THE NATION MONDAY 20, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Governors divided over Amaechi

JAMB releases 68,000 withheld results

NEWS Page 4

NEWS Page 5

•100,000 fo write computer based test

•Four days to Governors’ Forum poll www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 8, NO. 2491 MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Special Forces kill 14 more Boko Haram insurgents Three soldiers die 20 fighters captured Presidency to sect: surrender

T

HE battle to flush out Boko Haram insurgents in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states continued yesterday, with the Presidency vowing to prosecute it “with all powers and might” at its disposal.

The Army also said that its offensive will continue “as long as it takes”.

Defence Headquarters spokesman Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade said 14 insurgents were killed and 20 more arrested yesterday.

The Army lost three soldiers. One soldier is missing. Seven are injured.

Forty five members of the sect have so far been killed by the Special Forces.

On Friday, the Army said

From Yusuf Alli and Gbade Ogunwale Abuja

21 were killed. Ten of the sect’s camps were recovered.

On Saturday, 10 more sect members were killed; 65 were arrested.

The fear that the offensive may have rendered the already slim chance of a political solution to the conflict even slimmer was allayed.

“Mr president has urged Boko Haram members to surrender their arms and embrace the amnesty option which is still open, as the committee is working on the option of dialogue for a peaceful resolution,” presidential spokesman Reuben Abati said on telephone.

Over 2000 Nigerians are alleged to have fled Borno State

Aviation workers declare strike

14

3 1

THE FIGURES

20

•The number of insurgents killed

•Number of soldiers who are dead •Number of missing soldier

to Niger Republic following the bombardments.

In a statement yesterday, the Defence Headquarters said: “The Special Forces troops have continued the advance and attack on identified terrorist camps in the Northern part of the country.

“Patrols are also ongoing to

7 13

•The number of suspects arrested

•Number of injured soldiers •Number of vehicles recovered •Number of mobile phone handsets recovered

secure towns and villages from infiltration while curfews on identified flash points are being enforced.

“Dislodged terrorists have been noted to be in disarray with a large number of them heading backwards various border.

“Their bases are being de-

serted but they are making efforts to evacuate most of the large stock of logistics, including scores of vehicles in their holdings.

“In the course of special forces pursuits and operations, a number of encounters have ensured since yesterday (Saturday).

“After a mop-up of scenes of battle, 14 terrorists were confirmed dead while seven vehicles and 13 telephone handsets were recovered.

“A total of 20 terrorists were apprehended as they fled.

“Altogether, three soldiers died while seven are wounded and are being treated in military medical facility. One soldier is missing.

“Meanwhile, the required

reinforcement and logistics have been delivered to forces in front where the forces have been engaging a large number of heavily armed terrorists since yesterday.

“Defence Headquarters is quite satisfied with the high standard of compliance with operational order and strict observance of the rules of engagement so far.

“The forces have been directed to maintain the robustness of the patrols and enforcement of curfews where emplaced and ensure that civilians are kept out of harm’s way as much as possible.”

Investigation by our corContinued on page 4

CHINUA ACHEBE (1930 - 2013)

•Govt: airspace to open

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor, Aviation Correspondent

W

ILL Nigeria’s airspace open today?

This was the question last night following the conflicting signal from the aviation industry.

The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) said the airspace would open to traffic, but NAMA workers said it would be closed as a result of unresolved labour issues. It urged the public to disregard the NAMA statement.

Continued on page 4

Falana: Rivers police partial

By Bisi Onanuga, Staff Correspondent

T

HE police have taken sides in the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis, Lagos lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) alleged yesterday.

He warned that President Goodluck Jonathan could lose his moral right to enforce law and order in other parts of the country, “if he fails to stop the impunity in Rivers State”.

Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka had Continued on page 4

•The Anglican Church mass choir performing at a commendation service in honour the late Prof Chinua Achebe at the National Christian Centre, Abuja…yesterday PHOTO: NAN

•SPORTS P23 •CEO P37 •MONEYLINK P31 •POLITICS P45 •MOTORING P47

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

2

NEWS

Trying • Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (middle) cutting the tape to open Nepal Group’s Tank Farm and private jetty in Oghara...at the weekend. With him are the Orefe of Oghara Kingdom, Noble Oyibo Eshemitan (right), Chairman, Nepal Group, Elder Ekeoma Ekeoma (left) and his wife Ngozi .

•United States Consular General Jeffrey Hawkins (middle), his wife Annie and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi (right) when a team of the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria visited the monarch in Oyo...yesterday.

From left: Member, Governing Board of the National Agency for Food and Drug Adminstration Control (NAFDAC), Mr Paul Enebeli, the Director-General , Dr Paul Orhii and National Chairman of the Association of Industrial Pharmacy, Dr Lolu Ojo at a town hall meeting of NAFDAC and the Pharmacy Community in Lagos...at the weekend.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

•The Managing Director , Johnson Wax Nigeria Limited, Mr Kwame Wiafe (middle), addressing a news conference on the ‘Scratch your way to Millions Promo for Baygon and Raid Insecticides’ in Lagos. With him are Sales Director Mr Dimeji Osinguwa and the Finance Director, Mr Kene Mbuba.

PHOTO : MUYIWA HASSAN

At a time it is yet to get the Federal Government’s approval for its seventh train, which will help it increase its stake in the global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) market, the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited is battling legal and other matters, writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU

L

AST year was good for the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, Africa’s largest liquefied natural gas export company. Since it began exporting LNG to buyers in Spain, Italy, France and Turkey in 1999, it was not until 2012 that it was able to make the most sales by exporting 333 cargoes through the Bonny port.

There are fears that it may not be able to break this record this year.

Reasons: On February 5, a pipeline leak led to a force majeure on gas deliveries to Nigeria LNG and cut shipments; a disagreement with Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) also led to shipment challenges; and on May 15, it had to declare another force majeure, a legal step that protects a company from liability when it cannot fulfil a contract for reasons beyond its control.

NLNG said it declared force majeure on exports when Shell’s halt ed deliveries after discovering a supply pipeline leak.

Shell shut its Gbaran Ubie and Soku gas facility, said NLNG’s spokesman Kudo Eresia-Eke. He added: “Nigeria LNG is working with Shell Petroleum Development Company and its other gas suppliers to seek mitigation measures.”

The shutdown means gas supply to NLNG has been cut by as much as 50 percent, thus slowing production at its Bonny Island plant, which has six production trains, with the capacity to produce 21.7 million metric tons of liquefied gas annually.

Dolapo Oni, a Lagos-based oiland-gas analyst at Ecobank Research, told Bloomberg the force majeure is “likely to have significant impact on liquefied natural gas prices”.

The latest development is coming shortly after the company ran into stormy waters with NIMASA. Early this month, NIMASA used the facilities of Global West Vessels Specialists Limited (GWVSL) to block access to the Bonny Channel and hindered the NLNG’s vessels from leaving or getting to the area.

NIMASA said it took the decision following the alleged unwillingness of the NLNG to abide by the country’s maritime laws and pay taxes. It said the NIMISA Act mandates payment of levies based on gross freight on exports and imports. NIMASA said: “Since its inception, the NLNG has cherrypicked our laws.”

The agency’s acting Director, Shipping Development, Captain Warredi Enisouh, said: “The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, using Global West Vessels Specialist platforms, blocked access to the Bonny Channel from the fairway buoy, at the beginning of the Channel, to buoys 17 and 18. By this blockade, all Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Com-

pany (NLNG) vessels, operating in the area are neither permitted to leave nor allowed to enter the area, until all statutory obligations are met,” he said.

“Since its inception, the NLNG has cherry-picked our laws. All efforts to get the management to meet its obligations to Nigeria have been treated with impunity.”

In a statement, NLNG’s spokesman Eresia-Eke said the company was exempted from the levies in contention by the provisions of the NLNG Act. The NLNG said: “It may be recalled that the Supreme Court had in another but similar case affirmed NLNG’s position vis-à-vis the law. Nigeria LNG Limited is a law-abiding corporate citizen of Nigeria and pays all its lawful dues and taxes. It has, in fact, in the recent past received commendations and won awards for its promptitude and honesty in payment of taxes to government. NLNG remains the arrowhead in the federal government’s efforts to stop gas flaring in Nigeria, contributes significant revenues to the Nigerian government and accounts for four per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”

The section of the maritime law NIMASA’s position is based on, reads: “The Act shall apply to ships, small ships and crafts registered in Nigeria and extend to ships and crafts flying a foreign flag in the exclusive economic zone, territorial and inland seas, inland waterways and in the ports of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

As a result of the blockade, three NLNG ships were stranded. Eresia-Eke identified the ships to include NLNG Lagos, NLNG Adamawa and Stena Clear Sky. The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) saw no sense in the NLNG’s position. Its president, Peter Esele, and secretary-general, Musa Lawal, in a statement, said the company must pay the dues.

The statement reads: “Section 15(a) of the NIMASA Act 2007 provides that the agency shall collect... three per cent of gross freight on all international inbound and outbound cargoes from ships or shipping companies operating in Nigeria.

“Section 43 (a) of the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act, 2003 provides: that there shall be paid into the Fund (Cabotage Fund), a surcharge of 2 per cent of the contract sum performed by any vessel engaged in the coastal trade.

“The Congress will like to use this opportunity to charge the Federal Government to call NLNG to order by ensuring that every dime is paid to NIMASA. “We also want government to take advantage of the meeting slated for Friday, May 10, in Abuja by the Federal Government to address the saga and bring accomplices to book.

“We do not want to envisage any iota of compromise against the interest of the country. No individual or corporate organisation is above the law.

“The institutions of the state must be allowed to carry out their functions without interference and in accordance

‘

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

3

NEWS

times for Nigeria LNG

•One of the three NLNG vessels blocked from operating by NIMASA

•Akpobolokemi

•Omotowa

‘Presidency has resolved NIMASA-NLNG row’ T

HE Federal Government has resolved the levies dispute between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, NIMASA’s DirectorGeneral Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi has said.

The government has directed the NLNG to pay all outstanding levies to NIMASA with effect from September 2009.

Akpobolokemi spoke with reporters in Abuja yesterday .

On May 3, NIMASA stopped all NLNG vessels from operating in Bonny Channel.

The agency said it blocked access to the channel because statutory obligations to the agency were not met.

Although the NLNG said NIMASA’s claim was subjudice to a court process,

with the Acts establishing them.”

At the weekend, an arbitration set up to resolve the dispute favoured NIMASA. NIMASA spokesman Isichei Osamgbi confirmed the development in a text message to this reporter yesterday.

He said: “I know they have been asked to pay by the Federal Government , from 2009 when their tax holiday ended. Both parties have been asked to meet to work out the amount due and the payment process.”

A source told The Nation that the amount may be as much as N3.2 billion.

For the NLNG, which is still struggling to get the final nod from the government for its Train Seven, these are ‘distractions’. The government is dillydallying over the final investment decision on the Train Seven, a development which has reduced its influence in the global LNG market.

When the NLNG started, it was with only two trains, which had a capacity to produce about six metric tonnes of LNG per annum. In less than a decade, the Nigeria LNG grew to a six-train operating plant producing 22 million tonnes of Liquefied Natural Gas per annum.

Six years ago, it signed sales and purchase agreement for its seventh train intended to raise production to about 30 million tonnes of LNG. But up till now, the seventh train is still a dream.

The inability of the country to improve on its LNG production capacity has seen some countries overtaking it as the leader in the market. More have

•NLNG now to pay outstanding levies from 2009 to date the Presidency later waded in the dispute.

Akpobolokemi said: “We did not clampdown on NLNG as erroneously portrayed. The reason of resorting to self-help was not the situation at all. The challenge we had was that they did not subject themselves to our laws.

“The NLNG Act indeed exempted NLNG from paying taxes and levies as an incentive for the investment of NLNG shareholders.

“But the tax and levies incentives were meant to be for 10 years or when the cumulative average sales

price of liquefied natural gas reaches $3 in million metric British Thermal Units (MMBTU) as calculated in the First Schedule to the NLNG Act. “As at 2004, the price of gas stood at $9 USD in million metric British Thermal Units (MMBTU). Also, since 2009, the 10-year waiver had expired.

So, as at 2004, they had already passed the benchmark.

“The refusal of the NLNG to pay levies is also making others not to pay. As a regulator, we have to enforce the law.

“Following the intervention of the government, NIMASA has been asked to give concession to NLNG on levies it had been owing before September 2009.

“So, from October 2009, we will calculate whatever NLNG was owing NIMASA. We have been given some few days to calculate the amount. The two parties will meet and do the calculation. That is the concession the government said we should give them.”

On alleged marginalisation of some ethnic groups in NIMASA, Akpobolokemi denied the claim.

He said: “We have been employing from all parts of the country.

We are not abusing the Federal Character Principle, we are doing our best.

“The industry has changed; young men and women are getting employments by leveraging on the

Cabotage Act On enforcement of maritime laws, he said: “So many pirates and their sponsors have been arrested.

“We do not shield any person, it is not a business you shield anyone, it is an open business. Very soon, we will release the list of those violating our laws. There are lots of big vessels in our custody; it is not something to hide.

“Once we do that, people should not say it is ethnic cleansing or it is about 2015. The management of NIMASA has nothing to do with politics. I am not in PDP or ACN; I have a profession before I came here.

“Ethnicity or not, if you steal petroleum products or hijack vessels, we will arrest you. What we should leave is legacy that will endure; we need a strong institution which will endure irrespective of who takes over.”

also adopted plans that may further see the country’s slot slip further.

The NLNG, once the fastest growing facility in the world, has slipped from controlling 10 per cent of the market share to about 8 per cent. Qatar and Australia are now the leaders. Qatar has moved its output from 20 million metric tonnes to 80 million metric tonnes.

Australia, from its previous 20 metric tonnes, now churns out 81 metric tonnes annually. NLNG is stuck at 22 million metric tonnes. Australia has 10 LNG projects, with 20 trains and $215 billion worth of final investment decision. Yet, Australia has only 60 percent of Nigeria’s gas reserves. Nigeria has gas reserves estimated at over 160 trillion cubic feet.

The United States (U.S.), formerly a major LNG export destination, plans to become a net LNG exporter by 2016, with 1.1 billion cubic feet per day, projected to rise to 2.2 billion cubic feet per day in 2019.

China, with an estimated gas reserve of 1,275 trillion cubic metres, is also planning big for the LNG market. Mozambique too is warming up for a fair share of the market, with plans to build a two-train facility at advanced stage.

Former Head of State Chief Ernest Shonekan once urged the government to allow the seventh train to take off. Nothing much can be done without the consent of the

government, which has 49 per cent of its $13 billion assets through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The remaining 51 per cent is owned by Shell Gas BV, Total LNG Limited and Eni International.

Shonekan said during a visit to the NLNG Plant in Finima, Bonny Island, Rivers State: “Nigeria no longer has the luxury of deferring major decisions or of picking and choosing developmental projects to do and in what order. The LNG market is tightening. Other nations are not staying idle…

“That Nigeria is still flaring gas is an unacceptable fact in today’s world, not only from a health and environmental perspective, but also for the basic fact that the perpetrators are burning cash. Again, as a former captain of industry and a statesman, I find it detestable that our country not only still leaves value on the table and walks away, year after year, but also continues to literally pour money into flames by flaring gas!

“These are some reasons that you must get on with Train Seven immediately... The NLNG has a very strong balance sheet and therefore does not need money from the federal purse to expand. It only needs government approval and support of its shareholders to build train seven.

“I am not entirely sure about what is delaying train seven. I gather that sales and purchase

agreements for it were signed five years ago with buyers. Whatever might be delaying train seven, I call on the government to step in and ensure that the construction of that train takes off immediately. The time for it is now!

“This is why I call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to immediately order the acceleration of these gas projects in the interest of this country.

Train Seven is a low hanging fruit. I urge the government to immediately pursue that.

“From the stand point of investment: it will cost Nigeria nothing; it will be built with third party loans. Nigeria LNG Limited has solid credit ratings and can raise funds with relative ease.”

NLNG Managing Director Babs Omotowa also believes that the seventh-train will help shore up the country and the company’s fortune. He said delay in the progress of LNG projects may dip Nigeria’s market share in the global liquefied natural gas supply by a marginal 5 percent in 2017.

Speaking at the 2012 edition of the Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG12) conference in Abuja, Omotowa said output has stagnated at 22 million metric tonnes per annum.

He said: “Looking at the market share dip to 10 percent in 2008; which is now 8 percent and will be

5 percent by 2017, accelerated progress on Train 7 and other LNG projects will help build a better Nigeria.”

Observers are of the view that building the seventh train of the NLNG plant will bring in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) estimated at over $8 billion and help reduce flared gas, and improve the country’s revenue profile. The country will also reap an additional $2.2 billion annually in dividend.

With Train 7, the NLNG, said industry watchers, would provide about 10,000 jobs. Since it opened shop in Bonny, NLNG Limited has provided over 2,000 jobs each construction year and 18,000 jobs at the peak of construction.

The government, they said, also stands to get more dividends. It has so far received over $9 billion as dividends from the company.

Like Shonekan noted, the efforts at developing the country’s gas reserves are grossly inadequate, because a country like Australia with less gas reserves now have an LNG output of 81 metric tonnes. He also believes the country has a capacity to undertake more than one LNG projects at once, which suggests he sees no sense in NNPC’s position that the seventh NLNG train has to wait for the Brass LNG. Omotowa believes the delay in progressing the NLNG Train 7 , the Brass LNG and OK LNG projects, has deprived Nigeria of raising its LNG production to 52 million metric tonnes per annum.

From: Yusuf Alli and Yomi Odunuga, Abuja

4

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

NEWS Special Forces kill 14 more Boko Haram insurgents Continued from page 1

•President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Chief Kola Jamodu, cutting the tape to open a Berger Plaza in Abuja…yesterday.

Watching are (From left) Chief Raymond Obieri, Director; Mr Clement Olowokande, Chairman; Mr. Tor Nygard, MD - all of Berger Paints Nigeria Plc.

Rivers PDP crisis: Police partisan, says Falana NGF poll: Governors split over Amaechi also called for an end to impunity in Rivers.

Continued from page 1

The President is believed to have an axe to grid with Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi over their political differences.

The offensive against Amaechi is spear headed by Minister of State for Education Mr. Nyesom Wike.

An Abuja High Court nullified the tenure of PDP chairman in Rivers State Mr. G. O. Ake who is believed to be loyal to Amaechi following which Felix Obuah, with the backing of Wike was sworn in, along with his executive.

Yesterday Falana said the judiciary and the police have taken sides.

But police commissioner Mbu Joseph Mbu has always denied being partisan.

In a statement, Falana accused Rivers police of acting contrary to the police code of ethics, prepared by Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar and launched by President Goodluck Jonathan on January 10 in Abuja.

Falana said: “In Rivers State, the Nigeria Police Force has openly and brazenly alligned with a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party that is considered loyal to President Jonathan in the face-off with

B

B

ARELY four days to the election of a new chairman for the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), the 36 governors are evenly split on the re-election of Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Despite the pressure from the Presidency, 18 governors are in support of Amaechi’s return; 18 are not.

Intense lobbying began at the weekend to prevail on a governor to break the tie because a simple majority is required for a winner to emerge.

All efforts to prevent the Forum from going into election on May 23 collapsed on Friday as the two sides insisted on the poll.

Amaechi has secured the support of Southwest governors (this does not include Ondo State); four Northwest governors; Three Northcentral; Three Northeast; two Southsouth; and One Southeast.

Those against Amaechi are banking on four votes from Southsouth; four from Southeast; three from Northcentral; three from Northwest; three from Northeast; and one from Southwest.

According to a source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, moves to Governor Amaechi.

“In a disgraceful manner a combined team of the police and armed thugs have occupied the secretariat of a local government for several weeks in defiance of a court order.

“In the violent clashes that have been supported by the police, one person was report-

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

appeal to the two sides to resolve their differences have failed.

The source said: “Despite intervention by some former governors to prevail on the governors not to go into outright election, which could split the NGF, they have all remained adamant.

“While Amaechi is seeking re-election, the opposing camp is putting up Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State or, at worst a compromise candidate in Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State.

“So far, the votes are split 18-18 apiece. This is why intense lobbying has started. A winner can emerge through only simple majority.”

A PDP governor from the Southsouth, who is co-ordinating the anti-Amaechi campaign, relocated to Abuja last week to embark on one-on-one lobbying of Northern governors.

“The heat is so much on those trying to unseat Amaechi. And the development in the last one week in Rivers State has also made Amaechi to gain more sympathy,” a source said.

ed to have been killed while several others have been injured.

“The police orderlies attached to the officials of the executive and legislative arms of the Rivets state government have been withdrawn on the orders of the authorities in Abuja. Since the police and se-

curity personnel assigned to protect Governor Amaechi may also be withdrawn any moment from now let the Inspector-General of Police and the Rivers State Commissioner of police be warned that they may be charged with conspiracy and treason if the Continued on page 7

respondent revealed that the death toll was collated from operations conducted by the Special Forces in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

A source said: “The figures came from the skirmishes in some flash points where we have emergency.

“As I am talking to you, we are pursuing these terrorists to all our borders where they have fled to. There is no hiding place for them.”

On fears that the insurgents had fled to neighbouring states, such as Gombe, Bauchi and Kano, the source added: “Before we began our operations, we had put spillover into consideration; we had factored this dimension into our plans. All military formations and security agencies are on the alert nationwide.

You cannot expect us to concentrate on the three states.

“So far, the insurgents were not running into these neighbouring states. Intelligence reports confirmed that they had been fleeing to borders.”

Soldiers have blocked roads out of Maiduguri to deprive Boko Haram fighters of supplies in remote towns they control, the army has said.

The military said its offensive is aimed at re-establishing Nigeria’s “territorial integrity”.

Residents said the terrorists’ base had been blockaded.

“There is a huge build-up of trucks loaded with essential commodities... along the Baga road on the way out of Maiduguri to the northern part of the state,” said Ibrahim Yahaya.

“The drivers said they have been prevented by the military from going northward,” he told the AFP by email.

The telephone network in Borno has all but collapsed since President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency on three states last

Tuesday.

Brig-Gen Olukolade said the army would continue its operation “as long as it takes to achieve our objective of getting rid of insurgents from every part of Nigeria”.

He told the BBC World Service Newshour that the offensive “knows the targets it is after, and it took a long time to plan and prepare for this”.

“It is their (insurgent) bases, their weaponry, their logistics that we are going to deal with in this operation,” he added.

The President said yesterday that the offensive against Boko Haram has started yielding positive results.

“The President has promised that at all times, the Federal Government will not relent or spare any effort that will guarantee the safety and security of all Nigerians, and that all manner of criminality in our country would be fought uncompromisingly with all the powers and might available to the Federal Government,” a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Communications, Dr. Doyin Okupe, yesterday said.

The statement added: “President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed gratitude to all Nigerians for the overwhelming support they have given to the declaration of state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. The President also thanked the leadership of the National Assembly and many of its members, who have through calls and personal visitations, given solidarity and support for this extraordinary step taken by the President in order to halt the mindless killings, bombings and general insecurity that had prevailed in that part of the country.

“The President also notes with gratification the positive disposition and understanding of the Governors of the federaContinued on page 7

Aviation workersdeclare strike Continued from page 1

In a joint statement signed

by Comrade Olayinka Abioye, Abdulkareem Motajo and Aba Ocheme at the end of an emergency meeting of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE ) and Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association

(ATSSSAN) and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), the workers said: “For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state categorically that the ultimatum issued against NAMA shall expire 0000 hrs 19th May 2013 and appropriContinued on page 7

Eulogies as Achebe’s burial rites begin

URIAL rites for the late literary giant, Prof. Chinua Achebe, commenced yesterday, with activities in Abuja, Umuahia (Abia State), and his home town Ogidi in Anambra State.

The body of the author of the famous book Things Fall Apart, who died in Boston, United States, is expected in Nigeria tomorrow, according to the National Transition Committee (NTC) Chairman, Prof.

Uzodinma Nwala.

According to him, the writer’s remains, billed to arrive the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, tomorrow, will be received by a delegation of leaders, the diplomatic community and cultural groups’ representatives from across the world.

There is a planned reception at the National Assembly in the late Achebe’s honour before the body is flown to the Akanu-Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

Southeast governors under

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka, Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi, Evelyn Osagie and Chris Oji, Enugu

the chairmanship of Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, the Ohaneze leadership and traditional rulers are to received the body in the former Eastern Nigeria capital.

The NTTC chair hinted that diverse activities, marking the late author’s transition have been planned for Enugu. He listed such event to include: an academic procession and a ceremony at the Enugu Campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Ohaneze’s Night of Mourning and Ikoro Salute.

He said: “The body will leave for Anambra State on Wednesday, May 22. From where there would be other ceremonies marking his transition. We are working with the family to ensure everybody is carried along.”

Prof Nwala debunked the insinuation in certain quarters that the late Achebe as an an-

archist, especially after the publication of his last book There was a Country. He described him as a patriotic Nigeria.

He also debunked the claim that the late Achebe hated the Nigerian government, admitting that he only rejected the national honours conferred on him by government at a time when his home state of Anambra and the country were in a sorry state.

The NTC chair said: ‘‘Achebe was never an anarchist; he was someone who loved his people and the country so much and there was no way he would have accepted the national honours at the time they were offered to him based on what was happening in Anambra and in Nigeria at that time.’’

He described as mere rumour that the government has hijacked the burial programme of the literary giant, saying the Achebe family had actually appointed him to head the burial committee due to his

longstanding relationship with them.

Former Executive Vice Chairman, National Communication Commission (NCC), Ernest Ndukwe, who attended the commendation service in Abuja, said the late Achebe’s contributions to the development of literature would forever be remembered.

Top dignitaries, at the service included former Governor Jim Nwobodo, Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Information Minister, Labaran Maku, among others.

They eulogise the late author, saying he left an indelible mark in the sand of history given his achievements in the literary world.

Okonjo-Iweala said the gap he left in the literary world may be difficult to fill, adding that the life and time of late Professor was fulfilling. She urged other writers to emulate his good deeds.

“We are very proud to have him as a Nigerian. He has

brought a lot of fame and dignity to this country. I am sure that his colleagues will agree that his departure has created a vacuum. He has encouraged many Nigerian writers and we hope that they will also come up to feel that gap. I don’t think anyone can easily step into his shoes.”

Maku described Achebe as “the most important Nigerians in the last hundred years. He was a true pan-Africanist. He compared to great minds such as Shakespeare and Alexander Pushkin who have become enduring figures in world history.

“We see his passing as only transitory in the physical form but idea, the emotion, the philosophy and the life he lived after his death will be far more important than we know him while he was alive. Through his literature, he has placed Africa on the map indelibly. He would be relevant in human civilisation for thousands of Continued on page 7

•The late Achebe

ADVERT HOTLINES: 08023006969, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

5

NEWS NIMET calls for early warning weather information

NAMA to test aeronautical information services automation

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor, Aviation Correspondent

From Kelvin Osa-Okunbor, Aviation Correspondent

T

HE Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Dr Anthony Anuforom, has called for the application of early warning weather/climate information in planning and decision-making on vital sectors of the economy.

He spoke in Abuja when he delivered a lecture, entitled: Meteorology, Climate Change and the Nigerian Economy, at the induction of some fellows of the Nigerian Academy of Science.

Anuforom said meteorological information does not only serve as a tool for early warning but could also be used for improving productivity in key economic sectors, including agriculture.

He noted that extreme weather events, such as flooding - like what the nation experienced last year - could threaten the goals of national and global development programmes, including Nigeria’s Vision 20:20:20 and the United Nations (UN) Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The NIMET chief said it is necessary to understand the application of early warning weather and climate information.

According to him, it is in recognition of climate change as a critical challenge that made the Federal Government to plan a sustainable economic growth till 2020.

Anuforom explained that to address the issue, the government took a number of measures, including the development of a National Action Plan and the adoption of a policy on climate change.

The NIMET chief also said the government strengthened the operational capacity of the agency by providing modern infrastructure for weather observation and forecasting.

Others, he said, include the strengthening of NEMA’s capacity to respond to weatherinduced disasters and the development of a National Framework for Application of Climate Services (NFACS) with the inauguration of a highpowered ministerial committee to develop a framework.

Anuforom suggested that the NFACS should complement the transformation agenda to make national economic development more resilient to the vagaries of climate change.

The NIMET chief added that this is the only way the gains of development efforts will become stable, enduring and sustainable.

T

•Head, Business Screening Services, Dragnet Solutions Limited, Mr. Emmanuel Elosia; Managing Director/Chief Execuive Officer, Mr. Robert Ikazoboh and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Arek Bawa, at a media parley on the company’s operations at GRA, Ikeja, Lagos...at the weekend PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

How military destroyed Nigeria’s education system, by Etiebet

A

FORMER Petroleum Minister, Chief Don Etiebet, has said the long military rule in Nigeria destroyed the nation’s education system.

Etiebet, who is also a Second Republic senator, noted that the lack of regard for education policies of successive military regimes caused a discontinuation of good policies.

According to him, the military governments, which occupied most of Nigeria’s 52 years of independence, caused several discontinuities which he said “had ruptured so many things, including the country’s education system”.

He said succeeding admin-

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

istrations need to continue the policies and programmes of their predecessors for the progress and development of the country.

Etiebet, who is the chairman of the newly inaugurated Governing Council of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, when he visited the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, the varsity’s Chancellor.

On his entourage were other board members, including Dr. Adamu Jamfalar, Mrs. Uju Uchendu Ozoka, Tunde Ako-

gun, UNIJOS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hayward Mafuyai and the Registrar, Mr Jilli Dandam.

Etiebet said: “Each military government had its own focus, ideas and objectives and these affected many institutions, particularly education.

“I am bold to say that most of the policies of the past military governments had not been in a continuous arrangement of building on what was achieved by the previous governments. This accounted for the dislocations which are responsible for the problems being witnessed today.

“Now, we are saying that successive governments

should build upon the foundations that have been laid by previous governments so that we can have a common and continuous education policy in our country and for our children.”

He also noted that the lack of relevance of current university curricular has shown in about 40 million university graduates who cannot fit into contemporary life.

Etiebet said: “The governments and education policy formulators must equally ensure that degrees being awarded bear useful relevance to the country’s developmental challenges.”

JAMB releases 68,000 withheld results

T

HE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of over 68,000 candidates who wrote the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on April 27.

JAMB’s Lagos Zonal Coordinator, Kamaldeen Oladeji said the results, initially seized because of biometric verification-related issues, had been released.

The JAMB co-ordinator advised the affected candidates, who had protested in Lagos, Kano and other places, to check their results on the board’s website.

In all, 1,629,102 candidates

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi (with Agency report)

applied to sit for the Paper Pencil Test (PPT); 15,008 candidates applied for the Dual Based Test (DBT), bringing the number of candidates to 1,644,110. The results of over 1.5 million candidates were released on May 3.

Oladeji also said there is no going back on the newly introduced Computer Based Test (CBT).

The zonal coordinator, who supervised the CBT of the UTME at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), spoke on Saturday in Lagos in an interview

with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

A total of 100,000 candidates will take the examination at 56 centres across the country.

The examination, which is the first of its kind to be conducted by the board, is expected to end on June 1.

The zonal coordinator noted that if the country is to compete favourably with others, especially in technological advancement, all must support the initiative.

According to him, the adoption of the CBT will eventually assist in enhancing ICT skills amongst the citizenry.

Oladeji said: “This CBT ex-

amination has come to stay.

Once we get it right, others will follow, because as you can see, our education system is gradually transiting to e-education.

This means, we should be talking e-learning, e-teaching, e-research across all the various levels of education in our system.

“With ICT, we can achieve a lot in no time. But the only challenge currently is that the computer penetration and infrastructural backing are still very low in our society.”

He implored stakeholders in the private sector to improve infrastructure and internet penetration across the country.

Corruption: CJN needs Nigerians’ support, says Akanbi From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

•Justice Akanbi

T

HE Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Maryam Aloma Muktar, de-

serves the support of Nigerians in the battle to rid the Judiciary of corruption, the pioneer chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Mustapha Akanbi, has said.

The retired judge urged Nigerians to support the CJN to prevent unpatriotic elements from obstructing her works.

The retired Appeal Court President spoke at the weekend in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, during a town hall meeting among Muslims and Christians.

The event was put together

She is a courageous woman and a core professional with high integrity and commitment to uprightness and justice.

by Jesus for World Revival Mission Church.

Justice Akanbi noted that the one-year suspension of Justice Abubakar Talba was not commensurate with the offence he allegedly committed.

He said: “Justice Talba should have been summarily dismissed from service rather

than the one-year suspension slammed on him.

“I am glad to say this is a great moment when Justice Maryam Aloma Muktar, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), is doing quite a lot in fighting the menace. We should support her in fighting the battle to see that we get a better Nigeria.

“I know Aloma. She served under me. She is a courageous woman and a core professional with high integrity and commitment to uprightness and justice. She is a person who abhors corruption and is determined to rid the country of corruption.

Nigerians should support her in her efforts to sanitise the Ju-

diciary and rid Nigeria of corruption.

“I want to appeal to you: they (judges) need your support, either morally, financially or in whatever you can to support those who are doing this job.

They also must have the courage of conviction. If they know that they cannot do it, then, they have to leave the job. Everyone of us is an agent for fighting corruption. And unless we accept the challenge, Nigeria cannot change. This is because greed has become the order of the day.”

The eminent jurist spoke on the significance of the town hall meeting.

HE Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) will in October begin the test run of the first phase of its automated Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) centres across the country.

The NAMA Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services (DSEES), Ifeanyi Nwankwo, addressed reporters in Lagos on the level of work on the installation of the equipment for the test run.

He said the first phase of AIS automation, which will have 10 stations, will come alive at the end of October.

The NAMA director explained that all international airports and other centres located in other aviation agencies would be captured under the arrangement.

Nwankwo said: “We are taking 10 of them at a stretch.

So, by the end of October, the first phase will have been worked on and will add value to the system. Before the year runs out, another 10 will come on board.”

The NAMA director said the remaining six will be those in remote stations, which will assist the agency to extend its very high frequency (VHF) coverage farther than its current capacity.

He listed the benefits of the AIS automation as taking care of flight information, planning and movement of aircraft. He said these were hitherto done manually.

Nwankwo said: “Issues, like check-in, will be automated because the airlines are expected to subscribe to the AIS automation project. It will provide the airlines with the backbone to install the self-check-in equipment. This means the airlines will not need to install also their own gadgets to do their operations.”

Fed Govt sets up Prisons decongestion panel From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

T

HE Federal Government has inaugurated a 12-man Presidential Inter-ministerial Committee to decongest prisons.

The committee is headed

by Alhaji Ibrahim Nikau, the Director, Planning Research and Statistics in the Ministry of Interior. It has representatives from the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Police Affairs, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federal (SGF), Office of the National Security Adviser and National Judicial Council (NJC).

Others are: the Department of State Security, the Nigeria Prisons Service, the National Human Right Commission, the Legal Aid Council, the Executive Director, PROWA, as well as the Country Director, Cure Nigeria.

The Director of Paramilitary in Ministry of Interior will serve as Secretary.

Inaugurating the committee in Abuja, the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, said one of the major challenges facing the nation’s prisons is congestion by pre-trial detainees.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

6

NEWS STATE OF EMERGENCY ‘Why Senate is not in a hurry to pass supplementary budget’ T

HE Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Ahmed Maccido, has said the National Assembly is not in a hurry to pass the 2013 supplementary budget.

He said the need for the National Assembly to undertake a thorough consideration of the supplementary budget as presented by the Presidency was necessary.

The Senate Appropriation Committee Chairman spoke at the weekend in Abuja, following insinuation that the National Assembly might have abandoned the supplementary budget.

He noted that the amend-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

ments sought by the executive arm of the government touched on all aspects of the budget as passed by the parliament.

The Sokoto State-born lawmaker said the amendment bill created the impression that all the inputs made by the National Assembly in the main budget were rejected by the Presidency.

He said: “We should therefore take time to look at the

proposed amendment.

“The amendment we are working on is just like another budget altogether.

“It seems as if the whole inputs of the National Assembly into the earlier budget have not been agreed to by the executive.

“They want us to look into our input as a whole.

“So, we have to sit down again and re-examine it.

“It is not something we are going to rush because we are going through the whole of the budget again.”

Maccido said the fiscal document was still being studied by senators, a situation that would delay early passing of the bill.

The lawmaker, who gave a time frame of about three weeks or more to pass the bill, added that “most senators are still not prepared for the amendment bill yet because they are still going through it.”

“Until such a time when they are through, we cannot just put the bill in the Order Paper,” he said.

Senator Maccido said the delay in passing the supplementary budget would not affect the economy and governance since there was a budget being implemented at the moment.

“The time we are taking will not cause any problem for the economy because we still have a budget that is operational.

“That one has been passed into law and it is the one being implemented at the moment.

“Until such a time when we pass this amendment bill, the budget that has been signed remains the budget to be implemented,” he said.

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, SAN (fifth rigbt), President-General, Ndigbo Lagos, Prof. Anya O. Anya (middle) and Mr. Raymond Obieri (right), shortly after the governor met members of the Ndigbo Lagos, Elders and Executives, led by its President-General, Ndigbo, on Aguiyi lronsi Market, LadipoMushin, at the State House, Marina... at the weekend.

‘Only five Nigerian varsities have standard libraries’ From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

O

UT of the 120 univer sity libraries in Nige ria, only five can meet the scholarly needs of a university community, a former president of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Prof. Lenrie O. Aina, has said.

He said: “Despite this sordid picture, Nigerian universities are engrossed with webometrics ranking.”

The Professor of Library and Information Science at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) spoke in Ilorin when he delivered the 132nd inaugural lecture of the institution.

The lecture was entitled: “Information, knowledge and the gatekeeper.”

Prof. Aina said: “Globally, the ranking of a university depends, to a large extent, on its library. A highly ranked university will have a quality university library. It is the repository of information and knowledge. The library is the intellectual heart of a university system.

“In the past, the National Universities Commission (NUC) made it mandatory for federal universities to spend 10 per cent of their budgets on their libraries.

Unfortunately, many universities, in the last 20 years, have ignored this directive.

Rather than spend on university libraries, they are more engrossed in the webometrics ranking of universities.

S

Celebrities pray for industry

By Ahmed Bulour

T

HE Household of God Church in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos yesterday hosted heavyweights in the entertainment industry, who gathered for a National Day of Prayer and rendition of praise by a collection of Nigeria’s best gospel singers.

COSON Chairman Tony Okoroji and Evangelist Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi, in their capacities as the Chairman of the COSON Advisory Council and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the COSON Music Foundation, graced the event with other personalities.

Ace broadcaster and actor, Mr. Patrick Doyle and his wife, the popular actress, Ireti Doyle, compered COSON in the church, the first of the events of the much-talked about COSON Week.

Gospel acts from across the country, such as Panam Percy Paul, Evangelist Obey, Buchi, Bouqui, Rosemary Chukwu, Princess Anne Inyang, Asu Ikiye and Dizzy K Falola took their turns to croon soul lifting gospel tunes as the church service progressed. Also, several of the nation’s ministers of the gospel offered prayers to the Almighty for the Nigerian nation.

An elaborate red carpet ceremony took place before the main event and personalities in music, movies, government, diplomacy and business graced the occasion.

Law to punish violence against women coming, says Mark

ENATE President David Mark at the weekend pledged to ensure the speedy passage of a Bill on Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) into law.

He said the move was part of the measures to stop domestic violence or harmful practices against women.

Mark, who spoke in Abuja when the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina, visited him, said the Bill seeks to eliminate violence in private and public lives.

He said it would also prohibit all forms of violence, discrimination, provide maximum protection, remedies for victims and punishment for offenders.

He said the Bill, when passed into law, would address the inadequacies in the current laws regulating the Nigerian Criminal Justice Sys-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

tem and respond to emerging forms of violence.

“We shall give the bill its utmost priority and urgency.

We shall do everything possible to stop violence, especially domestic or violence against women in public and private lives,” Mark said.

He attributed violence against women to ignorance.

Mark urged the Women Affairs Minister and women groups to intensify enlightenment and advocacy to create awareness on the menace.

Earlier, the Minister requested the Senate President to facilitate the passage of the Bill into law to ensure the safety of women and girls in the country.

She said cases of violence against women were on the increase.

Hajiya Maina listed such harmful practices against women to include rape, female genital mutilation, battery, sexual harassment, women trafficking, early marriage and widowhood rites, among others.

She advocated a speedy trial of all cases of violence against women and girls, so that the perpetrators would be punished to act as a deterrent to others.

Meanwhile, Senator Mark has assured the Prof. Jerry Gana-led Technical Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa of the consideration and passage into law of a bill seeking the establishment of the Direc-

Health workers reject exclusion from boards of teaching hospitals

A

SSEMBLY of healthcare professional associations has kicked against the recent reconstituted management boards of federal teaching hospitals.

The group decried the exclusion of its members from the board of the 15 federal teaching hospitals in the country, contrary to the provisions of the enabling law.

ACT Cap U15 2004 L.F.N. Section of the Act states: “Each board shall consist of

From Vincent Ikuomola and Nike Adebowale, Abuja

a chairman, who shall be appointed by the president on the recommendation of the minister and the following other members.”

While subsection (1) states: “0ne representative of other professionals in the health field, not being staff of the hospital concerned.”

The assembly comprises Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria

(AMLSN), Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN), Nigerian Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) and Health Information Managers Association of Nigeria (HIMAN).

Consequently, the group has given the Federal Government up till May 22 to reverse the trend or face industrial action.

torate of Technical Cooperation in Africa.

The Bill, entitled: “A Bill for an act to establish a Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Integration in Africa”, is to bring experts in the various fields in Africa to promote economic, political and security cooperation needed to curb the challenges of poverty and emerging insurgencies.

Mark told Gana that the “unfolding security challenges unarguably give credence to the establishment of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Integration in Africa.

“We shall give priority to this Bill and support this cause to its logical conclusion.”

Prof. Gana said the establishment of the directorate had become imperative if African countries must overcome the emerging chal-

•Mark

lenges, especially on economic cooperation and growing insurgencies.

He added that fragmented and fragile African nations could not address the problems except they came together.

The Gana-led advocacy group includes: Ambassadors Bagudu Hirse, Brown Dede, Dr. Etim Amba, Prof. Many Aniebonan, Dr. Sule Yusuf Bassi, Jonathan Yisa and Shuaibu Suleiman.

2014 NBA Presidency: It’s our turn, says Midwest Bar

A

S the race for the 2014 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) elections begins, the MidWest Bar Forum of the association has said it is prepared to lead the body.

That was the consensus of members of the Mid-West Bar Forum at a meeting held in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State at the weekend.

The forum, under the chairmanship of Chief Ferdinand Orbih, said it is regrettable that when it comes to the issue of NBA,

From, Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

the Mid-West Bar Forum has always been relegated to the background.

They noted that the forum had better materials and people, who would move the NBA to an enviable height.

According to Orbih, the Mid-West Bar Forum is determined to take over the leadership of the NBA next year.

Said he: “Equity and fair play and all sense of what is right and just demand that we should produce the next president of NBA in 2014.

7

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

NEWS Eulogies as Achebe’s funeral rites begin Continued from page 4

years to come. He was Afrocentric. He was not just a novelist but a defender of dignity of Africa. It is an embarrassment to the international community that he never got a Nobel. Many people said he didn’t get it because his literature was Afrocentric. We have come to pay him respect not just because he was a Nigerian but one of the greatest Africa that ever lived.”

The Archbishop and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, who gave the sermon, described the late Prof. Achebe as God’s gift to the African continent, Nigeria and the Igboland in general.

According to him, Achebe, through his literary works, had brought the African continent and the nation to global cultural reckoning. ‘‘Achebe was never an anarchist; he was someone who loved his people and the country so much, and there was no way he would have accepted the national honours at the time they were offered to him based on what was happening in Anambra and in Nigeria at that time. ‘‘The late Prof. Achebe used his intellect, which was given to him by God, to impact his generation and will continue to impact many generations to come and as a result, we should also use our God-given talents in our areas of calling to impact lives around us.’’

The mausoleum to serve as

his final resting place has been built. It includes a mini-museum where all his works, including his most popular novel – Things Fall Apart – would be kept.

Also scheduled for the shelve in the museum is There was a country, the late icon’s last work that generated controversies.

Governor Peter Obi led some officials to inspect the mausoleum yesterday. He was also at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Ogidi, where the funeral service will be held on May 24 and the late Achebe’s family compound.

Besides, Obi restated his administration’s promise to accord the late Achebe a befitting burial.

He said his administration would not relent in honoring people like the literary giant, both dead or alive, but who contributed positively to the advancement of the society.

Obi, who expressed satisfaction with the level of preparations, called on people, especially Anambra people, to emulate people like Achebe rather than despicable characters who are let loose on the state.

Anambra State Government thorough the Idemili North Local Government Area has continued its environmental cleanliness, repairs and painting of the adjoining roads and streets leading to Achebe’s compound at Ogidi.

Transition Committee Chairman Raphael Asha Nnabuife said some workers and equipment had been deployed to repair, paint and clean up

the adjoining roads.

He added that both the rehabilitation and environmental clean-up are going on simultaneously.

He also spoke of the council’s plan to give the personal house of the late Achebe a facelift.

A day of tributes/colloquium was at the weekend held for the late literary icon at the Government College, Umuahia, Abia State.

The event was to emphasise the role the college played in the life of the late Achebe, who was the Senior Prefect of the school in 1948.

The event was organised by the World Igbo Leadership, Education and Cultural Council (WILECC) and World Igbo Youth Council (WIYC).

It was a day Achebe’s works were reviewed and analysed.

The Rector of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Dr Alwell Onukogu , who did the review and analysis, came with a retinue of lieutenant of staff and students as well as renowned author, Dr. Arthur Nwankwo, who chaired the occasion.

Onukogu praised the literary ingenuity of the late Achebe, his brutal frankness, patriotism and sense of duty.

Onukogu who was taught English by Achebe at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, traversed the whole crevices of literary field, social commentary, and human development.

In his analysis of the works of Achebe, Onukogu lamented that Ndigbo , Nigeria, Africa and the entire world have lost a titan.

Nwankwo went down mem-

ory lane to x-ray the dialetics of Achebe and his works.

He lamented that the ideals Achebe stood for were no longer there.

A retired lecturer, Dr Okey Emordi, enraptured the audience with the story of the great literary legend.

He was not happy, however, with the derelict status of structures in the school. He urged the government of Abia State and old boys of the school to come to the rescue.

Abia State Governor Chief Theodore Orji, represented by his deputy, Col. Emeka Ananabe (rtd), promised that the government would continue to do its best to restore the glory of the great college.

He, however, urged the old boys of the school to redouble their effort to complement the government’s effort.

Some of the dignitaries who were at the Colloquium included: Chief Charles Okereke, the publisher of Nigeria Masterweb; Uche Okwukwu , a Port-Harcourt lawyer; two-time Presidential candidate of the African Renaissance Party, Alhaji Yahaya Ndu, , Chief Don Ubani, the immediate commissioner of petroleum in Abia State among others.

The son of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Debe Ojukwu and the PDP chairman in Abia State, Senator Emma Nwaka read a poem and delivered a paper respectively.

There were performances by the school cadet and cultural troupes.

Special Forces kill 14 more Boko Haram insurgents Continued from page 4

tion, especially the Northern Governors Forum, leaders and elders in the North, traditional rulers, religious leaders, cultural and political groups nationwide including opposition political parties, civil society organisations and the Media.”

Okupe said the President is appreciative of the efforts, loyalty, commitment and sacrifice of members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies

who have demonstrated commendable patriotism and gallantry in compliance with the order of the commander-inchief.

“Mr. President also appreciates the encouragement by members of the diplomatic corps and international community and promises that as a disciplined force, members of the Armed Forces will operate according to acceptable international rules of engagement and will pay particular

attention to the safety and wellbeing of the citizens of the affected states during this period of emergency rule.

“Mr. President also notes that the efforts of the Armed Forces have already started yielding positive results, as available information confirms that the insurgents have been dislodged from their previously safe havens and camps while many have been apprehended, and their activities in the affected states have been brought to

a total halt.”

“The statement also states that President Jonathan has called on Nigerians from all walks of life, ethnic origins and religious affiliations, to rally round the Federal Government in this period of national travail in order that collectively, we will achieve success in this major fight against terror in our land, and return peace and stability to our nation with its attendant prosperity, growth and development in the affected region.

Aviation workersdeclare strike Continued from page 2

ate actions shall commence thereafter. In view of the reactionary, timid, and misleading statement by NAMA management through Supo Atobatele, who in the first instance is not the author of the ultimatum, we wish to reassure all our members that no retreat, no surrender, and until all grievances are sorted out, there is no going back on our cause of action” The Unions said all workers had been put on standby for the implementation of the action.

But NAMA said the airspace would remain open to traffic, “despite the unwarranted threat from some trade union leaders who have vowed in their cocoons to endanger safety and security within the nation’s airspace”.

It assured all the foreign airlines that the nation’s airspace would be open to traffic and urged them to continue to file in their normal flight plan without exercising any fear.

Director-General Nnamdi Udoh said he was surprised that the workers’ representatives at the Friday meeting could suddenly have changed their mind to continue deliberation on the matter.

A statement by Atobatele said: “The management maintained that shortly after receiving approval from the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, the agency immediately embarked on the process of implementation by setting up an advisory committee which was all- inclusive, comprising management staff, accounts staff and representatives from the trade unions.

“Based on the report of the advisory committee, the management commenced since February,2013 the full payment of the new consolidated salary structure as approved and promised to pay 13 months arrears thereafter.

“There was a letter of commendation from the unions to that effect, even though they asked the management to look into some grey areas of the approved salary structure. Perhaps, this informed the agitation for further increase outside the approved salary by the wages commission.

“It may interest the public that an average top official of the agency earns additional N100,000 to his or her salary following the implementation of the new salary structure and the condition of service which makes it far above the approved structure from the wages commission.

“Despite this obvious improvement on the welfare package of staff, the unions pressed for three things; between 5-10% increase in the basic salary, lump sum payment of leave bonus and commencement in the payment of arrears.

“The management has been faithful and transparent in the implementation of the new salary structure. Despite this, the managing director last week directed the Human Resources department to sit down with the union leaders and the finance department to look at the so called grey areas.

“The process was still on when the strike threat came, though without prior notice to the management. We confirm again that the last Friday meeting was conducted in a friendly atmosphere during which the meeting was further adjourned till today (Monday).

“In view of the above and considering the meeting held on Friday in Lagos, which was adjourned till this morning (Monday), one could see that there is no need for this threat and confrontational posture from the trade unions, except for other ulterior motives best known to the sponsors of this so called strike as there is no declaration of trade dispute where the federal ministry of labour would have intervened.

Police partisan in Rivers PDP crisis, says activist-lawyer Falana Continued from page 4

embattled governor is kidnapped or killed by the official thugs. It is indisputable that the undisguised partisan role of the Nigeria police in the political crisis in Rivers state is a total negation of the letter and spirit of the New Police Code of Ethics fashioned out by the Inspector-General of Police,Mr Mohammed Abubakar and launched at Abuja on January 10, 2013 by President Jonathan. In the said Code it is specifically stated that.

A police officer shall perform all duties impartially, without favour of affection or illwill and without regard to status, sex, religion, political belief or aspiration. All citizens will be treated equally with courtesy, consideration and dignity. Officers will never allow personal feelings, animosities or friendships to influence official conduct. Laws will be enforced appropriately and courteously and in carrying out their responsibilities officers will strive to obtain maximum cooperation from the public.They will conduct themselves both in appearance and composure in such a manner as to inspire confidence and respect for the position of public trust they

hold.”

“Since all police officers are bound by the said Code of Ethics the Rivets state commissioner of police ought to be sanctioned for not maintaining a neutral position in the political crisis in Rivers state and for willfully treating the order of a competent court of law with contempt. Having regard to the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to treat all citizens equally the political office holders should not be subjected to any discriminatory treatment on he ground of their alleged loyalty to Governor Amaechi. Like their counterparts in other states of the Fedration the Rivers state political office holders should have their orderlies restored without any further delay.

“Let the Police and the Judiciary stop taking sides in the political crisis in Rivers state as they ate required to be fair to all concerned.On his part President Jonathan should be made to appreciate that he cannot afford to toy with the security of any part of the Federation on the basis of political differences with some state governors.

“Therefore, he should ensure that the impunity in Riv-

ers state is terminated forthwith. Or, he loses the moral right to enforce law and order in other parts of the country.

Falana added: “Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states following the break down of law and order in the North East zone of the country arising from the mayhem unleashed on innocent people by the dreaded Boko Haram sect.

Since then there has been massive deployment of the armed forces in a bid to contain the insurgency. In a similar vein, the Federal Government has ordered a crackdown of the members of the Ombatse cult group who ambushed and butchered 46 policemen and 10 operatives of the State Security Service while on official duty at Allako, Nassarawa State on May 9, 013.

Even though belated the declaration of a state of emergency in the affected states has been commended by the generality of Nigerians regardless of political or ideological differences. However, it is disturbing to note that the Federal Government which is striving to restore law and order

in the North East zone has deliberately allowed lawless armed gangs in Nassarawa and Rivers states to engage in violent activities in furtherance of dubious political objectives and thereby cause a breakdown of law and order.

“In the case of Nassarawa it is on record that Governor Tanko Al- Makura had proscribed the Ombatse cult group in November last year.

“But the order was deliberately not enforced by the security agencies in order to settle political scores with the Congress of Political Change (CPC). Hence the group has continued to wax stronger in terrorizing innocent people and killing them including the 56 police and SSS operatives.”

The Centre for Advancement of Justice and Peace in Emerging Democracies (ICJAPED) has petitioned the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to investigate alleged Rivers State security siege.

In the petition, signed its Coordinator for African Region, Dr. Stephen Briggs and Secretary General, Chike Nwokobia, the group urged the UN to avert anarchy in Rivers

State.

The petition reads in part: “For emphasis, the past three weeks has portrayed Rivers State as being in a season of societal lunacy and political deadlock with very embarrassing actions meted on the Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Ameachi, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, political office holders and other officials of government. These actions are considered highly repressive and against the tenets of a true democracy.

“As a major civil society group, we resolutely and explicitly condemn the repressive actions and characters behind the Rivers state situation as we believe that the present political deadlock in the State is already having devastating effect on many things including business to social order.

“Also, we strongly believe that unless this deadlock is broken, Rivers State may witness serious breakdown of law and order, with a high probability of being another centre for violent crimes which may be worse than the present Boko Haram terrorist activities in some Northern states of Nigeria.

“The alleged altercation be-

•Falana

tween President Goodluck Jonathan, the Commander in Chief and elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Governor Chibuike Ameachi, the Governor of Rivers State began late last year following rumours that Governor Ameachi would be seeking a higher political position. This, even though regarded as mere speculation, did not go down well with Presidency because ever since then, the Rivers state governor, Chibuike Amaechi has no doubt witnessed a series of embarrassing castigations from mostly those loyal or sycophantic to the Presidency.”

THE NATION MONDAY MAY 20, 2013

8

NEWS Ondo gets APC merger committee

T

HE merger committee of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ondo State was inaugurated at the weekend.

At its inaugural meeting in Akure, the state capital, the party resolved to treat all members equally and enthrone internal democracy.

The Chairman of the merger committee, Senator Ajayi Borrofice, said it was agreed at the convention of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Lagos that the party be dissolved into APC. Borrofice, who represents Ondo North District in the Senate, said the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) had also been dissolved into APC. He said the parties agreed that the merger at the state level should be consolidated.

The senator said a subcommittee had been set up to build a foundation for the APC at the grassroots.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

He said the party would set up three committees Publicity and Strategy; Contact and Mobilisation; Finance and Logistics.

Borrofice said the merger was necessary to solidify Nigeria’s democracy and urged members to work hard for the party’s success in future elections.

He assured Nigerians of a strong, dynamic and progressive APC that would make life easier for them.

Former Chief of Staff to the late ex-Governor Adebayo Adefarati, Mr. Foluso Aminu, said the APC merger at the state level will send the opposition on exile.

Aminu said the merger was done without acrimony because all parties were treated equally.

Chieftains of all parties in the merger were at the inauguration. They include Prof. Olu Aderounmu, Mr. Diran Iyantan, Mr. Olalekan Obolo, Mr. Bola Ajimuda, Mr. Tolu Babaleye and Chief Adewale Omojuwa.

My critics are jittery, says Aregbesola

O

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola at the weekend said his administration’s performance has made his critics jittery.

He said: “The unimaginable massive projects going on across all sectors have created fear in them.”

Aregbesola spoke at the Sodik Adeleke Central Mosque in Osogbo, the state capital, after the Jumat serv-

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

ice on Friday.

He debunked the allegation by his critics that his administration borrowed N300 billion.

Aregbesola said: “We have prayed to God to make us the example of His government on earth and that is why we are making headway. They were here for seven-and-a-half years and

they destroyed the system.

But because God has been with us all the while, we have been able to achieve what we have achieved.

“The maximum allocation accruable to the state is N240 billion, but they are alleging that we have borrowed N300 billion. Does that make sense at all?

“What Osun State can earn in the four years of our tenure cannot cater for the

projects we are embarking on. But because we believe in God and His love for us, we are succeeding in all what we are doing.

“Because they could not point at anything they achieved in their seven-andhalf years in power, our massive projects have created fear in them. What we have done is enough for a government to say it has done enough, but in our case, we have just started.”

Ekiti inaugurates second youth parliament KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has urged youths to be actively involved in the formation of policies that would affect their future.

He spoke at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, while inaugurating the second session of the Ekiti Youth Parliament.

Fayemi urged youths to contribute to the development of their society.

He said his administration would support the parliament and make it a virile tool for youth empowerment.

The governor congratulated new members of the parliament and urged them to contribute to the state’s growth.

House of Assembly Speaker Adewale Omirin, who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Adetunji Orisalade, urged youths to be actively involved in the socio-political and economic development of Ekiti State.

Commissioner for Youths and Sports Kayode Olaosebikan said the parliament was an opportunity for youths to learn, exchange ideas and share their experiences on decision making.

Olaosebikan said the parliament was an effective voice of young people in the society.

Mr. Temidayo Akeredolu took over from Mr. Damola Ogunmola as the Speaker of the second session.

E

Man claims loss of manhood after giving alms From Leke Akeredolu

A

YOUNG man allegedly lost his manhood at the weekend in Akure, the Ondo State capital, shortly after giving alms to a middle-aged female beggar.

The incident occurred at the Old Garage.

Mr. Adewale Akande, a graduate of the College of Education, Oro, Kwara State, said about five minutes after he gave the beggar N50, he noticed that his manhood was shrinking.

He said: “I saw the woman by the roadside. She begged me for N50 and I gave it to her. About five minutes later, my body was weak and my manhood became very tiny, like a broom.”

Akande, who was about boarding a vehicle to Ilorin, said he alerted other passengers in the car, but was not taken seriously.

He approached a traffic warden and the matter was reported at the Police Station on Oyemekun Road.

The suspect earlier denied collecting money from the victim, but confessed later.

After six hours, the victim was taken to an undisclosed hospital where he regained his manhood.

The suspect is being detained by the police.

Police spokesman Wole Ogodo said the police were not sure if the victim truly lost his manhood.

He said: “When the man and the beggar were brought to the station, the area commander asked if the man had a girlfriend who could help him test if he had really lost his manhood, but he said his girlfriend was not in Akure.

“The commander asked the victim the last time he ate and Akande said he had been fasting for seven days. The commander told the man to go to the hospital for examination, believing that he might be suffering from a psychological problem since he had not eaten for seven days.

“The boy returned from the hospital and said his manhood was now functioning properly. However, the beggar has been warned to stay away from the area and look for a better means of livelihood.”

•The collapsed building...yesterday.

PHOTO: PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU

One dies in Lagos building collapse

A

BUILDING under construction has collapsed in Badagry, a Lagos suburb, killing a carpenter, Kehinde Williams (28).

The building, which belongs to the Onibereko of Ibereko, Oba Isreal Okoya, collapsed around 10:40am on Saturday.

The building, which is close to the Customs Quarters at Ibereko, was said to be a hotel.

Williams was working under the security house when it collapsed on him. The fence of a house, owned by Dr. Dele Adetoku, was affected.

Adetoku said: “I was in my bedroom around 10:40am when the building collapsed.

The sound was frightening because the building is directly behind my window.

It was not the main building that collapsed. It was an adjacent building, which had about three rooms upstairs.

“I am still in shock, because

By Precious Igbonwelundu

around 10:30am, I told the workers to remove some cement debris that messed up my compound when they are done with their day’s work and I went back to my room.

About 10 minutes later, I heard that sound. It affected a part of my fence, but my building was not affected.”

A source, who pleaded for anonymity, said the building was being constructed in a hurry. She said the accident would have been avoided if the workers had advised the Oba appropriately.

The source said it took several hours before Kehinde’s remains were removed from the debris.

Although Oba Okoya said it was rain that caused the collapse, the source claimed that there was no rain.

She said: “It did not rain at Ibereko today (Saturday). I think the problem is that they

‘I was in my bedroom around 10:40am when the building collapsed.

The sound was frightening because the building is directly behind my window.’ did not allow the cement work to dry up before they started the carpentry work.

The workers should have advised the Oba to wait because it is their field.

Maybe they were afraid to talk to the Oba and went ahead with the work. Now, imagine the disaster as well as the money that has been lost.”

Oba Okoya sympathised with the family of the deceased. He said Kehinde had been buried and he has

met with his parents.

He said: “The building did not collapse; it was my security gate that collapsed.

Nobody who is building would want his building to collapse. And as the Oba, I do not want my subjects, especially the young ones, to die.

“Those who are saying the Oba has killed or is killing his people are my opponents and, as you know, everybody must not agree with me or like me. It was the heavy rain that caused the collapse and no building was affected.

Kehinde was the carpenter and he was working under the gatehouse.

“I sympathise with his family and Ibereko people. It was an unfortunate incident.

Kehinde was buried on Saturday and I have been meeting with his family. I still met with them yesterday morning (Sunday). I love my people and want the best for them.”

Anglicans advocate moral rebirth

T

HE Dean of the Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta, Rev. Dapo Asaju, has urged Christians to lead the search for moral redirection in Nigeria.

He spoke yesterday at the Cathedral of St. Jude, Ebute Metta, Lagos, at the closing of the first session of the third synod of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos Mainland.

Rev. Asaju urged Christians to work towards a new Nigeria by refusing to join the crowd and by setting good examples.

The four-day synod examined “The faithfulness of

God in an unfair world”. It condemned the growing insecurity in the country and the destruction of life and property in the name of religion, politics and ethnicity.

The synod urged governments at all levels to provide good governance and promote justice.

It decried the prevalent corruption in the land and the unconvincing approach to fighting it, especially the “questionable plea bargain deals given to convicted felons, which is equivalent to deodorising sin”.

Members called for a change of heart and commit-

ment to building a fair society.

The synod urged government officials to see their positions as an opportunity to improve the welfare of the people and not an avenue to amass wealth.

In a statement by the Diocesan Bishop, Rev. Adebayo Akinde, and Ven. Luyi Akinwande, the synod urged governments to seek help outside the confines of partisan politics in making policies that would boost the economy and address unemployment.

It urged Christians to be holy and turn away from sin.

The synod praised Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola for his “honesty of purpose” and urged him to double his efforts to make Lagos a “place of pride” for all Nigerians.

The synod was attended by dignitaries from the church, government and civil societies. Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs. Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire was the special guest of honour.

Thirteen bishops, including Rev. Amos Madu of Enugu Diocese and Rev. Festus Davies of OgoriMagongo Diocese, were in attendance.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

9

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

10

NEWS STATE OF EMERGENCY Reps urge Ministry, Ecological Office to intervene in N1.1b failed erosion contract

T

HE Uche Ekwunife House Committee on Environment has urged the Ministry of Environment and the Ecological Fund Office to ensure an urgent intervention in a failed erosion contract in Anambra State.

The Namka landslide contract was awarded to Messrs Rhino Maritime Setvices and Construction Ltd in November 2011 at a cost of N1.1 billion with a contract duration of 12 months.

But petitions from the Namka and Oko communities accusing the contractor of a shabby work caused the House Committee to summon the Minister of Environment and the Ecological

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

Funds Office.

Speaking during a session at the National Assembly, the Chairperson of the committee, Uche Ekwunife, said the Namka landslide is a major national issue, which has been on the spotlight due to its extent of devastation, threat to lives and property.

The Minister of Environment, Mrs. Hadiza Mailafa, told the committee that although she signed the approval for the contract because it met the contract “already packaged” on her assumption of office, she later doubted the capacity of the contractor to deliver on the project when she visited the site in Anambra

State.

The minister expressed appreciation about the enormity of the problem, saying Namka is a catch 22 issue.

“I visited the site, was not satisfied with what I saw and questioned the competence of the contractor. As I speak, I am not convinced that the contractor is competent.”

The Chairman of Namka Erosion Control Committee, Chief Demian Okeko Ogene, said the community believed that the design of the project was defective.

“A lot of bureaucracy is also hampering the project, otherwise they would have gone far in the dry season. It would be a waste of time for them to continue with what they are do-

ing now because it will not be effective,” he added.

According to him, the project consultant is never on site and the contractors are considering shutting down the project “because we are now in the rainy season.”

Chief Handel Okoli, who spoke for the Oko community, also corroborated the position of his counterpart, saying that there was need for an urgent intervention before the beginning of the rainy season.

Trevor Jewitt, the Manager of Messrs Rhino Maritime Services and Construction Ltd, defended himself, saying the company was working within the scope of its contract when the Oko side of the gully caved it and affected the construction already done.

NANS to Jonathan: state of emergency is long overdue

T

HE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has hailed President Goodluck Jonathan over the state of emergency he declared in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states.

It said the development is long overdue.

NANS said the decision would help curb killings in the North, adding that the Boko Haram sect should be called to order to avoid further crisis.

The student body urged President Jonathan to take further drastic measure in securing Nigeria and show the perpetrators that they cannot get away with such activities.

It also enjoined security operatives to support President Jonathan and en-

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

sure that no one is spared from discipline if found guilty in respect of insecurity.

A statement issued in Abuja by NANS’ President, Comrade Yinka Gbadebo, said: “The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) hereby avows its unbridled support to the Federal Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, for the decisive step it has taken to halt the carnage and lawlessness that have engulfed some parts of Northern Nigeria, by the bold declaration on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 of a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

Fuel subsidy fraud: Agbakoba joins marketer’s defence team

By Adebisi Onanuga

A

N oil marketer, O l u w a s e u n Ogunbambo, has filed an application at the Lagos High Court, Ikeja seeking an order to quash the charges brought against him and others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The application was filed on his behalf by the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), who is the lead counsel of the defence team of Ogunbambo and other defendants.

The EFCC filed a 10-count charge against Ogunbambo for allegedly using forged cargo and freight documents to obtain N976, 653,110.28 as subsidy claims from the Federal Government.

In the application, Agbakoba raised three major constitutional and jurisdictional issues against the EFCC at the Lagos High Court, Ikeja and upon which he predicated the request for a court order to quash the charges preferred against his clients.

The first issue touches on what is referred to as “Miranda Rights” in the legal circle.

Agbakoba argued that “Miranda Rights” were not administered to the defendants by the EFCC before they were arraigned and as spelt out in the constitution.

He said ‘Miranda Rights” are secured rights of persons arrested or detained, to have legal representation immediately on arrest and before making any statement. The rights guarantee voluntariness of statements.

This is the first time a court in Nigeria is being called upon to determine the issue of nonadministration of “Miranda Rights” by law enforcement agents.

These rights, the former NBA boss argued, are contained in Section 35(2) of the Constitution and Section 3(2) & (3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State and the purpose of “Miranda Rights” is to prevent coercive and involuntary extraction of statements by law enforcement agents, a practice widely acknowledged in Nigeria.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

11

12

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

NEWS

A

STATE OF EMERGENCY Court jails ex-council boss for paying wife N110,000 monthly imprest

N Asaba High Court has jailed a former Chairman of Patani Local Government Area of Delta State, Austin Bebeteidoh, for three years for paying his wife N110, 000 monthly imprest to buy fuel for a non-existing official car.

Bebeteidoh, who committed the crime while in office, was also found guilty of converting a N7 million overdraft of the local government area to personal use.

But the convict was given an option of N400, 000 by the trial judge, Justice G.B. Briki-Okolosi.

A statement by the Head, Public Enlightenment of the Independent Corrupt

•ICPC arrests Prison officer over employment racket From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation, Abuja

Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Mike Sowe, said the convict’s trial began in 2007.

The statement reads: “Austin Bebeteidoh was sentenced to three years in jail for paying his wife a monthly imprest, thereby contravening Section 19 of the ICPC Act. “Bebeteidoh was accused of approving for fueling of his wife’s car the sum of N110,000 monthly

as imprest, although his wife had no official car.

“The former chairman was charged to court by the ICPC in 2007 on a sevencount charge of violating sections 16, 19 and 25 of the ICPC Act. “He was accused of converting to his personal use N7million overdraft facility he obtained on behalf of Patani Local Government Council from the New Nigerian Bank Plc and another sum of N710, 000, which he purportedly used for hiring a vehicle for offi-

cial use.

“Justice G.B. Brikiokolosi, while delivering his judgement on May 16, discharged and acquitted the accused on counts one to five, but found him guilty on counts six and seven.

“He then sentenced the former local government chairman to three years with an option of N200, 000 on count 6 and another N200, 000 on count 7.

“Meanwhile, the ICPC has arrested an officer of the Nigerian Prison Service, ASP Ikwuobe Yusuf and his

accomplice, Usman Musa, for operating a fake employment syndicate through which they extorted hundreds of thousands of naira from applicants.

“ASP Yusuf is alleged to have collected N100, 000 from 70 applicants through Usman Musa, who promised to offer the applicants employment with the National Task Force to Combat Illegal Importation and Smuggling of Goods, Small Arms, Ammunition and Light Weapons.

“The suspects were arrested in Kano and Kaduna and have been transferred to ICPC headquarters for further investigation.”

Police warn vehicle owners

T

HE Ogun State Police Command has warned owners of abandoned vehicles parked at Sagamu and Kemta Divisions to remove them or lose them to the public through auction, within 14 days of this publication.

The vehicles are: Mack Truck with registration number LND758XA, Volkswagen Golf, RW243AAA, Mack Truck, XK880EPE, Volkswagen Jetta, HV958AAA and Datsun C20 Bus, XA379 DAV.

Emergency rule is belated, says Senator Tinubu •National Think-Tank backs action

S

ENATOR Oluremi Tinubu has described the emergency rule declared in three northern states as coming too late and a wrong way to tackle insecurity.

She spoke in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, at the weekend during the conferment of chieftaincy titles on Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his wife, Florence, as the Aare and Yeye Aare Atunluse of Ibadan land.

Senator Tinubu said President Goodluck Jonathan should have curbed the crisis before it escalated to the current level.

Said she: “I think declaring a state of emergency now is a very late thing to do as far as I am concerned. We are a nation at war. So, this is medicine after injury. The harm has already been done.

When the president should have done this, he kept quiet.

“He only did it later because of the pressure from the international community. But I pray this state of emergency will not backfire on the safety of the people.

We know that we have a centralised government and the policemen there do not know the residents. We pray that it will not have a counter effect. We will wait and see as the case unfolds” The lawmaker also said the state of emergency would not affect the fortune of the All Progressive Congress (APC) despite that it affected two states under its control.

Senator Tinubu hailed the traditional titles given to Ajimobi and his wife, saying they would spur them in their determination to transform Oyo State.

“I believe that with this title given to him, it will be like an incentive for him to do more and we can only wish and pray that he should enjoy good health and long life to do more for the state.

“I urge the people to be patient, supportive and embrace the projects the government is putting in place.

We thank them for their cooperation because without them, he wouldn’t have done much. We want their cooperation so that he can do more for the state,” Senator Tinubu said.

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan and Joseph Jibueze, Lagos

But a not-for-profit advocacy group, the National Think-Tank (NTT), has backed the action, saying it would restore law and order.

In a statement by its National Media Director, Mr. Dele Agekameh, it said it would soon convene a national conference where people would be free to ventilate their opinions on how to enthrone permanent peace in the country.

The group said only the quick return of peace can guarantee the much-needed progress and development, which Nigerians have always clamoured for.

It noted that the security situation in the three states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe was gradually turning the entire Northeast to a theatre of banditry, arson, mindless killings and acts of brigandage, which no responsible government would tolerate.

“This is a trying period for the country and it will take the unflinching support of all Nigerians to bring total peace to the nation. It is only an indivisible, united and focused country that can transform the living standard and promote the economic well-being of the people,” the group said.

NTT urged the armed forces deployed in the states to adhere strictly to the rules of engagement to avoid causing unnecessary pains and anguish to innocent, lawabiding indigenes, who might be caught up in the skirmishes.

It said people should volunteer information on the hideouts and clandestine moves of the insurgents so as to ease the burden imposed on the military by the operation.

“The military needs useful information and workable suggestions from all wellmeaning Nigerians, particularly information that would lead to the unmasking of the brains behind this deadly group, the source of their funding and other logistic support for the group, to enable the military carry out this onerous task to the nation at this time, within the shortest, possible time,” it added.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

13

14

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

15

16

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

17

18

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

19

COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Thanks but no thanks • Jonathan should ignore IMF’s call to remove fuel subsidy and instead focus on local refining of crude

I

T was all so predictable – the International Monetary Fund, IMF’s call for President Goodluck Jonathan to fully remove fuel subsidy, to ensure a socalled fiscal adjustment. On May 9, Williams Scott Rogers, IMF’s senior resident representative/mission chief in Nigeria, told the media Nigeria badly needed the complete removal to record savings on recurrent spending, and further shore up the economy.

The IMF’s latest advice is not new.

With the mindset of Ngozi OkonjoIweala, Minister of Finance and coordinating minister of the economy, it is even likely to sit well with the current drivers of the economy, madly in love with beancounting in reporting “growth” that seldom translates into development in a shallow economy; rather than traversing a completely different paradigm that deepens the local economy and fires it for growth, development and eventual prosperity.

That IMF’s advice is always ideologically coloured to maintain the economic hegemony of metropolitan western powers and further subject, to their suzerainty, the Nigerian economy is no big deal to these managers, ensconced head to toe, body and soul, in neo-liberal orthodoxy.

IMF itself does not shy from its notorious one-shoe-fits-all prescriptive arrogance, which in the past only managed to wipe out some economies, before their Lordship Majesties on the ideological throne accepted maybe they did not have all the answers. But then, most African economies were such basket cases that earned the desperation of being sub-

jected to IMF’s experimentation or were assured of total collapse.

In the present Nigerian case, there is a lot to be said against unsustainable subsidies; for they drain scarce resources from core development and lavish them on elite comfort – if the Jonathan Presidency’s rather phony claim that petrol subsidy only massages the taste of the rich and their spoilt offspring, who cruise around Lagos with four-wheelers with humungous appetite for petrol.

But that is if, and only if, the so-called subsidy is really subsidy; and not some scam masquerading as one. From the clear aftermath of the 2011 nationwide fuel strike, the so-called subsidy was a massive scam, the perpetrators of which are yet to be judicially sanctioned. Yet, IMF has the temerity to advocate subsidy removal, and its local orchestra-in-government the cheek to serve notice to act in that direction. Until the exact level of the so-called subsidy is conclusively established, sans sleaze, it is irrational for anyone to even think of removing anything.

Even at that, the subsidy talk is only the result of a flawed energy policy. It is a classic case of taking off in the wrong direction, hoping against hope that somehow the wanderer would hit on where he is going. It would never happen.

The Obasanjo presidency, running away from local refining, purported to liberalise petroleum downstream by resorting to fuel importation. That has led to massive fraud by crooks, but not without collusion by government officials, for

illicit gains. It is that bill that feeds the sleaze the government, from Obasanjo to Jonathan, has been brandishing as “subsidy”.

Now, is it not common sense that the government does away with importing fuel and instead focus on local refining; thus cutting the base off this massive stealing? But no: the Jonathan Presidency would rather muscle the people to repay what a few have stolen than getting rid of the flawed policy that engendered the fraud.

On this score, the Jonathan Presidency, even if it appears hard of hearing, must listen to sound counsel: it should invest in local refining; instead of hearkening to IMF’s removal of phantom subsidy.

Otherwise it can only head for the proverbial tortoise’s journey that would end in nothing but perdition and disgrace. A word is enough for the wise.

’Even at that, the subsidy talk is only the result of a flawed energy policy. It is a classic case of taking off in the wrong direction, hoping against hope that somehow the wanderer would hit on where he is going. It would never happen ... Now, is it not common sense that the government does away with importing fuel and instead focus on local refining; thus cutting the base off this massive stealing?

Another jamboree •Nigeria wants to host WEF. But how will this benefit Nigerians?

A

T the close of the 23rd edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Cape Town, South Africa on May 10, finance minister and coordinating minister of the economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, announced Nigeria as host of the next edition of the global meet.

The rather exultant minister, while thanking WEF for choosing Nigeria as the next host, posited that the choice of Nigeria was appropriate, given its position and huge economic potential.

Said she: “I think we epitomise a lot of things about Africa. We have the excitement, the passion, the entrepreneurship, the private sector drive and the glow for the future… We also epitomise all of the difficult challenges of the continent such

‘Our officials love to talk and travel at public expense. Now, if they are not ashamed of showcasing failures on all fronts, shouldn’t they at least be tired of the ritual of endless dissection of problems which leads to nowhere? The issue is simple and straightforward: we do not need the burden of hosting any jamboree. If our officials cannot sit down to do the work they are paid to do, they should at least spare us such frivolities’

as infrastructure deficit, governance issues, corruption and transparency”. The combination of these opportunities and challenges in one country, she further argued, “is what makes Nigeria the most exciting place to be on the continent”.

The Director-General, Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Frank Nweke Jnr, would add that “President Goodluck Jonathan had already mandated the team to organise a successful forum”.

After the forum’s outing in South Africa, the question for many would be – why not Nigeria? Going by the objectives of the Geneva-based non-profit foundation, to wit: “to improve the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders in the vision of shaping global, regional and industry agendas”, nothing, clearly can be wrong with seeking to host the global meet. That however must come with the understanding that it must be private sector-driven – hence, no public fund is involved.

The more pertinent question however is what the nation stands to gain by hosting – or put in another way, whether there are additional benefits to be gained merely on account of hosting. The answer of course is – doubtful. In the first place, if our previous outings at the WEF or indeed similar high flying international conferences are any indications of what to expect, it would be illusory to expect that things would suddenly change mainly because the nation is hosting this particular one.

But more substantively, will the host-

ing transform the climate of doing business in the country? Will it address those long-standing issues that impede business competitiveness? What about corruption? What about governance issues impeding the delivery of the public good? How will the fact of our hosting of the WEF improve the state of things? Will it not end up as another opportunity to regale the world with the familiar Nigerian story of wants in the midst of wealth?

The issue is hardly about the prerogative of WEF to choose any venue for hosting its forums. So long as no public fund is involved, WEF can hold its programmes anywhere. Of course, we deplore the penchant by our officials to fall over themselves every time there is occasion for international conferences.

We have seen how much this has cost the treasury over the years, even when participation by officials can hardly be justified by the value delivered in the end. The point is – our officials love to talk and travel at public expense. Now, if they are not ashamed of showcasing failures on all fronts, shouldn’t they at least be tired of the ritual of endless dissection of problems which leads to nowhere?

The issue is simple and straightforward: we do not need the burden of hosting any jamboree. If our officials cannot sit down to do the work they are paid to do, they should at least spare us such frivolities.

Murky oil markets • The model of price reporting agencies needs rethinking

T

HE investigation by the European Commission into the setting of oil prices is still a long way from establishing whether global benchmark rates were manipulated. Yet this week’s raids into the offices of several oil majors and Platts, the world’s leading price reporting agency (PRA), have shed more light on the perplexing lack of transparency and regulation in commodities markets.

Every day, privately owned PRAs establish the benchmark prices for hundreds of different crude blends. The agencies collect bids, offers and details of completed transactions from traders, who provide them on a voluntary basis. The commission fears companies may have manipulated their submissions in order to gain from financial and physical trades linked to these benchmarks. Those under investigation may also have excluded competitors from the process to facilitate the rigging.

If antitrust law was breached, European authorities should establish whether this was the fault of a few traders or if senior management was involved. Platts also has much explaining to do. PRAs have the power single-handedly to exclude companies from the process. In the absence of enough quotes, reporters can use their own discretion to produce the final benchmark. The company is intimately involved in what price is ultimately set.

It is also troubling that it has taken years for an investigation to open. Concerns about the setting of oil prices were raised at the G20 summit in Cannes in 2011. Total, the French oil group, also complained about it last year. True, financial regulators do not have responsibility for the price-setting process. But there could have been investigations on competition grounds.

Governments should call for far greater oversight of oil price setting. The International Organisation of Securities Commissions had the chance to push for a fundamental rethinking of oil benchmarks.

Yet, in a report last year, in the face of industry pressure, Iosco only suggested minor tweaks to the current system. More radical changes are needed: oil companies should not be allowed to select which trades they want to disclose. There should be greater use of actual transaction data and of mechanical calculations, which are less open to abuse. Price-rigging should become a crime.

All of this will require international agreement and will be difficult to achieve.

But given public sensitivity to petrol prices, politicians have every incentive to act.

•Financial Times TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi •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

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina

• Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •Chief Internal Auditor Toke Folorunsho •Senior Manager (sales) Akeem Shoge

•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness •Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) Yomi Odunuga •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu •Manager, Corporate •Group Business Editor Marketing Ayodele Aminu Hameed Odejayi •Sport Editor • Manager (Admin) Ade Ojeikere Folake Adeoye •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

20

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR: It sounds unbelievable that about 10,000 buildings will be demolished in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital. I believe the chairman of Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA) has done a survey to understand the infrastructural problems of the state capital and thereby concluded that those structures should be pulled down after seven days warning to the occupants.

I want to ask the chairman, if he has also considered the fate of the occupants who are indigent and helpless?

What steps has the government of Akwa Ibom State taken to replace 10,000 buildings that will soon go down? Where will the occupants of the buildings relocated to?

Uyo is a developing city and the population is increasing every day.

The government, unfortunately has not built and allotted up to 2,000 houses to citizens from 2007 till date.

Presently, the shops and commercial buildings for business activities in Uyo are inadequate. The people are seen in Uyo daily struggling to do petty businesses under umbrellas and kiosks around Ibom Plaza and major streets just to keep”body and soul” and their families together.

Now, the government wants throw them out into the streets. If the state government is very sincere and committed to alleviating the hardship faced by these homeless people, they are supposed to build more than 10,000 housing units, relocate them and then embark on the demolition

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 800 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.net

That planned demolition in Uyo exercise.

This same government that promised 31 industries to improve the living standard of the people during the last electioneering campaign has suddenly forgotten the implementation

of the promises; instead it wants to subject the people to more hardship in the name of infrastructural development. I wonder what use are the good roads, flyovers and other government infrastructural edifice to the

hopeless and poverty-stricken people struggling to survive.

Every government has areas of focus and I believe the present government in its wisdom has its visions; and is gradually executing them at

S

•Mark Isong, Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

APC: Nigerians must be allowed to choose

S

IR: When the ACN Convention held in Lagos a few weeks back, I made some comments about the necessity for INEC to act above board in ensuring that this merger succeeded and to afford the parties seeking to merge every lawful opportunity and assistance to do so.

Recent developments, largely by well-meaning and many concerned Nigerians who have asked me about the purpose and importance of this merger compels me to go back to the issue of INEC’s role.

Although I said INEC must act above board; that alone will not be enough. INEC must also be seen to have acted above board.

If it is true that our worried opponents have any plans or any hand in scuttling the merger, they must re-think and desist.

If they believe that the merger offers no ideology, it is not for them to decide that.

That is the decision the people of Nigeria, who own Nigeria’s sovereignty have to make and live with.

More importantly, every personnel of INEC, from chairman to the most junior officer must see the consummation of this merger as a historic milestone in the political history of Nigeria.

It is true that all previous merger attempts have been unsuccessful.

That is a matter of old but relevant history.

It is also true that a new merger is increasingly becoming possible.

If I was in INEC today, I will seize the moment and write my name in history for many generations to come as being a part of the team that delivered Nigeria’s first successful political merger.

Of course there is the possibility that some people see history in the making and turn their backs.

In that case they can only be recorded amongst the list of people who did nothing.

For our part, we will do everything to depart from a history of

Still on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway IR: Last year, when the Federal Government terminated the May 2009, concessionary agreement it entered with BiCourtney Limited for the redevelopment and modernisation of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, the general consensus across the land was that it was a welcome development in view of the concessionaire’s foot dragging on the project.

The Federal government subsequently went ahead to appoint two reputable construction firms namely Julius Berger plc and RCC to do some palliative works on the road in order to reduce the stress of motorists along the road.

The palliative works did to a large extent, lessen the trauma of motor-

its best. But my desire is to plead for these defenceless citizens who are the major residents of Uyo but have socioeconomic challenges. Government should consider their welfare while taking major decisions on infrastructural development.

If not, there will come a time when the poor, the homeless and the unemployed citizens of Nigeria will come together as a great and determined force to fight and gain freedom from the corrupt, selfish and unpatriotic colonial masters who take pleasure in enslaving the people.

ists along the road, especially during the December 2012 festive period. However, the understanding then was that by 2013, real work geared towards the commencement of the redevelopment and upgrading of the road would begin in earnest. However, till date, there is nothing concrete on ground to suggest that government is about to start work on the road. The result is that the road is gradually returning to its hitherto distressing and frustrating state. In particular, the portion of the road from Sagamu intersection to Lagos is worst hit. This is quite understandable as this is the busiest section of the expressway consisting of a vast business and residential hub made up of emerging communities

such as Mowe, Arepo, Magboro, Ibafo, Asese, Olowotedo, Pakuro among others.

For all our efforts at attracting foreign investments into the country, if we cannot take care of minute details such as improving a major highway that could enhance such investments, then we had better forget it.

Being the main expressway, providing the primary link between Lagos and other parts of Nigeria and hence, a road of primary economic and social importance to the nation, it is imperative that the Federal Government take urgent steps to ensure that the situation of the road improves.

To put the Nigerian economy on the lane to speedy recovery and growth, Federal Government would

have to immediately commit itself to a result-driven programme that would make the road a driver’s delight. There must be a time-frame known and acceptable to Nigerians for the completion of this road.

While the federal government is fine tuning efforts to redevelop and modernize the road, one would like to implore the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, to as a matter of necessity mobilise its men and resources to address the failed portions of the road in order to avert imminent disaster, reduce travelling time as well as lessen every trouble associated with travelling on the road.

• Tayo Ogunbiyi Alausa, Ikeja.

mergers that have failed.

This is why I feel privileged to be present to witness the CPC convention being held to approve the merger.

All of you here have participated in a historic event. By coming here and voting for the merger, you have done your bit.

The most important thing that this merger will achieve, is that it gives the people of Nigeria a real choice as to who to trust with their affairs.

This is instructive because a choice between the PDP and the PDP is not a choice.

As you can see, we do not know in May, what the state of our country’s budget is.

If they know that the people have a choice, they will understand the people’s intolerance for this dysfunctional arrangement that they call a government.

They will know that you can make a change at the ballot.

That is the essence of this merger.

A government without a budget is like an automobile workshop without basic tools.

It cannot fund power projects.

It cannot fund security agencies.

It cannot fund anything.

When we create that choice and the people of Nigeria decide that they want to stay with the party that has brought us this far then they will have made their choice – A REAL CHOICE. • Babatunde Raji Fashola, Alausa, Ikeja.

21

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

COMMENTS

I

N a speech at the closing of the 8th National Conference on Investment (NCI) recently in Abuja, Nigeria’s minister of trade and investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga made a projection of $16 billion revenue from foreign direct investments (FDIs) in 2013 alone. According to the minister, the $16 billion revenue, if realised, will be utilized to create more jobs and wealth for the nation’s teeming population.

Expectedly, some Nigerians would share Aganga’s optimism. But the stark reality of the business climate in Nigeria points to a different year-round investment intake result altogether. In fact, for most discerning analysts, the minister’s projection of FDIs into the country in 2013 was a mirage.

This skepticism stems from the very obvious: an inclement business atmosphere in the country largely beclouded by a thick cloak of government inconsistency in policy formulation and implementation. It is a noticeable fact worldwide that in any nation where there are periodic policy reversals and somersaults the growth of the economy of such a nation is bound to be disrupted.Undoubtedly, competitiveness in the contemporary global business environment is enhanced by the establishment of certain basic rules and frameworks by national governments. Such rules and frameworks define the terms and conditions for smooth operations by various players, thereby creating the clement atmosphere that guarantees efficiency and success of all businesses. In this vein, the private sector is allowed to take the driver’s seat in running the economy.

A survey conducted by the Intelligence Unit of The Economist on the challenges and opportunities faced by public sector officials and corporate executives around the world, made so many profound revelations with respect to policy implementation. For instance, the report of the survey of 211 public and private sector respondents, which was conducted in July and August, 2009, showed that “policy implementation-and its ongoing application-is important because inconsistency in both the public and private sectors can result in regulatory non-compliance, exposing organisations to legal problems”.

Instructively, however, inconsistency in policy formulation and implementation in Nigeria is so glaring today that is has been reckoned with as a major obstacle to the growth of the nation’s economy. The report of a World Bank’s assessment of the business environment in Nigeria published late last year, revealed how the Federal Government has periodically altered the rules and frameworks for businesses, thereby impeding effective business operations and resulting in usavoury consequences for many business organisations. The report titled “Nigeria: An Assessment of the Investment Climate in 26 states”, also noted how the government’s periodic policy somersaults create critical constraints that impede the development of the non-oil sector of the nation’s economy.

Similar revelations as in the World Bank report have been made at various times by experts and other renowned public servants who are obviously deeply disturbed by the trend.

A former Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Chief Phillip Asiodu, while speaking at the 52nd annual conference of the Nigerian Economic Society, identified inconsistency in policy implementation by successive governments

T

HE ugly sight of passengers hanging on moving trains, especially in Lagos, has gotten to a rather worrisome level. For those who regularly commute along the Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC, rail tracks across the state, the spectacle of people sitting on top of a moving train and others hanging on same, has become a common sight. Despite the huge public outcry against this ugly and barbaric act, those who indulge in it have refused to see reason. Indeed, some of them have been arrested either by special task force or men of the Nigeria Police. Recently, 33 of such people, aged between 18 and 52 years, were arrested at the Ikeja and Agege Railway Stations for hanging on a moving train. Inspite of this, however, the ugly trend has not ceased.

It is quite easy for some people to offer the usual simplistic line of argument that stranded commuters have to resort to hanging on moving trains because that is the only alternative available to them. However, I bet to disagree with this line of reasoning. It is like a man justifying his foray into armed robbery or other such criminal activities on the account of joblessness. This is unacceptable. Life is a precious gift by God. Self preservation is, therefore, the responsibility of every human being. Self-preservation is keeping you alive, either physically or psychologically. The desire to stay alive is a natural instinct in every human being.

Animals equally share this feature with man. Every animal seek those elements of its environment that will enhance its chances for survival. These include food, water, oxygen, and periods of rest to allow the body to repair any wear and tear on the tissues. Alternately, it will avoid or evade those elements that might reduce its chances for survival. Such dangers include predators, starvation, dehydration, asphyxiation, and situations that can cause damage to the body.

Anyone that chooses to sit on the roof of a moving train is indirectly embarking on a suicide mission. In most cases, those who indulge in this act do not necessarily do so because they lack other viable options but out of a lack of proper understanding and appreciation of the gift of life. It is more of a careless disposition to life. Even if there is no punishment against such dastardly act, the self-preservation instinct in every man is enough to discourage any rational man from

‘Anyone that chooses to sit on the roof of a moving train is indirectly embarking on a suicide mission. In most cases, those who indulge in this act do not necessarily do so because they lack other viable options but out of a lack of proper understanding and appreciation of the gift of life.’

Policy inconsistency and FDI myth

By Ahmed Shekarau as the bane of the country’s growth and development. Barely three months ago, the Governor of Kwara state, Abdulfatah Ahmed handed down a similar verdict at the closing of a two-day interactive session between his government and the Organised Private Sector.

This gloomy state of affairs is further compounded by the rising tide of killings, bombings, kidnappings, as well as widespread corruption that has permeated all strata of government in the country. The ugly wave of bombings and killings by militant groups, especially across northern part of Nigeria has reportedly claimed at least 3,000 lives since 2010 when the insurgents intensified their campaign of violence in various parts of the country. The violence, coupled with the heightening of kidnappings in the South-east, and lately the South-west have serious implications for businesses, and also for foreign direct investments. For instance, the 2011 World Investment Report of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) revealed the lull in business activities cause by insecurity in Kano State alone has cost the Nigerian economy at least $6 billion (about N1.3 trillion).

The decrepit infrastructure all across Nigeria is no less a drag on successful business operations in any part of the country. In fact, many household names in the business circles in Nigeria such as Michelin and Dunlop, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Woolworths, British Gas – BG Exploration & Production (including massive sale of assets by oil majors and threats of departure due to inconsistencies in the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Bill) had to close shops due to poor infrastructure, and other encumbrances to economic activities nationwide.

Regrettably, the few resilient companies, especially the multinationals that make significant contributions to the growth of the nation’s economy, are also being put at great risk by the multifarious consequences of the rising tide of corruption in the country, which has recently been acknowledged in the international community. Various companies have in recent times complained openly about series of maltreatment by public office holders, especially officials of Federal Government agencies. In some cases, the companies, particularly the multinationals are crying out over blackmail and other forms of mischief, once they refuse to submit to the unceasing demands of some top government officials for bribes. In fact, there are even cases of harassment of some of the big companies that refuse to coddle the bribe-seeking government functionaries, through the instrumentality of the police and some corrupt courts officials.

Beyond the negative consequences of corruption on businesses in Nigeria is another prohibitive demon called multiple taxation. This is also a huge impediment to successful businesses in Nigeria as all three tiers of government across

the country compete to squeeze the life out of the few companies that have braved the odds to operate under the harsh investment climate.

What all these point to is one fact: that Aganga’s prediction of a whooping $16 billion (about N4.2 trillion) of FDIs coming into Nigeria in this financial year is clearly a myth.

However, for the Nigerian government to make this dream come to fruition, and possibly surpass that target in the years ahead, it must retrace it steps by showing much more commitment to creating a conducive business climate in the country. This can easily be achieved through a number of factors: avoiding zigzags in policy formulation and implementation; taking decisive steps to curb corruption, investing massively in infrastructural development, and checking multiple taxation of the business entities that have shown resilience to the odds in our business environment.

It is perhaps significant to draw the government’s attention to the position strongly canvassed nearly three months ago by Director-General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. John Osemede. The NACCIMA DG said at a forum in Lagos that: “The Federal Government should work to make the private sector to run the economy, while it focuses on making and enforcing economic policies and collection of taxes. The private sector seems to operate consistently but the regular government changes makes policy inconsistency and implementation challenges prevalent”.

This surely is the way to go, if the Federal Government is committed to ensuring that its Transformation Agenda delivers value to Nigerians.

•Shekarau, former Vice President (North) of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, is a Communications Specialist and Public Affairs Analyst.

‘Aganga’s prediction of a whooping $16 billion (about N4.2 trillion) of FDIs coming into Nigeria in this financial year is clearly a myth. However, for the Nigerian government to make this dream come to fruition, and possibly surpass that target in the years ahead, it must retrace it steps by showing much more commitment to creating a conducive business climate in the country.’

Hanging on moving trains

By Lateef Ibirogba embracing such act. The practice of passengers hanging on coaches of trains is totally undesirable, considering the huge impact of a train accident. Available records have shown that train accidents are usually fatal and terrible. One can only imagine the survival chance of passengers hanging on coaches of trains in the event of an accident.

As a responsible and responsive government, the Lagos State government would not fold its arms and watch people indulging in such anti-social behaviour. For one, it doesn’t speak well of us as a people. Two, it makes us a laughing stock in the committee of nations. Third, it makes nonsense of every effort of the state government to rid the state of uncultured attitudes in recent time.

As a government that is passionate about the people, all our policies and programmes are geared towards the preservation of the sanctity of the human life. Prior to this administration’s introduction of the BRT system for mass transit, most commuters across the metropolis move around in rickety death trap popularly called ‘Molue’. However, the introduction of BRT, modern taxi cabs and other such convenient and comfortable forms of public transportation has provided commuters in the state with better and viable alternatives means of transportation. This is what governance is all about. It is about improving the lots of the people.

One way in which the state government has been displaying its passion for the people is through its numerous safety programmes as it especially relates to transportation. One major way through which the state government has ensured safety of lives on our roads is by improving the quality of roads in the state. There is arguably no other way to boost the efficiency of the transportation sector as well safeguard the lives of our people than construction and rehabilitation of roads. The rate at which roads are being rehabilitated and constructed in the state in the last one year has attracted commendations from far and near, even among oppositions and has convinced the masses that a lot can come out of the country when visionary leaders are chosen to govern. Recently, the ramp on Falomo was commissioned to ease traffic on Ozumba Mbadiwe. The Lagos-Badagry expressways, the Mile 12-Ikorodu road, the Moshalashi –Ipaja road among many others are presently undergoing various stages of renovation.

Another strategy of the state government in enhancing the safety of lives on our roads through the improvement of vital

road infrastructure is the provision of functional traffic lights in addition to the rehabilitation of existing ones. In addition to the streetlights provided along the newly constructed roads, about 2,445 poles spanning about 85.58km of street lighting projects were installed across the state within the period under review. The intention of government is to ensure that travel time on major roads is reduced by 35 percent as a result of the elimination of conflicts at traffic signal light intersections.

Equally, the state government has continued the construction of the Blue Line Rail project along Okokomaiko. The first phase of the project, which is a 7km distance from National Theatre to Okokomaiko, has in the last one year recorded huge progress. The ultimate plan is to extend it to Badagry with the sole aim of providing commuters along the axis better alternatives in public transportation.

Similarly, water transportation is also being given a boost.

New jetties are springing up while old ones are being renovated. Private ferry services are operational in different parts of the state while dredging of inland waterways is on-going.

Safety on the sea is given utmost priority by government as it has concluded the dredging and signalization of the 32km water route from Badore to Ijede. Likewise, the Badore and Ikorodu terminals have virtually been completed except for minor finishing works preparatory to opening.

Today, from one operation route in 2007, government is running water transportation on 12 routes (Ikorodu-Marina/ CMS; Marina – Mile 2; Ikorodu – Addax/Falomo; IkoroduEbute Ero; Marina-Ijegun Egba-Ebute-Ojo; Mile 2 – Marina/ CMS-Mecwen-Falomo; Badore – Ijede; Badore – Five Cowries; Marina – Oworonshonki; Ebute Ojo –Ijegun Egba; Oworonshonki – Five Cowries and Baiyeku – Langbasa) under the supervision of Lagos State Waterways Authority(LASWA) while passenger traffic has grown to over one million passengers per month and it is increasing.

The inter modal link now has BRT buses moving passengers from its terminals in different parts of the metropolis to ferry services and is to run vice versa when fully operational.

Ferry services will also link light rail terminals while BRT buses will also service light rail terminals. However, as much as government is stepping up efforts to enhance safety of lives through its numerous laudable programmes and projects, the people, as it has been stated earlier, owes it a responsibility to embrace a lifestyle of safety and self preservation.

•Ibirogba is commissioner for information and strategy, Lagos

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

22

COMMENTS

I

F anything, the declaration of emergency rule in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states has brought to the fore the inherent contradictions in our perception of and response to the war against terrorism in the country. It has also exposed the unreliability or deceit in some of the information we have hitherto been fed regarding what ought to be done to tame the scourge. More so when it is realized that terrorism, being a global phenomenon, ought to be confronted according to universally tested rules of engagement. But ours, for curious reasons, was touted to be different and therefore required some local therapy.

Perhaps, due to pressure, outright confusion or to fulfill all righteousness, the federal government found itself incapable of taking the right decisions at the right time. This was in spite of clear evidence that some of the solutions being proffered were not only self-serving but inherently incapable of substantially redressing the threat to the nation’s sovereignty. And the cavalier handling of the matter was further portrayed as evidence that armed confrontation was incapable of taming the monster.

So it was that President Jonathan fell for the amnesty lobby group. Not even the repudiation and rejection of the offer by the insurgents was considered enough signal that something was amiss. He pressed on, inaugurated the amnesty committee even on the eve of the bloodbath in Baga, Borno State. The subsequent sacking of Bama and other terrorist killings in parts of the north could not change the situation.

The questions which nobody was interested in responding to were, if northern leaders who rooted for amnesty had the mandate, respect and confidence of the insurgents, why did they find themselves incapable of reining them in?

Why were they unable to persuade the terrorists to sheathe their swords temporarily for the committee to conclude its work? Who really wanted the amnesty in the face of the resurging tempo in the criminal escapades of the insurgents? Or were these heightened attacks to underscore the point that the government has been brought to its knees and must therefore do the bidding of the terrorists?

These were the nagging contradictions.

President Jonathan’s declaration of a state of emergency in the three states was therefore, a direct consequence of this dialectics. It was a huge contradiction to accept that amnesty could pull the surprise when there is no change of heart by the insurgents. If the pontifications of

I

Emeka OMEIHE 08121971199 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Jonathan’s carrot-stick offer apologists of amnesty had been relied upon, the terrorists could have mustered the needed capacity to over run the entire country. That was what drove Jonathan to order massive deployment of soldiers to among others, arrest, detain, search, cordon off any building and stamp out the impunity of the insurgents.

He said that the activities of the terror group amounted to a declaration of war against the Nigerian state and an attempt to undermine its sovereignty. That is correct. Curiously, all the negative tendencies which Jonathan cited to justify emergency rule had all along been there.

Yet, we were sold to the idea that dialogue is the most efficacious therapy to this unprovoked act of insurgency. The first issue thrown up by the impending military action in the three states is that it amounted to a loss of confidence in dialogue or the amnesty programme.

And this loss is two dimensional. There is loss of confidence from the side of government that dialogue or amnesty is all it takes to redress the madness. And its resort to full scale military action illustrates it all. There will also be loss of confidence on the part of the terrorists in government’s genuine commitment to dialogue. These are not in doubt. Before now, the terrorists had complained they did not trust government’s sincerity to dialogue. That was why Dr. Ahmed Datti withdrew from the earlier panel on the matter. He cited the same reason for declining his nomination in the current one.

But the government says military action will run simultaneously with discussions on amnesty. To underscore this point, the committee met with the president the same day emergency rule was proclaimed. How workable this

N a move designed to sanitise and streamline the nation’s drug trade, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) un-

der the dynamic administration of Dr Paul Bortwev Orhii recently moved to restructure the drug distribution system. The initiative, a complement to the anti-counterfeiting and anti-faking strategy introduced by the current management of NAFDAC, will ensure the creation and establishment of large drug markets otherwise known as Mega Drug Distribution Centres (MDDCs) in the nation’s six geo-political zones.

Under the arrangement, private sector partners will provide the structures, while the federal government, through NAFDAC, will ramp up its regulatory activities. The governments in 36 states are expected to establish and own drug markets to be known as State Drug Distribution Centres (SDDCs) under the coordination of NAFDAC. States will be permitted to upgrade their Central Medical Stores (CMSs) to meet SDDC standard to conserve resources.

One other feature of the proposed scheme is the compulsory channelling of locally produced and imported pharmaceutical products to both the regional and states drug markets for re-examination by NAFDAC. Upon certification of products quality, the wholesalers will then be allowed to take delivery and subsequently commence sales to the retailers, comprising community pharmacies, public/primary health care centres, private health institutions as well as the patent and proprietary medicines vendors (PPMV) – the last link in the chain to get the products to the final consumers or general public. Dispensing will be based strictly on prescriptions from appropriate medical experts in line with global medical procedures.

At a well attended launch of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, Nigerian National Pharmacovigilance Policy and Implementation Framework as well as the inauguration of Drug Distribution Advocates of Nigeria by the Federal Ministry of Health at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Abuja recently, Health Minister, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu and other stakeholders in the nation’s health sector were full of optimism that this new framework will ensure the sanitization and standardization of pharmaceutical prod-

will turn out is a matter of time. But it is difficult to conceive how the committee can reach out to the insurgents now their lives are in mortal danger.

There are two axioms to contend with here.

The first is that government has come to terms with the fact that it has to re-establish its authority in those states. It has also accepted that dialogue or carrot cannot do it hence the need to offer the insurgents the stick. But then, what are the likely outcomes of the combination of these two strategies in the fight against terrorism? There are some possibilities. The first could be to demonstrate government’s capacity to tame the monster. The idea is that if battle is taken to the hide-outs of the terrorists and they are smoked out, those left will be quick to accept the peace process. This draws support from the widely

‘It is clear that government has a big burden to discharge in the way it confronts the Boko Haram insurgency in the days ahead.

The choice of military action is justified. Somehow, the government has no other option than to restore peace and order in those areas or abdicate and throw in the towel’

held view especially in the north that government is incapable of winning the war at the battle field and must therefore negotiate.

The other could be to demonstrate very unambiguously that it has the capacity to re-establish its authority by militarily incapacitating the insurgents. The message is that the offer of dialogue should not be misconstrued as weakness on the part of the government. They are being told in very clear terms that it is either they embrace peace or be routed out by the superior fire power of the government forces. There are two possible scenarios. The first is that the insurgents may be so frightened by the new direction that they will quickly scamper for the peace option. If they embrace this option, they will save lives and bring a quick end to the hostilities. This appears attractive.

The other is that unsure of the real intentions of the government and for fear of reprisals, the insurgents will fight on. Their hit and run strategy and the fact of the successes they had made before now, may embolden them to sustain the fight beyond the expectations of the government. And since the insurgents are driven by some weird ideology, there is every thing to expect that they will not succumb to the fear of escalated military onslaught. They will fight on. This possibility is also very high.

If this happens, the government may have to wage the war much longer than envisaged. And in a desperate attempt to subdue the terrorists militarily, both the civilian population and the insurgents will suffer irretrievably. Then, it would have given skeptics ample room to mock the new offensive. Already, skepticisms are rife that the emergency rule will fail like the earlier ones declared in some local governments. Fears have also been expressed on the safety of the civilian population as the onslaught lasts.

Whichever way, it is clear that government has a big burden to discharge in the way it confronts the Boko Haram insurgency in the days ahead. The choice of military action is justified. Somehow, the government has no other option than to restore peace and order in those areas or abdicate and throw in the towel. But the fight is likely to be encumbered by the strategy of the insurgents that blurs differentiation between them and the civilian population. It is therefore difficult to fathom how the military can wage this war successfully without being accused of violating the rights of civilians. That is the new challenge even as the Boko Haram insurgency must be stamped out.

NAFDAC’s drug distribution initiative

By Martins F.O Ikhilae ucts distribution and marketing. The consensus was that the new scheme will achieve the desired goals and objectives of cleaning the extant rot in the drug distribution sector which will in turn impact positively on the nation’s health care delivery sector.

Nigerians are certainly familiar with the uncoordinated status of drug marketing and distribution of the past years and how these have posed great challenges not only for the health care delivery system but also for the image of the country. There is no doubt that the previous haphazard drug distribution system accounted for the presence of the huge chunk of adulterated, substandard and fake pharmaceuticals in our nation and this in turn has obviated our collective desire for effective, efficient and internationally comparable health care system.

The new arrangement is expected to bring about the availability of affordable, efficacious, safe and good quality drugs. Also sources of drugs at every level of healthcare provision and mode of distribution would easily be identified thereby instilling orderliness and absolute confidence in their distribution. The new distribution template will enable local pharmaceutical products win back the lost confidence of Nigerians and consumers in the West African sub-region. Locally, the system will stop the careless and nonchalant display of drugs in open markets as only governments and privately owned health facilities nationwide will be source of all drugs.

Similarly, quacks, and other intermediaries who lack knowledge of drug composition and capabilities would be chased out of markets; importers, smugglers, producers and marketers of counterfeited or fake pharmaceuticals will be compelled to stop flooding the nation’s health centres, hospitals, pharmacies and medicine stores with life-endangering substances under the regime of trade accountability that will be in place.

In addition to restoring integrity and confidence to the pharmacy profession, the current ubiquitous drug selling and distribution practices which adorns the nation

will fizzle out to give rise to a system where all drug dealers will source products from a unified, accountable, reliable and scientifically manned point of supply. Big time pharmaceutical dealers will take delivery of drug consignments meant for Nigerian markets from which minute drug dealers/sellers will depend for product supply which would have been thoroughly examined by NAFDAC for public consumption and use in medical centres.

The challenge of curbing the influx of fake or counterfeited pharmaceutical products through our porous land borders will be automatically resolved with the establishment of international standard drug markets which will act as a single channel through which pharmaceutical products can gain entry into all nooks and crannies of the nation. We expect to see immediate results in reduction of infants and adults death rates alike; just as patronage for home made drugs will be boosted, thereby expanding local drug manufacturers’ revenue base, boosting their employment generating abilities while also guaranteeing job security for those employed in such firms as well.

•Ikhilae, a public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos

The challenge of curbing the influx of fake or counterfeited pharmaceutical products through our porous land borders will be automatically resolved with the establishment of international standard drug markets which will act as a single channel through which pharmaceutical products can gain entry into all nooks and crannies of the nation.

25

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Following the approval of Federal Executive Council, we have concluded arrangements to commence the construction of not just one, but five brand new world class international airport terminal.

- Ms Stella Oduah, Minister of Aviation

THE CEO

ISSUE

Unclaimed dividend should revert to firms - P. 37

Much ado about private jets - P. 27

News Briefing ‘Why unemployment rate is high’

World Bank supports states’ borrowing From Nduka Chiejina, (Asst Editor)

OUTGOING President, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Peter Esele, has said unemployment in the country is caused by government’s red tapism.

- Page 26

Experts flay aviation regulation policy AVIATION experts have criticised the new policy by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Policy ( NCAP), especially the proposed creation of a regulator for the aviation sector.

- Page 26

‘Youth employment’ll end insecurity’ EDO State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has identified youth employment as one way of ending the problem of insecurity in the nation.

- Page 29 DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N7.560 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion

RATES Inflation -

11.9%

Treasury Bills -

7.08%

Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending - 15.87% Savings rate

-

2%

91-day NTB

-

15%

Time Deposit MPR -

5.49% 12%

Foreign Reserve $35.8b FOREX CFA

-

0.2958

EUR

-

206.9

£

-

242.1

$ ¥

-

156 1.9179

SDR -

238

RIYAL -

40.472

• Nwankwo

T

HE World Bank is not opposed to states’ inde pendence to borrow since Nigeria operates fiscal federalism, the body’s Lead Economist, Nigeria Country Office, John Litwack, has said.

He said: “It is good to give states independence in terms of borrowing,” adding, however, that state independence on borrowing is a “complicated matter.”

Litwack told The Nation that he was satisfied with the way Nigeria was handling its debt matters, and that “it’s a positive development that issues of subnational debts are becoming clearer since the Debt Management Office (DMO) started monitoring” the nation’s debts.

Litwack advised those involved in managing debt issues in the country to keep track of “contingent liabilities” which have the potential of impacting on the resources of state governments.

He cited Lagos State which is planning to build the Blue Line under which agreement the company handling the project has been given guarantee on returns. While the idea of the Blue Line is good, he cautioned the government to ensure adequate provision for “contingent liabilities” for the project.

Operators await LTE licence auction

T

ELECOMS operators are waiting for the auction of the operating licences of Long Term Evolution (LTE) of 4G. Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, said the telco has launched the technology in the country, adding that it was a huge success.

National operator, Globacom, said the contract for its national equipment upgrade which costs over $1 billion is also aimed at the LTE licence. The first contract was struck between the firm and Chines equipment vendor, Huawei; the second was with ZTE. While the former costs $750 million, the latter is $500 million.

Officials of the equipment vendors said on completion, the telco would only require software upgrade to plug into the LTE when the licence is issued.

Already, the special purpose vehicle for the merger of MTS, Multilinks and Starcomms, Cpacom, said it would provide superior voice and data services to its customers, which are riding on the latest LTE technology.

Regulator of the telecoms sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had said it would auction the licences that would allow telecoms operators to deploy LTE or 4G in 2005.

By Lucas Ajanaku

Wikipedia, a free online knowledge platform, defines LTE as a standard for wireless communication of highspeed data for mobile phones and data terminals based on the GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA network technologies, increasing the capacity and speed using a different radio interface together with core network improvements.

Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah, said already, people on 800 MegaHertz (MHz) were being upgraded to LTE, adding that the regulator would also auction the 3.5 GigaHertz (GHz) and 2.6 GHz spectra to operators.

According to him, these spectra are in the custody of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), adding that the broadcast sector regulator has agreed to let the spectra go.

“We are about to auction LTE licences. We are upgrading people on 800MHZ to LTE. We are also going to auction our 3.5 GHz and 2.6 GHz. They are not in the custody of the NCC but the NBC. They have agreed to make it available in 2015. It took us five years to do this. We are a serious member of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU),” Juwah said.

• ‘No state’ll exceed limit’ However, an official of a Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO), who asked not to be identied, said at an event organised by the Centre for Social Justice, that though he was in support of states independence, he was also in support of a single economy for the country.

He argued that if a state misbehaves after borrowing, it could influence other states to act in the same manner, and that it is the fear of such a scenario that the World Bank is supporting the Federal Government in coordinating debts for both federal and state governments.

The World Bank in its first edition of the Nigeria Economic Report had stated that “rules for subnational borrowing are more restrictive than might be expected in such a

decentralised federation.”

The report declared that the DMO “appears to have more control over state bond issues than other types of commercial borrowing, and it is not clear what kind of sanctions would apply to states that exceed their prescribed debt ceilings.”

In Nigeria, states can only borrow externally with the permission of the Federal Government and to service these external debts, deductions would be made from the state’s share of the federation account revenue before distribution.

“Debt servicing by Nigerian states are not to exceed 40 per cent of their average monthly allocation from the Federation Account,” the World Bank report said.

On what the sanction(s) would be for a state that ex-

ceeds its debt ceiling, the Director-General of the DMO, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, said: “No state would want to exceed its limit.”

Nwankwo said there was an urgent need to reassess the structure of the nation’s debt because the interest rate payable on domestic debt was too high, adding that the ratio of the Federal Government’s domestic debt stands at 88 per cent, while the ratio of the foreign debt stands at 12 per cent.

He said the appropriate ratio should be 60 per cent for domestic debt and 40 per cent for foreign debt.

The ratio of domestic and external debt stock as at end 2011 was 88:12, whereas the appropriate ratio would be 60:40.”

He said at present the difference between the domestic and external average cost of borrowing is about eight per cent per annum.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

26

BUSINESS NEWS Flight Schedule MONDAY - FRIDAY LAGOS – ABUJA Departure Arrival 1. Aero 06.50 08.10 2. Associated 07.00 09.30 3. Air Nigeria 07.00 08.20 4. IRS 07.00 08.20 7. Arik 07.15 08.15 7. Chanchangi 07.15 9. Air Nigeria 08.15 09.35 10. Aero 08.45 10.05 11. Arik 09.15 10.15 12. Chanchangi 10.00 11.00 13. IRS 11.15 12.35 14. Aero 12.20 13.30 15. Air Nigeria 13.25 14.45 16. Chanchangi 13.30 14.30 17. Arik 13.45 14.45 18. IRS 14.00 15.20 19. Aero 14.10 15.30 20. Air Nigeria 14.50 16.10 21. Chanchangi 15.30 16.30 22. Arik 15.50 16.50 23. Aero 16.00 17.20 24. IRS 16.30 17.50 25. Arik 16.50 17.50 26. Chanchangi 17.30 18.30 27. Air Nigeria 17.35 18.55 29. Air Nigeria (T/TH) 18.30 19.50 20. Arik 18.45 19.45 31. Aero 19.20 20.40

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

LAGOS – BENIN Arik 07.30 Associated 08.30 Aero 10.50 Arik 11.45 Associated 13.00 Aero 14.25 Arik 15.30 Associated 16.00

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1.

2.

3.

4.

LAGOS – CALABAR 07.30 11.20 12.50 16.00 LAGOS – JOS 10.55 11.15

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

15, 20 years. But the bottleneck is the government’s bureaucracy.

“The bureaucratic bottleneck is key because they have to go through so much to achieve so little. And they must have a lot of patience. The Briton has lived in Nigeria for 42 years. He is almost a Nigerian now, and he is still complaining. That tells you that the government should create a systemic approach, and create that environment for people to come and put their money.”

Esele said the investors he discussed with told him about how they invested in a state and the government signed a purchase agreement, that they should come and build houses for its workers. They quoted the state government as saying it would guarantee workers to buy the houses the investors were invited to build, that they (government) would help workers to pay 10 per cent of it, he

said. And the government reneged on that agreement. How can one expect any firm to invest in a state like that? he asked.

Suggesting ways out of unemployment, Esele said the government should look at the infrastructure. “We are hoping that going forward with the planned privatisation and what the government is planning, that in 10 years, things would change,” he said.

He added that improper or lack of planning has brought the nation to where it is in terms of infrastructure.

“In 10 years, our population would have exploded because it is ever expanding.

“Meanwhile, our infrastructure is not expanding in the same digit with the population. That, too, is also a major problem. So, the government needs to do its home work properly.

It should create an enabling environment because the government alone cannot reduce unemployment.

It has to be a composite holistically approach. That is the only way,” he said.

08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20 12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

LAGOS – OWERRI Aero 07.30 Arik 07.30 Air Nigeria 13.40 Arik 14.00 Arik 16.30

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

09.1 12.50 12.55 15.55

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

LAGOS – KANO Air Nigeria 07.10 IRS 08.00 Arik 12.20 IRS 14.00 IRS 18.15

08.50 09.45 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 1. IRS 11.15 13.15 2. Arik 15.50 18.00 LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

O

UTGOING President, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Peter Esele, has said unemployment in the country is caused by government’s red tapism.

Esele, during an interview with The Nation, said the government’s bureaucracy is scaring away investors.

The TUC chief, who will be leaving office next month, said the government should create enabling environment to attract both local and foreign investments to generate employment.

His words: “One of the things I think the government can do is create enabling environment. I was discussing with a couple of investors, who can create mass housing for the workers. One of them is a Briton; the other, a Nigerian. We have about 17 million gaps in our housing need.

The Briton told me the money to build the 17 million houses was not a problem, because that can be achieved in a matter of

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40

LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT (CIVIL) 1. Aero 07.15 08.35 2. Arik 07.15 08.35 3. Arik 09.00 10.20 4. Aero 10.50 12.30 5. Arik 11.40 13.00 6. Air Nigeria 12.00 13.10 7. IRS 13.30 15.00 8. Arik 14.00 15.20 9. Air Nigeria 16.00 17.10 10 Arik 16.10 17.30 11. Aero 16.15 17.30 12. Arik 17.10 18.30

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik

‘Why unemployment rate is high’

08.00 18.00

LAGOS – ABUJA SAT/SUN Arik 7.15; 10.20; 2.20; 5.20pm – 7.30; 9.15; 10.20; 2.20; 4.50; 6.45 Aero 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 – 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 Air Nigeria 08.15; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30 – 08.15; 13.30; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30

• From left: Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc and co-Chair GBC Health, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; First Lady of South Africa, Mrs. Bongi Ngema-Zuma; First Lady of Zambia, Mrs. Christine Kaseba-Sata; and U.N. Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Financing Health Millennium Development Goals & co-Chair GBC Health, Ray Chambers, at the GBC Health Annual Conference and Awards in New York.

Experts flay new aviation regulation policy A

VIATION experts have criti cised the new policy by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Policy ( NCAP), especially the proposed creation of a regulator for the aviation sector.

According to experts, giving the functions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to another body could bring about some infraction on air safety as experience has shown in other countries, including the United Kingdom.

The experts are a pilot, Captain Dung Pam, who is Chairman, Nigerian Aviation Safety a initiative (NASI), and Mr Olumide Ohunayo, an aviation analyst, Head of Strategy, Zenith Travels.They spoke in separate interviews in Lagos.

Capt Pam said withdrawing the functions of NCAA, and giving them to another body could lead a

communication gap in the industry.

“The outcome will dilute the effectiveness of the NCAA in performing its statutory functions with regards to aviation safety, consumer protection and anti-trust matters.

“The prevalence of issues, such as abuse of market dominance, predatory pricing, unreasonable discrimination between classes of users, allegations of monumental fraud, in FAAN, NAMA, NIMET, are clear indications that the industry in Nigeria is suffering the consequences of loss of economic efficiency” he said.

Also, Ohunayo said: ”Some aspects of the policy need to be reviewed, an independent search and rescue agency with offices in

the six geo-political zones will only over burden the system with attendant cost implication.

“Why do we want to protect a new group of private investors at the expense of investors using the banner of a national carrier?

“The government is starting another flag carrier not national, so the carrier should be free to compete rather than seek government protection. “ The same protection Virgin Nigeria signed with the government only to repudiate to the consternation of the investors.

“Also, the Fly Nigeria Act that would have aided our commercial airlines was again bypassed by the policy, a phased implementation starting with charter flights and some regional routes would have been appropriate.”

‘SMEs need credit insurance’

By Daniel Essiet

N

IGERIA needs a flexible credit insurance regime to boost its small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Mr Eke Ubiji, has said.

He said the scheme would assist the growth of trade, assure businesses of financial security and give confidence to banks as they would be more comfortable in funding companies, which have their receivables covered by credit insurance against payment defaults.

He emphasised that the SMEs would need“strong insurance schemes”from their home base as businesses expand.

Also, Chuke Nwude of Department of Banking and Finance, Faculty of Business Administration, University of Nigeria, Enugu, said the government should execute pragmatic programmes, including an insolvency component which have firms.

He urged the government to pursue a reform agenda geared towards productivity gains with the ultimate goal of fostering growth.

The Director-General,Kaduna Business School, Dr Dahiru Sani, said SMEs play a vital role in the economy, adding that they experience constraints when accessing formal sector finance.

He said this is because of the high risk perception of small firms and inadequate collateral.

This, he noted, justifies a compelling need for a flexible credit guarantee scheme.

He said SMEs face constraints when accessing formal sector credit and this prevents them from achieving their full potential.

Sani called for a review of the financial system, including corporate governance and local capital markets.

The system, he explained, should help struggling companies.

Board for inauguration

T

HE Governing Board of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) will be inaugurated next week by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga.

In a statement the Media/ Communication Consultant to FRC, Mack Ogbamosa, said the Board, headed by the immediate past President of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Hajja Mariam Ladi Ibrahim, is the first since the establishment of the FRC following the enactment of the enabling Act in 2011.

The FRC is the body charged with regulating accounting, auditing, valuation and actuarial standards, registration of professionals as well as harmonisation of corporate governance rules in the country.

Mr Obazee said the inauguration of the FRC Board will enable the Council to function optimally.

Fed Govt partners private sector on economic growth

T

HE Federal Government is seeking collaboration with the private sector on the periodic assessment of the nation’s economic growth The organisations include the Institute of Directors (IOD), National Economic Summit Group (NESG), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).

The government has directed its ministries and agencies to liaise with some sectors to move the business sector forward.

By Ambrose Nnaji

Vice President Namadi Sambo, said during the IOD’s Convention and Exhibition in Lagos, that the country needs stakeholders who would contribute to the development index and ensure that such growth and development were sustained.

Speaking on Optimising performance in a growing economy, Sambo, who was represented by the Head, Federal Civil Service, Buka Aji, said the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country stood at 7.1

per cent last year, as against 7.4 per cent in 2011.

He assured that the government would fast-track measures that would make the country become one of the most industrialised nations by 2025.

“Like any other human problems, the government will be delighted to see that IOD and other well-meaning groups would forward proposals to us on how to better combat all the challenges facing the economic situation of the country,” he said The Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange,Oscar

Onyema, said good economic and corporate governance, including transparency in financial management were essential prerequisites for promoting economic growth and reducing poverty, promote market efficiency,as well as encourage private financial flow He said corporate governance practices in companies is at varied stages of implementation. He, however, added that registered companies should be accountable for their corporate practices, adding, the banking sector is leading in this regard.

27

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

ISSUES Until few weeks ago, private jet owners flew about with ease. Everything changed on April 26 when a private jet said to belong to the Rivers State government was stopped at the Akure Airport in Ondo State for allegedly breaching the rules. Since then, the rules have been strengthened to avert a recurrence. Did government act in the best interest or with ulterior motives? KELVIN OSA OKUNBOR reports

• Interior of a private jet

Much ado about private jets S

OMETHING led to the action, though the government denies having ulterior motives in coming up with the revised Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulation (NCAR). Before the revision of NCAR, which is the bible for aviation operations, private jet owners were free to use their planes the way they wanted. They could give the jets out to whoever sought to use them without fear of breaching the law.

With the revised NCAR, their control over their jets appears limited. Besides their family, they can no longer give out the planes to friends and associates. Then, who is a family? Who is a friend? Who is an associate? Can the revised NCAR identify who is who since these people are not defined under the regulations?

The Amaechi saga Many watchers believe what last month’s altercation between Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and the aviation au-

thorities led to the revision of the four-year old NCAR. On April 27, a Bombardier 700 Global Express with registration number N565RS, operated by Caverton Helicopters, was barred from taking off at the Akure Airport in Ondo State by the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) because of the crew’s alleged failure to declare the identities of passengers on board.

The aircraft, purportedly owned by the Rivers State Government, was carrying Governor Amaechi and House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, among other high profile passengers. The plane was said to have violated airspace regulation. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authoriy (NCAA) subsequently grounded the jet for allegedly using an expired permit.

‘

It amounts to disclosing classified information details about the owners of the private jets where the ownership does not constitute an infraction to the safety and security of the country

’

The permit was said to have expired on April 2, but the plane was not grounded until April 27. Addressing reporters in Lagos, NCAA’s Director of Airworthiness Standards, Benedict Adeyileka, an engineer, said the aircraft was operating illegally in the country. He said the aircraft was sighted in several places, including Owerri (Imo State) and Akure.

He said, according to its certificate of registration, the aircraft is owned by the Bank of Utah Trustees of Salt Lake City, Utah, in the United States and not the Rivers State Government.

Mode of aircraft registration How are aircraft registered? Aircraft can either be registered where they are bought or where they will be used. It is the country where an aircraft is registered that has oversight functions over the plane, accord•Continued on page 28

28

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

ISSUES the private aircraft meet all regulatory requirements, their ownership does not matter.

“It amounts to disclosing classified information details about the owners of the private jets, where the ownership does not constitute an infraction to the safety and security of the country,” an official said.

Much ado about private jets

State of the industry

•Continued from page 27

ing to an NCAR official, who asked not to be named.

The official said only 10 private jets are registered in the country, while 61 others are registered abroad. He said: “Foreign registered means the aircraft is registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of another sovereign state or country while Nigeria registered means it is under the NCAA registry of aircraft. Where you register your aircraft has the oversight (function) over the aircraft.

Any aircraft that has 5N at the tail means it is Nigeria registered. 5N was given to Nigeria by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Such aircraft fly in and out; they can be here today and elsewhere tomorrow. They pay for landing, parking, overflying and fuelling.”

•Oduah

• Akinkuotu

Road to NCAR’s revision In the heat of the face-off between Rivers State and NCAA, the NCAR was revised to, according to the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, “check abuses in air transportation.” Defending the measure, Princess Oduah said it is aimed at regulating private jet operations. She said the 2013 NCAR shall regulate the operations of non-scheduled operators, including private jet owners.

According to the new regulation, owners of private jets are not allowed to carry members of their immediate or extended families. But some analysts contend that the new measures may have political undertones.

According to global civil aviation regulations, private jets belonging to companies are not allowed to carry fare paying passengers.

Such operators belong to the business category and do not hold an Air Operators' certificate.

Speculations are, however, rife that NCAA took the action because of the cold relationship between Amaechi and the Presidency.

Private jet owners

What the regulations say Part Seven of NCAR states. For reasons of safety and security, non-scheduled flight operations within the territorial waters of Nigeria will be monitored and controlled. The government's objective is to strengthen the control and monitoring of non-scheduled flights into or over Nigeria.

•For security and safety reasons, foreign non-scheduled aircraft flying into and within Nigeria and capable of air-dropping will attract detailed scrutiny and appropriate checks, and as such, it may not be possible to clear these flights within the usual notice period.

In such situation, the Director-General, NCAA, will extend the period of notice provided that the operator seeks the special permission of the Minister of Aviation before conducting the flight.

•Foreign non-scheduled flights will not be permitted to pick up passengers or cargo in Nigeria for carriage for subsequent disembarkation at any location in Nigeria.

Overflying Nigerian territory with aircraft capable of air-dropping will also not be permitted and the technical landing at an international airport located nearest to the international border will be mandatory in such situation.

•Any foreign non-scheduled aircraft intending to land at military airfields must obtain the requisite clearance from the relevant military authority in addition to the authorisation reference number clearance obtained from NAMA. •Retention of foreign registered aircraft in Nigeria will not be permitted beyond a period of 15 days from date of entry. However, the Minister of Aviation may in certain circumstances grant the extension of this period for up to 60 days.

•Approval or clearance from the DirectorGeneral, NCAA, will not be required from Nigerians operating non-revenue flights with appropriate insurance policies in the following cases: a. For private aircraft owned or leased by individuals, only the family members of the owner/lessee of the aircraft will be permitted on board as passengers. b. For private aircraft owned or leased by

The Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Mr Segun Agbaje, put the value of private jets, in the country at over $3.75 billion. He said there are over 150 private jets in the country, adding that they are owned by high networth individuals and organisations.

Agbaje said an average private jet costs about $25 million, adding that most of those in the country have local and foreign registration.

He said Nigeria has the highest number of private jets in Africa, listing the popular jets used by billionaires to include Gulfstream, Bombardier Global Express, Hawker Legacy, and Dassault Falcon.

Most of the jets he said, are imported from the United States, Canada, Europe, Brazil and South Africa, adding that they were acquired with cash which constituted over 70 per cent of the ratio of acquisition. Leasing, he said, constituted 14 per cent, and direct lending, 16 per cent.

He said: “Aircraft financing is one of the ways to deepen banking relationship with top private banking customers and corporate organisations. Risks and problems associated with commercial aviation are some of the problems confronting the industry. However, most financial institutions will prefer to support business aviation. Business aviation has fewer risks when compared to commercial aviation."

•Amaechi

• Agbaje

‘Only 10 private jets are registered in Nigeria while 61 are registered in foreign countries’ companies or corporate entities only the employees and members of the Board of Directors of the company will be permitted on board as passengers. c. For aircraft belonging to non-scheduled or scheduled operators, only the employees and members of the Board of Directors of the company or the corporation may be permitted on board as passengers. d. All operators will declare the identities of all passengers on non- revenue charter flights in the appropriate General Declaration Forms prior to obtaining air traffic control (ATC) clearance.

•Nigerian carriers operating revenue passenger charter flights will be required to have a current non-scheduled or scheduled operator permit with operations manual that contains flight duty time limitations which will be strictly monitored on regular basis.

•Nigerian carriers operating international non-scheduled flights will comply with the following: a. Operators will be required to obtain the appropriate clearance from the NCAA and comply with applicable regulations of the relevant regulatory authorities at the destination countries prior to the operation of international flights. b. Where scheduled operators engage in international charter flight operations, they

will give an undertaking to the NCAA confirming the non-disruption of their scheduled flights.

Why is the government paying attention to general aviation operators now? Answering this question, Princess Oduah said: "General Aviation, which includes private jet and charter operators, has approximately 80 aircraft with the potential of growing to 500 by 2020 and it could emerge as a key driver of regional connectivity and economic development.

"Hitherto, general aviation has largely been ignored and has operated in the shadow of commercial airlines as there has been no dedicated policy, regulatory framework, infrastructure or services to support it.

"There has been limited consideration for general aviation requirements in air traffic management planning and in the development of dedicated infrastructure at airports other than Lagos and Abuja."

Veiled identity The ownership of private jets seems to be shrouded in secrecy. Many of the owners, who play in the big league, shy away from publicity.

Some NCAA officials also refused to give out the names of the owners, insisting that most of the aircraft are registered under third party arrangement. They insist that as long as

Prominent among Nigerians known to own private jets are telecommunications magnate Mike Adenuga; business mogul Aliko Dangote; Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church (aka Winners Chapel) Arik Air Chairman Arumemi Ikhide; Ifeanyi Ubah of Capital Oil; one Dr Kashim; Chief Jimoh Ibrahim of Global Fleet; Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, the President of the Christsin Association of Nigeria (CAN); Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder, Christ Embassy, among others.

According to some NCAA officials, who declined to be named, all private jets registered to operate in the country have valid permits.

The officials did not provide documents to substantiate their claims.

The officials said it was mandatory for aircraft operating in the country, whether in private, charter and scheduled category, to carry valid permits.

The now revised 2009 NCAR, states: "The regulation requires that no person may operate a civil aircraft that is eligible for registration under the laws of Nigeria unless it has been registered by its owner or operator under the provisions of the laws of Nigeria and the authority has issued a certificate of registration for that aircraft which shall be carried aboard the aircraft for all operations.

"A person who wishes to register an aircraft in Nigeria must submit an application for aircraft registration to the authority. No person may operate a civil aircraft in Nigeria unless it displays nationality and registration marks in accordance with the provisions of the regulation.

"On any change in the ownership of an aircraft, the aircraft registration and certificate become void from the date of the change and the documents must be returned immediately to the issuing authority with the appropriate section duly completed.

"This certificate must now be handed over to the new owner. When the registration has become void, the aircraft may not again be flown until a new certificate of registration has been obtained."

Booming trade Manufacturers are making a kill in Nigeria where owning a private jet has become a fad.

Last year, the number of private jets in the country was put at 70. Today, the number has risen to 150, according to Agbaje.

The country is also emerging as the fastest growing market in the world for private jets after China.

Two months ago, Bombardier led by its Sales Director for Africa, Mr Robert Habjanic, visited Lagos. He described Nigeria as his company's largest market in Africa, with about 35 Bombardier-made business aircraft.

Other private jet manufacturers are witness-

29

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

LABOUR

Youth employment’ll end insecurity, says Oshiomhole E DO State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has identified youth employment as one way of ending the prob-

lem of insecurity in the nation.

Speaking during a visit of the management of the Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC), Oshiomhole said: “Government alone will never be able to provide all the jobs the citizens require."

“The challenge facing the nation, more than anything else, is youth unemployment. It is now settled in development literature that the government will never be able to provide all the jobs the citizens require. It is also increasingly appreciated by Nigerians that the best jobs are not in the public sector, whether in terms of pay, compensation, or security of employment.

“Any responsible government will be delighted to deal with a company like Coca-Cola, considering the reputation that the firm has es-

Stories by Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

tablished over the years."

"For us in Edo, your activities here are something that we cherish a lot, and I am happy to learn from you that you are going to dialogue with us on your plans for investment and expansion. I can assure you even before I know the details that whatever it is that you want us to do, including providing land and constructing road, we will do them and provide any other incentive you require."

"In my first term, we focused on infrastructure and in my second term, I am determined to focus on what we must do to increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state, encouraging businesses to expand and new

businesses to locate. I want to thank you for the confidence you have shown in our state."

Earlier, the Managing Director of NBC, Ben Langat, commended the governor for the giant strides in infrastructural development.

"We would like to thank you very much because of your programme, which has enabled businesses to thrive in Edo State. We have seen a lot of things that are happening. The infrastructural upgrade that we see, road expansion, construction and renovation of schools as well as the health sector, are instructive,” he said.

He also said the company has 592 workers, out of which 200 are Edo indigenes, adding they make up about 10 per cent of its work force.

‘Assist vulnerable children’

W

OMEN in PENGASSAN (WIP), the female wing of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), has called on the governments to create special funds to take care of less-privileged children.

Its National Chairperson, Comrade Ijeoma Dom-Nwachukwu, stated this when the group visited the SOS Children Village in Isolo, Lagos.

"Government at all levels should do what is necessary to alleviate the sufferings of these little ones that found themselves as orphans not by their own making. I do not think it is something too much for the government to annually put up something for this people to run this place," she said.

Comrade Dom-Nwachukwu, who lamented at the high number of vulnerable children in the country, promised that the association would do more in the future to alleviate the plights of the children having seen the situation on ground.

"In fact, coming here has actually given us the energy to do more. We have discovered that we were not really doing that much. I wonder how the management of the SOS villages in Nigeria cope with so many children and the little things that come their way. In future, we hope to do better than we have just done," she said.

The Lagos Zonal Chairperson of WIP, Comrade Bola Ohikere, noted that the gesture is to demonstrate that PENGASSAN also cares about social issues but not only for the welfare of its members and the oil and gas industry.

The women, who were conducted round the village to see the children, donated LG chest freezer, nine bags of rice, four bags of Tempo detergent, six cartons of Indomie noodles, toiletries and bags of clothes to it.

Responding, a Director of a humanitarian organisation, Societal Socialese, SOS, Children's Village, Lagos, Mr B. A. Buraimoh, appreciated PENGASSAN women's concern, for the vulnerable children in the society.

He noted that the problem of vulnerable children in Nigeria is a huge one that requires the attention of citizens, adding that his organisation has adopted some programmes to cater for those children.

NIC to set up centre

T

• The PENGASSAN women during their visit.

Unemployment hits pilots, engineers

T

HERE is high unemployment among indigenous aviation professionals, especially pilots and aircraft engineers, the Quality Assurance and Safety Manager of the International Aviation College, Ilorin, Captain Adamu Mshelia, has said.

He said the new Civil Aviation Policy should address employment of qualified Nigerians before extending similar opportunities to foreigners, adding that figures from the pilots union showed that more than 80 Nigerian pilots were unemployed.

Mshelia, a former Safety Inspector, and retired acting Director of Licensing, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), told The Nation that pilots are being trained

by the Federal and states governments through the amnesty programme.

“There is growing unemployment among Nigerian aviation professionals, especially pilots and aircraft engineers,’’ he said.

He said unless the pilots are engaged, there is no way they would garner the requisite experience, adding that getting the flying licence is one thing, and getting the experience which is the prerequisite for employment is another.

“There is no legislation, which gives opportunity for employment of Nigerians with same qualification with foreigners,” he said, adding that some airlines prefer the employment of expatriates to Nigerians because wealthy Nigerians buy aircraft with foreign registration and use pi-

lots and engineers from the country of registry.

“Forbes Magazine gave the figure of private jets in Nigeria as 160, but the Civil Aviation Authority put the figures at 61, out of which only 10 are registered in Nigeria. The rest are registered mostly in South Africa, USA, Europe and even some third world countries.

“The 61 or so aircraft are mostly flown by pilots from the country of registry and maintained by engineers from that country. That translates to over 150 pilots and engineers jobs that would have been filled

by Nigerians.

“The Nigerian is denied the experience that he badly needs to be considered for airline jobs,” he said.

NECA chief seeks payment of redundancy benefits

E

MPLOYERS have ben urged to pay their employees redundancy benefits to promote industrial harmony and growth.

Speaking during the launch of Code of Conduct for Private Employment Agencies, the General-General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Olusegun Osinowo, said the inauguration of the code would end the unwholesome practices by some employment agencies against outsourced staff.

He regretted that the high rate unemployment has made it easier for employment agencies to exploit their outsourced staff.

He said though employers have a right to

By Collins Nweze

determine the terms of employment for their staff, and how their businesses are to be run, the employees also have rights that have to be respected to promote a harmonious working environment in workplace.

The Human Capital Association of Nigeria (HuCaPAN), in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and other agencies, helped in formulating the code.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Clement Illo, said the industrial harmony goes beyond the law, advising employers to also comply with other

non-contractual elements of the employment contract to ensure there is peace in workplace.

Representative of the European Union (EU), David Macrae, said the implementation of the code, funded by the union, would help in growing the economy and that the code would help to check unfair labour practices.

Representative of the ILO, Pius Udo, said the code would assist in bringing lasting peace and harmony between employers and employees. He said private employment agencies need to follow international best practices that ensure that rights and privileges of staff are respected by employers.

HE National Industrial Court (NIC) is set to establish an Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (ADR), its President, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, has said.

He said this in Abuja, while addressing the bar during the hearing of a case filed by former pension boss, Mr Abdulrasheed Maina, challenging his dismissal from office.

He said the centre would be saddled with settling disputes lodged in the court through alternative dispute resolution mechanism.

“If a case is filed at the court and all parties filed their processes, it can be referred to the centre for possible out-of-court settlement.

“After a case is filed and the parties in the suit have properly joined issues, they will be sent to the ADR Centre, and if they fail to settle, they will return to the court for hearing to commence,” he said.

He said the centre would be an important means of resolving industrial disputes in the country, urging counsel to always embrace out-of-court settlement of industrial disputes.

Wogu to open skills centre

T

HE National Directorate of Employment’s (NDE’s) new skills acquisition centre in Rimaye, Katsina State will be inaugurated tomorrow by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu.

A statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Edmund Onwuliri, said the new centre is a continuation of efforts by the NDE to create self-employment through training.

The statement added that computer operation and engineering, welding and fabrication, plumbing, electrical installation, fashion designing and mobile phone repairs would be taught at the centre.

The centre is expected to handle 250 trainees in each session.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

30

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 17-05-13

Industrial stocks lead equities with 56% returns

C

OMPANIES that engage in manufacturing of industrial goods such as cement and paints have generated the highest returns for investors, according to the latest return analysis from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Investors in industrial goods stocks have earned twice the returns in the banking, oil and gas, insurance and consumer goods sectors and they are leading the market’s average return by some 25 percentage points.

The NSE Industrial Goods Index opens today with a year-to-date return of 55.85 per cent, the highest return among the several groups being tracked by the NSE. The NSE Industrial Goods Index is the benchmark for four subgroups including building materials, electronic and electrical products, packaging and containers and tools and machinery.

However, it is dominated by building material stocks, especially cement and paints manufacturing companies.

The NSE Industrial Goods Index consisted of 10 lead stocks out of the 26 companies listed in the sector. The representative stocks were selected based on their market capitalisation and liquidity. The benchmarked stocks included Ashaka Cement, Lafarge Wapco Cement Nigeria, Dangote Cement, CAP, Cement Company of Northern Nigeria,

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

Berger Paints, Cutix, DN Meyer and Portland Paints & Products Nigeria.

With some 28 per cent of total market capitalisation, industrial goods stocks contribute substantially to the market turnover. The All Share Index (ASI), the common value-based index that tracks all equities on the NSE, opens with a year-todate return of 31.44 per cent.

Drawing from the bullishness of several industrial goods stocks, most of which are ethical stocks, the NSE-Lotus Islamic Index opens with second highest return of 44.02 per cent. The NSE 30 Index, which tracks the 30 most capitalised stocks, has returned 31.79 per cent so far this year.

The market generally showed robust returns, with inflation-adjusted returns in double digits. The NSE Consumer Goods Index shows average return of 27.54 points 27.54 points.

Banking index shows yearto-date return of 24.46 per cent while insurance index and oil and gas index open today at 23.13 per cent and 22.43 per cent respectively.

The benchmark index for the newly reactivated Alternative Securities Market (ASeM) indicates a year-todate return of 2.58 per cent.

The year-to-date position of the market was boosted

by strong bullish rally recorded last week. The ASI appreciated by 2.49 per cent last week to open today at 36,907.81 points. It had opened the week at 36,010.28 points.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all listed equities increased by 2.47 per cent or N285 billion to close at N11.798 trillion as against its week opening’s value of N11.513 trillion. Industrial stocks index outperformed other indices with a weekly gain of 7.93 per cent. The NSE 30 Index appreciated by 2.50 per cent.

The NSE Consumer Goods, NSE Banking, NSE Oil and Gas, NSE-Lotus II and NSE-ASeM Index recorded gains of 2.75 per cent, 1.48 per cent, 1.0 per cent, 4.18 per cent and 3.33 per cent respectively. However, NSE Insurance Index depreciated last week by 2.05 per cent.

Total turnover stood at 2.29 billion shares worth of N24.03 billion in 29,048 deals. The financial services sector topped the activity chart with a turnover of 1.76 billion shares valued at N14.80 billion in 16,292 deals. The banking sub-sector was the most active with a turnover of 1.276 billion shares valued at N12.072 billion in 11,622 deals.

Meanwhile, Crusader (Nigeria) Plc was delisted last week following the conclusion of the merger with Custodian and Allied Insurance Plc. A total of 781.02 million ordinary shares resulting from the merger exercise between Custodian and Allied Insurance Plc and Crusader (Nigeria) Plc were added to the outstanding shares of Custodian and Allied Insurance simultaneously.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 17-05-13

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

31

MONEY LINK

Dispute Resolution Bill threatens FDI inflow, says body

T

HE $7 billion annual inflow from foreign direct investment (FDI) will be grossly affected should the National Assembly pass the National Alternative Dispute Resolution Regulatory Commission Bill, 2011, President, Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria, Gbola Akinola has said.

Majority of the foreign investors are targeting the Nigerian bond market where there is sovereign guarantee and improved returns compared with other developed countries. There has also been a strong portfolio inflow to the high yields on local-currency debt including the 91-day Treasury bill,

Stories by Collins Nweze

which was 14 to 15 per cent interest rate per annum.

The Bill, when passed, is expected to remove customers’ power to get attorney where there are disagreements in the course of their businesses.

Briefing journalists at the weekend over the Bill already passed at the House of Representatives, Mr. Akinola said the Bill portends risk for business owners and will deter foreign investors from further investment. He said the Bill, now at an advanced stage at the Upper House, is not in the interest of the Nigerians and the

lution market contributes to economic growth of the nation, adding that the operators are respected globally.

“There is no legal and practical reason the Bill should be passed.

We are engaging with our representatives at the National Assembly to ensure that the Bill is not passed the way it is. We have also announced a legal team that will challenge the passage of the Bill.

We do not think there is need to set up a new Bill to regulate the industry,” he said.

Shasore said people should be allowed to select their own dispute resolvers instead of relying on the government agency.

economy.

“Investors will want to know that they can get legal help if need arises in the course of their businesses in the country. Business partners have the right to determine how they want their cases to be treated instead of limiting access to justice to National Alternative Dispute Resolution Regulatory Commission,” he said.

Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, Section on Business Law Committee on Arbitration, Olasupo Shasore, said the group will raise a legal team that will challenge passage of the Bill in court.

He said that private dispute reso-

‘Electronic funds transfers to hit N160b daily’

T

HE second phase of the cashless policy billed to commence in July may raise the value of electronic funds transfer in the country to N160 billion per day by the end of this year, the Chief Executive Officer, Electronic Payment Providers Association of Nigeria (E-PPAN), Mrs. Onajite Regha, has said.

Additional states coming on board for the next phase of the cash-less policy are the Federal Capital Territory, Abia, Rivers, Anambra, Kano and Ogun states.

The E-PPAN boss, who spoke in Lagos, said the current value of electronic fund transfers – put at N80 billion per day by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), would most likely double because there would be a lot of changes, which would compel people to use e-Fund transfer channels.

The Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) is handling transactions worth about N20 billion daily, while the Nigeria Electronic Funds Transfer is conducting about N60bn

worth of transactions daily.

NIBSS provides the infrastructure for automated processing, settlement of payments and fund transfer instructions between banks, discount houses and card companies in Nigeria. It is owned equally by all licensed banks in Nigeria, and the CBN. Discount houses operating in Nigeria also hold substantial shares.

A NEFT payment is an irrevocable fund transfer instruction.

Mrs. Onajite Regha said : “By the time we do six months into the new phase, the figure is likely going to rise by over 100 per cent.

“All these places we are going to are places where cash is moved heavily. We are looking at six additional commercial centres. We should, therefore, not forget that right now, it is only Lagos that is functional.”

Currently, there about 150,000 PoS terminals deployed in the country for the cash-less initiative, which commenced in January last year.

The E-PPAN boss said: “By the time

we started the Cash-less Lagos scheme, the projection of the regulator was that by December, 2012, we would have recorded 40,000 PoS terminal deployment. But available data showed that we now have about 150, 000 PoS machines in Lagos.

“However, the question is: How many of the PoS are working? So, that is where I believe we need to work on. We need to have better connectivity to these terminals to encourage the merchants and the consumers to use the devices for seamless payment transactions.”

The Deputy Governor, Operations, CBN, Mr. Tunde Lemo, who is responsible for driving the cash-less policy, recently explained that the additional states (Rivers, Kano, Anambra, Ogun and Abia as well as the FCT) for the cash-less initiative were chosen because of the large volume of cash transactions in some of their major cities.

He said: “Recall that we started this programme actually in January last year and we are only just continuing.

•CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido We are only just moving to phase two, so we have learnt all the ropes in phase one in cash-less Lagos and we believe we are ready to roll out to other six locations in Nigeria”.

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($)

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

MCNICHOLS INTBREW IKEJAHOTEL ETERNA UPL UTC COSTAIN NEIMETH NPFMCRFBK COURTVILLE

O/PRICE 1.30 26.07 0.81 3.58 5.26 0.84 0.86 0.76 0.99 0.88

C/PRICE 1.43 28.67 0.89 3.93 5.77 0.92 0.94 0.83 1.08 0.96

CHANGE 0.13 2.60 0.08 0.35 0.51 0.08 0.08 0.07 0.09 0.08

O/PRICE

AFRIPRUD TOTAL NASCON WAPCO OANDO WEMABANK UBCAP FBNH JAPAULOIL CUSTODYINS

1.85 172.00 13.30 95.00 15.50 1.27 1.31 18.99 0.56 1.75

C/PRICE 1.68 165.00 12.90 92.15 15.10 1.24 1.28 18.57 0.55 1.72

Exchange Rate (N)

Date

350m

150m

150m

155.2

2-7-12

350m

138m

138m

155.8

27-6-12

350m

113m

113m

155.7

22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP

239.4810

244.0123

245.6422

-2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

(S/N) Bureau de Change 152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

Parallel Market

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

Name

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY • ARM AGGRESSIVE

LOSERS AS AT 17-05-13

SYMBOL

Amount Sold ($)

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12

(S/N)

GAINERS AS AT 17-05-13

SYMBOL

F

BN Holdings Plc aims to grow loans 10 per cent this year for its banking unit, down from 23 per cent growth in 2012, as it tries to balance its capital needs with creating risk assets.

The CEO, FirstBank, Bisi Onasanya, told Bloomberg at the weekend that the lender had a capital adequacy ratio of 21 per cent and it wanted to balance its capital needs with loan growth, as it had no plan to raise fresh equity capital in the short term.

FirstBank has deepened its retail dominance as demonstrated with the launch of key retail bank products such as Firstmonie, a mobile financial services solution that enables subscribers conveniently perform banking transactions. The lender said that with the establishment of a few credit bureaux, the industry is now headed towards credit cards and therefore, developed a naira credit card in the last quarter of 2012 and has been aggressively driving it this year.

The bank said its retail business goals were achieved by further segmentation of the market into affluent, mass and Diaspora markets while providing affordable and segment specific products for each segment. The lender said it has also improved its level of service delivery across all delivery channels by investing in its people and deployment of state of the art Information Technology infrastructures to support the business.

The bank said it has been successful in growing its consumer/retail loan portfolio and considerably reducing incidence of loan loss often associated with retail lending. These successes, it said, were recorded due to the availability of a vast array of products for each retail segment, superior branch network/support system and improved credit monitoring culture.

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

FirstBank targets 10% loan growth this year

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 141.79 154.63 0.80 1.15 1.08 100.00 1,000.00 1,811.40 14.91 1.39 1.87 11,754.77

9.08 1.00 141.29 153.69 0.78 1.15 1.07 100.00 1,000.00 1,803.87 14.18 1.33 1.80 11,406.68

• KAKAWA GUARANTEED

CHANGE 0.17 7.00 0.40 2.85 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.42 0.01 0.03

• STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2012

07, Aug, 2012

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

32

International Business Venezuela’s toilet paper shortage ‘last straw’ for consumers

V

ENEZUELA is running out of the most basic of necessities – toilet paper, the Globe and Mail reports.

Blaming political opponents for the shortfall, as it does for other shortages, the embattled socialist government says it will import 50 million rolls to boost supplies.

That was little comfort to consumers struggling to find toilet paper at the weekend.

One supermarket visited by The Associated Press in the capital at the weekend was out of toilet paper.

Another had just received a fresh batch, and it quickly filled up with shoppers as the word spread.“This is the last straw,” said Manuel Fagundes, a shopper hunting for tissue in downtown Caracas. “I’m 71 years old and this is the first time I’ve seen this.”

“I’ve been looking for it for two weeks,” said Cristina Ramos. “I was told that they had some here and now I’m in line.”

Economists say Venezuela’s shortages stem from price controls meant to make basic goods available to the poorest parts of society and the government’s controls on foreign currency.

“State-controlled prices – prices that are set below market-clearing price – always result in shortages.

The shortage problem will only get worse, as it did over the years in the Soviet Union,” said Steve Hanke, professor of economics at Johns Hopkins University.

President Nicolas Maduro, who was selected by the dying Hugo Chavez to carry on his “Bolivarian revolution,” claims that anti-government forces, including the private sector, are causing the shortages in an effort to destabilise the country.

The government this week announced it would import 760,000 tons of food and 50 million rolls of toilet paper.

Commerce Minister Alejandro Fleming blamed the shortage of toilet tissue on “excessive demand” built up as a result of “a media campaign that has been generated to disrupt the country.”

“The revolution will bring the country the equivalent of 50 million rolls of toilet paper,” he was quoted as saying Tuesday by state news agency AVN. “We are going to saturate the market so that our people calm down.”

Finance Minister Nelson Merentes said the government was also addressing the lack of foreign currency, which has resulted in the suspension of foreign supplies of raw materials, equipment and spare parts to Venezuelan companies, disrupting their production.

•From left: Minister of Trade, Mr Segun Aganga; Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio(2nd right) and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier AeroSpace, Pierre Beaudoin, during a facility tour of the aircraft manufacturing plant in Toronto, Canada.

‘Argentina has world’s No. 2 shale oil resources’ A RGENTINA has the world’s second largest reservoir of unconventional oil after the United States, concentrated in the Vaca Muerta megafield, said Ali Moshiri, president of Latin American and African operations for U.S. oil giant Chevron Corporation, the Globe and Mail reports.

The company has signed an agreement with Argentine state-controlled oil firm Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales (YPF), setting the stage for Chevron to invest up to $1.5 billion (U.S.) in Vaca Muerta, located in Argentina’s southern region of Patagonia.

“You look at Argentina from the

geological point of view, and it is No. 2. Some people say China is No. 2, but really if you look at the geological and volumetric from the shale oil, Argentina is No. 2,” Mr. Moshiri told reporters late on Wednesday.

The development of Vaca Muerta, which means “dead cow” in Spanish, is still in the preliminary stages.

The final YPF-Chevron agreement should be signed in July, once outstanding trade and tax issues are hammered out, Mr. Moshiri said.

A U.S. Department of Energy re-

port has shown Argentina holds more natural gas trapped in shale rock than all of Europe, a bounty estimated at 774 trillion cubic feet.

YPF, which was renationalized last year as Argentina battles to reverse a long decline in natural gas and oil output, aims to drill 132 oil wells at the Vaca Muerta shale formation in Patagonia this year.

YPF’s former parent company, Spain’s Repsol YPF SA, filed a lawsuit late last year to block the YPFChevron deal, and vows to take action against any company that part-

ners with YPF after Argentina seized control of the company from Repsol in 2012. The lawsuit added to a handful of high-profile legal battles for Chevron in South America, including its year-long tussle in Brazil following an offshore spill there and a two-decade international fight over rainforest pollution in Ecuador.

Mr. Moshiri said the highly publicized Ecuador suit should not interfere with the California-based company’s investment plans.

“We are hoping that we will able to resolve the legal issue but that doesn’t stop our progress in terms of commercial decisions,” Mr. Moshiri said.

S&P affirms negative rating outlook for India

S

TANDARD & Poor (S&P) has reiterated its negative outlook on India’s credit rating, which is one notch above “junk”, warning of the need to follow through on reforms and dealing a blow to a government that had recently pitched for an upgrade, the Globe and Mail reports.

The rating agency said the main drag on India’s rating is a high fiscal deficit and heavy government borrowing, although it also said India’s position had improved over the past year.

“But, nonetheless, there is still more than one-third of chance for

downgrade unless we see significant improvement of the factors that we mentioned,” he said.“We have indicated compared to one year ago, there (is) some easing of the pressure towards the downgrade of the rating,” S&P credit analyst Takahira Ogawa said on a conference call on Friday.

India’s benchmark 10 year yield rose four basis points to 7.41 per cent from levels before S&P issued a statement affirming the BBB- rating and negative outlook. The yield closed at 7.39 per cent on Thursday.

Since taking office in July, Chidambaram has pushed a series

Dell’s profit nose dives as billionaire battle rages

D

ELL Inc., the subject of a takeover battle between activist investor Carl Icahn and the company’s billionaire founder, reported a 79-per cent slide in profit as personal computer sales continued to shrink, the Globe and Mail reports.

Michael Dell and private equity house Silver Lake want to take the world’s third-largest PC maker private for $24.4-billion, arguing its transformation into a provider of enterprise computing services was best conducted away from public market scrutiny.

Reflecting that shift in focus, Dell reported on Thursday that revenue from enterprise solutions, services and software jumped 12 per cent to $5.5billion, while overall revenue slipped two per cent. Its “end-user computing division,” linked to PC sales, slid nine per cent.

Icahn and major stakeholder Southeastern Asset Management dismiss Michael Dell’s go-private deal as too cheap for a company trying to grow into a true rival to the likes of International Business Machines Corp. and Hewlett-

Packard Co. in enterprise computing.

They are proposing new leadership and additional cash or stock for shareholders.

Net income fell to $130-million from $635-million a year earlier.

Excluding certain items, income was down 51 per cent to $372-million, or 21 cents a share, from $761million, or 43 cents a share, a year earlier.

C

of reforms aimed at shoring up government finances and reviving investor confidence in an economy that grew at just five per cent in the fiscal year that ended in March, its worst in a decade.

However, the most recent parliamentary session ended early amid heated political acrimony over recent corruption scandals, stranding several pieces of legislation including a land reform bill.

“I would like to see more concrete steps, particularly on getting India’s growth potential back – if not growth at least the potential – which is really getting hampered by the NITED States consumer sentiment rebounded early this month to the highest level in almost six years as Americans felt better about their financial and economic prospects, particularly among upper-income households, a survey released at the weekend, Globe and Mail reports.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan’s preliminary reading on the overall index on consumer sentiment rose to 83.7 from 76.4 in April, topping economists’ expectations for 78.

The barometer of current eco-

U

status quo in a lot of these reforms which ought to have come on board,” said Shubhada Rao, chief economist at Yes Bank.

Chidambaram has said he will stick to a budgeted fiscal deficit target of 4.8 per cent of gross domestic product in the fiscal year ending March 2014 after being able to trim the deficit to around five per cent in the previous fiscal year.

“We may revise the outlook to stable if the government carries through with its plans to unleash public and private investments (for example, by enacting the land acquisition bill), to implement a na-

tionwide government sales tax, or to further trim fuel and fertiliser subsidies,” S&P said.

S&P and its rival Fitch had cut their outlook on India to negative last year, warning the country of a possible rating downgrade to “junk” on worsening public finances, a slowing economy and persistent political gridlock in New Delhi.

In an April 25 meeting with S&P, Indian officials argued the outlook should be changed, and the country deserved an upgrade for actions taken

by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s government to put finances in order and bolster investor confidence.

U.S. consumer sentiment rises to highest level in nearly six years nomic conditions jumped to 97.5 from 89.9, the highest since October 2007, while the gauge of consumer expectations gained to 74.8 from 67.8.

More consumers gave a favorable view of their personal finances than in anytime since 2007, with the largest gains among households in the upper third of income levels. More respondents also thought the

economy would continue to improve in the year ahead.

Shopping plans were similarly encouraging, with the gauge of buying attitudes for durable goods rising to 148 from 137.

The survey’s one-year inflation expectation was unchanged at 3.1 per cent, while the survey’s five-to-10year inflation outlook edged down to 2.8 per cent from 2.9 per cent.

China threatens EU over telecoms’case

HINA has threatened to retaliate if the European Union opens an investigation into alleged anti-competitive behaviour by Chinese mobile telecom equipment companies, Globe and Mail reports.

European Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht said last week that he and fellow commissioners had agreed in principle to open an anti-dumping and antisubsidy case against China, but would first seek to negotiate a solution with Chinese authorities.

Although not mentioned in the statement, EU officials told Reuters the primary targets of the investigation would be world No. 2 telecom equipment maker Huawei and the smaller Chinese company ZTE. “If the European side insists on opening an investigation, the Chinese side will according to WTO rules and Chinese law take firm measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, and the consequences must be borne by the party provoking the friction,” Chinese Ministry of Com-

merce spokesman Shen Danyang told reporters in Beijing.

The case would be the largest trade investigation ever started by the EU and the first to be launched without a complaint by European companies, but rather by the Commission itself.

Manufacturers, such as Ericsson, Nokia Siemens Networks and Alcatel-Lucent, have suffered as a result of cheap Asian imports, but will not make complaints for fear of Chinese reprisals, which has made it hard for the Commission to gather

evidence.

Shen said Beijing had noted De Gucht’s statement through media reports and that communications between the EU and the Chinese side were “smooth and open.”

He said China had made a proposal over the telecom matter to the European Commission during a recent visit by an EU delegation to China, but had still not received any response.

“This makes one cast doubt on the sincerity of the EU to resolve conflicts through consultations,” Shen said.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

33

Africa Business

South Africa, Nigeria sign MoU on oil and gas, others

S

OUTH Africa has approved the granting of three years’ multiple visas to Nigerian businessmen, to facilitate the easy movement of business people.

The approval of the new visa regime to the businessmen comes just as the South African government has signed nine Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU), with Nigeria in oil and gas sector of the economy as well as other areas bordering on

communications, tourism and a waiver for diplomatic passport.

The South Africa High Commissioner to Nigeria, Louis Mnguni, disclosed this while speaking to reporters in Lagos on the level of Nigeria-South Africa relations.

The latest development the High Commissioner, said is not only to further cement the diplomatic relations between the two countries but to also make it easier for Nigeria

‘Copper concentrate ban takes effect’

D

EMOCRATIC Republic of Congo (DRC) expects its ban on the export of copper and cobalt concentrates to come into full force by July or August, as it presses mining companies to process and refine the metals within its borders, the mines minister has said, Reuters reports.

Congo, one of Africa's top copper producers, is not alone among emerging resource-rich nations hoping to discourage exports of concentrates, the intermediate products that feed smelters and refiners.

But the unexpected plan to ban the export of concentrates, announced last month, was questioned by many in the industry, who pointed to acute electricity shortages that already severely hamper processing activities there.The Governor of Congo's copper-producing Katanga Province Moise Katumbi has said he would not enforce the measure.

"I'm confirming the ban on copper concentrate," Mines Minister Martin Kabwelulu told Reuters in Tokyo.

Miners will be given a threemonth grace period to allow them to adjust their operations, he said.

"It will be fully enforced by July or August in order to allow mining operators to re-adjust themselves. The government is fully aware that mining operators have electricity problems," the minister said.

Kabwelulu said the government would also hold talks with mining companies operating in the country to discuss the issue of power supplies.

The ban is unlikely to affect major producers like Freeport McMoRan and commodities trader Glencore, which already process the bulk of their copper inside the country.

Kazakh miner ENRC, which exports concentrate to be processed across the border in Zambia, is likely to be among the companies hardest hit by the measure. It is commissioning a new mine, Frontier, which will produce 40,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate in 2013.

Other miners currently exporting concentrate include Mawson West and Tiger Resources.

Congo attempted to introduce similar rules in 2007 and again in 2010, but each time the decision was reversed.

businessmen to come into South Africa and do business.

He disclosed that the diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa started in 1994, adding that it is not just like any other relations but one that was influenced by the history of the two countries.

Mnguni pointed out that the granting of three-year visa to Nigerian businessmen by the South African government is a fall out of the visit

T

HE South African Airways (SAA) expects the downstream economic benefits of its ground operations to fetch in over N20 trillion in 20 years.

Acting Chairperson of South African Airways Board, Ms Dudu Myeni, made this known in Lagos.

The estimate is based on direct and indirect growth in direct and downstream employment creation

of the South African, President, Jacob Zuma, which was reciprocated by his Nigerian counterpart by President Goodluck Jonathan recently.

The South African High Commissioner added that Jonathan’s visit was not just to strengthen the diplomatic ties between the two leading African countries but to also see how businessmen from both countries can work together The High Commissioner said

SAA targets N20t with a forecast of 88, 000 South African jobs across on aggregate through all sectors including tourism, foreign direct investments, goods and services. SAA, as host of the IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Cape Town June 2-4, plans to highlight the growing importance of aviation within the de-

StarTimes’ porno controversy

E

limits the broadcast of the adult content from 8pm to 5am.

The approval for the X-rated channels, understandably, sparked the anger of South Africa’s Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), which described it as “inconsistent.”

Nabeweya Mallick, spokesperson for the MJC, said the council was “disappointed” at ICASA’s insensitivity to the rights of tastes of religious and race groups and cultures. “We feel they have really failed the standards set by ICASA. If one is sensitive to the rights of these groups... what about the rights of women?” she questioned. The justification for allowing this to take place was “inadequate” as TopTV stated that the only complaints and submission they received were on moral grounds. “Every ruling by most of the regulators including ICASA as well as the Ombudsman looks at moral dimensions as well as evidential dimensions,” she said.

Mallick said it is apparent that the regulator ignored the possible impact of the content of the channels would have on the rights of women.

“They have not considered the worsening trend of women abuse and if ICASA is not aware of that, then we

velopmental state milieu.

“The outlook for growth in continental aviation is pegged at just over six per cent for the next twelve months,” said Ms Myeni and, with Africa’s GDP forecast at five per cent growth she indicated that a robust aviation sector will drive growth substantially.”

•From left: A distributor with Chellarams, Mrs Lizzy Ezumah; Chief Operating Officer, Branch Division, Chellarams Sanjay Pradhan; another distributor, Alhaji O. Obiwale and Manager, FMCG, Raj Totlani, during the launch of Real Activ malted drink in Lagos.

A South African pay TV platform recently licensed to broadcast pornography is acquired

by StarTimes, sparking public anger against insensitivity to religious and cultural tastes

ARLY this month, shareholders of On Digital Media (ODM) the owner of South African pay-TV provider, TopTV, voted to accept the business rescue plan offered by Chinese company, Star Times. ODM has been distressed and in business rescue since last October.

But whatever thrill the acceptance of the rescue plan has provided for StarTimes has been tarnished by huge public anger, notably from South African religious bodies, which find Top TV association with pornography abhorrent. Late last month, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) gave TopTV the approval to air three pornographic channels.

The channels Playboy TV, Desire TV, and Private Spice will be broadcast within “the watershed period”.

"ICASA hereby gives notice that it has authorised On Digital Media (operating as TopTV) to broadcast the three adult content channels Playboy TV, Desire TV, and Private Spice within the “watershed period," ICASA said in a statement.

ICASA claimed it approved the application, following extensive public consultation process it undertook prior to granting the application by ODM. "The authority upholds the view that there is no law of general application prohibiting the production and distribution of adult content in the republic. Only the production and distribution of child pornography is expressly prohibited by law," added ICASA. The authorisation

the mission of South African businessmen in Nigeria is to see how they can harness the huge potential the country has and to assist Nigeria with technology. Looking into retrospect, the High Commissioner said that Nigeria started supporting South Africa during its struggle for independent, adding that the support of Nigeria made it possible to gain independence.

feel that they are erring on the side of ignorance.”

As a result, Mallick called on likeminded individuals to push for a cancellation of Top TV’s licence. “The MJC fully supports the call for a boycott made against TopTV, its advertising agents and sponsors. We further condemn TopTV for promoting destructive material in order to save itself from impending financial ruin,” she said, calling for Top TV subscribers to end their subscriptions.

Also irritated by the approval are Christian groups. About six Christian organisations have threatened to boycott TopTV, including the Evangelical Alliance of South Africa and the Methodist Church of South Africa.

Earlier, Top TV had angered others for the same reason. Two years ago, when Top TV applied for approval for the steamy channels, the Family Policy Institute (FPI) had objected to it. ICASA initially rejected the application based on the fact that it would infringe on the rights and dignity of women and children. But TopTV argued freedom of expression. ICASA countered by saying the right to protect women overrides that of freedom of expres-

sion. However, the regulator did a volte face. FPI spokesperson, Errol Naidoo, said although they are disappointed by the ICASA ruling, they are not surprised that the licence was granted. “We believe that this is more relative to political expediency than what is happening in our nation. As a result, the only recourse we have is to intensify the nationwide boycott. We are calling on all South Africans to cancel their TopTV subscription immediately,” he stressed.

Naidoo explained that any continuation of subscription will amount to support for TopTV’s porn business, which the channel believes will rescue its operations from possible financial ruin. “It does not really matter that this would be offered on an extra bouquet... it is still TopTV. This is a first for SA. The broadcaster is being allowed to introduce a 24-hour pornographic channel into the nation. We believe it will be extremely harmful to women,” he argued. South Africa has one of the world’s highest rates of sexual violence against women and children. This approval, Naidoo argued, is bound to raise the frequency of gender and child abuse. “Tens of

‘I think this is devastating to SA and this should actually mark a day of shame for the country. SA seems to be going in the opposite direction. We should be looking at closing down porn sites and are instead allowing it on our TVs’

thousands of children have been exposed to pornography via the internet and television and now we have growing rates of children sexually abusing other children,” he contended.

According to Naidoo, many reasearch efforts have conclusively proved that that pornography demeans and degrades women as it encourages men to have a dim view of women as no more than playthings. “They struggle to form normal relationships with women, so marriages then break up. There is also a risk of children being exposed to it as well. Although TopTV has made the argument that they will incorporate double pin mechanisms for adult supervision, we know that these things pose no problem to children, given that children today show their parents how to use computer systems as they are a lot more technologically savvy than their parents,” he stressed. Naidoo added that nations such as the United Kingdom and Iceland are looking at ways to block porn from the internet because it is causing a great deal of harm to children. “I think this is devastating to SA and this should actually mark a day of shame for the country. SA seems to be going in the opposite direction. We should be looking at closing down porn sites and are instead allowing it on our TVs,” he added. Last month, the FPI announced the boycott at a march outside Parliament in Cape Town against rape and violence against women and children.

South African wrestling star, Nightmare, is also opposed to pornography. “Youngsters these days are too advanced to let a code stop them from viewing the channels.

Watching pornography can lead to youth having underage sex and married couples committing adultery. I do not watch porn and do not support it,” he said.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20 , 2013

34

EQUITIES WATCH

Email: taofad2000@yahoo.co.uk

Skye Bank Plc appears to be base-forming after modest growths in 2012 and first quarter of 2013. TAOFIK SALAKO reports

S

KYE Bank's share price has shown modest growth in recent period in spite of strong fundamental performance. It opens today with a year-to-date return of 17.44 per cent, an increase on fullyear return of 12 per cent recorded in 2012.

With a recent high of N10.17 in 2011, Skye Bank's price curve is, however, still substantially below its recent price ceiling.

Besides, its returns-both in 2012 and so far this year, have been tracking market's average returns. The All Share Index (ASI), the main index that tracks all equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), opens today with a year-to-date return of 31.44 per cent. Banking sector's index carries a yearto-date return of 24.46 per cent.

Improving fundamentals But the share pricing trend belies the fundamental performance of the bank in recent period. The audited report and accounts for the year ended December 31, 2012, prepared in line with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), showed modest growth in profitability as the bank rode on the back of expansive business base and increasingly efficient cost management to deliver returns to shareholders.

The report showed that profit after tax leapt to N12.64 billion in 2012, representing an increase of 872.6 per cent on N1.30 billion recorded in 2011. Profit before tax had leapt by 480.9 per cent from N2.84 billion in 2011 to N16.51 billion in 2012. The bank also recorded significant improvement in the top-line as gross earnings rose by about 25 per cent from N102.36 billion to N127.73 billion.

The bank's balance sheet also showed impressive performance as the lender’s focus on quality growth brought down the relative level of non-performing loans to its lowest level. The bank's assets quality improved considerably as non-performing loan/gross loans ratio surpassed industry's target of 5.0 per cent at 4.95 per cent in 2012 as against 6.39 per cent. Deposit base expanded by 22.4 per cent at N790.09 billion in 2012 compared with N645.45 billion in 2011, reflecting the strong profile of the bank in the intensely competitive banking industry. Total assets crossed the N1 trillion mark to N1.07 trillion in 2012 as against N914.27 billion in 2011. Equity funds firmed up to N106.89 billion as against N100.11 billion in the previous year.

Earnings per share increased to N1.01 in 2012 as against 20 kobo in 2011. On the basis of the impressive net earnings, the board of the bank has recommended an increase in cash dividend per share from 25 kobo paid for 2011 business year to 50 kobo for 2012.

A dividend cover of 2.02 times for 2012 as against 0.80 times for 2011 underlines the ability of the bank to sustain its impressive dividend payouts.

Consolidating growth Latest interim report also showed that the bank made good early strides in the current financial year as the bank pooled a pre-tax

What consideration for Skye Bank? profit of N4.6 billion on the back of 25 per cent increase in the top-line in the first quarter. Interim report and accounts of Skye Bank for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013 showed that it recorded growths in the incomes and profitability, with revenue growth largely driven by an increase in its core banking operations.

The report indicated that gross earnings rose by 24.6 per cent to N34.69 billion in first quarter 2013 as against N27.84 billion recorded in comparable period of 2012. Interest income had grown by 18.2 per cent from N23.04 billion to N27.22 billion, underlining the increasing market share in the banking industry. Profit before tax stood at N4.63 billion as against N4.09 billion in corresponding period while profit after tax rose from N3.48 billion to N3.71 billion.

The balance sheet position of the bank remained strong with total assets and deposits of N1.1 trillion and N803.6 billion respectively. Shareholders' funds closed the first quarter at N105.72 billion.

Outlook The recent report raised expectations that the bank would, in the current financial year ending December 31, 2013; surpass its performance in the previous year. Commenting on recent results, Group Managing Director, Skye Bank Plc, Mr Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, said the earnings report underscored the commitment of the bank to its goal of quality and sustained growth and returns to shareholders.

According to him, the improvement in the

intrinsic profitability of the bank showed that the management clearly understands the competitive edges that the bank should build on as it steadily moves to its goal of a leading top-tier bank.

He pointed out that the critical performance ratios in terms of returns, efficiency, non-performing loans and liquidity, were well within acceptable regulatory levels, noting that the directors of the bank were confident that its focus on defined growth segments and efficient use of its branches and various electronics platforms will put it in vantage position to meet its future plans.

"We will further leverage on our expertise and comparative advantage in key growth areas including commercial banking, corporate banking, project finance, trade finance, public private partnership and public sector to unlock significant growth in incomes while we further reduce costs by building on our increasingly popular retail banking franchise. We see a whole lot of opportunities in the large commercial and corporate sectors, retail market and small and medium enterprises and we will fully explore these in the periods ahead," Durosinmi-Etti said.

He assured that the bank was on a good stead to sustaining the impressive performance in 2013 given the early indicators in the year.

According to him, the first quarter results placed the bank in a good stead to sustaining its impressive year-on-year performance.

"We are glad to announce our first quarter 2013 results with measured growth in

•Durosinmi-Etti

key performance indices. Our improved risk management processes and various efficiency practices are a signpost towards an optimistic financial year. We remain confident that despite intense competition, we are on track to deliver on our set targets for the year," Durosinmi-Etti said.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

35

MONEY MARKET REPORT

Naira retreats on falling oil price, rising import demand

W

EAKENING oil price and rising import demand have been threatening the naira's stability in recent weeks. The local currency weakened 0.4 per cent against the dollar in the Inter-bank and has lost 1.3 per cent of its value since January based on data compiled last Friday. The depreciation reflected increased dollar demand to cover import bills and other foreign exchange obligations. The naira closed at N158.20 to a dollar.

Ecobank Nigeria Currencies Analyst, Olakunle Ezun said that aware of the risks posed by changes in global oil prices, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is targeting smooth exchange rate changes. He added that since the CBN has several policy objectives, it is not always possible to reduce naira volatility.

"Recent movements in oil prices pose risks to the short term outlook given Nigeria's oil dependency. Lower oil prices have also raised concerns over Nigeria's fiscal prospects given the high dependence on oil," he explained.

Ezun said given the close link between exchange rate and monetary policies, primary market yields will continue to remain strongly influenced by the monetary policy stance, CBN liquidity management efforts, and the value of the naira.

"Yields are not expected to change significantly in the short term, as the CBN is likely to continue with its tight monetary policy stance in order to tackle accelerating inflation and underpin the naira. However, there are risks to this largely stable short term outlook. The key risk is a significant drop in oil prices, which would have a widespread, adverse effect on the economy," he said. He said the naira depreciation was further driven by speculation that there could be a reversal of foreign portfolio inflows and falling oil prices.

Return on Equity Guaranty Trust Bank led Zenith Bank Plc and First Bank of Nigeria Limited on delivering returns to investors in 2012, a report

by Renaissance Capital (RenCap), revealed.

GTBank outperformed its peers delivering Return on Equity (RoE) of 34 per cent against Zenith's 24 per cent and FirstBank's 18 per cent.

In an e-mailed report obtained by The Nation, the investment and research firm, said that GTBank created N41 billion of value in 2012 against Zenith's N25 billion and FirstBank's N1.4 billion.

The report also showed that that although all the three lenders showed improvement in operational performance from previous year's levels, the underlying earnings drivers varied significantly, with GTBank having the most favourable mix.

RenCap said GTBank's superior returns were driven by better gross yields, a lowerthan-peers impairment charge and a lower cost base.

"We calculate that all three banks created value in 2012, although FirstBank only marginally so. We analysed last year's result to estimate the absolute naira value creation by each bank. We measure value created as the excess return over the Cost on Equity as a percentage of the average equity for the bank. GTBank produced the highest excess return - at 16 per cent against Zenith at six per cent and FirstBank at a marginal 0.3 per cent," it said.

RenCap noted that in some years back, the trio created no value, and in fact, destroyed value. In 2009, GTBank had negative value creation when its RoE fell to 13 per cent about five per cent below its Cost on Equity (CoE). Aside from that year, GTB generated value each year. Zenith Bank and FirstBank fared worse, it said.

Reforms Nigeria's slow implementation of structural economic reforms is limiting its chances of a credit-rating upgrade, Moody's Investors Service told Bloomberg. It said while economic growth is "resilient," any chance of an update from its Ba3 rating, three levels below investment grade, is hindered by corruption, weak institutions and its vulnerability to oil price drops, Edward Al-Hussainy and Dietmar Hornung, credit analysts at Moody's said.

Forex utilisation in percentage

FGN Expenditure (N’b)

•Sources:CBN, FBN Capital Research

By Collins Nweze

Nigeria's economy expanded an estimated 6.6 per cent in the first quarter of the year, compared with 6.9 per cent in the previous three months, data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed.

Oil contributes as much as 70 per cent of the government's fiscal revenue, leaving it sensitive to a downturn in global prices, Moody's said.

"Momentum for addressing challenging structural reforms has slowed. Most critically, legislation to revise the fiscal regime in the petroleum industry and to deregulate the downstream oil and gas sector has stalled, holding up significant foreign investment while the sector's productivity declines," Al-Hussainy and Hornung said.

Eurobond The Federal Government has appointed Citi Bank and Deutsche Bank to manage a $1 billion planned Eurobond, the head of the debt management office (DMO) told Reuters. "The Federal Executive Council approved the appointment of Citi and Deutsche as joint book-runners for the planned $1 billion Eurobond," DMO Abraham Nwankwo said.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minster of the Economy Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, had said at the recently concluded

World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Meetings in Washington D.C, United States, that the Eurobond will be used to finance the power sector and gas development.

The Minister said the Federal Government will float a Eurobond before the end of this year, stressing that a time table had been put together. The minister said: "The Ministry of Finance will undertake road shows in Europe and America to attract investors to subscribe to the bond. This will be our second Eurobond on offer, the yields on Nigeria bonds are good, this is an auspicious time for us to go and launch the Eurobond and so we are continuing."

Cash-less The planned extension of the cash-less policy to five states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from July 1, is sacrosanct, Deputy Governor, Operations, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Tunde Lemo said.

The cash-less policy, which began in Lagos in January last year is billed to be extended to six more states ( Rivers, Kano, Anambra, Ogun and Abia as well as the FCT) in July 1.

Lemo, who is responsible for driving the policy, said the additional states were chosen because of the large volume of cash

‘Given the close link between exchange rate and monetary policies, primary market yields will continue to remain strongly influenced by the monetary policy stance, CBN liquidity management efforts, and the value of the naira’

transactions in some of their major cities.

He said: "Recall that we started this programme actually in January last year and we are only just continuing. We are only just moving to phase two, so we have learnt all the ropes in phase one in cash-less Lagos and we believe we are ready to roll out to other six locations in Nigeria.

He said the previous challenge of the cashless policy was connectivity. "We have over 150,000 Point of Sales (PoS) machines in Lagos area where we had the cash-less Lagos. However, only 25 per cent of them are active largely because we don't have General packet radio service (GPRS) and connectivity alive in some of the clusters and because of that, it has affected the rate at which those machines are used," he said.

Lemo however, said these challenges are being overcome. He said: "We believe very much that it is getting better because we monitor the transactions on daily basis and we are beginning to record large volume and value of transactions done under the Point of Sales (PoS). We are not even looking only at the PoS as a major of channel for cashless; we are now looking at all the other major channels for cashless. We have the mobile telephone, which we will use to drive the cashless policy.

The cash-less policy is aimed at reducing the dominance of cash in the system. It specifies penal charges for individuals and corporate organisations that want to withdraw or lodge cash above the prescribed limits.

Bank to bank report Fidelity Bank Plc last week inaugurated 'Managed SMEs' business meant to address the rising mortality ratio of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

Speaking at the launch of the scheme in Lagos, the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, Reginald Ihejiahi said the move to create the 'Fidelity Managed SMEs' was necessitated by the need to address the challenges affecting small businesses, especially in the Nigerian business environment.

He explained that many small businesses find it difficult to sustain their operations due to inadequate information on how to harness the opportunities in the market. He said the scheme would help to guide small businesses in their efforts to penetrate the market by providing advisory support and enhancing capacity building programmes that support the survival of such businesses.

Skye Bank last week inaugurated its business account named: Skye Business Account.The product is to cater for the banking needs of small business units, traders and other market people who otherwise may have been left out of the financial inclusion drive, which seeks to integrate the informal sector into the banking world.

In a statement, the bank said the Skye Business Account is a current account with an affordable opening balance for traders and small business owners for whom the product was specifically created. The product also has the complement of the inscription of the customer's name on the MasterCard issued to account holders.

The bank's Head of the Small Business Group, Mr Wole Aderinkomi, said that the Skye Business Account offers full internet access to the account holders in addition to the MasterCard debit card, which enables customers to carry out business internationally.

FBN Capital Limited, the investment banking and asset management subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc, has launched Nigeria's manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI).

In a statement, the bank said the product was done in collaboration with NOI Polls Limited. This adds Nigeria to the list of countries, which makes use of this economic indicator that gauges the performance of the sector at monthly intervals.

The FBN Capital Limited PMI will join some existing surveys of business and consumer expectations and it is expected that this will develop into a core forward economic indicator for analysts, policymakers and financial market players as it is the only sector specific, monthly index.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

36

DUE DILIGENCE

UACN: Improving efficiency

By Taofik Salako

•GMD, UACN, Larry Ettah

U

AC of Nigeria (UACN) Plc cut down on expenses, improved productivity and made substantial inroad into the new market last year as the conglomerate harnessed gains of its focused restructuring to double the bottom-line.

Audited report and accounts of UACN for the year ended December 31, 2012 showed that sales rose by about 17 per cent, but increasingly efficient top-down cost management leapfrogged net profit by 108 per cent.

Both outward and underlying profit and loss items indicated a generally positive performance in 2012. Higher profit margins translated into improved returns to all stakeholders and further strengthened the future dividend sustainability outlook of the conglomerate. The improvement in profitability reflected on actual dividends to shareholders with modest increase in cash dividend to N1.60 per share in addition to a scrip issue of 20 per cent.

With lower gearing ratio and larger equity supports, the financing structure of the conglomerate improved in 2012. Average cost of business, excluding finance charges, improved considerably.

However, the conglomerate’s liquidity remained lacklustre with declining working capital and lower coverage for immediate liabilities. Meanwhile, liquidity position is still above the minimum generally acceptable benchmark.

Financing structure UACN Group’s total assets inched up to N122.98 billion in 2012 as against N121.59 billion in 2011. The balance sheet position underlined 11 per cent decline in current assets to N53.71 billion and 13 per cent increase in long-term assets to

N69.26 billion. Total liabilities dropped marginally by 3.3 per cent from N64.53 billion to N62.37 billion. Current liabilities stood at N43.87 billion in 2012 as against N41.07 billion in 2011 while longterm liabilities dropped by 21 per cent from N23.46 billion to N18.51 billion. Group’s paid up share capital remained unchanged at N800 million, consisting of 1.6 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each.

Total equity funds meanwhile improved by 6.2 per cent from N57.07 billion to N60.60 billion.

The underlying financing capacity firmed up in 2012. The proportion of equity funds to total assets improved from 46.9 per cent to 49.3 per cent. Long-term liabilities/total assets stood at 15 per cent as against 19 per cent. Current liabilities/total assets closed 2012 at 35.7 per cent as against 33.8 per cent in 2011. The conglomerate became less leveraged with reduction in debt-to-equity ratio from 28.4 per cent to 25.2 per cent.

Efficiency UACN achieved considerable improvements in cost efficiency and optimisation of human and material resources. The conglomerate reduced average cost of business by five percentage points.

With 20 per cent reduction in administrative expenses dovetailing into 18 per cent drop in overall operating expenses, total cost of business, excluding financing expenses, dropped to 83.7 per cent of turnover in 2012 as against 89.2 per cent in 2011.

Profitability UACN Group rode on the crest of substantial growths in sales across business categories and improved margins to sustain a robust profit outlook. Actual profit and loss figures showed impressive top-down growth while underlying fundamental indices affirmed improvement in intrinsic profitmaking capacity of the group.

Gross profit margin improved from 26.6 per cent in 2011 to 27.4 per cent. Average profit before tax margin scaled up to 15.4 per cent compared with 11.7 per cent. Return on total assets improved from 5.8 per cent to 8.7 per cent while return on equity nearly doubled

from 6.0 per cent to 11.7 per cent.

Group’s total sales increased by 16.8 per cent from N59.64 billion in 2011 to N69.63 billion in 2012.

Cost of sales rose by 15.5 per cent to N50.58 billion as against N43.78 billion. Gross profit thus increased by 20 per cent from N15.86 billion to N19.05 billion. Total operating expenses dropped to N7.70 billion as against N9.42 billion in previous year. Selling and distribution expenses had dropped from N1.65 billion to N1.51 billion while administrative expenses dropped from N7.77 billion to N6.19 billion. Non-core business incomes dropped by 14 per cent to N1.92 billion in 2012 compared with N2.23 billion in 2011. The midline was further constrained by 50 per cent increase in finance expenses from N1.69 billion to N2.53 billion. Profit before tax leapt by 54 per cent from N6.99 billion to N10.75 billion. After taxes, net profit for the year doubled from N3.41 billion to N7.10 billion.

Segmental analysis showed appreciable improvement in the contribution of the logistics business to the group. Food and beverages segment remained dominant with 67 per cent of group sales in 2012, albeit a lower position to 68 per cent in recorded in 2011. Top-line contribution from real estate business remained unchanged at 17 per cent. Paints increased sales contribution from 7.0 per cent to 8.0 per cent. The logistics business’s turnover contribution increased from 5.0 per cent to 6.0 per cent. The four main segments altogether accounted for 98 per cent of the group’s turnover. On the pre-tax profit side, real estate improved contribution from 26 per cent to 30 per cent while logistics doubled contribution from 5.0 per cent to 11 per cent. Paints business segment’s contribution to group bottom-line was flat at 15 per cent while food and beverages recorded a lesser contribution of 41 per cent as against 52 per cent in previous year.

Group’s earnings analysis indicated earnings per share of N4.44 in 2012, more than double of N2.13 recorded in 2011. Net assets per share also improved from N35.64 to N37.85. The board of the conglomerate has recommended distribution of N2.56 billion as cash dividends for 2012, representing a

Fiscal Year Ended December 31 Nmillion

2012 12 months

% change

2011 12 months

Profit and Loss Statement Main Business Segment Total turnover Cost of sales Gross profit Operating expenses Interest and other incomes Finance expenses Pre-tax profit(loss) Post-tax profit (loss) Basic earnings per share(kobo) Gross dividend Cash dividend per share (kobo) Net Assets per share (kobo)

69,632 69,632 50,583 19,050 7,695 1,923 2,532 10,745 7,103 444 2,562 160 3,785

16.8 16.8 15.5 20.1 -18.3 -13.8 50.1 53.6 108.4 108.5 6.7 6.7 6.2

59,638 59,638 43,777 15,861 9,422 2,230 1,687 6,994 3,408 213 2,402 150 3,564

Balance Sheet Assets: Fixed assets Total long term assets Trade debtors Current assets Total assets Liabilities: Trade creditors Bank loans Current liabilities Long-term liabilities Total liabilities Equity Funds Share capital Total Equity Funds

34,624 69,261 11,834 53,714 122,976

5.3 13.3 -1.1 -11.2 1.1

32,893 61,133 11,967 60,461 121,594

23,543 15,247 43,870 18,505 62,374

22.3 -5.9 6.8 -21.1 -3.3

19,247 16,203 41,069 23,459 64,529

800 60,601

0.0 6.2

800 57,065

dividend per share of N1.60. It had distributed N2.40 billion, equivalent to N1.50 per share, for the 2011 business year. The board has also recommended a bonus issue of one share for every five shares already held, implying 20 per cent increase in shareholdings of each shareholder. Notwithstanding the increase in cash dividend, the sustainable dividend outlook of the group improved considerably with a dividend cover of 2.78 times in 2012 as against 1.42 times in 2011.

Liquidity The liquidity position of the conglomerate dwindled further in 2012. Current ratio, which relates readily available assets to related liabilities, slipped from 1.47 times to 1.22 times. The proportion of working capital to total sales dropped from 32.5 per cent in 2011 to 14.1 per cent in 2011. Debtors/ creditors ratio stood at 50.3 per cent as against 62.2 per cent in previous year.

Governance and structures UACN is a large group of several active companies spreading through manufacturing, services, logistics and real estate sectors of the Nigerian economy. Besides the parent company, UACN Group also included three quoted subsidiariesCAP Plc, UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) Plc and newly acquired Livestock Feeds, each leader in its business segment.

Other members of the group included UAC Foods Limited, MDS Logistics Limited, Warm Spring Waters Nigeria Limited, Grand Cereals Limited, and Unico CPFA Limited. The conglomerate’s iconic brands- Gala sausage roll and Mr. Bigg’s have become the generic names for their industries.

Listed in 1974, UACN is owned by more than 187,000 shareholders but the controlling equity of the conglomerate is concentrated in the hands of less than one per cent of

2007

2008

2009

the shareholders.

The board and management of the conglomerate remained stable.

Senator Udoma Udoma still chairs the Board of Director while Mr. Larry Ettah leads the group executive management.

UACN is a well-structured group with long-established corporate best practices in compliance with local statutes and rules and global standards.

Analyst’s opinion The performance of UACN is commendable. The overall performance outlook reflects the continuing success of the conglomerate’s restructuring, including divestments, reinvestments, new acquisitions and streamlining of businesses. The group has continued to implement key initiatives of its growth activation programme, with a view to driving efficiency and improving turnover. It has adopted comprehensive enterprise risk management framework while enlarging the group base with new acquisitions and strategic international partnerships. It recently concluded acquisition of Livestock Feeds Plc while it’s concluding arrangements for acquisition of Portland Paints and Products Plc, another quoted company. It also signed on to a strategic partnership with Imperial Logistics, the international logistics and supply chain arm of the South Africa-based Imperial Holdings Limited, with the release of 49 per cent equity stake UACN’s wholly-owned subsidiary- MDS Logistics Plc, to Imperial Logistics.

With a strong start for the year, the conglomerate projects turnover of N81.9 billion and profits before and after tax of N12.2 billion and N8.6 billion respectively. With a large portfolio of market-leading companies and highly competitive brands, there is reasonable basis to assume that UACN possesses the inherent strengths to cope with emerging challenges and deliver appreciable returns.

2010

Fiscal Year Ended December 31

2011

2012

2012 %

2011 %

Financing structure Equity funds/Total assets Long-term liabilities/Total assets Current liabilities/Total assets Debt/Equity ratio

49.3 15.0 35.7 25.2

46.9 19.3 33.8 28.4

Profitability Gross profit margin Pre-tax profit margin Return on total assets Return on equity Dividend cover (times)

27.4 15.4 8.7 11.7 2.78

26.6 11.7 5.8 6.0 1.42

Efficiency Pre-tax profit per employee (Nm) Staff cost per employee (Nm) Cost of sales, operating exp/Turnover

3.16 NA 83.7

3.80 1.34 89.2

Liquidity Current ratio Working capital/Turnover Debtors/Creditors

1.22 14.1 50.3

1.47 32.5 62.2

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

37

THE CEO The Chief Executive Officer, Partnership Investment Company Plc,Victor Ogiemwonyi, in this interview with TONIA OSUNDOLIRE speaks on the prospects of the economy, the capital market and several emerging issues

• Ogiemwonyi

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

Unclaimed dividend should revert to firms W

HAT is your assessment of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE)?

The activities at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) are better. The management has shown competence. We can see that many things are happening and there is gradual recovery too. NSE has come up with some good initiatives, which has been well executed. This calls for praise for the management. We have to give credit to the interim administration of the NSE for the painstaking way they went about recruiting the new management. There are few areas where some things would have been done differently, but we have to give them a pass mark so far.

Where are the areas you think things could have been done differently?

The rapid disengagement of some of the old experienced members of staff could have been handled differently. But that is history.

The important thing is that things are working well.

How can the capital market be further deep-

Profile •Name

Mr Victor Ogiemwonyi

•Qualifications

Fellow, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers

•Previous Position

Pioneer CEO, Financial Derivatives Company Limited.

•Present Position

Senior dealing member, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and member, National Council of the Exchange, representing dealing members.

•Experience

Over 20 years

ened?

The market needs deepening. This means having more securities listed on the Exchange. We also need different types of securities and of course more liquidity. Current initiatives, such as the newly launched Alternative Securities Market (ASEM), the retail bonds trading initiatives as well as the new listing requirements are some of the

things being done to deepen the market. Of course, the market making and short selling programmes are all part of that too, because they help to create liquidity. But we also have to be gradual about it, so we don’t create unintended consequences. There are a whole lot of other things we need to do to further deepen the market.

You said there are a lot of other things

needed to deepen the market. What are you referring to?

For instance, deepening and broadening the market will translate to more activities in an expanding prosperity loop. Any growth on the funding side of the equation, whether as a result of increased internal allocation or because of external inflows, which is not matched by a comparable increment in absorption capacity on the asset side will, ultimately, result in price inflation like a price bubble. A classic case of “too much money chasing too few goods” as we saw in 2007/2008. This would drive many investors to invest in shaky ‘private placement issues‘.

We could also introduce some derivatives like “options” since these will enhance risk management for investors. But we will have to be careful not to do things that will bring unintended consequences. We cannot be in•Continued on page 38

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

38

THE CEO

Unclaimed dividend should revert to firms •Continued from page 37

troducing complex derivatives into a market with anemic underlying assets. Our focus now should be on creating or expanding the number of tradable instruments available under the basic asset types such as equities and bonds.

Our goal should be to have a market with a thousand stock market listings. This is why the recently launched Alternative Securities Market (ASEM) is a step in the right direction. Our SMEs are ready and waiting to be taken to the next level.

We must also realise that markets exist to allocate and manage risks, and there is no better weapon in the risk management arsenal than diversification. To broaden our markets is to expand the range of diversification opportunities available to investors. Success in doing this will manifest in an increased market size.

Looking at the performance of the market, what do you think is responsible for the dearth of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in the market?

The IPO market will come back when confidence fully returns. The issuers of IPOs don’t want failed issues and are waiting to see the market fully return. Investors are worried that they will lose money again. We have to be more patient; the IPOs will come back once it is clear that the recent gains will stay.

We have a lot of volatility in the secondary market now, because of the tentativeness of investors. They go in and quickly come out with whatever profits they can get.

Your response can be interpreted to mean that confidence is yet to return to the market. So, what can we attribute the recent growth recorded in the market to?

Confidence is not a light bulb you switch on and off; it takes time. We are doing all the right things now to restore investor confidence.

There are a few more things to do.

The planned campaign the market operators and regulators agreed on is still pending.

Look at the New York and the India Stock Exchanges. They are not only back, they are at record levels.

But it took a long time in coming.

The recent growth, as I explained before, is realistic because it is starting from a low base after the last market crash.

What is your take on the position of SEC on unclaimed dividend and what solution do you recommend?

Unclaimed dividend has become a recurring issue. The truth is that we will not overcome it unless we completely go e-dividend. The proposition to turn the outstanding balances to an agency does not have my support. I believe the company paying the dividend should have it back to be invested in the company for the benefit of owners of the business. We should let the company use it for its business as long as nobody shows up to make a claim.The company should be made to make a disclosure of the amount outstanding on their unclaimed dividend account and report this at every Annual General Meeting (AGM). The liability to pay it back to anyone who makes a legitimate claim should be made indefinite. That is, let the company that made the profit keep it until the rightful owner shows up.

What do you think the registrars can do to reduce the value of unclaimed dividend?

The registrars will have to be more efficient. For instance, they can make efforts to find the rightful owners for dividends by occasionally publishing them in newspapers. Yes, I know they publish them now in the annual reports,

• Ogiemwonyi

• Ogiemwonyi

• Ogiemwonyi

PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA

‘Unclaimed dividend has become a recurring issue. The truth is that we will not overcome it unless we completely go e-dividend. The proposition to turn the outstanding balances to an agency does not have my support. I believe the company paying the dividend should have it back to be invested in the company for the benefit of owners of the business. We should let the company use it for its business as long as nobody shows up to make a claim’ but many don’t even get the annual reports. Publishing it in local newspapers will give the names more prominence. Even those who miss it will be alerted by their friends and relatives.

Do you still consider the demutualisation of the NSE necessary and what change will it add to the capital market?

Demutualisation is not optional; this is the way of the future. Every Exchange will one day be demutualised. That is the best prac-

tice going forward. It will ensure that everyone has a chance to have a piece of it and the governance will be better since it will have to meet the same standards that all quoted companies are subjected to. The accountability to shareholders will ensure it will always aim to make money and still run on best practices.

Some said the performance recorded in the market is cosmetic.

Do you agree?

I don’t know how the stock mar-

ket performance can be categorised as cosmetic; stock market goes up and down all the time. The performance is not great yet and can be seen as too rapid for now, but we are also coming from a very low base after the crash. We have to understand that the index went all the way to 66,000 points in March 2008; we are just little over 35,000. Look at the Stock Exchanges around the world, most have fully recovered and, in some cases, are setting new records. The New York

Stock Exchange has just done that.

The stock market sometimes does not always reflect the economy accurately, but you can discount the fact that it reflects the optimism of those who invest in it. Just ask yourself, if the market is doing as well as it is doing now, what will happen if our infrastructural problems gets better? Unless you are totally pessimistic about the future of Nigeria, in that case, I don’t share your view. I may be wrong but the future of Nigeria looks bright to me despite all the problems. The foreign investors investing in our market are not stupid.

There has been clamour for the government’s intervention to ensure listing of some firms in key sectors of the economy, such as the telecoms and oil and gas, among others. What is your view on this?

I must confess I was a proponent of this at some point, but I have since changed my mind because these things cannot be forced. I believe a good incentive package, such as lower taxes for listed companies and a rapid privatisation programme will do the trick. Just two weeks ago, I wrote that the divestment of the oil majors from their onshore wells should be seen as an opportunity to indigenise our oil industry by bunching all the assets to be divested together to be acquired by Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and floated on the stock market as an independent company from Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The comparative advantage in this model cannot be the same, even if all the pieces now being acquired eventually come to list on the Exchange. Bringing it to the stock market will make it to have broad ownership and will find all the money it needs from investors on the stock market who will buy the shares. It will be accountable to its shareholders and, because it already has producing wells, it will be attractive to investors. It will also be a way to solve the community problems by writing into its articles that 10 per cent of its profits will be used to fund its community programmes. That also means there will be no more government funding. The NPDC will be established as a proper development agency funded from this company and will be run as a subsidiary development company, such as Mubadala the United Arab Emirate (UAE) firm that runs the Emirates institutions.

Why are the oil majors not listed in the market despite the fact that they are major drivers of the economy?

I think my short answer to that is: Why don’t we start with the NNPC? What do you think can be done to woo companies to list on the NSE? Companies will come when they feel the market is more stable. If the government is giving incentives for listed companies it will also help. More than anything else, the government needs to crank up the privatisation programme. A major privatisation listing will bring the market back quickly.

In the medium to long term, what is your preview of market outlook?

I am always bullish about the stock market because I know that the problems we talk about in Nigeria are also opportunities. The moment the economy gets the right boost with better infrastructure, the market will take off. Imagine what will happen when we get our energy problems solved and we find a way to put all the young people to work, the sky will be the limit.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

39

40

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

42

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

43

44

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

45

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Southsouth and Southeast governors have met in Asaba, Delta State capital, to fashion out an agenda for economic integration and development of the two zones, MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE reports.

Can Southsouth-Southeast integration work?

R

EGIONAL economic integration has become a model for political cohesion in most countries. In Nigeria, it is now the norm. It was adopted in the First Republic and it provided the regions with the opportunity for healthy competition for the socioeconomic advancement of their people.

Last week, governors of the Southsouth and the Southeast geo-political zones gathered in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, for the same purpose. Besides, they also reviewed the political situation in the country. At the end of the day, they agreed to cooperate on economic matters for the development of the two regions.

The meeting held behind close doors. However, Cross River State Governor Senator Liyel Imoke and his Anambra State counterpart, Mr. Peter Obi later addressed the media on their deliberations.

Others at the meeting were Abia State Governor Theodore Orji; Akwa Ibom-State Governor Godwill Akpabio; Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson; Ebonyi State Governor Martins Elechi; Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime; Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and Rivers State Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru.

The host, Governor Uduaghan, told newsmen that the meeting was called to deliberate on the national issues and how they affect the two regions. Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole was however, absent.

Although the meeting reviewed issues which and major challenges confronting the country, it was particularly concerned with how to restore the country’s past glory where regions affected the lives of their people through regional economic development with a spiral effect on the overall growth of the country.

Setting the tone for the discussion Imoke remarked that it has become very important to call the meeting to to enable the governors reflect on developments in the country and see how they could assist to get it back on course. He said that it was only when there was stability that meaningful development could take place.

Governor Obi, who had the mandate of the governors to provide further clarifications, said: “The Southsouth and Southeast governors commend President Goodluck Jonathan for his focussed leadership, which deserves the unwavering support of all Nigerians.”

According to him, the Southsouth and Southeast regions could not fold their hands, if they must meet the yearning and aspirations of the people in jobs creation infrastruc-tural development and enhanced social welfare for the people.

He said, in view of the impressive record of the defunct Midwest and Eastern regions in the areas of political stability and economic advancement, it was worth borrowing a cue from the

• From left: Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio during the Southsouth - Southeast governors meeting in Asaba.

past to salvage the regions.

The governors, while acknowledging the enormity of the task and challenges before them, called on the Federal Government to fulfil its statutory obligations to make their dream come true.

They also called on the Federal Government to intensify its efforts on the on-going rehabilitation and modernisation of airports across the country, particularly, those in the regions, to open the country to wide investments.

The governors stressed the importance of the railway and the need for government to rehabilitate all lines linking the states in the regions.

Obi said: “We have pledged to come together to ensure the development of all the ports in the regions including building the Abia Dry Port and call on the Nigeria Port Authority to facilitate the achievement of this objectives.”

He also spoke on the importance of agro allied economy.

Agriculture, which has been the mainstay of the economy, he said, has suffered much neglect as successive administrations have been paying less attention to the sector.

“The governors would deploy their full potential to this sector to make the regions, not only self- sufficient for their economic needs, but secure foreign exchange for the country.

“We have agreed to work to revive agro-allied industries, particularly in palm and rubber plantations for the full benefit of comparative advantage in agriculture in both regions.”

To ensure that agricultural products are sold with relative ease and with good returns, the governors called on the Federal Government to facilitate the full implementation of the Free Trade Zones status within the states of the regions.

With the regions now pursuing economic development, it is believed that the people would now enjoy the dividends of democracy, which have eluded them in the past.

The governors frowned at the revenue allocation formula, saying it has lost its relevance.

They argued that, instead of going cap in hands, begging for government handout, it was better to take the advantage of the economic potential of the regions.

The issue of regional cooperation is already on the fast lane in the Southwest, where the states are controlled by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

The new initiative in the Southsouth and Southeast regions may encourage other regions to tow a similar line for the benefit of the electorate.

Governor Uduaghan expressed optimision that the regions would be the better for it.

He urged the National Assembly to look dispassionately at the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in the overall interest of the country.

He said: “The fact that the oilproducing communities are ready to accept 10 per cent

showed that the people have been very magnanimous and it should be considered in the overall interests. My position on the matter has never been hidden and that is where I still remain.”

The governor that the strategic position held by Delta State in the unfolding transformation agenda would make it redouble its efforts to make the state better. He said as the gateway between the Southsouth and Southeast, it was imperative to improve on the security situation to guarantee stability for those who have businesses to do in the regions.

Uduaghan added: “We are located in a vantage position in the regions. That is why we are going to do everything possible to ensure that any act that will jeopardise the economic interest will be tackled and ensure that business life flows.”

He stressed the need to give support to the noble ideas initiated by the governors. Accord-

ing to him, the regions had been the hob of kidnapping a development which, he said, being curtailed by the government.

The governors urged Nigerians to adopt dialogue as means of resolving crisis. They condemned the attitude of some individuals who collaborate with terrorists in carrying out their rebellious activities against the country.

According to them, the country would not benefit from Direct Foreign Investment, if the wanton destruction of lives and property is allowed to continue.

Notwithstanding the new deal, stakeholders in the regions believe that what had been agreed upon should go beyond mere wish. They believe that only concrete action would lead to its realisation.

Prominent Itsekiri leader Ritalori Ogbebor called for the full implementation of the agreement reached by the governors. She said such cooperation would help in the development of the regions.

“I am a business woman and knows what is involved in doing business. I have attended some meetings in the Niger Delta development plan. I was supposed to be part of this one held in Asaba but my schedule was tight.

“There have been similar moves in the past on how to develop the regions. What I want the governors to do at this point is to implement the agreement they had reach. It is not just to sit down and talk; but if they truly allow the economic cooperation to take place, it will bring good things for the regions,” she said.

The governors have spoken and have expressed their determination to improve the lives of their people, particularly, those at the grassroots, using the vehicle of integration. But how far can these governors would go to match their words with action.

From left: (front row): Ekiti State House of Assembly members, Mrs. Modupe Olayinka (ACN, Ado II); Olajide Fatunmbi (ACN, Moba II); and Mrs. Olubunmi Orinlowo (PDP, Ido-Osi I), during the second Executive/Legislature Parley at the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, Ikogosi-Ekiti.

46

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

47

MOTORING THE NATION

MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

•Honda civic

Honda Civic: sleek, energetic The previous generation Civic has always performed well in the driver power survey and, as lots of technology has been carried over straight from the old car, it is expected that the new 9th generation car would do just well as its predecessor, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

T

HE Honda Place Nigeria has joined the rest of the world to unveil the ninthgeneration Honda Civic that was recently face-lifted to incorporate upscale features such as sleek, energetic and aerodynamic design with a new ECON button that adjusts throttle response and air conditioning to improve fuel economy.

In a chat with motoring journalists in Lagos, The Honda Place Head of sales and marketing, Mr Deepak Daryanani, said the previous-generation Honda Civic had a revolutionary look, but Honda has chosen evolution for this latest model.

The Civic, according to him is also smoother and sleeker in shape with curvy wheel-arches and longer front and rear overhangs.

This is in addition to the LED lights that run across the front and are standard across the range.

The tail of the Civic, however, retains the split screen of its predecessor with the lights incorporated into the split, but a windscreen wiper has been added.

On the inside, the cabin material and switchgear has been improved while the digital dashboard is simplified so that it’s easier to read.

Available in two –trim levels, LX and EX, the entry level LX comes equipped with automatic air-con, USB connectivity and 16-inch alloy wheels while the EX adds luxuries like cruise control, front fog lights, dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth and panoramic sunroof.

A mock test drive after the product familiarization meeting reveals that the new Honda Civic strikes a good balance between fun and comfort – courtesy of the new smooth electric power steering system and fluid-filled rear

suspension bushes, which soaks up bumps convincingly.

Coupled with this are the slippery aerodynamics that helps resist wind noise, so it is pretty quiet on the motorway.

The previous generation Civic has always performed well in the driver power survey and, as lots of technology has been carried over straight from the old car, it is expected that the new car would do just well as its predecessor.

As for safety, Daryanani said Civic has a maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating, adding that every Civic comes fitted with a full complement of airbags, as well as LED daytime running lights, ESP and ABS as standard.

The EX model gets adaptive cruise control and a Collision Mitigation Braking System, which uses radar to detect imminent collisions at low speeds.

Daryanani said only the 140bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine with a five-speed automatic transmission system will be available in the local market.

Talking practicality, there’s plenty of room for adults in the back – thanks to the car’s generous dimension of 4,300mm long, 2,065mm wide and 1,590mm tall.

“The clever rear bench ‘Magic Seat’ is also still there; this means that you can fold the seats flat when you want to carry longer items, or flip the seats up cinema-style when you want to transport taller loads,” Daryanani said.

Daryanani said: “The Civic has always been cheap to run, and this latest version is no different. All of the engines are economical. You can get the 1.8 litre to post 28/29kmpg and emit 137g/km. And with strong residual values across the range, you’ll get a lot of your money back come resale time.”

48

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

49

50

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

51

52

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

THE NATION MONDAY MAY 20, 2013

53

NEWS

IMF calls for quick passage of PIB

T

HE world’s financial watchdog, International Monetary Fund (IMF) has endorsed the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and called for its quick passage. It said the passage would boost investment, government revenue, and fiscal transparency.

The IMF, in a Public Information Notice (PIN) released on March 28, called for early passage of the bill saying, “Directors welcomed reforms underway in the energy sector, and looked forward to an early passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill.”

According to the notice, the IMF said its appraisal followed the conclusion of consultations between its Executive Board and Nigeria under the 2012 Article IV, on February 6, 2013.

In the notice, the IMF also

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

declared Nigeria’s macroeconomic performance as being “broadly positive over the past year,” despite the fact that “real gross domestic product (GDP) growth is projected to have decelerated slightly to 6.3 percent, reflecting the effects of the nationwide strike in early 2012, floods in the fourth quarter of 2012, and continued security problems in the north.

It said: “Annual inflation increased from 10.3 percent (end-of-period) in 2011 to 12.3 percent in 2012, owing mainly to the adjustment of administrative prices of fuel and electricity; large increases in import tariffs on rice and wheat; and the impact of floods in Q3.

“The external position has strengthened and international reserves rose from

US$32.6 billion at end-2011 to US$44 billion at end-2012 (5½ months of prospective imports), driven by sustained high oil prices, stricter administration of the gasoline subsidy regime, and strong portfolio inflows.”

It noted that the country’s fiscal policy stance was tightened in 2012, and fiscal buffers are being rebuilt. “The non-oil primary deficit of the consolidated government is estimated to have narrowed from about 36 percent of nonoil GDP in 2011 to 30.5 percent in 2012, mainly due to expenditure restraint.

“Monetary policy remained tight in 2012 in response to inflationary pressures. The central bank kept its policy rate unchanged during the year but raised the cash reserve requirement for banks from 8 per-

cent to 12 percent and lowered allowable open foreign exchange position for banks.

Financial soundness indicators point to continued improvements in the health of the banking system.

“In 2013, growth is expected to recover to above 7 percent. Inflation is projected to decline below 10 percent, supported by the tight monetary policy stance and ongoing fiscal consolidation.

“The key downside risks are a large drop in world oil prices; and slow progress in building consensus around key fiscal reforms,” it added.

Following these indices, the IMF Executive Directors commended the Federal Government for its “prudent macroeconomic policies that have underpinned a strong economic performance in recent years.”

T

HE Senate has been urged to discard the proposed National Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Bill pending before it.

It will negatively affect Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as well as infringe on the rights of parties in a case to choose their arbitrator, stakeholders said at the weekend in Lagos. It was at a news conference.

They threatened to take legal action should the bill be ratified by the Senate.

At the conference were Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Section on Business Law, Olasupo Shasore (SAN); Chairman, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Nigeria branch, Dele Belgore (SAN); Mrs. Dorothy Udeme Ufot, (SAN) of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC); President, Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria, Chief Gbola Akinola; Director, Lagos Multidoor Court-

ADR Bill injurious to foreign investments, say experts

By Precious Igbonwelundu

house, Mrs. Carolinen Etuk; Vice Chairman, NBA.SBL, Mrs. Funmi Roberts and council member, NBA-SBL, Chuka Agbu (SAN).

Shasore, who led the forum, described the bill as an attempted depletion of public treasury. He noted that the about N22 billion recurrent budget that will be allocated to the federal commission amounts to an insensitive and unwarranted charge on public revenue He noted that the bill will invade private citizens’ autonomous rights, which remains an essential and distinctive feature of all ADR processes, adding that “regulation and requirements for certain qualifications as contained in the bill is antithetical”.

Shasore said the move will also create negative impact on the international image of ADR and Arbitrators, as well as lead to loss of revenue since prospective investors want dispute forums where they are assured of the independence of the processes.

He went on: “This would effectively mean a loss of income for the ADR practitioners; the ADR body and service providers including hotels support service providers and hospitality establishments.

“Private investors are always interested in the dispute resolution environment of the country they wish to invest in. A government established commission, such as that ought to be established if the bill is passed into law would send out wrong signals, especially to those wishing to enter into PPP agreements with our government “Also, the National Assembly does not possess the legislative competence to enact the bill particularly since ADR is not a “professional occupation” within the meaning of item 49 of the Constitution.

“The said bill conflicts with an international practice friendly and considered executive bill emanating from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

“We call on the Senate to discard that bill as it is not in the interest of stakeholders or the country. We strongly oppose to the passage of the bill and will challenge its constitutional validity should the upper house pass it.”

Lawyer advocates death penalty for rapists

A

MEMBER of the Forum of Legal Practitioners, otherwise known as ‘Lex Fora’, has advocated death penalty for rapists.

Mr Paul Eshiemomoh, a former Chairman of the forum in the FCT, made the suggestion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja yesterday.

Eshiemomoh described the act of rape as barbaric and animalistic.

“Because I don’t see any sense in a man going to rape an underage, such people should not be allowed to leave among people in the society.

“Yes, I support imposition of death penalty for rapists because it will serve as deterrent to others,’’ he said.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

54

NEWS Orji visits victims

Aba motorists protest

•Govt sets up panel

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

MOTORISTS in Aba, Abia State, under the aegis of Concerned Motorists, have protested alleged multiple taxation, extortion by agents of a revenue contractor.

They called on Governor Theodore Orji to call the contractor to order.

The group’s spokesman, Prince Agbara, said the government engaged the services of Olisa Wariso, who uses Autoreg, a franchise of Courtville, Lagos, to collect vehicle licence fees on its behalf.

Agbara said after a year, Wariso came up with another brand, Easyreg, with which he introduced a new road tax called Ministry of Transport (MoT) certificate in addition to roadworthiness certificate.

He said the newly introduced MoT certificate and the roadworthiness certificate were the same.

The motorists also lamented the formation of a paramilitary outfit by the contractor who they accused of extortion, intimidation and harassment.

But Wariso denied the allegations, saying he was operating under the law.

Commissioner of Police Usman Tilli Abubarkar said it was unlawful to use uniformed men who were not recognised by law to harrass residents. He promised to look into it.

Kidnapped doctor freed THE Ebonyi State Police command with members of Ebonyi Youth Assembly (EYA) , at the weekend rescued the Medical Director of St Paul’s Hospital, Dr Pius Manyike, who was abducted two weeks ago.

Manyike, a Consultant Pediatrician with the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, was kidnapped at 15A Owerri Street, Abakaliki, by unknown gunmen.

He was released yesterday by his abductors, following a manhunt by youths and the police.

The Police Commissioner, Moses Saba Ndagi, who confirmed the incident, however, said he was yet to get details on the matter.

The President of the Youth Assembly, Chinedu Ogah, said the doctor was released, following efforts by the police and the youths who trailed the kidnappers to their hideout at Okpoto in Ishielu Local Government Area.

Ogah said the group and the police with the use of mobile phone tracker were able to trail the hideout of the hoodlums, adding that the girlfriend of the kidnappers’ kingpin was arrested.

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

T

•People looking at the Ukwu Uko tree after it fell... at the weekend

How woman predicted fall of Imo ‘mystery’ tree U

NTIL the sudden fall of the ancestral tree in Umudagu Mbieri, Mbaitoli Local Government of Imo State, which left no fewer than 31 people dead and several others injured, not many knew the history and its mystical powers.

It was also gathered that a mentally ill woman who lives around the market had gone around shouting that the tree was about to fall, two days before it fell.

The magnificent tree known as ‘Ukwu Uko’, which stands about 100 feet tall and occupies a radius of about 200cm, was said to be over 300 years and worshipped by the community.

It was said that the tree was planted by the founders of the Umudagu community as the deity in charge of destiny.

The tree was also the symbol of unity for indigenes, who often converge under its shade to settle intra-communal crisis.

The tree, according to some of its devotees, has the power to determine or influence the destiny of indigenes.

Devoted worship of the tree was rewarded with bright destiny, it was also learnt.

The advent of Christianity

•Okorocha pledges support From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

affected idolatory in the community, leaving only the elders and a few youths as worshippers.

In its hey days, the tree was held in awe, such that no one broke its many rules, which forbade women observing their menstrual cycle and slaves from coming under its shade.

Up till its disastrous fall, the villagers believed no one with evil medicine or powers can cross the tree and stay alive.

With the passage of time, market women started buying and selling under the tree, which gave birth to the ‘Ukwu Uko’ market, a popular evening market in the community.

But aside from commerce, the tree also provided serene environment for all forms of religious and social gatherings.

A cleric, who craved anonymity, said: “The tree is a harbinger of evil but the elders who are deep into idol worship will not allow it to be cut down even when it became a threat

to the lives of market women and other people who come to the ‘Ukwu Uko market”.

He said the disaster had been foretold but the adamant elders ignored all warnings.

He accused them of threatening to unleash the powers of the deity against any person or group that may attempt to cut down the three.

Also testifying to the mystical powers, a respected leader in the community, Izu Nwaobi, said indigenes were afraid to cut down the tree because of an incident in 1992.

Nwaobi recalled that the former head of the community hired two people to cut some branches of the tree, which were about to fall down but the two people died mysteriously two days later.

“After then, no one has ever raised any object against the tree or contemplated cutting it down.

“Even the youths could not

for fear of spiritual attacks,” he stated.

Governor Rochas Okorocha, who visited the community with Deputy Governor Eze Madumere, called for the compilation of the list and vital information of the victims.

He assured that the state will provide financial and material assistance to the relations of the victims.

Okorocha, who was shocked by the level of devastation caused by the calamity, urged other communities who have similar trees to cut them down.

He regretted that several demands and warnings by people about the risks posed by the tree were ignored by elders over superstitious beliefs.

Madumere, who is from the community, said: ”I am devastated and it is a rude shock to me. How would the families of the victims feel?

“It is wholly a calamity. I pray for God’s intervention and to grant all of us the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”.

The deputy governor, who cut short his official trip to Abuja, regretted that the unfortunate incident should have been avoided if the community had heeded warnings to cut down the tree.

‘Southeast has no projects to justify support for Jonathan’ T HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southeast has agreed with President Goodluck Jonathan that the region is his strongest support base.

It, however, said there was nothing to show federal presence in the zone.

In a statement by the publicity secretary, Osita Okechukwu, the Southeast APC said the zone had not reaped compensation from successive Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administrations.

It said: “We wish to state that successive PDP administrations have not repaid

From Chris Oji, Enugu

the support given by the Southeast.

“We remember how exPresident Olusegun Obasanjo promised to build the second Niger Bridge, Onitsha Sea Port, Enugu Coal-Fired-Plant, Oguta or Ukwa Refinery or Gas Powered Plant, revival of Nkalagu Cement Factory.”

The Congress said it regretted that the President Jonathan is taking Ndigbo on a roll-

er-coaster ride again.

The APC also pointed that since Prof Barth Nnaji was sacked, no mention was made of the Enugu CoalFired-Power-Plant by Jonathan, not even at Saturday’s Town Hall meeting.

It said: “All we learnt was that the money budgeted by Nnaji has been squandered.”

“We had thought that the occasion could have provided Mr President the opportunity to resolve the bickering be-

tween Ibeto group and Ebonyi State Governor Martins Elechi.

“We are yet to locate the design of the second Niger Bridge, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Estate Evaluation of Assets.

“All we have heard was the chorus lead by Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and other praise singers.

“APC Southeast wishes to state that even during the military regime, Ndigbo had always had prompt and juicy appointments; all we crave for is justice, fairness and level playing field, not patronage.”

HE Abia State Government is to set up a panel of enquiry to investigate the collapse of a three- storey building at Agbama, Umuahia.

Governor Theodore Orji dropped the hint while inspecting the site yesterday.

Orji, who cancelled his trip to Abuja, directed the owner of the building to produce the architect and the contractor.

The governor said there must be some structural defects that led to the collapse.

He sympathised with the families of the victims.

Orji described the incident as unfortunate and thanked all those who assisted in the rescue, including the medicals, security personnel, and companies that provided equipment for the evacuation.

The governor, who visited survivors, who are receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, donated N500, 000 for their hospital bills.

At the site, a representative of the company carrying out the evacuation, Melborne Construction Company, Ikenna Balogu said four persons died in the incident and three others were injured.

‘APGA stronger than before’ From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

F

ACTIONAL national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Maxi Okwu has said the party is stronger with the emergence of Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as its national leader.

Speaking in Aba during a Town Hall meeting, Okwu said reconciliatory meetings have been held to bring back aggreived members.

Okwu said: “Governor Peter Obi is our national leader and he is making the party great. He is a true leader, in who we trust.

“Obi is not a member of any other party except APGA. “A man who refused to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) then because he wants to rebuild our great party is now being accused of being a member of the party he long rejected. “ I tell you it is the work of our enemies, who are bent on destroying our party.”

Okwu said Obi is not like other former members of the party who joined to achieve their personal ambition only to leave barely after two years.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

55

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

56

NEWS Court strikes out case against Ikuforiji’s aide

Osun institutions get governing councils OSUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has composed the Governing Councils of the four state-owned tertiary institutions. They will be inaugurated today.

At The Polytechnic, Iree, Mrs. Johana Olatundun Maduka will chair the council.

The members are: Mr. Lekan Gbalajo, Mr. Akin Awoniyi, Mr. Caleb Ojo, Mr. Adeolu Alawode Zaccheus, Mr. Oluyemi Ifederu, Mr. Olayiwola Oladimeji and Mr Oyebisi Alamu.

At the Osun College of Technology, Esa Oke, Prof.

Lai Fagbenle, is the Chairman. The members are: Dr. Adetoro, Mr. Lekan Usman, Surveyor T. Atolagbe, Mr. Moses Gbotoso, Mr. R. A. Elegbede, Mr. Bamidele Basiru, Mr. Kole Laoye and Mr. Oyediran Amobi.

Dr. Niyi Adedeji will chair the council at the State College of Education, Ilesa. The members are: Mr. Oyewo Oyegbile, Mr. Adebowale Olaoye, Mr. Francis Famurewa, Mrs. J. A. Olatunde, Mr. Fatai Owoyomi and Mr. Marcus Iroko.

At the State College of Education, Ila Orangun, Mr. Niyi Akande is the chairman.

The members are Dr. Aderemi Sulaiman, Mr. Moses Otitoola, Mr. Femi Kujembola, Mr. Yinka Olojede, Mr. Ayo Olajolo, Mr. Oyegbadu Abayomi, Dr. A. Omotoso and Mr. Amobi Akintola.

Ogun returns ‘abused’ teens to orphanage •Suspect remanded in prison From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

THE Ogun State Government has returned two teenagers, who were allegedly sexually abused by their caretaker, to the orphanage where the incident took place.

It said the decision was to avoid a disruption in the social and educational life of the children.

In a statement yesterday, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Elizabeth Sonubi, said the victims were returned to the Light of Hope Orphanage in Akute, Ogun State, run by Pastor Olutayo Atunde.

Atunde, who is accused of abusing the teenagers, has been remanded in prison custody.

Mrs. Sonnubi said a NonGovernment Organisation (NGO), Project Alert, which petitioned the police on the alleged abuse, demanded money to accommodate the children.

She said the victims’ relatives refused to take custody of them.

Mrs. Sonubi said: “One of them is sitting for the ongoing JSS 3 examination and we do not want to disrupt their education.

“The psychological state of the children was put into consideration.”

She said the victims did not have Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), but “have infections that could have emanated from any source”.

A

•Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire speaking with reporters on the second anniversary of the Governor Babatunde Fashola administration at her office in Ikeja...at the weekend. With her is the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Risikat Akinyele.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Alaafin solicits America’s help on security T

HE Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, has urged the United States (US) to assist Nigeria in tackling the Boko Haram insurgency.

He spoke yesterday in his palace while hosting the US Consul-General in Nigeria, Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins, and other officials of the consulate.

Oba Adeyemi said the wanton destruction of life and property by the Boko Haram sect has reached an intolerable level.

Describing the visit as timely and symbolic, the monarch said as Nigeria’s strong ally, America should help the country at this critical time of need.

He said: “Nigeria is facing serious security challenges. I urge you to get the American government to assist Nigeria in terms of security. Our country has porous borders. That

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo and Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

is one of the reasons Nigeria is being invaded.

“We urge America, as a strong ally of Nigeria, to help us. The time is ripe for America to help us.

“You rightly said you acknowledge the position of the Alaafin as the leading monarch in Yorubaland and talked about the need to have a healthy relationship with us.

“We live in a fast changing world. While things are changing, we have kept vital aspects of our culture alive. As human beings, we have to preserve our culture to know where we came from.

“Today, you have demon-

strated the American spirit.

We should continue to revitalise our relationship, not only through the exchange of visits.”

Hawkings said: “We are here to explore and understand the culture of the Oyo Kingdom, which is the greatest in Yorubaland and one of the greatest in West Africa. We are also interested in knowing the roles of kings in Nigeria, especially in the democratic setting, and how the past and present are able to come together.”

He said it was the first time the entire embassy will be travelling outside Lagos.

Speaking on the evolution of the Yoruba, retired Archbishop of the Methodist

Church of Nigeria Rev. Ayo Ladigbolu said: “The Alaafin signed the peace treaty on February 3, 1893, as the representative of the Yoruba. In this palace, the deepest of the mysteries are in the hands of women. Women are held in high esteem.

“Your visit to Oyo shows your willingness to learn about the Yoruba culture. We recognise the fact that your country is the melting pot of human culture, as there is no race on earth that is not living in America.”

Hawkings was accompanied by his wife, Annie; the Political Officer, Ben Lazarus; the Community Liaison Officer, Chauna Brooks; a presidential aspirant in the Republic of Benin, Issa Sulaiman and another Beninoise, Alhaji Muafoc Damala.

Robbers shoot two LAUTECH students

T

WO students of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) were on Saturday shot by robbers at their hostel in Aroje.

The incident occurred around 9pm.

The victims are Kamarudeen Kazeem, a 400-level student of the Department of Statistics and Adebisi Gbenga, a 400-level student of the Department of Management and Accounting.

Kazeem is still recuperating at a private hospital, but Gbenga has been discharged.

Confirming the incident, the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Mr. Rufus Ayorinde, said: “We receive distress calls regularly from our colleagues at their respective hostels whenever these criminals invade their areas. But we are handicapped and cannot provide the needed assistance. Only one vehicle is allocated to the SUG and it must not operate beyond 4pm daily.

“When we contact security personnel in the institution for assistance, they usually tell us that they are instructed not to attend to any matter outside the campus, thus leaving the defenceless students at the mercy of the men of the underworld.”

Efforts to contact the Act-

•Gunmen invade hostels From Bode Durojaiye, Ogbomoso

ing Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Sulaiman Gdadegesin, failed, as he was said to be away on an official assignment.

An official of the university, who pleaded for anonymity, said neither the SUG nor the affected students have complained to the management.

On whether the SUG is allowed to use the vehicle allocated to it beyond 4pm, the official said “only the VC can comment on that”.

Such attacks on students have become a regular occurrence in Ogbomoso.

The institution, which has over 30,000 students, is not residential and the students reside in private hostels.

In recent times, students staying off campus have become the target of hoodlums, who snatch their bags when they are going for lectures early in the morning and while returning at night.

Students sometime leave their homes as early as 5:30am to meet up with 7am lectures.

One of them said: “While waiting for commercial motorcyclists, men of the underworld will just appear suddenly, armed with cutlasses, iron rods, big sticks and some-

times guns. They snatch our bags, which usually contain ATM cards, laptops cash and vital documents.”

Some of victims, Miss Oni Ibukunoluwa and Miss Adeola Adeniran narrated their ordeals to The Nation.

They said: “The hoodlums, mainly young guys, beat up and injure students found with nothing on them. They (hoodlums) snatched our bags containing ATM cards, mobile phones, laptops and cash.”

The hoodlums also invade students’ hostels at night and dispossess them of their belongings.

In some cases, female students are gang-raped by gunmen.

LAGOS High Court sitting in Igbosere has struck out the charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Mr. Oyebode Atoyebi, a Personal Assistant to Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji.

Atoyebi was accused of conspiring with a former banker, Mr. Olayinka Sanni, to fraudulently convert N32.5 million, which belonged to Resource BDC Limited, to their personal use.

Atoyebi and Sanni allegedly committed the crime on June 29, 2011.

The accused pleaded not guilty and raised preliminary objections to the charge through their lawyer, Abiodun Onidare.

Onidare said the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the charge because proper procedures were not followed by the EFCC. The EFCC, in its counter affidavit, argued that it was late for the accused to question its power to file the charge.

It said it had been statutorily empowered to file criminal charges in the Lagos High Court.

Justice Samuel CandideJohnson overruled the EFCC’s argument on the timing of the objection, stressing that the objection was not affected by any time bar.

The judge held that at the moment, the EFCC does not have the fiat of the Lagos State Attorney-General to prosecute criminal matters in the state.

The judge said the fiat exhibited by the EFCC was granted in 2004 in respect of the Criminal Code Law and Criminal Procedure Law of Lagos State, 2003, which had been repealed and replaced with the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2011.

Justice Candide-Johnson said: “Even modern computers and devices now cursorily invite or prompt a user to upgrade its operating system or software, how much more a prosecutorial fiat in the exercise of the enormous and coercive constitutional powers of an Attorney-General, activated no doubt in furtherance of the public good, public safety and public interest.

“Yet, in lieu of the unproductive legal brinksmanship, the three primary stakeholders – the Federal and State Attorney-Generals and the EFCC - ought to have done the needful to review this nineyear old fiat.”

Justice Candide-Johnson discharged the accused persons, but said they were not acquitted.

Lagos seeks inclusion in Odu’a Group

T

HE Lagos State Government has demanded inclusion in the Odu’a Group conglomerate.

It said there was no reason Lagos should be excluded from the group, adding that the oversight of the fore fathers of the then Western Region must be corrected in good time for equity.

Governor Babatunde Fashola spoke at the 50th Anniversary Lecture of the group. A subsidiary of the conglomerate, WEMABOD Estate, has 22 es-

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie, Assistant Editor

tates in the old Western Region and 18 are in Lagos.

Fashola urged the Board of Directors to make Lagos part of the group.

The governor, who was represented by the commissioner for Housing, Mr. Bosun Jeje, frowned at the position of some speakers at the event, who advised WEMABOD to leave-out Lagos and concentrate on owner states, such as Osun, Ekiti, Ogun,

Ondo and Oyo. The Vice-Chancellor of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Prof.

Niyi Gbadegesin, criticised WEMABOB on the “poor geographical spread of its estates”, especially now that almost all member states are in the same political party.

He said: “There is no point concentrating your services in urban centres against the founding fathers’ beliefs. Besides, it is noticeable that within the urban centres, there is still class distinction.”

Former Ekiti State Governor Niyi Adebayo said WEMABOD Estate was the highest earner for the conglomerate.

He said the subsidiary is discussing with member states to build 5,000 housing units in each state.

The Chairman of the group said they are currently building the biggest mall in Ibadan.

He said though they build choice projects in upscale areas in Lagos, they plan to build houses for low and medium income earners.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

57

NEWS

Gunmen kill police Inspector in Niger

T

HE Niger State Police Command at the weekend arrested over 50 suspects at Barkin Gada in Mashegu Local Government of the state following the killing of an Inspector by some gunmen suspected to be robbers.

The gunmen reportedly opened fire on a police patrol team and killed the Inspector, who led the team.

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

The killer was said to have taken away the police officer’s rifle.

It was learnt that the incident occurred at 9pm at the boundary village between Rafi and Mashegu Local Government on Friday when the policemen were on night patrol.

A source in the village,

who spoke in confidence, explained that the gunmen were trekking among the villages and took the patrol men by surprise.

The source said the gunmen opened fire on the policemen, apparently targeting the Inspector.

It was also learnt that other members of the patrol team took cover and fired back at the gunmen, who escaped

with injury.

A police source said the state command had ordered the patrol team to monitor the area following persistent robbery attacks on the spot.

Irked by the killing of the Inspector, Police Commissioner Desire Nsirim ordered an immediate manhunt of the gunmen, which led to the arrest of over 50 suspects from the village.

Police spokesman, Richard Oguche, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), confirmed the killing of the Inspector to some armed men.

He said the slain policeman’s gun was taken away by the gunmen.

Oguche added that some suspects have been arrested and taken to the State Central Investigation Department (SCID) for investigation.

Litigations, technical issues delay delivery of roads, says Fashola AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) at the weekend explained why some roads across the state have not been completed.

The governor said there are several complex and people-related matters that are involved and need to be resolved.

Addressing reporters at the Lagos House in Marina, Fashola explained that some of the roads on the mainland need piling.

According to him, others require underground work before they can be surfaced.

The governor also said there are others that are facing a lack of urban planning, community resistance and legal actions.

On the Lagos-Badagry Expressway’s expansion project, Fashola said the project was awarded to two contractors - Messrs Julius Berger, which is handling the 10-lane road and Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), which is handling the light rail section of the road.

The governor explained that because of the piling CCECC has to complete before the road is filled, Julius Berger has to step aside until the piling is finished.

He said: “Remember we have two major contractors on the road - Julius Berger, doing the road surfacing and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) handling the rail.

We asked Julius Berger to stop meanwhile for CCECC to complete the piling on the road before they come to surface it.

“Julius Berger cannot hand over the road because any time it finishes a project, it signs off. And it has not in this case. Besides, there are going to be 11 pedestrian crossings between Alaba, Orile and the National Theatre. The contractors have to drive in piles along the road.

The project, as it is now, is like a building you have finished but you cannot paint until all the external works are finished.

“That is why in order to avoid those problems, we have now awarded Phase 2, from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko.

The reason we have two contractors, in the first instance, is that we wanted Julius Berger to build the roads. There were things under that road which the other contractors that bidded for the road did not see. Julius Berger found them...”

Soyinka’s in-law dead

N

OBEL LAUREATE, Prof Wole Soyinka’s in-law, Mrs Comfort Avbedioghe Doherty, is dead.

A statement yesterday said the late Mrs Doherty, née Ayomanor, has six children, 13 grandchildren and a great grandchild.

Among them are the late Mr Yinka Doherty, Ms Gladys Doherty, Mrs Grace Uwaechina, Mrs Folake Wole-Soyinka, Mrs Olubukola Teiko and Mr. Rotimi Doherty.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Funeral for community leader

T

HE remains of Madam Abigail Adesina, who died on May 4, will be interred on June 8 in OkeagbeAkoko, Ondo State.

According to a statement by the family, Madam Adesina, a community leader, was born on November 20, 1938.

The funeral rites will include a commendation service and an outing.

L

Woman to be buried tomorrow

M •Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos Mainland, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Prof Adebayo Akinde (middle) with Bishop of Arochukwu/Ohafia, Rev. Johnson Onuoha (left) and Bishop of Orji River, Rev. Amos Madu, at the closing service of the first session of the third Synod of the Anglican Dioceses of Lagos Mainland...yesterday. PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

Agatu/Fulani crisis: Lawmaker decries influx of IDPs into Kogi A LAWMAKER in the Kogi State House of Assembly, representing Omala Constituency, Aliyu Akuh, has urged the government to intervene in the rising number of Agatu internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Benue State.

The number of the ethnic group from the neighbouring state has reportedly reached 20,000.

Akuh also urged the state government to tighten security in some communities in Omala Local Government Area to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

In a matter of urgent public importance on the floor of the House, which he sponsored last week, noted that the influx of the IDPs into his constituency has allegedly caused socio-eco-

From Muhammad Bashir, Lokoja

nomic losses to the indigenes.

He said aside from creating fears in the minds of the residents, because of possible attacks by the Fulani herdsmen, the situation has made his people to live in fear, with the attendant shortage of food and other essential commodities.

The lawmaker said this has caused serious hardship among his people.

Akuh noted that with the movement of over 20,000 people, mostly children and women, to an area without prior invitation, has created social dislocation.

According to him, accom-

modation and health facilities have been overstretched in the affected community.

The lawmaker said over 10 communities in his constituency have hosted the “uninvited” guests, adding that they may become security threats to their hosts.

According to him, the earlier they are repatriated to their state, the better for the area to avoid a breakdown of law and order.

He, therefore, urged the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide relief materials for the IDPs and their host communities.

Akuh also urged the Federal Government to deploy military personnel to Agatu com-

munities to restore peace so that the people can return to their villages.

The lawmaker hailed Governor Idris Wada for promptly responding to the distress calls by his people.

He noted that the deployment of more policemen and the release of materials to the people demonstrated his commitment to the well-being of the people.

The lawmaker advised the governor to work with his Benue State counterpart, Gabriel Suswam, to cater for the affected people.

He also appealed to the warring parties to embrace peace and harmonious coexistence.

Oando raises N55.2b in rights issue

O

ANDO Plc has raised about N55.2 billion from its recent rights issue to existing shareholders.

The figure is slightly above the initial target of N54.6 billion.

The company had issued 4.548 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to existing shareholders at N12 per share between December 2012 and February 2013 with the intention of raising N54.6 billion.

Allotment approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) made available at the weekend showed that Oando succeeded in raising N55.2 billion, which indicated the high level of investors’ confidence in the company.

Details of the allotment showed that a total of 11,714

By Taofik Salako

acceptances for 4,596,055,622 ordinary shares, valued at N55.153 billion were received in connection with the rights issue.

All 11,714 acceptances were found to be valid under the terms of the rights issue and were all processed, leading to a subscription of 101 levels.

Market analysts said the success of the rights issue did not come as a surprise noting that shareholders were responding to a positive outlook based on strong market fundamentals.

Analysts said there had been last minute rush for the shares few days to the closure of the offer following the attractive price and positive

assessments of the company’s business fundamental and future outlook.

They noted that the company has made huge investments over the years that would begin to yield fruits very soon and analysts had said that the prospect of having a stake in the very lucrative upstream sector would increase investors’ appetite for Oando shares in the rights issue.

According to analysts, Oando is entering a new frontier in its integrated energy business model which will see the company increase investments in the upstream segment of the Oil & Gas space.

Analysts pointed out that Oando is a low cost route into Nigeria’s attractive energy sector citing the company’s in-

vestments in the high margin upstream division that will transform the business significantly and increase value creation for the shareholders.

Analysts said the acquisition of ConocoPhillips’ entire oil and gas assets in Nigeria put the company on the stead to increase its oil production to almost 50,000 barrels of oil per day while it also extends its footprint into the liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as power generation.

Oando had paid an initial $435 million deposit and the balance of $1.3 billion will be paid from the net proceeds of the rights issue. A syndicate of international banks has lined up to finance the $800 million debt portion of the transaction.

RS. Subola Sidikat Oguntuyi, wife of Mr. Laolu Oguntuyi, is dead. She died last week Tuesday. She was 48.

Her remains will be buried tomorrow at Atan Cemetery in Yaba, Lagos.

Today, a wake will hold at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Chapel of Solution, Itire Road, Mushin, Lagos.

She is survived by her husband and two children.

Matriarch dies at 83

M

ATRIARCH of the Fagboyegun family and business empire, Mrs. Florence Olawunmi Fagboyegun, has died. She was 83.

The late Mrs Fagboyegun built a successful merchandising business in cocoa and poultry with her industrialist husband, the late Rev. Canon Jide Fagboyegun.

She was an icon of evangelical Anglicanism, intowhich she and her husband committed billions of naira.

The businesswoman died at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, Osun State, on May 17.

The official biographer of the Fagboyeguns, United States-based journalist, Mr. Oladimeji Abitogun said: “Mrs. Fagboyegun will be remembered for the quality of support she gave to her husband in raising responsible children and a highly successful multi-billion naira company, the J. O. F. Ideal Family Farms Limited, a company which continues to employ nearly 4,000 Nigerians”.

•The late Mrs. Fagboyegun

58

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

At last, Favour goes to school

F

AVOUR Njoku, the twoyear-old orphan who faced a bleak future since his father disappeared into thin air at the peak of a cancer-related ailment that eventually killed his mother, has started a new life. He is now in school.

His plight became public knowledge through The Nation on March 20 and again, on April 8. His jobless maternal uncle, Mr Ambrose Njoku, who brought Favour's late mother to Lagos for treatment, was the one who cried out to kindhearted Nigerians for help, as the boy insisted on going to school.

Following The Nation's publications, public-spirited Nigerians started sending in their "widow's mite," after a plethora of sympathy calls and messages. Some called to know the helpless lad's condition; many others simply offered prayers for him.

A kind Nigerian who pleaded not be mentioned offered to bankroll Favour's education up to secondary school level. Another would like to adopt him. The gestures were endless.

Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation, in conjunction with his guardians, opened an account: "Master Favour Njoku Trust Fund" with the Sterling Bank Plc, Matori, Lagos, number, 0019623543. Within days, about N240.000 was paid in, out of which N100.00 was withdrawn to enroll Favour in Cedec International Schools, a private school located at Olodi-Apapa, Lagos.

The details of the deposits by kind Nigerians as obtained from the bank last week showed that Bridget Oguike, Muhammed G.M and another person, who simply gave his name as CD Self, sent in N5,000 each. Also, Aku Ignatius Uzoma, Adaord Okeke and Jegede

‘We ceaselessly pray for those that have made it possible to send this boy to school despite the harsh economic reality in the country ... we believe other Nigerians out there will share in our bid to give him a solid future’

• Favour ... with his classmates

By Adegunle Olugbamila

Olukayode sent in N10.000 each. A commissioner in the Fashola administration, who sought anonymity, deposited N200.000 in the account.

Last week, The Nation visited Favour's school to know how he was coping with his new situation.

The school's Assistant Head-teacher, Mrs Nnenna Ufere, told our reporter that the boy acclimatised in no time the first day in the school.

He was in high spirits.

"I saw him the day they brought him," Mrs Ufere said, adding: "Right from the first day, he started adapting to the system. He mingled freely with his colleagues. In fact, he is a nice and gentle boy. He copes very well. He does not in any way behave like a new pupil."

"Academically, he is catching up fast," added Favour's class teacher, Mrs Margaret Onyenwe, who

• Favour ... ready for school ... last week

believes Favour is also showing some signs of his readiness to learn."

She added: "He holds the pencil very well and also writes well. He knows a lot of things that you will even be wondering how he got to know them as an upstart."

Asked whether the boy cried when the "parents" were leaving

on the first day, she said he was not moved. "He was just happy, being in the school uniform and seeing some others pupils too," she said."

Beyond that, Favour's uncle, who lives with his wife and four kids at 3, Braimoh Street, Olodi-Apapa, is still out of job. Even their home is not befitting of a piggery. Once

•Mrs Onyenwe

a commercial motorcyclist (okada rider), Njoku is now jobless, following the new Lagos Traffic Law that took the bike from him. His wife, Deborah, is into petty trading which can hardly sustain the family, including Favour.

The family, Njoku said, needs a de-

Businessman angry over seized passport

By Seun Akioye

•Abiola

W

HEN Mustapha Abiola, a mechanical engineer, applied to renew his entry clearance to the United Kingdom (UK) on December 28, last year, to him, it was just another routine as he was expecting his passport back in two weeks.

His assurance rested on the "reliable" visa-processing time specified by the UK High Commission. However, two weeks after, he realised he was merely day-dreaming.

He had walked into the Embassy to retrieve the document without ado, but he was wrong. His visa application was refused and his pass-

port withheld by the Embassy.

The Embassy, in a letter, informed Abiola that an entry stamp into Nigeria on May 8, 2012, which appeared on the fourth page of his passport, was fake. The letter also informed him that his passport had been retained by the Embassy and would be sent to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

The letter, dated January 10, 2013, with reference, LAG 5379000, read in part: "The passport that you submitted with your application has been retained, as we are satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that it contained a counterfeit stamp. Enquiries will be undertaken at this office and the document will be forwarded as soon as practically possible to the Nigerian Immigration Service in Abuja."

But Abiola denied the allegation, saying that the stamps are genuine.

Thus, he immediately began frantic moves to retrieve his passport.

"I have written several letters to the Nigerian Immigration Service apart from several phone calls and personal visits to ensure that this issue is resolved as I am sure I am not guilty of the allegation. But the NIS in Abuja told me no passport was sent to it by the British Embassy," Abiola told The Nation.

The embattled businessman also said he had been to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the issue, saying: "I went to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs twice and I was told the proper procedure would be to send the passport to the ministry which would forward it to the NIS, but the British Embassy did not do that.

•We stand by our decision, says Embassy

‘I am being accused of forging a stamp which is not true; now, nobody knows where my passport is. I have been to the NIS, Abuja more than 10 times. My resources are drained and my work is suffering’ Still, I can't locate my passport and I told the British Embassy who are still insisting that the passport is with NIS." Abiola also lamented that the unwillingness of the British Embassy to disclose the true location of his passport had caused him irreparable loss: "I am being accused of forging a stamp which is not true; now, nobody knows where my passport is. I have been to the NIS, Abuja more than 10 times. My resources are drained and my work is suffering. I asked the UK Embassy to tell me when the passport was sent and the courier service it employed; it refused. Right now, I feel my right is being violated," But the Embassy, in response to inquiries by The Nation, denied it had erred in any way, insisting that its actions were in line with standard procedures.

An Embassy official at the Entry Clearance Office, Alice Motion, said: "Mr. Mustapha has been informed that the passport had been returned to the Nigerian Immigration Service, as it was found to contain a fraudu-

lent Nigerian Immigration arrivals stamp. This stamp was compared with a known genuine example of the stamp in use at the time of his claimed arrival, and was found not to contain certain safeguards. Returning the passport to the Nigerian Immigration Service is a standard practice for cases of this nature."

Also, speaking on phone, another officer said the Embassy was convinced beyond any doubt that the stamp is fake. "We are convinced; we are not usually wrong," the officer said.

Meanwhile, Abiola is at a loss for his passport's whereabouts as the appropriate agencies insist they do not have it. He is, therefore, convinced that the Embassy is still holding on to it. "It is either the UK Embassy releases my passport if it is still with them (as I am convinced it is) or they should give me details that will enable me retrieve it….The UK Embassy should not be allowed to withhold applicants' international passports without any consequence as permitted by the law," Abiola said.

•Rafiu Adeyemi, an engineer and Assistant D tor’s Senior Project Manager, PLYCON Limit Alimosho Local Government Area ... on Saturd

•Amata and his children

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

59

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

Fear of robbers grips FESTAC residents •We have arrested five, say police

By Jude Isiguzo, Police Affires Correspondant

A

•Mrs Ufere

cent living and perhaps some money to start a little business.

But most importantly, family is still appealing to Nigerians, government and humanitarian organisations to contribute to the boy's future.

"We ceaselessly pray for those that

have made it possible to send this boy to school despite the harsh economic reality in the country. It is a great relief and we believe other Nigerians out there will share in our bid to give him a solid future," Njoku said yesterday.

ant Director, Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation, Lagos State (left), with the contracLimited, Mr Leke Adeniyi and Ms Tomi Awokoya, while inspecting a road project at Saturday.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

RMED robbers under the name, 'one million boys,' are allegedly terrorising residents of FESTAC Town in the Amowo-Odofin Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State.

It was learnt that the hoodlums, who usually come in their dozens during every operation, have been giving residents sleepless nights.

The robbers are said to have invaded 401 Road on three occasions, maiming victims and carting away valuables worth millions of naira.

They have also visited residents of 512, 322 and 201 Roads, leaving blood and tears in their wake.

According to reports, the hoodlums usually attack residents living in blocks of flats and operated between the hours of 3:30am and 4:30am without any challenge from security operatives.

Last Wednesday, the robbers allegedly operated on 201 Road, about 200 meters away from the FESTAC Divisional Police Station, without any intervention from the law enforcement agents.

During the operation, they robbed virtually every flat in about five streets within the neighbourhood.

Residents, who had no money, after receiving the beating of their lives, were dispossessed of valuables worth millions of naira.

One of the victims, who sought anonymity for fear of reprisals, said the bandits, comprised teenagers who "looked too hungry and harassed."

According to him, they took away cash, his mobile telephone, television sets and musical systems.

At 401 Road 'F' Close, the robbers attacked residents in four flats at the ground floor of the three-storey building. In one of the flats, a 68year-old man was said to have been hit with a hammer on the head when they found no money on him.

However, when the robbers visited 512 Road, youths in the area summoned the courage to challenge them, but were forced on a retreat with the robbers' sporadic gunshots.

Residents now want the police to intensify security patrol around the time the bandits usually operate to check their activities. They pleaded with the Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko to urgently rise to the situation..

But a senior police officer at the Area 'E' Command, FESTAC said yesterday that the police had arrested five of the suspected members of the 'one million boys.'

"They are helping us in our investigations and in no time, the gang will be history. Those in our custody have confessed already and they have disclosed their mode of operation to us. We are trailing other members of the gang and we will get them soon," he said.

Celebrities gather for Amata at 50

T

HE Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) Centre, Lagos venue of the 50th birthday celebration of veteran actor and movie director, Fred Amata, came alive on Saturday. Celebrities thronged the venue in honour of one of their own.

The event, which was tagged a “White Tie Charity Dinner,” included a drama presentation. The shindig also featured a variety of performances and excerpts from Fred Agbeyegbe's stage play, “The King Must Dance Naked,” as performed

by Amata and others, including, Nobert Young, Kate Henshaw, Segun Arinze, Keppy Ekpeyoung Bassey, Bimbo Manuel, Bimbo Akintola and Chidi Mokeme.

Preparatory to the Saturday event, as part of activities lined up to celebrate the actor's over three-decade career, celebri-

ties had on Wednesday, slugged it out with celebrated ex-Super Eagles in a novelty match at the Campus Square, Lagos.

Stars like Aki and Pawpaw, Okey Bakassi, Basorge Tariah Jnr, Frank Edoho, comedian AY among other entertainers battled the likes of JayJay Okocha, Samson Siasia, Mutiu Adepoju, Emma Okocha, Victor Ikpeba and Peter Rufai among other notable footballers.

Coach Shuaibu Amodu was technical adviser to the Entertainers while Joe Erico coached the ex-Eagles .

The match ended 4:3 in favour of the ex-Eagles with Okocha scoring three of the four goals, while comedian AY scored two of the three goals scored for Nollywood

•Lagos police chief Umar Manko

CITYBEATS Dare to dream, youths urged LAGOS State Commissioner for Transport, Hon Kayode Opeifa has urged youths in Agege, a suburb of the metropolis, to dream and make use of the vast opportunities in the state.

Saying that life without a purpose has no value, he said youths should begin to do something differently and make a mark in humanity, adding that opportunities abound if they distinguish themselves in their various fields of endeavour.

Opeifa spoke during a mentoring session organised by Bountiful Individual Revolution Network (BIRN), a non-profit organisation with a "passion for poverty reduction and creation of better individuals."

The commissioner charged the youth to bring back the past glory of the country, adding: "Power is not given but fought for. Distinguish yourselves and you will be recognised as success is about individual, not family's wealth. Remove the clog in your eyes and see opportunities everywhere."

By Nneka Nwaneri

The Convener, Taiwo Adelanwa, said the network, which began five years ago, is to "make better individuals, better communities and a better world."

"It goes beyond giving them materials to start up a life. They have to see and hear from many who started like them and believe that they are just as human as every other great man. Thus, Hon Opeifa, having being born and brought up in the Agege axis of Lagos was brought to mentor them. From the response I see, I am assured they are going home with a different view of what they have been seeing life and have a deeper affection of what life is all about."

The commissioner advised youths to desist from engaging in commercial motorbike riding, saying: “Apart from the inherent danger in the act, the Lagos State Government has taken concrete steps to get jobless youths fully engaged instead of endagering their lives through bike riding.”

Bar Beach won't be available fun seekers THE Management of Lagos Bar Beach has said that children and other fun seekers will not be able to use the sandy area of the beach during the Children's Day celebration.

Mr Effiong Ekanem, the Chairman, Tourism Committee of Lagos Bar Beach, made the fact known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos at the weekend, saying the area was restricted.

Ekanem said the restriction was in compliance with safety regulations, adding that Eti-Osa Local Government issued the directive to ensure the safety of visitors at the beach. ``The beach is open to the public but no one will be allowed to access the sandy area because of its very soft and sinking nature. ``The ongoing work at the Eko At-

lantic City is kind of disrupting activities at the beach. ``In previous Children's Day Celebrations, the management usually packaged entertainment programmes for the children, unfortunately such will not be the case this time around because of safety reasons,'' Ekanem said.

He said the management was currently taking the necessary steps that would eventually lead to the resumption of normal activities at the beach.

Ekanem further said that security personnel and lifeguards were on ground to ensure safety at the beach. ``Once the ongoing sand filling work at the Eko Atlantic City project site is completed, we will throw the beach open to the public for resumption of normal activities,'' he said. (NAN)

Lagos executes N1tr projects, says Fashola THE Lagos State Government has said it is currently executing capital projects worth N1 trillion across the state. They include the blue-line intra-city rail system, roads, houses, jetties, water works, dredging of river and water channels, courts and classrooms.

The state governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, told newsmen on Saturday in Lagos: "All the projects cost over N1 trillion. The projects are at the various stages of completion; the challenge before us is funds. We hope to deliver the projects before the end of the life of this administration,'' he said.

He added: "On the light rail project alone which has gulped billions of naira, 98 pillars that will carry the train will be constructed between National Theatre and Marina on the Island. It will be com-

pleted in phases; Mile 2 to National Theatre will be ready this year.''

Fashola said the government had awarded the second phase of the project, including the rail and the 10-lane road expansion from Mile two to Okokomaiko, to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). According to him 11 pedestrian bridges would be provided on the expressway.

On water transportation, he said the rehabilitation of three jetties at Badore, Mile two and Pakodo, had been completed, adding that ferries would be provided for private operators to transport residents.

Asked if the state had prosecuted owners and developers of collapsed buildings, he said police report was being awaited for every collapsed building for effective prosecution of offenders. NAN.

26,049 get skill acquisition training LAGOS State Government has trained 26,049 students in various skill-acquisition programmes in an effort to contribute its quota towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) on poverty reduction.

Deputy Governor Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire disclosed it on Saturday during a ministerial briefing ahead of Governor Babatunde Fashola's sixth anniversary in office.

Adefulire, who oversees the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), said the students were drawn from 35 states of the federation and neighbouring countries.

She said the 27 skill-acquisition centres spread across the states had responded to the needs of young entrepreneurs and created a platform for their self-reliance and wealth creation.

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

She said in the period under review, government carried out upgrading and expansion of Lagos Island and Egbeda Skill Acquisition Centres to accommodate additional students increase their skills.

She also said the renovation of Surulere, Mushin, Shibiri, Egan, Kosofe, Ikorodu 1 and 11, Ibeju Lekki, Igbo-Oye, Iba, Ejigbo and Badagry skill centres was also embarked upon to provide effective skill training programmes.

On efforts to tgackle child abuse, she said government stepped up its campaign to show its zero-tolerance for child abuse with aggressive prosecution of offenders.

She said the trend of baby trafficking which is rampant in some states would not be tolerated, warning that the government would prosecute perpetrators of the act.

60

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

NEWS Delta ACN: no merger committee

T

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Delta State at the weekend debunked insinuations that the proposed All Progressive Congress (APC) has mandated “some party leaders in the state” to constitute merger committees.

The Chairman, Adolo Okotie-Eboh, in a statement, said no individual had been vested with such responsibility.

Okotie-Eboh said no group had been given such a mandate, stressing that as a disciplined party the ACN is awaiting directives from

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

its national secretariat.

His words: “The attention of the ACN in Delta State and its Chairman have been drawn to rumours credited to some so-called party leaders and individuals that they have been given the mandate to constitute merger committees.

“Let it be known, clear and on record that there are no groups or party leaders who have been given such mandate.

“The ACN is a disciplined party that follows due process.”

Edo to pay N10b to contractors From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

T

HE Edo State Government will today pay N10 billion to road contractors.

The payment, according to the Commissioner for Works, Osarodion Ogie, followed the approval and signing of the certificates on the level of work done so far by the contractors.

Ogie urged residents of second, third, first and Ekheuwen roads to be patient, adding that the government is doing every thing possible to award the contracts on the roads soon.

“If you look at my table, these are files containing certificates from our contractors. The governor has just approved it . What this means is that their money is ready.

What we have here is above N10 billion.”

Kidnapped monarch released

A

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

TRADITIONAL ruler in Bakassi Local Government of Cross River State, Etubom Okon Effiong Nyong, who was kidnapped on Friday with another man have been released.

According to eye witnesses, they were kidnapped around 11am at Nsidon village in Bakassi by five men operating in a red Volkswagen Audi at a construction site.

Both were released by the kidnappers yesterday in the same area, police spokesman John Umoh said.

He declined comments on whether or not a ransom was paid.

It was gathered that the kidnappers had demanded N20 million.

DELSU-ASSU decries incessant kidnap From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

N

O fewer than 20 members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, and their relations have been abducted in the last two years.

The Chairman, Dr. Emmanuel Mordi, made this disclosure at the weekend in Abraka while briefing the Commissioner of Police, Ikechukwu Aduba.

Mordi said: “It is unfortunate and very frightening that it has become our lot in recent years to be saddled with the burden of combating kidnapping and related nefarious acts.

“This has posed a danger to the security of lives and property of our members.”

He regretted that since 2011, ASUU members have been victims as over N40million was paid as ransom to secure the release of the victim.

‘Don’t flout local content law’

L

OCAL contractors in the Niger Delta have warned multinationals and indigenous oil firms against flouting the Nigerian Content Law in the award of contracts.

The contractors, under the aegis of Kokodiagbene Indigenous Contractors Association, urged the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) to comply with the law in the planned re-start of operation in OML 42.

It extended similar warning to American oil firm, Chevron Nigeria Limited, against underhand dealing in its Utonana flow station operations.

The warning was contained in a statement by Uyandogha Powede and Jackson Timighan, Chairman and Secretary of

From Shola O’Neil, Port Harcourt

KICA. It stated: “We are professional community contractors who have the experience and professionalism required in handling all projects that are within the confine of indigenous contractors.

“Hence as host to these oil fields we will not condone any act of injustice in the award of contracts to us as provided by the Nigerian Local Content Law. “This resolution became imperative because most contracts that are within the execution capacities of local contractors have been frequently awarded to non-indigenous contractors leaving our community contractors hanging,” the statement added.

• The house

Three lucky as tree falls on building

T

HREE persons escaped death when a large tree fell on their house during a windstorm in Ikot Ekiribi in Akpabuyo Local Government of Cross River State.

The house, which belonged to 45-year old Efefiom Efiom, was destroyed in the inci-

A

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

dent which happened on Saturday.

The occupants, 85-year old Mrs Hannah Okon, 30-year old Bassey Etim and his twoyear-old son, were in the sitting room when they heard a noise and saw the

house caving in. But they escaped unhurt.

Etim said: “We were inside when the wind started blowing and the next thing we saw were blocks falling into the house.

“Most of if not all-the property in the house were destroyed.

“We are just lucky to be

alive as we did not even have time to run.”

Efiom said the tree called “Nyok”, which was over 50 years old and planted close to the house, was a source of income to its family as the fruit was used to design part of the make-up of their local masquerade.

New Enugu Airport terminal to cost N13b, says Jonathan

NEW international terminal at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, will cost N13 billion, President Goodluck Jonathan has said.

The airport will have the capacity to handle 500, 000 passengers.

Speaking at the opening of the remodelled Enugu Airport, Dr Jonathan said the project was not only a fulfilment of his campaign promise in 2010 to give the Southeast a befitting international airport, but little of what is to come to the zone in his transformation agenda.

Jonathan said: “The project will be built at N13billion and will accomodate 500, 000 passengers.

“It will serve Enugu and the Southeast as a modern, efficient, functional, safe and secure gateway, but most importantly a prestigious edifice that will offer a befitting welcome and goodbye from the region and Nigeria.”

In a statement by the Special Assistant to the Aviation Minister, Joe Obi, in Abuja,

•To be completed in 24 months •commissions remodelled Enugu airport From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

the President said the inauguration of the remodelled terminal was part of “a national effort at transforming the air transport industry.

“The programme is ambitious, covering all 22 airports under the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

“It involves the remodeling of all 22 airport terminals within three years, modernising, expanding and upgrading the facilities to bring them in line with international standards.”

Jonathan added that the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport terminal as well as the remodelled Yola Airport would be commissioned soon.

The President regretted that ever since the various

airports in the country were built decades ago, it had witnessed little or no developments, until the intervention of the currenet administration.

Aviation Minister Ms Stella Oduah said the transformation agenda of the President “is being actualised tangibly at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu”.

Ms Oduah said apart from the construction of the proposed aerotropolis projects and perishable cargo terminals, two international airline operators have indicated interest to begin operations to Enugu State.

The statement reads: “The new international terminal with a total floor area of 25,000 square metres will have capacity to handle 500,000 passengers per annum and will be completed

in 24 months.

“Upon completion, this airport will answer its name in the real sense of the word Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

“Two international airlines have indicated interest to operate flights into Enugu, adding that discussion along these lines will continue over the next few months as we prepare the airport’s infrastructure to meet this demand.

“Nigeria’s aviation industry must take its rightful place in our national life.

“The industry must become pivotal to the socio-economic development of our country as it is supposed to be and as we proclaim in our vision, we will continue to do what it takes to deliver just such an industry to Nigerians.”

12 Anambra governorship aspirants meet

T

HE grand plan by the people of Anambra North senatorial zone to produce a governor next year has been unveiled.

At a secret meeting attended by traditional rulers in the zone and aspirants, the monarchs and the aspirants allegedly agreed to bring their best candidates to contest primaries in all the serious parties.

A source at the meeting told The Nation that the main

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka and Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

issue was on how to be united in their quest and reject deputy governorship slot from all quarters.

They vowed not to accept anything short of the governorship slot as they will deal with whoever betrays them.

The Secretary to the State Government, Osaeloka Obaze, who attended the meeting said: “Anambra

North Traditional Rulers and gubernatorial aspirants from the zone held a parley recently to strategise on 2014.

“The meeting happened behind closed doors and each aspirant was allowed to bring only two aides.

“There were no press briefings or communiques after the event. However, both sides agreed that the people of Anambra North deserved to produce the next governor and therefore

reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the next governor comes from the zone.

“They agreed to work in concert to achieve their common purpose. They welcomed the tranquil political climate in Anambra State.

“They expressed thanked Governor Peter Obi and all those who steadfastly support their cause. They resolved to remain united in their aspiration.”

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

61

NEWS

AU summit: Africans urged to achieve founders’ dream

W

ITH a call on Africans to “realise the dream of the founding fathers for a peaceful, prosperous and united Africa,’’ the 21st Summit of the African Union (AU) opened yesterday in Addis Ababa ’ The summit began with a two-day meeting of the AU Permanent Representative Committee (PRC).

The summit which has “Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance’’ as its theme, will end on May 27 .

It coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and the 10th anniversary of the AU. At the opening of the 26th ordinary session of the PRC, its Chairperson, Ambassador Kongit Sinegiorgis, described the OAU/AU 50th anniversary as the defining moment for the organisation.

She said: “We reflect on

how far we have come and chart a new vision for our future.

“Of course, we all know the last 50 years have been fraught with many challenges but through it all, we are very proud of our achievements.

“Fifty years ago, much of Africa was still under the yoke of colonialism and Apartheid: Today, it is gratifying to note that our continent has been liberated from all forms of subjugation.”

Sinegiorgis, who is also Ethiopia’s representative at the United Nations (UN) Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), identified socio-economic emancipation of the continent as the major task ahead.

Her words: “I hope that the present and future generations of Africans would rise up to the challenge to realise the dream of the founding fathers for a peaceful and pros-

perous and united Africa.

“The PRC would, within the two days, consider the draft proclamation for adoption by the 21st ordinary session of the AU Assembly.

According to the chairperson, the committee will also review the AU strategic plan for 2014 to 2017 which was adopted by the 14th extraordinary session of the Executive Council held on April 8.

“We will also consider the AUC 2014 draft budget together with the report of the PRC budget sub-committee and their recommendations for subsequent adoption by our ministers.

“We have already considered the report of the commission on the post-2015 Development Agenda together with the African Common Position on the issue and modalities for the establishment of a committee of Heads of state and Government.’’

Ban Ki-moon urges North Korea to end missile tests

U

NITED Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on North Korea to refrain from carrying out any further missile tests.

He was speaking as Pyongyang test-fired a fourth short-range missile over the weekend.

Such launches are routine but come as countries in the region are trying to break a stalemate in relations there, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC’s) Lucy Williamson said.

Mr Ban urged Pyongyang to lower the tensions in the region and “resume dialogue” over its nuclear programme.

Speaking in Russia after holding talks with President Vladimir Putin, Mr Ban called the missile tests “a provocative action”.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s defence ministry reported a missile launch from the North’s east coast yesterday.

The same ministry said on Saturday that Pyongyang had carried out three missile tests.

“I hope that North Korea will refrain from such actions,” Mr Ban told Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency.

“It is time for them to resume dialogue and lower the tensions. The United Nations is willing to help,” he said.

The UN scribe also called on Russia - a member of the stalled six-party talks on North Korea’s nuclear programme to help bring Pyongyang back to the negotiating table.

Tensions were raised earlier this year among North Korea its neighbours and the United States (US).

Terror suspects die in gun duel with Kenyan police

T

HE Police in Kenya have shot dead a couple suspected to be terrorists after they tried to use their baby as human shield to avoid gunfire.

Follwing a tip off about the couple’s location, police investigators raided an apartment in Nairobi, ordering the duo to come out.

Boniface Mwaniki, head of the anti-terroism police unit, said they the couple refused to surrender and started throwing grenades.

The police reportedly fired tear gas into the property in the Githurai Kimbo area of the city and the suspects threw back four grenades.

Mr Mwaniki added that the pair had used their eightmonth-old baby as a shield to try and avoid being injured.

Five officers were wounded in the stand-off, which ended with both suspects being killed.

The baby was removed from the house unconscious and two grenades were found in the property, the police said.

The husband was named as Kenyan national Felix Otuko.

He is suspected of carrying out two grenade attacks in October 2011 - the first of a string of grenade and gun assaults in Kenya.

U

60 injured as car hits crowd at Virginia

P to 60 people were hurt when a car hit a crowd during a parade in Virginia, United States (US), officials said yesterday.

They said more than 10 people have been taken to hospital in a serious condition from the small town of Damascus.

The crash occurred at about 14:30 local time (18:30 GMT) during an annual festival celebrating the Appalachian Trail.

US media reports alleged the driver may have had a

medical challenge.

The car appeared to come from a side street, hitting the crowds, according to the Associated Press news agency.

People were screaming for the driver to stop, but the vehicle reportedly went on for another 30 metre after hitting the crowd.

Witnesses said a number of people then rushed to the car and eventually managed to lift it off those trapped underneath.

The car had a disabled person’s parking sticker, the report said.

•Ban Ki-moon

Pyongyang threatened military strikes on targets in South Korea, Japan and the US following the imposition of new UN sanctions for its third nuclear test, and as annual US-South Korea military drills were being held.

As well as threatening to restart a mothballed nuclear reactor that produced plutonium for its weapons programme, Pyongyang also cut military and economic links with Seoul.

Intermediate-range missiles were deployed along the east coast in April but removed earlier this month in what was seen as a sign that tensions on the peninsula were lowering.

NAN reports that the PRC is expected to review the report of the Advisory SubCommittee on Administrative, Budgetary and Financial Matters and consider the Draft Budget for 2014.

The committee will also consider the report of the Sub-Committee on

Programmes and Conferences and together with the Draft Strategic Plan for 2014 to 2017 for the AU Commission.

It is expected to prepare the report of the Sub-Committee on Structures and the SubCommittee on the Activities on Multilateral Cooperation

for the assembly’s adoption.

The PRC will equally review the report of the SubCommittee on Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons in Africa, which is headed by Nigeria’s Dr Aisha Abdullahi, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

62 PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRISTIAN UNIVERSAL CHURCH ON NIGERIA INCORPORATED This is to inform the general public that the above named Organization have applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja for change of its Trustees under part “C” of the companies and allied matters Acts No. 1 of 1990 TRUSTEES 1) Rev. Dr. J.N.E Wike Retained 2) Rev. J. A. Owhonda Retained 3) Prophet Jacob Ejigini Removed 4) David Oluli Removed 5) Thompson Nworgu Removed 6) Paul Okengwo Removed 7) Rev. Ohuba Removed 8) Reuben Omenazu Removed 9) Mr. Nwabur Removed 10) Pastor Billy Kalagbor New 11) Elder Emmanuel Worlu New 12) Elder Sunday Arungwa New 13) Deacon Nelson Uba New 14) Deaconess Reuben Comfort New 15) Pastor Eric Charles New 16) Evang. Alex Ihunwo New Aims and Objectives remain the same.

Any objection to this change should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Barr. Divine O. Umezuruike (for Beulah Chambers, 121 Aba, Road, Port Harcourt)

FOREIGN NEWS

UK, U.S. to assist Nigeria on crude oil theft, says Alison-Madueke T

HE United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (U.S.) have indicated interest to assist Nigeria curb crude oil theft which President Goodluck Jonathan has described as “blood oil’’.

Petroleum Resources Minister Mrs Diezani AlisonMadueke, dropped the hint at a lecture entitled: “The Future of African Energy in a Changing World’’, delivered yesterday at St. Anthony’s College, Oxford University, England.

She said: “I must say that both the British and U.S. Governments have been in discussions with us and are keen to join hands with us to fight this menace.

“The global community is on track and already geared up and we are working to put in place a strategic platform that will involve us all and enable us track and fin-

gerprint stolen crude.’’

The minister said that crude oil theft and vandalism were being executed on a professional scale beyond petty stealing.

“It is, therefore, clear that this crude is being taken to refineries outside the shores of West Africa,’’ Mrs. AlisonMadueke According to her, proceeds from stolen crude are being passed through fiscal institutions beyond the African continent and the monies are laundered by fiscal entities.

She said: “It has therefore, become necessary to tackle the issue globally as it is carried out by powerful cabals and experts.’’

The minister said that governments in the Niger Delta

were collaborating with service chiefs to sensitise the affected communities on the dangers of illegal refineries on the environment.

She said that illegal refineries, popularly known as “firewood distilleries,’’ has severe impact on the environment and human beings, especially because of the risk of disabilities in new born babies.

Other issues addressed by Mrs. Alison-Madueke include: the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and global politics of oil where she stressed the need to give emerging economies more support.

Mrs. Alison Madueke said: “It is better to invest in these economies, import their gas and oil rather than give out charity and donations to them.

“Basically if Africa itself is not stable and if it’s teeming youth population are not gainfully employed, then they obviously pose an inherent threat to global security and stability in the world.’’

Mrs Cherie Blair, wife of UK’s former Prime Minister Tony Blair in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), commended the minister for her detailed lecture on the Nigerian oil sector.

Blair said the PIB as explained by the minister, when passed into law, would be beneficial to companies with investments in the sector and crucial to Nigerians.

The lecture attracted experts from the oil and gas sector, including a former Ghanaian President, Mr John Kufour.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

63

WHO SAID WHAT

‘Justice Talba should have been summarily dismissed from service rather than the one-year suspension slammed on him’ MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL 8 NO 2,491

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

H

OW did it happen that when President Goodluck Jonathan announced a state of emergency in three states, we as a collective did not ask if it already existed?

Did we ponder the meaning of the term in law and even in common parlance? Or did we queue behind him simply because we believed that an urgent step was required and so we fell prey to a language that obfuscated the facts?

Did the President take advantage of a fretting people, famished for some kind of final solution to the Boko Haram problem? So, was it a new state of emergency or was it a deft political move to entrap an alienated citizenry in thrall of a ruthless answer couched in theatre?

These are emotional times for Nigeria.

Chambers of reason are frying thin from the embers of passion. Before the presidential broadcast, the presupposition was that he would slam the emergency and dislodge the governors. He has not tempered with the democratic structures, although he sounded an ominous note that pundits and the political class have ignored. He said the governors would remain in the meantime. We hope, for the sake of democracy, that he does not extend his nowexcited fangs to defy the constitution that grants him no such powers.

So, the only thing the President has done that defines this version of a state of emergency is to increase the troop presence and extend the curfew time. Otherwise, nothing has changed in essence. The Joint Task Force has been as ruthless in hounding the fanatical hoodlums.

Now, the intensity has gone up some notches.

So, let us not be hoodwinked by any sort of rhetorical change. What is important in the war against the tyrants of spirits, as I characterise the wayward insurgents, is the primacy of intelligence. Right from the outset of the conflict, we have failed to do two things. One, the Federal Government has never addressed the issue of the killing of the founder of the lethal group, Mohammed Yusuf. Two, and more importantly, the government has failed to put in place, in spite of huge budgets for security, a viable and working intelligence network to root out the vermin at the bottom of the crisis.

The consequence has been serious. If Yusuf was killed, and no court has received and adjudicated on the matter, how do we expect the group, vicious as it is, to feel entitled to justice? In its alienation, it has decided to take justice in its hands. This explains, in part, their primitive rages, although it does not justify it.

Partly related to this is the hysteria of vengeance during the 2011 campaigns when threats hit the air that if a northerner did not win, the nation would know no peace. This has shown a northern elite encouragement, if not complicity, in the sectarian outrage in the past few years. The complicity – of men like Muhammadu Buhari and Adamu Ciroma - has not been proved. But that was the anchor of the

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchsam@yahoo.com 08054501081(sms only) •NMMA Columnist of the Year

Silence without peace

•Dr Jonathan reprisal comments from special adviser to the president, Kingsley Kuku, and ex-militant Mujahid Asari-Dokubo. They had warned that if Jonathan did not win, peace would not be guaranteed in the land. The hoary and bemused illogic of E.K. Clark followed with his reference to the northern threat in 2011 as excuse for the rants of the two men. This was a case of foolishness answering to foolishness. Neither side had wisdom, but a rascally display of street urchin thirst for chaos.

The point is we did not as a people address the issue of the northern threat in 2011. Was it a lack of political will, or was it the failure of the President, after assuming power, to address the subterranean malice from the North? President Jonathan failed to do two things. One, he did not attack the threat head on; rather he hid under a horrendous fatalism when he asserted that Boko Haram would disappear someday.

Two, after a self-proclaimed pan-Nigerian

‘The northern elite did not understand that even if the North had power, it needed a country to govern.

Jonathan did not understand that he was not only President, but the commander in chief. It was a lack of vision of his office, a pathetic surrender that allowed the monster to burn churches, slay priests...’ mandate, the President did not extend an olive branch to the North. That is the spirit of victory. As Churchill famously asserted, “In war, resolution; in victory, magnanimity.” There was open gloating from Clark and some Jonathan court jesters.

In the intervening period, we saw that monster of violence grow. Rather than act, the Presidency became wrapped in fear, shutting inside Aso rock all ceremonies of symbol and grandeur, including the Independence day celebrations.

All these while, we expected the Presidency to ensure a working intelligence team. We cannot wage a successful war without intelligence.

No war, whether between states or between a state and insurgents, ever succeeds without intelligence. In fact, superior intelligence bests superior weapons.

The northern elite kept mum while it grew, hoping it would cripple the Jonathan adminis-

HARDBALL

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan’s state of emergency proclamation has exposed how relatively inexpert the Nigerian media have become in recent years. So far, by Hardball’s reckoning, no newspaper has failed to endorse the declaration of a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States. They differ only in the degree of their enthusiasm.

While some have embraced Dr Jonathan’s proclamation unreservedly, others have simply stopped at embracing the action without betraying any emotions. While a few mentioned concerns about potential threats to civil liberties in the affected states, others simply ignored that fear and instead concentrated attention on underscoring the president’s justification, and also lending their front pages to bulletins from the battlefields issued by the military.

At no time in Nigeria’s history have the media been so universally uncritical and impressionable. “The state of emergency the president declared in the said areas seemed the best option,” began the National Mirror optimistically.

“The widespread acclamation the proclamation received, as against the handful of criticisms it has attracted so far, seemed an indication that many Nigerians had for long been waiting on the president to wield the big stick.” Dr Jonathan would be delighted. The Nation also hitched a

JUSTICE MUSTAPHA AKANBI

tration. After a while, they themselves saw that the Frankenstein wonder had morphed into a Frankenstein monster. They, too, were hostage. Mary Shelly’s novel, Frankenstein, produced a more humane monster than this one.

The northern elite did not understand that even if the North had power, it needed a country to govern.

Jonathan did not understand that he was not only President, but the commander in chief. It was a lack of vision of his office, a pathetic surrender that allowed the monster to burn churches, slay priests, burn police stations, murder marquee personalities and subaltern citizens.

The President, corralled in Aso Rock, would not travel to the trouble spots. He only did that recently. When he did, he failed to make an inroad into their hearts. A nervous president bullied his hosts. He did not take advantage of the chance to empathise with the disinherited and wounded in the place. Rather, he celebrated improvements in Yobe and Adamawa, two states where he has now slammed the emergency.

This is the story of how the matter degenerated to have ‘warranted’ the declaration of state of emergency. So, whose fault was it that the matter came to this sanguinary pass? While we can blame many forces – the northern elite and politicians, etc – we also know that the leadership was absent or inept while the monster got out of hand. Security is not a governor’s responsibility but the president’s, according to the constitution. He declared the emergency because he had failed. It was a nervous statement of impotence.

The President does not have all the blame, but the greatest chunk of it lies at his doorstep.

He it is who should provide intelligence. He has failed there. In the early days of the insurgency, the intelligence community would have played a role in distinguishing the insurgents from the society. They would have befriended the community early. They failed there. Rather, soldiers became another monster, working without knowledge but fear. So they attack innocents and culprits alike. The result is alienation of those who would have helped to provide the right information to the problem.

So, the declaration was, as this paper noted in its editorial, Jonathan’s last card. But he is still working without any improved intelligence. So, what we shall see is force without knowledge. Will that solve the problem or pacify the community, where the majority sees both Boko Haram and the JTF as problems.

They see the JTF as neither kin nor kind but kindlers of fear. Boko Haram is kin but unkind.

My fear is that this might achieve quiet without peace. After the state of emergency, shall we find love in that community? Or else, we want the emergency to last forever, which is impossible.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

State of emergency and the Nigerian media ride on the same soul train. Writing under the dramatic headline, Jonathan’s last card, and a kicker that spoke volumes – Emergency must be made to work because it is the ultimate action in the terror war – the paper argued thus: “We cannot escape the point that Boko Haram rampage derives from the failure of government at all levels. Ironically, the rage and devastations of the group have immiserated the people further and crippled the capacity for meaningful governance. That explains the need for this effort to work, or else we shall be at a vulnerable place as a people.” Having received this kind of unusual and unexpected support, all that remains for Dr Jonathan is to put his shoulder to the wheel.

The Punch was effusive and even angry. After endorsing emergency, it lashed out at the opposition for engaging in “political point-scoring” and losing “all sense of patriotism” in the desperate bid to gain power at the centre. For a paper with a rich liberal tradition of defending the defenceless, it is remarkable how it equated the troublemakers in the affected states with the rest of the populace. It is even more worrying that in words that Dr Jonathan’s handlers

would be reluctant to use, the paper robustly denounced the opposition. “The main opposition parties have fallen short of what is expected of those that have a passion for the well-being of the country,” the paper thundered.

“The mischievous politicisation of a purely national security threat has given the terrorists the initial elbow room to manoeuvre and gain a foothold in Nigeria’s territorial space.” The Punch has the distinguished honour of being the only paper to describe the opposition in such uniquely unflattering terms.

In a disquisition, the Daily Sun simply embraced emergency right from the opening paragraph. “The declaration of emergency rule in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states by President Goodluck Jonathan during a nationwide broadcast last Tuesday is a welcome step in the effort to halt the reign of anarchy in the Northeast geo-political zone of the country,” the paper averred. “Though the intervention is somewhat belated, it is commendable that the president has, at last, taken this pragmatic action to ease tension and stop the upsurge of violence in parts of northern Nigeria.” The problem of course is not that the paper supported emergency; the

problem is the way it put. It spoke of welcome step, commendable, and pragmatic action – all in one grand paragraph.

The Vanguard (Humanised Emergency Rule) and the Nigerian Tribune (Global Agenda on Boko Haram) also weighed in, with the latter doing so more restrainedly than any other paper. At a time when even the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has implausibly become a spokesman of the government churning out far-fetched stories about the situation in the north, it was expected that the media would be more rigorous in their analyses, cautious in their support for emergency and, given their antecedents, would be guided by their illustrious history of standing up for the oppressed, especially in view of government’s unremitting high-handedness. It is no surprise that the media were so carried away that they used emergency rule interchangeably with state of emergency. This certainly must be Dr Jonathan’s finest hour. If on a portentous tomorrow there is no crisis deserving of emergency proclamation, let the president furnish another grave crisis. He can rely on the media to be his spokesmen.

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025,Oshodi, Lagos.

Telephone: Switch Board: 01-8168361. Editor Daily:01-8962807, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790 WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO