jagz Nation.

• Jesse Jagz

AK Media celebrates at 10

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K Media Concepts, the producers of TV series such as Face2face, Nowhere to Be Found, Oyinmomo and Family Ties is celebrating 10 years in the entertainment industry.

According to the company’s CEO, Asiwaju Benson Akindeju, the anniversary will be marked with a week-long event tagged AK Media’s Year Of Celebration.

The event kicked off yesterday with a prayer session at AK Media House situated at Wasimi, Maryland, Lagos.

“Tomorrow, there will be a workers retreat and a visit to Little Saints Orphanage, Dorcas Osinbo House, Ogudu G.R.A Lagos. The next day our new office on 22 Adeoye Adeyemi Road will be inaugurated.

“To end the celebration, there will be a Gala/award night for individuals and companies for their support over the years, and unveiling of our new programme, Liberty Villa, a sitcom on Friday,” said Akindeju, adding that the companies that have been penciled down for awards include Etisalat, Mediareach OMD,

By Tokunbo Ogunsami

Starcom Media, Mediacom, Airtel, Eko Supreme, Protea, Procter and Gamble (P&G), and Virgin Beauty Products.

“Actors and actresses who have worked with us will also be appreciated. Among them are Funsho Adeolu, Yemi Remi, Steph Nora Okere, Sunda Afolabi as well as Sunday Omobolanle, aka Pappy Luwe,” he noted.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

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NEWS

Sympathisers condole with Azikiwe’s family

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HE family house of the nation’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, was a beehive of activities yesterday as sympathisers trooped to the compound to pay their last respect to the first son of the great Zik of Africa, Owelle Chukwuma Bamidele Azikiwe.

Chukwuma, who replaced his father as the Owelle of Onitsha, died on Sunday at 10am according to the family.

The twin uncles of the deceased, Akunne Arah Azikiwe and his brother Nnanyelugo, received the visitors yesterday.

The family officially announced Chukwuma’s death as approved by the family’s spiritual head, Nwamulunanma Azikiwe.

“We announce the death of the Owelle of Onitsha, Chukwuma Bamidele Azikiwe.

“He died on Sunday May 10 at 10am and burial arrangements will be announced later,” Akunne said.

Owelle Azikiwe’s personal assistant, Chukwuma Njaka, said the death of his boss was

•Condolence register opened •Jonathan commiserates with family•Buhari: a gentleman left a turbulent world From Nwanosike Onu Awka, and Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

painful to everybody. He described the late Azikiwe as an Iroko tree.

The Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi on Statistics and Strategic Planning, Okey Okiri, who is also an in-law to the Azikiwe’s was one of the early birds.

Okiri said he spoke with the late Owelle on Wednesday and he did not sound sick. He regretted that he did not deliver the Owelle’s message to Governor Rotimi Amaechi before his death.

Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened in the expansive compound with a few persons signing it.

President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the Azikiwe family.

The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr.

Reuben Abati, also extended condolences to the government and people of Anambra State.

He said the deceased lived a fulfilled life by sustaining the humanitarian and leadership legacies of his father as a mobiliser, leader, philanthropist and a highly respected voice in his community.

The President prayed Almighty God to grant the soul of the departed a peaceful rest and comfort the family he left behind.

The President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari has also described the death of Chukwuma as a sad development and the exit of a great Nigerian who was brought up in the best tradition of national unity and genuine African values.

In a condolence message yesterday, Buhari said: “A gentleman has left a turbulent world. Ambassador Azikiwe was a thorough–

bred citizen who chose private life after a distinguished diplomatic career in Nigeria’s Foreign Service.

“There is no doubt that Azikiwe’s humane and refined qualities made it possible for him to step into the big shoes of his great fatherDr Nnamdi Azikiwe as the Owelle of Onitsha”.

The President-elect said with the demise of the Owelle, he had lost a friend who cared for him and often found the time to visit him.

Buhari urged the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nna’meka Ugochukwu Achebe and the entire people of Onitsha Royal Kingdom to take heart and bear the loss with fortitude.

Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano has condoled with the Azikiwe family and Obi of Onitsha on the death of Chief Chukwuma Bamidele Azikiwe.

In his condolence message, Obiano said he was shocked

at the news of the demise of Chukwuma, a 1964 Harvard Business graduate, whom he described as a political leader in his own right.

“It is not how long one lived, but how well. What is important is the courage we bring to bear on life. It is neither easy to come out from the shadows of a great patriarch, nor for one to succeed in all one’s endeavours.

“For me, it was enough that the late Chukwuma espoused his own vision of leadership and offered himself for service to the state.

“In a sense, he was a cultural ambassador of not just Onitsha but the Igbo race as a whole,” he said.

Obiano said the vicissitudes of his life notwithstanding, the deceased would be remembered as one who tried to play his part in the time and circumstances available to him and prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest.

Reagan, Otti to know fate May 27 From Okechukwu Nwankwo, Abia

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FEDERAL High Court sitting in Umuahia, the Abia State capital said it would on May 27 deliver judgment in a suit filed before it by Reagan Ufomba against Dr. Alex Otti, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the just concluded governorship polls and re-run.

Ufomba had approached the court seeking to know why the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) excluded him from contesting and instead, recognised Otti whom he claimed emerged through an illegally constituted body that organised the party’s primaries last year.

Counsels to the plaintiff and the defendant, Clement Onwuenweunor and Awa Kanu, in a 3-hour hearing process, presented their arguments for and against the suit.

Onwuenweunor told the court that Chief Victor Umeh, who served out his tenure on December 4 2014, had no right to constitute any committee to hold primaries for the party. He urged the court to declare Alex Otti’s emergence as the party’s flag bearer null and void.

He added that since Umeh was a senatorial candidate in the March 28 National Assembly elections, he had forfeited the right to nominate anyone as the party’s flag bearer.

Awa Kanu in his defence argued that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

The presiding judge adjourned the case to May 27 for judgment.

•The late Chukwuma Azikwe’s residence. Insert: his twin uncles

FMC Owerri workers begin warning strike

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CTIVITIES at the Federal Medical Centre Owerri were grounded yesterday as fresh round of protests rocked the centre following the query issued to union leaders who opposed the management’s decision to privatise some critical units of the hospital.

The aggrieved workers marched round the premises, carrying placards with inscriptions such as, ‘We are tired of intimidation by management’; ‘Withdraw the query given to our leaders’; ‘We say no to privitisaiton’; ‘We need our 2013/2014 promotion arrears’; ‘Buhari please come to our rescue’, among others.

Addressing reporters, one of the union leaders and Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Comrade Ezeugwu Clifford, listed the worker’s grievances to include the unpaid 2013/ 2014 promotion arrears, which he said had been released to the management, issuance of query to the union leaders for their position on the plan to lease out some units of the hospital.

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

He said the workers have embarked on a three-day warning strike to press home their demands.

“We are going to apply the work-to-rule for three days as warning, this means that the workers will come to work but will not attend to any patient or do any kind of work.

“We strongly oppose plans to privatise the hospital because when this happens, many patients will die because they can’t afford the

charges and already as we speak, FMC Owerri is the most expensive government hospital in the country,” Clifford said.

Another Union leader, Comrade Stanley Emegwara said: “The summary of our protest is that management should pay the benefits accruing to workers and to withdraw queries issued to our union leaders, which was meant to weaken the struggle against the planned privitisation”.

Emegwara faulted claims of

inefficiency and lack of accountability by the management as reasons for the planned privatisation when he said, “the claim that we are inefficient by the management is unfounded.

Our private investigations show that FMC Owerri is one of the best performing government hospitals in Nigeria. The only grounds provided for the privatisation of government firm are inefficiency, unaccountability and lack of transparency”.

APGA members to protest PDP’s betrayal

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HE leadership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is planning to mobilise 4,000 members to protest the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) “failure to keep to a promise” it made to the party.

There is a frosty relationship between the two political parties as APGA’s National Organising Secretary, Dr. Gbenga Afeni, in a statement, said the party had already concluded plans to

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

carry out the protest.

He said at least 100 party members from each state, including Abuja would match to ‘Otuoke’, the hometown of President Goodluck Jonathan to register their anger against the PDP. According to him, in 2011, APGA supported Jonathan and the PDP to get to power with nothing to show for the support thereafter.

Afeni, who said that

Jonathan promised APGA an all-inclusive national government, alleged that the board of trustees of the PDP reneged on the promise and schemed out APGA. He said APGA in 2015 supported President Jonathan, the flag bearer of the PDP, at the expense of many of its aspirants, saying “till date, those saddled with the responsibilities of liaising with us have not shown up by way of appreciation to APGA.”

Northcentral leaders seek support for Akume

By Seun Akioye

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EADERS from the Northcentral zone yesterday rose in support of Senator George Akume’s bid for Senate President.

They said the position should be retained by the zone, saying current political exigencies demand that the “Doctrine of Necessity” be invoked so that the position can be retained in the Northcentral.

Current Senate President David Mark is from Benue State in the Northcentral zone.

Announcing the position of the elders from the zone at a news conference yesterday, Mr. Mohammed Gwaska said the most fragile issue confronting the country is equity in the sharing of political offices and the representation of ethnic minorities and Christian religious groups mainly in the Southeast, Southsouth, Southwest and Northcentral zones in government.

“In the incoming administration, the President-elect is from the Northwest, while the Chief Justice of the Federation is from the Northeast, the remaining arm of government, the National Assembly, which is led by the Senate President must therefore be headed by someone of ethnic minority group from the Northcentral zone. “ Thus, we are delighted to present to the senators one who meets these conditions and much more, Senator George Akume who is Tiv by tribe and a Christian from Benue State,” Gwaska said.

Gwaska also described Akume as “a man of great humility, a keen listener and a consensus builder.” The elders said if selected as Senate President, Akume would approach the job with focus and purposefulness while maintaining a warm approach to his colleagues.

“As Minority Leader in the 7th Senate, Akume led the various parties in the senate harmoniously for four years during the time the APC metamorphosed from minority to majority status. He must have experienced the anxieties of his colleagues in the opposition, so Senator Akume would be very sensitive to their needs and aspirations,” he said.

Pa Usenbor for burial

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HE final burial arrangements of Pa Egbe’ Nehikhure Osamagie’ Oghomwenwi Philip-Usenbor, who died on February 27 have been released. He was 90 years.

There will be a service of songs on May 14 at his residence, 26 Aghedo Street, off Eheneden Street, Uzebu Quarters, Benin City, at 4pm.

This will be followed by family rites at 8pm.

Funeral mass will follow on May 15 at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Ukhegie Street, off I.C.E Road, Benin at 10am. Interment will follow immediately.

There will be a social gathering from noon at Garrick Memorial Grammar School, Ekenwan Road, Benin City on May 16 and then a thanksgiving service on Sunday, May 17 at St. Augustine Catholic Church.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

58

NEWS Ortom pledges fairness in appointments

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•Workers of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) protesting the plan to sack over 1,000 workers and lack of staff welfare in Abuja...yesterday PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Two killed as herdsmen invade Benue community

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WO persons were confirmed dead and 30 houses set a blazed on Monday night when suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked a Div village in Moon District of Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

It was learnt that over 70,000 displaced persons are taking refuge in nearby villages.

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

A retired Controller of Prison (CP) Iorbee Ihagh, who is among the victims of the attack, urged the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide relief materials to the affected persons.

He said the victims need basic amenities, such as food, water and shelter, in their new

environment.

Ihagh, who is an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, accused SEMA of neglecting the children and women affected by the attack.

A former member of the House of Assembly, Julius Atom, told our reporter that the Fulani herdsmen stormed Div village at 2am on Monday night, when everyone was

asleep.

The former lawmaker said the armed men set houses on fire and shot at those who attempted to escape in the melee that ensued.

Atom, who is a chieftain of APC in Div, said two person were killed and 15 others were seriously injuries.

The former lawmaker said the injured were receiving

treatment at a nearby hospital. The attack is coming 24 hours after a similar incident in a nearby village in the same Moon District.

Police spokesman Austine Ezeani, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said he had not received the report from Kwande Divisional Police Officer (DPO) on the incident.

North must unite for change to continue, says Commassie

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FORMER InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP) and Chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, has urged Northerners to embrace the political change in the country for the region to develop.

The former IGP noted that many things had changed from good to bad because the region’s leaders were not united.

According to him, most leaders care less about the people they lead since they are com-

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

fortable.

Coomassie said Northerners should jettison decisive tendencies, such as religion, ethnicity and language.

The former IGP advised them to focus on factors that unite them, as demonstrated in this year’s general elections, to experience the positive change the region used to enjoy.

The ACF Chairman spoke yesterday in Kaduna, when he chaired the First Northern Ni-

gerian Youth Summit, with the theme: Stronger Together, aimed at restoring the old glory of North and preparing youths from the region for the leadership roles.

Coomassie said: “Things have changed in this country, especially in the North. Employment is not available because our planners have not taken into account many variables as was the practice during the days of Sir Ahmadu Bello. “(The late) Sardauna was able to build a formidable

North because he believed in justice, fair play and equality for all, which has now become difficult for us to exhibit.”

The ACF chairman said all hands should be on deck to restore the region’s values.

He said this should be the starting point to regain the dignity of a powerful and indivisible North.

Coomassie said the people should prepare to put their resources forward for the peace, stability and progress of Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer of West Link Airlines, Captain Ibrahim Mshelia, noted that the youth had been relegated to the background in the affairs of the country, despite their contributions to electoral successes.

The businessman urged the participants to form a progressive union, not just in the North but across the country.

He said: “A call for Africa to rise can only be possible with a fully united and participating youth.”

Police arrest three suspected kidnappers in Kogi

Niger Speaker to police chief: order your men out of Assembly

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IGER State House of Assembly’s Speaker Isah Kawu yesterday urged Police Commissioner Emmanuel Amore to order his men, who have been occupying the Assembly since last Tuesday, to vacate the complex for legislative work to go on.

The Speaker also urged his predecessor, Adamu Usman, to stop parading himself as the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

Kawu said the Assembly may be forced to take action against Amore and Usman, if they refused to do the right thing.

Kawu, who addressed reporters yesterday in Minna, the state capital, condemned the continued occupation of the House of Assembly’s complex by the police.

The Speaker noted that the police occupation was a breach of the right of the lawmakers to congregate and carry out their duties.

He said the police yesterday allowed only the Assembly’s

•Amore: I’m only obeying court order By the time the order was received, the deed (impeachment and election of a new Speaker) had been done. There are records to show this. It was an order after an act.”

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

workers into the complex while legislators were barred from entering the complex to carry out their constitutional duties.

Kawu described the continued occupation of the police as a gag on the Legislature, adding that it was unacceptable, unconstitutional and a violation of the right of the lawmakers.

The Speaker said the presence of policemen at the gate to the Assembly’s complex was an eyesore to democracy and a disgrace to the state.

On what the lawmakers would do if the police chief

failed to withdraw his men, Kawu said: “We have many options which I may not want to disclose now. He (Amore) should know that we can sit anywhere. But that is not in the good image of the state, that law enforcement agents are at the gate of the Assembly, blocking members in a peace time.”

The Speaker warned Usman to desist from further parading himself as Speaker.

He recalled that 20 of the 25 members of the Assembly, in a duly constituted sitting, impeached Usman and elected him (Kawu) the new Speaker.

Kawu noted that the court

order Usman claimed to have secured was belated.

According to him, the injunction came after the action had been taken.

Kawu added: “By the time the order was received, the deed (impeachment and election of a new Speaker) had been done. There are records to show this. It was an order after an act.”

But Amore said his men were occupying the Assembly’s complex in compliance with a court order.

He said: “I am only acting on a court order. I have two orders: One, from an action by Speaker Adamu Usman and the other from an action by the Chief Servant (governor). The police were joined in the suits and we are only obeying court order.”

Efforts to get Usman’s comment on the matter were unsuccessful.

His mobile phone was unreachable at the time of filing this report last night.

ENUE State Governorelect Samuel Ortom has assured that he will be fair to all communities in making political appointments.

The governor-elect spoke in Makurdi, the state capital, when he hosted the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders from Kwande Local Government Area, Masev Development Association and Igede APC stakeholders at his and Senator George Akume’s homes.

Ortom expressed appreciation for the contributions of each of the communities for his victory at the polls.

The governor-elect said he would not short-change any of them.

The former Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment said he would hold a roundtable discussion with major stakeholders to determine where each position would go before making the appointments.

He promised to promote excellence over sycophancy and mediocrity in the affairs of the state.

Spokesman for the Kwande stakeholders, Mr Ngutor Anyam, said the local government performed well in the last general elections by winning all elective positions for the APC. The spokesman requested for the Speaker of the House of Assembly and commissioner.

He urged the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) be moved to Benue Northeast Senatorial District in recognition of its role in the electoral victory of the incoming administration.

From James Azania, Lokoja

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HE Kogi State Police Command has arrested three suspects - Muhammed Mayaki, Abdulaziz Sani and Usman Abdulrahaman - for allegedly kidnapping a Chinese na-

tional.

The victim, whose identity could not be ascertained last night, is said to be an employee of the Ceramic Industry in Ajaokuta.

Parading the suspects yesterday in Lokoja, the state capital, Police Commissioner Adeyemi Samuel Ogunjemilusi said the suspects, including another simply identified as Nda, who is said to be on the run, on April 27, kidnapped the Chinese and collected N5 million ransom from the company to release him.

The police chief said despite the payment of the ransom and the release of the victim, the police continued their investigation.

He added that the investigation paid off with the arrest of the kidnappers last weekend.

Ogunjemilusi said the gang leader, who is on the run after collecting N5 million ransom, gave N3.5 million to other members of the gang. The police also paraded another suspect, Amao Gbadebo, for allegedly threatening to kidnap an official of ECOWAS Hospital in Egbe, Yagba East Local Government Area.

The suspect allegedly collected a ransom from them.

The police chief said the suspect ran to Osun State, after collecting the money. He was said to have been arrested by the police in Osun State.

Ogunjemilusi said: “In related issue, on Saturday, the police foiled an attempt by some hoodlums to kidnap another Chinese working with Dangote Cement Company at Obajana.

“One of the officers ,who was seriously injured in the process, is receiving treatment at a hospital.”

Kano High Court frees suspected rapist of 13-year-old schoolgirl

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KANO State High Court yesterday discharged and acquitted a 25-year-old man and resident of Kwanar Hudu Quarters in Kano, Ibrahim Ladan, for allegedly

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

raping a 13-year-old schoolgirl.

The police, in their first information report (FIR), told the court that Ladan, in June

2011, forcefully had sex with the girl against her consent.

Ladan denied the charge.

The accused said the police arrested him in June 2011 for alleged rape, adding that they

held him in custody for 23 days before charging him to court.

A lawyer from the Ministry of Justice, M. I. Jubrin, presented three witnesses, including the

police officer who investigated the matter at Kwana Hudu Police Station.

They testified before the court.

Delivering judgment, Justice Dije Aboki said the

medical report tendered indicated that the girl was not defiled within 48 hours of the incident.

She said the prosecution could not prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

59

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

FOREIGN NEWS

Ukraine crisis: John Kerry meets Putin in Russia

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S Secretary of State John Kerry has been meeting President Vladimir Putin during his first visit to Russia since the Ukraine crisis began in early 2014.

Earlier Mr Putin’s spokesman called the meeting in Sochi a “positive step” and said the Russian leader was prepared for “extensive” discussions.

Mr Kerry has also met his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov.

The West accuses Russia of arming rebels in eastern Ukraine and sending troops there - charges Moscow denies.

More than 6,000 people have been killed since fighting began in April 2014 between Ukrainian government forces and Russianbacked rebels in the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

The conflict followed Russia’s annexation of the Crimean peninsula in southern Ukraine.

The Russian foreign minister and US secretary of state laid wreaths at a World War

Two memorial earlier on Tuesday.

During their meeting in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Mr Lavrov presented Mr Kerry with baskets of tomatoes and potatoes, according to the Russian foreign ministry.

Mr Kerry gave Mr Lavrov two large Idaho potatoes in January 2014.

State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said Mr Kerry’s trip was “part of our ongoing effort to maintain direct lines of communication with senior Russian officials and to ensure US views are clearly conveyed”.

After arriving in Sochi, John Kerry visited a World War Two memorial Mr Kerry presented his Russian counterpart with two Idaho potatoes during a meeting in Paris last year Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov praised Mr Kerry’s decision to travel to Russia, adding: “We are always open to showing a political will for a broader dialogue.”

He said Russia was prepared to discuss international “hot spots” as well as bilateral relations, and that the

•U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in a handshake with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi, Russia...yesterday PHOTO: GETTY IMAGE

issue of Western sanctions against Russia would not be raised by the Russian side.

For President Obama to send his top envoy all the

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into power in 2020 - dismissing claims it would take the party another 10 years to win back power.

Speaking in Swindon, a key marginal where Labour failed to make any inroads at the election, Mr Umunna insisted he could lead the party back to power within five years.

‘I think the Labour party can do it in five years. I want to lead that effort as part of a really big Labour team, getting Labour back into office, building a fairer, more equal society - that’s why we all joined the party in the first place.’

Chuka Umunna has enjoyed a rapid rise since being elected to Parliament five

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•Umunna

years ago, aged just 31.

The sharp-suited former lawyer was promoted to shadow business secretary within two years of winning his Commons seat – and quickly became one of Labour’s most high-profile figures.

Chinese company treats 6,400 employees ORE than 6,000 emto French vacation ployees of Tiens

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Group — a Chinese conglomerate — were given the VIP treatment on an all expenses paid trip to France to celebrate the company’s 20th birthday.

The tour group — the largest to visit the country — was given a private tour of the Louvre museum and a private shopping session at luxury department store Galeries Lafayette during their four-day trip, reported AFP. After two days in Paris, the

group headed down to the southern resort town of Nice on Friday, where they also broke a Guinness World Record for forming the largest human sentence.

All staff members lined up on the waterfront, Promenade des Anglais, to spell out the phrase “Tiens’ dream is nice in the Côte d’Azur” that was visible from above.

The Chinese company broke a Guinness World Record for

building the largest human sentence in Nice, France.

According to local media, the company booked 4,760 rooms in 79 hotels between Cannes and Monaco, and 146 tour buses.

“We have mobilized public services as well as tourism professionals, hotels, restaurants, shops and designer brands,” Christian Mantel, head of the French tourism development agency told AFP.

Malawi : Ex-army chief arrested over corruption

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ALAWI’S former army chief has been arrested over a multi-million dollar corruption allegation.

Gen Henry Odillo and his former deputy, Lt Col Clement Kafuwa, are accused of arranging a contract to supply military equipment which was never delivered.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has detained them as part of an on going investigation into govern-

ment corruption known as “cashgate”.

Neither Gen Odillo nor Col Kafuwa have commented on the allegations.

The BBC’s Raphael Tenthani in Blantyre says dozens of civil servants have been charged in the “cashgate” investigations and so far there have been at least five convictions.

The scandal has revealed several cases of money being spent without services being

sues with him is even more important.

John Kerry has not visited Russia since relations plunged into a deep freeze

over Ukraine. It now looks as though both sides are hoping that yesterday’s talks are a chance to explore where they have common ground.

Another deadly quake hits Nepal

UK: Chuka Umunna announces bid for Labour Party leadership ABOUR’S shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna announced his bid to become Labour leader in a video released online yesterday.

The 36-year-old MP for Streatham in south London made the announcement on Facebook after savaging Labour’s disastrous election defeat.

He is the second Labour MP to join the race to replace Ed Miliband, after Blairite shadow health minister Liz Kendall announced her bid on Sunday.

Mr Umunna, who worked as a lawyer in London before entering Parliament, claimed he wanted to ‘lead the effort’ to get Labour back

way to Sochi is significant.

That the Kremlin has now called the visit positive and said President Putin is ready to discuss a wide range of is-

provided.

There have been protests over the corruption revealed by the ‘cashgate’ scandal The two military men may be facing charges of abuse of public office, negligence by a public officer in preserving money and money laundering, a statement from the ACB says.

An investigation has found that the army paid $4.4m (£2.8m) for the equipment that was not supplied.

ESTERDAY, the ground shook. Again.

But it soon became clear that this was no mere aftershock, scary though those have been.

This was another major earthquake, the kind where you run for your life, where you seek any open area so nothing falls on your head and you don't get trapped under the rubble.

It was then, near the epicentre of Tuesday's quake, that the world's most dangerous airport became a place of safe haven.

People in Lukla -- a town that serves as a gateway to the Everest region and that was near the epicenter of

Tuesday's quake -- rushed to the airport.

Most of Lukla's buildings are perched on hilly grounds.

The airport is said to be highly dangerous because its runway is short, and it's surrounded by mountains. But on Tuesday, Chungba Sherpa was glad to be there.

"People are here because there is open space," he said by telephone. "They are very scared."

Not for the first time. On April 25 -- just two weeks and three days ago -- Nepal was devastated by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake. More than 8,000 people were killed and nearly 18,000 were injured.

A frightening series of aftershocks has kept residents of Nepal on edge. But none had nearly the power of Tuesday's magnitude-7.3 quake, which was centered near Mount Everest.

It was felt with force 52 miles (83 kilometers) to the east, in the country's capital, Kathmandu, which suffered so much in the April earthquake.

Mingma Sherpa was in his car with two friends in Thamel, Kathmandu's congested tourist district, when the earth began to tremble.

In his rear-view mirror he saw people running in panic. It was then that he knew it was another earthquake.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

NEWS Islamic Council to Senate: reject Jonathan’s Hajj Commission list

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HE Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) yesterday faulted President Goodluck Jonathan for reconstituting the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) without consulting either the organisation or the President-General of the NSCIA, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto.

The Islamic body asked the Senate to reject the list of NAHCON members submitted to it by the President.

The NSCIA made its feelings known in a petition to the President of the Senate, which was signed by its Secretary-General, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.

The NSCIA queried why Jonathan opted to rush the reconstitution of NAHCON without due process.

In the May 9 petition, the council said the way NAHCON was reconstituted “smacks off bad faith and symptomatic of a sinister plan to cause friction and disaffection within the rank and file of the Nigerian Muslim community while covering up some irregularities”.

It asked the Senate to stay action on the confirmation of the new list of NAHCON members.

The petition reads in part: “The attention of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has been drawn, through the press, to

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

the submission of some names as members of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to the Senate for screening and approval.

“The NSCIA wishes to register its opposition to, and disapproval of, the hurried process that engendered the re-constitution of the commission. We want to aver that though the tenure of the Chairman and some (not all) current members of the Commission ends three or four days to the end of the tenure of the outgoing government, it is baffling that there is an unusual urgency to re-constitute it at this material time.

“It would have been proper to ask a Permanent Commissioner whose tenure still subsists beyond 2015 to act as Chairman after the 24th of May to allow for statutory consultation and filling of vacancies in the 19-member Commission. This has been the case on several occasions in other Commissions under this current government. We recall the examples of Security and Exchange Commission, Federal Character Commission, FIRS and PENCOM, instead of this hurried and improper re-constitution of the Hajj Commission, some four or five months away from Hajj.

“The way and manner in which the re-constitution is

done smack of bad faith and symptomatic of a sinister plan to cause friction and disaffection within the rank and file of the Nigerian Muslim Community while covering up some irregularities. Even if it is not illegal, technically, to re-constitute the Commission, it is immoral and unprocedural, more so that the Commission is charged with administration of a sensitive assignment about which over 80 million Nigeria Muslims are concerned.”

The council raised some posers for Jonathan to address to justify his action.

The NSCIA added: “It has always been the practice to consult with the leadership of the NSCIA pursuant to Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, which stipulates “due consultation” as expected for the agency charged with the huge responsibility of handling an Islamic rite of this magnitude. The government failed and neglected to comply with this fundamental statutory provision in this nomination.

“It is intriguing that it is this same Federal Government that designated the President-General of the NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, H.E. Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, as the Permanent Amirul Hajj. Yet, the NSCIA is aware that he was not informed, not to talk of being consulted in carrying out the latest exercise.

Buhari to get Jonathan’s handover meeting was a valedictory notes May 28 council meeting for President document on what to be done Continued from page 4

to reduce the Fulani herdsmen / farmers clashes, which has resulted in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Niger, Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa.

On the transition, Aliyu said: “One is inauguration, the formality of the new president taking over. Technically, the 29th is for the man taking over.

For handing over documents, you don’t wait till that 29th because after the inauguration the transition committee may continue.”

“If you recall, when President Jonathan came on board, he inaugurated the Gen. (Theophilus) Danjuma Committee to look at all the documents that were handed over to them and make recommendations. So it is a continous thing.”

“The handing over of documents from the outgoing President to the incoming President-elect will take place on the 28th and the inauguration on the 29.”

Continuing, he said: “Every Ministry, department and

agency that has worked for government, including all the funds that have been collected, how they have been utilised and the assets and the liabilities of government will all be put together in documents and be handed over to the incoming government. Officially, the government will be handed over on the 28th of May.” “The inauguration is on the 29th, as you know the committees have concluded their arrangements. Invitations have been sent out to all the presidents of African countries, including presidents and prime ministers of the G8, including multilateral heads, like the United Nations, Commonwealth, ECOWAS, African Union. We expect a beautiful ceremony on the 29th.”

Reeling out the programme, Aliyu said: “22nd is Jumat prayer, 24th will be Sunday service, 28th will be handing over as well as dinner and 29th inauguration, a lunch and a gala night.”

He also disclosed that the

Goodluck Jonathan.

Aliyu said: “A thank you and gratitude motion was moved

by Gen. Yakubu Gowon, reiterating all the beautiful things that have happened in the Council of State and thanking Mr. President and all the members of Council for their contribution to the development and unity of Nigeria.”

“Particularly, the responses of both President Goodluck Jonathan and the Presidentelect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari; President Goodluck Jonathan in conceding defeat and the magnanimity of Gen. Buhari, which set the tone for the peaceful and unifying forces that came into Nigeria.”

“That today you can hardly notice the tension that was there before the elections and we hope that this convention and this tradition that we have established will continue in our subsequent elections. That those people defeated will accept and those elected will be magnanimous in victory,” Aliyu said.

Senate in final battle with President Continued from page 4

ate President David Mark was responsible.

Mark was away at the Presidential Villa attending the Council of State meeting.

Another source said “intense pressure is being mounted on the National Assembly from outside to reconsider the move to override Mr. President’s veto.”

The source added that “ some highly placed Nigerians have been making frantic efforts to convince the National

Assembly to take a second look at the reasons Mr. President gave for with holding his assent.”

‘We are not unmindful of the implications of the actions we want to take. In the end, common sense will prevail. For now we are determined to do the needful because time is not on our side. We have taken the first step by gazetting the alterations. The days ahead will tell how far we can go. We are not fighting anybody. There is nothing personal in what we are doing.”

Jonathan had predicated his reasons for withholding his assent on the claim that the National Assembly failed to follow due process in the process of altering provisions of the Constitution.

The National Assembly’s push to override the President’s veto is also based on the feeling that if it failed to override the President’s veto, the Bill would have elapsed at the expiration of the Seventh National Assembly before the Supreme Court would decide the matter.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

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NEWS Ilorin emirate backs Saraki for Senate president

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SOCIO-CULTURAL organisation known as Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) yesterday urged political leaders and groups in the country to consider Senator Bukola Saraki for Senate President.

IEDPU said its support for Senator Saraki was not borne out of any ulterior political motive but on the former governor’s antecedents.

Addressing reporters in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, IEDPU’s President, Alhaji Abdulhamid Adi said that Kwara and Kogi State have not been opportuned to occupy the exalted position.

Alhaji Adi said: “We are therefore deeply concerned that within Northern political arrangement to which Ilorin Emirate squarely belongs with all commitment and loyalty, the area is continuously being marginalised for unspecified reasons.

“The present Northcentral Zone comprises the old

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Kwara, old Benue Plateau and part of old North Western state (within the old 12 states structure). While the old Benue Plateau has produced the longest serving head of state, three senate presidents including the incumbent, the small part of old North-Western state (now Niger) has produced two heads of state, it is only Kwara State which makes up Kwara and Kogi that has not been fortunate.

“For the purpose of clarity, our support for Senator Saraki is not politically sponsored but borne out of our conviction that he is eminently qualified and can serve the nation creditably well. Such support will always be extended to any other indigene of the emirate in similar circumstances irrespective of political affiliation.

“This is our honest position and we therefore call on all and sundry to support this stand in the interest of national cohe-

EFCC re-arraigns Ahmadu Ali’s son, others for N4.5b subsidy fraud

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rearraigned Mamman, son of Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) former Chairman, Ahmadu Ali, and two others for alleged involvement in N4.5 billion fuel subsidy fraud.

Mamman Ali was re-arraigned alongside another oil marketer, Christian Taylor, and his company, Nasaman Oil Services Limited, before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of a Lagos State High Court, Ikeja.

They were initially arraigned before same judge on July 26,2012.

By Adebisi Onanuga

A co-defendant then, Oluwaseun Ogunnbambo, jumped bail, a situation that made the commission to amend charges and re-arraign the defendants.

In the amended charge, the defendants are now facing a 49-count charge as against the former nine-count charge.

The 49-count charge include conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretences, forgery and use of false documents to obtain money from the Federal Government from the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF).

At the beginning of proceedings against the defendants,

counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Seidu Atteh, said the defendants had fraudulently obtained N4.5 billion from the Federal Government between January 2011 and April 2012.

Atteh said the money was for subsidy payments from the PSF for the purported importation of 30.5 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit.

The defendants were alleged to have forged a bill of lading and other documents, which they used in facilitating the fraud.

He said the offences contravened Sections 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of

•National President, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives Alhaji Abdulrafiu Adeniji (left), with Minister of State for Health Mr. Fidelis Nwankwo, at the International Nurses Week in Abuja...yesterday.

The Sun’s editorial board member presents book

By Olatunde Odebiyi

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MEMBER of the editorial board and media adviser to the Publisher of The Sun, Ebere Wabara, yesterday presented a book titled: “Media Gaffes and Essays... plus other intervention”.

Speaking at the event held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema noted that most of the mistakes in the print and electronic media were manifestation of carelessness, loose thinking and ignorance.

“We must be consistent in the use of either British or American English, mixing up both variants in any lexical environment shows slipshoddiness.”

The governor, who was represented by his Head of Service, Mohammed Aliyu, noted that most media audiences were stickers for purism.

“For those in this finicky and fastidious class, all slips count.

Unfortunately, most people who commit these facile and fallacious blunders are persons who should know, but because incorrigibility has affected them, they have become ignoramuses.”

Jonathan appoints Sanusi as Supreme Court’s justice

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of a new justice for the Supreme Court. He is Justice Amiru Sanusi.

The appointment of Justice Sanusi now raised the number of justices of the Supreme Court to 18.

The National Judicial Council (NJC), in a state-

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

ment yesterday, confirmed the appointment.

NJC’s Acting Director Information, Soji Oye, said Justice Sanusi will be sworn-in tomorrow by the Chief Justice and NJC Chairman, Mahmud Mohammed, at 11 am in the Supreme Court Complex.

2006.

He added that the offences also violated Sections 363(a) and 364 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

The defendants again pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

But the judge allowed Ali and Taylor to continue to enjoy the N20 million bail, which he had earlier granted them after their initial arraignment on July 26.

Atteh told the court that the prosecution was ready to go into trial following its inability to apprehend Ogunbambo.

Justice Onigbanjo adjourned the matter till June 30, for trial.

PHOTO: NAN

Speakership: Jibrin lobbies Reps-elect

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NE of the aspirants for the post of the Speaker of House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has taken his case to 200 newly elected members of the House.

In a letter to the lawmakers, the aspirant pledged to give the new members 75 per cent of committee chairmen and deputy chairmen positions.

It was the second letter Jibrin would write to his colleagues in the House.

The lawmaker, who heads the House Committee on Finance, in his new letter pledged to give special atten-

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

tion to the new members.

He said: “The focus of this letter is to give some details of the special attention I intend to give to you First Term Members. I have carefully observed that all other aspirants have shown little attention to this new group of dynamic incoming members.

“A key way to deepen the change is to effectively integrate you into the activities of the House, share experience with you, discuss your welfare as most of you are coming in with family and

need to quickly settle down to the task ahead, but most importantly, put you in position of authority to bring in your fresh ideas and expertise in running the activities of the House.

“To this end, if you elect me Speaker, I pledge to hand over 75 per cent of the total positions (committee chairs and deputies) in the House to First Term Members. It means 75 per cent of the positions allocated to each state will go to First Term Members. To do this, I will have to step on toes. But if this will usher in the change and fresh ideas we

crave for our dear country, so be it,” he said.

The lawmaker said the newly elected members have the numerical strength that they could determine who becomes the next Speaker and advised them not to “waste it”.

“Do not allow yourselves to be relegated to the background. Do not allow yourselves to be used only as numbers to be counted in votes for aspirants that do not appreciate your individual potentials and your fresh ideas. I urge you to unite and take charge! We are all equals!” he said.

SAN dissociates self from Kashamu’s lawyer’s abduction claim

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SENIOR Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Godwin Obla has dissociated himself from claim by lawyer to a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Buruji Kashamu, Ajibola Oluyede that he informed him (Oluyede) about plans to abduct and transfer Kashamu to the United States for drug charges.

Kashamu, now a Senatorelect, representing Ogun East, had in an April 15, 2015 letter, claimed that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Obla, who is “very close” to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mohammed Adoke (SAN), informed him about the plot to his lawyer, Ajibola Oluyede, while on a flight from Lagos to Abuja.

Kashamu, in the letter, written for him by Oluyede, to the

From From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), also alleged of plot to eliminate him by some political enemies.

He also mentioned the name of the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase in the alleged plot.

But in a petition against Oluyede to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) , Obla accused Oluyede of fabricating story to make his client’s case looked good.

He wants the LPDC “to inquire into the infamous conduct of Ajibola Oluyede with a view to bringing him before the committee to account for the misdeed to save the legal profession of loss of reputation and integrity of its members.”

Obla said he had “never had

any connection, nor shown any particular or special interest beyond the media effects of consistent reportage, on the person of Kashamu and his associates, including the said prince Ajibola Olueyede, his lawyer, with whom I only had a brief encounter in court in the year 2013 in the course of my professional duties in suits totally unconnected with Kashamu.”

He said he only heard about Kashamu’s alleged indictment in the US from media reports.

Obla said that he would have ignored the lies told by Oluyede as nothing, “but mere antics of a desperate lawyer sliding beyond his call of duty to indulge in the old tales on a voyage of fabricating facts in order to earn his brief at all costs, however, I am mindful

of the Goebbellian effects of falsehoods donning the toga of truth if unchallenges, and it’s deleterious effects on the integrity of the bar, hence, this complaint.

Obla stated that Oluyede was only out to use black mail as an extra judicial stratagem to obtain the bidding of his client in an already pending extradition suit.

He said the only encounters he had ýwith Oluyede were on a few occasions in court as stated above which never extended beyond professional acquaintanceship.

Obla added that the encounters could, by no means have translated into such friendship intimacy as to warrant, by any widest imagination, the deluded fancy that he shared such nonexistent information or

facts with him as alleged.

Obla said although he was close to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Bello Adoke, (SAN), at no time did the two of them discuss issues relating to Kashamu’s extradition.

Part of the letter by Kashamu reads: “On a flight to the Federal Capital, Abuja from Lagos sometime in October 2014 a colleague and friend of our principal partner, R. A. Oluyede, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Obla, who is also very close to the AGF, informed Mr. Oluyede of the tremendous pressure that Chief (Olusegun) Obasanjo was bringing upon the AGF for the extradition of Prince Kashamu and that, in one discussion between the AGF and Chief Obasanjo, witnessed by him (the SAN), Chief Obasan-

jo had boasted that he was making arrangements with some US officials in the region to have Prince Kashamu abducted and flown, in a private plane, to the US. “He advised that Mr. Oluyede tell Prince Kashamu, known widely to be his client, to be very careful. Prince Kashamu’s enquiry about this information revealed that indeed, there had been moves made by US officials within the region, to secure the assistance of the head of the INTERPOL division in Nigeria, Mr. Solomon Arase, a Deputy Inspector General of Police, for the arrest and delivery to the US officials of Kashamu for transportation to the US without following the due process required by the Nigeria Extradition Act.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

SPORT EXTRA

Barca books Champions League final spot

• Barcelona's Brazilian forward Neymar da Silva Santos Junior (l) celebrates scoring his second goal last night

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ARCELONA has booked its spot in the 2015 Champions League final despite losing 2-3 to Bayern Munich in the second leg of their semi-final at the Allianz Arena.

The Spanish outfit entered the match as the strong favourites to advance following a 3-0 victory in the first leg last week and it proved to be a comfortable progression for the Catalan outfit, despite a late rally from the hosts.

Amokachi may take over FC Taraba

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ANIEL Amokachi looks set to take over as coach of Nigeria premier league outfit FC Taraba, AfricanFootball.com can report.

The 42-year-old Amokachi, who is not expected to return as assistant to Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi, has handled Nasarawa United, Enyimba as well as the Super Eagles and U23 national team.

His former national teammate and close friend Tijjani Babangida is a consultant to Taraba.

‘The Bull’, as Amokachi was called during his playing days, was in Jalingo to watch the team draw 3-3 at home with Gabros on Sunday and a source inside the Taraba camp told AfricanFootball.com the coach is coming in as the new technical adviser all things being equal.

"I heard it last week that Amokachi is coming to take over as our coach, he was here on Sunday to watch our game against Gabros. I think he will take over as the new technical adviser," the source told AfricanFootball.com.

Last season, Ndubuisi Nduka was sacked as the club’s coach and his assistant, Tony Ogharanduku, has since been in charge of the team.

• Amokachi

RESULTS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Bayern 3 - 2 Barca (3-5) Agg. TURKEY - SUPER LIG Basaksehir 2 - 1 Sivasspor K’yaspor 1 - 0 Genclerbirligi

Barcelona had a wonderful chance to open the scoring in the fifth minute when Ivan Rakitic broke through on goal, but Manuel Neuer was on hand to make the save, before the German tipped a Jordi Alba cross wide for a corner. Bayern immediately broke down the other end, but Thiago's effort from the edge of the box was blocked.

Bayern was ahead on the night after seven minutes, however, when Medhi Benatia headed a Xabi Alonso corner into the bottom corner to cut the deficit to 3-1 on aggregate.

Barcelona was on level terms after 15 minutes, however, when Lionel Messi set up Luis Suarez, who squared for Neymar and the Brazilian could not miss from close range as he scored for the seventh game in a row.

Bayern remained a threat, however, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen forced into a smart save to deny Thomas Muller. Ter Stegen was again called into action seven minutes later when he held onto a low poked attempt from Robert Lewandowski. Messi then came close down the other end - forcing a smart save from Neuer, before Muller fired straight into the arms of Ter Stegen.

Barcelona had its second of the match in the 29th minute when Suarez again set up Neymar and again, the Brazilian finished into the bottom corner.

Bayern came close to levelling the score on the night after 38 minutes when Bastian Schweinsteiger met a cross from the left, but Ter Stegen was on hand to make another smart save, before the Barca goalkeeper somehow kept out a close-range strike from Lewandowski. At the interval, Bayern needed five goals without reply to advance.

Bayern started the second period on the front foot and came close to levelling on the night through Schweinsteiger in the 50th minute, but the German was once again denied by the impressive Ter Stegen. The home side continued to press forward as the half developed, but Muller could only fire high and wide of the crossbar as Barca played the game at their own pace.

Juan Bernat broke forward for Bayern in the 57th minute as the home supporters kept a good noise inside the stadium, but the former Valencia left-back could only fire wide of the post, with the home side still needing at least five goals to overcome Barca.

Warri Wolves to hit Dolisie on Thursday

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IGERIA flag-bearers Warri Wolves have concluded plans to arrive in the Congolese town of Dolisie on Thursday for the CAF Confederation Cup playoff, first leg against homers AC Leopards on Sunday.

A 30-man contingent will travel aboard an Ethiopian Airline aircraft from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and transit in Addis Ababa before flying to Dolisie, a city with which a couple of Nigerian teams are

familiar with.

Leopards eliminated Nigerian teams Heartland FC and Kano Pillars from continental club competitions some years ago, albeit on the away goals rule, and will be confident hosting the Warri boys.

The Congolese team was eliminated from this year’s CAF Champions League by Smouha of Egypt – incidentally the same Egyptian side that eliminated Nigerian representatives Enyimba FC. Wolves have an impressive

record in this year’s competition, winning five of their six matches and drawing the other – 0-0 against Dedebit FC away in Ethiopia after a 2-0 first leg win.

In the preliminary round, the Paul Aigbogun boys piped Racing Club BoboDioulasso 1-0 in Burkina Faso and then swept to a three-goal win in the return. In the second round, they edged FC Etancheite of Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 in Warri before winning 1-0 in Kinshasa.

Moses Simon confirms Flying Eagles’ arrival date ENT (Belgium) fanfavourite, Moses Simon, has confirmed his arrival date to the camp of the Flying Eagles ahead of the FIFA Under20 World cup in New Zealand.

The 19-year-old ace who is in line for the Best Player of African Origin award, popularly called the Ebony award, is expected in camp on May 25 after his team last playoff game against Anderlecht.

SL10.ng learnt that Gent spoke with the team handlers of the Flying Eagles directly to ask for Simon to be allowed to play in all of their playoff games as they currently top the standings and losing him might jeopardise their chances of lifting the Belgium league title.

Satisfied with the explanation given to them by the Belgium side, the Garba-led technical crew will include the forward in their 21-

G

man list for the Championship expected to be submitted on the 15th of May as they are satisfied and are abreast with his form and fitness.

However, Simon is expected to leave Belgium in the night after their last game against Anderlecht and should arrive the camp in the morning of 25th of May just like his fellow Belgium-based player, Wilfred Ndidi, did yesterday.

• Simon

Nwakali rejoins Man City for pre-season

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LYING Eagles midfielder Chidiebere Nwakali has said he will rejoin Manchester City for pre-season training in the summer.

The 18-year-old Nwakali has been shipped out on loan to Spanish La Liga side Malaga, but he told AfricanFootball.com he will return to his parent club for preparations for the new season.

“I was part of City’s pre-season last season, but injury stopped me

from being fully involved. However, I will again be part of the pre-season this summer,” he said.

The smart-playing midfielder has been loaned out to Malaga for two and half seasons and said he hopes to make his firstteam debut next season.

“I hope to be playing for the first team of Malaga next season after I featured for the second team this outgoing season,” he said.

TODAY IN THE NATION

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.10 NO.3213

‘With the current fratricidal war in the PDP, it is doubtful if any lesson has been learnt at all from the party’s unimpressive outing in the last elections’ DELE AGEKAMEH

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

I

N any elected government there are three arms, one to make laws, the second to execute them and the third to adjudicate on the laws. By separating their functions and powers, each is supposed to serve as a check on the others.

The fundamental difference between an elected government and a dictatorship of whatever kind is the separate and autonomous existence of the law making arm. In any elected government, no one can spend one kobo from government’s coffers without the legislature’s appropriation and no treaty with any country can become law without the legislature’s approval. For me, these alone make it the first among the equal but seperate three arms, even though it seems the executive arm is the most powerful probably because, by definition, it is the largest. (It is, I suppose, this power that makes its head any country’s No. 1 Citizen and his deputy the No. 2.)

As, at least for me, the more equal of the three arms of our government, it is not surprising that the subject matter of those to head our two-chamber legislature, the National Assembly, has dominated our media headlines since the end of this year’s general elections in April.

Of the two chambers, i.e., the Senate and the House of Representatives, the election of the head of the former as the senior chamber, namely its President and the country’s No. 3 Citizen, has attracted, by far, the greater public and media attention than that of the head of the latter, namely its Speaker and the country’s No. 4 Citizen.

Since Independence in 1960, the Senate has had twelve Presidents, three (Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Dennis Osadebe, and Dr. Nwafor Orizu) during the First Republic between 1960 and 1966, one (Dr. Joseph Wayas) during the Second Republic between 1979 and 1983, two (Dr Iyorchia Ayu and Mr Ameh Ebute) during the peculiar Third Republic - which was a diarchy in all but name under military president, General Ibrahim Babangida - during the last two years of his eightyear transition programme that ended in 1993, and six (Chief Evan Enwerem, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, Chief Adolphus Wabara, Chief Ken Nnamani and the incumbent, General David Mark) during the current Fourth Republic which began in 1999.

The race for Mark’s successor has since turned into a rollercoaster with all its twists and turns that have left almost everyone in a tizzy. At the beginning, it all seemed a shoo-in for Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the ranking senator representing Kwara Central, two-term governor of the state, one time chairman of the powerful Nigeria’s Governors’ Forum, and apparently the worthy successor of his late father and Senate Leader during the Second Republic, Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki, as the godfather of Kwara politics.

First, his geo-political zone, the North-Central, was bettered only by the North-West in delivering for the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the general elections and he played a key role in so doing. Second, he’d earned a somewhat controversial reputation for his capacity as a successful wheeler-dealer in politics and business. Third, because of the first reason, his party’s National Working Committee (NWC) was reported to have initially zoned the Senate presidency to his zone

RIPPLES WE ARE REGROUPING TO TAKE OVER POWER IN 2019–PDP

HOLY GHOST FIRE ‘ll scatter that regrouping...do you realise you’ve KILLED our ECONOMY?

People and Politics By

MOHAMMED H ARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

The Eighth Senate rollercoaster

•Saraki

•Akume

and he looked like the sole beneficiary.

This picture of a shoo-in for the godfather of Kwara politics has since given way to one of serious challenge to him from within his zone and from the North-East such that today the Senate presidency is a toss-up between him, Senator George Akume, the current minority leader and two-term governor of Benue State, and Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, who has been a federal legislator since 1999, twice as member of the House of Representatives and twice now as senator.

Yesterday’s lead story of Thisday provides probably the best and possibly the most authoritative insight into the predicament the APC faces as these three battle for the Senate’s presidency for which the incumbent deserves credit for virtually single-handedly stabilising – whatever reservations anyone may have about his politics.

In its first eight years, the Senate had a scandalous number of five presidents, giving an average of one and a half years per president, thanks mainly to meddling in its affairs by President Olusegun Obasanjo. Then Mark came along in 2007, following a controversial win of his seat in Benue State, got elected president after his party zoned it to North-Central, his geo-political zone, and remained president for eight years by managing to keep out external meddling and by beating all challenges to his leadership from within.

Needless to say, the now stable Senate presidency has become a much more attractive political prize than it was before Mark and, not surprisingly, the fight for it has become highly intense.

Thisday’s headline, “Intrigues, Horse Trading Trail

Senate Presidency Race,” and its rider to the headline, “Lawan gets Buhari’s nod as Tinubu conditions support on Gbajabiamila as Speaker; Saraki, Akume intensify lobby; APC caucus may decide Wednesday,” were probably as accurate a gist of the fight as any news that have been published about it so far.

Unfortunately this picture, to the extent that it is accurate - which I believe it is – shows that little has changed from the smoke and mirrors days of the ruling PDP where the main consideration was not how power could best be used for public service but who got what. Consequently, zoning trumped every other consideration for elective offices, and the final say always went to the president.

Nigerians voted APC for change and not to carry on with the discredited ways of the PDP. This party introduced and popularised zoning in Nigeria’s politics. But 16 years on, the concept has only promoted mediocrity in politics as many of its critics, including this reporter, had predicted.

Worse, it had also led to unnecessary acrimony and instability in the polity. APC should therefore discard it and allow a free-for-all in the elections for the National Assembly leadership, based on

Re: GMB’s ‘ban’ on AIT Sir, The proprietor of AIT ought to sit and reflect on a disgraceful season. Deliberate falsehood passed as news stories. Mr Dokpesi preferred money to decency. Freedom of speech is no licence to indecency.

Mansur Kotorkoshi +2347034629236.

Sir, While the President-elect has the option of resorting to the courts to seek redress for the irresponsibility and deprecating unprofessionalism, the remedy for NTA’s grand and ridiculous betrayal of public trust is a clean sweep of its top management as a harbinger to rescuing the organisation from the precipice on which it now hangs.

Duncan Ibeabuchi +2349033424201.

Sir, Whatever may be the decision of GMB, I had before the elections put AIT on total ban in my

HARDBALL

C

ALL her the rich poor girl. She is in misery now; so much so she is miserable. Every day she wails in the media seeking to be heard, wanting justification and affirmation. After nearly a decade of calamitous outings as the manager of Nigeria’s purse strings, she looks back now with much anguish and pain and emptiness assails her.

If only Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, out-going Finance Minister, would just keep mum and walk gracefully into the oblivion that awaits her, we might just overlook her woeful outing and go on to pick the pieces of our broken lives, the outcome of her poor economic management. But she would not let us be.

She insists she is the best thing that happened here since 1914; and she ends up aggravating the poor populace she has effectively immiserated these past years.

Just last weekend, Ngozi, growing increasingly sanctimonious as her misadventure comes to an end, told us that she and her clueless team mates are leaving solid economic legacies. How cruel and insensitive can a failed public official be?

She identified some of such legacies as agriculture in which food production has in-

who its members think would lead them best and serve the public interest best.

The most important consideration should never be where the contestants come from. Far more important are first, their demonstrated personal integrity and commitment to public service as opposed to self service and, second, their abhorrence of the old divide and rule ways of the PDP government leadership.

There are, of course, other considerations like competence and a capacity to keep outsiders from meddling in the strictly internal affairs of the National Assembly. However, the overriding consideration must be the personal integrity of an aspirant and his commitment to public service such as would facilitate, rather than hinder, President-elect Muhammadu Buhari from bringing about at least the beginning of the change he has promised.

It could be that none of the three current contenders fits this bill, given the fact that they are too steeped in the bad old attitude of the legislature to have the will to change things around. In that case, nothing, in theory at least, stops the federal legislators, most of whom are new, from looking beyond the lot on offer for the Senate leadership.

However, since, in practice, time is now an object and as such has restricted the choice before the legislators to the three, they should be left alone by the APC to choose the least bad of a not-soideal lot.

In my thinking that choice should be Senator George Akume. His choice could signal the beginning of an end to a badly divided North, especially religious wise, a division which, in turn, has been very bad for Nigeria’s peace, stability and progress. His choice is also likely to pose the least obstructive of the three to the Senate working handin-glove with the presidency to bring an end to the impunity that so much characterised the departing PDP government and made the lives of most Nigerians so nasty, brutish and short.

Poor, poor Ngozi creased impacting on prices; she points to what they term as National Industrial Revolution (in this i-age!) with the accompanying automotive policy as another of the Jonathan administration’s legacies. There is also, according to her, impressive rise in cement production which has made Nigeria a net exporter of the product. The creation of about 1.4 million jobs yearly out of the required 1.8 million; the creation of a mortgage market to help provide affordable housing and the launch of Development Bank of Nigeria which will support small businesses. These are solid legacies they are leaving behind.

Hardball’s main grouse with Dr. OkonjoIweala is that she often talks to us as if we have eggshells for brains. She forgets that we too have eyes to see and can at least count in vernacular even if we cannot bamboozle with current World Bank and IMF’s economic slogans.

She may live in denial but we know as a matter of fact that the agric sector under the watch of Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina is the bestmanaged scam of the Jonathan’s administra-

house and my decision was supported by my wife and children.

Omotayo Owoseni +2348023002105.

Sir, Is it the same Sola Omole, delightful NTA newscaster of those days, same as the current DG of NTA that has become such a nauseating megaphone of the outgoing government? I just hope they are different persons!!! +2348152849177.

Still on Tamuno Sir, Izon, Nembe, Kalabari, Ibani, Okrika and some others make up the Ijaw nation. However, Professor Tekena N. Tamuno was Okrika, while Tamuno means God in Okrika, Kalabari and Ibani. +2348065221385.

•For comments, send SMS to 08059100107

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above tion. Ditto for Dr. Olusegun Aganga’s Commerce and Industry Ministry. What we had from this due for four years was a well-choreographed import levy racketeering.

Two examples will help us here. Dr. Adesina sang so loudly about Nigeria’s rice revolution and sufficiency yet he is leaving us with a N25 billion excess rice import levy palaver in just one transaction stream. How could this heavy importing be for a country that claims 40 percent sufficiency in rice production?

Second, how could Okonjo-Iweala in good conscience brand the rushed importation and assemblage of partially knocked-down auto parts as vehicle manufacturing (“for the first time in Nigeria”) and industrial revolution? What had Peugeot, Volkswagen and Benz been doing in Nigeria rather unsuccessfully, for nearly four decades?

We urge Ngozi to just give us a break and take a quiet exit. If an economy that has no power supply and is plagued by high exchange rate and salary backlog has not collapsed, then what is economy? So much has gone wrong madam and you need to know that the populace is in deep misery now, thank you.

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