The Nation May 20, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

Eight kidnap suspects arraigned in Oyo NEWS Page 8

•AND MORE ON PAGES 4,5,7&12

•Health workers begin nationwide strike •More funds for banks as CBN harmonises CRR at 31% •AGF drafts Bayelsa Chief Judge to swear in Wike •Kidnappings: Ekiti doctors withdraw emergency services

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3220 WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

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Okonjo-Iweala gets query on $20b oil cash spending Governors demand explanation Zamfara Governor Yari is NGF chair From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

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OVERNORS yesterday asked Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to account for over $20 billion accruable to the Excess Crude Account.

They spoke after a unification meeting of the hitherto divided Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), which ended in the early hours of yesterday.The meeting brought together governors from the Amaechi and Jang factions, which emerged after the bitter election of May 23, 2013.

The crisis is believed to have been stoked by outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan.

But yesterday the two factions came together in a reconciliatory meeting and elected Zamfara State Governor AbdulAziz Yari as the forum’s chairman for the next one year.

The meeting demanded an explanation from the minister on the money, which accrued to the account between June 2013 and April 2015.

The communiqué of the meeting read by Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, said: “We are hereby reconciled and reunited as a single umbrella association of the 36 State Governors of Nigeria, regardless of party or region. ”Forum congratulates the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, on his victory in the recent presidential election which held on March 28, 2015 and President Goodluck Jonathan for his statesmanship in accepting the outcome of the elections. ”In the light of the fact that funds in the Excess Crude were disbursed in May 2013, there is need for the Minister of Finance and CoordinatContinued on page 4

W GOES IT? Governors Forum Chairman Abdul Azzez Yari (left) exchanging pleasantries with Edo State Governor Adams •HO HOW PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE Oshiomhole at the meeting in Abuja ... yesterday. With them is Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu.

OML 42: NPDC’s stand on Neconde’s operatorship ‘selfish’

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IL industry operators yesterday backed Neconde, an indigenous oil and gas firm in the raging battle for the operatorship of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 42, which it acquired.

The Nigerian Petroleum De-

Akande: APC won’t zone Senate President, Speaker

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ORMER All Progressives Congress (APC) Interim Chairman Chief Bisi Akande yesterday said that the party has not zoned the Senate President to any geo-political zone, urging senators-elect and

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

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Group Political Editor

other stakeholders to beware of speculations.

The party elder emphasised that there is no zoning in the APC constitution, which he said, has been followed rigorousness before, during and after the electioneering, adding that the party will not copy the style of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Continued on page 4

By Emeka Ugwuanyi, Asst Editor Energy

velopment Company (NPDC), the exploration and production arm of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), is resisting Neconde’s operatorship of the asset – an

action which has been condemned as “selfish and not in the national interest”.

The operators’ stand is that NPDC had clearly shown it lacked the technical and financial ability to operate the asset and should allow its joint venture partner (Neconde) be the

operator so it can deploy its expertise to maximise production from the field.

They said Neconde in 2011, bought the 45 percent stake jointly controlled by Shell, Total and Eni in OML Continued on page 4

•Mr. Rubens V. Amaral Jr., outgoing President of GNEXID and CEO, Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. (Bladex) (left) and Mr. Roberts U. Orya, MD/CEO, Nigerian ExportImport Bank (NEXIM) and the new Honorary President of G-NEXID, at the Palais des Nations, Geneva Switzerland ... yesterday.

ST OR Y ON STOR ORY PAGE 53

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

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

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NEWS

How to reshape

•From left:Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nig Plc., Mr Raul Colaco; Chairman, Mr. Jacob Moyo Ajekigbe; Company Secretary, Mrs. Bolanle Obat-Olowu and outgoing Chief Executive Officer, Royal FrieslandCampina, Mr Cees't Hart at the company’s 42nd Annual General Meeting in Lagos PHOTO DAYO ADEWUNMI

It is nightmarish to imagine that civil servants in Nigeria, the world's sixth largest oil producer go without pay at the end of the month. Bizarre as it may seem, stakeholders have urged the various levels of government, to look inwards and explore other sources of revenue to turn the situation around, reports Group Business Editor, SIMEON EBULU

W •From left: Representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Gabriel Aduda; Director, Customer Business Development, Procter & Gamble (P&G), Mr .Ayman Fahmy; Director, Global Government Relations, P&G, Temitope Iluyemi and Business Manager, Diamond Bank Plc., Mrs Uloma Jide-Afonja at the P&G G-Win/YouWin Small and Medium Enterprises Development Training in Abuja...yesterday.

•Managing Director, Renaissance Capital, Mr. Charles Robertson; Executive Partner, Africa Capital Alliance, Mr. Cyril Odu; Founder, Center for Values in Leadership, Prof Pat Utomi and Managing Director, Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, Mr. Michiel Buitelaar at the sixth annual Pan-Africa Investor Conference in Lagos.

•From left: Director, Middle East & Africa, IE Business School, Spain, Sabine Yazbeck; Executive Director, Personal & Business Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Obinnia Abajue; Vice Chairman, IE Business School, Diego del Alcazar Benjumea and Head, International Personal Banking, Stanbic IBTC, Daniela Okumagba at the partnership signing between Stanbic IBTC and IE Business School in Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU

HAT began like an isolated development in a few states, dubbed nonoil producing states, has now spread like a cancerous tumor across the six geo-political zones.

It has become a headache to all levels of government.

Ordinarily, civil servants on the payroll of either the federal, or state government, enjoy not only secured tenure but regular payment of emoluments. Not so any more.

The story making the round that nearly all the thirty six states, save Lagos and may be, two others, are in arrears of several months of workers emoluments, has turned a national embarrassment and a bad dream of a sort.

Concerned Nigerians are raising questions as to what may have gone wrong, wondering whether things have gone so bad that an oil producing country, the sixth in the hierarchy globally, can no longer pay salaries as at when due. If it was a rumour, or a conjecture, the truth has now been told, that several states have not paying their employees regularly. In some states, the workers have not received their salaries for upward of six months and above.

More bizarre in the development, stakeholders argue, is the fact that over 70 per cent of the national budget, in the case of the Federal Government and nearly 60 per cent in most states, is devoted to recurrent expenditure, which major subhead, is salaries and emolument.

So far, the Federal Government and the states have not offered a convincing explanation for the development, except the rhetoric of the obvious dwindling resources triggered by the 50 per cent drop in prices of crude oil at the international market. Granted that the situation, is as presented by the authorities, the stakeholders are saying that the huge resources spent in the run-up to the last general elections, has made a lie of this argument.

To address the challenge, key figures in the Economic Management Team, amongst them the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele are advocating that government should trim its ownership of the nation’s hydrocarbon, as a short-term measure, and beef-up its revenue base. The

•The Ministry of Finance building

other option according to the minister is increased borrowing.

Nigeria can sell off part of its share holdings with Joint Venture Partners (JV Partners) and the International Oil Companies (IOCs), in addition to further borrowing options, to raise the funds needed to meet short-term financial obligations, she said, adding that her proposition are informed by the 50 per cent drop in Nigeria’s revenue from sliding oil prices and the capital flight that was induced by exiting foreign investors, who feared a possible backlash from post-election violence in the run-up to the last general elections and the huge financial commitment in prosecuting the Boko Haram insurgency in three Northern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

In the same vein, Emefiele, has advocated that selling the country’s majority stakes in joint ventures with multinational oil companies could help raise the much-needed funds for infrastructure development and also address the expenditure sub-heads. He made bold to say that as much as $75 billion could be realised from such sales.

“If you sell down a 30 per cent stake, you could raise something substantial. It is an option they need to consider as a way of raising further funding,” the CBN chief told The Financial Times.

“It is an option now because our revenues have dropped and we don’t need to pile on more debt.

The alternative is to look for ways of realising value from some of the government’s assets,” he said, adding that a substantial portion of the funds raised should be invested in transport and energy developments that would “grow the economy and create jobs.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

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economy in face of falling oil prices

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•President Goodluck Jonathan

•Prof Ekpo

The governor also spoke of the need to unbundle some of the nation’s investments in the oil sector, especially its share holdings with the JV Partners and the IOCs, with a view to obtaining cash to attend to short-term financial needs, and as well invest in other non-oil segments in pursuit of the diversification policy drive,” of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s agenda.

At a time, if your fiscal buffers are tight, or strained, and you’re facing fiscal crunch and short-term reserves and you have assets, lots of assets, I think that’s why the assets are there, he said.

“That’s something worth thinking of and that is why I said, by the kind of assets-base that we have, we need not be stressed-out about the cash crunch position. We should realise some of the assets, boost our buffers, and be able to use the outcome to drive economic growth in other areas,” stakeholders said.

While emphasis on generating additional revenue has been regarded solely as a Federal Government’s prerogative, other interest parties are also saying that the states, as a level of government, have substantial roles to play.

The Chairman, Commissioners of Finance Forum, Timothy Odaah, said states must begin to look inwards, and stop looking to the centre, cap-in-hand every month as though they were helpless, or encumbered.

Odaah, who is Ebonyi State’s Commissioner for Finance, said the state governors should not ascribe any achievement to the fact that they are paying workers’ salaries, saying it is part of their obligations.

Speaking on the inability of some

state governments to pay their workers’ salaries, he said: “For a governor of a state government to pay salaries is not an achievement.

States should stop depending on monthly Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) and be creative in diversifying their sources of revenue.”

According to him, there is no state that is not viable, especially with mineral resources in commercial quantities and that all states can exploit these natural endowments to boost their revenue and pay their workers.

Also, commenting, his Ogun State counterpart, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, told The Nation that her state has been “working on ways to further enhance its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by using more technology to plug leakages.”

Subsidy removal can inject cash Removing the much vilified subsidy can inject close to $2.5 billion or four per cent of this year’s budget, a report by Renaissance Capital (RenCap), a global investment and research firm, has also suggested.

The Sub-Saharan Africa Economist at RenCap, Yvonne Mhango, said that given the downside risk to revenue and the near-depletion of the Excess Crude Account, the government may have little option but to remove fuel subsidy.

Mhango had previously put the probability of the oil price falling below $80/barrel very low, but today that has changed. She said: “Today, we are adapting to the fact that this may be the new option following OPEC’s (Organisation of

•President-elect Muhammadu Buhari

Industry deregulation is not subsidy removal.

Subsidy reduction or removal shifts resources from household consumption to government revenue. Industry structure change means a fundamental shift of the aggregate demand curve

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• Odaah

Petroleum Exporting Countries) decision to maintain current production levels in response to lower oil prices.

“Lower oil prices may result in a further slowdown in foreign exchange inflows, thus challenging the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) ability to defend the naira.”

Addressing the fund paucity issue, stakeholders insist, will require that revenue collecting agencies at the federal and states’ levels, will require reorientation on how collectable revenues are deployed.

The Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, said moving subsidy fund from consumption to government purse is expected to have greater multiplier effects on the economy.

He said that subsidies will have to be eliminated sooner rather than later and the trust deficit is higher than the fiscal deficit. "Industry deregulation is not subsidy removal.

Subsidy reduction or removal shifts resources from household consumption to government revenue. Industry structure change means a fundamental shift of the aggregate demand curve," he said.

He said the outcome is a change in the number of players and the average profitability but that price determination, competition level, rivalry and productivity may not change.

Rewane said that although $8 billion will move from consumption to government but there will be no immediate change in the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Other analysts insist that a total removal of fuel subsidy will stall interest rate reduction due to infla-

tionary threats.

Addressing the fund paucity issue, stakeholders insist, will require that revenue collecting agencies at the federal and states' levels, will require reorientation on how collectable revenues are deployed.

Prof Akpan Ekpo, DirectorGeneral, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), said the time for states to embark on belt-tightening measures to overcome the present financial squeeze has come.

With oil prices sliding, he said, states have to introduce austerity measures to deal with the severe drop in expected revenue, stating that the dramatic fall in oil prices has added fuel to the fire, further complicating the economic situation.

He warned of a greater risk, with states not being able to pay the salaries of their workers for as long as the economic prospects of the country are tied to oil prices.

Ekpo urged states to source funds to pay salaries in the mean time.

He said: "The major problem is that they were depending on revenue from the center. Since the center revenue is oil, the fall in oil revenue has affected their revenue. Right now, the states should reduce internal wastage to enable them pay salaries.

"For states that are not buoyant, they should negotiate with workers to pay them over time, stating that states that cannot pay could face civil unrest."

He said with sustained fall in the price of crude oil and the drastic reduction in federal allocations to

states, the states should increase their IGR. Regretting the financial crunch caused by low allocation, he urged the states to adopt appropriate fiscal and monetary strategies to contend with the crisis and the potential risks posed to the economy as a result of the falling global oil prices.

He called for drastic cuts in government expenditure and urged the states to follow suit.

Ekpo said it was time states reduced dependence on federal allocation and improve on internally generated revenue. Though he admitted tough times ahead for states to effectively respond to the risks posed by the drop in crude exports earnings, he advised the states to find ways out of it.

With the decline in oil prices expected to persist, states need to introduce changes to "maintain fiscal sustainability".

Addressing the nation's fund paucity challenges, stakeholders insist, will require reorientation for revenue collecting agencies at the federal and states' levels on how collectable revenues are deployed.

They said officials of agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Inland revenue Service (FIRS), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the like, should be schooled on the need to not only boost their revenue collection efforts, but also the need to ensure full remittances of same, as and when due.

The stakeholders, who craved anonymity, said the option of raising revenue from a 100 per cent in the Value Added Tax (VAT), may be an idea to be explored.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

NEWS Okonjo-Iweala gets query on $20b oil cash spending

What 31% harmonised CRR means for banks

Continued from page 1

By Collins Nweze

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HE banking sector will once again swim in cash. That was after yesterday’s Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-led Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC’s) decision to harmonise the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) on public and private sector deposits at 31 per cent. The policy shift, analysts say, is expected to add over N2.7 trillion to banks’ available deposit and enhance readycash for lending.

The CRR is a portion of banks’ deposits kept with the CBN at zero interest rate. It was, before now, 20 per cent for private sector deposits and 75 per cent for public sector deposits.

The committee considered that the current discriminatory CRR on public and private sector deposits has not only constrained the policy space but could inspire moral hazard by private market participants.

Consequently, it was recognised that while additional tightening measures may not be appropriate now to avoid overheating the economy, a harmonisation of the CRR was imperative to curb abuses and improve the efficacy of the monetary policy.

The Managing Director, Head, Africa Macro Global Research at Standard Chartered Bank, Razia Khan, said although the measure has resulted in an eventual tightening, the immediate impact on market liquidity will depend on the ratio of private sector to public sector deposits in the Nigerian banking system.

She explained that if the ratio is 80:20, the CRR harmonisation has a neutral impact on liquidity in the banking system. However, if the ratio is closer to 70:30, the CRR harmonisation should see some injection of liquidity back into the banking system.

•President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari on a courtesy visit to Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabiru Usman in Katsina ... yesterday.

CBN harmonises CRR at 31%

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HE Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has harmonised the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) deposits to a uniform 31 per cent.

CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele told reporters at the and of the bi-monthly MPC meeting in Abuja yesterday that the committee “considered that the current discriminatory CRR on public and private sector deposits (20 per cent for private sector and 75 per cent for public sector) has not only constrained the policy space but could inspire moral hazard by private market participants”.

By Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

The cash reserve ratio is a Central Bank regulation that sets the minimum fraction of customer deposits and notes that each commercial bank must hold as reserves (rather than lend out). These cash reserves are normally in the form of deposits made with a central bank, or cash stored physically in the bank’s vault (vault cash). Nigeria and four other countries have CRR of over 20 per cent, one of the highest in the world.

The cash reserve ratio is sometimes used as a tool in monetary policy to influence the country’s borrowing

and interest rates by changing the amount of loanable funds available to banks. An institution that holds reserves in excess of the required amount is said to hold excess reserves.

Emefiele noted that members of the MPC had come to recognise that “while additional tightening measures may not be appropriate now to avoid overheating the economy, a harmonisation of the CRR was imperative in order to curb abuses and improve the efficacy of monetary policy”.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Continued on page 60

Akande: APC won’t zone Senate President, Speaker Continued from page 1

Acknowledging that the struggle for the number three position among the APC senators-elect has generated wide ranging interests, Akande said the party will not indulge in the politics of zoning at a time it is taking

over power from a “delinquent PDP administration.”

The former interim chairman observed that zoning bred a prodigal National Assembly under the PDP leadership, assuring that the incoming APC government will like to maintain a clean

break from the sordid past by producing a Senate President that will preside over the National Assembly in accordance with the vision, policy and doctrine of the party.

The former Osun State governor spoke with reporters in Lagos on the consultations on

the choice of the next Senate President, the direction of the incoming Buhari Administration and public expectations about the new dawn.

He ruled out the possibility of serving in the next government as a minister on acContinued on page 60

Rivers crisis: AGF drafts Bayelsa Chief Judge to AYELSA State Chief Judge of the State or Grand swear-in Wike Judge is to inaugurate Khadi of the Sharia Court of

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the Rivers State, Governor-elect Nyesom Wike on May 29, it was learnt yesterday.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Justice Minister Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) said where there is vacuum in the Office of the Chief Judge of Rivers State or the Office of the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, the constitution empowers any person to administer the oath of office on a governor-elect.

The AGF, in a statement issued in Abuja, said: “It will be recalled that Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON was declared the Governorelect of Rivers State following the gubernatorial and

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Houses of Assembly elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on 11th April 2015.

“It is therefore expected that he will be sworn into office on 29th May 2015 in accordance with the provisions of Section 185(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. ”It is however pertinent to draw public attention to the existing vacuum in the Office of the Chief Judge of Rivers State, as well as the Office of the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Rivers State which has made strict compliance with the require-

ments of Section 185(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, virtually impossible.

“In order to avert a likely constitutional crisis in Rivers State on 29th May 2015 when the Governor-elect is expected to be sworn as Governor of Rivers State, I have requested the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State to administer the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the Governor-Elect of Rivers State in accordance with Section 185(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, which provides as follows: “The Oath of Allegiance and the oath of Office shall be administered by the Chief

Appeal of the State, if any, or President of the Customary Court of Appeal of the State, if any, or the person for the time being respectively appointed to exercise the functions of any of those offices in any state.”

“The general public, particularly the Government and People of Rivers State, are hereby invited to take note of this development and appreciate the fact that the invitation extended to the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State to administer the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the Governor-elect of Rivers State on 29th of May 2015 is in accordance with the Constitution and should therefore be respected by all and sundry.”

ing Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi- Iweala, to provide explanation for accruals to this account from June 2013 to April 2015, which is estimated at over $20 billion”.

The governors also approved the establishment of a Governors’ Forum Academy to be tagged the NGF Leadership Academy. The Academy will be responsible for capacity building for governors and other public office holders.

Also on the card is a proposed induction course for new and returning governors to equip them with the tools and knowledge in global best practices to run their administration.

But the Minister in December insisted that no money was missing from the ECA. She spoke while presenting the proposed 2015 budget in Abuja.

“Today I have seen a headline that said that there is one billion dollars missing in the Excess Crude Account.

“I just want to use this occasion to correct that and say that there is absolutely no money missing and I do not know where that notion came from.

“One billion dollars from the ECA has been used to pay oil marketers and we published this on Dec. 2, (2014) showing that we put N154.6 billion to pay oil marketers.

“This is why you now have about $3.1 billion in the ECA and I will implore that if people need information on what is happening, we are available to answer the questions.

“We should not frighten the country by making head-

lines that are untrue and bogus,” she said.

The minister added: “As I said earlier, panic is not a strategy; what is necessary is a systematic and focused approach to the problem and that is what this government is proposing.”

The ECA was created in 2004 to act as a stabilisation fund, closing budget deficits that are a product of oil price volatility and to potentially fund domestic infrastructure investments.

According to an IMF report, the ECA had $2 billion in it at the end of 2014, adding that the sharp decline of oil prices in the second half of 2014 underscored the challenging but compelling need to address remaining development challenges.

On May 11, 2011, the Senate approved the NSIA Bill, 2010 which seeks to establish a sovereign wealth fund to manage excess profits from the sale of crude oil. It was then passed in the House of Representatives and signed by the President.

The ECA has been replaced with three sovereign wealth funds namely Future Generation Fund; Nigeria Infrastructure Fund and Stabilisation Fund all managed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

The government said the current Excess Crude Account has no real legal backing since it was formed under a political arrangement from the previous administration.

The NSIA is expected to receive monthly funding of a significant portion of oil and gas revenue above the budgeted revenue and approved by parliament.

OML 42: NPDC’s stand on Neconde’s operatorship ‘selfish’ Continued from page 1

42, which is due for validation in nine months by the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI). The Federal Government, through the NDPC, controls the remaining 55 per cent stake.

According to the operators, who pleaded not to be named because they are not permitted to speak to the media, NPDC was initially operating the OML 42, albeit unproductively, until Neconde took full control of the operatorship of the asset.

Industry sources also told The Nation that NPDC’s “lousy” operational style led to its indictment in the PricewaterhouseCoopers’ (PwC’s) forensic audit of NNPC’s accounts. Till date, NPDC has failed to refund the $1.48 billion to the federation account as advised by the PwC, and directed by the Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The sources said that unnecessary sentiment was being sought by the NPDC to lure its workers to a strike in order to continue to milk the country, as well as fail in its financial obligations to the NNPC and, by extension, the federation account.

“It is of note that Neconde is bidding to attain the same efficiency that was attained in OMLs 4, 38 and 41 under the management of another indigenous operator, Seplat, which is in line with the lo-

cal content policy of the Federal Government. Therefore, it is not a ceding of national asset to a private company as argued by the NPDC in the case of OML 42.

“It is of note that Seplat acquired the same 45 per cent stakes of Shell and its partners in OMLs 4, 38 and 41 and was awarded operatorship status for the assets and today Seplat has ramped up production from the assets to an average of 70,000 barrels per day. Therefore, the fuss by NPDC is self-serving and could not have been in any national interest,” they said.

The NPDC had in paid advertorials in some national dailies last week indicated that Neconde has no previous experience in oil and gas production and no structure to operate the concession. It also inferred that Neconde has less than 30 members of staff with which it hopes to operate a field with a potential production capacity of 250,000 barrels per day.

Sources, however, said that NPDC was unable to absorb some of the Shell staff working in OML 42, which Neconde did. It has about 200 workers for the asset.

However, in a swift response, the management of Neconde stated that on no ocContinued on page 60

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

5

NEWS

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan was yesterday criticised over his inability to fix the power sector since he assumed office six years ago.

Stakeholders in the sector, who were apparently miffed about the deplorable state of the country’s electricity, did not spare his predecessors as well.

They spoke at a public presentation of a book titled:” The Development of The Nigerian Electric Power System.”

The book was co-authored by Lawrence Amu and Foluseke Somolu, who are engineers.

A former Special Adviser on Economic matters to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Philip Asiodu, said the current electricity problems were due to faulty privatisation programmes embarked upon by Jonathan.

He said the hopes of many Nigerians were dashed following the inability of the power generation companies (GENCOs) and distribution companies (DISCOs) to improve electricity supply two years after the Federal Government sold the assets of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to them.

He said: “The government chose a wrong model when it sold the assets of PHCN to private investors in 2011.

The issue of what we can do and what we are capable of doing as regards the sector was not taken into consideration by the out-going government. Instead of the government to look for people who can do the job and further deploy them into areas where they are needed to achieve productivity, it did not.”

He said the sincerity, transparency and urgency which successive governments attach to the issue of electricity contradicts the happenings in the sector.

He said the Obasanjo administration took some steps to revive the power sector, adding that politics took over the management of the sector after expresident left office in 2007.

Asiodu, also a former chief permanent secretary to former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, said corruption is endemic in the sector and the country.

Faulty privatisation destroyed energy sector, say Asiodu, others

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•Mahama laments non-rescue of Chibok girls From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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•From left: Somolu, Dr. Olatounbo Somolu, Asiodu, Prof. Oye Ibidapo Obe, Mrs. Juliet Amu, Amu, Bashorun Taiye Randle, at the book presentation. PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLAIMS

By Akinola Ajibade

He said a concept called: “Emergency Power Turbines” was developed during Obasanjo’s regime by some Nigerians to misappropriate funds.

“By this, people collected money, travelled abroad to buy second-hand turbines and come back to say that they have paid for new turbines. When this happens, the issue of collecting, for instance 15 per cent as bribe is certain,” he added.

He said the government approached notable institutions to carry out a study on where thermal and hydro-

power plants would be sited in the country to ensure optimal generation of electricity.

“Up till today, nobody in the Ministry of Power could lay hands on the report; the report is nowhere to be found,” he said.

According to him, the in-coming government of Gen. Muhammad Buhari needs to revisit the issue of operation of the turbines and hydro plants to improve power supply.

The Managing Director, Sahara Power Limited (owner of Ikeja Electric, formerly Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company(IKEDC), Kola Adesina, said wrong tariffs and low

electricity generation are two critical problems in the sector Adesina, whose company recently bought Egbin Power Limited, said the sector was battling institutional problems.

Amu, one of the authors of the book, urges government to recall the systems and practices that existed in the sector before to achieve the desired results.

He singled planning as the hallmark of electric power system, urging the in-incoming government to plan and implement policies in the sector to avoid mistakes made by past governments.

NLC wants Buhari to probe $40b investment in power T HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday asked the incoming Buhari administration to probe the over $40 billion allegedly spent by the Federal Government in the power sector without considerable results.

Its National President, Ayuba Wabba, who said this in Abuja, asked the President-elect to immediately address what he called inherent corruption in the oil sector when he assumes office.

Speaking with reporters after an interactive session with Nigerian delegates to International Labour Organisation (ILO) conference holding in Geneva, Switzerland, Wabba said it was unfortunate that with the huge resources pumped into the sector in the last few years, power generation has dropped to about 2,600MW. He said: “We urge the new government to upon resumption of duty immediately commence sanitisation of our oil and gas sector. They should also work toward stabilising power

ECOWAS, UN hail Jonathan at farewell

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

supply. If government has spent as much as $40b billion on power and instead of improving, the output is going down, something urgent must be done.”

The NLC President alleged that the ongoing fuel scarcity was deliberate, adding that the only solution was for the incoming administration to dislodge the existing cabal in the sector, which has held the nation to ransom for a very long time.

He asked the incoming government to deal ruthlessly with the cabal, who, he said, would rather prefer importing crude than refining locally.

Wabba added: “At every time there is a change of guard, those cabal would always come together to make lives unbearable for the larger society. It is deliberate. We want government to address the inherent corrup-

tion in the system. Why is happening is it happening at this time? Why is it that we have not experienced this in the last four years?

“The prolong issue of queue is deliberate. A few people in the sector have over the past years held all of us to ransom. And we can’t get it right until the inherent corruption in the system is addressed and the cabal that has constituted themselves as obstacles to progress is dislodged; we will not get there.”

He lamented that all agreements reached with governments in the past on how to liberate the sector were not implemented.

He noted that on assumption of office, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua in 2011 struck an agreement with labour that all efforts must be put in place to make existing refineries work to capacity as well as build modular refineries.

But Wabba lamented that while the

state of the refineries had further deteriorated, no single modular one was built.

“The reason for this is inherent corruption in the system. It pays the cabal to import crude than to build refinery.

“That is the issue that has led us to where we are today. For us to get it right, this process must be unravelled.

Those that have been benefiting immensely need to be dislodged. Without this, it will be a continuous circle.”

Wabba said apart from addressing the perennial issue of fuel scarcity, thousands of jobs would be created if the refineries are made to work efficiently.

He added that part of the minimal demands of Labour to the incoming government “is that they should do everything possible to fix our power sector, including investigation and prosecution of the people that have been benefiting from the system unduly”.

Health workers begin indefinite strike

EALTH workers under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) yesterday embarked on an indefinite national strike over alleged unwillingness by the Federal Government to attend to their demands.

The union had last week threatened industrial action, if the Federal Government fails to honour its demands.

Mostly to be affected are medical laboratory, X-ray, physiotherapy, pharmacy, nursing services and others.

A statement by NUAHP, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan branch yesterday reads: “This is to inform you that the NUAHP commenced an indefinite strike action to protest government’s unwillingness to attend to our demands after promising to do so immediately after the election.”

The beginning of the strike coincided with that of Association of Resident Doctors, UCH branch, over unpaid skipping allowances by the management.

The two unions’ action has further worsened the condition of medical services, leaving hundreds of helpless patients to suffer.

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

NUAHP gave the Federal Government till Monday, this week, to address their demands, failure which it threatened to embark on indefinite strike.

NUAHP immediate past President Felix Faniran and his successor, Dr. Obinna Ogbonna, who jointly addressed a news conference at UCH last Tuesday, claimed that salary and allowances of their colleagues in the medical and dental fields have improved.

But, they lamented that “the Federal Government turned deaf ears to NUAHP members’ demands”.

The union’s demands include the implementation of the adjusted salary of its members as done for the medical association, payment of arrears on skipping of CONHESS 10 since year 2010 in compliance with a court judgment, promotion of its members from CONHESS 14 to 15 for those who have spent over 15 years on the grade and designate the most senior as director or head of department.

HE Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and United Nations (UN) have lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for peaceful and successful conduct of the nation’s last general elections and promptly conceding defeat to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS and President of Ghana John Mahama Dramani gave the commendation on behalf of the community’s leaders at the 47th Ordinary Session of the Authority in Accra, Ghana.

The UN Secretary General, Ban KiMoon, in a message by read by his Special Representative, Muhammed Ibn Chambas, also praised Jonathan for his contributions to regional peace and security.

According to Mahama, Jonathan’s place will be special whenever the history of Nigeria’s democracy is written.

He congratulated Buhari for his victory at the March 28 presidential election.

The Ghanaian president noted that the success of the Nigerian election and that of Togo has sent a strong message to the world that the ECOWAS protocol on democracy and good governance was working.

He lauded the progress recorded in the fight against Boko Haram, noting that atrocities committed by the insurgents were unsurpassed anywhere in the world.

He regretted that Chibok girls have remained in the custody of the insurgents despite the rescue of over 1,000 people.

He said: “People, especially of Northeast Nigeria, have been subjected to a reign of terror.

“Today, thanks to the African Union (AU) and the multinational Joint Task Force formed by the Lake Chad Basin countries, a lot of progress has been made in the fight against Boko Haram.

“We are pleased to note the success in liberating the territories that Boko Haram dominated and the release of over 1,000 people mostly women and children.

“The fight is however far from over.

We have not yet secured the release of the young Chibok girls and Boko Haram has shown that it still has the capacity to counter attack.”

Ki-Moon said: “As this marks the final summit of President Jonathan, I wish to send our sincere appreciation for his valuable contributions to regional integration, maintenance of peace and security in West Africa, most notably in Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Mali.”

The UN Secretary General commended the smooth conduct of general elections in Nigeria and Togo with the close cooperation of ECOWAS. While recognizing the joint effort of Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon in the fight against Boko Haram, he paid tribute to the soldiers that lost their lives and expressed the world body’s deepest condolences to their families.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, noted the credibility Nigeria has brought to ECOWAS with the just concluded general election.

Other demands include appointment of its members as chief medical directors of various tertiary hospitals, rather than medical practitioners alone.

The union said the industrial action it embarked upon early this year was suspended following plea by President Goodluck Jonathan, promising to resolve all pending issues after the general election.

The strike, the union noted, was suspended on February 2, after which a joint press conference was addressed by the Health Minister, Dr. Khaliru Alhasan, and JOHESU Chairman Ayuba Wabba.

Efforts to see the president after the election, the union revealed, have been abortive.

It stressed that its decision to go on strike to press home its demands was taken at its 6th triennial delegates’ conference, which took place last week in Uyo, where “a 7-day ultimatum was given to the Federal Government starting from May 11 to May 17, 2015”.

Faniran lamented that its members were not allowed to reach the peak of their career despite many years spent in the university.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

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NEWS

Senate adjourns plenary in Zannah’s honour

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HE Senate yesterday adjourned plenary in honour of the senator representing Borno Central, Ahmed Zannah, who died at the weekend after a brief illness.

Senate President, David Mark, before the adjournment, bemoaned the sad incident, saying he was filled with sorrow.

Mark said: “It is God who gives life and he is the one who can take life. He has called him (Zannah) at the appropriate time and we are grateful to God that he contributed his best to make sure that the zone he represented enjoyed the benefits of democracy.

“Whether it is one senator or two

Foreign investment down by 30 per cent •Lawmakers hold valedictory session for Chukwumerije today in Q1 From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

senators or three senators, anytime there is a death the feeling is one of sorrow. The family of the deceased should take it that God knows best.”

Senate Leader Victor NdomaEgba described the deaths recorded so far in the 7th Senate as worrisome.

Ndoma-Egba said: “We are being confronted with the double tragedy of the loss of Senator Uche Chukwumerije and Senator Ahmed Zannah almost at the same time. It is a circle that is troubling and we pray that this trend will not con-

tinue.”

He said Zannah would be greatly missed by the people of Cross River state.

“For Senator Zannah, I always say he is the fourth Senator from Cross River State because he was close to us in the state. We will miss him dearly,” he said.

To Senator Kabiru Gaya, Zannah’s sudden departure from the earthly plain came at a time when his services were most needed to solve the insurgency challenge.

Gaya said: “It is one death too many. The two senators parted

when we needed them most.”

To Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim, Zannah was a perfect gentleman.

Ibrahim said: “He (Zannah) had been paralysed since he came to the Senate, but he could talk and walk.

What eventually killed him was not the paralysis, but cancer of the liver.

“So, it is a very tragic loss not only to the people of Borno but also to the entire Northeast and Nigeria at large.”

The Senate would today hold a valedictory session in honour of Chukwumerije (Abia North) who died a fortnight ago.

Boko Haram suicide bomber kills eight in Adamawa

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BOKO Haram suicide bomber attacked a rural market in Adamawa State yesterday, killing eight people and injuring 14 others, witnesses said.

“Most of the bodies are mutilated, heads and other parts removed,” said vendor Lami Aboki.

State lawmaker Jerry Kundisi said the blast killed nine people, including the bomber, and injured 14.

Cattle trader Abubakar Musa said the explosion happened near the sheep market.

He added that he counted nine bodies at the scene.

But some, including merchant Abubakar Garba, said the bomb appeared to have been planted on the dirty road between the sheep market and vegetable stalls. The attack in Garkida, a rural town 165 kilometres north of the Adamawa

State capital, Yola, was among a slew of attacks that have occurred since multinational forces broke up Boko Haram’s so-called Islamic caliphate by driving the insurgents out of all northeastern towns.

On Friday, Boko Haram recaptured the border town of Marte.

On Saturday, the military said it destroyed 10 insurgent forest camps. The same day, the Islamic extremists attacked the newly re-

captured town of Sabongari Yandulam in northeast Adamawa, killing one man and abducting six women, witnesses said.

In the boldest assault, hundreds of Boko Haram fighters last week attempted to shoot their way into the biggest military base in the Northeast, Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri, but met fierce resistance from troops.

NLC mourns activist Ezeazu

•From Left: Presidents Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger; Faure Gnassingbe (Togo); Goodluck Jonathan (Nigeria) and President John Mahama (Ghana), at the 47th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Accra, Ghana...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

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NUJ aspirant Odusile vows to push for better welfare for journalists

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N aspirant for the office of the National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji Waheed Odusile, has promised to push for a better welfare package for journalists, if elected.

Odusile said this on Monday during a campaign visit to the Lagos Office of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He noted that unlike other employees in other sectors, journalists worked for more hours and hardly had any free time to themselves, but were still paid the same or even less than other workers.

The NUJ presidential aspirant urged media proprietors to endeavour to adequately compensate journalists for their commitment and sacrifices, hence the need for a special salary structure for them.

Odusile emphasised the need to control and regulate journalism in the country for more professionalism and better output by journalists.

“Journalism is not an all-comers affair and if we do not control and regulate ourselves, we will not make progress.

“If a journalist is properly trained and certified, he will not write lies and falsehood or put the profession into disrepute by soliciting for gratification from people,’’ he said.

Odusile said there was need for special and proper training of journalists, as well as anybody who wanted to practise the profession, to get the best out of them.

The NUJ presidential aspirant, who is currently the Managing Editor of The Nation newspapers and a member of the Nigerian Guild of

Fed Govt denies dissolution of FEC

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NFORMATION Minister Senator Patricia Akwashiki has refuted news report that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) will be dissolved today.

A national newspaper (not The Nation) reported yesterday that today’s meeting will be the last under President Goodluck Jonathan.

The newspaper attributed the story to the minister of information.

The minister, in a statement, however, denied the report.

The statement by the Press Secretary to the ministry, Mr. Joseph Mutah, denied ever telling the newspaper that the president was going to dissolve

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OREIGN investment to Nigeria fell by nearly a third with the United States (U.S.), a “key driver” of the decline in the first quarter of 2015, compared to the same period last year, the National Bureau of Statistics said.

“High levels of uncertainty in the quarter due to a postponed election and depressed oil prices resulted in year on year declines in inflows” of $1.23 billion or 31.6 per cent, said a new report published this week.

The decline is even sharper, at $1.8 billion or more than 40 per cent, when comparing the last quarter of 2014 to the first quarter of 2015, it said.

Capital importation to Africa’s biggest oil producer totalled $2.67 billion for the opening quarter, the lowest in two years, the bureau said, quoting figures from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Britain remains the biggest source of foreign investment for Nigeria followed by the U.S. March 28 elections were delayed for six weeks to allow a multinational military offensive against Boko Haram Islamic extremists in the Northeast.

Gen. Muhammadu Buhari won the vote and will succeed President Goodluck Jonathan on May 29.

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

the council today.

“The minister said at no time did she speak to journalists on the dissolution of the Federal Executive Council by President Jonathan.

“Senator Akwashiki is surprised that the news report, which initially quoted an unnamed minister from the Southwest, ended up attributing the comments to her.

“The Information Minister therefore urges the general public to disregard the tendentious report as false and malicious, which only exists in the warped imagination of its authors,” the statement said.

Editors (NGE), also proposed to seek for a radio licence for the NUJ, if elected.

He said this would earn more revenue for the union, limit its overdependence on government for funds and support and aid in the training of NUJ members.

Odusile also pledged not to disappoint, if elected.

He was accompanied by the Lagos State Chairman of the NUJ, Mr. Deji Elumoye; the secretary, Mrs. Bimbo Oyetunde; the treasurer, Mrs. Kehinde Ajayi and an ex-officio member, Mr. Ben Ibe. Elumoye stated the need for the Lagos Council of the union, being the state with the largest membership of the NUJ, to once again produce national leaders for the union after a fairly long time.

He noted that since the tenure of the last president of the NUJ from Lagos, Alhaji Ladi Lawal, Lagos had not led the union at the national level and called for all to support Odusile’s bid.

He also called for support for the re-election of Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, an Assistant Editor-in-Chief with NAN, as the National Financial Secretary of the NUJ, stressing that Lagos had already adopted both candidates as their representatives in the union’s elections scheduled to hold in Abuja from July 23 to July 25.

Elumoye urged journalists all over the country to support the council’s candidates.

The Chairman of the NAN chapter of the NUJ, Mr. Tayo Ikujuni, thanked the visitors and promised the chapel’s support for the candidates.

Accreditation for 2015 presidential inauguration begins From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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HE Media and Publicity Sub-Committee of the Presidential Inauguration Planning Committee yesterday signaled the beginning of accreditation for the event.

Secretary of the Sub-Committee Bolaji Adebiyi said this in a statement in Abuja.

It reads: “The activities for the 2015 Presidential Inauguration will hold from Friday May 22 through Friday May 29, 2015. To cover these events, local and international media organisations are hereby invited to formally request for official accreditation.

“All requests for accreditation should be addressed as follows: Chairman, Sub-Committee on Media and Publicity, 2015 Presidential Inauguration, C/o National Press Centre, Federal Ministry of Information, Radio House, Garki – Abuja. Attention: Mr. Emmanuel Agbegir.”

OE Ajaero-led Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed shock over the death of former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in the 80s, Emma Ezeazu.

NLC said the late Ezeazu was a dependable ally during the national struggle against military dictatorship.

In a statement by its Deputy National President, Issa Aremu, NLC said: “We are saddened with the news of the death of our dear comrade and former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Comrade Emma Ezeazu. He died Monday May 18, 2015 after a protracted illness. ”Late Ezeazu led Nigerian students between 1986 and 1988. He was also a former National Secretary of the Civil Liberties Organisations, and Executive Director of Community Action For Popular Participation (CAPP).

“He later founded the Alliance For Credible Elections (ACE). He was equally an active member of the National Executive Committee of several other rights groups, namely Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), United Action for Democracy (UAD) and Campaign for Democracy among others.

“Late Comrade Emma Ezeazu was a dependable ally together with late Chima Ubani during the national struggle against military dictatorship. ”Until his death, he was a member of the Board of Directors of CISLAC, a committed civil society activist and an ardent advocate of credible elections in Nigeria as a panacea to national development. ”Mr. Ezeazu recently ran for the House of Representatives primaries for FCT Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) but broke down in the middle of his campaign.

“He narrowly lost the contest by only 14 votes despite being on a hospital bed. Emma was a strong supporter of the labour movement. He was always on the fore front in the marches and mass actions of the NLC for good governance.

“May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and give us the fortitude to bear the great loss. “

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

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NEWS

Kidnappings: Police commissioner resumes in Ekiti

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COMMISSIONER of Police, Etop John James, has resumed in Ekiti State with a pledge to restore peace, law and order.

Addressing some interest groups sympathetic to Governor Ayo Fayose at the Trade Fair Complex yesterday, James said he would use community policing to tackle kidnapping and other crimes in the state.

The interest groups included the House of Assembly members-elect, drivers’ unions, market women and commercial motorcyclists.

The police chief said his brief was to meet various interest groups and stakeholders, promising to operate an open door policy.

He revealed that he has the mandate of the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to make the state safe

•Doctors withdraw emergency services from govt hospitals Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

for law-abiding residents and restore public confidence in the Force.

He said: “Any group that is legitimate is free to talk to me. I will use all information I have now and I will listen to others. I am here to ensure peace.

“I was given only one mandate; it is to go and do police job. My duty is to ensure peace.

“Let everybody go about their businesses and the only way we can do it is by remaining peaceful.

“Part of my brief is to meet the various interest groups and every group is free to talk to me.

“I love the way you conducted yourselves and left your requests for me to work

with.

“I cannot stop being an officer of community policing, we must always follow the rule of law. I will take what you have told me seriously as I will always listen to others.”

A lawmaker-elect, Kola Oluwawole, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said the people are tired of political instability and crimes being witnessed in the state.

He said: “I want to plead with you that we want peace urgently in Ekiti. We want the peace we were enjoying to continue, all sorts of provocation, harsh press statements should stop, enough of kidnapping, robbery.

“We want the estranged lawmakers to come back home and join hands to move the state forward.”

Members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have suspended emergency services in all government hospitals in the state.

The doctors said the move was to protest the kidnap of their colleagues and continued threats from kidnappers.

In separate letters to Fayose and the IG dated May 18 after an emergency meeting of the association on May 16, the NMA bemoaned the increasing rate of kidnapping in the state, especially its members lamenting that the measures taken by the government and security operatives had not yielded the desired result.

The association said it was ordering its members to suspend services “since the safety of our members offering

those services cannot be guaranteed again”.

A protest letter by the Chairman, Dr. John Akinbote and Secretary Dr. Akinyele Akinwale, reads: “The emergency services aimed at saving lives of citizens in the course of our protest is hereby suspended since the safety of our members offering those services cannot be guaranteed.

“Your Excellency should speed up quick intervention of the Inspector General of Police since we gathered your commendable petition had already been sent to his office.

“We shall resume full clinical duties only after we are able to ascertain palpable and visible security measures to protect people of Ekiti State and the unconditional release of those kidnapped.”

Akoko residents groan over hike in fares From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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ESIDENTS of Akokoland in Ondo State are complaining about the high cost of transportation in the area.

Sources said commercial cyclists and road transport operators in the four local governments of Akoko North East, Akoko South West, Akoko North West and Akoko South East are overcharging commuters, especially in Akungba, IkareAkoko, Oka-Akoko and Isua.

Filling station operators are reportedly selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) between N130 and N150 per litre.

Many users have complained that despite the price hike, some filling stations still doctor their metres in order to maximise profit.

A visit to some motor parks in the area showed that from Ikare to Lagos now cost N3,000 instead of N2,500; Ikare to Akure is N800 as against N500.

A similar situation is playing out among commercial motorcyclists, who increased their fares, particularly in Arigidi-Akoko, Akungba, Ugbe and Ikare-Akoko.

Students and market women are complaining about the high cost of transportation, which has affected prices of various commodities, especially food stuff.

The Iyalaje of Ikareland, Hajia Risikat Mohammed, appealed to the Federal Government to find lasting solution to the fuel situation.

Pensioners to Fashola: pay our arrears

R •From left: Presiding Overseer of the Trinity House Church, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; mother of the author, Ms Aisha Falode; President, Women Arise and Campaign for Democracy (CD) Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin and the author, Gift of Grace, Ms. Tolu Falode, at the book launch to mark the 21st posthumous birthday of Toba Falode in Lagos…yesterday.

UN praises Ondo healthcare

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HE representative of the United Nations Population Fund in Nigeria, Mrs Ratidzai Nahlovu, has recommended that Ondo State should be projected as the face of the country in terms of qualitative health care delivery.

Mrs. Nahlovu made the recommendation yesterday when she led a delegation to visit Governor Olusegun Mimiko at the Government House in Akure.

She said: “I was conducted round some health facilities by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Dayo Adeyanju. These facilities portray Ondo State as the cynosure for health sector transformation in Nigeria.

“Our visit revealed that Governor Mimiko has done so much for the people in the provision of quality health care service.”

In his response, Mimiko said his administration will ensure that more health care services are accessible to the citizenry.

Bamidele: Ekiti must be part of change train

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OUSE of Representatives member Opeyemi Bamidele and his supporters yesterday joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) with his supporters, promising to contribute their quota to strengthening the party.

Addressing a briefing in Iyin-Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, Bamidele said he had consulted widely with members of his political family, Ekiti Bibiire Coalition (EBC) and the national leadership of the APC before arriving at the decision.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Budget and Research said EBC members are now at liberty to attend APC ward meetings and register as members.

Bamidele left the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), one of the legacy parties that merged to form the APC and the platform through which he was elected into the House of Representatives, to join the Labour Party (LP) in November 2013.

He contested on its platform in the June 21, last year governorship election in

•Lawmaker joins APC From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

which he came third.

Before joining the APC formally, Bamidele had on January 24 appeared at a presidential campaign rally addressed by President-elect Muhammadu Buhari, where he announced a working agreement between LP and APC for the March 28 presidential poll.

Bamidele said on that day that he still remained a member of LP and would join APC after the general elections since LP was presenting candidates for the elections.

Thanking LP for giving him a platform to fulfill his political aspiration, Bamidele explained that he had no alternative than to leave the party for APC because he was returning to his natural habitat.

Bamidele argued that his joining APC was not borne out of personal ambition but to join the change train the party represents, adding that politicians of like minds

should join the party in the interest of the people.

According to him, “our coming together with those who are here before will further strengthen the party”.

He praised the national leaders of the party, including Gen. Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and his predecessor, Chief Adebisi Akande for their roles in his return to the progressives fold.

Bamidele added that despite leaving APC, he was always in touch with leaders of the party.

He said with his entry into APC, the party would not be “the same APC the electorate rejected three times at the last general elections”.

He said: “By and large, politics, if it is meant to serve the common interest, must be a dynamic aspect of human endeavour that embodies a whole process of expression, competition and reconciliation of personal interests for the ultimate benefit of the people.

“Let me use this opportunity to reiterate that my decision to contest for the governorship of Ekiti State was borne out of my innate conviction and that of many likeminds, most of whom are illustrious sons and daughters of this great State, that though the ACN-led administration then was doing its best, however, its best was not enough for our much expectant but highly disillusioned people.

“All of us contested on different platforms but as we all know in any contest, someone must emerge the winner.

“Whether or not the contest was fair, posterity and the court of law shall judge.

That is not the bone of contention for today’s press briefing. I sincerely urge you to let us defer that to another day.

“Today, by the special leading of Almighty God and after the due consultation with my family, friends, confidants and political associates I, Opeyemi Bamidele, hereby wish to declare my intent to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

ETIREES yesterday appealed to Governor Babatunde Fashola to pay the three-year arrears of 142 per cent pension increment approved by the Federal Government in 2000.

The appeal, raised by the Chairman of the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Najeemdeen Adebayo Ibrahim, urged the Fashola administration to implement the six per cent and 15 per cent increase as directed by the Federal Government in 2003 and 2007.

Ibrahim said the government did not implement the 142 per cent increment when it was announced by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2000.

According to him, the nonimplementation of the increment prompted the pensioners to seek judicial redress, which was decided in their favour, with the judge ordering the government not only to implement the increment, but also to pay all the arrears.

His words: “Of the six years arrears, the government paid only three years.

That was for the 142 per cent.

The state has not even implemented the six per cent and 15 per cent.

“So, we are calling on the Fashola administration to ensure the payment of the arrears and implementation of the six per cent and 15 per cent increment before leaving office.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

8

NEWS Alao-Akala: no exit from LP

Lagos dredges channels

From Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

THE Lagos State Government has said the ongoing dredging of primary drainage channels will mitigate flooding.

In a statement by its Ministry of the Environment, the state listed Badagry Channel, Ibiye Channel, LUTH Channel, System I, Iju Ajuwon, Gbolagas, Gedegede, Ikota Channels, Ibeju -Lekki, Kemberi/Afromedia, Ojo Channel, Mercy Eneli, Jalupon, Ijeododo and Alimosho as some of the areas where the canals are being cleaned up.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Ayodeji Adenekan, has visited some of the sites and expressed satisfaction with the level of work done.

According to him, the dredging will take care of storm water and flooding as both the primary and secondary collector drains are simultaneously being desilted.

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ORMER Oyo State Governor Adebayo AlaoAkala has denied his rumoured defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said he remains the leader of the Labour Party (LP) in Oyo State and will provide purposeful opposition to the ruling APC. The LP governorship candidate said he does not need to join the APC to play significant roles though he understands the need for collective effort to build the state.

Alao-Akala, in a statement by his Director of Public Affairs, Oludare Ogunlana, said doors are open for advice on how to move the nation forward.

“The problem of unemployment, non-payment of workers’ salary; lack of fund and dwindling allocation require collective approach,” he said.

Nonagenarian shelves protest

By Precious Igbonwelundu

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has invited a 91-year-old proprietress, Madam Roseline Ololo, for a peace meeting.

Ololo, the co-founder of Metropolitan College, Isolo, had last week threatened to permanently occupy the Governor’s Office, if her request for the return of her school, and Isolo Secondary School were not met.

Her lawyer, Malcolm Omirhobo, on Monday notified the police of the protest.

Yesterday, Madam Ololo and well wishers set out for the Governor’s Office with their personal effects.

When they got to there, her lawyer told reporters that they received a call from Fashola on their way.

He said: “We were on our way here when we received a call from the governor, who asked us to shelve the planned protest and come for a meeting on Friday at the Ministry of Education.”

Madam Ololo and her late husband, Michael, founded the college in 1955 through their firm, Akaix West Africa Limited.

The school was taken from them in 1976, following the military’s Education (Private Secondary Institutions Special Provisions) Law, which saw 48 private secondary schools collected from their owners in Lagos.

Subsequently, the Isolo Secondary School was sited on the same premises as Metropolitan College.

In 2001, the Bola Tinubu administration repealed the law and returned the affected schools to their owners, including Metropolitan College, after reaching an agreement with the founders at an Arbitration Court.

But, trouble allegedly started as a result of the Ministry of Education’s insistence to retain the Isolo Secondary School.

Akaix West Africa had contended that the retention of part of the school was against government’s restructuring of the educational system of divesting and allowing the private sector invest in the educational system.

•From left: Managing Director, Finchglow Travels Limited, Mr. Bankole Bernard; Chief Executive Officer, Travel Management Company (TICO), Irene Uti-Egbeogu; Chairman of the board and Managing Director of Quantum Travels Limited, Mr. Michael Otubu; Managing Director of Dees Travels and Tours Limited, Mr. Daisi Olotu and Managing Director, Touchdown Travels Limited, Mr. Dayo Adeola, at the launch of the first ever consolidation in the travel industry in Nigeria, held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Eight kidnap suspects arraigned in Oyo

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IGHT suspects arrested for allegedly kidnapping a business man, Chief Adebowale Omotoso, have been arraigned in court.

They were arraigned in a magistrate’s court in Awe, the town where the kidnapping took place on March 11.

The suspects, seven men and a woman, were charged with conspiracy, robbery and kidnapping.

When they were initially arraigned on April 22, the suspects were ordered to be

From Bisi Oladele, Tayo Johnson and Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

remanded in prison till the next adjourned date, which was yesterday.

Magistrate N. A. J. Ogunbona directed the police prosecutor to duplicate the case file in the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

Chief Omotoso, who is the Chairman, Bond Chemicals Ltd, Awe, was kidnapped in his home.

He was later rescued at Ajia Village by a team of policemen attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Oyo Area Command.

His freedom came after hours of a gun duel with the suspected kidnappers, according to the Police Commissioner, Muhammed Katsina.

The legal advice would help determine if the accused have case(s) to answer.

If they do, they may be moved to a court of higher

jurisdiction.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, the prosecutor told the court that the case file had been duplicated and forwarded to the DPP, adding that he was awaiting response.

The Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Sergeant Enugwa Anthony, was absent.

He was said to have been involved in an accident and was discharged from the hospital on Saturday.

Consequently, the case was adjourned till June 10.

Gbajabiamila is Northwest’s candidate, says Chanchangi From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

•Gbajabiamila

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LAWMAKER in the House of Representatives, Ahmed Rufai Chanchangi (APC Kaduna), has said his geopolitical zone will support Minority Leader’s Femi Gbajabiamila’s bid to become the Speaker.

According to him, of the 90 members-elect from the Northwest, 75 to 80 are in support of Gbajabiamila’s

candidacy.

Chanchangi, who spoke to reporters in Abuja, said from the perspective of the Northwest, there is no doubt that the Minority Leader deserves the position based on the sacrifices he has made for the zone.

“Let’s go to the other contenders, such as Dogara.

There has been a lot of noise about Dogara and why I am saying this is that first of all, you have to convince me that your state is behind you.

“Bauchi State has 11 members and I don’t see any of the 11 members behind Dogara campaigning with him.

“So, for me the only person contesting is Femi. I am from the Northwest, we have almost 90 members from the zone. Kaduna has 16, Kano

24, Katsina 15, Jigawa 11 and Sokoto 12.

“What we have is almost one-quarter of the total members of the House. And if you take a look at the Northwest statistics, about 75 to 80 members are with Gbajabiamila.”

The lawmaker said Gbajabiamila’s 12-year experience in the Green Chamber is filled with testimonies.

“For someone to lead you from darkness to light, we know he is the right candidate.

“We don’t have to even doubt. He led the opposition from minority to majority party and he stood firm despite the persecution.

“This is someone we can never forget, he really worked for this party and now I think he is the only

person who is supposed to be in the race and right now he is the only one in the race.”

Chanchangi said the zone cannot forget the role played

by Gbajabiamila in the election of Aminu Tambuwal as Speaker of the seventh House.

The lawmaker debunked insinuations that Tambuwal is supporting another candidate.

He said the law of reciprocity demands that Tambuwal supports Gbajabiamila.

“Actually, I won’t say Tambuwal is behind any contestant other than Femi. “ If he is, he should come out and say so. Once he hasn’t said anything, then we believe it is already ‘dead on arrival’.”

Firm faults management of residents’ registration

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RITICISMS have continued to trail the management of the residents’ registration being undertaken by the Lagos State Residents’ Registration Agency (LASRRA).

The registration has been bogged down by “the Nigerian factor,” de spite the project being a major policy of the Babatunde Fashola administration.

The distribution of identification cards to residents who have registered is expected to begin next month.

But an Information Technology (IT) group, Oracle Data Resort, expressed doubts about the efficiency of the agency in carrying out the assignment.

In a statement, its Operations

Director, Nkenna Osuji, said: “The residents’ cards project is a good idea even when it has proved to be a duplication of already existing data initiatives of the national identity card project, the data captured in the driver’s licence through the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-ordered banks’ biometric and data collation initiative, among others.

“The idea will ensure even distribution of the needs of the populace, despite the reality that the governor wields awesome discretion in the areas of giving priority to projects.

“The N7billion so far expended on the initiative is not commensurate with

the paltry 168,000 residents’ cards produced in three years.”

The statement also criticised “the purported suspicious disappearance of the residency cards of the Governor Babatunde Fashola and Governor-elect Akinwunmi Ambode when the vehicle of the agency’s head was purportedly attacked by robbers”.

The resort’s spokesman , Gboyega Alebiosu, said: “The activities of the agency had not been up to the standard practice of monitoring by the outgoing administration.

“Why is the ineptitude (of this agency) being kept away from the prying eyes of relevant government officials and the public?”

‘Honest people’ll become leaders’ From Tayo Johnson and Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

THE lawmaker-elect for Oyo Federal Constituency, Akeem Adeyemi, has said only honest and industrious people will be elected as principal officers of the House of Representatives.

Adeyemi said there is always room for lobbying for any position, noting that the need for jostling by those who want to lead the House became imperative because every member is qualified.

“Somebody who was elected to represent his constituents and wants to lead the 360-member house must strategise, lobby and jostle to get the position.

“Why must we give it to somebody who doesn’t lobby or jostle to get it? You contested to represent your constituents just like I did.

For you to aspire to be my leader, you must prove some points to me and I must be convinced.”

Ekiti begins payment of April salary From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

THE Ekiti State Government has begun the payment of April salary with an assurance that all verified workers would receive their pay before Friday.

The Head of Service, Gbenga Faseluka, said the payment began last Friday with the core civil service comprising Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Faseluka assured that the public service made up of the Teaching Service Commission, Hospitals Management Board as well as other parastatals would be paid before Friday.

He added that workers who could not be verified last week due to observed default in the required documents are to undergo a second round of checks at the designated verification centres.

The Head of Service thanked the workers for their cooperation and understanding.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

10

CITYBEATS ‘Actress’ husband held for ‘robbery’ T HE husband of an actress arrested for alleged armed robbery has said that the bad company he kept led him into the world of crime.

Daniel Ekwerekwu, 43, a spare parts’ dealer, said he was lured into robbery by a friend whose name he simply gave as Segun.

Explaining his role in the robbery that led to his arrest, Ekwerekwu said: “I am a motor spares’ dealer. I was serving my master who sells shoes at Ochanja Market in Onitsha, the commercial hub of Anambra State. He gave me N2,500 as entitlement after serving him for four years. Later, I left Onitsha with my brother, Ifeanyi Onuekwe, an importer.

“My father died of stroke. He had 22 children but death reduced us to six - four girls and two boys.

I left for Lagos in 1992 to do motor spares business at Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba. My business grew. That year, I gave somebody N2.2 million to buy motorcycles, but he disappeared till date with my money. It affected my

CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

Court remands man for ‘murder’

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By Ebele Boniface

business. To survive, I travelled to Cotonou where I stayed till 2014 when I returned, helping Nigerians who came to Cotonou to buy second-hand clothing.

Before his death, one Emeka collected N950,000 from me for business with an understanding that we would share the gains arising from it.”

At Emeka’s wake-keep at Ejigbo in Lagos, he said he met Segun who claimed to be into auto spares business. He added: “Segun later asked me to come to Oshodi, where he sold to me, two brain boxes at N20,000 each and one pressing buttons. I sold the boxes for N35,000 to one Israel, who asked me to come in the morning the next day for another deal. But when I got there, OPC (Oodua People’s Congress) people held me. As they were beating me, some policemen rescued me. I was later transferred to SARS (Special Anti-Robbery Squad) for investigation.”

Ekwereku told the police that a

•Ekwerekwu

gang that vandalised vehicles used to sell spare parts to him. He said he later joined the gang to double his profit.

Ekwerekwu denied ever using a gun, saying: “I am not into fulltime armed robbery and car vandalism. I just started it to make more money.”

The Lagos Police Command’s spokesman, Ken Nwosu, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said the fleeing members of the gang would be arrested.

Normalcy returns to Isolo after gang war

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ORMALCY has returned to Oke-Afa Isolo, Lagos, after commercial activities were paralysed following a clash between commercial motorcyclists and hoodlums.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fracas started on Monday when a tout assaulted a commercial motorcyclist, popularly known as “Okada rider’’.

The tout claimed that the rider did not pay his levy. The rider went to tell his colleagues and they reinforced to fight back.

Some shops were destroyed while hoodlums looted and harassed passersby.

The situation was brought under control on Monday evening by the police, but trouble ensued again yesterday.

An eyewitness said some people were made to trek because of the non-availability of tricycles and motorcycles.ý Another eyewitness said the quick intervention of policemen minimised the destruction.

“If not for the intervention of the police, more property and maybe

lives would have been lost,’’ she said.

Lagos Police Command spokesman Kenneth Nwosu, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said the clash was as a result of increase in the riders’ levy.

“The fallout was due to the increase in the Okada riders’ levy but calm has since returned to the place as our men had been deployed to put the situation under control,’’ he said.

Nwosu advised Lagosians to go about their daily businesses peacefully.

Mother, daughter accused of concealing relation’s body

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62-YEAR-OLD woman, Joy Shittu, and her 25year-old daughter, Toyin, were yesterday arraigned before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for concealing a body.

The accused were charged with conspiracy, indignity to and unlawful possession of the body.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutor Etim Nkankuk, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the accused committed the offence sometime in April

2013, at Olaitan Mustapha Close in Ijaiye, Ojokoro Area in Lagos.

Nkankuk said the accused concealed the body of one Olatunji Shittu in their residence.

Nkankuk said: “These two accused could not give a satisfactory answer when asked why the body was in their possession instead of being in a morgue. It should be brought to the notice of this court that investigation is still ongoing to ascertain the cause of death of the deceased.

“But it flouts the law of this land

for the accused to harbour the body instead of depositing it in a mortuary.’’

He said the offence contravened Sections 163(b) and 410 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Chief Magistrate Olatunbosun Abolarinwa granted N100, 000 bail with two sureties each in the like sum.

Abolarinwa said one of the sureties must be a relation of the accused.

He adjourned the case till June 24.

son.

Chief Magistrate Olatunbosun Abolarinwa ordered that Abolarin be kept in Ikoyi Prisons for 30 days, pending the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The court declined to take the plea of the accused because it lacks jurisdiction to try the case.

Abolarinwa adjourned the case to June 18.

Earlier, prosecuting Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Etim Nkankuk told the court that Abolarin committed the offence with others at large.

He said the accused committed the offence on January 23 at the Nigeria Railway Corporation Line, opposite Mainland Hotel, Oyingbo in Ebute Meta, Lagos.

The prosecutor said the death of the yet-to-be-identified person was caused by blows to a delicate part of his body by the accused and his fellow conspirators.

He said as at the time of the arraignment of the accused, the deceased’s identity was yet to be ascertained.

“The murder suspect had allegedly killed another person by beating him to death,’’ he said.

Shop assistant faces N4m fraud charge

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40-YEAR-old shop assistant, Sunday Agbalugbo was yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing electronic equipment worth N4 million.

The accused, who resides at Ade Street in Ipaja, Lagos pleaded not guilty.

But the prosecutor, Eranus Nnamonu, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said the offence was committed between May 2014 and January 2015 as an employee of Kenwood Communications Ltd in Ikeja.

He said the accused stole the items that were in his care.

“Agbalugbo conspired with others still at large to steal portable radio sets, fans, phones and other electronic gadgets and sold same, property of his employer, Mrs Ifeyinwa Dibia. He sold the goods and converted the proceeds to personal use,” he said.

Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe granted the accused N500, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

She said the sureties should show evidence of three years’ tax payment as part of the bail conditions.

In addition, she ordered that the sureties should deposit N50, 000 with the Deputy Registrar.

The case was adjourned to June 7 for trial.

Contractor charged with N6.1 m fraud

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35-YEAR-OLD aluminium sheet contractor, Babatunji Ogunjimi, was yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly swindling a marketing agency of N6.1 million.

Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Eranus Nnamonu, said the accused deliberately supplied ‘05mm -sized aluminium sheets to his client for a project rather than the agreed ‘055mm’ type.

Nnamonu said the defendant committed the offence on April 30 at Oracle Experience Company at Jolly Street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.

He said: “Ogunjimi, with intent to cheat his client, Oracle Experi-

ence Company, purchased 05mmsized aluminum sheets from Tower Aluminum Company, rather than the agreed 055mm type, being fully aware that the `05mm-sized was not the standard specification that his client requested for.

“He fraudulently made away with N6.1 million for purchasing lower quality aluminum roofing sheets.”

Nnamonu said the offence violated Sections 363(1) and 364 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.

The defendant pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe granted Ogunjimi N500, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum and adjourned the case to June 11.

Fashola stops widow’s planned protest at Govt House

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•Guest Speaker cum Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Secretary-General Prof Is-haq Oloyede flanked by Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria Chief Missioner Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad (left) and Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation Executive Director, Imam Abdullahi Shuaibu during the inauguration of Muslim Community of Lagos State at the Central Mosque, Idumota, Lagos

N Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos yesterday ordered Rotimi Abolarin to be remanded in Ikoyi Prisons for alleged murder. He was accused of killing an unidentified per-

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday moved fast to stop a nonagenarian proprietor, Madam Roseline Ololo, from occupying his office.

Last week, Madam Ololo, 91, threatened to occupy the governor’s office over the government’s alleged refusal to return her school.

Madam Ololo and her late husband co-founded Metropolitan College in Isolo, Lagos in 1955.

Through her lawyer, Malcolm Omirhobo, the nonagenarian, on Monday, notified the police of her protest at the governor’s office from yesterday.

But, when she and her family members got to the governor’s office entrance yesterday, her lawyer informed waiting reporters that they got a call from Fashola to shelve the planned action.

He said: “We were already on our way here when we received a

By Precious Igbonwelundu

call from the governor, who asked us to shelve the planned protest and come for a meeting on Friday at the Ministry of Education.”

The woman with her late husband, Chief Michael Ololo founded the college in 1955 through their firm, Akaix West Africa Limited.

The school and 47 others were taken over in 1976 under the military’s Education (Private Secondary Institutions Special Provisions) Law. Isolo Secondary School was subsequently established on the same premises as the Metropolitan College.

In 2001, the then Bola Tinubu repealed the law and returned the affected schools to their owners, including Metropolitan College, after reaching an agreement with the founders at an Arbitration Court.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

11

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

•Policemen hailing motorist

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OTORISTS are excited over the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase’s ban on checkpoints and road blocks.

They said yesterday that they were now free from “unnecessary traffic and extortion” by policemen.

Mr Tunde Alaba, a commercial bus driver, said he was happy that checkpoints had been banned.

“Thank God the checkpoints are reducing, we will now be able to save more money to earn our living,’’ he said.

Another commercial bus

FILE COPY

•Police officers trying to stop a motorist

FILE COPY

IG’s ban on checkpoints excites motorists driver, Mr Sadiq Adekunle, said that he was happy over the withdrawal of police checkpoints but complained about the few still existing.

“It’s a good thing that the police checkpoints are being withdrawn but some policemen still put up their roadblocks in some inner parts of Lagos,’’ he said.

An engineer, Deji Adeleke, said banning of checkpoints was good since the police had realised that it was causing Lagosians more pain than good.

“The ban on checkpoints is a good development. I guess the police have now realised that it’s the policemen at the checkpoints that paint a bad image of the force,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), however, observed that checkpoints were still mounted at nights in some areas.

At Oshodi, opposite the Nigerian Army Shopping Complex, Arena, at the junction leading to Oshodi Local Government Secretariat, some policemen take ad-

vantage of the traffic to extort money from motorists.

Some experts have argued that the police do not need checkpoints or roadblocks to curb crime.

Mr Jide Oluwole, a security consultant, said the world had gone beyond setting up roadblocks to check crime.

“Since it’s certain we can’t be everywhere at the same time, with the use of technology, the crime rate in the state can be minimised,’’ he said.

Mr Mike Olutayo, Head Operations at Identity Securities, said Close Circuit Television (CCTV) could be installed to monitor crime.

If those already installed covered Lagos, he said, it could be used with a functional database, adding that the police do not need roadblocks to secure the state.

But some Lagosians are worried that hoodlums may cash in on the ban to wreck havoc.

Doctor remanded for alleged N13.5m fraud

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•The toilet ...yesterday

Council gets 20 eco-friendly toilets

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OME communities in Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Council Areas (LCAs) in Lagos State have been provided with 20 units of eco-friendly enviro-loo toilets to stop open defecation.

This, Senior Special Assistant, New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), Lagos State, Mr Ademola Amure, said was part of the state government’s efforts to improve sanitation, especially in the rural areas.

Amure spoke at the inauguration of eco-friendly enviro-loo toilets in slummy communities as part of urban slum base services project by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ajeromi/ Ifelodun LCAs. Quoting the UNICEF, he said, about 119 million Nigerians lack adequate toilets, which make 50 million of them to defecate in the open.

He said: “Lagos State shared a large chunk of this number due to

‘

Lagos State shared a large chunk of this number due to its population. In India, the government has taken the initiative with the Prime Minister leading the charge on stopping open defecation

’

By Wale Adepoju

its population. In India, the government has taken the initiative with the Prime Minister leading the charge on stopping open defecation.”

The environmentally friendly

solution, he said, was a partnership involving the government, UNICEF, NEPAD and Enviro-Loo to address the sanitation concerns of the people.

The facilities, he said, were prioritised by the government.

He said lack of water supply and power to manage a conventional toilet informed the government’s decision on the ‘eco-friendly’ water-free facility.

Amure said Nigerians treat environment matters, with levity, adding that this shouldn’t be.

The government, he said, had been educating people on the danger of poor sanitation and open defecation.

Dr Niyi Olaleye of UNICEF Lagos said the journey towards helping the government TO meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDgs) started in 2010.

The state, he said, was doing well in education, noting that there were disparities in the growth of some parts.

N Ikeja High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered that Dr Obinna Monagor be remanded in prison for alleged fraudulent conversion of N13.5 million.

Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye ordered the remand of the defendant following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a one-count charge of stealing by fraudulent conversion.

Monago, 62, who lives on Alhaji Masha Road, Surulere, Lagos, will remain in prison pending the perfection of the N5 million bail conditions.

Monagor, according to the EFCC counsel, Mr Ademola Omeiza, sometime in 2010, approached the complainant, Mr Godwin Achi, that he had a three-storey building for sale.

Omeiza said the property, on Tade Aromolate Close in William Estate, Surulere, Lagos, was offered to the complainant for N150 million.

He said the complainant paid the first instalment, but could not pay the balance following his inability to obtain bank loan.

The EFCC counsel said Achi finally got the loan in 2012, but discovered that the said property had been sold to another party, Edscob

By Adebisi Onanuga

Suites.

The prosecutor said following the development, the complainant demanded the refund of his deposit but the company declined to pay him.

He said Achi was compelled to petition EFCC following the defendant’s refusal to pay back the money one year after the deal.

The commission, the prosecution said investigated the transaction, adding that the outcome informed Monagor’s arrest and trial.

He said the defendant’s action contravened under Sections 390 (8) (b) and (9) of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

Monagor pleaded not guilty.

Defence counsel Dr Muiz Banire applied for his client’s bail.

The prosecution did not oppose the application.

Justice Ipaye granted the defendant N5 million bail with two sureties in the like sum.

The judge directed that one of the sureties must be the defendant’s relation, adding that they should produce evidence of three years tax payment.

She adjourned the matter to June 24.

Man, 45, ‘defiles’ girl, 12 45-YEAR-OLD man, Friday Sunday, who allegedly defiled a 12year-old girl, yesterday appeared before an Apapa Magistrate’s Court in Lagos.

Sunday, who resides in Ajegunle, Lagos, is being tried for alleged indecent act.

Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Soji Ojaokomo, said the accused committed the offence on May 9 at his residence.

Ojaokomo said that the accused, who was living in the same house with the parents of the minor, lured the girl into his room and started inserting his fingers into her private parts.

Ojaokomo said the offence contravened Section 134(2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

Sunday pleaded not guilty.

Senior Magistrate Patrick Adekomaiya ordered that the case file be duplicated and a copy forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

Adekomaiya granted the accused N50,000 bail with one surety in the like sum and adjourned the case to June 11.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

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NEWS

Police arrest 14 JSS pupils for alleged cultism in Edo

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HE Edo State Police Command has arrested 14 Junior Secondary School (JSS) pupils over alleged cult-related activities in Benin, the state capital.

The pupils, whose ages range between 12 and 15, were picked up last Thursday when a crack team of policemen stormed Oguola Secondary School, off Saint Saviour Road in Benin, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.

It was learnt that the suspected teenage cultists are be-

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia and Osagie Otabor, Benin

ing screened at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at the police headquarters in Benin.

The school’s Principal Ehanire Reuben said eight of the pupils were arrested at flash points on the school premises.

He said the arrest prompted the police team to conduct a search on some pupils in the classrooms.

•Parents urge police chief to release kids Ehanire added that items believed to be emblems of notorious cult groups in Edo State were recovered from the pupils.

The principal said the reports against the pupils by some parents may have prompted the raid.

He said prior to the onslaught, he was told that some pupils attacked a studentteacher.

Ehanire said the attackers stole the teacher’s phone and wallet, adding that some pupils had similarly attacked other persons in the area.

The principal urged the police command to release those found to be innocent.

Police spokesman Stephem Onwochei, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the raid on the school followed a tip-off.

The spokesman noted that although those arrested were underage, the paraphernalia found on them should be properly investigated.

He said the police command would do everything in its renewed war against cultism and sundry crimes in Edo State.

Onwochei assured that the police would rid the state of cultism.

Parents of the suspected teenage cultists yesterday urged Police Commissioner Samuel Adegbuyi to release them unconditionally.

The pupils are between 12 and 15 years.

The police reportedly identified the suspects with “cult emblems”, such as army camouflage, handkerchiefs and socks.

The parents said the principal should have informed the executives of the Parents’ Teachers Association (PTA) before calling in the police.

Toyota Nigeria to recall Hilux, Yaris

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

T •Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris flanked by Special Adviser on Public Health, Dr Yewande Adeshina (right) and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Modele Oshunkiesi at the Valedictory Session in honour of Dr Idris in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO NIYI ADENIRAN.

Benue NLC holds delegates’ conference tomorrow

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OLLOWING the aborted Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) election of April 23, the national secretariat of the umbrella union has rescheduled the election for tomorrow.

Under the new arrangement, the event will take place at the Royal Choice Inn Hotel in Makurdi, the state capital,

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

at 10am.

The election will begin with the arrival and registration of delegates, it was learnt yesterday.

The union’s caretaker committee has reportedly met with stakeholders who

pledged to cooperate for the success of the rescheduled poll.

A statement in Makurdi by the committee’s Chairman Ngodoo Toryem, and Secretary Kajo Martins, noted that the new leaders would work for the progress of the workers and the government.

It urged the people to avoid

past mistakes, which led to the abortion of the last delegates’ conference.

The statement advised union leaders to mobilise their delegates to take part in the election and to be orderly.

It added that tight security had been put in place to ensure law and order during the conference.

Police arrest killers of ASP

Bakare slumps at lecture •He needs rest, says church

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

T

T

HE Benue State Police Command said it has arrested four suspected killers of Baba Ibrahim, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), attached to Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Task Force on Cattle Rustling and Heinous Crime.The police also said it killed two suspected cultists yesterday in Makurdi, the state capital. Police Commissioner Hyacinth Dagala told reporters that the four suspects, on April 22, allegedly killed Ibrahim and two persons.

The police chief said the late Ibrahim took over cow rustling cases in Katsina Ala and was on his way to inspect 21 exhibits at the town’s cattle market when gunmen in a red Toyota shot him dead.According to him, crack

The four suspects... yesterday.

detectives from the State Criminal and Investigation Department (SCID) arrested the four suspects over the killing.

Dagala said the suspects are: Terungwa Gbermke (aka Vision 20:20), Sarwuan Kyuun, Aondover Laav and James Akuleagw.Items recovered from the suspects include

PHOTO: UJA EMMANUEL

a G-3 rifle with four rounds of live ammunition, one red Toyota Carina II and a Honda C50 motorcade.The police chief said the suspects confessed to committing the crime.He said they would soon be charged to court. and very they would be charge to court.

In the same briefing the police confirmed that two sus-

pected cult members were killed in Kanshio area of Makurdi.

Kanshio settlement is known for notorious cult activities with rival cult group engaging each other on daily basis.CP Dagala said the attacked came from a rival cult group which came for retaliation and killed two persons.

CBN harmonises CRR at 31 per cent THE Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has harmonised the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) deposits to a uniform 31 per cent.

Addressing reporters at the end of the bi-monthly MPC meeting in Abuja yesterday, the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said the decision to harmonise the CRR was because the committee “considered that the current discriminatory CRR on public and private sector

OYOTA Nigeria Limited (TNL) has announced plans to recall two of its models - Yaris and Hilux - due to fault in the airbags.

TNL Managing Director Kunle Ade-Ojo spoke at a news conference at its Lekki, Lagos office.

According to him, the affected Yaris are the ones produced between 2003 and 2005 while the Hilux are between 2003 and 2007. The recall announcement, Ade-Ojo said, was in line with the company’s culture to maintain customers’ safety.

He said the inflator of the vehicles have potential of allowing moisture entering the modules, adding that the inflator may deploy abnormally. The company plans to check the modules and replace them in the recalled vehicles.

Ade-Ojo said while the default in Hilux affects the driver’s side alone, it affect both the drivers and passengers’ side in Toyota Yaris.

“We are taking this urgent remedial action as a responsible organisation whose public and customers’ safety is the soul of its business,” he said.

Ade-Ojo, who said his company currently has no estimate of the affected brands of Toyota with faulty airbags, said TNL would replace the faulty airbags for its customers free.

According to him, the airbags are manufactured by Takata, one of the world’s leading suppliers of airbag systems.

Takata, he said, is not only manufacturing airbags for Toyota but for other brands.

Ade-Ojo stated that not all the units manufactured within those periods had problems.

Toyota, he said, is willing to help fix those brought via grey market provided the manufacturers contacted TNL for supports, but quickly noted that priority would be given to those that purchase from their accredited dealers first.

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

deposits (20 per cent for private sector and 75 per cent for public sector) has not only constrained the policy space, but could inspire moral hazard by private market participants.”

The cash reserve ratio is a Central Bank regulation setting the minimum fraction of customer deposits and notes that each commercial bank must hold as reserves, rather than lend out. These cash re-

serves are normally in the form of deposits made with a Central Bank, or cash stored physically in the bank vault.

Currently, Nigeria and four other countries based CRR at over 20 per cent, making it one of the highest in the world.

The cash reserve ratio is sometimes used as a tool in monetary policy to influence the country’s borrowing and interest rates by changing the amount of funds available for banks to make loans with. An

institution that holds reserves in excess of the required amount is said to hold excess reserves.

Consequently, Emefiele noted that members of the MPC have come to recognise that “while additional tightening measures may not be appropriate now to avoid overheating the economy, a harmonisation of the CRR was imperative in order to curb abuses and improve the efficacy of monetary policy.”

By Precious Igbonwelundu

HE Serving Overseer of Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, was yesterday rushed to Reddington Hospital after he collapsed while delivering a lecture in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The incident occurred at Eko Hotel and Suites, where the cleric was addressing some capital investors.

Pastor Bakare was said to have had a very busy schedule, and barely rested.

He was said to have sustained minor injury as a result of the fall, but was discharged after treatment.

The pastor, who recently returned from an overseas trip where he attended a family function, was said to have delivered series of lectures in recent times, “and depriving his body the needed rest”.

An official statement from the church said the cleric just needed rest, adding that he was hale and hearty.

Signed by the church’s Executive Council, the statement pleaded with the public to remain calm, and give the cleric the space and time to fully recuperate over the next few days.

“Thank you all for your outpouring of affection and concern through calls, messages, and prayers. Please be assured that Pastor Bakare is hale, hearty and in good spirits, though in need of rest,” the statement added.

Church holds anniversary

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HE Sanctuary Evangelical Church, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, will hold its 16th anniversary tomorrow.

Presiding Pastor Gbade Ojo said the anniversary would hold at the church’s auditorium at Olabiyi Agoro Street, Semi-N-Bio Bus Stop, Opposite CAC Grammar School, LagosIbadan Expressway in Ibadan.

A statement by the pastor said the theme of the programme is: Divine Touch. The statement reads: “Activities marking the 16th anniversary of Sanctuary of Christ Evangelical Church, Ibadan, on Friday, May 22, will hold at 5pm prompt.

“The programme will be followed by a seminar to be delivered by pastor Kola Akanji on May 23 while the anniversary will be rounded off with a thanksgiving service on May 24 at the church’s auditorium. “The programme will parade anointed ministers of God while gospel singers will also be on hand for songs ministration.”

Our error

The correct headline of a story on Page 36 in today’s edition should have read; How to stop (and not stope) workplace accidents, by professionals.

–– The error is regretted

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WEDNESDAY MAY 20, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Senator Ahmad Lawan was recently re-elected into the Senate to represent Yobe North District. The legislator has an ambition to serve as the Senate President as from next month. He explained to reporters in Lagos why the slot should be zoned to the Northeast. Lawan, who has been a member of the National Assembly in the last 16 years, described himself as the candidate to beat. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU reports.

‘APC should zone Senate President H to Northeast’ E marshaled his points in a meticulous way as an intellectual that he is. Diligent, urbane and cosmopolitan, he exuded charisma, carriage and dignity.

But, his utterances also portrayed him as a humble politician driven by service. Having spent 16 years in the National Assembly, Dr. Ahmad Lawan is now eyeing the Senate Presidency. The puzzle is: can he weather the storm?

“I am running for the Senate President. I have what it takes to be the Senate President,” the legislator from Yobe North told reporters in Lagos. “I am fit for the office. I have the pedigree, experience, exposure and competence,” he added.

For 16 years, the legislator has endowed his seat with honour and visibility in the National Assembly. Tested and trusted by colleagues, he has headed sensitive committees, including the Public Accounts Committee, the highest committee reserved for an opposition lawmaker. Between 1999 and 2003, he was a member of the House of Representatives. Since 2007, he has been in the Senate. During the recent general elections, he was re-elected. A consummate debater and epitome of dialogue, Lawan has also managed to remain a non-controversial figure in the parliament.

During the in-house election, Lawan will contend with two compatriots-Senator Bukola Saraki from Kwara Central District and Senator George Akume from Benue State.

The senator is driven by two motives. He explained that he deserved the number three position, based on his experience as the longest serving member of the National Assembly in the race. But, he is also fighting for this geopolitical zone, which he described as a marginalised region under the yoke of insurgency. The senator from Yobe North also explained why the Northeast should fill the slot in the next dispensation, stressing that it will give the zone a sense of belonging.

Lawan said the slot should be zoned to the Northeast as a reward for its massive votes for the APC in the recent election and compensation for the disruption of its socioeconomic life by the dreadful Boko Haram sect in the last three years.

He added: “I have what it takes to be the President of Senate. Coming from the Northeast is also an advantage.

The Northeast has gone through severe troubles; it has been ravaged and marginalised. The Senate Presidency will bring back the Northeast to Nigeria. At a time, we were taken out of Nigeria by Boko Haram, which declared a Sultanate.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has not zoned the slot to any region. But, Lawan said many factors will make it compelling for the party leadership to consider the troubled zone for the region. “It is for our leaders to decide.

We can only show interest. It is our duty to tell our party leader, to convince them that the Northeast deserves the Senate President,” he said.

Lawan is particularly concerned about the plight of the Northeast. “There is no capital project being executed in the zone. Contractors are running away from the Northeast. The Northeast is paralysed. The zone is dislocated,” he stressed. But, the senator also adduced other reasons.

He maintained that, “if votes count and this attracts reward, we are only second in the North, in terms of voting pattern. We gave 70 percent votes to the APC.” The Yobe North senator also said that, if equity and justice are factors to be considered, the North Central should concede the slot to the Northeast. He recalled that former Senate Presidents, including Dr. Iyorcha Ayu and Ahmed Ebute, a lawyer, and out-going Senate President David Mark are from the North Central. He also pointed out that the North Central has produced three former Deputy Senate Presidents-Wash Pam, Haruna Abubakar and Ibrahim Mantu. “These go to show that the Northeast deserve the position in the next dispensation,” he stressed.

Besides, Lawan, who noted that public expectation about the incoming administration of Muhammadu Buhari is high, said the country deserved a Senate President who can assist the next President to accomplish his anti-corruption drive, push for economic revival and security. “When you see a youth trekking from Lagos to Abuja for Buhari, he is expressing a desire. During the campaigns, we saw many youths crying for change. They want employment.

Therefore, we have a lot to do and the National Assembly must team up with the incoming President to proffer solutions.”

The senator is conscious of the reform-driven agenda of

• Lawan

Buhari. He said only a National Assembly without a stain can lend a helping hand. To succeed, the legislature must assist the incoming President with robust legislations to effect change in the desired direction. Peeping into the future, Lawan, who spoke on the need to reduce the cost of governance, said some idle departments and units must give way because money is being allocated to them in vain.

“There is the need for the review of the Orosanye Committee Report,” he said.

Lawan ruled said, if elected as the Senate President, he will not be a rubber-stamp Chairman of the National Assembly. But, he clarified that he would only be a partner in progress with the executive in an atmosphere of cooperative governance. “I believe in the independence of the legislature. I also believe in cooperative governance. The Na-

‘

Good governance must be supported by the National Assembly. There must be service delivery. The 20 per cent capital expenditure/70 percent recurrent expenditure ratio is not acceptable to Nigerians. We must balance the budget and reduce recurrent expenditure to have a pro-people budget

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tional Assembly must be independent. Despite our independence, we need to partner with the executive to have good governance. A rubber-stamp legislature cannot perform.”

Unfolding his vision for the Senate, Lawan, who holds a doctorate degree in Geographical Information Science, said: “I want to provide a 21st century Senate Presidency; a leadership that will ensure that we have a bi-partisan approach to legislative business. I will bring incorruptibility and credibility to the administration. Buhari was elected based on three isssues-anti-corruption, fight against insurgency and economic revival. I can complement the anti-corruption stance of the President.

“Nigeria needs a serious anti-corruption fight. If we don’t fight corruption, the resources will go into private pockets. We need to block leakages. My public accounts background will be of help. The judicious financial management of our resources is a priority. We are coming to power at a time of dwindling resources. Those who pillage the treasury will have to be brought to book.”

In Lawan’s view, the Senate must also rise up to protect its public image. He recalled that the National Assembly has been having image crisis since the furniture controversy broke out, adding that it has not recovered from the crisis. He lamented that many have insinuated that the lawmakers go home with big salaries, although they have not verified the budget of the National Assembly. “In the last four years, the budget of the National Assembly stood at N150 billion. Out of this, you have the National Assembly Institute, legislative aides; I have five aides; and other institutions. What goes to the members of the National Assembly is not what they say they collect,” he clarified.

The senator reflected on the constitution amendment crisis. He blamed the PDP for inaction and ineptitude. He said the stalled amendment underscored the inability of the ruling party and government to be on top of the situation. Lawan was silent on whether the matter will be reviewed, if he becomes the Senate President. He said: “The government and the ruling party should have interfaced properly with the legislature.”

Lawam maintained that he is qualified to serve as the Senate President because he has the pedigree, competence and experience. He said: “I have worked in the two chambers. I know the sentiments, tendencies, and sensibilities of the two Houses. The 16 years of experience have enabled me to work with three Speakers-Buhari Salisu, Ghali N’aaba and Bello Masari. I have learned to be a team player.

I like to work on the basis of consensus. This is required to build a bridge of understanding among political parties in the National Assembly. Good governance must be supported by the National Assembly. There must be service delivery. The 20 per cent capital expenditure/70 percent recurrent expenditure ratio is not acceptable to Nigerians.

We must balance the budget and reduce recurrent expenditure to have a pro-people budget.”

How should oversight functions be performed? Lawan said that there is the need for a change of style. “We need to enforce our oversight functions. We should have statutory or mandatory period for oversight for every committee to go and monitor the usage of funds allocated to all sectors. This will curb embezzlement. We need a Senate that is focused. We need a pro-poor Senate leadership.”

Already, Lawan has been endorsed by the Northwest and Southwest APC Senate caucus. Thus, he believes that he has a bright chance. He also said that, since he has a good rapport with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members from other zones, there will be no shortage of goodwill and solidarity from the opposition lawmakers. “As an ANPP member of the House of Representatives, I coordinated for Masari of the PDP when he wanted to be the Speaker. That means that I have good rapport with members across parties,” he said.

There have been media speculations that the senator was being sponsored by President-elect Muhammadu Buhari and the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. He denied it, saying that the two leaders have not anointed a candidate. Noting that the two eminent Nigerians wield influence, Lawan however, acknowledged said that their backing is crucial because they are respected leaders of the party. He said, like other aspirants, he will seek their support.

He stressed: “I am seeking the support of our leaders.

They deserve respect.”

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY MAY 20, 2015

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I propose that, as part of measures to reposition our electoral system, wherever and whenever the tribunals upturn any election, contrary to the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), either at the state, presidential or National assembly level, any authorizing officer, responsible for that election, must be brought to book

POLITICS

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Olorogun O’tega Emerhor is the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Delta State. In this interview with BOLAJI OGUNDELE, he explains how the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) robbed the APC of victory during the general elections.

‘PDP afraid of credible elections in Delta’

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HY is there so much rancour in the Delta State APC? This is not unusual.

Most times, when a party goes into an election in which members have invested so much with the hope of winning and they do not come out victorious, there is bound to be some recriminations. In fact, I believe in spite of what is going on, the party is in a good position. See what is going on in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after the defeat of Jonathan. It is almost falling apart, with calls for the sack of its National Chairman and the National Working Committee (NWC). In Delta APC, I believe things would have been different, if I had won the governorship election. My being the rallying point of the party in the state would have automatically been above challenge. So, because the election was stolen, it is not unexpected that these issues will rear their heads. We are, however, lucky that the APC won at the centre. I believe this has moderated the potential crisis, although it has also produced its own challenges.

These crises are fallouts of the struggle for offices at the national level, aren’t they?

There is no such possibility. See, even in the run up to the governorship election, not everyone was on board with me. My winning would have helped, but not winning meant that some people will naturally go ahead of me to the national in attempt to secure their own interests, which they perceive may not be protected by me as leader of the party in the state.

Is that why such leaders were expelled?

I would say that as it relates to

leaders that were expelled; it is important to see clearly the two issues that have been raised. One, whether the state chapter has the powers to expel and whether offences were committed to warrant such actions?

From my own reading of the issues, it is the party constitution that can answer the question about who has the power to expel. Furthermore, the party has a legal adviser as one of its executives and I assume that this issue must have received his attention. On the offences, I believe these were clearly stated such that I do not believe there were any ambiguities.

Offences do have consequences in order to maintain discipline in the party, but there is also need for due process in meting out discipline.

However, I do know that there is a rapprochement currently ongoing to douse some of these conflicts. We must unite for the task ahead!

It is believed that your ministerial ambition, after losing the governorship, is at the heart of the crisis. Do you have a contrary view?

I believe the APC national leadership is putting a special dispensation in place in order to bring the three Southsouth states of Delta, Rivers and Akwa-Ibom into the APC fold.

This is why the three candidates in these states where the outrageous daylight election robbery took place are being encouraged and supported to go cancel these elections at the tribunal. Now, it’s my belief that apart from competence and other qualifications, the other yardstick that may be applied to these Southsouth states would be how the potential minister can use this position to foster the party’s objective of winning these states to the APC fold. Don’t forget that the PDP also held on to these states for strategic reasons with a plan to use these resource-rich states as a launch pad for their 2019 renaissance. Under these circumstances, not to talk of my sacrifices and contributions in building the APC in Delta State, starting from my senatorial bye-election in 2013 to my governorship candidacy and elections in 2015, I wonder what disqualifies me for a ministerial appointment such that it will create a crisis as you alluded. A few ambitious people who may seek to reap without sowing will always be there, but I do not think I am the source of any crisis.

You lost the recent governorship election in Delta, but your party, the APC, triumphed at the national

‘

Under a Buhari government, a rerun, I believe, will be free and fair and in an environment of neutrality by INEC and the security forces. If Deltans are truly allowed a free hand to choose between the 16 years of the PDP misrule and the APC wind of positive change, they will definitely choose the APC

level. What is your perspective on the outcome?

We did not truly lose the governorship election in Delta; the PDP stole the election. Elections are only lost if they are conducted according to the rules and a winner emerged.

In the election in Delta as was also the case in Rivers and Akwa Ibom, the card readers were discarded, results sheets confiscated and fabricated results announced in connivance with compromised INEC staff.

A smokescreen of violence and intimidation and ballot boxes snatching were unleashed to provide cover for results manipulation. As you may be aware, we have filed our petition at the tribunal to cancel the purported elections.

People have said that the APC is not on ground and it came third in the election…

Again, the PDP always try to play smart by half. In allocating the fabricated results, they deliberately and strategically kept the APC in the third position for the reason that they wanted to send a message to our national leaders, in preparation for their eventual defection to the APC, that the current APC in Delta is not on ground. As I speak, they are strenuously working on this scheme.

But, they failed ab initio when they extended this dubious scheme to Rivers State and others. Can they also claim the APC is not on ground in Rivers? In any case, in Delta, look carefully at the presidential results where they allotted only 50,000 votes to the APC/Buhari and 1.2 million to PDP/Jonathan. Prior to this election, the projections were such that Buhari will win Itsekiri/Isoko votes 80 per cent, Urhobo/Anioma votes

•Emerhor

40 per cent. Only the Ijaw areas were projected to give less than 20 per cent. So, what happened that Buhari didn’t get even 10 per cent from these areas?

So, you believe the APC can win a rerun election in Delta?

After the Buhari win, Delta was set and ready for the APC. Delta did not want to remain in the opposition.

Even, stalwarts of the PDP were with us on this and are still are. PDP knew they would not win a proper free and fair election and that was why they did not allow an election on the field, but resorted to snatching it in the air, so to speak. Under a Buhari government, a rerun, I believe, will be free and fair and in an environment of neutrality by INEC and the security forces. If Deltans are truly allowed a free hand to choose between the 16 years of the PDP misrule and the APC wind of positive change, they will definitely choose the APC.

’ Ekpenyong: We expect justice at the tribunal

A lawyer, Leo Ekpenyong, is a former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Akwa-Ibom State. He speaks with ERIC IKHILAE on the election and other issues.

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HAT is our assessment of the recent elections in your state?

The totality of all that transpired during the governorship election leaves so much to be desired, in the sense that the governor of the state, Godswill Akpabio used every means to rig the election. That is our case and we are left to prove that before the tribunal.

Your party has challenged the elections at the tribunal. What are your expectations?

Our expectation is that justice should be done. But, we have fears.

Our fears are founded on the antecedents of Mr. Godswill Akpabio. As a minister in the temple of justice, I will not want to throw caution to the wind. I commend my brother, the APC standard bearer, Mr. Umana Umana, for being law abiding; despite the unbearable provocation of the election nightmare.

What are your suggestions on how the electoral process could be made more transparent?

It is my humble position that as the in-coming President assumes duties, erring electoral officers, most especially Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), should not just be sacked. When they are found wanting, they should be prosecuted.

The REC in Akwa-Ibom State was a principal actor in the robbery of the electorate of their votes. It is against this background that I propose that,

as part of measures to reposition our electoral system, wherever and whenever the tribunals upturn any election, contrary to the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), either at the state, presidential or National assembly level, any authorizing officer, responsible for that election, must be brought to book.

This is because if we accept the decisions of the tribunals and the courts as they are, without also considering disciplinary measures against electoral officers that perpetrated these frauds, then, we may still have challenges in our electoral system in the future.

It is against this background that I humbly recommend that, apart from probably, sacking these electoral officers, they must also be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others, because a situation where a REC or an electoral officer collects bribe from a particular candidate and commits malpractices to favour that candidate is detrimental to the system.

There is also the challenge of the independence of the Judiciary, which is a very serious challenge to the attainment of justice. The in-coming government must also look at this.

Don’t you think the problem is with the current appointment process, where the President could appoint anybody, including his party members as REC or in any other capacity?

I partly agree. But, you will agree with me too that there are RECs that

are appointed by government, who do not allow themselves to be used to subvert the people’s wishes. So, I think one, INEC should be independent, whereby the powers to appoint electoral officers are divested from the President and vested with other authorities. That will, in a way, also create independence. But, a corrupt electoral officer is corrupt.

What informed the call for the relocation of the tribunals outside the state, as is the case with Rivers State?

We applied to the President of the Court of Appeal to relocate the tribunals from the state because of security reasons. We want the Court of Appeal President to replicate what was done in the case of Rivers, to also

‘

We applied to the President of the Court of Appeal to relocate the tribunals from the state because of security reasons. We want the Court of Appeal President to replicate what was done in the case of Rivers, to also move the Akwa Ibom State tribunals to Abuja because of the security concerns we experienced during the elections in the state

’

•Ekpenyong

move the Akwa-Ibom State tribunals to Abuja because of the security concerns we experienced during the elections in the state.

What is very fundamental is that we see the tribunal as a divine assignment. That is the more reason, despite the challenges that had bedeviled the independence of the Judiciary too, we are urging the tribunal to see this responsibility as a divine assignment and live up to its responsibilities by dispensing justice without fear or favour.

This is because the judicial officers are also fundamental actors in the actualization of our dream of a viable electoral system. You cannot dispense with the fact that they are principal actors too. And, until we are

40 - 44 POLITICS ( FREE II) - 20-05-2015 -WED

able to have the independence that they truly deserve, and we have men and women of proven integrity at the helm of affairs, these challenges in our electoral system will persist.

Why do you query the management of the state’s resources?

Akwa-Ibom State currently remains the state with the highest debt profile as a result of over borrowing. And yet, the state is the second richest in terms of the allocation from the Federation Account. If the state has the highest debt profile, while still doubling as the second oil rich state in the country, then something is amaze.

What is happening is that there is total profligacy and extravagance in the handling of the resources of the people by the incumbent administration. We believe that people will not come from outside to build our society for us. The resources of Akwa-Ibom State have been grossly mismanaged. We recall it was the pro-activeness of some people in Delta State that brought the case of James Ibori to light.

Do you intend to approach the anti-corruption agencies on this? Do you have sufficient evidence to support your allegations?

We have preponderance of evidence to the effect that the resources of the state have been recklessly mismanaged, but we do not have confidence in the anti-graft agencies right now. So, to this end, we are calling on the President-elect to do everything possible and to match his words with action, because he has promised to fight corruption, by reforming the anti-graft agencies.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Transition blues

•Transition committees should not be platforms for petty partisan wrangling

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NE of the marvels of democratic elections is the promise of another era and the smooth jettisoning of the reigning regime. It is a rite that comes with not a few rights. But one of the great rights is that the people who ushered in a new dispensation should enjoy their entitlement to the spectacle of new faces, new leadership and the exit of the old.

It is not always an enjoyable ritual for the departing, whether they suffer from the opponent’s cliffhanger victory or a historic shellacking. To lose in a democratic process comes with its inevitable pangs and it is all too human.

Yet the loser and winner are expected to show grace, to unveil in their conduct, speeches and symbolisms a respect for the majesty of the democratic system.

It was cheering to observe that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan pulled off a

‘In spite of its vantage position, the Buhari team should not evince a sense of a gloating inquisitor or triumphalism. If by losing the Jonathan team is limping with wounds, generosity of spirit is the least that the Buhari team should show. The greater picture is Nigeria. They should note too that the government will take over power and it is not guaranteed to operate without human errors’

first in the grace of a concession phone call to winner Muhammadu Buhari in an election in which his was an inaugural loss in our history. But since then the nation has been hostage to a series of comical shenanigans in the relationships between the transition committees of both outgoing Jonathan and incoming Buhari.

While the nation learned that both committees had been set up barely two weeks after the March 28 presidential elections, it was hard to believe that until a week ago, both committees had not had a joint session. Their public image rattled with recriminations on both sides, each side accusing the other of bad faith. The Jonathan team lashed out at the Buhari team for bullying intrusiveness. On the other hand, the Buhari team caviled at what it saw as Jonathan’s team’s coy defensiveness.

We understand that having been in government for close to six years the Jonathan government may have felt a proprietary jealousy about its activities in government, especially if some of the doings would not minister grace to the ears or apple to the eyes.

But government has two important virtues. One, it is a continuum, and that means when the people have decided to oust a regime, it has to give way to the party of choice by the people.

Two, government is a public trust, and the principle of transparency dictates that whatever happens inside its inner sanctum should ultimately be made available to the people like a fish bowl.

It therefore behooves the transition team of the Jonathan administration to

cooperate even if it implies that the unsavoury facts hit the public space. It is, however, inevitable since the regime will quit on May 29.

In spite of its vantage position, the Buhari team should not evince a sense of a gloating inquisitor or triumphalism. If by losing the Jonathan team is limping with wounds, generosity of spirit is the least that the Buhari team should show.

The greater picture is Nigeria. They should note too that the government will take over power and it is not guaranteed to operate without human errors.

In fact, more tolerance is required from the Buhari team because as winner they are closer to the tolerant spirits than the losers who still chafe and pine.

But this has not happened in the centre alone. In Jigawa State, Governor Sule Lamido has travelled out on an ostensible vacation to avoid initiating a handover process to his successor. This is simply irresponsible. The office is no private fief and the good people of Jigawa who gave him eight years of unfettered reign require less than eight weeks of cooperation in this regard.

In Rivers State, Governor Rotimi Amaechi has no transition team. This newspaper has condemned the farce of the election that came off as gubernatorial polls. In spite of that evident brigandage, the path of honour compels Governor Amaechi to bow to the decency of process just as he awaits the tribunal to follow the rules in adjudicating the appeal over the elections.

It is the rule of law and not the whim of men that ennobles democracy.

Extradition order •Our concern is that the rule of law was followed in the case involving the ex-NSMPC boss

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AST week, a Federal High Court presided over by Justice Evoh Chukwu, ordered the extradition of the former Managing Director of Nigeria Security Minting and Printing Company (NSMPC), Mr Ehidiamhen Okomoyon, to the United Kingdom. In making the order, Justice Chukwu held that the Extradition Treaty of 1931, made applicable in Nigeria in 1935, has not been repealed. The court further held that by virtue of section 315(4) of the 1999 constitution, the act is deemed to be an act of the National Assembly. The argument by the defence counsel, Mr Alex Izinyon (SAN) that there is no subsisting extradition treaty between Nigeria and United Kingdom was dismissed.

In his spirited argument before the court, the defence counsel further argued that part of the alleged crime was committed in Nigeria, and the defendant was willing to undergo a trial in Nigeria. The counsel therefore argued that allowing the extradition would amount to the subordination of Nigeria’s sovereignty to that of the United Kingdom. No doubt, these are weighty arguments, which we hope the court took into consideration in arriving at its judgment. However, our paramount interest is the strict observance of the rule of law, in dealing with the rights of Citizen Ehidiamhen Okomoyon. It is also important to ask whether reciprocity is embedded in the 1931 treaty, to grant Nigeria the right to ask for the extradition of British citizens, where there has been infringement of our laws.

Of significance is the crime allegedly committed by the former Managing Director of NSMPC. According to reports, the defendant is wanted in the United Kingdom over his alleged role in the allegation of bribery, involving the NSMPC, the Central Bank of Nigeria and Securency International Pty of Australia, between 2006 and 2008. It is surprising that while the details of the bribery scandal against Mr Okomoyon, who allegedly used some of his domestic staff to perpetrate the crime, has been in the public domain for years, there has been no criminal indictment by relevant authorities in Nigeria.

For us, while the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Mohammed Adoke (SAN), may be obligated to pursue the extradition request by the British High Commission; it is strange that his office failed to bring Mr Okomoyon to trial for the crimes principally committed against Nigeria. After all, the money involved in the bribery scandal and the recipient primarily emanated from Nigeria. Even more indicting is the fact that the whistle on the alleged bribery scandal was also blown outside the country, which showed how ineffective our investigative agencies are. The import is that the criminal justice system that the AGF presides over is ineffective.

It is also worrisome that the AGF has to rely on a 1931 treaty, in dealing with the fundamental rights of a Nigerian, which became independent in 1960. The underlining implication is that the treaty referred to was made under colonial rule,

with all the likely challenges and shortcomings. Considering the elaborate provisions on extradition in our laws, it is unacceptable that the primary legislation should be a colonial relic, when we have operated the office of AGF of Independent Nigeria, for over 50 years.

To save the state, time and resources, in proving the existence of extradition treaties between Nigeria and friendly countries, as in the present case; the relevant colonial laws should be re-enacted by our parliament, and made applicable only to countries that are willing to offer similar terms of reciprocity. We also urge the office of the AGF to borrow a leaf from the UK, to deal with the foreign components of the mind-boggling criminal infractions committed against Nigeria in recent times, with the connivance of foreigners.

‘To save the state, time and resources, in proving the existence of extradition treaties between Nigeria and friendly countries, as in the present case; the relevant colonial laws should be re-enacted by our parliament, and made applicable only to countries that are willing to offer similar terms of reciprocity’

Still on Buhari’s directive to drivers

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IR: The recent directive by the President elect General Muhamadu Buhari, to his drivers and security motorcade to obey traffic rules and regulations is heart-warming particularly to those engaged in the task of ensuring safety of lives and properties on our highways.

This is coming from a backdrop of the fact that political interference has been a major challenge to road safety practice in Nigeria. It is the job of our leaders, politicians and legislators to create the context and awareness to move Nigeria from her present status of being the second most dangerous country in the world to one of the best in terms of safety of lives and properties in the Highway Transportation System.

The fear being exhibited by our refereed Professor Bolaji Akinyemi is not a misplaced one but the directive of the President-elect should be seen as clarion call to safety and security agencies including those responsible for providing and maintaining road furniture an fittings to wake up to their responsibilities.

The present situation on all major highways, where there are absence of interactive road signs and pavement markings, where broken down vehicles are left unattended to for days without warning signs, where contractors fail to put effective traffic management processes and procedure at construction sites leading to loss of lives and serious injuries, with no one held responsible for the lapses should be addressed as a matter of urgency.

The directive is a call for security agencies to step up Intelligence gathering, efficient policing of black spots along of the routes and highways.

This directive is also expected to ginger up related agencies to ensure prompt removal of obstacles on Nigerian highways, provide real time information about conditions of the highways, ensure efficient traffic control, carry out effective monitoring and control of traffic signal lights, prevent road side and ‘inside’ traffic trading, hawking.

Nigerian road users as well traffic law enforcement agencies have a lot to benefit from this admirable and forward looking directive from the president-elect. I believe that a ‘Yellow Card’ has been issued to remove impunity from our highways.

It is the beginning of sanity and discipline on our highways to ensure safety of lives and properties. The current situation where almost all vehicles, from road traffic unions, bank executives, big boys in the society use sirens and drive with reckless abandon disregarding and disobeying road traffic rules and regulations, pushing smaller vehicles off the roads leading to serious injuries and fatalities is unacceptable.

The belief that security is guaranteed when traffic rules and regulations are flouted cannot be justified. We have seen many traffic accidents involving the high and mighty in the society, most of these are due to the fact that speed rules are disregarded, sirens are used to obtain Right of Way forcefully. Their drivers feel above the law and forget that road traffic crashes have no diplomatic or other immunities.

• Ayodeji Peter Oyedokun, Abuja

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

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Permit me to use this medium to congratulate you for the success your political party recorded in the recent general elections in the country. I must also quickly add that, I sympathize with you over the state of helplessness the nation you are going to preside over has degenerated to.

Sir, it would be absolutely impossible for anyone to analyze to you the magnitude of challenges facing our institutions on the pages of newspapers, suffice to say that, one could attempt to select critical ones.

I have therefore decided to pick on the Civil Service being the fulcrum within which the bureaucracy revolves as well as the imperative of policy sustainability and democratic stability in Nigeria.

The Civil Service has of recent, witnessed many reform initiatives aimed at repositioning it in order to face the contemporary challenges of globalization and economic development. Unfortunately however, despite the numerous reforms, not much success has been recorded, while the little made has been whittled down over the years.

The fundamental reason behind this apparent lack of sustainability, is largely due to the failure of the Civil Service as an institution to perform its role responsibly aris-

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Open letter to President-elect ing from its docility and lack of capacity to adjust to contemporary challenges.

The collateral effect of this unfortunate action has therefore affected the performances of other regulatory institutions such as the Federal Civil Service Commission, Federal Character Commission, Public Complaints Commission, National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission in view of their symbiotic relationships. Of particular concern is the apparent lack of monitoring and coordination often exhibited by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on regulatory matters. A situation where circulars and other directives emanating from such office are not enforced jeopardizes the essence of the Office and promotes impunity in the system. The feedback mechanism has been truncated, and only mat-

ters of “mutual interest” are concluded. Similarly, record keeping and management, which is vital for national development plans is lacking thereby leading to duplication of efforts and waste of resources as well as the loss of institutional memory.

You may be surprised to know that, there is hardly any issue of national Importance that has not been analyzed and documented by participants of the National Institute for Policy and Strategies Studies (NIPSS). Yet, the Office of the Vice President and that of the Head of Civil Service pays little or no attention to such papers. I honestly find it difficult to rationalize a situation where the country spends about N15 million per course on each of the 65 participants in Kuru and yet has no programme for them despite our deficit in capacity building.

What Jonathan must do before exit IR: President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is a good man. His administration will be ending on May 29. But please Sir, before you leave, do everything humanly and spiritually possible to give Nigeria fuel. It will be very sad to do otherwise because Nigerians may still require your service in other higher capacities in the future. So I want history to always see you as a good man that you are.

Kindly disregard Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and her antics that hardly jell in this fuel matter. I just cannot understand how she agreed Nigeria owes fuel importers but does not know the

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exact amount of debt because the transactions are in rolling nature.

For example, about two weeks ago when Okonjo-Iweala had a meeting with the leadership of the fuel importers, she agreed that it was N154 billion that was paid to the importers; a week earlier she said N156 billion was paid to them.

Honourable Minister, what exactly did you pay to the importers?

On what is outstanding, the importers are claiming N200 billion; apparently, she does not know.

Nigerians need to know: xactly how much does Nigeria owe the importers? Amazingly, OkonjoIweala says she cannot state categorically the amount due to the

flux nature of the transaction. What an answer!

Dear President, kindly look for money and settle whatever debt the importers say they are being owed. It will be honourable not to hand over this debt and the long queues Nigerians have been facing since three weeks now to the incoming government. You are a good and honourable man, doing this singular thing will make history and indeed Nigerians to wholeheartedly forgive you as you requested.

• Okachikwu Dibia Abuja.

I read in the dailies that government has been borrowing money to pay salaries of federal Civil Servants. I am the least surprised by the Finance Minister’s pronouncement. This is largely because the Office to the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and that of the Accountant General of the Federation lacks the proper coordination mechanism to monitor the activities of the newly introduced Integrated Personnel Payroll System (IPPS). The managers of the system have abused the principle behind the programme and now collabo-

rate with Parastatals and Agencies to capture irregular employees into the national budget.

Sir, it is also imperative to note that, successive regimes have been faced challenges of inadequate institutional policy and legal frame work leading to the duplication of projects, overlapping mandates for agencies and institutions and lack of clarity of institutional programmes which affect their performances. Recently, the Orosanye Committee recommended the merger and scrapping of institutions with overlapping responsibilities in order to curtail waste and improve performance, but political interest by President Jonathan’s administration denied its implementation. This should therefore be explored in view of our dwindling resource and high external debt.

• Salisu Auwal, mni, Kano

Re: Biafra: Allow us to enjoy our Nigeria

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IR: The write-up by one Simon Abah from Port Harcourt which appeared in “The Nation” of Monday May 18 refers. Much as his write-up made some interesting reading, it contained half-truths and falsehoods which need to be urgently corrected. First, perhaps unknown to Simon Abah, a large chunk of the South-south belongs to the Igbo.

The Igbo occupy nine local government areas in Delta State and about six local government areas in Rivers State plus large populations of Igbo resident in the other four states in the South-south.

Secondly Abah may not be aware of the fact that the so-called oil wells mentioned in his article belong to the federal government.

They are not owned by the Southsouth and that is why the federal government pays oil producing states including Imo, Abia and Anambra states in the South-east 13% derivation.

Thirdly Abah may be wrongly

basking under a false euphoria of South-south unity. But how united are they? Do all parts of the Southsouth have oil? You have the Ijaws, Kalabaris, Ibibios, Efik, Anang, the Edos, the Urhobos all different ethnic groups in the South-south. Do all of them have oil?

Fourthly, when the Igbo make reference to the South-south, they refer to their kith and kin in the South-south, not necessarily because of the so-called oil wells in the South-south but because of brotherly love. The Igbo have shown tremendous love to the South-south by supporting one of their own en masse during the last general elections. People like Simon Abah should allow this healing process to run its full course and stop sowing seeds of discord between the Igbo and the rest of the South-south.

• Ike Ugwuadu Lagos

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

21

COMMENTS

Our Girls; Better IDP care; ‘Fulani Herdsmen-Farmers War’- ‘Cow Meat Boycott’ and Mass Transit the answer?

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IR: Our Girls are still missing since April15, 2014, what a tragedy for the families and our country. We often claim there are no jobs for our professionals and tell them to be-

Tony Marinho come entrepreneurs. With high unemployment of professionals will 100 psychologists now be recruited, employed and deployed by government, NEMA, the Red Cross and other agencies. They are needed for the mental and emotional care of those traumatised by the bullets, bombs, bestiality or bereavement of war. Available assistance appears stretched to the limit in caring for Internally Displaced Persons. Yet over N57billion was raised by the Victims Fund and more donated internationally. This is the time for IT-monitored, accountable, open-handed, quick action and red tape-cutting assistance with no corruption or bureaucratic bottlenecks leading to another monumental government failure to help Nigerians. If Nigerians fail to quickly rehabilitate our over two million victims, we do not deserve to be a country. We see no money collections and posters and media urging volunteers and donations towards the relief effort. Who are the faces of Nigerian women leadership leading the support efforts for victims? This HUMANITARIAN WAR EFFORT is what Governors’ wives and the wife of the new President should be proud to do FROM DAY ONE in the new dispensation in association with the women of Nollywood, women professional bodies, wives of the armed forces, wives of bankers etc. I say ‘wives’ but men also need to support this war effort.

The destruction in the Middle East should worry all of us. Here, the Boko Haram War will not go away. It keeps rearing its ugly explosive murderous ‘here today-gone tomorrow- back the next day’, guerrilla-style tactics so successfully used in the past by the Boko Haram war machine. The recurrent war events in Maiduguri and the recapture of Borno towns already retaken by Nigeria sug-

A

S usual, on Tuesday, May 12, I was anxious to listen to Channels Television’s 10pm news broadcast. This segment of the day’s news bulletin has been my favourite since the debut of the TV station many years ago. But on this particular day, I was much more eager to listen to the news because of the council of state’s meeting, the last to be presided over by the outgoing president, Goodluck Jonathan, which took place at the presidential villa earlier in the day. I knew there may be one or two important news emanating from that meeting. Besides, the newspapers had insinuated that Solomon Arase, who until that day was in acting capacity as Inspector General of Police, could be made a substantive IG at that meeting.

The news that night opened with some video footage from the Council of State meeting. In the group photograph which was featured at the tail end of the report, nine surviving former Heads of State - Generals Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Babaginda, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Olusegun Obasanjo, Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Ernest Shonekan and Alhaji Shehu Shagari - were featured. Of the lot, only three of them, including Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, are civilians. The rest are military rulers. Some of them have come back as civilian presidents Obasanjo and Buhari, who will be taking over the reins of government pretty soon.

The highlight of the day’s news was the confirmation of the appointment of Solomon Arase as substantive IG after serving in acting capacity for less than one month.

gest the need for larger forces. Driving Boko Haram away is not the complete answer. The exits must be sealed and the enemy captured. Therefore we need the establishment of efficient commando counter-terrorism guerrilla-style Nigerian Special Forces units in the bush to encircle and cut off escape routes into the bush, forest and across borders. In the national interest and that of millions displaced and at daily risk of being blown up by an increasing number of forced and volunteer suicide female bombers, misplaced military pride must be replaced by cooperation and pragmatism.

There is need for better Nigerian/ Nigerien/ Chadian military cooperation. The publicised, un-denied use of mercenaries is not without its huge financial cost. It seems the Nigerian Army has fallen foul of the ‘Consultants Disease’ infecting the federal and state civil service, parastatals like NNPC and even the private sector where at every point ‘Consultants’ are invited to do the ‘dirty’ work like raise taxes from the population, sack staff, conduct forensic audit of accounts and now even fight wars.

Often if that cost was properly injected given to the organisation as motivation and material, the same result would have been achieved in the often badly demoralised primary organisation.

Amidst the euphoria of ‘change’ come May 29 and with just 1460 days in control of Nigeria, there are some hard decisions needed. The political battle and war may have been won but there is also real ‘blood and dead bodies’ wars. Boko Haram has local and international, political and religious, poverty and financial, radical and rapist components. But there is another war, a local war which killed three Tiv farmers this last weekend. This ‘our war’ is rooted in Nigerian feudalism and the terrors of an expansionist history, religious and political, territorial and right of way/passage through farms and drive for conquest and humiliation of others. The recent deadly attacks in Taraba, Plateau and Benue resulting in 100 to 400 deaths and involving men in Nigerian army uniform, Fulani herdsmen and perhaps fatal differences between local tribal populations especially farmers. The cost is high and rising with reported tit-for-tat deadly attacks by Fulani herdsmen and farmers in the over 20+ year old

Fulani herdsmen-farmers war. It has defied all the conflict resolution attempts of local and international expert mediators to date who must redouble their efforts in the coming months for success.

Can Buhari stop this ‘The Other War’? Has he got the moral authority? Can the military be applied neutrally?

As an interested party, after all he is Fulani, will he be able to be fair to all concerned, as Rotarians will say? Are the causes of this Fulani Herdsmen-Farmers War just difficulties over ‘grazing rights’ or ‘watering holes’ or deep ‘ethnic agendas’ like seizing farmlands and produce without due process or payment for village and farm produce consumed by herdsmen, their families and cattle? There has been historical animosity. Too often the incumbent federal government disarms one side, exposing it to attack or prosecutes one side for possession of weapons for defence as the government does nothing to protect them.

Nigerians must look for other meat that does not cost the lives of its wonderful farming families and gallant soldiers. Why eat meat costing lives or livelihoods of families- Blood Meat. Will a cow Meat Boycott bring sanity through trailer and train transport? Perhaps! In the 21st Century cattle can easily be fed, watered and fattened at source on large northern farms and moved by train or trailer nationwide eliminating the North-South cowherd routes.

‘Are the causes of this Fulani Herdsmen-Farmers War just difficulties over ‘grazing rights’ or ‘watering holes’ or deep ‘ethnic agendas’ like seizing farmlands and produce without due process or payment for village and farm produce consumed by herdsmen, their families and cattle?’

Abba: Lest we forget As the news scroll had it that day, it was “a record confirmation within one month”. It was in the process of confirming Arase that the president gave a little insight into the real reason why Suleiman Abba was summarily eased out of office last month after nine months in the saddle as IG. According to reports, Abba was eased out because of “noticeable indiscipline in the rank and file of the police under his command”.

Though the report did not expatiate on what was termed indiscipline, the reason given by the government tallies with insinuations and speculations that greeted Abba’s sudden removal. The speculation then was that it might not be unconnected with the fall-out of the 2015 general elections particularly the presidential election in which the incumbent president was defeated. Since that defeat, many people in sensitive positions at the federal level have been sent packing. It is like a wounded tiger has come to town and has been baring its claws ever since.

Like I pointed out in my column dated April 29, titled: “Abba: A Sacrificial Lamb”, the former IG had to be sacrificed for not superintending over a shambolic election which was what his paymasters had anticipated. We are all aware of the shenanigans that took place in Rivers State in the governorship election.

That issue will soon become a subject of litigation. We are aware of the role played by some very important people in that election, from

‘It is on record that Abba presided over the most peaceful elections in Nigeria’s history.

He probably read the mood of the nation correctly and knew that Nigerians will not take kindly to any attempt to rig the last elections’

the INEC commissioner in the state to an empress who relocated to the state many weeks before the election. And of course, the issue of the deployment of senior police officers to monitor the state’s election and the counter-order or marching order issued to the officers. How the media blew the surreptitious moves open and the hullabaloo that followed in high quarters when all the secret manoeuvres leaked to the public.

Then I remember that James F. Entwistle, the American Ambassador to Nigeria, visited the police headquarters in Abuja to give the “boys” a pat on the back for a job well done. The visit, which was aired on Channels TV’s 10p.m news on Monday, April 20, showed the footage of Abba, responding to all the good things the ambassador said on the police performance during the just concluded 2015 general elections. Abba said: “The elections were peaceful because my men went to the field and complied with instructions - be professional, don’t support any party and don’t be partisan in any way”. According to him, “that was exactly what they did and this is responsible for the relative peace the country is now enjoying”.

That sounds like a statement from a tough cop who knows his onions.

As it is customary, Channels TV repeated the footage in subsequent news bulletins on that day, all through the night. Also, at 7:15 am the following day, shortly before the newspapers’ review, that is, during its News Track, the footage, once again, came on the TV station.

Either by sheer telepathy or something else, when the footage came up again that morning, something in me told me that some people, somewhere, might interpret Abba’s innocent words to be an affront especially given the prevailing mood in high places after the

ruling party was beaten silly in the elections. In any case, what Abba said on Channels TV was what really happened. It was a departure from previous elections when policemen will operate side-by-side or hand-in-hand with political thugs, taking directives from unscrupulous political godfathers, snatching ballot boxes, simulating arrests like was witnessed during the last governorship elections in Ekiti State and later, Osun State, including some other stupid things very unbecoming of law enforcement officers. In the last elections, nothing of such happened. If it happened at all, it was insignificant and too infinitesimal to raise eye-brows. That was why the Americans gave the police a pat on the back for a job well done as well as promising to assist the agency in strengthening their operational capabilities through training and all that.

Unfortunately, back at home, what did Abba get? Less than 24 hours after the visit of the American Ambassador and his team, Abba got the boot. The whole nation was jolted. I am sure the Americans were, too. Of course, Nigerians are no fools. They can read between the lines. Talk of the African proverb: “The witches cried last night and today, a child in the neighbourhood drops dead....” Now, the removal of Abba is being couched in a deceitful garb. Speaking to newsmen last week on why Abba was removed, Mike Okiro, chairman, Police Service Commission, said; “Going by the explanation President Jonathan gave when one of the governors raised the question, the president took the action because of the gross indiscipline he noticed among the rank and file under his watch”. Hey, here we go again. Go tell that to the marines!

It is on record that Abba presided over the most peaceful elec-

Dele Agekameh tions in Nigeria’s history. He probably read the mood of the nation correctly and knew that Nigerians will not take kindly to any attempt to rig the last elections. In fact, rigging an election such as the last one, could probably have thrown the country into a great conflagration the magnitude of which could lead to a major catastrophe. But thank God, the whole elections ended conclusively. Abba too, deserves praise. Not condemnation. Not blackmail. At any rate, whatever is said about Abba now does not matter. Nigeria has moved on.

And talking about indiscipline in the police, it is an affliction of epidemic proportion. Over the years, the activities of the bad elements have continued to overshadow the good intentions of some of the finest officers in the system. Already, Arase said that he has let loose some units of mad dogs to go after the corrupt elements. Indeed, it looks like an impossible task. That department is damn rotten. Therefore, retrieving it from the abyss into which it has sunk requires a major surgical operation. Not grandstanding. Not any quick-fix approach.

God help Nigeria, help Arase.

• For comments, text (only) to: 08058354382

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

COMMENTS ‘Since President Jonathan is close to the church and does not lack the company of pastors, he should know by now that the Almighty God is not against the principle of accountability. He should also by now have come across that portion of the Holy writ that says our mind would be at rest if our conscience is clear. President Jonathan should rejoice that he’ll have his day to defend his policies and programmes if his conscience is clear that he treated Nigerians fairly. Equating stewardship accountability with persecution is sending the signal that he has some skeletons in his cupboard. From Simon Oladapo, Ogbomoso’ •Amosun For Olatunji Dare That was a beautiful public relations article for Chief Segun Osoba - your professional colleague - but he cannot reap where he did not sow. It is a pity that he became ‘weary and fainted’ at the doorstep of success! Anonymous ACN came to government in Ogun State in 2011. Osoba plight commenced with the post2003 leadership squabble among Southwest progressives, and might have been accentuated by the landlord-tenant syndrome between old AD and decampees that formed ACN. Anyway, Osoba remains an icon. - Anonymous Re: Osoba: The veteran politician at bay. Prof, say, use, write all embellished words, prose in defence of Segun Osoba to promote him, it will not fly. He has earned the wages of crass opportunism that have worked for him since Jose made him. Arogance is an attribute as against a back stabber fit to describe him. Who will send such a person as High Commissioner to UK? - From Siji Adelugba, Osogbo Re: GEJ: Wrong on de Klerk.Thank you for the prompt observation and correction . One wonders if a Nigerian Head of State does not grasp with recent African history.The more reason we should re-introduce History subject to our JSS students. Charity begins from home. Some of us met European History in the West African Examinations Council’s (WAEC’s) syllabus. - From L. O. David, Gwagwalada.

Oga Olatunji, may the Almighty increase your wisdom, knowledge and understanding to discharge your humongous talent and superlative genetic-endowment more and more.To me, Chief Olusegun Osoba shouldn’t have left the party he was one of the pioneer and think-thank member for any reason, be it oppression or intimidation to form another party, despite the intervention and contribution of big wigs of the party. Because good things come to those who wait patiently. - From Amidu Saheed Olowo, Ifo. I read your piece titled: ‘GEJ: Wrong on de Klerk’ in The Nation of May 16, this year. I also read the president’s statement the day before in The Nation. I hope you are not saying that the president is a bad historian. Perhaps it is misinformation as this has mired his administration and made it difficult to identify any positive impact it has made on the polity.

Thank you for the timely correction. - Anonymous Sir, Please, organise a reconciliation for Uncle Segun Osoba to come back to APC. I understand his feelings; let us see how Asiwaju Tinubu can find a placement for him at the national level. Governor Ibikunle Amosun will be brought into the reconciliation. The problem almost cost APC Ogun State. I am from Osun State but live in Lagos. I am not happy when I remember that Osoba, Asiwaju’s comrade in the struggle, is out of this victory dance. Our victory is not complete without him. Please I want to be allowed to come with you to the reconciliation; ditto the Amosun group. - From Michael A. B. Awojide, Magodo GRA, Lagos.

Re: Osoba: The veteran politician at bay. What Chief Osoba failed to understand was that, the ‘era of ordinary name usage’ to win an election was gone. Since Governor Amosun is satisfying the Ogun citizens with the dividends of democracy, the people will always save him from persecution! It is a great lesson for those who believe so much in ‘a tree would make a forest’. Ride on Governor Amosun.- From Lanre Oseni.

I have read your column a few times and May 12, this year’s edition was one of them. In the piece, you erroneously wrote that Senator Ibikunle Amosun rode on the back of ACN in 2007 governorship election. No. In 2007, it was the assassinated Dipo Dina that was candidate in that election. Amosun ran on the platform

of ANPP in 2007 and ran on the canopy of ACN in 2011 and was re-elected in the year on the platform of APC. - From Dr. Francis Agbo Re: Osoba:the veteran politician at bay. A politician who dumps a house he has built simply because he “could not get his nominees appointed to the state cabinet” is certainly not worth the encomium you poured on him and will never be an ”excellent High commissioner”. - From Comrade Ogbale Ogah, Benue State For Segun Gbadegesin Re: Statism, Regionalism and nationalism. Regionalism will complement national development if both (Regions and Federal) follow the ‘path to development’ with open minds and without bias. The region(s) should not flout the national laws as if they are autonomous while the Federal should not deny the region(s) their entitlements. - From Lanre Oseni.

Segun, your postulations on regionalism are fantastic, but we have come a long way from the 50s and 60s. Moreover, your regionalism is synonymous with parliamentary system contrary to our system. Let’s patriotically give Statism a chance. - From Ebere Egbuna Sir, I agree with you on your article titled: ‘Statism, regionalism and nationalism’. I believe it will go a long way in bringing about regional development vis-as-vis national growth. I hope the Buhari government will think towards that line. - From Salamatu Gawu For Gbenga Omotoso Wonderful article in The Nation. Quite ingenious. - From Offiong Okon, Calabar.

The Buhari government should not leave any stone unturn in probing the outgoing government of President Goodluck Jonathan because corruption is rooted in that government. Before Nigeria would move forward, we should recover all the stolen money from the politicians. - From Gordon Chika Nnorom Nice one Gbenga in The Coming Persecution.

A lot of questions need urgent answers. We should also revisit Soludo’s allegations. The guilty are afraid. - Anonymous Don’t mind them, the snake and what it swallowed shall soon lay bare. Thanks. - Anonymous We have written much on the impending battle against corruption by the incoming administration. This is a task that must be done, not only in the federal ministries and agencies, but also in the states, particularly in the Southsouth. By the time some governors are exposed, former governors Ibori and Alamesiegha’s cases will be a child’s play.

Anonymous Finance Minister Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and her Petroleum counterpart Mrs AllisonMadueke are shameless and without conscience. I am not a politician, just an ardent reader of your column, and I would advise them to go into exile if they don’t want to rot in jail in the General Buhari government. Well done, sir; keep up the good work. - From Mr. Ajibolu Afolabi, Mr Omotoso, your last back page was refreshing. When last did our military get modern weapons? Lest we forget, the military lack modern weapons. This is because its high command or better the government refused to equip it for fear of coups. Why did our allies refuse to help us in time of need? Thanks to China and Russia for helping out. All that happened during the year of the locust was a covert and overt operation. To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be accomplished. - Anonymous I just Love This Editorial Notebook so funny. It’s part of Change o. - Anonymous Good day, just read your persuasive piece on the Coming Persecution. Let me say that Buhari has a huge task ahead. Extra care and humility will help him. Those around Buhari will spoil the soup, I am afraid. - Anonymous

Nigerians are very merciful people.They are not going to prosecute (or persecute) anybody provided they return the loot. Jonathan should know better if truly he is a man of honour. - From Femi Johnson.

Gbenga, well done for the last Editorial notebook. Kindly help to inform the public about our pensions and gratuities. Many others and I retired in October, last year from the Nigeria Police, after 35 years. Each time we met at Leadway Pension Office, the officials would be preaching peace till date. - Anonymous President Jonathan and his team need not be afraid of the day of reckoning; it must come whether they like it or not. The day of reckoning is here; therefore, they must face the consequences of their action for running the entire system of governance aground. Presidentelect Buhari should not allow them weep up any sentiment.The future of our children is bleak; therefore, we demand justice and l think this is the expectation of Nigerians from the incoming administration. - Anonymous Egbon Gbenga, I read your article, are you saying Jonathan’s administration was not corrupt? From Akin Oreoluwa What an excellent article. Please keep it up.

- From Mukhtar Zakari, Suleja.

Re:The coming persecution. Sir, congratulations on your sincere, emotional and wellbalanced article. But while would anyone, including some of your media colleagues, describe Jonathan’s administration as the most corrupt and inefficient and must pay for its sins? For me, this administration has recorded some achievements which must be appreciated. Rather, Nigerians are researching on how to down the president and his good ministers. If this trend does not change, Nigerians in the Diaspora and the rest of us may develop cold feet in serving our fatherland. From Abraham Okorodudu.

I cherish your article and enjoy every bit of it. My people in Kogi say: “Only people who display AYO under the sun to dry it will look out if rain is about falling”. - From Idris Lawal, Lokoja.

Gbenga, after reading through your column of last Thursday, I am of the view that a public office holder should be ready to give account of his/her stewardship. To me, this not persecution. From Prince Wale ADdedran, Suleja.

Re: The coming pesecution. Thank you for this apt article. The President’s fear and cry over the impending “persecution” for him and his ministers is based on the fact that he knows the wrong things that have been going on all the while. Why did he not think that a day of reckoning MUST come? If not before men, then before God. He probably thought the latter would apply to him. The converse is his case. Why will questions NOT be asked when public funds were ‘invested’ in public but privately-owned concerns for private benefits?

Where lies were told with relish? Where the desired ends of government’s actions were self-serving etc? He forgot that the common man mattered, except as tools to manufacture figures at elections. I wish to remind him that the right word to use is “PROSECUTION” and NOT “persecution” as he probably made a mistake. The day of reckoning has come. Anonymous.

For Tunji Adegboyega Re: Jonathan’s Freudian slip. President Jonathan met power problem and is leaving it same way. President Jonathan could not coerce the governors who met a fat Sovereign Wealth Fund, hence all of them blew it. Steep fall of exchange rate has been a consequence of sharp fall in oil prices and failure to diversify our economy/fix other products. All of them in governance - FG and states – should be blamed. How many of them set up industries? Is it not only town roads and salary payments they were doing? Where was/is the National Assembly that would legislate compulsorily to revive our refineries? All of

•Osoba them in governance in all the political parties should take blame for our underdevelopment.

The president did not convince us of having fought corruption. Let Mr. President and his aides be prosecuted if there are genuine evidence, otherwise, let sleeping dogs lie. From Lanre Oseni.

You believe you can speak better than President Jonathan. Ask yourself; am I the best in my field? You talk about someone as if you would have done better than him if given the chance. Anonymous.

Why won’ they face prosecution if they stole our money? Those who do not want to be prosecuted should surrender all they stole before handing over on May 29; after all, Nigerians clamoured for change before they emptied our treasury, which has already come.

They must return the money they stole so that Buhari can have money to address our challenges, the power problem, for example.

From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State.

It is a glaring fact that GEJ’s administrative ship eventually capsized because he was not well groomed for the exalted office of presidency. While in charge, he was just like a bad engine that was repaired ‘tokunbowise’ and was working in fits and starts. To the discerning, our president is a weakling, surreptitiously vindictive, rash and irascible in all his decisions.

Consequently, his ubiquitous aides capitalised on his inanities to sweep Nigerians dry in all ramifications, especially via financial alchemy.

Whether GEJ mounts all Pentecostal churches to seek undue divine protection or not, he cannot escape being prosecuted when the chips are down. As for our unduly pretentious minister, she should be de-robed from her Godelian heights for viciously impoverishing the country via her useless economic transformation (sorry) disorganisation .

Nigerians and the international community may be praising GEJ for accepting electoral defeat, but from his recent utterances, it is glaring that by then, he had no choice. Like the Yoruba idiom ‘a ti ka ogbigbo mo ori igi, a mo ibi eye ti a fo’ (which literally means that he surrendered because he knew the game was up).

The game changed when Orubebe overdramatised the message he was sent to deliver to the whole world when INEC was at the verge of pronouncing GMB the victor.

Finally, the loquacious Femi Fani-Kayode must be made to account for his money laundering charges; ditto Madueke, for her tenure as oil minister. From Ch. Soji Oloketuyi, Ijabo street, Igbemo- Ekiti.

I always look forward to reading you on Sundays. A very brilliant piece as usual. Please don’t keep quiet. God bless you sir. Anonymous.

Since President Jonathan is close to the church and does not lack the company of pastors, he should know by now that the Almighty God is not against the principle of accountability. He should also by now have come across that portion of the Holy writ that says our mind would be at rest if our conscience is clear.

President Jonathan should rejoice that he’ll have his day to defend his policies and programmes if his conscience is clear that he treated Nigerians fairly. Equating stewardship accountability with persecution is sending the signal that he has some skeletons in his cupboard. From Simon Oladapo, Ogbomoso.

Jonathan and his government have murdered sleep and shall sleep no more. From Valentine Ojo. Nice, incisive article as usual. As a Yoruba, I can relate with your proverbs, viz the leaves/ soap and prayer/curse. However, a non-Yoruba would need further explanation to be on the same page with you. The governor in reference (who met the treasury empty and left it empty) is Brig-Gen Atom Kpera of Benue State. Keep up the good work. From Tony Esho.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

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BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Dangote Cement’s Q1profit hits N74.7b

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikeze

D

ANGOTE Cement has announced a gross profit of N74.7 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2015, indicating an increase of 10.5 per cent over N67.63 billion recorded in the same period last year.

According to the firm’s unaudited results for first quarter of this year, revenues rose by 10.8 to N114.7billion compared to N103.57 billion in the corresponding period last year. The improvement in the results was buoyed by contributions from non-Nigerian factories Net profit was up 44.1 per cent to N 68.6 billion in contrast to N47.62 billion last year while earnings per share grew by 45.7 per cent to N4.09.

Group cement sales volumes was up by 3.4 per cent to 3.8 million tonnes driven by contributions from South Africa, Senegal, Cameroon and new lines in Nigeria. The margins from Nigeria increased by new pricing, improved gas supply and more use of coal. Dangote Cement Plants are now operational in Zambia and Ethiopia. The new plants are expected to impact positively on the financials of the cement giants.

Speaking on the first quarter results, Chief Executive officer, Dangote Cement, Mr. Onne van der Weijde, said: “Our African projects are now beginning to deliver revenue growth for the Group and even at this early stage we are seeing good potential in all the countries into which we are expanding.

“Senegal has made an excellent start, Cameroon is poised for a strong entry into an exciting growth market and Sephaku Cement is clearly shaking up the South African market as the first new entrant in many years.”

Summer: US airlines expect bumper traffic

L

EADING United States airlines are projecting a banner summer for air travel as international flights carry an alltime high number of passengers, an industry trade group said.

Airlines for America (A4A) estimated that US airlines would carry 222 million passengers from June 1 through August 31, an average of 2.4 million per day.

That would mark a 4.5 percent increase, or 104,000 passengers per day, from a year earlier.

International flights will carry 31 million of this summer's passengers, a record high, the trade group said.

A4A said the top five most popular nonstop international destinations from the United States are, in descending order: Canada, Mexico, Britain, Germany and Japan.

Airlines are increasing the number of available seats during the summer by 4.6 percent, or 126,000 additional seats a day, the most since the 2008-2009 recession, A4A said.

Yearly, the flights getting the biggest seat increases are between the US and Mexico, Britain and China.

Commercial banks are not manufacturing-friendly as their interest rates are usually very high; therefore, commercial banks remain a major challenge to the sector. Even the Bank of Industry’s (BoI) framework, which pegs interest rate at nine per cent, only finances machinery acquisition; it does not cater for working capital.

-MAN President, Dr Frank Jacobs

N12tr debt: WAIFEM urges DMO to halt bond issuance T HE Debt Management Office (DMO) should stop the debt issuance, given Nigeria’s rising debt profile, the Director-General, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), Prof Akpan Ekpo, has said.

“There should be a temporary halt for debt issuance. We also need to monitor our external borrowings,” he added.

The WAIFEM provides support for Nigeria’s Debt Sustainability Analysis conducted yearly by the DMO. Data obtained from DMO shows that Nigeria’s domestic and external debt stocks stand at N12.06 trillion as at March 31.

Ekpo told The Nation that the Debt Office needs to be more innovative in issuing bonds, adding that states should also slow down on debt issuance.

He said the practice where most of the commercial banks buy the issued bonds, make their margins and declare huge profits does not benefit the economy.

Ekpo also added that the practice where the government borrows to pay salaries is not only worrisome, but dangerous for the economy.

The DMO regularly issues bond instruments which create more debts for the economy. Last Wednesday, the DMO sold bonds worth N60 billion at lower yields on all tenors. In a statement, it said investors submitted total bids of N183.34 billion compared with N184.72 billion it received at the previous auction.

The lower yields reflected the trend in the secondary market, which remained at below 14 per cent, following a sharp rise immediately after the peaceful elections in March.

The five-year, 10-year and 20-year tenors each received a total of N20 billion, DMO said.

The five-year paper was sold at 13.84 per cent, lower than 14.44 per cent it during last month’s auction.

The 10-year bond fetched a yield of 13.48 per cent against 14.22 per cent last month, while the 20-year debt attracted a yield of 13.88 per cent compared with 14.45 per cent last month.

But the concerns of most Nigerians is that in most cases, the raised funds are not channeled into building vi-

By Colins Nweze

able infrastructure that supports economic growth and development but ends up being wasted in frivolous projects.

Ekpo explained that in 2004, Nigeria’s debt stock amounted to about $46.6 billion, which comprised $35.9 billion of external debt and $10.7 billion of domestic debt. He said high debt service costs on Nigeria’s $30.4 billion Paris Club debt had tremendously strained government public finances, crowding out space, for other necessary social expenditure and investments in public infrastructure.

However, he said as part of the successful debt negotiation process with the Paris Club, Nigeria paid its creditors outstanding arrears of $6.4 billion, received debt write – off of $16 billion on the remaining debt stock (under Naples terms), and purchased its outstanding $8 billion debt under a buy back

agreement at 25 percent discount for $6 billion.

The debt relief package totalled $18 billion, or a 60 per cent writeoff in return for $12.4 billion payment of arrears and buyback.

He said the exercise involving the buyback was unprecedented and represented an “unnatural” solution under the Paris Club protocol for a low-income country; it was the second largest - debt relief operation in the club’s 50–year history. Such was the debt exit deal that succeeded in eliminating Nigeria’s external debt overhang syndrome.

The DMO was established on October 4, 2000 to coordinate the management of Nigeria’s debt, which was being done by various establishments. This diffused debt management strategy led to inefficiencies.

It was expected that the coming of DMO would lead to good debt management practices that make

positive impact on economic growth and national development, particularly in reducing debt stock and cost of public debt servicing in a manner that saves resources for investment in poverty reduction programs.

The body is also expected to prudently raise financing to fund government deficits at affordable costs and manageable risks in the medium- and long-term; achieve positive impact on overall macroeconomic management, including monetary and fiscal policies; avoid debt crisis and achieving an orderly growth and development of the national economy.

It is also expected to improve the nation’s borrowing capacity and its ability to manage debt efficiently in promoting economic growth and national development; project and promote a good image of Nigeria as a disciplined and organised nation, capable of managing its assets and liabilities; provide opportunity for professionalism and good practice in nation building.

From left: Director, Custodian and Allied Plc, Mr. Ibrahim Dikko; Company Secretary, Dr. S. Oso; Representative of Custodian Trustees, Mr. Adeyinka Jafojo and Chairman, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, at the company's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos.

Order to pay subsidy claim inapplicable, says DMO

T

HE legal tussle between the Debt Management Office (DMO) and Ecobank has hit the brickwall with the DMO insisting that the court order directing it to pay Ecobank subsidy claims is inapplicable.

Reacting to last week’s court order, the DMO told The Nation at the weekend that it does “not handle money relating to petroleum subsidy claims and has never been responsible for transferring money to any oil marketer. So, how can it obey this inapplicable order?”

The persistent legal action instituted against the DMO has been described as an “absurdity and irregularity asking DMO to transfer money belonging to Deepwater to their account with Ecobank whereas DMO does not have any money to transfer

Naira and the inflation threat - P 27

From Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor, Abuja

and is not responsible for payments; it only issues Sovereign Debt Notes (SDNs), as mandated by the PPPRA (Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency) and approved by the minister”.

The DMO expressed serious concerns over the safety of its boss the director-general by asking how it can “protect the DMO and the D-G against the attack of the other five entities that are also pursuing their own respective suits in other courts, contesting for the money attached to the same claim of Deepwater Discovery Limited”.

DMO accused Ecobank and its lawyers of “using the court process to pile pressure on the D-G, without giving any consideration to the le-

gitimate issues he has raised, stressing that as “Ecobank and their lawyer, Kunle Ogunba are personalizing their court attacks on the D-G of DMO and his Officer, one can imagine that the pressure on the D-G is becoming unbearable”.

The DMO said: “Ecobank is encouraged by the claim of Kunle Ogunba that the Attorney-General of the Federation has directed DMO in writing, for the second time, to pay the sums of money to Ecobank - not minding that DMO neither keeps nor pays money relating to oil marketers, such as deepwater.”

Observers have cautioned that the persistent “attacks on the persons of the D-G and his officer aims to simply constrain them to release the SDN (not money) to the Ecobank and their lawyer, if

Insecurity: Companies count losses as earnings decline - P37

only to save their heads”.

It was gathered that the claim for payment by Ecobank, against the First Deepwater Discovery Ltd (FDDL) is actually a contest between Ecobank and five other claimants to the same money with each brandishing what they believe is a compelling case against the company.

According to a concerned party to the claims, “the case in point is clearly, a subtle attempt to force the DMO to take sides in a clearly very complex and convoluted matter which is before a court of law”.

According the official, “the other claimants to the same monies have also obtained court order/judgment demanding the DMO to pay the same monies to them.”

Promoting rural enterprises - P38

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

26

THE NATION

BUSINESS MONEY

e-mail: money@thenationonlineng.net

CIBN vows to stem bank frauds T

HE Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) will not relent in its efforts to curb unethical practices in banks sector in line with its code of ethics, its P wresident, Mrs. Debola Osibogun, has said.

Speaking at CIBN Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos, Mrs. Osibogun said the institute has been making progress since the introduction of the Code of Ethics and Pro-

Stories by Collins Nweze

fessionalism a year ago.

The committee, he said, settled some cases between banks and their customers.

She said banks’ workers have attested to the Code of Conduct, adding that forms were being processed into the institute’s database to assist in tracking cases of misconduct.

Mrs Osibogun said: “Banks have increased their reports on

employees that violate the code for investigation and discipline”.

She promised to continue to promote professionalism, ensuring that the banking industry is rid of sharp practices.

She implored banks to report fraudulent staff to the institute for proper interrogation and sanction.

The institute’s account for the year ended December 2014 showed it recorded N645 mil-

lion total revenues against N619 million posted in 2013, representing an increase 4.11 per cent.

Mrs Osibogun said it recorded a growth of 2.48 per cent from a net worth of N1.209 billion in 2013 to N1.239 billion in 2014.

She said the institute made a surplus of N5.7million, and that the projected budget surplus of N126 million could not be realised due to a shortfall in sponsorship revenues, payment of severance package of disengaged staff and the huge cost of maintenance of Bankers House.

“There is a slight improvement in the ratio of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to corporate members’ subscriptions to 80 per cent: 20 per cent, in the year under review, from 78 per cent:22 per cent recorded

• Mrs Osibogun

in 2013. Our desire to reduce dependence on corporate members’ subscriptions in the medium and long-term fund activities will continue to be pursued until it is achieved,” she noted.

Taskforce to protect firms’ owners

T

• From left: CEO, Renaissance Capital, Igor Vayn; Global Head of Equities, Renaissance Capital, Benjamin Samuels and Global Chief Economist, Renaissance Capital, Charles Robertson at the Sixth Annual Pan–Africa Investor Conference in Lagos.

Western Union won’t buy MoneyGram

W

ESTERN Union Co, the world’s largest money transfer company, is not planning to buy its rival, MoneyGram International Inc. “Western Union states that current news reports indicating that our company is in discussions to acquire MoneyGram are not accurate,” the company told Reuters.

Rumours were swirling early this month that Western Union, the global remittance firm, was discussing with MoneyGram, one of its longest-standing rivals.

But analysts insist that acquiring MoneyGram and its 349,000 locations as of the end of first quarter would expand Western Union’s retail network.

Bloomberg Business initially reported the rumour, citing people who wished to remain anonymous.

The talks were in the nascent stages, and no deal specifics had been determined. However, Western Union has stated that the merger rumours were “not accurate,” shutting down the speculation.

Although the deal is being sharply denied, it’s still worth noting because MoneyGram’s business has plummeted since the loss of its exclusive partnership with Walmart. Meanwhile, Western Union continues to hold its own against new remittance

startups, but is undoubtedly feeling pressure to bolster itself in any way it can.

Even though Western Union has fared better than MoneyGram, both firms are facing increased competition from digital-native remittance companies like Xoom.

Xoom facilitates cross-border transfers via mobile and online, making its service more cost-effective, since it doesn’t have to pay a commission to brick-and-mortar agents that originate the transfers for legacy remittance firms.

Companies, such as Xoom are well-positioned to continue disrupting this industry, as consumers across the globe continue to migrate to mobile and online channels. Xoom, founded in 2001, already generates more revenue from electronic channels than 70year-old incumbent, MoneyGram.

However, Western Union still generates the most.

Nevertheless, digital-native cross-border transfer firms will continue to exert pressure on the legacy players by forcing them to further develop digital products which are outside of their core service offerings.

MoneyGram, for instance, doesn’t even have a mobile transfer option yet. And while Western Union has a fairly developed

digital platform, it recognised that adapting to new technologies “poses a challenge to our business” in its 2014 10-K filing.

HE Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has issued fresh guidelines on the prevention of misuse of corporate vehicles to hide company owners’ identities.

A report obtained from The International Banking Operations, quoted the crime prevention specialists as saying the guidelines would help countries struggling to meet international standards on anti-money laundering and terrorism financing.

Last year, FATF removed Nigeria from the list of countries identified as jurisdictions with significant deficiencies in their AntiMoney Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/ CFT) regimes.

The action was taken following the country’s implementation of the Action Plan and the exhibition of a clear political commitment to continue the development of its AML/CFT regime.

In a statement in Paris, France, the FATF expressed satisfaction

with Nigeria’s political will in improving its Global AML/CFT compliance. Accordingly, the FATF voted unanimously to expunge Nigeria from the list of jurisdictions.

Nigeria issued the Terrorism Prevention (Freezing of International Terrorist Funds and Other Related Measures) Regulations 2011.

The Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) said Nigeria has also addressed a deficiency relating to Recommendation five of the revised FATF Standards.

This criminalises terrorist financing, including the financing of a terrorist organisation and an individual terrorist, and covers issues relating to terrorist funds, use of funds, intentional elements of the terrorist financing offence, location of the offender, ancillary offences, predicate offences of money laundering, liability of legal persons, and sanctions.

• From left: Zonal Business Head, Southsouth, Ecobank Nigeria, Okonkwo Chinedu; Executive Director, Lagos/ Southwest, Aigbokhaevbo Kingsley; Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan Atlantic University, Peter Bankole and Head, SME/Valuechain, Ecobank Nigeria, Sunkanmi Olowo, at SME Network Session in Port Harcourt.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

27

MONEY With the naira stabilising and oil price rising from an all-time low of $56 per barrel, things are looking up again.

But there is no cause to cheer yet because of the rising inflation, reports COLLINS NWEZE.

Naira and the inflation threat A

LTHOUGH the naira closed at N197 to the dollar at the interbank last week, it still exchanges at N210 at the parallel market. It has remained in that threshold for nearly six weeks.

With the last general elections peaceful and a gradual rebound in oil price, the naira is stabilising.

But the downside is that inflation rose from eight per cent in December to 8.5 per cent in April.

At its weakest, the naira sold at a record low of N235.60 to the dollar, a decline of 30 per cent since November. The naira also dropped to N220 at the parallel market before the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) closed the Retail Dutch Auction System (RDAS) in February.

Also, the foreign exchange reserves fell by 10.04 per cent to $28.87 billion by March 4, from $33.94 billion a month earlier.

Although the currency stabilised at N197 to dollar at the interbank last week, many cannot say how that happened. But interventions from international oil companies (IOCs) cannot be ruled out.

Stakeholders’ speak President, Association of Bureau De Change of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, said some of the steps taken by the CBN has helped the market witness the absence of spurious demand and illegitimate transactions. He, however, said the market is currently witnessing adverse liquidity squeeze.

Sub-Saharan Africa Economist at Renaissance Capital and co-Author of the Fastest Billion Yvonne Mhango said the CBN has shown absolute commitment to dealing with dwindling fortune of the naira.

“While Nigeria cannot do much to influence the oil price, the combination of measures sends a powerful signal to all stakeholders on the CBN’s intent to do what it can to preserve macroeconomic stability,” she said.

Head, Equities Market at FBN Capital Olubunmi Ashaolu said the CBN has by the policy, set clear cut objective on its monetary policy direction. He said the stock exchange positive reaction was an indication that local and foreign investors now understand where the naira is heading. “As long as there is clarity and good investment climate, the equities market will benefit,” he said.

He advised government to improve infrastructure, noting that such action would make Nigeria’s investment climate more attractive for foreign investors.

New measures The CBN has reacted by fixing the rate at which banks can buy dollars from International Oil Companies (IOCs) at not more than N2 spread to its clearing rate, dealers said. The policy is the bank’s latest attempt to prop up the naira hit by the drop in oil prices.The CBN has pledged to stabilise the naira and has been deploying various measures. Dealers said the apex bank did not issue a formal circular on the directive, but instead resorted to persuasion, adding that the total outstanding dollar demand of about $600 million was not met.

Oil companies usually sell dol-

lars through an auction to lenders to buy naira to fund their local operations.The CBN has also scrapped its bi-weekly currency auctions and a market body said it would sell dollars only at 197 naira, a move that amounts to a de facto devaluation of the currency.

This policy is part of what the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, promised to stabilise the currency.

He listed some of the challenges he is facing defending the naira, adding that the naira/dollar exchange rate has been under pressure over the last couple of months.

Explaining the difficulties in managing exchange rate stability, the CBN boss raised a poser: “What then can a Central Bank do to react to such a situation of falling reserves and pressurised exchange rates?

“One course of action would be to continue to deplete the foreign exchange reserves in trying to keep the official rate at a stable level. But there are several difficulties with this option.”

He said regardless of its critical nature in an import-dependent country such as Nigeria, the exchange rate operates like any other ‘price’ in the market.

The dollar/naira exchange rate is simply the ‘price’ of dollars in naira. The forces of demand and supply, he said, determine its movement. “When demand rises, the price rises. When supply falls, the price also rises as well. In recent times, Nigeria has faced a perfect storm of simultaneous dwindling supply of dollars and rise in demand. Both forces have led to a rise in the price of dollars, that is, significant reduction in supply of dollars to the market, even with constant output of crude oil production,” he said.

The other global factor, which has significantly reduced the supply of dollars in the market is related to the end of Quantitative Easing by the United States (U.S) Federal Reserve. At the height of the programme, the Federal Reserve was supplying a total of about $85 billion into the U.S economy on a monthly basis, through asset purchases.

This programme came to an end in October last year, thereby significantly reducing the supply of US dollars in the global economy.

Another difficulty, which has contributed to the continuing depletion of Nigeria’s foreign reserves, and its capacity to defend the naira is that the combination of a fall in oil prices and the end of the Quantitative Easing programme by the US Federal Reserve have led to a depreciation of most currencies in the world against the dollar.

Previous steps taken by CBN

• Emefiele

The CBN has directed that all importations involving electronics, finished products, information technology, generators, telecommunication equipment, and invisible transactions will henceforth be funded from the interbank foreign exchange market only.

In a circular to all authorised dealers, CBN Director, Trade & Exchange Department, O. I. Gbadamosi told stakeholders that the policy was to maintain the existing stability in forex market and strengthen the various policy measures, already initiated by the CBN. On the development, Head, Africa Strategy at Standard Chartered in London, Samir Gadio, said: “The importation of electronics, finished products, information technology, generators, telecommunication equipment, and invisible transactions importations shall henceforth be limited to the interbank market only.

“We’re seeing more foreign-exchange flexibility. Perhaps they do not want to burn FX reserves unnecessarily. It’s a risky strategy though as the market will now look for the topside of dollarnaira and also because the lower rates will reduce the incentive to hold naira fixed-income assets.”

BDCs policy Last June 23, the CBN, among others, raised the minimum capital requirement of BDCs to N35 million from N10 million. It raised the mandatory caution deposit to N35 million from $10,000.

Again, on July 7, the apex bank extended the deadline from July 15 to July 31, in response to appeals and intervention of Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON)and both chambers of the National Assembly.

• Gwadabe

In a circular, CBN’s Director, Financial Policy and Regulation, Kelvin Amugo, said interest would be paid on the mandatory caution deposit of N35 million, based on the savings account rate.

The CBN, Amugo said, would, on expiration of the deadline, cease to fund any BDC that failed to comply with the fresh requirements.

Naira crises complex The misfortune of the naira seems complex. The thinking is that massive inflow of forex from surging oil prices and the boom in the capital market were responsible for the appreciation of the naira in the past few years.

Unfortunately, oil prices have nosedived and Nigeria capital market is in a shambles. The fall in the price of oil has major consequences on government revenue, aggregate output, capital formation investment, employment, trade and fiscal balance.

The 2008 global financial meltdown also contributed to naira’s freefall. Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Bismarck Rewane, said Nigeria was unprepared for the shock. “The Nigerian economy believed to be one of the most resilient in the world was caught unawares by the global crisis,” he said.

Analysts said a gradual appreciation of the currency will require building confidence in the financial system and price of crude oil in international market.

This is what is going to drive the exchange rate now and beyond.

We cannot isolate what is happening in the global economy like the issue of diversification of energy sources.

Inflation statistics National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said the Nigeria’s Consumer Price Index (CPI), which

‘Although the currency stabilised at N197 to dollar at the interbank last week, many cannot say how that happened. But interventions from international oil companies (IOCs) cannot be ruled out’

measures inflation rate rose by 8.5 per cent yearly in March marginally higher than the 8.4 per cent recorded in February.

According to the latest CPI and inflation report from NBS, “This is the fourth consecutive month of a faster increase in the Headline index to reach the highest inflation rate recorded for the year.

The Headline rate for March also equals last year’s high recorded in August.

NBS said while the pace of increase in food prices held firm for the second consecutive month, the faster increase in the Headline index was driven by increases in the non-food Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose (COICOP) divisions which also reflected in the Core sub-index.

The report disclosed that food prices as observed by the food sub-index increased at relatively the same pace in March as in February; by 9.4 per cent.

“The pace of increases was weighted upon by a slower increase in the Bread and Cereals, Oils and Fats, Dairy and Confectionary groups. Faster increases were observed in all other groups which contribute to the Food subindex,” NBS added.

NBS affirmed that monthly, food prices increased at a higher rate of 1.0 per cent, 30 basis points higher than the 0.7 per cent increase recorded in February.

The report further affirmed that the continued uptrend in the Headline inflation year-to-date mirrors their conservative float range of 9.5 per cent and 10 per cent for the 2015 fiscal year.

“Following the just concluded general elections which has reduced elevated political spending) and the CBN’s continued restrictive liquidity stance, we believe the biggest downside risk to inflation going forward is the pass-through consequence of a weaker naira.

“In addition, inflation might get heated by any action of the incoming government to pursue reforms that are expansionary in nature. We also note the inflationary consequence of a final removal of subsidy on petroleum, taking guidance from the recent press release by the presidentelect, through a representative,” the report added.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

THE NATION INVESTORS

Vitafoam Nigeria to absorb Vono Products

V

ITAFOAM Nigeria Plc has launched a bid to absorb the operations its age-long competitor, Vono Products Plc, in a bid that will further establish Vitafoam Nigeria as the main foam and bedding manufacturing company in Nigeria.

A regulatory document obtained

by The Nation indicated that Vitafoam Nigeria, which had in August 2010 acquired majority shareholding in Vono Products, has started premerger processes to absorb the operations of Vono Products.

Vitafoam Nigeria is already in the process of filing the requisite documents for the scheme of merger with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). SEC, the apex capital market regulator, is statutorily empowered to vet mergers and acquisitions and other primary transactions.

Both Vitafoam Nigeria and Vono Products, which are quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), have notified the management of the Exchange about the impending merger. The business combination may however lead to the delisting of Vono Products, leaving Vitafoam Nigeria as the only quoted foammanufacturing company.

With vast assets and similar busi-

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

ness lines, Vitafoam Nigeria is seeking to absorb Vono Products to reduce operation costs and enhance the synergies inherent in the expanded business.

Vitafoam Nigeria holds 47.5 per cent in Vono Product after the former had increased its majority equity stake during a rights issue in 2012.

Vitafoam Nigeria had in August 2010 acquired majority shareholding in Vono Products and took over the board and management of the company. Vitafoam Nigeria then held 24.96 per cent equity stake in Vono, giving it the majority but less than outright controlling equity stake.

Other significant investors in Vono then were Enterprise Bank and BGL which held 5.56 per cent and 7.37 per cent respectively.

Vono Products in 2012 launched a N840 million rights issue to strengthen its operations and pursue expansion programme as part of efforts to emplace the company on the path of sustainable profitability.

Vono offered 525 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N1.60 per share to pre-qualified shareholders on the basis of seven new shares for every four shares held as at October

31, 2011. Vitafoam Nigeria took advantage of the rights issue to increase its majority equity stake to 47.5 per cent.

With the rights issue, Vono Products had raised the prospects of continuing as a stand-alone subsidiary.

The company had indicated that it would use the net proceeds of the rights issue to strengthen its operations and pursue expansion programme.

Specifically, the net proceeds were to be used to upgrade the factory, buy new plants and machineries and boost its working capital among others. The additional capital was meant to reduce the company’s dependence on banks for funding to finance its operations.

Both Vono Products and Vitafoam Nigeria have continued to struggle with sluggish sales and depressed margins. First quarter report for the period ended December 31, 2014 showed that Vono Products grew sales to N215.15 million in December 2014 as against N193.16 million in comparable period of 2013. The company made a profit before tax of N570,000 as against loss of N4.52 million in 2013. After taxes, net loss stood at N410,000 compared with N5.63 million in corresponding period of 2013.

Vitafoam Nigeria showed improved performance in 2014 after it restated its accounts. Vitafoam Nigeria had delayed its 2014 audited report citing change in its accounting software.

According to the company, the delay was as a result of challenges associated with its migration from Sage Line 500 accounting software to the newly acquired Sage ERP X3 Package. Vitafoam stated that the implementation of the new software impacted the timelines previously set for the preparation and audit of the year end accounts.

The restated accounts for the year ended September 30, 2014 showed that profit after tax rose by 67 per cent to N659 million in 2014 as against N395 million recorded in the previous year. Earnings per share subsequently rose by 69 per cent from 48 kobo in 2013 to 81 kobo per in 2014. Shareholders of Vitafoam Nigeria Plc would receive about N246 million in cash and additional 164 million shares as cash dividends for the business year. Shareholders would receive a dividend per share of 30 kobo and bonus share of one share for every five ordinary shares held by shareholders.

Management report indicated that the performance was due to in-

creased innovation and improved internal efficiencies. As part of the strategy to strengthen its African operations, Vitafoam had installed modern equipment in its plant in Sierra Leone, which serves all the neighbouring countries including Guinea and Gambia. Only recently, its subsidiary, Vitapur Nigeria Limited acquired modern equipment called SAIT Advanced Polyurathane to boost production of quality pallets and reinforce capacity utilisation.

However, the release of the audited earnings report came almost simultaneously with the announcement of the retirement of the group managing director and group finance director of the company. The board of directors announced the appointment of Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi as the acting group managing director following the approval of the retirement of Mr. Joel Ajiga. Both Ajiga and Mr. Brabindoh Ogun, the Group Finance Director, are expected to retire on October 23, this year.

Ajiga has since commenced his preretirement leave with effect from April 23.

Adeniyi, who is expected to lead the business integration, holds a BSc (Chemistry) and MSc (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) from the University of Lagos and MSc (Engineering and Logistics) from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom. He joined the Vitafoam Group in 2007 and was appointed to the board in July 2012.

Prior to his new appointment, he was the Group Technical & Development Director.

Stockbrokers seek waivers on forex penalties

S

From left: Past President, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Mr. Adebayo Adenubi; Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Mr Ade Bajomo; President, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Dr. Nelson Uwaga and Past President, NIM, Mrs. Margaret Adeleke during a visit to the NSE in Lagos

Analysts place buy on Julius Berger over growth prospects

M

ARKET pundits have said Julius Berger Nigeria has the potential to record more than 70 per cent capital appreciation over the next 12 months as the leading construction company works on major public and private sector contracts.

Analysts at GTI Securities said Julius Berger Nigeria’s share price, which opened yesterday at N51.70 per share, has a fair value of N87.70 within a 12-month investment horizon, indicating potential capital gain of 69.6 per cent.

Analysts said they believed that Julius Berger Nigeria is set to immensely benefit from Nigerian government’s bid to diversify the economy with focus on infrastructure development in agriculture, power and transportation among others.

According to them, the construction company would also benefit from international expansion to African countries, which are seeking to rebuild infrastructure to en-

hance economic development.

“We have placed a positive rating on the stock of Julius Berger Nigeria because the stock is undervalued based on our analysis. Our estimates were majorly driven by the company’s fairly seesaw revenue growth trend along with its strong presence in the Nigerian construction sector as it possesses a robust project portfolio due to the high caliber projects it undertakes many of which are government funded projects,” GTI Securities stated.

Analysts projected turnover of N203.05 billion and net profit of N8.31 billion Julius Berger Nigeria in the year.

They noted that Julius Berger Nigeria has positioned itself to benefit from the need for economic diversification in Nigeria citing the recent announcement of plans to diversify its line of business to include power plant construction after announcing partnership with General Electric for the construction of the “Project Emerald” which is

worth an estimated N50 billion.

“Overall, we believe that the company’s ability to increase its net profit despite the rising finance cost resulting from slump in oil prices which adversely affected government’s ability to service ongoing contracts remains impressive. We are moderately optimistic that the company will record a further improvement in net profit in 2015 compared to 2014,” analysts stated.

They said the company’s overall performance would be driven by its large portfolio of new projects and its competitive advantage in the area of public private partnerships (PPP), which may be a preferred financing model as the new government struggles with declining revenues.

“As expected, the company has maintained its position as the giant of the construction sector as revenue remains strong. Julius Berger has consistently maintained its position as preferred bidder for major government funded infrastructural project.

It has also expanded it scope of business to meet rising economic demands. We acknowledge that cost of finance is still a challenge considering government’s bureaucracy in payment for executed projects. However, we expect that a stronger growth in revenue would cushion this effect on bottom – line in the succeeding years,” the equity analysis report stated.

Analysts said they placed a buy recommendation on the shares of Julius Berger Nigeria because it is trading less than their target price with focus on the 2015 estimates adding that the good dividend culture of the company and its relative price stability still makes it a favorite among institutional investors, especially during a period of heightened price volatility.

Some of the contracts that were recently awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria included the second River Niger bridge project worth N130 billion, Apapa–Oshodi Expressway Section 2, Phase II, estimated at N15 billion and the National Assembly Phase III, Part 3, Abuja, estimated at N40.2 billion.

TOCKBROKERS and dealers at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) have filed a joint appeal with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), seeking waiver of penalties imposed on the operators for their failure to render weekly report on foreign-exchange transactions over the past four months.

A reliable market source said the stockbrokers, under the auspices of Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), has started discussion with SEC on waiver of penalties imposed from January 2015 till May 15, this year.

SEC had imposed penalties on the market operators for failure to comply with rules and guidelines on antimoney laundering reporting. Stockbrokers are expected to report any foreign-originated and foreign-exchange based transactions to capital market authorities.

A source said the apex capital market regulator might consider the joint appeal in order to encourage group compliance since ASHON has taken on the responsibility of mobilising and sensitising operators on the weekly report.

SEC had last year granted waivers to public companies on the outstanding penalties over the failure of the affected companies to file their returns to the apex capital market regulators between 2008 and 2013.

The waivers followed a dialogue between SEC and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA). Specifically, SEC granted 100 per cent waiver of all penalties imposed on public companies from 2008 to 2010 and 40 per cent waiver on outstanding penalties from 2011 to 2013.

The engagement between SEC and NECA was sequel to complaints by companies, which had said they were not aware of the provisions on filing of returns.

SEC had slammed penalties on the companies that failed to comply with SEC rules on filling requirements as stipulated by the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2007.

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHWEST STATES

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

PAGE 29

•Omotoso

The controversy surrounding the demolition of an old building belonging to the Omotoso family in Afao-Ekiti, the hometown of Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, has refused to die. While the family is accusing the governor of being responsible for the demolition, the community has absolved him of any wrongdoing. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports.

Fayose, family fight over storey building’s demolition T

INSIDE

HE building was a cynosure of all eyes when it was built.

Apart from standing at a strategic location in the community,

it was a beauty to behold because it was a built at a time when one-storey or two-storey buildings were not common.

Hoodlums find goldmine on Lagos highway PAGE 30

The house apart from serving as a place of abode was also a place of refuge, a place of pride and a monument of identity.

To hell and back: Tale of Nigerians rescued from slavery in Kuwait PAGES 31 & 34

Decades after, modernity set in and children sired in the home grew up and left for other cities within and outside the country for the prover-

‘Asians have taken over our industry’ PAGES 30 & 31

bial greener pasture while the aged died one after the other.

Sooner than later, the once Continued on pages 32-33

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

30

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Owo: Fear grips Ondo town

•A Lagos highway

Hoodlums find goldmine on Dashing across the highway is outlawed in Lagos State to reduce deaths. Some jobless hoodlums have, however, cashed in on the lawlessness of some residents to make quick money. Assistant Editor DADA ALADELOKUN reports

M

ANY would readily conclude that a hungry tiger was on the man’s trail for lunch. With the last breath in him, he dashed across the highway, in suicidal defiance of vehicles that “brook no nonsense.” It was at the PalmgroveOnipanu axis of the ever-busy LagosIkorodu Road.

After sprinting through the generally acknowledged death zone, the 61-year old simply identified as Ezekiel, heaved a sigh of relief. Yes, he considered himself lucky not to be counted among the pedestrians being weekly knocked down on the

route.

Unknown to Ezekiel, more tribulation awaited him when he thought he had survived the “valley of shadow of death.” Just by Palmgrove Bus Stop, some hoodlums – numbering about six – were anxiously waiting to do unlawful “business” with his indiscipline.

Before one could say Jack, they formed a ring round him as venoms poured out of their mouths. “We are officials of Somolu Council; you are under arrest Mr Man for illegal crossing of the road,” flashing something that looked like an identity card, one

‘Asians have taken over our industry’ Mr. Michael Ale is the National President of the Association of Water-well Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP). He spoke with TAYO JOHNSON on the danger of illegal drilling by Asians in Nigeria and the need for the government to formulate a favourable policy for drilling activity.

H

OW old is the association, why did you establish it and how have you been safeguarding the interest of your members?

The association started less than two years ago; by June 4, it will be two years. Within the last two years, we have moved very far.

This was made possible by the concerted efforts of every member and the fact they are all tired with the current water policy, which is not of good importance economically to their growth.

The industry has been bastardised and it has affected our business, such that there is no regulation, no laws, no policy. Things are just been done anyhow and people are not happy. Guarding the interests of our members requires the effort of the government; we cannot make laws ourselves. We

cannot enforce laws ourselves. But we have tried all we could locally and that is why our campaign now is international.

And that is why I had to travel to make sure that lessons are learnt and we understood what it takes to form an association, safeguard the interest of the members, what it takes to make government work, even if it will not be the same thing like other countries that are developed. And we have learnt our lessons, we have understood how it worked and we are going to apply it.

As a development practitioner, I do not expect what is practised in the United Kingdom and the United States to be applied directly in Nigeria. I am going to study the Nigerian situation and apply it. Safeguarding the interest of our members is not a day job. We are not violent, we are professionals, at least

of them threatened gutturally.

The man in Ezekiel gave way as he suddenly developed cold feet. Then he stammered: “Plea...se, I ... am, I am actually russs...shing to see a s...ick uncle at Ojjj..ota. Pleeeeea... se!

Roadside traders around the scene were already on their feet, witnessing for the umpteenth time, the ugly drama with one wish: That Ezekiel should pluck up the courage to withstand the hoodlums’ extortionate antics.

Realising that they were under watch, they dragged their prey (Ezekiel) behind a stationary bus where serious haggling began. “Listen, if we take you to Somolu Council, there is a court that will send you to jail and if we drive you to Alausa (state Secretariat) now, you will be sorry for yourself and nobody will be able to locate you. So, you have to bail yourself now,” one of them said.

Sensing he was in a mess, his eyeballs got instantly drenched with tears

as he threw his scrawny frame on the service lane, sobbing. If he thought his actions would evoke sympathy in his captors, he was dead wrong.

One of them leaned on him, searching his danshiki-and-trousers attire. At last, he was able to bring out N260 from the man’s pocket. “So this is all you have; agbalagba oloriburuku (an unfortunate old man). You better run; don’t give us bad luck,” he said.

As if he just escapes from a lions’ den, Ezekiel ran as fast as his legs could help him through the Somolu streets. Some neighbouring youths caught fun while many, mostly old ones had words of sympathy for him.

“This is the way they extort money from people here. They also operate at Obanikoro and Onipanu bus stops. They are not from any council,” one of the traders said angrily.

Shortly afterwards, two young men suspected to be from the neighbourhood took a majestic walk towards the “council officials” from the Palmgrove area. With their stature, they rivalled the Floyd Mayweathers, Iron Mike Tysons and such other dreadfully sturdy pugilists.

None of the six could look them in the face twice. They all looked the other way as both had a peaceful cross and eventually boarded a Ketu-bound commuter bus. “Those are boys from the area. Who born these people to touch them; they wan die? They look at people’s faces before challenging or taking money from them,” a woman, Alhaja Taibat Lawal, told this reporter.

“Even if you are a female person, if you can face them like a man, nothing will happen but if you allow them to bully you into submission, they will collect your money; it could be N1,000 or N2,000. It could be as low

80 per cent of us are professionals.

Though quite a number of us are not supposed to be in business, we are all working together, we are human beings. You are not necessarily supposed to be a professional before delving into any business, but you must employ professionals.

Safeguarding the industry and safeguarding the profession are two things. First, the professionals manage the industry. It is in two ways, it is either we safeguard the industry and every Tom, Dick and Harry to enjoy the business or look at the professionals and see how they are supposed to be in the business. But, it may spell a doom to the government if appropriate measures are not taken to support the industry.

I take a cue from one aspect; that is the education aspect. For instance, many of our students apply for courses such as geology, geo-physics, hydrology, hydrogeology, mechanical engineering and even civil engineering and all of these people are practitioners in the field of water well drillings. Now, if you have invaders, the masons, bricklayers, non-professionals, carpenters that have had their line of professions affected by the invaders, few turn into our business just for casuals and the rest because the Asians, Koreans, Europeans and so on are bringing in their equipment. They are not only bringing in their equipment, they are still bringing in their people and you keep sending your children to the university to go and learn that same business, where do they end up when they are done with the learning.

How long have the purported invaders been wreaking the havoc in the country and what do you expect the government to do towards checking the incursion?

I am a geologist and I decided to go into water well activities. I have been in this business for about 15 years and for like two years, some invaders moved into the business.

So, it is going to spell doom for our children unborn on the long run.

Before, people were looking into oil and gas; if you study geology you will want to go into oil and gas. It happened to me. Before, I wanted to go to Port Harcourt and work with Shell. I tried it and nothing happened. Later, I was able to find my feet in water. The same can happen to anybody.

Geology is a wide field-mineral exploration, water extraction, oil and gas, hydrology and so on. The problem is if that environment is already disturbed, where will our students come and practice. We only have few admissions in other areas in which they can practice. We have more institutions offering that course, and they bring everyone together, offering the best.

During my time in school, I think Shell came and conducted examinations for about 2,000 students at the final year and only admitted three of them. And the three were the best, comprising two Mechanical Engineering students and one geologist, who happened to be my colleague.

In my class, we were about 50. So, what will be the fate of the others?

We were trained to be in this special field and now the Asians have invaded the same. Before, we were saying that the politicians have invaded the borehole drilling industry. Of course, they will get a juicy price and give it to us at a price you cannot be proud to say. Now, it is the case of the Asians now constructing boreholes at a worst price because there are no standard for anything.

If care is not taken, by the time a standard will be set, these people constructing boreholes indiscriminately will not be there. They would have dug half of the underground water, and done havoc to the environment, and the last high grade havoc to the consumers. How many of us treat our water? They believe borehole is a clean water, not knowing that the over-burden has been affected.

You see them go with screen and lie down, then they screen from top to bottom, align weak water or water that has been polluted to run off to the clean water, to the aquifer. By the time people drink it, it is white, and clear. You think it is white and safe. If it is white water and add a drop of acid, is it safe for drinking?

No, but it is white. If I add bacteria into clean water, or I dip my hand, which is bacteria infected, how will you know it is unclean water?

This is why many people do not know the cause of their health problems. Apart from the economy aspect, a lot of people will go for the cheap things, and mind you the cheap

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

31

SOUTHWEST REPORT The zeal to travel to Europe or America in search of greener pasture sometimes ends up as a misadventure for some Nigerian youths.

Two young ladies were recently rescued by the Oyo State Police Command from slavery in Kuwait after they were deceived into the Asian country. They recounted their ordeal to BISI OLADELE.

To hell and back: Tale of Nigerians rescued from slavery in Kuwait

A

Lagos highway as N100; they will take it and the next moment, they are elsewhere – Onipanu or Obanikoro. They have been operating here for long,” she further hinted.

Various other daily observers of the drama agreed that it could save the lives of pedestrians by discouraging them from taking the risk involved in non-use of the pedestrian bridges. However, they frowned at the repulsive way the hoodlums have cashed in on people’s lawlessness to give them inhuman treatments before ultimately extorting money from them. Amid pains, not a few recounted their ordeals.

At the council last Thursday, a source told The Nation: “Arresting those who dash across the highway did not just start yesterday; it began as far back as 2003 when an average of two persons was being knocked down by fast-moving vehicles be-

tween Obanikoro and Fadeyi. It is simply to save lives. It is the council that has been saddled with the rigours of evacuating the dead bodies. That was why a court was set up inside the secretariat to try offenders who are usually fined even as low as N500 till date.

“However, the council did not involve hoodlums as being alleged in some quarters. Basically, we involve officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) set up by the state. The council will never work outside the ambit of the law of the land.”

Last Friday, the men were on “duty” as usual. “When will this end?” The reporter wondered aloud.

One of the worried observers around gave a strange clue: “It may never end as long as joblessness exists alongside indiscipline in the land. It happens all over the state.” There won’t be exploiters if there are no exploitable ones, he added.

at the long run are expensive. People do not mind, as long as it is cheap, they settle for cheap things, but it does affect the future. The combined effect -the economic, social and environmental, must be looked into.

That means they are not meeting the sustainable development aspect.

Without these three points, bore hole is an havoc for sustainable development in Nigeria. And everyone is moving towards sustainable development goals. MDGs are rounding off. We are moving to SDGs in 2016.

And discussions are ongoing. Now, if all these things are not put to check, our policy are not strengthened, our laws are not implemented, laws binding people from doing these are not done, then we are doomed.

As an association, we are doing our best. We have gone to the US, to have a look at what is happening.

Most of our colleague will be going to Germany soon to really study how they have been able to do their things and we are collaborating with the Ministry of Water Resources to see how we can strengthen ourselves.

Apart from that, the Indians have really taken over our deals; we ask the government to strengthen us by buying one or more things for us.

Do you have any plan in form of advocacy for those that desire to come into water drilling business in the nearest future?

First, institutions train students, where do you expect them to work?

Second, under water resources, we have National Training Institute

where we can train drillers. If you successfully have them trained, where will they practice, when the Chinese are bringing their set of technicians to come into Nigeria and start operating? Nobody has equipment for them.

So, what is the essence of having training institutes? You can see the multiplying effect of not having a set policy. As an association, there is little we can do except we want to go violent. If we go violent, they will hear our voice; that is not the best thing to do. I think the media can support and make it known to the public, the impending danger ahead.

Is important, if you are hungry, need to cook, use the toilet, you need water. If God should make it scarce like oil, we will take it important.

There is connectivity between air and water. God gave us air for a reason, and water for a reason.

But you can bastardise the air and use some harmful chemicals. You remember what happened in Syria, the air was polluted, and a lot of people died. The same thing can happen if you bastardise water, people can die. It is high time the media reported things like this. That was why we gave a journalist an award, it was a water documentary. If the journalist speaks, the government will listen. Look at what happen in the pharmaceutical sector;

NY young Nigerians are fed up with the wobbling Nigerian economy. They are in despair in a country that is unable to offer them employment or help them earn a decent living. Some are bitter because of the lack of job security while others simply lost hope after several failed attempts of securing their future. They look for any opportunity to move to foreign lands at which side the field looks greener.

Desperate to escape, many of them become gullible in the hands of dubious travel agents who exploit, and sometimes, abandon them thereafter to harsh conditions in foreign lands.

Two young ladies - Abiola Daramola and Taiwo Ajayi - just had a taste of the bitter experience.

Seeking a better life in the United States of America (USA), they ended up in Kuwait where they were lumped with fellow victims from Nigeria and other West African countries and forced to work as house maids.

Confined to solitude and rendered incommunicado, the ladies were forced to work as house maids with some others eking it out through prostitution.

“The agent in Kuwait is an Ethiopian. He told me plainly that he signed a two-year contract on me to work as a house maid in Kuwait.” Miss Daramola said, with unbelievable surprise on her face.

Daramola, 26, is a holder of Diploma in Industrial Relations from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. She couldn’t finish her B. Sc. programme in a private university because of financial challenges. She sought greener pastures in the USA but she landed in Kuwait after she was persuaded by the agent to take the option for the countless job opportunities awaiting her in the Asian country.

She said: “I went with my friend, Deola, to an agent, Mr Victor Adelaja, for traveling. When we got there, we said we wanted to go to the USA. The man is the agent in Nigeria. His office is at Bodija, Ibadan. He charged N250,000 for US. We agreed to pay and he promised to facilitate the visa. But as we got to the open office where his secretary sat, she asked us about our country of choice and we told her it was US. She asked if we had sponsors and I told her we didn’t have.

“Then she suggested Kuwait to us. She said there are jobs in Kuwait. Mr Adelaja had earlier told us but we rejected the idea. But the secretary persuaded us to do it because she had also applied. She said we could go there, work for a few months and return to Nigeria before going to the U.S. She affirmed that white collar jobs are plenty in Kuwait. She convinced us that the idea was good because it would enable us raise enough money before traveling to the U.S. They charged me N150,000. I paid N80,000 with a promise to pay the balance at a later date. Then, they took me to Kuwait.”

According to Daramola, she was unaware that she was entering the trap of an international trade syndicate with agents across borders. When she got to Kuwait, she recalled that she was well received by the agent in the country. She disclosed that the man came to welcone her at the airport from where he took her to her office. After the office, the agent told her that she was in the country to work as a

the pharmacists and the journalists worked together. The pharmacists stood their ground.

So whatever we want to do, or whatever decision we want to take, we need the media to help publicise it so that the government can take notice and act on it.

Now you cannot have a chemist without a pharmacist. Now, they have created jobs for those young boys and girls. What are the Nigeria Mining and Geology Society (NMGS) doing? What is their responsibility when you have so many people graduating and they are not having jobs? What about the Council of Registered Geologists (COREG)?

They have the power to regulate the activities of professionals. Now, just anybody is drill-

house maid.

Her words: “But on getting to Kuwait, the agent there, who is an Ethiopian, received me at the airport. He then took me to his office where I dropped my luggage.

Then he sat me down and asked if I remember that I signed a twoyear contract with him to work as house maid. I was dazed. I said I didn’t sign such contract. I said I only came to work for a few months and return to Nigeria. He said that was not possible because he signed the contract over me, stressing that he paid N350,000. I was helpless. I didn’t know what to do again.

I didn’t have a choice because even another Nigerian agent there told me to play along. He said I could just work for about four months and obtain work permit that would enable me do the kind of job I desired.”

But the job was hard. It wasn’t what she thought as she had to daily clean a two-story building housing 14 families. Worse still, feeding was once a day, and, it was crumbs she packed from the tables of occupants of the building.

“I started doing the job. But it was so stressful. I had to clean a twostory building accommodating 14 families. There is this family with nine children. Two grown-ups among the children are also married and live with the larger family in the apartment. They are so many.

The work was so tedious. Moreso, there was no provision for food. I ate left-over from the families; and that was only once daily.

“So, I became so uncomfortable. I then told the Nigerian agent that I wanted to come back to NiContinued on page 34

ing. The ideal things is that before you can drill, you must have a geologist who has the stamp of COREG, the geologist must have the documents before you can drill. It is government institutions that are supposed to strengthen it. So, if you do not make noise about it, they will not even come to life to know their responsibility and what they are supposed to do.

Continued on page 34

•Ale

32

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

33

SOUTHWEST REPORT Continued from page 29

Fayose, family fight over storey building’s demolition demolished because he holds political beliefs that run contrary to that of the governor.

The town union spokesman claimed that the patriarch of the family had other children who are members of the PDP. While explaining that the building was demolished in public interest and agreement of natives of the town, Anjorin disclosed that representations were made to Omotoso and other siblings.

Anjorin said: “The late owner of the building first daughter, Mrs Florence Aduloju was the Women Leader of the PDP for two consecutive terms in Afao Ekiti while his son, Pastor Sunday Olowoyo is the present Caretaker Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government under Fayose.

“Can these people allowed their family to be victimized by the same party they belong to?”, he asked.

“We had tried to reach out to the family on the need to demolish the building, but Mr Omotoso, being one of the sons made the arrangement difficult.

“We want to make it abundantly clear that Fayose has nothing to do with this demolition. They are all out to tarnish his good image.”

According to Anjorin, the demolition was done based on the request of the town in a letter addressed to the Governor and dated February 16, 2015.

Anjorin explained that the community stated the status of the building and the danger it posed to the pupils of St. David’s Nursery and Primary School and SUBEB Model Nursery and Primary School located within the vicinity of the palace.

The letter signed by ADC President, Chief Alex Akintunde and Secretary, Elder Bisi Agunbiade , requested the government to pull down the structure because efforts to reach out to the children of the late owner to repair the house had proved abortive, since a rainstorm blew off a part of the house in 2005.

He also clarified that what the town had done was mere demolition to avert danger and not outright seizure of the land as being claimed by Omotoso in his publication.

However, more intrigues were added to the saga when

•Fayose

Mrs. Aduloju denied Anjorin’s claim that she is the Women Leader of the PDP in Afao Ward.

In a statement refuting the ADC image maker’s claim, Mrs Aduloju revealed that she had ceased being a member of the PDP since 2004.

She said: “My attention has been drawn to the allegation by one Mr. Tope Anjorin, P.R.O. of Afao Development Council (ADC) on Premium Times that I am the Women Leader of the PDP in Afao Ward.

“To set the record straight, I had left the Afao PDP since 2003/ 2004 hence the insinuation that I am a PDP member is not true.

“Further more, the Interim Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Mr. Sunday Olowoyo, is not a member of the Omotoso family and hence cannot take any decision on behalf of the family.

“This is for the information of the general public”.

But Fayose himself did not keep quiet in the demolition saga saying it was wrong for anybody to insinuate that he ordered the demolition of the building.

According to the governor, the demolition of the building was an “internal affair” of the Afao Community and has nothing to do with him.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, Fayose said the decision to pull down the building was that of the community’s traditional cabinet, the Alafao-in-Council and the town union, Afao Development Council (ADC).

Fayose said: “The attention of Ekiti State Governor, Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose has been drawn to allegations made by one, David Oluwafemi Omotoso that the governor was responsible for the demolition of his family house at Afao Ekiti.

“Except for some people who will tend to believe the story, we decided to put the record straight.

“It is true that Governor Fayose built the Alafao Palace some years ago on the land provided by the Afao Development Council.

“However, the demolition of the said building is purely an internal affair of Afao Community having nothing to do with Governor Fayose.

“It is totally wrong for Mr David Omotoso to assume that Gov Fayose had ordered for demolition of their family house.

“It is the Alafao in Council and the Afao Development Council which felt that the 100 year old dilapidated roofless structure of Omotoso family was posing danger to the pupils of nearby primary schools who hibernated under the building.

“The community also claimed that the building has become a haven to criminals who often hide there to perpetrate crime.

“What has that got to do with Fayose? Is it because Fayose is from Afao or because he built the palace?

“Nobody in this country can claim not to know the antecedents of All Progressive? Congress (APC) as a party which specialises in fabricating lies and to malign people using their propaganda machinery.

“When the party has failed in all directions to bring the government down through their much advertised impeachment project, it is now intensifying campaign of calumny against the person of Governor Fayose.

“Incidentally, as explained by the Afao Development Council, the step taken to pull down the building is about safety and security which has no political coloration. Three PDP leaders are members of that family.”

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He explained that the operation which he claimed was carried out in the night further raised suspicion as to the intention of those who pulled it down.

Omotoso said the battle would be fought to a logical conclusion because some of the family’s ancestors were buried within the precincts of the demolished building.

The excavation of the tombs of the forbears, Omotoso went further, was a clear evidence that the government of the state in collaboration with the community has a hidden agenda to take over the land and erase the family from Afao history.

But the Afao Community has risen in stout defence of its illustrious son, Governor Fayose exonerating him of complicity in the demolition of the structure.

Acting under the aegis of Afao Development Council (ADC), the community said the demolition of the building became necessary as it has constituted a threat to pupils of a nearby primary school and has become a hideout for criminal elements.

Led by the traditional ruler, the Alafao, Oba Joseph Ademilua, they advised Omotoso not to politicise the demolition maintaining that Fayose has no hand in it as official application was made to appropriate government agencies before the action was carried out.

Apparently disturbed by the tension generated by the demolition saga, the ADC led by its President, Chief Alex Akintunde and Secretary, Elder Bisi Agunbiade, condemned Omotoso for dragging the governor into the matter and politicising a community development effort.

Addressing a news conference at the Alafao’s Palace, ADC Public Relations Officer, Mr. Tope Anjorin, stressed that the community has no intention to take away the land from the Omotoso family as the family is free to erect any structure it desires on the land.

Anjorin said it was uncharitable for Omotoso to claim that the one-storey building was

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beautiful one-storey building became old, derelict and decrepit but still housed some artifacts and some personal effects.

The community felt that the house had to be demolished in public interest expressing fear that the house could collapse anytime endangering the lives of pupils of two primary schools nearby.Apart from this, the community said the house has become a hideout for criminals who hide there to perpetrate their nefarious activities.

May 2, 2015 was the day of decision. Bulldozers roared to the site of the building and pulled down the house in a matter of minutes reducing it to rubbles.

The Omotoso family cried foul claiming that it was not carried along before the house was demolished.

The community maintained that the family was carried along and that the demolition was an agreement reached by sons and daughters of Afao Ekiti, a community located in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

A web of politics has been woven around the Afao demolition saga as the spokesman of the Omotoso family alleged that the pulling down of the house was politically-motivated.

Afao is the hometown of the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose.

The Afao demolition saga has created two warring camps and both camps are baring their fangs ready to throw everything in their arsenal to win what promises to be a big battle ahead.

On one side is the governor, the traditional institution of the community and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members and sympathisers and the Omotoso family and All Progressives Congress (APC) members and sympathisers on the other hand.

Pastor David Oluwafemi Omotoso, the eldest son of the family who owned the building is the APC Secretary in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State and he said the family is suffering for their membership of the opposition party.

Contrary to the claim of the town union, Omotoso said no member of the family was contacted before the building was demolished.

He explained that since the demolished building had become old, a new building was undergoing construction at the back which he was constructing to serve as new abode for family members anytime they come to their hometown.

Omotoso is enraged that the new house under construction was not spearedby the rampaging bulldozers as it was also pulled down.

This, according to him, is part of the conspiracy to victimize the family because of t h e i r m e m bership of the APC.

Omotoso said no member of the family was contacted before the building was demolished... since the demolished building had become old, a new building was undergoing construction at the back which he was constructing to serve as new abode for family members anytime they come to their hometown

It is the Alafao in Council and the Afao Development Council which felt that the 100 year old dilapidated roofless structure of Omotoso family was posing danger to the pupils of nearby primary schools who hibernated under the building. “The community also claimed that the building has become a haven to criminals who often hide there to perpetrate crime

However, the battle may be heading for the court of law according to information from the Omotoso family.

The family has concluded arrangement to drag the community’s traditional ruler, the Alafao to court for demolishing the house without the family’s consent and for going ahead to pull down a house under construction at the back of the old building.

The family said the destruction of the building under construction alongside the ancient family building smacked of malice adding that the claim of pulling down the building in public

interest no longer holds any water.

Briefing reporters last Thursday in Ado Ekiti on the demolition saga, the family’s eldest son, Pastor Omotoso, reiterated his accusation that Fayose masterminded the demolition to victimize family members for their membership of the APC. Omotoso insisted that the demolition of an uncompleted building he was constructing at the back of the old building was an evidence that the action was politically-motivated.

He further explained that not less than six corpses were excavated by the demolition squad saying the ini-

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tial intention was to take over the land from them but was dropped following the outcry and media hype the matter generated.

Omotoso argued that the claim of the Alafao, his chiefs and town union that Fayose was not involved was an aftert thought recalling that the governor had during the Afao Day Celebration held on December 13, 2014 declared his intention to demolish the house on grounds that it was blocking the palace.

The Lagos APC stalwart maintained that the family was not consulted before the house was pulled down wondering why the new building being constructed at the back of the demolished house was also reduced to rubble.

He added that the suspicion was further heightened by the fact that the evacuation of the tombs of the family’s forbears was done at night after the demolition saying the action was an attempt to wipe out the Omotosos from the memory of the Afao people.

The cleric-turned politician said the aggrieved family is heading for the court of law to sue the Oba and seek compensation for the damage done to their artifacts and other valuables which wouldn’t have been destroyed if they had been carried along.

He said: “This house was built in 1953 but it was blown off by wind about two years ago. The administration of ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi intervened and assisted the family with a sum of N10,000 to reroof the building, which we did. “ It was when we realized that the house was weak that we decided to build a new one behind it. The land belonged to our forebears and about six tombs and other artifacts were inside which they destroyed in the cause of demolishing it. “ But it was disheartening that we were not given any notice before carrying out the act . There were more dilapidated houses in Afao which they did not demolish.

“It was during the first term of Governor Fayose that they encroached on our land and built the new palace. Even the fencing encroached on it, but we took that for peace to reign.

“The Governor had earlier made pronouncement during the 2014 Afao Day that Omotoso family should not do anything on that land and he said we should come and see him. He even said that our family house must give way for the palace .

“I came on December 27, 2014 to see him and I was told he travelled out of the country. I then wrote a letter and sent to him by one Tope Anjorin, but there was no reply . And I did not receive any correspondence from the governor acknowledging my letter .

“Only to be called on the 2nd May, 2015 that my father’s house had been demolished and that nothing is standing again on that land, including even the new one that we are erecting. This is totally mischievous and unacceptable.

“We are warning them not to build anything on that land because it belongs to us. The claim that the place posed danger to the pupils is to cover up their mischief.

“All they wanted to do was to erase our family’s name in Afao Ekiti. We are going to challenge this injustice in Court.”

Another member of the Omotoso family, Mrs. Yemi Oluwayose, expressed anger that their father’s belongings were demolished with the building.

She said: “My father’s properties were still in that house, we wanted to construct a new house with the intention of moving the properties.

“Lost in the demolition are artifacts, academic gowns and other personal effects. Definitely, we would seek legal redress.

As the controversy rages, there are many questions demanding answers. If the litigation starts when will it end? Won’t this battle turn brothers against brothers and sisters against sisters? Can out-of-court settlement be struck before legal fireworks begin?

Was it right to have pulled down a new building under construction if the dilapidated one was pulled down in public interest? On whose interest was the new building pulled down. Will the community settle with an estranged family as the matter is being taken to court.

Will Governor Fayose use his exalted office to facilitate reconciliation of the community leaders and the Omotoso family? Will Afao’s image remain the same if court battle starts and it continues to drag? Interesting days await both parties.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

34

SOUTHWEST REPORT Cleric tasks media practitioners on professionalism From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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ATHOLIC ArchBishop of Ibadan , Rev Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin has said media practitioners must be professional and ethical in issuing information to the public.

Abegunrin who spoke at the 2015 World Communications Day Reception at St. Mary’s Cathedral Hall, Oke Padi, Ibadan said in real reportage, the standard expected of journalists does not allow for the slightest degree of sloppiness or carelessness.

He appealed to journalists to adhere strictly to the ethics of news reporting in the reportage of any event.

The ArchBishop said it is necessary that information passed to the public must go through the most thorough search in order to ensure factuality, saying information must be presented in a manner that would not cause undue anxiety in the society.

Abegunrin said journalists are expected to undertake selfregulation, adding that the commission, as a media consumer and source of information for public consumption, is concerned about what is taken into account in what is published or broadcasted.

“A piece of information has to be analysed critically in terms of source and veracity, among others. Journalist need training and retraining, you will see some journalists that speak bad English and even broadcasters that pronounce words poorly on television” he said.

The Archshop also called on political gladiators to use the sacredness of the season to bring sanity to the on-going democratic activities in the country.

He, however, charged Nigerians irrespective of their religions, to engage in fervent prayers,especially at this period, to salvage the country from social evils for the success of the proposed general election.

‘Asians have taken over our industry’ Continued from page 31

Do you think the legislation you are pushing for in the national assembly will regulate the water well drilling profession and correct the alleged bastardisation from foreign drillers?

Yes, at the moment there is a water bill with the National Assembly. It is under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources. It is at the National Assembly, but it has not gone further.

Within this water bill, there is still another bill, the Integrated Water Resources Bill towards setting up a commission like NAFDAC, that oversees the practitioners and even the people affecting water, both the buyer and the seller.

We want a body that regulates like NAFDAC, you must obtain licence. The license gives you the opportunity to manage resources and put some checks on the activities of quacks. These are the two bills.

Whatever might be the power of Minister for Water Resources to operate, I do not know; but it is clearly stated that the minister still has certain power to do things. The minister can still override that for a while and work. All the commissions that have been set up cannot work because they have an issue; their bill is still waiting for the consent of Mr. President.

To hell and back: Tale of Nigerians rescued from slavery in Kuwait •Continued from page 31

geria but he said I must pay back the amount they spent bringing me to Kuwait. I then learnt that the Ethiopian man actually paid N350,000 on me covering visa, air ticket and agent fees. It was like someone sold me to someone, unknown to me. Then, I started crying everyday.”’she recalled.

Daramola said she continued to cry for days, even in the midst of other victims. After a few days, however, she managed to contact the travel agent in Nigeria, who also insisted that she would have to pay the huge sum if she was desirous of returning home.

It was at that stage her relations contacted the Oyo State Police Command which waved in, leveraged on its wide expanded network and rescued Daramola and the second victim, Miss Ajayi, from slavery.

Daramola: “Somehow, I managed to call Mr Adelaja, informing him that

•Miss Daramola (right) and her friend Miss Ajayi

I wanted to come back home. He asked me to pay the Ethiopian agent.

Then I asked him if he ever told me that he was selling me to someone else. He insisted I must refund the N350,000.

We managed to get across to Nigerian police who rescued us. The police went to arrest him in his office.”

“When one of the other victims saw how I cried daily she advised me to go into prostitution to raise the huge amount the cartel requested but I declined.

“But none of them is doing prostitution because they used to lock us up in a place. No one could go out. They

‘Why we’re organising Mainland Family Comedy Show’ John Odiboh is the CEO, The Trevent Company. In this interview with OLUKOREDE YISHAU, he speaks on why it is organising the Mainland Family Comedy Show.

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HAT Is Mainland Family Comedy Show about?

Mainland Laffs Family Comedy Show is an eclectic comedy event aimed at the restoration of the Arts as a worthy tool for the dissemination of values in all spheres of the Nigerian life exploring various innovative styles, including the pantomime comedy medium.

What informed this idea in the first place?

Firstly, The Trevent Company, as a complementary communication brand is very big on values, hence “clean entertainment” is the mantra of the show. This is because overtime, entertainment has become synonymous with vulgarity which is not supposed to be so.

We, therefore, conceptualised this show with a view to showing that Nigerians can enjoy themselves and be entertained not necessarily under a religious platform but on a normal secular ground using the same popular faces we know in the entertainment industry without been exposed to vulgarity. This is to us what is called “Clean Entertainment” and as a family oriented comedy show, it will uphold very high moral and family- friendly values, abhorring offensive acts and statements to the eyes and ears ensuring that we can entertain the adults as well as the kids simultaneously.

Secondly, we discovered that, Mainland as the centre of entertainment in Lagos has become a shadow of itself in that regard. We con-

came to pick whoever they had a job for. They also returned us there after work. They didn’t allow us to communicate to the outside world. I hid the phone I used to call. Otherwise, they would have seized it from me.

There were lots of young women there, so many. They were uncountable. There were so may Ghanaians, Sierra Leoneans, Camerounians who were trapped there. It’s hard life. They are forced to work as house maids. But there is a particular one who is into prostitution.”

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Muhammed Katsina, described the suspects as “a syndicate

whose stock-in-trade is unlawful, criminal indulgence in human slave trade of international dimension.”

He added that the syndicate has web of agents in many parts of Nigeria and overseas, particularly in Kuwait, specializing in luring young ladies seeking greener pasture abroad into slavery under the pretext of assisting in providing job opportunities.

Recalling how the command succeeded in rescuing the victims, Katsina said: “Through the cooperation of our expanded strategic partners, we were able to establish links with the victims in Kuwait and immediately commenced the process of their res-

sequently want to re-write history by returning Mainland’s lost glory by providing alternative Comedy entertainment haven for huge number of people who troop out of the Mainland to watch comedy shows elsewhere.

What will make this show different from the rest?

Yes, apart from our entertainment being clean, we are unveiling a masked comedian (first of its kind) in the Nigerian Comedy Industry called: Wokilumo.

Wokilumo is a Yoruba word meaning the boisterous one who needs little or no introduction. Here the word is personified in a masked comedian. He is Funny, Satirical, Boisterous, Analytical and Fun-Loving.

What is the significance of the event’s date?

The event will take place at Quad T Event Centre, beside Eco Bank and Opposite UPS, Gbagada - Oshodi Expressway, Gbagada, Lagos. The venue is a large tent with ample parking space and because of its proximity to Gbagada a highly residential area with numerous estates in Anthony, Ilupeju and its surroundings; we believe it’s well suited for such a family event.

The date: Sunday May 31, 2015 just happens to be after the swearing in of a new government in Nigeria which we are happy about because people will be relaxed to come watch and enjoy our show.

The event will actually commence at 4:00 PM but there will be Red Carpet from 3pm. Artistes lined up for the show include: Lepacious Bose, 1st Bon, Edo Charles, Alincology, Bowjoint, Iya Jogbo, Baba Sala Jnr (Mr Patua), Forever, Phronesis, Osaz, Wokilumo, MC JDLO etc. Other entertainment genres include, Kiddie Comedy, Music, Dance and more. Gate fee is Alley Seats: N1000, VIP Seats: N5000 and Table for Ten: N50, 000.

Are you expecting any special guest?

Oh yes, we are expecting a member of the new Lagos State House of Assembly and Nollywood •Odiboh Megastar, Hon. Desmond Olusola Elliot who has promised to honour us with his presence. We want to assure Nigerians, Lagosians especially Mainlanders that they will have their money worth and not be disappointed at all.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

35

SOUTHWEST REPORT

•Katsina

cue and at exactly 10:30 pm of May 2, 2015, the rescued victims arrived Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos. In company of our Special Force, the victims were safely brought to the Post-Trauma Unit of the Oyo State Police Command Hospital and Counselling.”

According to him, Rev. Victor Adelaja has since been arrested and sued to court.

On her current frame of mind, Daramola revealed that she was already adjusting to normal life again.

She praised the police for a job well done and warned young ladies against falling prey to fraudulent travel agents.

•The celebrant, Alhaji Allison (centre), his first wife, Alhaja Gbemisola (fourth right), second wife, Alhaja Sherifat (third right), his first daughter, Pastor (Mrs) Bunmi Osinuga (right), Alhaja Yetunde Alade-Adesina (third right), Mr Tunde Sonoki (left) and other guests while cutting the birthday cake.

At 80, Ebudola turbaned for hardwork, religious tolerance

Ebudola

T was another day of joy last week for the Islamic community of Ayegbami in Sagamu Area of Ogun State, as the Allison’s family promised to give a face lift to Araromi Mosque in the town. It was at the celebration of the 80th birthday and the turbaning of Alhaji Yekini Ebudola as BabaAdeen of Araromi Mosque. His family made the pledge.

Alhaji Yekini was turbaned the third Baba Adeen of the mosque.

Monarchs, religious leaders, cap-

I

tains of industry and other dignitaries from all walks of life within and outside Nigeria were all there to rejoice with the Papa ‘Ysure’, as he is fondly called.

Exotic cars were a common sight just as family members, children and grand children were in red lace with gold colour head tie. Other guests had red cap and gold or yellow coloured head ties .

Special prayers were said by many Imams and Alfas for long life and prosperity of the celebrator.

The Chief Imam of the Mosque, Alhaji Abdul Rasaki Solanke, who led the congregation in reciting selected chapters of the Holy Quran, urged the Alhaji Yekini not to relent in his effort to promote and finance the work of the Almighty Allah. He admonished him to further spread the message of peaceful co-existence and tolerance.

Alhaji Solanke, while extolling the virtues of the Baba Adeen, especially the giant strides recorded in the Mosque and the city at large, said: “Alhaji Yekini is a devoted Muslim, who loves to promote and finance Islamic religious proclamations.” He charged the children, grand children, family members, public office holders and politicals to emulate him by making the interest and welfare of the masses their priority.

The Giwa Adeen of Ogun State and Baba Adeen Remoland, Alhaji Aruna Olusola Onasanya, described Alhaji Allison as number one citizen who accommodates people with true love, and who derived joy in financing the work of Allah and uplifting the less-privileged.

Alhaji Onasanya urged the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of the Alhaji Yekini to emulate the good behaviour of their father.

He urged them to continue to build on the legacies of their father.

Alhaji Yekini was described in superlatives by his children, wives and guests as a loving, caring and accommodating, who enjoyed preaching the peace and harmony among the people.

He was born on May 5, 1935 to the family of the ruling house of Erinjigbo Descendant in Itunla Quarters, Sagamu.

His father Pa Aliyu Sonoiki Okusagba (Baba Elesin), was one of the first

people that rode horse in the history of Sagamu.

Alhaji Yekini, had his elementary education at Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Makun –Sagamu. Thereafter, proceded to Saka Tinubu Memorial High School, now Ahmadiyya College, Agege.

He has travelled and worked in many organisations across the country.

Alhaji Yekini, who was as result of his service to humanity and commitment to Islam appointed the President, United Muslim Council of Nigeria, Sagamu Zone,was turbaned as Alakoso Adeen of Remoland, and Sanmori Adeen of Ogun State and many more.

Alhaji Yekini, in his closing remarks, thanked Almighty Allah that made the occasion possible.

He said he was overwhelmed to see himself celebrating 80 years, the journey, which he said was not an easy task but achieved through the special grace of the Almighty Allah.

He urged youths to be patient and shun inordinate wealth. Allah’s time is the best, he said.

He also advised Nigerian leaders to ensure the less-privileged are not left out.

Alhaji Yekini promised his service to humanity and commitment to Islam as long as he lives.

•Commissioner for Establishment, Training & Pensions, Mrs. Florence Oguntuase (2nd right), the Chairman, Lagos State Research Grant Council, Professor Femi Bamiro (2nd left), member of the Council, Rev. Isaac Agoye (right) and a researcher from the University of Lagos, Engr.

Eugenia O. Obidiegwu (left) during the1st Exhibition of Lagos State Research and Development Grant (LRDG) projects organized by the Lagos State Research and Development Council (LRDC) at Lagos House, Ikeja.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

SOUTHWEST REPORT

How to stope workplace accidents, by professionals

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S the nation prepares for a change of leadership, an agenda has been set for the incoming administration to reduce workplace accidents and deaths to its barest minimum.

Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) professionals explained how the government can make employers to promote their workers’ safety at an annual conference of Safety Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (SAEF) held last weekend at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Ikeja, Lagos.

Speakers at the conference presented different papers on how safety culture could be ingrained in the country. But they all had convergent views on the need to eliminate preventable workplace accidents and fatal incidents that occurred from workers’ unsafe actions. The Federal Government, they said, must introduce a legislation that will improve safety awareness in all organisations.

In his address, the SAEF national coordinator, Mr Kadiri Sham-

By Wale Ajetunmobi

sideen, said the event had been sustained to serve as a reminder to the government on the need to stop accidents in workplaces. He said the Foundation was worried over the increasing rate of preventable deaths in many firms, saying efforts to reduce it had been impeded by absent of compelling legislation that would make companies’ managements to introduce measures that would isolate their workers from danger.

Kadiri said the Foundation, which is a non-governmental organisation (NGO), had embarked on campaign in public and private firms to promote awareness about the need for workers to be healthy and safe from occupational dangers in their workplaces.

Mr Wale Bakare, Executive Director of SMTS, who spoke on Building a culture of prevention on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS): The impact of legislation, emphasised the role of legislation in maintaining good occupational health and Safety in every company. He said: “There

•Dr. Okere with other speakers at the event

The Federal Government, must introduce a legislation that will improve safety awareness in all organisations. is need for the Federal Government to sign the OHS Bill pending before the National Assembly. This bill is relevant to well-being of Nigerian workers and the society at large.”

To Larry Pupu, the HSE Manager of Deltaafrik, and Ibitayo Edunfunke, HSE Manager of the Nigerian Breweries, who spoke separately on the theme, Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind in developing its safety culture. They called for intensive awareness and constant campaign to make

•From right: Regional Sales Manager for Middle East and Africa, ABB Inverters Mr. Ahmad Awad; Managing Director Powercell Limited Mr Omotayo Balogun and Michael Williams during consultants and power dealers’ forum in Lagos

the government keep all firms on their toes to promote safety.

The Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC), Mrs Dominga Odebunmi, harped on positive safety culture among workers, urging the government to sign the OHS Bill to reduce and eventually eliminate workplace accidents.

Dr Nicholas Okere, a safety practitioner, called for unity among the OHS professionals to achieve a great-

er nation where human lives would be valued. A SAEF member, Mr Jamiu Badmos, urged participants to embrace the spirit of Ubuntu (Swahili for humanity) to ensure safety remains the watchword of all workers.

Over 200 HSE leaders and practitioners attended the conference, which was supported by Sterling Bank, Etisalat, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and Blood Pressure Association.

Camp Commandant, Major Bashir Mohammed; Globacom’s Group Business Director, Kunle Akanmu, Camp Director, Belinda Faniyi; State Coordinator, Cyril Akhananhe; Glo ambassadors, Bez and Ego Iheanacho at the Miss Bold & Beautiful contest organised for corps members at the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.

•Lagos State Head, Policy, Research and Statistics, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Oseni Sulaiman Oba (ACC) (fourth right), Sector Head, Training Standardisation and Certification (TSC), Ibrahim Abdulraheem (third left), Lagos and Ogun Special Marshals and Partnership’s Coordinator Mr Toyin Kadiku (third left), NASFAT Unit 32 Coordinator Annafi Yahaya Taye (right) and other officers at a public enlightenment in Alausa Central Mosque, Lagos.

•Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase (middle) inaugurating Safer Highway Patrol vehicles at the Police Headquarters in Abuja...on Monday. With him are the DIG ‘D’ Department, Mr Doma Dan’Azumi (left) and DIG ‘C’ Department, Mr. Mamman Tsafe.

•President, Women in Politics Forum (WIPE), Mrs Ebere Ifendu addressing a news conference organised by WIPE and a Coalition of other women groups in Abuja...yesterday. With her are member of WIPE Mrs Fatimah Saleh (left) and National Coordinator, Proactive Gender Initiatives, Esther Uzoma.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

37

THE NATION INVESTORS

‘UBA’s share price can still rise by 82%’ I

NVESTORS looking for substantial returns on their portfolios over the next 12 months should include United Bank for Africa (UBA) in their stock selections, an international investment and finance firm has said.

Exotix Partners LLP, a global finance and investment firm with offices in major global financial centres and significant imprints in Africa, said that UBA’s share price could rise to N9.95 per share over the next 12 months. UBA’s share price opened yesterday at N5.46 per cent. Exotix coordinates its global operations through five major offices in London, New York, Lagos, Dubai and Nairobi.

The Exotix report, signed by Kato Mukuru and Ronak Ghadia, chartered financial analysts, upgraded UBA’s ranking to buy, a favourable recommendation to investors.

Analysts commended what they described as gradual improvement in the fundamentals of the bank noting that the bank’s management has substantially improved the group’s profit drivers, which has not been fully recognised.

They noted increasing improvement in cost efficiency as the cost to income ratio improved from 89.2 per cent in 2011 to 67.4 per cent in2014, with a projection for further improvement to 57.3 per cent by 2019 on the back of continued moderate operating expenses growth.

Analysts also pointed out that the bank has witnessed notable improvement in asset quality over the four-year period. Since 2011, UBA has averaged a cost of risk of 0.9 per cent as against peer average of 1.3 per cent while its non-performing loan ratio of 1.6 per cent was the lowest among Nigerian banks in 2014.

“Relative to its peers, the bank’s loan portfolio has remained very

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

diversified. In particular, as at 2014, exposure to the vulnerable oil and gas sector was 19 per cent as against sector average of 25.7 per cent and its foreign currency denominated loans were 31.1 per cent of total loans as against peer average of +40 per cent. Despite the tough operating environment, management remain confident of maintaining a cost of risk of 1.0 per cent and non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of 2.0 per cent.

We remain conservative and assume a cost of risk of 1.5 per cent and NPL ratio of 3.5 per cent,” Exotix stated.

Analysts also cited UBA’s growing non-funded income contribution with total non-interest income increasing by cumulative annual growth rate of 19.3 per cent over the past three years. This was partly driven by exceptional foreign exchange trading gains in 2014 as well as a 7.5 per cent cumulative increase in core fees and commission income.

“We think the headline growth in fees and commissions is impressive given the regulatory pressures on this line item. UBA’s average noninterest income to total operating revenue of 41.5 per cent remains significantly above peer average of 34.3 per cent. We forecast non-interest income growth to moderate to 4.0 per cent over the next five years due to non-recurrence of the exceptional trading gain in 2014 and zero rating of commission on turnover (COT).

Nonetheless, we forecast core fee and commission income growth to remain strong at 8.3 per cent due to some of the initiatives taken by the group,” analysts at Exotix noted.

The report indicated that the bank could gradually overcome the major drag of its low margins as from

this year. Analysts regarded low margins, which have averaged 4.4 per cent as against peer average of 6.3 per cent, as the biggest drag on UBA’s profitability. However, the group’s asset yields have improved from 6.9 per cent to 7.7 per cent and the continued low margins were therefore due to an increase in funding costs, which rose to 3.8 per cent as significant tightening of monetary policy weighed in on the industry. With the proportion of foreign exchange-based loans to total loans declining to 31 per cent in 2014 from 34.4 per cent in 2013, analysts believed that UBA could benefit from 20-basis points margin uplift in 2015 and gradually to 5.0 per cent by 2019 as regulatory pressures and funding costs decline.

The board of UBA earlier said the bank was set for a stronger performance this year as first quarter earnings showed considerable growths in the top-line and the bottom-line.

Key extracts of the three-month unaudited report and accounts of UBA for the period ended March 31, 2015 showed that the top-line rose by 22 per cent while pre and post tax profits rose by 36 per cent and 35 per cent respectively. Gross earnings rose to N83.1 billion by March 2015 compared with N68.1billion made in the first three months of 2014. Profit before tax grew by 36 per cent to N18.4 billion in first quarter 2015 as against N13.5 billion in comparable period of 2014. After taxes, net profit grew by 35 per cent to N17 billion in first quarter 2015 as against N12.6 billion in the comparable period of 2014.

Group managing director, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, described the first quarter performance as a great start to the year noting that the performance in the first quarter underlined

the resilience of the bank as it admirably weathered the uncertainties that characterized the Nigerian economy during the first quarter of 2015.

“We witnessed what can best be described as a quantum leap in our profit and balance sheet drivers. Besides the significant growth in profits, I am also impressed by the six per cent quarter-to-date growth in deposits and the low 1.6 per cent non-performing loans (NPL) ratio, which reflects our prudence. It shows our focus on both profit drivers and risks within our operating environment,” Oduoza said.

He explained that the group’s African business operations contributed over one-fifth of the group’s earnings in the first quarter adding that there would be a more positive outlook as the bank’s pan-African operations increasingly gain critical mass across the African markets.

He said the bank would remain focused on cross selling initiatives and niche market play as it continues to build a leading Pan-African financial services franchise and delivering superior value to its shareholders.

The significant growth in profit after tax means that the bank’s earnings per share at the end of the 2015 financial year is forecast to rise by 35 per cent to N2.06 from N1.53, if the first quarter growth rate is sustained, while return on equity is expected to rise to 24.8 per cent from 22.1 percent within the same period, showing significant improvement in returns to shareholders.

Commenting on the results, Group Chief Financial Officer, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Ugo Nwaghodoh, said the bank tapped into efficiency gains in its operations to boost profitability.

According to him, the bank has

seen significant improvement in interest and non-interest incomes across all business lines as well as improvement on average yields on assets.

“We hope to sustain this impressive quarterly performance through the year especially with the recent upgrade of our core banking application which will drive operational efficiencies across the group,” Nwaghodoh said.

Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of UBA for the year ended December 31, 2014 had shown that gross earnings rose from N264.69 billion in 2013 to N290.02 billion in 2014. Interest income had grown from N185.7 billion to N196.68 billion while net interest income increased from N103.23 billion to N106.13 billion.

The audited report showed that the banking group substantially consolidated its African operations and enhanced productivity across the group, which helped to cushion impacts of industry-wide regulatory headwinds. The bank’s total assets rose to N2.76 trillion in 2014 as against N2.64 trillion in 2013 while shareholders’ funds increased from N235.04 billion to N265.41 billion. The bottom-line performance was however muted by midline costs. Profit before tax stood at N56.2 billion in 2014 as against N56.06 billion in 2013.

Profit after tax improved from N46.60 billion in 2013 to N47.91 billion. With this, earnings per share improved slightly from N1.52 in 2013 to N1.56 in 2014. Customer deposits remained stable at N2.17 trillion in 2014. Buoyed by this stability, UBA expanded its support for businesses on the continent by increasing its loan book by 14 per cent to N1.072 trillion in 2014.

Insecurity: Companies count losses as earnings decline

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S the security forces battle to clear the remnants of insurgents in some Northern states, companies have fingered the insecurity in the Northern region as one of the major contributors to widespread decline in corporate earnings.

Full-year audited report and accounts of several quoted companies for the 2014 business year and earnings reports for the first quarter of 2015 showed a largely tepid performance. Besides declines in sales, the profitability of several companies also dwindled. The low performance trend was particularly visible in the results of companies with nationwide business model, especially those with substantial Northern operations.

For instance, key extracts of the audited report and accounts of Learn Africa for the year ended December 31, 2014 showed that turnover dropped marginally to N2.21 billion in 2014 as against N2.28 billion in 2013.

Profit after tax halved from N100.13 million to N58.68 million.

Also, during the same period, Cadbury Nigeria’s turnover dropped from N35.76 billion in 2013 to N30.52 billion in 2014. Profit before tax slumped to N1.47 billion as against N7.42 billion while profit after tax declined from N6.02 billion to N1.51 billion. Earnings per share thus dropped from N1.92 to 75 kobo.

Nestle Nigeria’s turnover rose by eight per cent from N133.08 billion in 2013 to N143.3 billion in 2014. Profit before tax however dropped from N26.05 billion in 2013 to N24.4 billion in 2014. Profit after tax was almost unchanged at N22.24 billion in 2014 as against N22.26 billion in 2013.

Unilever Nigeria’s turnover dropped by seven per cent from N60 billion in 2103 to N55.75 billion in 2014. Pre-tax profit dropped by 58 per

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

cent from N6.79 billion to N2.87 billion. After a 78 per cent reduction in tax provisions, net profit after tax dropped by 49 per cent to N2.41 billion in 2014 as against N4.72 billion recorded in 2013. Earnings per share consequently dropped from N1.25 in 2013 to 64 kobo in 2014.

Also, the audited report of Dangote Sugar Refinery indicated that turnover dropped from N103.15 billion in 2013 to N94.86 billion in 2014. Profit before tax also slipped from N16.27 billion in 2013 to N15.27 billion in 2014. However, with reduction in tax provisions, net profit increased from N10.85 billion to N11.64 billion. With this, earnings per share rose marginally from 90 kobo to 97 kobo.

In the first quarter of 2015, the Gombe-based Ashaka Cement, which had once come under attacks by the insurgents, reported that first quarter sales dropped to N4.56 billion in 2015 as against N6.51 billion recorded in comparable period of 2014. Profit after tax also slipped to N889.01 million compared with N1.92 billion in corresponding period of 2014.

Managing director, Learn Africa Plc, Mr. Segun Oladipo said companies have had to scale down or completely close their operations in some Northern states because of the deadly activities of the insurgents, which have destroyed economic and commercial activities in the affected states.

According to him, the frequent bombings and clashes between Boko Haram members and the law enforcement agents have forced many companies to close their offices while others have substantially reduced their operations and business hours.

“The general feelings of uncertainty and insecurity in those areas have made many investors to relocate their

From left: Head, Legal and Regulation Division, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Ms Tinuade Awe; Group Managing Director, Diamond Bank Plc, Mr. Uzoma Dozie; Winner, NSE Corporate Challenge, Esther Obiekwe of Diamond Bank Plc; Head, Corporate Services Division, NSE, Mr. Bola Adeeko; Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, NSE, Mr. Ade Bajomo and Executive Director, Business Development, NSE, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri at the NSE corporate challenge race in the fight against cancer in Lagos

businesses to safe areas. As a company, we are greatly concerned about this terrible situation which has limited our promotional activities and revenue generation efforts. Our sales and marketing operatives have not been able to move extensively in order to sell the full benefits of our excellent learning resources to the teachers, school administrators and other influential persons in the educational sector. As a matter of fact, several schools have been closed down due to the destruction of facilities, widespread killings and threats to the lives of students and their teachers,” Oladipo noted.

He added that bookshops and other sales outlets have stopped operating due to high level of insecurity while

many of the teachers in those areas have also lost the opportunity to update their knowledge and upgrade their skills through attendance at capacity building events like the seminars and workshops that his company usually organises in several locations across Nigeria.

He pointed out that many of the state governments that used to buy books in bulk for distribution among students in their public schools have stopped doing so as they are now allocating more resources to fighting the criminal elements in order to guarantee security of lives and properties. This represents loss of significant business to a company like Learn Africa.

“We have reduced our business

activities in the troubled areas in order to protect the lives of our employees and our company’s assets,” Oladipo said.

He, however, said the company has been taken measures to mitigate the adverse impact of the insecurity crisis on its earnings by allocating more resources to the identification and exploitation of business opportunities in other parts of the country.

According to him, more sales representatives have been employed to saturate schools in the safe areas with vigorous promotions of the company’s new and backlist titles while the company has purchased additional vans to enable the mobile sales teams to distribute products to wider areas.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

38

SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Essiet_daniel@yahoo.com 08180714151

The West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP) Nigeria is offering those in agro business technical training to process their produce and make a living. The support is aimed at creating jobs and business opportunities for residents where such businesses are located, reports DANIEL ESSIET.

Promoting rural enterprises

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HE past decade has been challenging for young people and farmers seeking to start agro business. But the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP) Nigeria supported projects are improving farming techniques, increasing access to processing machines and reviving the commodities sector. All of these have helped villagers and young people rebuild their lives and pursue a more prosperous future.

An example is Abia State where communities are working with WAAPP Nigeria to form groups and determine their own business needs.

According to the Chairman, Cassava Value Chain Innovation Platform, Abia State, Kalu Iche Kalu, small agro business owners are learning important skills to manage hectares of farmland involving cassava production that has expanded to meet rapidly, rising demand for livestock feeds, starch, chips and garri.

In Abia State, he said, cassava business is booming and is linked to increasing local processing of the crop into wet and dry starch, which is transformed into higher value food and industrial products – from noodles, glucose, and maltose to textiles, pharmaceuticals, among others.

According to Kalu, a lot of investors are making money through wet starch extraction.

He said small-scale operators handle one to 10 tonnes of roots daily, while there are medium-sized processors handling 10 to 100 tonnes.

He said several new cassava varieties have come from collaborative breeding efforts supported by WAAPP and improved varieties resulting from such works have doubled average crop yields.

Kalu said the impact is great, yielding enormous returns for agro businesses Consequently, he said, cassava is one of the most dynamic sub sectors in the state, helping to drive industrial development while delivering higher incomes to investors.

To boost more activities, he said, the plat-

•Kalu

form also engaged farmers, processors, and investors through meetings to scale out successful technologies and practices.

Villagers, according to him, are coming from various zones for the platform to train them as they see bigger fruits and harvests.

Small scale cassava producers working with the platforms, he said, are proud of having helped to transform the value chain, making it inclusive and efficient.

Under the WAAPP Nigeria Programme, the mandate, he said, is root and tuber, specifically yam and cassava. The platforms are in nine states and have given small holder farmers support on farm inputs such as fertiliser and the top five cassava varieties, including the pro-vitamin A umu-cass 36,37 and 38.

Under the WAAPP assisted project, he said the target in the first phase is to reach out to 300,000 farmers, which they have reached 167,000. “This year we are providing seven processing centres across seven states of which two of these processing centres are almost completed. Our target is to complete these processing centers before the end of May

•Bagged cassava

next year.

The processing centres are at Umuaka Okigwe, Imo State and Bende in Abia State.”

The programme is to transform subsistence farmers into commercial farmers, promote investment in the cassava processing industries and develop the capacity of local governments to drive economic development.

WAAPP Nigeria National Coordinator, Prof Damian Chikwendu, said the idea behind the innovative platforms is to support smallscale operations to manufacture products, which are not very easy for budding entrepreneurs.

Following the establishment of such groups, Chikwendu said local small scale farmers now have places to process products to be sold commercially.

The equipment helps local producers to slice and dice large quantities of vegetables, blend ingredients, produce dry fruits and vegetables, process products in metal cans, pasteurise juices and perform other tasks.

With the recent downturn in the economy

coupled with the popularity of farmers’ markets and the concept of local foods, he said, many people are interested in developing food processing companies.

With the support of WAAPP working through partners, he said a lot of people have been helped to translate their food ideas into finished products.

Products included veggie chips, sauce, and plantain and cassava chips.

The plan of the programme, he said, is to help diversify and develop the agribusiness sector, improve processing, mainly by providing training and grant support to set up drying tunnels. With better packaging, he said entrepreneurs have not only improved the products, but helped farmers to increase shelflife of products, reduce losses and improve access to the market. The results in places such as Enugu and Abia have been startling.

He said some successful entrepreneurs are building on their achievements to add more value to the fruit they produce.

Turning bread business into a profitable venture In home kitchens and backyard ovens around the country, small-scale bakers are encouraged to make fresh bread.

This has created opportunities for entrepreneurs. DANIEL ESSIET writes.

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KUTE, an Ogun State suburb, may not be the place where you can find your own formula of success, but Henry Omenogor, the Chief Executive, Menog Publishing, and owner of a micro bakery business, is attracting people with his baking skills and do-it-yourself knowledge on how to run a successful micro-bread business.

As locals commonly say, “you taste once and you will be back”, his approach does not require a crackling crust, but a simple micro oven with a wheaty flavour, wholesome ingredients and passionate craftsmanship, then bread is made.

In the next five years, Omenogor will be spreading a subtle revolution in bread business. This is because he is raising a generation of micro bakers, training those ready to raise up to N40,000.

He teaches them how to make simple delicious bread, which can be operated from their residences, using home kitchens. Omenogor has come a long way to become a successful entrepreneur. He moved from Lagos to Ghana in search of better economic opportunities. In Ghana, he started internet business and was giving seminars, attracting attendance until he had challenges. As an acknowledged information consultant, menial jobs were unfamiliar to him, and he spent many days dreaming about what to do until he had a dream to start a bread business. He became acquainted with many bakers in Ghana in the search for advice on how to start his own business.

Eventually, he underwent training in a local bakery, which opened his eyes to opportunities in micro -bread business. While he was making bread for Ghanaians, Omenogor realised it was challenging to make it as a foreigner as some distributors preferred to promote the indigenes and this affected his ability to make money and enlarge his business, hence he returned home to Nigeria and his story changed for good. Today, he feels at

•Omenogor

•A micro-baker at work

home in Lagos training young school leavers and retirees looking for business ideas.

He also exemplifies how micro-bakers can make a living, selling loaves of bread— made with freshly milled flour and baked in his backyard oven—to a few local shops.

Like many micro-bakers, he markets his bread anywhere and encourages others that micro-bakers are the next step in bread making. Micro-bakers, he said, seek unique strains of grain and do the milling themselves, using processes that allow oils in the grain to permeate the flour with flavour and aroma.

With this, some bakers can graduate to larger businesses with wider reach.

He told The Nation that there is a great need and desire for the kind of bread he produces and his bread forms part of a bigger trend.

He feels happy that his micro -bread

business has turned into a venture where people can copy and create sustainable means of livelihood.

His bread, branded Ghana bread, do not just tastes good, it is a resounding commercial success. Although he had been in business for five years, he discovered he had more to learn.

He learnt how to control finances, manage employees, treat customers better, and many more. He began to see business in a different way.

Omenegor teaches prospective entrepreneurs home bread making, business and management skills. What makes successful home bakeries, he said, is specialising in a particular bread category.

Upon returning to Lagos to start his microbread business, he researched the market to determine what his potential customers would want—and how much they are willing to pay.

Like in Akute, he discovered people were

used to ‘Agege ‘bread and as such, he had to do something to attract customers and increase his chances of success. While the popular ‘ Agege’ bread may be accepted in some local communities, he said, brown bread will only sell in high brow areas, such as Ikoyi and Lagos mainland He, however, counselled that though using only the highest-quality ingredients will be okay that, operating costs will be higher than average, and there is no way prices can reflect those costs..

Like any business, he said bakery’s success depends largely on commitment, planning and ability to market one’s products.

The other thing, according to him, is that the success of any bakery hinges largely on the quality of the products. The marketing plan, he explained, should include a number of tactics to get the word out about the bakery, including advertising, and opportunities for customers to taste one’s bread.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL Rolls-Royce cuts 600 marine jobs

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OLLS-ROYCE says the future prospects for the marine busi ness remain bright RollsRoyce said it plans to cut 600 jobs in its marine unit by the end of the year, in response to “challenging market conditions”.

The reduction will be global, but half will be in Norway, where most employees and manufacturing are located.

The marine business employs about 6,000 people in 34 countries.

Mikael Makinen, president of the marine division, said: “The effect of low oil prices means we have to continue to look for further efficiencies.

“The future prospects for the marine business remain bright, and we are focused on maintaining our position as a technology leader, but we must drive further cost reduction today so that we are ready to grow tomorrow,” he added.

The reductions announced are in addition to programmes already under way to consolidate manufacturing at several Rolls-Royce locations in the UK, US, Norway, Sweden and South Korea.

Last November, the company said it would cut its headcount by 2,600 jobs, mainly in its aerospace division.

China’s new home prices fall

T •General Manager Terrapinn, Joseph Ridley, presenting the prize to the Head, Business Development and Commercial Services, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Dr. Robert Attuh in Dubai.

Unilever boss urges world leaders on carbon output reduction

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HE Head of Unilever, Paul Polman, has called on world leaders to raise their game in the battle against climate change.

Polman said governments must set clear CO2 targets to force lowcarbon innovation.

Speaking ahead of a business climate summit in Paris this week, he urged fellow chief executives to help create a “political licence” for politicians to promote clean energy.

But firms dependent on cheap fossil fuel energy are unlikely to agree.

“It’s clear that, increasingly, the business community is aware of the costs of climate change. Momentum is swinging towards people realising that we need to take urgent action to stay below

two degrees [increase in global average temperature],” Mr Polman told BBC News.

He said there had been a “long dance” between politicians and chief executives over who should take the lead on cutting emissions.

“There was a belief among some politicians that the main challenge is job creation and economic growth, and if we get side-tracked with climate we might not achieve the economic growth.

“The reality is, if we don’t tackle climate change we won’t achieve economic growth.”

Polman said Unilever had faced business costs •300m-to-•400 million (£216m-to-£316m) higher than normal due to extreme weather.

Along with Virgin’s Richard Branson and vehicle industrialist

Ratan Tata, he is in a group called The B Team, which urges governments to bring greenhouse gas emissions to zero by the middle of the century.

This group will form a strong presence at the business summit, which is expected to attract more than 1,000 people to Paris. The French capital is also the location for the world leaders’ climate summit in December.

Another group in Paris, RE100, will announce new members today.

It is aiming to encourage 100 worldleading firms to obtain 100 per cent of their energy from renewable sources.

Nick Mabey, who runs the green think tank E3G, said: “We’ve seen the underpinnings of climate politics grow. Now we have a $5tn (£3.1tn) low carbon economy.

Greece seeks loan deal

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REECE has said it wants to reach a loan deal with its international creditors by the end of this month.

With the country seemingly close to running out of cash, government spokesman Gabriel Sakellaridis said a deal was “required immediately”.

Greece has to make a payment of •1.5billion (£1.09billion) to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on June 5.

Last week , the government raided its IMF reserves in order to pay •750m in debt interest on its existing loans.

“A deal is required immediately, this is why we are talking about the end of May, to resolve these critical liquidity issues,” Gabriel Sakellaridis said.

The Greek government, EU and

IMF have been locked in negotiations for four months over economic reforms the IMF and EU say must be implemented before the latest •7.2billion tranche of the country’s bailout fund is released.

The deadlock has created fresh fears that Greece will run out of cash.

Issues still to be resolved are thought to include pension reform, deregulation of the labour market, and the re-hiring of 4,000 former civil servants.

There have been suggestions Greece could default on loan repayments as early as the next •1.5billion payment due to the IMF. Greece faces a stringent repayment schedule in the coming months, and also needs to con-

tinue paying salaries and pensions.

EU Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas welcomed the commitment by the Greek government to bring the talks to a conclusion but said “more time and effort is needed to bridge the gaps on the remaining open issues in the negotiations”.

“Constructive contacts are ongoing and progress is being made, even though still at a slow pace,” he added.

He admitted Greece was likely to be one of the main topics of conversation at this week’s EU Eastern Partnership Summit in the Latvian capital, Riga.

But he added that whatever happened there could be no “substitute for the need to bridge the gaps on the remaining issues that are being discussed”.

‘UK should not fear EU exit’

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HE chairman of construction equipment firm JCB has said the UK should not fear an exit from the European Union.

“We are the fifth or sixth largest economy in the world. We could exist on our own - peacefully and sensibly,” Lord Bamford told BBC Midlands.

Lord Bamford said an exit would enable the UK to “negotiate as our country rather than being one of 28 nations”.

Prime Minister David Cameron has promised an in-out referendum on the UK’s EU membership by the end of 2017.

British Chambers of Commerce director general John Longworth

said that 55 per cent of his members were in favour of a “reformed Europe”.

“The ‘reformed’ part of it is quite important, and if you look at a lot of the economic reports... the inout debate is more nuanced than a lot of people would have us believe,” he told the BBC. He said the BCC was waiting to see what shape reform proposals would take, and that it was down to UK politicians to explain to business what reforms they would be pursuing from Brussels.

Mr Longworth said that, while businesses were used to dealing with uncertainty, an in-out referendum should “take place as soon

as is practical”.

Lord Bamford was speaking as JCB, a privately-owned firm, reported £303m in underlying earnings for 2014, compared with £313m in 2013.

JCB said the UK’s construction boom had helped offset weaker markets globally.

The construction equipment market in both Brazil and China dropped by 17 per cent last year, with Russia down 27per cent and India by almost 15 per cent, it reported.

In contrast, the market for plant machinery in the UK surged by 30per cent, while in the US it rose 13 per cent.

Overall JCB said sales totalled £2.5bn, down 6% on 2013.

HE average price of new homes in China’s major cities fell more than six per cent in April from a year ago.

The price of new homes in China fell for the eighth consecutive month in April, showing the property sector continues to be a major drag on the world’s second-largest economy.

The average price in China’s 70 major cities fell 6.1% from a year ago - the same rate of decline as in March.

A large inventory of unsold homes is weighing on the once red-hot market.

The property sector accounts for about 20 per cent of China’s economy, according to economists.

It has been flagged as one of the biggest risks to the Asian giant’s economic growth, which is on track for its slowest growth in a quarter of a century this year.

However, home prices in

Beijing did rise for a second consecutive month in April, while Shanghai’s prices rose for the first time in a year.

But overall, prices in most of the smaller cities, which account for about 60 per cent of national sales, continued to head lower.

Analysts said the recent data will continue to add pressure on policymakers to ease and introduce stimulus measures to boost the economy.

Authorities had eased tax rules and down-payment requirements in March and earlier this month, the central bank cut interest rates for the third time since November to pick up lending.

Despite that, real estate investment growth eased to its lowest rate since 2009 in the first quarter of this year.

Growth fell to 8.5 per cent in January to March, according to the Nationals Bureau of Statistics, falling from 10.4 per cent in the first two months of the year.

Gucci sues Alibaba over fake goods

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LIBABA raised $25billion when it floated its stock in New York last year.

China’s leading online marketplace Alibaba, is being sued by the owner of Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Puma and other fashion brands.

Paris-based Kering has accused the firm of making it possible for US shoppers to order counterfeit goods in bulk from Alibaba’s various websites.

It follows a failed attempt to resolve the matter outside the courts.

Alibaba said it was already taking action against fake goods and that it planned to fight the case.

“We continue to work in partnership with numerous brands to help them protect their intellectual property, and we have a strong track record of doing so,’’ it said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, Kering Group has chosen the path of wasteful litigation instead of the path of constructive co-operation.

“Kering and its brands dedicate a

great amount of creative energy, craftsmen’s know-how and monetary investments to develop products that speak to consumers and fulfil their needs,” a spokeswoman told the BBC. “This lawsuit is part of Kering’s ongoing global effort to maintain its customers’ trust in its genuine products and to continue to develop the creative works and talents in its brands.”

This is not the first time Alibaba has been criticised over illegal sales made using its platforms.

Its Taobao shopping service had appeared on the US Trade Representative’s list of “notorious markets” until 2012, at which point the US authorities recognised it was making efforts to combat the problem.

However, earlier this year, one of China’s own regulators accused the company of failing to give the issue “sufficient attention”, adding that Alibaba had let the “abscess fester until it became a danger”.

South Africa’s Vodacom FY earnings fall as competition heats up

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OUTH African telecoms com pany Vodacom reported an expected drop in full-year earnings on Monday as call connection rates fell, while its planned investment in data to stay competitive could squeeze future profits.

Vodacom, majority-owned by Britain’s Vodafone, said it would continue to expand its data network, having spent 13.3 billion rand ($1.1 billion) in the year to end-March or about 23 percent more than the previous year.

Like other mobile phone companies in Africa, Vodacom is spending billions of dollars to lay down highspeed data infrastructure to tap into rising consumer demand for data.

However, margins from data are smaller due to the cost of rolling out data networks versus voice calls, analysts say.

Data services was growth area with

only about half of its South African customers using the service, Vodacom’s CEO Shameel Joosub told reporters.

Vodacom also said it lost 2 billion rand in revenue after South African authorities halved the amount operators charge one another for connecting calls, known as mobile termination rates.

“It’s been a tough year, probably one of the most challenging we’ve ever faced with major cuts in mobile termination rates, a weak economic environment, exchange rate volatility and increasing price competition,” Joosub said, referring to rivals such MTN Group and unlisted Cell C. Vodacom had hoped its planned acquisition of landline and data provider Neotel would reduce the need to build its own data network, but is yet to receive approval from the regulator.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

BUSINESS AFRICA

NEPC proposes OSOP for economic growth

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HE non-oil export sector of the economy can revive the Nigeria’s economy if adequately explored, even as we continue to witness the free fall of revenue from oil resources caused by the glut in global prices.

Executive Director/CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Mr. Olusegun Awolowo spoke at a two-day integrated workshop on Techniques of Nonoil Export Project Formulation and Implementation for State Committees on Export Promotion (SCEP) in Kaduna.

The CEO said: “Nigeria has the potential to be among the first top 10 net exporters of agricultural commodities given its abundant human and natural resources – spread across the length and breadth of this country.”

Awolowo, who was represented

by Mr Olajide Ibrahim, a Director in the Office of the CEO, said that though Nigeria is presently the world’s largest producer of seven agricultural export commodities, the position does not reflect in the global trade stage, implying that the country is deprived of requisite world market share from these products.

He added that the council in its avowed effort to make the non-oil export sector a commanding contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would deploy its capacity, expertise and reach to promote the diversification of the economy, in line with government’s economic agenda.

Nevertheless, the chief executive explained that the current situation did not meet the council unpre-

pared, as key strategies have been mapped out for diversifying the economy.

For instance, NEPC is currently advocating the development of One-State-One-Product (OSOP) – an initiative geared at establishing one non-oil export product per state as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The OSOP takes into cognisance the products where states have comparative and competitive advantage in terms of production and commercialisation, as the focus for development and promotion for exports.

Throwing more light, Mr Ibrahim said the Kaduna forum for state committees on Export Promotion, planned for the Northwest, Northeast and Northcentral States was a follow-up to an ear-

lier one held in Lagos in April 2015.

SCEPs are a creation from the NEPC enabling Act, which made provision for the establishment of the committees in 36 states of the Federation and Abuja – with the primary aim of assisting in the promotion of non-oil exports at the grassroots.

On the slight decrease in Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings between the 2013 and 2014 figure (about nine per cent decrease), Ibrahim said the decrease came as a result of challenges from inadequate infrastructure, crisis in World oil prices, insurgency and few other known unfavourable economic indices.

But he advised on the imperative to have a strong synergy

and commitment between the public-private Sector and other relevant stakeholders for the non-oil export sector to achieve and attain its desirable heights.

Over 70 participants comprising Permanent Secretaries of states’ Ministry of Trade and Commerce, directors of the Ministries, representatives of City Chambers of Commerce, leaderships of Organised Private Sectors a n d C o m m o d i t y bodies such as All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) attended the workshop.

Participants promised to collaborate with NEPC to realise the potentials of the non-oil export sector and ensure an increase in foreign exchange earnings apart from job creation and poverty alleviation.

South Africa’s Eskom says most workers resume work at Medupi

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•From left: Computer System and Network Engineer, Covenant University (CU), Prof. Samuel John; Adviser, Ivory Banking, Heritage Banking Company Limited, Titilayo Babaoye; Chairman, Planning Committee, Prof. Olawale Daramola and Dean, College of Science and Technology, CU, Prof. Chinedu Shalom, during the Covenant University's International Conference on African Development Issues at the University's Campus in Ota, Ogun State.

ORE than half of the 8,000 workers who embarked on a wildcat strike seven weeks ago at South African power firm Eskom’s Medupi plant are back at work, the state-owned firm has said.

Thousands of workers at Medupi, where one of six units neared maximum output last week following years of delay, downed tools in March in protest over poor living conditions and demanding higher pay.

“We have 5,000 people on the ground who have been cleared who have appeared before the disciplinary committees,” Khulu Phasiwe, spokesperson for the utility, told Reuters.

“We only have about 3,000 more to go,” Phasiwe added.

Phasiwe said disciplinary hearings would be completed by the end of the month, having been

delayed by a court challenge lodged by the National Union of Metalworkers (NUMSA) on Friday blocking the eviction of workers from Medupi’s living quarters.

NUMSA representatives could not be reached for comment.

The plant may face further labour disruptions, with unions warning they would oppose a proposal to partially privatise Eskom as announced last week by the Treasury.

Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene on Monday reiterated the government’s willingness to sell a minority stake in Eskom to plug the utility’s 200 billion rand ($17 billion) funding gap.

Started in 2007 but plagued by labour disruptions, technical faults and cost overruns, Medupi would become South Africa’s first new power station in 20 years when fully completed by 2021, adding 4,800 MW to the stretched grid.

ENV IRONMENT

How to avoid ‘mysterious’ environmental pollution In this piece, an environmentalist VALENTINE OPONE writes that beyond food poisoning, other factors, such as the contamination of the environment, can also affect man.

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NVIRONMENT plays a vital role in humanity. It is where man is born, lives, earn his living and, may be buried, when he dies. That is why if the environment is contaminated, he is in trouble as he would be affected. This is because his existence will be threatened.

Man will also be in trouble if his food is poisoned. Toxicology has been described as that branch of pharmacology that deals with the nature, effects, detection of food poisoning. In other words, toxicology studies foods that are contaminated or seen to be having the effects of poisoning.

The body metabolism is affected when poisoned foods find their way into it. This phenomenon can deal with or, worse still, paralyse the cells in the body and, ultimately, kill the victim. This was what happened at Ode-Irele, the Ondo State community.

The Ode-Irele incident

Based on what the government and the experts said, fingers point to one direction: there was an intake of food which, painfully, led to sudden deaths, which many erroneously described as mysterious.

Never mind that the traditionalists had a different view, which made them to resort to the gods for help.

Prevention of the unfortunate occurrence The prevention is simple. It must involve both the government,

manufacturers/producers, marketers and consumers.

The government said the products were not hygienic. Thus either there was a genuine marketer who brought the goods to the area, not knowing they were poisoned; or there were sellers who knew the deadly nature of their goods, yet went ahead to sell because they wanted to make money. This is where the government should come in. I suggest it should empower both the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to do at the grassroots wht they have been upstream.

The product in question is a locally brewed gin called ogogoro, which is a popular alcoholic drink in many parts of the country, especially in the southwest and southsouth. The question is: who monitors the local manufacturers of ogogoro? The answer is: no one. Yet, as pointed out earlier, it has a large market that cuts across states.

In setting agenda for the government, many people have suggested that the drink should be banned to

ensure that standards are maintained and safety assured. I fear this is an impossiblity, even if the people are ready to cooperate with the government. However, should this option be adopted, the government should ensure the policy for a ban should not be aimed at spinning money for it, like others in the past. Here, the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) comes to mind. Good as the agency is, it has been criticised by many people for its mercantile tendencies.

Also, others have called for the withdrawal of the good from the market.

Again, this will be a wild goose chase.

However, to avoid this problem, the government should be able to trace the drink to the source of manufacturing. Thus, it should be ready to deploy its arsenal for the purpose.

At the end, the product should be seized and the manufacturers arrested and prosecuted.

Above all, I suggest NAFDAC should establish an office in every ward or local government to enable it monitor local brewers. At the moment, NAFDAC does not operate at the ward level. What I know is that it has zonal offices. So, it should be ready to spread its tentacles to the nooks and crannies of the country.

Examples of contamination in the past I recall the one involving a beverage drink that led to massive deaths in the past. Then, it was believed that the deaths arose because the drink was not fit for consumption.

But through meticulous and reliable tracing, the cause of the problem was linked to deposits of lead in cocoa seeds. This was further traced to a local farm in Ilesha in Osun State. It involved the environment.

Another notable example was that of Canadium deposits in a Chinese farm. Its deposits were traced to waste effluents from a textile company, which found their way into the nearby water body. The contaminated rice led to Tea-tea (weakness of the bone) disease.

Insurgency, others

Earlier, in a report we had called for clean up of the environment in the Northeast or else there would be contamination of the water body in the area. If the latter happens, no one will be safe. The management of the environment, which includes water, air and land, clean up must be total,

‘NAFDAC should establish an office in every ward or local government to enable it monitor local brewers. At the moment, NAFDAC does not operate at the ward level’

•Opone

covering man and animals to sustain the environment for now and generations unborn.

In affected areas in the north, weapons of war were deployed massively by both the government’s security agents and the members of the Boko Haram group. These weapons were chemical and biological. And their reactions affect the environment. This, of course, would make the ozone layer to get more suffocated, or worse still, worn out. The result: depletion of resources.

To arrest this, it is important that there should be a clean up for environmental sustainability. This is one way we can avoid mysterious deaths.

This is important because the poisons will find their way to the water body and later to the Atlantic Ocean in the South. That means the whole country could suffer from such problem as water on transit will be polluted.

Note that the predominant occupation of the people in the South is farming and fishing.

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Text only: 08023058761

Anatsui gets Venice Biennale award – PAGE 45

‘I would have been a rebel if...’

– PAGE 46

• Prof Nwoye

Ode to Daddy Mo

‘I ‘m not a freak of women’s rights’

– SEE PAGE 44

– PAGE 48

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Prof May Ifeoma Nwoye believes in accounting for words just as in figures. This top-notch accountant and business management scholar is also an advocate – of non-violent solutions to environmental crises – and a writer. Besides, the one-time University of Benin (UNIBEN) bursar uses her creative works to advocate change for women and children. In this chat with EVELYN OSAGIE, she speaks on her advocacy work, writing and accounting.

‘I ‘m not a freak of women’s rights’

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AN you share with us your experience as a University of Benin (UNIBEN) bursar?

My experience as a bursar of UNIBEN, a first generation university, was both exciting and challenging. Women are always forced to prove their worth within the stringent boundaries of a male-dominated profession like accounting. So, the scheme of stereotype was already there, waiting for me as soon as I was appointed. When dealing with thousands of people, management, staff, students, contractors, government bodies and others, you run into all kinds of people and characters. I encountered all kinds of situations: people would try to intimidate you, cajole you, and try to blackmail you or even confuse you with forged documents. I’d share with you one of the many experiences I had.

One day, a paper, duly approved, was brought to my office during the rush to prepare for examination. I looked at the memo to purchase electric bulbs, about N596,000. The figure looked familiar to me but I could not pinpoint where the request came from but the memo was familiar. I told the person that brought it to go and come back in an hour, since it was urgent. They did not know that even papers of utmost urgency, I photocopy the front page at least before passing them out. When I checked, I did not go far to see what I was looking for.

It was a repeat of an old claim. I began to read the two claims word for word. The only difference was that in one, they used the word ‘Lighting of the classroom’ and in the other, ‘illumination of the classroom’. When I confronted the officer, he said that it is his ‘boys’.

Also, there was one elderly staff I found so funny. Whenever he needed money he was always frowning. I sometimes had to greet him first, but as soon as the salary was paid days after, he’ll be greeting me four times in one breath and whistling at the same time.

It is in that same manner they want to tear me apart should they not have the money when they need it. Sometimes, I’ll feel the sting of being set back by some staff attempting to undermine my effort.

How did you manage the pressures of the job then?

I never dwelt on any of them. I’d muster my assertiveness, shake off any negative feelings, learn what I need to carry on with a voice at the back of my head saying ‘you are on track, move on’. Occasionally, if I make a mistake, I may be hard on myself initially, but then I quickly shake it off and figure out how to get beyond the situation. I don’t let it undermine my confidence. In fact, sometimes, when my back is against the wall, my head full of pressure with demand for what was not available and the answer to give to pacify those in serious need of money, it was as if anything you say would be held against you. I’d then take an intellectual break to analyse the situation before acting.

Some stakeholders fail to realise that the Bursar does not have authority to give out money but can only implement what is approved. Even friends and close colleagues did not help matters. Sometimes, your friends would want you to change university regulations because they are your friends. I’d often say ‘if you are actually my friend, brother or sister, you’d want me to succeed’.

•Prof Nwoye

BIODATA

B

ORN at Onitsha in the mid-50s, May Ifeoma Nwoye is a professor of Business Administration at the IBB University, Niger State where she teaches Business Administration, Management and Entrepreneurship.

Prof Nwoye is a national resource person and business consultant with an impressive profile. She is a woman of many first. She rose to the peak of Academic and Non-Academic in the university to becoming the first woman PhD Bursar in Nigeria and the first woman PhD in Business Administration (UNIBEN). She is the first woman National Vice-President of the Association of Nigeria Authors (ANA).

Prof Nwoye, a one-time Bursar of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), obtained the Masters in Business and Public Administration in Finance from South Eastern University, Washington DC, United States, in 1981. She is a fellow of Certified National Accountants (FCNA); board member of International Professional Women’s Network in the US and fellow of Nigerian Institute of Management.

She is also a novelist and international public speaker. Her passions are seen in her literary works that span two decades. Besides being former National Vice-President of the Association of Nigeria Authors (ANA), she was winner of ANA/Chevron Prose Prize on Environment, worth $2,000. Her works have won and received various recognitions. In 2004, she was one of the nominees for the NLNG prize for Literature.

Since her first novel, Endless Search (1994), Prof Nwoye has brought forth an impressive collection of 11 novels and short stories. That includes Tides Of Life (1995), Mirage in Breaking the Silence (anthology of Female writers in Nigeria, 1996), Edible pet (1995, Short story International, New York), Blind Expectations (a collection of stories, 1997), Death By Installments (1999), A Child Of Destiny (2000), Fetters And Choices (2003) Ancient Tales From Africa: The Broken Promise (2009) Oil Cemetery (2013) Broken Melodies (international version of Fetters and Choices, 2014 ).

Her philanthropic deeds earned her a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International.

INTERVIEW Your relationship with people makes or mars your position, so in confronting these challenges, one must ensure a balance between the prospective users of the fund in your custody and being able to convince them on reasons they can’t always access it as they want.

What was the fuss towards the end of your tenure as UNIBEN Bursar about?

The fact is that those that are in charge

want to use their power to intimidate me and cow me into doing things that are unprofessional, and I bluntly refused. That was the bone of contention. Money is central to people’s life and the fear of not having it is a problem.

I worked in the Bursary Department for 20 years before becoming the Bursar, so I know the financial rules and regulations. A distinguishing mark of the accounting profession is acceptance of its responsibility to honour the public trust and I was determined and bluntly refused to

compromise in the course of my duties as Bursar.

Whether in the private or public sector, all money in trust with you must be accounted for. I understand my job and held tenaciously to its principles and ethics.

For whatever it was, I kept my cool and held my head high because I did the right thing and God has been in charge.

What is an accountant and business management scholar doing in the world of creative writing?

As an accountant, I also account for the words I use. As a management scholar, I try to manage my time and my creative imagination. I am not very good at socialising the way many Nigerians see it – visiting and going to parties. When I am not on official assignment I can be indoors for two days not seeing outside. You’d find me reading or writing. Reading or writing makes me very happy. It bothers me sometimes. It is a big problem for me because my friends are not happy about my bad habit of not visiting them, but gradually they come to accept me that way but not without complaining.

Compared to being an academic, how easy is it being a writer?

Nothing in life comes too easy. Every endeavour has its challenges. Writing is no different. I started writing first in long hand, and then with a typewriter. After writing in long hand, you’d use the typewriter to do your corrections. But now, I work on a laptop, and try to write a few pages a day, and I rewrite each chapter before going on to the next – treating it, I suppose, like a short story.

I find that most of my better ideas come to me while I am out observing and interacting with people.

I find it quite helpful to keep notes about, list imageries, ideas, overheard bits of reallife dialogues and anything else that seems like it might come in handy in some future story or novel. Later, when I am beginning a new part, I go through the idea manuscript and pull out those bits and pieces from the past that seem like they might fit. That way, I get started on a comfortable note.

At what point did you decide to go into creative writing?

I see the world as a theatre where everyone is trying to outperform the other. I see life filled with contradictions. And at some point it looked good to document some of these events. In fact, I think I felt the urge to write fiction since I first learned to put words together into sentences. I have always been intrigued by the notion of fiction-writing as telling ‘imagination’ that has the ring of truth — recounting episodes that never actually happened in a way that makes the reader believe that they did — and, ideally, conveying some greater ‘reality’ in the process. It is both exciting and challenging, but one that I seem to be very much at home with. But I started with the novel Endless Search (Kraft Books Ltd., Ibadan, 1994) and by 2013, I had published 11 novels and short story collections, including Mirage in Breaking the Silence (anthology of women writers in Nigeria, 1996).

The lead characters in your works are either women or children. What is it about women and children?

I am very concerned about the societal treatment of women, especially those dwelling in the inner villages with no voice in the decision affecting their life.

The original image of power and gender roles in popular culture had always reflected significant masculine control, with the manipulation of the female gender a component of its objective. Women are brought up to be seen not heard, they have tried to live up to this expectation until things fell apart and they became breadwinners in many homes. Women are the most vulnerable group in the society.

Even when you talk about poverty, women are the poorest of the poor. In fact, poverty is a female gender in the sense that, the poorest man has a woman who depends on him.

Are you an advocate of women’s rights?

I am not exactly a freak of women rights. I want women to be empowered and most •Continued on Page 18

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Anatsui gets Venice Biennale award

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ORMER art teacher at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Prof El Anatsui was among top scholars honoured last Saturday at the awards and inauguration of the 56th international art exhibition at Ca’ Giustinian, the historic headquarters of la Biennale di Venezia (Venice Biennale).

Anatsui received the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement.

The international art exhibition, which is being curated by Nigerian art scholar, Okwui Enwezor, has as theme, All the World’s Futures. Anatsui, a Ghanaian artist, was until recently, one of the most influential art scholars at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, where he lectured since 1975.

Other awards presented by the jury were Special Golden Lion for Services to the Arts to Susanne Ghez (USA), Golden Lion for Best Artist to Adrian Piper (USA), Golden Lion for Best national participation went to the Republic of Armenia Armenity / Haiyutioun. Contemporary artists from the Armenian Diaspora, Golden Lion for the Best Artist in the International Exhibition All the World’s Futures went to Adrian Piper (The Probable Trust Registry: The Rules of the Game #1–3 (United States, 1948; Arsenale, Corderie), Silver Lion for a promising young artist in the International Exhibition All the World’s Futures went to Im Heung-Soon Factory Complex (South Korea, 1969; Arsenale, Artiglierie).

The Jury also assigned three special mentions to artists of the International Exhibition All the World’s Futures. They are: Harun Farocki (Germany 1944 - d. 2014; Corderie, Arsenale) Abounaddara collective (founded 2010 Syria, based in Syria; Giardino delle Vergini, Arsenale) and Massinissa Selmani (Algeria 1980; Corderie, Arsenale). The Jury honoured with a special mention the United States of America for their presentation of Joan Jonas, an artist of significant oeuvre and influence: Joan Jonas: They Come to Us Without a Word.

According to Enwezor, the award is an important honour to an artist who has contributed immensely to the recognition of contemporary African artists in the global arena. “It is also a worthy recognition of the originality of Anatsui’s artistic vision, his long-term commitment to formal innovation, and his assertion through his work of the place of Africa’s artistic and cultural traditions in international contemporary art. The Golden Lion Award acknowledges not just his recent successes internationally, but also his artistic influence amongst two generations of artists working in West Africa. It is also an acknowl-

•

‘It is also a worthy recognition of the originality of Anatsui’s artistic vision, his long-term commitment to formal innovation, and his assertion through his work of the place of Africa’s artistic and cultural traditions in international contemporary art. The Golden Lion Award acknowledges not just his recent successes internationally, but also his artistic influence amongst two generations of artists working in West Africa. It is also an acknowledgment of the sustained, crucial work he has done as an artist, mentor and teacher for the past forty-five years’

Prof Anatsui

AWARD

By Ozolua Uhakheme Assistant Editor (Arts)

BIOGRAPHY

E

L ANATSUI. An alumnus of the College of Art, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, El Anatsui (b. 1944) is one of the most exciting international contemporary artists of our time.

Throughout a distinguished forty-year career as both sculptor and teacher – he was Professor of Sculpture and Departmental Head at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka – El Anatsui has addressed a vast range of social, political and historical concerns, and embraced an equally diverse range of media and processes. His sculptures have been collected by major international museums, from the British Museum, London to the Centre Pompidou, Paris; the de Young Museum, San Francisco, USA; the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Guggenheim, Abu Dhabi; Osaka Foundation of Culture, Osaka; Museum of Modern Art, New York and many other prestigious institutions besides.

His installations have provoked wide international attention in recent years, with institutions and audiences fascinated by these sumptuous, mesmerising works made from thousands of aluminium bottle tops.

edgment of the sustained, crucial work he has done as an artist, mentor and teacher for the past forty-five years,” he said.

The decision was made by the Board of Directors of la Biennale chaired by Paolo Baratta,upon recommendation of the Cu-

During the Venice Biennale, in 2007, he transformed the facade of the Palazzo Fortuny by draping it in a shimmering wall sculpture. In 2010, two major touring shows of his work opened on opposite sides of the world: El Anatsui: When I Last Wrote to You About Africa at the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada (organised by the Museum for African Art, New York) and A Fateful Journey: Africa in the Works of El Anatsui at the National Museum of Ethnology, Osaka, Japan. As part of the 2012 Paris Triennale, he transformed the entire facade of Le Palais Galleria, Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris with his striking work, Broken Bridge. In 2013, the Brooklyn Museum, New York, USA, exhibited the touring solo exhibition, Gravity and Grace: Monumental Works by El Anatsui and the Royal Academy of Arts, London, presented the artist with the prestigious Charles Wollaston Award for his work, TSIATSIA – searching for connection, 2013, which covered the entire facade of the RA building.

2014, he was Art made an rator of theIn56th International ExhibiHonorary Academician as well that as tion OkwuiRoyal Enwezor, acknowledging elected into the American Academy of Arts with the following motivations: and Sciences.

Born in 1944 in Anyako, Ghana, and

based at the university town Nsukka in Nigeria since 1975, Anatsui is perhaps the most significant living African artist working on the continent today. The award for which I am recommending him is an important honor to an artist who has contributed immensely to the recognition of

contemporary African artists in the global arena. It is also a worthy recognition of the originality of Anatsui’s artistic vision, his long-term commitment to formal innovation, and his assertion through his work of the place of Africa’s artistic and cultural traditions in international contemporary art. The Golden Lion Award acknowledges not just his recent successes internationally, but also his artistic influence amongst two generations of artists working in West Africa. It is also an acknowledgment of the sustained, crucial work he has done as an artist, mentor and teacher for the past 45 years.

A graduate of the sculpture programme of the acclaimed Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Anatsui’s career direction was determined not so much by the still neo-colonial 1960s curriculum of the art school as by his identification with the progressive cultural politics championed by Ghanaian and African cultural nationalists of the independence era. Working with everyday objects on which he imbued philosophical and idiomatic signs, Anatsui’s earliest work consisted of round wood reliefs inspired by trays used by Kumasi traders for displaying their wares.

On these trays he carved adinkra motifs and other designs and in the process was attracted to the dynamic relationship between the rich symbolism and graphic power of adinkra signs. Once aware of this possibility of simultaneous evocation of significant form and idea in adinkra, Anatsui, who in 1975 joined the faculty of the Fine and Applied Arts Department at the University of Nigeria, expanded his field of artistic resources to other West African design and sign systems, and syllabaries, including Igbo Uli, Efik Nsibidi, Bamun and Vai scripts. In time, he became a leading member of the famed Nsukka School presented at the important art exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art in 1997.

Today, Anatsui remains committed to the development of new artistic forms from African sources as well as from materials available in his local environment.”

But the Jury comprised Naomi Beckwith (USA), Sabine Breitwieser (Austria), Mario Codognato (Italy), Ranjit Hoskote (India), and Yongwoo Lee (South Korea), acknowledged an outstanding Biennale Arte 2015 with an increased number of national participations and a particular sensitivity to current geopolitical urgencies. It also marked the first International Art Exhibition with a dedicated space which emphasises the performative and discursive as an integral element in today’s art practice.

‘I ‘m not a freak of women’s rights’ •Continued on Page 16

importantly, I want them to empower themselves. Women should aspire for top positions by acquiring the right knowledge and skills. I want women to be appointed into top positions based on merit. Getting the job done perfectly is more important than who does it. So I believe women should be given equal opportunities as men in every areas of human endeavour.

But issue of destiny of the girl child and young girls is a cause for serious concern. I am worried about these practices of women trafficking. It is a cankerworm in our society.

Another dimension to this is what I call trafficking of female graduates which is what banks can be said to be guilty of doing.

This is interesting – the phrase ‘trafficking of female graduates’ is new! Tell us more.

Imagine a female graduate whose monthly earning as a youth corps member is N20,000 being employed by a bank and given a target of N300million, an amount she has never seen in her life! They ask them to go from office to office looking for money so that their banks will grow. I see this as a form of trafficking. Whether a girl is sent to Italy or works in a bank where she must get money by every means at her disposal, both are trafficking because it is making her do what

she could not have ordinarily done. A lot of them have come to my office to market their respective banks even the male as well but I see the ladies being more vulnerable to abuse in the process. Sometimes they cry profusely and beg that they will be sacked if they don’t get the money. They would even suggest you bring in money and withdraw it at the end of an accounting period just to lay hands on something. In the end the bank will report over bloated figures, but I tell them it is unethical and I will never do such.

For me it is trafficking and has to be checked because the girl child deserves a better treatment. When you train a girl, you train a nation. So for any society to move forward, women should not be neglected or underestimated.

Your book, Oil Cemetery won the 2014 ANA/Chevron Prize for Environmental writing. Have you also become an advocate for the environment?

Writers carry the world inside of them. As a creative missionary, one must invariably carry diverse messages while across applying one’s chosen technique. I am concerned about very many issues that affect human dignity within the environment, like lack of water, oil flaring, child trafficking, refuse dumping, hunger, poverty etc. Yes, I am an advocate if that what it is called.

What fresh angle is your book bringing

into the campaign for the environment?

Let me state here that my environmental advocacy here has to do with non-violent solution to environmental crises. There are the silent majority in the Niger Delta, especially helpless women whose voice will never be heard because their cries cannot be projected above the slumps in their immediate environment. Since their cries are swallowed in the dump, help should be sent to meet them wherever they are trapped.

They need help.

What was it in your upbringing that inspired the woman you became?

The woman I have become has to do with my upbringing. My parent’s stance and life’s view seriously influenced my upbringing.

My father believed so much in education so all his children (male and female) went to school. He was the first to teach me lessons on accounting saying ‘If you are given money to keep, keep it exactly the way it is handed over to you’. My mother seemed to have a diary of dos and don’ts of a woman.

I was born at Onitsha to Chief Fidelis and Mrs Virginia Agulue of Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State. I had my primary education at the Holy Rosary Primary School, Onitsha and secondary education at Maria Regina Girls High School, Nnewi. My tertiary aspirations took me to

•Prof Nwoye

George Washington University. It was not easy leaving home as a teenager and adjusting to an entirely new environment and culture.

What kept me through those years was my upbringing. But my experience in the US is subject of another day’s discussion.

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Chief Banjo Fasuyi was among the first art students to graduate from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. At his one-day solo art exhibition, he spoke on how he would have been among the famous Zaria Rebels if he was aware of their plan. UDEMMA CHUKWUMA reports.

‘I would have been a rebel if...’

I

N the 1950s, there was a group of students from the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology, Zaria, now Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. In the group were Demas Nwoko, Bruce Onobrakpeya,Yusuf Grillo, Uche Okeke and others who were members of the Zaria Art Society, later known as the Zaria Rebels because of their rejection of the new art introduced by the institution.

Ahead of the rebels was Chief Banjo Fasuyi who said he would have joined the group if he was aware of their plan. On what lead the students to rebel, he said: “The Zaria Rebels came after my set. The idea of art rebels was a controversial issue. One, they were still in second year or third year at the university, they were dissatisfied with the institution and they reacted by saying they were rebels.

“Painting is not a Nigerian art but sculptor is a Nigerian and African art. We were introduced to paint with brushes for the first time when we got to Zaria. They thought us how to use them and that was why the rebellious people said they were through with the materials of the white man. What do you expect the white man coming from his country to teach you? They thought us the materials, the methods of art and then asked us to go and create our own art out of it. That is what Onobrakpeya did, which is why he is great. I acknowledge this.”

He said: “These rebels have not produced something different from what others are doing. The only one outstanding among the rest of the rebels is Onobrakpeya, who has originated his average institution to make original works. What the rest are doing is what we are doing; there is no difference in what they are doing. Many of them went outside the county to study art and came back, I know about it.

“My set was the first set of students from the university and coincidentally, because of the incident that happened; only six of us passed out. I did some paintings, I was the only one in painting, two sculptor and three designers. And since I left the college, I did some paintings. My work with the Federal

• Fasuyi

• Charity by Fasuyi

VISUAL ART Government did not give me time to paint.

Fasuyi spent most of his time working with the Federal Ministry of Education and he was also an Art Adviser who took over from late Prof Ben Enwonwu. He went back to his studio after he retired from public office. “When I retired instead of resting I started running my schools. But now I am full time studio artist. I am not running any school or working for the Federal Government,” he added.

At 80, the artist is not close to dropping his brushes. Eighty fascinating pieces which dates spanned over 55 years since the artist graduated from ABU were on display recently at Tafas Gallery, at the Resource Place in Ikeja, Lagos, in honour of his 80th birthday.

Unfortunately, the works were not for sale because “I don’t need to go round for exhibitions. I want to leave them as legacy for the next generation. Each work I do carry some relevance to history, politics, environment and people so that the coming generation will learn what was there before them. It’s a wealthy programme,” he said.

However, he revealed that he intended to sell the works in an auction later in the year and the money will be donated to charity. “I was in charge of the Federal Government colleges in my last six years with the Federal Ministry of Education, and when I see the

Performing self causes stir

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UNIVERSITY of California, San Diego Professor has caused a stir with his class syllabus with a final exam that students take in the nude.

The final exam for the upper lever class, titled: Performing the Self, involves 20 students, plus the instructor, nude in a candle-lit room.

Unsurprisingly, the final exam has at least one mother up in arms. An anonymous parent told KGTV-TV that this assignment is “just wrong,” and shows Dominguez’s “perversity.”

She added: “To blanketly say, ‘You must be naked in order to pass my class’—it makes me sick to my stomach.”

“It is very all controlled,” Professor Ricardo Dominguez told a local ABC News affiliate, KGTV 10 News. He said he’s actually been handing out the provocative assignment for 11 years, and that this is the first time anyone has complained. “It’s a standard canvas for performance art and body art,” he told KGTV. “If they are uncomfortable with this gesture, they should not take the course.”

Art students, if recent headlines are any example, generally don’t mind getting nude for a good cause (see Naked Youths Take to Mexican Streets to Protest Student Killings Documented by Édgar Olguín and Texas Student’s Nude Performance Art Project Goes Viral).

According to the the class description on the Department of Visual Arts website at UCSan Diego, students in the course “[Use]

ACADEMY autobiography, dream, confession, fantasy, or other means to invent one’s self in a new way, or to evoke the variety of selves in our imagination” in order to explore “the rich possibilities available to the contemporary artist in his or her own persona.”

The final assignment is to “create a gesture that traces the outlines or speaks about your ‘erotic self(s).” Parents and shy students might want to take note that “figurative nudity” is also acceptable.

“We had a choice between being nude or doing something emotionally ‘naked’ and every student but one chose to do the nude performance,” one former student wrote on KGTV’s Facebook page. “It was uncomfortable for some of us but we were adults and knew what we were getting ourselves into from day one of the class.”

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EACHING Visual Art, a NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) has called for entries from art teachers for this year’s virtual art exhibition in commemoration of UNESCO International Arts Education week.

It is an online art exhibition for art teachers to further create awareness for art education and art appreciation with the theme Art education for sustainable development.

Entry format includes a digital image of art works (painting, sculpture, metal

students of the federal government colleges, I feel so bad, so I decided to sell all these works and give it to them and students who are displaced.

“There is going to be a charity exhibition in few months and I intend to sale all the works as auction, use the money to help students from the Federal Government’s colleges who are displaced. I want somebody who can buy them together so that I can use the money to help these students.”

To him an old artist can actually reach peaks with the combination of experience and pro-

‘These rebels have not produced something different from what others are doing. The only one outstanding among the rest of the rebels is Onobrakpeya, who has originated his average institution to make original works. What the rest are doing is what we are doing; there is no difference in what they are doing’

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SOLO art exhibition titled The Other World by Chika Idu will open at Alexis Galleries, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday, May 23 from 5am to 9 pm.

The show will run until May 30 from 10:00am to 6 pm .

According to the gallery, it is the show ‘we have been preparing for some time now, with more than 30 reasonably priced works. Chika’s works are breath taking.

Chika was born in 1974 in Delta State and had his early childhood and education in Lagos. He got his higher education at Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State in 1998. In 2000, he and eight other painters opened a studio in Ebute-Meta, Lagos called Defactori Studio where he was elected coordinator. He created the first ever water colour society of artists called ‘Sables’

NGO calls for entries works, ceramics to be sent via email with the following information, art teachers’ name, name of school, title of work, media, contacts and short description of work.

Entries should be submitted by email to: teachingvisualart@gmail.com. The deadline is Friday, May 22. Online exhibition date/ platform is between Monday, May 25 and 31 May on www.teachingvisualart.

found desire to do more.

“You don’t grow old out of creativity. I am still going to paint after this exhibition and I want the young one to know age is not a challenge to creativity,” he said.

This was noticeable during the show as some of the works signed few days before the exhibition.

Art to him is just like “your clothes. My creation depends on my mood and the materials available or time available. I work according to my mood. I do realism, idealism, symbolism, surrealism, abstract, very freely. I don’t cage myself , I am free in all.”

He described his works as “cultural because I am trying to interpret to the nation what I feel and feeling is part of culture. I want to preserve our culture for the next generation; they should know few things about me.” “His works focus mainly on circumcision, child labour, and early marriage.

“I am appealing to young artists to make their works relevant to the Nigerian institution. Let them put some arts and culture for people to understand rather than doing abstractions which will not record anything happing now or in the past.

I feel fulfilled about life, I feel fulfilled as an artist, which is why I am making art as a major event of my 80th birthday, I am proud to be an artist and I will continue to paint.”

Alexis hosts The Other World EXHIBITION His works are characterised by its heavy texture and hazy rendition, he calls this technique ‘light against visual distortion’. He has been painting this technique for 16 years and he is inspired by observing the behaviour of light striking against visual imperatives like dust and misty fog. He specialises in oil and water colour. His favourite tools are pallet knives for oil and sable brushes, tooth-brush for water colour.

Chika’s favourite themes are women and children and he sees himself as an activist, he sees his work as the beginning of a dialogue and not the dialogue or the end of it.

blogspot.com.

Teaching Visual Art is a creative social enterprise that provides diverse platforms for promoting, encouraging artistic engagements and to increase the community’s awareness on the importance of arts education. It is a strong advocate of art as a means of unlocking innovation and creativity, and dedicated to serve children from various backgrounds and culture.

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‘Borrow a leaf from UK election’

By Ozolua Uhakheme Assistant Editor (Arts)

CONVENTION

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•Kayanja; Prof Oso; Mr Otufodunrin Dr Rotimi Williams Olatunji at the event

‘Let journalism thrive on better reporting’

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OURNALISTS, media administrators and advocates in Lagos gathered to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day 2015.

With the theme: Let Journalism Thrive! Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality, & Media Safety in the Digital Age, they called for a safer environment for journalism to thrive.

They gave the charge at an event commemorating the day, which was organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Lagos, in collaboration with Media Awareness and Information For All Network (MAIN) and the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Urging stakeholders to allow journalism to thrive, UNIC Lagos Director, Mr Ronald Kayanja, said the activities marking the day were meant to encourage and develop initiatives in favour of press freedom and assess the state of press freedom worldwide. He added that governments were also being reminded of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom.

He said: “Journalism could only thrive when stakeholders, including government, civil society and media practitioners redouble efforts to enhance safety of journalists.”

By Evelyn Osagie

COMMEMORATION He presented the joint message of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon; the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) DirectorGeneral, Irina Bokova and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, at the event.

UNIC Lagos Director noted that human rights must be respected for peace to be lasting and development to be sustainable, adding that “everyone must be free to seek, receive and impart knowledge and information on all media, online and offline”.

Kayanja added: “Quality journalism enables citizens to make informed decisions about their society’s development. It also works to expose injustice, corruption, and the abuse of power.”

On his impression of the 2015 theme, MAIN Chairman Prof Lai Oso observed that there is a growing influence of commercialisation and concentration of media enterprise ownership. This, he

said, impacts upon the independence and quality of journalism on all platforms.

Citing the way some media organisations reported political activities during the just-concluded general elections in the country, he said “media ownership and control remain one of the challenges of independent journalism in Nigeria”.

The Chairman, Centre of Excellence, UNILAG Department of Mass Communication, Prof Ralph Akinfeleye, spoke on press freedom and safety of journalists. He urged stakeholders to renew efforts to end impunity and safeguard safety of journalists, saying: “Freedom of expression and press freedom are components of good governance and sustainable development”.

Other speakers included The Nation Online Editor, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin who made a presentation on Independent Journalism in the Digital Age; the Acting Head of Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Dr Abigail Ogwezzy (Gender, Media and the Beijing Declaration); Dr Olunifesi Suraj of LASU School of Communication (Towards better digital safety for journalists and their sources) and Dr Fassy Yusuf ( FOI Implementation and Challenges).

HE Christian–Union Nigeria Fellowship of Evangelical Students Alumni Association (CUNAA) has urged African leaders to learn from the examples of the Western world in tolerating the differences of each other. The association said African nations should borrow a leaf from the United Kingdom where four Nigerians won seats in the just-concluded British Parliamentary election, saying that “we should realise that despite our differences we are one.”

In a communique at the end of its convention with the theme One Body, Many Parts in Benin City, the association appreciated God for His divine intervention that enabled peaceful elections in the country and congratulated all Nigerians on the last general elections that was largely peaceful, free and fair.

The association which commended President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his uncommon display of maturity in conceding defeat that averted post election crisis in the country, congratulated the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and It also condemned in strong term the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The convention kicked off with a visit to the Internally Displaced Persons at Uhogua community near Benin City and a donation of relief materials. It attracted about 500 alumni and students of the University of Benin from across the country and the Diaspora.

Speakers at the convention harped on the need for unity in the body of Christ despite differences in their denominations. They stressed that the strong members in the body of Christ should be ready and willing to help the weak, not only in the body of Christ but also in the society at large.

“In the spirit of the end times, the second coming of Christ should be the emphasis of all Christian bodies. The body of Christ should do away with denominationalism and harmonize many parts into one body. Scriptures enjoins us that each one should not look to his own needs but to the needs of others. The church can only make impact if it can rise above sectionalism and denominationalism,” it added.

The association urged he Vice Chancellor University of Benin Prof F Orumwense to build on the positive precedence set by his predecessors in carrying everybody along, including students, by being fair in areas of appointments, promotions, rights and privileges as well as improvement of security in the University community.

Picasso’s painting sells for $179.4m

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T Christie’s New York last week Monday night, a painting by Picasso became the most expensive work of art ever sold at an auction when it was picked up for $179.4 million; a Giacometti, purchased for $141.7 million, became the priciest sculpture bought at auction. In a mere 90 minutes, Christie’s sale of Impressionist to contemporary art, Looking Forward to the Past, tallied $705.9 million, well above a pre-sale estimate of $500 million. Every work but one found a buyer. The new owners are unknown, mostly winning their prizes anonymously via phone. It was the third-highest total on any sale in the house’s history, especially striking since there were just 35 items on offer, far fewer than in its previous recordbreaking sales.

“Recognizable assets are very much in demand,” New York dealer Daniella Luxembourg told Artnet News on her way out of the sale room. An amazing success, amazing,” said New York dealer Christophe van de Weghe. The new highs were partly due to new collectors entering the art market.

“Every one of the works in the top 10 tonight was bid on by very new clients,” auctioneer Jussi Pylkkanen said at a postsale press conference. “Competing at the highest level were people who have been in the market only five or six years.” Bidders hailed from 35 countries.

Showing partly nude women in a harem, Picasso’s Les Femme d’Algers (Version “O”), 1955, inspired an 11-minute bidding war,

AUCTION mostly between Christie’s postwar and contemporary art specialist Loic Gouzer, who spearheaded the sale, and Brett Gorvy, head of postwar and contemporary art, who were the sole bidders beyond $150 million.

Each was accepting bids via phone from unknown bidders. When the hammer came down, applause broke out, and New York dealer Tony Shafrazi (who once vandalized Picasso’s Guernica, ironically) shouted out congratulations to the two of them from the sales floor.

“They worked hard for a Monday night,” Shafrazi told Artnet News after the sale.

The Picasso was based on Eugene Delacroix’s canvas of the same name and is the last of 15 of the series. Delacroix’s painting, which hangs in the Louvre, was based on a visit to a harem in Algiers, then newly a French colony. Christie’s had a direct financial interest in the painting, which was the subject of an 85-page catalogue the house published to promote it. The painting, just under five feet wide, brought $31.9 million at Christie’s in 1997 on an estimate of $10—12 million.

Picasso’s canvas beat out Francis Bacon’s $142.4-million triptych Three Studies of Lucian Freud, which sold at Christie’s New York in November 2013, becoming the most expensive auction trophy.

Coming in at second for the night and setting a new record for the priciest sculpture at auction, at $141.7 million, was Alberto Giacometti’s Pointing Man (1947),

which surpassed the previous high for a sculpture, $104 million, achieved at Sotheby’s London in 2010 with a work by the same artist. His Chariot went for just over $100 million at Sotheby’s New York in November 2014 (see $101 Million Giacometti Leads Sotheby’s $422 Million Imp Mod Evening Sale). The only one of six versions hand-painted by the artist and one of two not in museums, the nearly-six-foottall work had remained in private hands since 1970. The Giacometti was one of the only top lots in the sale that was not guaranteed to sell ahead of time.

“They were flying without a net on that one,” New York dealer Larry Gagosian told artnet News.

“We offered the seller a guarantee,” Gorvy told Artnet News, “but he said ‘No, if it doesn’t sell, I take the work back.’ He might be a little upset that he actually sold it.”

The hyperactive sale marked the start of an uncommonly busy week of auctions, with major sales at Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Phillips to follow later this week (see Will Twombly, Freud, and Rothko Lead Christie’s to A Billion-Dollar Night?, See Highlights of Sotheby’s and Phillips Spring Contemporary Sales, and Is Christie’s Abandoning the Impressionism and Modern Art Market?). It followed Sotheby’s lively Impressionist and modern art sale last week, the house’s secondhighest in any category (see Mysterious Asian Buyer Causes Sensation at Sotheby’s $368 Million Impressionist Sale).

Mixing historical and contemporary

works “from Monet to Kippenberger,” the auction was masterminded by Gouzer, who also oversaw the headline-grabbing May 2014 contemporary art auction “If I Live I’ll See You Tuesday,” which exceeded its high estimate and set auction records for a dozen artists, from Joe Bradley to R.H. Quaytman (see Christie’s New Contemporary Sale a $135 Million Thumping Success). In 2013, he organized a record-breaking charity auction with Leonardo DiCaprio. “Looking Forward” was named for artists’ tendency to look to art history, as well as the house’s hope to sell historical work to collectors who have focused on contemporary art.

The sale was heavily guaranteed, with the house, or a third party, agreeing before the sale to pay a certain (undisclosed) price for more than half the lots on offer. First pioneered at Sotheby’s in order to coax reluctant sellers, these guarantees have become a way to insure record prices.

The third-highest sale of the night was Picasso’s Buste de femme (Femme à la résille) (1938), which brought $67.4 million, well above its $55-million estimate. It was also guaranteed to sell by the house and shows a bust of the artist Dora Maar against a bright red background.

Estimated at $30–50 million, Mark Rothko’s No. 36 (Black Stripe) (1958), fetched $40.5 million to come in fourth. It had been off the market since 1984, when the seller bought it from Zurich dealer Thomas Ammann. The painting shows three of Rothko’s trademark floating rectangles, black, red, and orange, floating before a pale red ground.

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Behold Lagos aquatic splendour!

A section of participants at this year’s Lagos Water Regatta held on Victoria Island, Lagos.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

Girl with hole in the heart needs N2.6m for surgery

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TELLA Doherty, a 16-year-old SS3 pupil diagnosed with a hole in the heart is in urgent need of N2.6 million for a hole in the heart surgery in India.

The young Doherty, who is writing her last paper in the Senior Secondary School exams, started experiencing difficulty with her health in February when she came down with a mild headache which resulted into fainting fits.

Upon a closer medical examination, an ECG test carried out at the State Hospital, Ijebuode, revealed that the problem was worse than originally believed. She was later transferred to the Ogun State University Teaching Hospital, Shagamu, where it that she has a hole in the heart.

Speaking with The Nation, Stella’s mother, Mrs Bukola Ogunade, said her family has struggled to raise the sum of N2.6 million to enable her daughter go for a operation in India.

“Stella is a very brilliant girl. She told me that she wanted to study law and open her own chamber. But this sickness is threaten-

Ekitipanupo marks 10th anniversary May 23

By Hannah Ojo

HUMAN ing to kill that dream.”

As part of several efforts to raise the money for the surgery, the mother said she had sold several of her properties but the effort appears to be a drop in the ocean.

“Since early February when she was diagnosed with this problem, I have been running around to seek help from people. I have even had to sell my jewelry and other things, but it is nothing near what we are looking for. I have had to borrow from friends and family members, but it is the same result.

The doctor said the hole is still small, and that we should endeavour to raise the money for the surgery before it gets worse.”

Part of her efforts, she said had taken her to the Kanu Heart Foundation. “I went to Kanu Heart Foundation, but the people on the waiting list are so many. She needs treatment urgently,” she said amidst sobs.

The first of three children, Stella has the

LECTURE

E •Doherty

dream of becoming a successful lawyer in the future but this dream may die just as it is beginning to take form.

The mother is appealing to Nigerians to help save her daughter from the clutches of death. “I want to appeal to Nigerians to please help me to save my daughter. We need the sum of N2.6 million for the surgery, and the doctors have said it must be done urgently.”

•A collection of microphones ready for a major briefing by INEC officials during last general election in Lagos.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

KITIPANUPO, the pre-eminent Ekiti socio-political group, will mark the 10th year anniversary of existence on May 23 with a public lecture and presentation of Ekitipanupo Legacy Book (ELB) at ABUAD Hall of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti at 9:00am.

Emeritus Professor Michael Abiola Omolewa, an Education Historian and President of the 32nd Session of the General Conference of UNESCO, will deliver the 2nd Ekitipanupo lecture.

The chairman of the event with the theme, Rejuvenation of Ekiti bond and values is the first elected Governor of Ekiti-State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo while Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), the Founder Afe Babalola University is the special guest of honor. The discussions session on the theme will be moderated by Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, onetime proChancellor University of Ibadan.

The Legacy Book was packaged by Okan Seye Adetunmbi, the Convener of Ekitipanupo Forum.

Chief SB Falegan, one-time Managing Director of Federal Mortgage Bank wrote the foreword while Prof Niyi Osundare the renowned poet wrote a blurb for the preface.

The pictorial legacy book will be reviewed by Prof J. O. Aina of Babcock University and Prof Bolaji Aluko, the ViceChancellor of Otuoke Federal University.

Chief Segun Oni, one-time Governor of Ekiti-State will unveil the book while Architect Lanre Olayinka, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye, Federal Minister of State, Ministry of Works and Yemi Akeju will be the Lead Presenters of the ELB to the public.

Ekitipanupo Forum was convened on March 6, 2005 as an indigenous think-tank and intellectual roundtable under the leadership of Prof Akin Oyebode of Faculty of Law University Lagos on March 6, 2005.

The 10th anniversary will debut Ekitipanupo Timeless Merit Award and Prof Senator Banji Akintoye, Chief Falegan, Dr Mrs Adebimpe Okunade, Chief Babalola and Prof Omolewa made the maiden list of awardees.

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BUSINESS EXTRA SON urges synergy among African standards organisations

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HE Standards Organi sation of Nigeria (SON) is seeking synergy among National Standards Bodies (NSBs) in Africa to curtail the evils of sub-standard products through the harmonisation of standards for ‘Made in Africa’ products and services.

At a media launch of the convention logo and information manual, as well as partnership drive for the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) President’s Forum held in Lagos, Director-General of SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, said the mobilisation of all NSBs into the membership of ARSO would drive the standardisation programmes to strengthen the competitiveness of Made-in-Africa products as well as engender regional and or continental fusion into an economic bloc.

ARSO is an inter-governmental body established by the Organisation for African Union (OAU), now African Union (AU) in 1977 with the support of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

It is primarily to coordinate the issues of standardisation among all NSBs in Africa to promote the harmonisation of African standards and conformity assessment systems.

It also promotes competitiveness of African goods

By Chikodi Okereocha

and services by removing all technical barriers to trade.

The association, Odumodu said, also provides a basis for value addition on African oriented raw materials to promote industrialisation, aside promoting selfsustainability for the continent through intra-African trade, as well as represents the continent in global issues of standardisation, among others.

According to him, the ARSO President’s forum for Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of NSBs holding from June 22- 24, 2015 in Abuja, Nigeria, is to sensitise the world on the readiness of African standardisers to strengthen the continental integration by breaking inhibiting economic barriers through standardisation to enhance industrial and economic empowerment.

Odumodu said as part of effort to assist other African countries in the area of standards, SON has given a total of 800 standards valued at $9 million to African countries who don’t have the technical and financial capacity to do so.

He said the ARSO President’s forum for CEOs of NSBs is one leg of the Forum, which has three sub-events.

Firm accuses foreign partners of economic sabotage

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N indigenous firm, Phoenix Tide Off shore Nigeria Limited (PONL) has urged the Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC) to investigate its foreign partners, Tidewater Marine International Incorporated for alleged economic sabotage.

PONL made this request in a petition to the EFCC, signed by its Executive Director, Chidi Spencer Ochor.

The firm alleged that Tidewater was owing the Federal Government billions of naira in unpaid taxes and other dues.

Ochor contended that although Tidewater ran the affairs of PONL based on an agreement between both companies, Tidewater has refused to provide proper, true and genuine accounts of the operations of PONL. He accused Tidewater of only making payments of commission to PONL based on unverifiable figures of the operations of the vessels chattered by PONL. The petition dated April 24, this year was obtained by The Nation yesterday in Abuja.

Part of it reads: “As of date, there is about $40.6 million outstanding liabilities incurred by Tidewater in the name of our company, PONL as its vehicle of operation in the marine services business for oil and gas, in addition to several millions of naira due to the Federal Government of Nigeria and its agencies.”

He said PONL requested for details of all liabilities and extant commitment in its name by Tidewater in order to have a clean disengagement without debts hanging on PONL and its directors but Tidewater refused to release the information.

He said: “We are aware that there is a colossal sum of

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

N4.15 billion outstanding and payable to the Rivers State government for taxes which are based on the Rivers State Internal Revenue Services’ investigation for the period of 2004-2008 which outstanding sum is yet to be settled by Tidewater.

“It is my responsibility as a concerned citizen of this great country to ensure that monies due to the Federal Government of Nigeria and of course, its agencies are paid to the relevant agencies.

“It has therefore become imperative that this commission investigates this complaint to prevent Tidewater from escaping with the monies due to the Federal Government of Nigeria and its agencies.”

He explained that the two companies formed a partnership after the Cabotage Act of 2003 came into effect.

Under the new law, foreign firm had to operate in the marine services for oil and gas in association with a wholly owned Nigerian company.

In furtherance of the business relationship with Tidewater, Technical Services Agreement, Bareboat Charter Agreement and Marketing Agreement were signed and executed between PONL and Tidewater to regulate the relationship.

Under a power of attorney, Tidewater was allowed to manage and control PONL which did not have marine expertise in the belief that Tidewater will pass technology to Nigerian directors in PONL in fulfillment of the Nigerian content requirements which sought to empower indigenous citizens to grow capacity and become active in the industry.

• From left: Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, Zone A Ikeja, Mr Chris Iwenofu; Corps Commandant, Corps Safety/ Engineering Office, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Osawe Peter; Dr. Odumodu; Asst Commandant-General, Zone A, Lagos, Nigeria Security and Civil Dfence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Osemwegie Osaro and Director, Special Duties, SON, Mr George Okere, during the Africa Rises for Standards (ARSO) in Abuja Stakeholders Media launch in Lagos.

PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU

Alleged N1.5b fraud: Omatseye accuses Adoke of persecution

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MBATTLED former Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Raymond Omatseye, yesterday accused the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Mohammed Adoke (SAN ) of persecution.

Omatseye who is standing trial before Justice Rita OfiliAjumogobia of a Federal High Court in Lagos, on 27 counts of contract splitting and bid rigging claimed he was being persecuted for refusing to do Adoke’s bidding.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had alleged that the suspended NIMASA boss perpetrated contract scam of N1.5billion.

But giving evidence before the trial judge, he alleged that his refusal to discontinue NIMASA’s suit against Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) on Adoke’s request prompted his trial.

Led in evidence by his counsel, E.D. Onyeke, the

T

By Precious Igbonwelundu

suspended NIMASA chief had pleaded with the court to allow him give a background in order to appreciate his predicament.

According to Omatseye, in 2010, the Executive Director, Cabotage services in NIMASA, Ibrahim Zailani approached him and said he was in a meeting with Adoke who requested a withdrawal of the suit against NLNG. “Zailani told me the AGF had directed him to tell me to withdraw a case between NIMASA and NLNG. I told him I was unable to withdraw the case because it was a board decision,” he said.

He alleged that he also received a call on November 14, 2010, between 12-1pm, from one Tunde Ayeni, who passed the phone to a man that introduced himself as Mohammed Adoke.

The man said: ‘I sent Zailani to you to withdraw the NLNG case and you have refused. Mr. President has called me twice on this matter to instruct you to withdraw this case.

“I responded: ‘My AG sir, either you please send me a memo to that effect or a message through my minister to direct me accordingly; I am not in a position to unilaterally withdraw the case’.”

Explaining further, Omatseye said Adoke reminded him that he (Adoke) was the chief law officer of the nation and queried if the NIMASA boss was unaware of a directive that no government agency should drag another to court without his permission.

“I told him that the NLNG is majorly owned by foreigners and therefore cannot be considered as a government parastatal or agency.

“At that point he said: ‘I have given an instruction and you have refused to obey, this would be your waterloo’.”

Exactly 10 days after the phone call, Omatseye said three EFCC operatives took him to the agency’s Ikoyi office for interrogation, adding that also invited were NIMASA’s Directors of Procurement and Finance.

He told the court that he

called the Transport Minister, Yusuf Suleiman to notify him of the development as he was being ferried to EFCC, adding that Suleiman asked him if he had any issue with the AGF. Omatseye further alleged that the EFCC flew all three of them to their headquarters in Abuja, where he was shown a petition against him written by the Transport Minister.

While acknowledging that the threshold for contract approval for NIMASA was N2.5million for supply and N5million for goods and services, Omatseye told the court that the stipulations were not in place as at the time he gave approvals for the contracts for which he was being prosecuted.

According to him, while the charges captured contracts awarded between December 2009 and February 2010, the contract award threshold for NIMASA was only put in place by the Bureau of Public Procurement in November 2011.

His testimony continues today.

Govt unveils result of 2013 national survey on MSMEs

HE Director-General, Small and Medium Scale Enterprise of Nigeria, (SMEDAN), Bature Umar Masari yesterday unveiled the result of the 2013 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Agencies (MSMEs).

He said the National policy on MSMEs, is important considering the fact that all over the world, effective and successful developments have been driven by a robust policy framework and the availability of accurate data.

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

Masari, said the policy on MSMEs and the results of the 2013 national MSME survey, will provide a veritable platform for the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation development programme within the MSMEs sub- sector in Nigeria.

He said: “The first national policy was developed

in 2007, the policy had been implemented for about seven years now and needed to be reviewed. The aim of the review process was to ensure that the policy was updated to reflect unfolding economic and social imperatives affecting MSMEs in Nigeria.

It is also to ensure that the policy is aligned with international best practices in MSMES development.

“The first ever national policy on MSMEs was developed by the agency in partnership with the African Institute of Applied Economic AIAE, the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) and other relevant stakeholders.

“I am pleased to inform you that after due consideration, the reviewed national policy was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) which is what is being presented to you today.

Orya elected Honourary President of G-NEXID

T

HE Global Network of Export-Import Banks and Development Finance Institutions (GNEXID) has election of Mr. Roberts Orya, the MD/CEO of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) as its new ‘Honorary President.’

The G-NEXID, with a membership of 24 institutions was established in March 2006 at the joint initiative of Exim Bank of India and UNCTAD, as a platform to boost SouthSouth trade and investment

relations.

A statement from NEXIM said the primary objective of the Network is to serve as a channel to bridge the gap between financing of trade and the achievement of the development goals of developing and emerging economies by fostering South-to-South trade flows. Specific to this goal was tackling the difficulties associated with access to trade finance in the fragile markets of the South

aimed at spurring and stabilizing economic growth.

To achieve its objectives, the Network promotes information sharing, building trust and encouraging sharing of common lessons, deals and opportunities, effective practices for entering new markets, financing non-traditional goods and services, and establishing risk-sharing methods for investments among its members towards working to-

• Orya

gether and promoting business development.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

53

BUSINESS EXTRA SON urges synergy among African standards organisations

T

HE Standards Organi sation of Nigeria (SON) is seeking synergy among National Standards Bodies (NSBs) in Africa to curtail the evils of sub-standard products through the harmonisation of standards for ‘Made in Africa’ products and services.

At a media launch of the convention logo and information manual, as well as partnership drive for the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) President’s Forum held in Lagos, Director-General of SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, said the mobilisation of all NSBs into the membership of ARSO would drive the standardisation programmes to strengthen the competitiveness of Made-in-Africa products as well as engender regional and or continental fusion into an economic bloc.

ARSO is an inter-governmental body established by the Organisation for African Union (OAU), now African Union (AU) in 1977 with the support of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

It is primarily to coordinate the issues of standardisation among all NSBs in Africa to promote the harmonisation of African standards and conformity assessment systems.

It also promotes competitiveness of African goods

By Chikodi Okereocha

and services by removing all technical barriers to trade.

The association, Odumodu said, also provides a basis for value addition on African oriented raw materials to promote industrialisation, aside promoting selfsustainability for the continent through intra-African trade, as well as represents the continent in global issues of standardisation, among others.

According to him, the ARSO President’s forum for Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of NSBs holding from June 22- 24, 2015 in Abuja, Nigeria, is to sensitise the world on the readiness of African standardisers to strengthen the continental integration by breaking inhibiting economic barriers through standardisation to enhance industrial and economic empowerment.

Odumodu said as part of effort to assist other African countries in the area of standards, SON has given a total of 800 standards valued at $9 million to African countries who don’t have the technical and financial capacity to do so.

He said the ARSO President’s forum for CEOs of NSBs is one leg of the Forum, which has three sub-events.

Firm accuses foreign partners of economic sabotage

A

N indigenous firm, Phoenix Tide Off shore Nigeria Limited (PONL) has urged the Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC) to investigate its foreign partners, Tidewater Marine International Incorporated for alleged economic sabotage.

PONL made this request in a petition to the EFCC, signed by its Executive Director, Chidi Spencer Ochor.

The firm alleged that Tidewater was owing the Federal Government billions of naira in unpaid taxes and other dues.

Ochor contended that although Tidewater ran the affairs of PONL based on an agreement between both companies, Tidewater has refused to provide proper, true and genuine accounts of the operations of PONL. He accused Tidewater of only making payments of commission to PONL based on unverifiable figures of the operations of the vessels chattered by PONL. The petition dated April 24, this year was obtained by The Nation yesterday in Abuja.

Part of it reads: “As of date, there is about $40.6 million outstanding liabilities incurred by Tidewater in the name of our company, PONL as its vehicle of operation in the marine services business for oil and gas, in addition to several millions of naira due to the Federal Government of Nigeria and its agencies.”

He said PONL requested for details of all liabilities and extant commitment in its name by Tidewater in order to have a clean disengagement without debts hanging on PONL and its directors but Tidewater refused to release the information.

He said: “We are aware that there is a colossal sum of

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

N4.15 billion outstanding and payable to the Rivers State government for taxes which are based on the Rivers State Internal Revenue Services’ investigation for the period of 2004-2008 which outstanding sum is yet to be settled by Tidewater.

“It is my responsibility as a concerned citizen of this great country to ensure that monies due to the Federal Government of Nigeria and of course, its agencies are paid to the relevant agencies.

“It has therefore become imperative that this commission investigates this complaint to prevent Tidewater from escaping with the monies due to the Federal Government of Nigeria and its agencies.”

He explained that the two companies formed a partnership after the Cabotage Act of 2003 came into effect.

Under the new law, foreign firm had to operate in the marine services for oil and gas in association with a wholly owned Nigerian company.

In furtherance of the business relationship with Tidewater, Technical Services Agreement, Bareboat Charter Agreement and Marketing Agreement were signed and executed between PONL and Tidewater to regulate the relationship.

Under a power of attorney, Tidewater was allowed to manage and control PONL which did not have marine expertise in the belief that Tidewater will pass technology to Nigerian directors in PONL in fulfillment of the Nigerian content requirements which sought to empower indigenous citizens to grow capacity and become active in the industry.

• From left: Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, Zone A Ikeja, Mr Chris Iwenofu; Corps Commandant, Corps Safety/ Engineering Office, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Osawe Peter; Dr. Odumodu; Asst Commandant-General, Zone A, Lagos, Nigeria Security and Civil Dfence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Osemwegie Osaro and Director, Special Duties, SON, Mr George Okere, during the Africa Rises for Standards (ARSO) in Abuja Stakeholders Media launch in Lagos.

PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU

Alleged N1.5b fraud: Omatseye accuses Adoke of persecution

E

MBATTLED former Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Raymond Omatseye, yesterday accused the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Mohammed Adoke (SAN ) of persecution.

Omatseye who is standing trial before Justice Rita OfiliAjumogobia of a Federal High Court in Lagos, on 27 counts of contract splitting and bid rigging claimed he was being persecuted for refusing to do Adoke’s bidding.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had alleged that the suspended NIMASA boss perpetrated contract scam of N1.5billion.

But giving evidence before the trial judge, he alleged that his refusal to discontinue NIMASA’s suit against Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) on Adoke’s request prompted his trial.

Led in evidence by his counsel, E.D. Onyeke, the

T

By Precious Igbonwelundu

suspended NIMASA chief had pleaded with the court to allow him give a background in order to appreciate his predicament.

According to Omatseye, in 2010, the Executive Director, Cabotage services in NIMASA, Ibrahim Zailani approached him and said he was in a meeting with Adoke who requested a withdrawal of the suit against NLNG. “Zailani told me the AGF had directed him to tell me to withdraw a case between NIMASA and NLNG. I told him I was unable to withdraw the case because it was a board decision,” he said.

He alleged that he also received a call on November 14, 2010, between 12-1pm, from one Tunde Ayeni, who passed the phone to a man that introduced himself as Mohammed Adoke.

The man said: ‘I sent Zailani to you to withdraw the NLNG case and you have refused. Mr. President has called me twice on this matter to instruct you to withdraw this case.

“I responded: ‘My AG sir, either you please send me a memo to that effect or a message through my minister to direct me accordingly; I am not in a position to unilaterally withdraw the case’.”

Explaining further, Omatseye said Adoke reminded him that he (Adoke) was the chief law officer of the nation and queried if the NIMASA boss was unaware of a directive that no government agency should drag another to court without his permission.

“I told him that the NLNG is majorly owned by foreigners and therefore cannot be considered as a government parastatal or agency.

“At that point he said: ‘I have given an instruction and you have refused to obey, this would be your waterloo’.”

Exactly 10 days after the phone call, Omatseye said three EFCC operatives took him to the agency’s Ikoyi office for interrogation, adding that also invited were NIMASA’s Directors of Procurement and Finance.

He told the court that he

called the Transport Minister, Yusuf Suleiman to notify him of the development as he was being ferried to EFCC, adding that Suleiman asked him if he had any issue with the AGF. Omatseye further alleged that the EFCC flew all three of them to their headquarters in Abuja, where he was shown a petition against him written by the Transport Minister.

While acknowledging that the threshold for contract approval for NIMASA was N2.5million for supply and N5million for goods and services, Omatseye told the court that the stipulations were not in place as at the time he gave approvals for the contracts for which he was being prosecuted.

According to him, while the charges captured contracts awarded between December 2009 and February 2010, the contract award threshold for NIMASA was only put in place by the Bureau of Public Procurement in November 2011.

His testimony continues today.

Govt unveils result of 2013 national survey on MSMEs

HE Director-General, Small and Medium Scale Enterprise of Nigeria, (SMEDAN), Bature Umar Masari yesterday unveiled the result of the 2013 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Agencies (MSMEs).

He said the National policy on MSMEs, is important considering the fact that all over the world, effective and successful developments have been driven by a robust policy framework and the availability of accurate data.

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

Masari, said the policy on MSMEs and the results of the 2013 national MSME survey, will provide a veritable platform for the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation development programme within the MSMEs sub- sector in Nigeria.

He said: “The first national policy was developed

in 2007, the policy had been implemented for about seven years now and needed to be reviewed. The aim of the review process was to ensure that the policy was updated to reflect unfolding economic and social imperatives affecting MSMEs in Nigeria.

It is also to ensure that the policy is aligned with international best practices in MSMES development.

“The first ever national policy on MSMEs was developed by the agency in partnership with the African Institute of Applied Economic AIAE, the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) and other relevant stakeholders.

“I am pleased to inform you that after due consideration, the reviewed national policy was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) which is what is being presented to you today.

Orya elected Honourary President of G-NEXID

T

HE Global Network of Export-Import Banks and Development Finance Institutions (GNEXID) has election of Mr. Roberts Orya, the MD/CEO of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) as its new ‘Honorary President.’

The G-NEXID, with a membership of 24 institutions was established in March 2006 at the joint initiative of Exim Bank of India and UNCTAD, as a platform to boost SouthSouth trade and investment

relations.

A statement from NEXIM said the primary objective of the Network is to serve as a channel to bridge the gap between financing of trade and the achievement of the development goals of developing and emerging economies by fostering South-to-South trade flows. Specific to this goal was tackling the difficulties associated with access to trade finance in the fragile markets of the South

aimed at spurring and stabilizing economic growth.

To achieve its objectives, the Network promotes information sharing, building trust and encouraging sharing of common lessons, deals and opportunities, effective practices for entering new markets, financing non-traditional goods and services, and establishing risk-sharing methods for investments among its members towards working to-

• Orya

gether and promoting business development.

54

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 19-05-15

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 19-05-15

High-cap stocks drag equities down

L

OSSES suffered by highly capitalised stocks yesterday coloured the overall market position at the Nigerian stock market, overshadowing widespread gains across several sectors.

With 35 gainers to 25 losers, aggregate market value of all quoted equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) dropped to N11.792 trillion as against its opening value of N11.817 trillion.

The All Share Index (ASI), the composite index for all quoted equities, also illustrated the overall downtrend dropping from 34,781.46 points to 34,706.93 points.

The decline was largely due to losses recorded by some highly capitalised stocks in the building materials, breweries and petroleum-marketing sectors. Total Nigeria Plc topped the losers’ list with a drop of N6.39 to close at

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

N150.51. Nigerian Breweries, stock market’s second biggest stock, followed with a loss of N2.99 to close at N154.

Lafarge Africa Plc dropped

by N2.03 to close at N96.17.

Dangote Cement, NSE’s most capitalised stock, lost 49 kobo to close at N178.

Caverton Offshore Services Group declined by 35 kobo to N3.35. UAC of Nigeria dwindled by 33 kobo to N41.57 while Mobil Oil Nigeria dropped by 30 kobo to close at N151.

Most equities with price changes trended upward with Nestle Nigeria leading with a gain of N4.02 to close at N905.02. Beta Glass followed with a gain of N3.38 to close at N36.38. Guinness Nigeria rose by N1.50 to close at N160. Okomu Oil

Palm added 70 kobo to close at N28.90 while CAP rose by 50 kobo to close at N41.50 per share.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) was the most active stock with a turnover of 48.99 million shares valued at N262.97 million in 263 deals.

Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc followed with a turnover of 36.51 million shares worth N116.61 million in 179 deals.

Unity Bank placed third on the activity chart with a turnover of 28.68 million shares valued at N64.63 million in 161 deals.

Altogether, the financial services sector accounted for the largest sectoral turnover with 251.18 million shares worth N2.22 billion in 2,538 deals. Aggregate turnover totaled 357.23 million shares worth N4.15 billion in 4,704 deals.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 19-05-15

54

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 19-05-15

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 19-05-15

High-cap stocks drag equities down

L

OSSES suffered by highly capitalised stocks yesterday coloured the overall market position at the Nigerian stock market, overshadowing widespread gains across several sectors.

With 35 gainers to 25 losers, aggregate market value of all quoted equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) dropped to N11.792 trillion as against its opening value of N11.817 trillion.

The All Share Index (ASI), the composite index for all quoted equities, also illustrated the overall downtrend dropping from 34,781.46 points to 34,706.93 points.

The decline was largely due to losses recorded by some highly capitalised stocks in the building materials, breweries and petroleum-marketing sectors. Total Nigeria Plc topped the losers’ list with a drop of N6.39 to close at

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

N150.51. Nigerian Breweries, stock market’s second biggest stock, followed with a loss of N2.99 to close at N154.

Lafarge Africa Plc dropped

by N2.03 to close at N96.17.

Dangote Cement, NSE’s most capitalised stock, lost 49 kobo to close at N178.

Caverton Offshore Services Group declined by 35 kobo to N3.35. UAC of Nigeria dwindled by 33 kobo to N41.57 while Mobil Oil Nigeria dropped by 30 kobo to close at N151.

Most equities with price changes trended upward with Nestle Nigeria leading with a gain of N4.02 to close at N905.02. Beta Glass followed with a gain of N3.38 to close at N36.38. Guinness Nigeria rose by N1.50 to close at N160. Okomu Oil

Palm added 70 kobo to close at N28.90 while CAP rose by 50 kobo to close at N41.50 per share.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) was the most active stock with a turnover of 48.99 million shares valued at N262.97 million in 263 deals.

Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc followed with a turnover of 36.51 million shares worth N116.61 million in 179 deals.

Unity Bank placed third on the activity chart with a turnover of 28.68 million shares valued at N64.63 million in 161 deals.

Altogether, the financial services sector accounted for the largest sectoral turnover with 251.18 million shares worth N2.22 billion in 2,538 deals. Aggregate turnover totaled 357.23 million shares worth N4.15 billion in 4,704 deals.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 19-05-15

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

55

MONEYLINK FRC halts public hearing on Corporate Governance Code

T

HE Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has stopped a planned public hearing on the National Code of Corporate Governance expected to hold yesterday.

The Chairman of FRC Board, Hajia Maryam Ladi Ibrahim, said the Council suspended the public hearing due to a court injunction by some stakeholders described as a “group of shareholders”.

The development, she said,

By Collins Nweze

prompted the Council to stop the exercise, although every necessary arrangement had been made for it to hold. She added that it had to comply with court order as a law abiding entity.

“Everything possible was being done to ensure that all grey areas were resolved with the stakeholders as soon as possible so that the public hearing could be rescheduled and the public notified of the

new date,” she said.

She explained that contrary to speculations in some quarters of division among board members of the council, there is peace and unity among them.

Also, at the press briefing, she clarified the allegations of nonpayment of salary arrears and non-promotion of staff.

Ibrahim said FRC has approval from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) last year to pay the right

Skye Bank, others power online maths training

S

KYE BANK has partnered with three organisations to improve mathematics understanding and outcomes in the West African School Certificate (WASC), National Examination Council (NECO), General Certificate in Education (GCE) and the Universities Matriculation Examinations (UME), for junior and senior secondary school students in the country.

The bank, along with Dragnet Solutions Limited, Upperlink and Mutual Benefits Assurance Limited, is powering an online solution where students can practice mathematics online and monitor their performance over time and ultimately

By Alvin Afadama

schedule themselves to compete against other students.

The online solution known as Naija Mathematics Olympiad is a response to the prevalence of failure in mathematics among students, while the study of mathematics has remained a challenge because of the phobia for figures by students.

Speaking during the unveiling of the solution, Director of Naija Mathematics Olympiad, Mr. Andy Akhigbe, said they came up with the solution because without a good foundation in mathematics, Nigerian students would not be able to compete effectively in the digital age.

He said the new model allows students to test, practice and reward themselves while continuously assessing themselves as they progress in the study and understanding mathematics.

Branch Manager, Adeola Hopwell, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Dipo Osodi, said the bank was happy to associate with the scheme as it would provide new ways of learning and understanding mathematics.

Osodi said the bank would serve as the collection bank to the scheme as students who subscribe to the solution will be required to pay an access fee which allows them to remain on the platform for one academic session.

RenCap hosts conference in Lagos

R

ENAISSANCE Capital (RenCap) has held its sixth annual panAfrica 1:1 Investor Conference in Lagos. The event, it said in a statement, helps facilitate further investment in continent’s fast-growing markets by bringing together leading international investors and companies from across Africa.

Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance Capital, Igor Vayn, said: “We are con-

fident in the vast untapped development potential of African countries, fuelled by expanding economies and a growing consumer base.

“Since we first launched herein 2007, we have maintained our deep commitment to grow our presence on the ground. As markets have evolved and become more mature, we have broadened our offering in Africa. Going forward, we will continue to develop our

business in the continent to support its economic growth and facilitate further investment in Africa’s fast-growing markets.

“This year, we bring the conference to Nigeria at a profoundly important moment for the country. The peaceful presidential election and transfer of power to Muhammadu Buhari are a testament to the success of the electoral process.”

salaries to members of staff. They were paid in arrears, she said.

She admitted that there are some members of staff that need to be promoted but stressed that due process must be followed in doing this adding that if the due process is not followed, the promotion cannot be effected.

She dismissed reports that the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Academy fund was misappropriated.

She said the money as contributed by banks is still intact and that all board members have statements of account to that effect.

•FRC CEO, Jim Obazee

Heritage promises quality services

H

ERITAGE bank has identi fied excellent customer service as the major plank for the continued wellbeing of the banking business in the country.

The bank has assured the banking public that its ongoing process of integration with the acquired Enterprise Bank will result in the building of a more dynamic brand that will offer great and bespoke services.

Speaking during the Covenant University’s three-Day International Conference for African Development Issues (ICADI), which held at the institution’s Campus in Otta, Ogun State, the bank’s Adviser, Ivory Banking, Titilayo Babaoye, said the lender would continue to strive to be known for innovation and excellent service delivery tailored to suit customers’ banking needs. She added that the bank’s strategy of partnering with various customers to help improve their businesses and take same to desired heights would remain constant.

“Heritage Bank is a customer needs driven entity. All our platforms, processes and systems have been configured to work for our customers and drive their banking satisfaction. Every step of the way, we are with the customer. This is the way to go. Businesses must pay more and more attention to the peculiar needs of the customer. Banks cannot afford not to work with this golden rule if they hope to survive”, she revealed.

Babaoye said with the recent acquisition of Enterprise bank, Heritage Bank now has a wider platform to achieve wider reach for deploying its greater capabilities and value added banking services.

“Our on-going merger process fills us with excitement because we can see the exciting possibility of creating a bigger platform for the deployment of innovation, excellence and customer-centric services in a way never before seen in the country.

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FIDELITY NIG FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

126.04 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.63 1.39 1,744.73 1,104.77 112.34 121.16 1.67 1.1978 1.3117 0.7319 1.1349

125.82 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.62 1.33 1,744.73 1,104.00 111.75 120.30 1.62 1.1912 0.7203 0.7203 1.1349

BETAGLAS SKYEBANK VONO MAYBAKER WEMABANK UBCAP NFM UNITYBNK VITAFOAM NAHCO

O/PRICE 33.00 2.38 0.90 1.68 1.00 1.49 0.74 2.26 6.24 6.00

C/PRICE 38.38 2.61 0.98 1.78 1.05 1.56 0.77 2.35 6.48 6.23

CHANGE 3.38 0.23 0.08 0.10 0.05 0.07 0.03 0.09 0.24 0.23

LOSERS AS AT 19-05-15

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

CAVERTON 3.70 AGLEVENT 1.62 PORTPAINT 3.64 RTBRISCOE 0.92 TOTAL 156.90 INTENEGINS 0.55 DIAMONDBNK 4.65 CHAMPION 7.00 DANGFLOUR 4.64 WAPCO 98.20 UBA

5.46

C/PRICE

FOREX RATES (NairaVs Dollar) April 1, 2015

Inflation: Febraury

8.4%

Monetary Policy Rate

13.0%

Foreign Reserves

$28.2b

Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

$67.91

CHANGE

3.35 1.54 3.47 0.88 150.51 0.53 4.50 6.80 4.52 96.17

-0.35 -0.08 -0.17 -0.04 -6.39 -0.02 -0.15 -0.20 -0.12 -2.03

5.35

-0.11

Interbank ($/N)

199.00

$1

Black Market ($/N)

215.00

$1

London Inter-bank Offered Rates (LIBOR)

Money Supply (M2)

GAINERS AS AT 19-05-15

SYMBOL

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

N16.42 trillion.

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N17.2 trillion

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

16.5%

Tenor 1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 6 Months 12 Months

April 31

May 6

Rate)%

Rate (%)

0.1735 0.2147 0.2615 0.3841 0.6709

0.1715 0.2108 0.2626 0.3857 0.6744

Nigerian Stock Market Indices NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

12-02-15 Rate (%) Rate (%) 13-02-15

Overnight (O/N)

14.683

76.583

1M

15.033

15.977

3M

15.809

17.177

6M

16.493

17.908

Transaction Dates 03/02/2015 3/12/2014 1/12/2014

Amount Offered in ($) 500m 400m 350m

Amount Sold in ($) 499.93m 399.97m 349.96m

Statistics All Share Index Mkt Cap (NGN’bn) Deals Volume (mn) Value (NGN’mn)

4 May 34,649.3 11.8 3,385 564,28 6,087.80

5 May 29,383.93 9,804.36 3,714 377,75 6,568.66

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Feb. 13, 2015

Rates

T-bills - 91

12.44

T-bills - 182

13.85

T-bills - 364

13.92

Bond - 3yrs

15.92

Bond - 5yrs

17.22

Bond - 7yrs

16.59

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

56

SHOWBIZ

Chris Aire dazzles celebrities, socialites with new watches

R

EVERED wristwatch and jeweler brand, Chris Aire, has opened shop in Beverly Hills, the heart of Hollywood, dangling two new watches before the ever-trending American actors, who might grab same to rock the next red carpet event.

The new products, Parlay Ambidextrous and Parlay GMT, not only swell his impressive creations, but marks the historic opening of the Chris Aire flagship store in Beverly Hills.

The wristwatches, which will feature in the June, 2015 edition of one of the most respected luxury lifestyle’ magazines, the Robb Report, are uniquely different from other set of luxury items from the Aire’s stable.

According to the Nigerian-born entrepreneur, who made an impressive entry into the Nigerian market with the launch of an exclusive outlet at the prestigious Transcorps Hilton Hotel, Abuja, some years back, the latest additions bear testimonial to his business drive to satisfy the high taste of the wide range of clientele that craves finer things.

•Opens Beverly Hills flagship store Aire described the new items as extremely rare timepieces.

According to him, the Aire Ambidextrous Parlay Automatic Chronograph combines unique aesthetic designs with sophisticated movements. One of the watches comes in lagoon blue, a Soprod base movem e n t 2 0 2 5 / 2 8 2 4 - 2 w i t h Chris Aire modification slipt crown, and pushers.

Interestingly, Aire revealed it is ideal for both right and left handers. ”It comes in different forms including Sapphire crystal; Stainless steel with diamond -coated lagoon blue PVD,” he said.

Speaking in a tele-conference session with reporters in Abuja, Aire said his experience over the years was of immense value in the creation of what he described as “one of the few ambidextrous watches in the world.”

On the new timepieces, he said: ”There are

basically two movements in the new collection, and three offerings of each model. They are offered in gold, which comes in our signature red gold collection or yellow gold and white gold. They come in black PVD and we are introducing the blue PVD which is also unique and stunning.”

Aire’s new store, which was officially opened in December last year, is located at the Beverly Hills Triangle popularly called the luxury capital of the world where all the major brands such as Channel, Cartier, Armani etc are located.

The timepieces, including Aire’s signature jewelleries, are also on display at the Abuja outlet.

Aire, who has become a frequent visitor to Nigeria in the last four years, has other business ventures in the country. He is the sole financier of a multi-million naira charity trust in which he has committed time and energy in empowering vulnerable and underprivileged youth. He shuttles into the country regularly in search of new opportunities, and partnership with the government for effective governance module.

AFRIMMA stakes all-expense-paid trip on lucky dancers

• Anderson Obiagwu

I

N its bid to encourage artistic endeavors, the organizers of African Music Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), are staging a dance competition which will guarantee a winning dancer or dance group an all-expense paid trip to the next edition of the award scheme, taking place in Dallas, United States, later in the year.

According to in the founder of the Award, Anderson Obiagwu, the largesse, which is in appreciation of a successful maiden edition, last year, will include a round trip flight ticket, hotel and VIP Access to perform live in Dallas at the 2015 AFRIMMA ceremony, for one lucky upcoming artist and one lucky dancer/dance group from anywhere in the world.

The contest which is being bankrolled by Big A Entertainment in conjunction with African Muzik Magazine, according to Obiagwu, requires participants to record a video of them performing a song or dance and log on to http://afrimma.com/set-thestage/ to upload their video to the website.

The competition, he noted, started on May 4th, and will end on August 8th, 2015.

“The last day to enter your submissions is July 20, 2015. Five finalists will be announced at the end of every month. At the end of the contest, 20 finalists will be compiled; these finalists will have their work uploaded to the website for a voting process to start,” said Obiagwu, adding that participants should tag their video and everything related to it with the hashtags #STSAfrimma and #AFRIMMA2015.

• Chris Aire

Reminisce’s Baba Hafusa debuts on Billboard chart

By Joe Agbro Jr.

• Reminisce

R

ELEASED a few weeks ago, Reminisce’s new album, Baba Hafusa has continued to make waves, enjoy-

ing global patronage. After becoming number one on iTunes, the album recently made its debut on the Billboard World Music Albums Chart at number 12.

By this feat, Baba Hafusa joins two other Nigerian albums – 2Face Idibia’s Ascension and Asa’s Beautiful Imperfection - to have debuted in the Billboard World Music Albums Chart Reminisce took to his Instagram account to celebrate the achievement.

“Men lie, women lie... Numbers Don’t,” he wrote on his Instagram account #Iamreminisce, with a screen grab of the Billboard website showing his album, Baba Hafusa, on the number 12 spot.

The album features stars such as Vector, Sojay, Sosick, Olamide and Phyno.

Surely, these are interesting times for Edge Records, the label under which the album was produced.

“I dey house dey drink Orijin sha!,” Reminisce, an Orijin Ambassador later tweeted.

UNIZIK, environs alive for Star Music Trek

I

T is not everyday that you get to see a flock of celebrities in other Nigerian cities other than Lagos. So, when the Nigerian Breweries’ annual music road show, Star Trek, berthed in Awka, last Saturday, it brought memories of when Anambra and Enugu States were under one watch.

Central to Enugu, Onitsha, Asaba and environs, Awka played host to fun seekers from three neighbouring Nigerian States, when paid artistes on the show made their grand entry into the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) city.

Indeed, the crowd was expected as, prior to the event, all radio stations were abuzz with news of the top Nigerian artistes coming to town.

And when the day finally came, it was fun all night, and evidently, the funseekers wished it could go on and on.

The concert, named after the sponsors premium lager beer, Star, had Timaya, MI, Yemi Alade, Naeto C, Raw, 2Face Idibia and several other show-stoppers on the Akwa leg of Star Trek.

It was such a fun-filled night that, even after the last performer of the night had left the stage, the mammoth crowd at the De Geogold Hotel, stayed back, hoping for an encore performance by 2Face. However, DJ Snoop Damaja took the show to another level, dishing out ‘crazy’ mix from the wheels of steel. Joined later on by DJ Switch, the tempo went higher with a revelling mix of old skool, hip-hop, dancehall and afropop.

Host of the show, OAP/Hype Man Do2dtun, added spice to the show, as he got two females to compete in a dance competition which gave a cash prize of N10, 000 to the winner.

There was time for the local artistes to also perform. There was no doubt that Awka also rocked to the sounds of budding talents like Rubicon, Starule and Thiotee - who dazzled the crowd with his prowess on the Harmonica.

There were also performances from Immaculate, Joe-El and others.

By the time Raw got on stage to perform, the

audience were already in the mood to have a very good time. His theatrics on stage endeared him more to the people like a tidal wave. For instance, his rendition of his popular hit ‘Obodo’ was accompanied by a traditional ensemble comprising of a chief priest and two female servants who also doubled as dancers. He also got the crowd going wild when he performed one of his hit songs “Gyration”. Apparently, this particular song is a crowd favourite in Awka as they could not contain themselves. As if on cue, they raised their hands in unison, gyrating to the rhythm of the song and when he beckoned them to clap, they didn’t hesitate to indulge him.

Being her debut at the Star Music Trek, Yemi Alade stole the night away with her performance.

Expectedly, she was feisty on stage, and a delight to watch. And her performances

• Yemi Alade

were a delicate balance of vocal mastery and dance prowess.

The show put up by Ten over Ten crooner, Naeto C, was preceded by a surprise performance from Tony one Week. He performed his hit songs 5&6, Gentle oh and his latest hit, Helele, featuring Flavour.

Like an actor in the action film, MI waltzed on stage in a slow motion walk as his DJ, Lamborghini announce his arrival.

He, however did not disappoint his fans.

Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa, Timaya, received a resounding ovation when he came on stage. In his signature style, he kicked off his shoes and walked into the crowed bare-foot. He kicked off with Bow Down and moved on to other songs like Ukwu, My Body and his newest rave, Sanko.

There are no words to capture the ecstatic

• 2Face Sings to a fan

state of the crowd when 2Face came on stage. They screamed, they cried, they stretched forth their hands just to touch a hem of his cloth. The ambience was too electrifying and the temperature exceeded the party limit. Cheering the crowd, he kicked with a fast-paced rendition of Nothing dey happen, then moved to For Instance. While performing this hit, he thanked the crowd for voting and not fighting in the recently held election. It can be recalled that the artiste embarked on a rigorous campaign Vote Not fight before, during, and after the elections to promote peace and free and fair elections.

The Awka show, followed earlier outings in Calabar and Abakaliki. The concert train is billed to also have a stop in Sapele, Ibadan, Lagos, Makurdi and Auchi.

• Timaya

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

57

NEWS

How Mu’azu, others ruined Jonathan’s chance, by Fani-Kayode T HE Director of Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has taken a swipe at the Adamu Mu’azuled National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

According to him, Mu’azu and his NWC members are a disaster and must be sacked for the PDP to survive.

Speaking with reporters in Abuja yesterday, Fani-Kayode said: “The present leadership of the party, particularly its information organs, have no chance of standing against an APC Federal Government because they are weak and they lack understanding and courage.

“They will be savaged beyond belief and torn apart if they try it because they do not have the stomach, the grit, the appetite or the wherewithal for a long drawn fight.

“They are simply incapable of defending the President and his legacies after he has left office and neither are the majority of them even ready to do so. Instead of focusing on their numerous inadequacies and trying to fix them, these very same people are hurling

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

brick bats at others.

“Instead of preparing to defend the party and enhancing the fortunes of the party members over the next four years, they are making childish and nonsensical allegations and alienating and upsetting many party leaders.”

The NWC had blamed President Goodluck Jonathan’s defeat at the last election on the hate campaign initiated by the campaign organisation, saying the President’s campaign team ruined the President’s chances.

Reacting to the crushing defeat the PDP recorded at the last election, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, complained that the NWC was sidelined in the campaign and that the entire campaign funds were placed under the control of the President’s campaign organisation.

But Fani-Kayode described the claim as nonsensical and unadulterated rubbish, adding that their actions were fueled by hate and envy.

He retorted: “What the NWC said about us is undoubtedly the unkindest cut of all. It is like Brutus’ betrayal of Julius Caesar. It is wicked, uncharitable and unacceptable and some of us will not take it.

“What they need to understand and appreciate is that we will not sit by idly and allow them re-write history or make us the fall guys. The only reason we have not opened up on them is out of respect for President Jonathan and because we want to ensure that our party remains united.

“They are indeed the enemy within. The truth is that their allegation is not only baseless but it is also unadulterated rubbish and those who made them are nothing but ingrates, cowards and traitors who know nothing about politics, political campaigns, intellectual discourse or political engagement.

“They are simply trying to revise and re-write history in order to cover up their treachery, weaknesses and inadequacies. They are fueled by hate and envy and worse of all,

right from the start, they had no interest in fighting for our leader and presidential candidate President Goodluck Jonathan or in ensuring that he won the election.

“From day one, all they did was sulk about the fact that a Presidential Campaign Organisation had been set up and that they would not be able to have control of the campaign themselves or have access to the resources that we were given.

“At every point, they tried to undermine our efforts and sabotage us but we ignored them and remained focused on doing our job despite their provocations.

“From day one, all they were interested in was in controlling others and telling them what to do. They were not in the fray, they refused to enter the heat of battle and all they did was moan and bicker from the side walk like little children.

“What we were doing and attempting to do was lost on them because they had never taken anything seriously and they found it hard to comprehend the logic and style of those

•Representative of Chairman of the occasion, Executive Director, Leventis Foundation Nigeria, Hope Usieta(left); Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University(OAU) Prof. Omolayo Ajayi; celebrator, Dr. John Odeyemi; Guest lecturer, Prof. Toyin Falola; representative of Ooni of Ife, Oba Iteade Adewuyi and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Tourism and Culture, Osun State, Mrs Olajumoke Bello at the Second Annual Dr John Odeyemi Lecture at OAU, Ife, Osun State...yesterday.

Environmentalists make case for sustainable development

S

TAKEHOLDERS in the Environment sector have called on industrialists, business prompters and governments across the world to embark on sustainable use of earth resources for the betterment of mankind.

The call was made during a one-day programme organised by SMEFUNDS, Carbon Credit Network in partnership with the World Bank and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to commemorate this year’s Earth Day. The theme of this year’s Earth Day celebration was “What would you rather do or say to save the Earth?”

Opening discussion at the forum, the Chief Executive Officer, SMEFUNDS, Mr. Femi Oye, lamented the degradation of the earth

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

through unscrupulous human activities.

According to him, some of the uncoordinated human activities which have inflicted serious damages on mother earth include indiscriminate felling of trees, high intensity of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium NPK application in the agricultural sector.

Apart from destroying land nutrients, he said NPK has the potential to negatively impact the human reproductive system, thereby resulting in low sperm count in men.

He urged participants to respond to these diverse effects on mother earth, adding that “for us to live in a future we desire, we need to act now.”

Oye also called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of

planting trees, explaining that the health of the people and that of the earth would be protected through the gesture.

In her presentation: “Going Green”, the CEO, ARARATJODI Consult, Mrs. Irene Adepitan said man is responsible for the alteration in the state of the earth which is manifesting in rising temperature, insisting that it is also the responsibility of man to bring it to its healthy state.

According to her, restoring the earth to its healthy status is not by choice, but a must, failure of which may spell doom not only for the present generation, but also those coming behind.

She linked the wave of disasters springing across the world to the impact of human activities on the mother

earth, adding that “the earthquake is consequently the impact of human activities on mother earth.”

A communiqué’ at the end of the one-day programme urged the participants and other actors in the environment sector to follow-up on the Nigeria legislature to make laws and resolution to save the earth, reduce unnecessary carbon emission activities, pursue the programme of reuse product, recycle and reduce waste.

Apart from that, individuals were also urged to switch to renewable energy sources, educate self and neighbors on the negative impact of climate change, switch to use of energy saving bulbs, sort waste products appropriately before disposing and promote the use of organic fertilizer.

of us that did.

“Their arrogance was insufferable, they were an unmitigated disaster and their leadership style was abysmal. It still is. If any group of people were responsible for our loss, it was them.

“They were envious of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation and its high profile and they are nothing but a bunch of bitter and treacherous ingrates who have no business leading a political party.

“The lies, falsehood, innuendos and terrible stories that they are bandying around about us are just despicable and if they do not stop, they will divide the party and utterly destroy it.

“That is the sad and bitter truth. In playing this game blame and pointing fingers at others, they are biting off far more than they can chew.

“The fact is that the Presidential Campaign Organisation not only did an excellent job but we also fought a damn good fight. We fought a better fight than any other organ of the party had fought over the last two or three years against a relentless, well-funded, wellmotivated and well-organised opposition.

“Before the Presidential Campaign Orgaisation came into being, the PDP had virtually lost its voice and those that do not recognise this have obviously lost touch with reality.

“Those that attack and cast aspersion on our character and blame us for the failure of our party and our president to win the election are not seeing things clearly.

“They are hopelessly confused and they have no idea how political campaigns are conducted in the civilised world. Their accusations are not only baseless, but they are also self-serving”.

Fani-Kayode maintained that retaining the present crop of the party’s elected officials would spell doom for the PDP and insisted that the honourable thing for them to do is to resign en mass.

He went on: “We need a new leadership that is open, kind, fair-minded and accommodating. In order to achieve that, I must add my voice to that of a number of governors and other key stakeholders and leaders in our party who have said that the party’s National Working Committee must go. Sadly the NWC has become a clog in the wheel of progress.

“They have much to learn from what the leadership of the Labour Party and the Liberal

•Dr. Jonathan

Democratic Party did in the U.K. just a couple of weeks ago when they resigned a few hours after losing the election to the Conservatives.

“They resigned with honor and no-one had to ask them to go or call for their resignation.

They did the right and proper thing because they are well educated people who have honor.

“Sadly, the NWC members lack both education and honor otherwise they would have resigned by now. They are ignorant of the fact that when people lead a party into defeat they must resign to make way for others.

“And when people tell them to resign they threaten them with suspension or expulsion from the party forgetting that there is life outside politics.

“Not only have they refused to take the path of honor by resigning but they are also throwing bricks at those of us who raised the PDP flag and fought a good fight. Honestly it is sad and unbelievable.

“In any other country these people would have been lambasted morning, day and night for their sheer effontry and ingratitude and for their inability to provide strong and decisive leadership. Yet here we just pamper and manage them and shy away from telling them the bitter truth.

“The truth is that the NWC has to go and I add my voice to that of Governors Aliyu Babaginda, Sule Lamido, Ayodele Fayose and that of so many other people including the overwhelming majority of governors, party leaders and elders.

“I am saying that there are needs to be a change at the top if the PDP is serious about forging party unity, restoring its fortunes, redeeming itself and winning any election in 2019.

“I do not want to rock the boat out of respect for our President and our party elders.

Otherwise, I would say a lot more that will shock the nation and the party faithful about the atrocities that these people have committed over the last few years.”

Akanu Ibiam Poly shut From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

T

HE Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Uwana was yesterday shut following a crisis that erupted between the school management and the host community over some parcels of land.

The Rector, Prof Ogbonna Ibe-Enwo said the management took the decision for security reasons.

He decried the community’s action, saying they could have dialogued instead of resorting to violence.

Ibe-Enewo said the school will be re-opened when normalcy returns, asking the students to leave the school premises for their safety.

The Rector said the management would dialogue with the host community to find a solution to the crisis.

About 1,000 angry youths from the community, armed with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons invaded the school premises, destroying properties and beating students.

They protested what they described as invasion of their land by the school authority despite warnings from the community.

When the Nation visited the school, students were seen with their luggages hurriedly departing for fear of the unknown.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

58

NEWS Saraki, Kwara Speaker console traders From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

FORMER Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki and House of Assembly’s Speaker Razak Atunwa have sympathised with traders and people of Offa, Offa Local Government Area, over the fire that gutted the popular Owode Market last Saturday.

In a statement by the Director-General of Abubakar Bukola Saraki Office, Musa Yeketi, said the senator representing Kwara Central regretted the incident because of the huge loss it caused the traders.

He urged the traders to be cautious to avoid a recurrence.

Saraki prayed God to lessen the traders’ burden.

Also, in a statement by his media aide, Olawale Rotimi, the Kwara Speaker was grateful to God that nobody died in the fire.

The Speaker urged Kwara State to stand with Offa during its trying period.

He said: “The fact that Owode Market has served as a major economic platform for Kwarans cannot be overlooked. It is unfortunate that this market, which has provided opportunities for various business transactions daily for our people, was gutted by fire...”

Suspects held for snatching lawmakers’ cars

Kaduna APC asks EFCC to probe Yero over N2.7b SURE-P funds

B

ARELY 24 hours after Kaduna State Governor-elect Nasir El-Rufai vowed to probe those behind the alleged diversion of N2.7 billion Subsidy Reinvestment Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) funds, the State All Progressives Congress (APC) Transition Committee has filed a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the Mukhtar Yero administration.

The transition committee is asking the anti-graft agency to stop the outgoing government from what it called last-minute looting of public assets.

It alleged that the government was taking elaborate steps to legitimise the misappropriation of N2.744 billion local governments’ SURE-P funds.

A letter by the committee and titled: The attempt to misappropriate SURE-P Funds in Kaduna State to the EFCC chairman, said: “Yero has been putting the Legislature under tremendous pressure to approve his utilisation of 50 per cent of the SURE-P funds for a road project, while the 23 local government areas would share the balance.”

The letter, by the committee’s Chairman, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, reads: “I write to bring to your attention the elaborate steps

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

being taken by the outgoing Kaduna State Government to legitimise the misappropriation? of N2.744 billion Local Government SURE-P funds and to request that you exercise your responsibility of deterring crime by preventing this last-minute looting of public assets.

“The Kaduna State House of Assembly declined to appropriate the SURE-P funds in the 2015 budget, and promptly removed them from the budgets submitted by the 23 local govern-

ment areas. The state legislators further resolved that the fate of the funds be left to the incoming administration.

“The outgoing governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, has been putting the Legislature under tremendous pressure to approve his utilisation of 50 per cent of the SURE-P funds for a road project, while the 23 local government areas would share the balance. Coming from a government, whose tenure expires in less than two weeks, the intensity of the lobby for the money indicates a certain desperation that is clearly not in

the public interest.

“I wish to, therefore, request that you urgently investigate whether the SURE-P funds are still intact, or if they have been spent without appropriation, thus necessitating a belated approval from the House of Assembly to provide a ‘legal’ means of retiring the funds.

“If, as it is widely believed in the state, the funds have already been spent, it is crucial to determine the projects, the contractors and the procurement processes that facilitated such a deliberate haemorrhaging of public funds.”

Refuse takes over Kogi capital Lokoja •Assembly summons Waste Board’s chief

T

HE Kogi State House of Assembly yesterday summoned the General Manager of the State Waste Management Board, Mrs Florence Joseph, over the heaps of refuse in Lokoja, the state capital.

Some residents have expressed fears that the refuse heaps could cause an epidemic.

Some of the major streets overtaken by refuse include Ibrahim Road, Murtala Mohammed Way and the Okene-Kabba Road.

Others are: Zone 8 Road,

From James Azania, Lokoja

leading to the House of Assembly, the Federal and State High courts.

The Assembly summoned Mrs Joseph, following the adoption of a motion by Majority Leader Yakubu Yunusa at plenary.

The lawmaker expressed concern over the health implication the growing refuse heaps could cause.

He said the refuse was emitting stench, especially at the designated dump sites.

Abdullahi Zakari (Ankpa II) urged the Assembly to also summon the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Development, Dr Temitope Shinkaye, to explain the inability of her Youth Advancement Programme (YAD4KOGI) to keep the city tidy.

Speaker Momoh-Jimoh Lawal said there is need for the two government functionaries to explain the inability of their agencies to perform their duties.

The motion was adopted, following an overwhelming voice vote.

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

THE Kano State Police Command yesterday paraded suspected robbers who allegedly confessed to have robbed the Chairman of the Senate Committee on State and Local Government Administration, Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya, and Zamfara State House of Assembly’s Speaker Sanusi Rikidi of their cars.

Police spokesman Magaji Majia, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), who addressed reporters in Kano, said one of the suspects, Bashir Abdularahman, 33, of Mariri Quarters was also identified as an indigene of Zamfara State.

The police spokesman said the suspect was arrested at Gandu Albasa when he was driving a Mercedes Benz 4Matic.

Abdularahman was among 20 suspected robbers paraded by the police for committing various crimes.

Majia said: “On sighting the police operatives, he (Abdulrahman) attempted to knock down the operatives, but the operatives chase him and he was arrested. During an onthe-spot search, one AK47 rifle with military trousers were recovered inside the vehicle. The suspect led the policemen to the arrest of Aminu Ibrahim Yakasai, one of the kingpins of the syndicate.

•Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Plateau State chapter, Mr Jubril Bancir (right), addressing aggrieved workers during their protest at the House of Assembly, over non-payment of salaries in Jos…yesterday PHOTO: NAN

Tribunal grants Gombe APC’s motions on poll From Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

T

HE Gombe State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has granted three of the five motions The State All Progressives Congress (APC) filed on the disputed poll.

The party’s governorship candidate in the last general elections, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, and the party are challenging the re-election of Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo.

APC’s lawyer, Niyi Idowu, noted although it looked like a “no winner, no looser, as it is”, the party looked good to make a good point in the suit.

He said: “I will say that there is no winner, no loser, as it is. This is because we had five prayers that were granted us by the tribunal and the tribunal, in its wisdom, retained three for us and gave them two.

“But if we look at it, I can say we are still winning because we have a 60/40 situation.”

The lawyer said the applications that were not granted included the forensic analysis of the electoral materials and ballot paper recount.

He said the issues would be brought up in the course of the proceedings.

Idowu said: “What the tribunal is saying is that we ought not to have brought it back by ex parte; that we should bring it by motion on notice. So, we will go and bring it by motion on notice and clear the whole ground.”

The APC lawyer said his clients were challenging the fact that Dankwambo was not returned by the lawful votes of the majority votes.

He said the petitioners relayed how such activities affected the result of the election with a list of witnesses to be called to prove their case.

A lawyer representing the first respondent, Danayo Adibe, urged everyone to wait for the tribunal’s inaugural sitting in the next two or three weeks.

He said: “Fair hearing is one of the foundations of our democracy. You cannot determine the fate of a man without hearing from him. That is exactly what the court has just upheld. It is putting it in its simplest form.”

The first three prayers were sustained and the other two denied because they ought to have been brought up by motion on notice, not ex parte, as they did.

Niger Assembly gives ex-Speaker six hours to return maces

T

HE Niger State House of Assembly has given former Speaker Adamu Usman six hours to return the two maces that were allegedly taken away on his instruction a fortnight ago.

The House of Assembly, at its plenary yesterday, directed Clerk Mohammed Kagara, and Sergeant at Arm Ibrahim Abubakar Agaie to ensure that the two maces are returned to the Assembly.

Usman was accused of taking away the maces to stall his impeachment on

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

May 4.

Usman, at a media briefing, admitted that the maces were in his custody, following his impeachment.

The controversy over the missing maces came up when Jibrin Akwanu, the member representing Agaie Constituency, told the Assembly that two of the three maces, the symbol of the Assembly’s authority, were missing.

The lawmaker asked Agaie to tell the Assembly their whereabouts.

Agaie said he got a phone call from Usman at 1:15am on May 5, directing him and a member to remove the maces from the Assembly complex.

The Sergeant at Arm said two of the three maces were taken to Usman’s home.

Asked if the maces were taken away on the orders of the Clerk, Agaie said he acted on the former Speaker’s orders.

Agaie’s statement infuriated the lawmakers.

Abubakar Dada, representing Bosso Constituency,

moved that the Sergeant at Arm be punished for singlehandedly handing over the maces without the Clerk’s knowledge or approval.

But reprieve came Agaie’s way when Abubakar Mogaji, representing Lapai, pleaded for the embattled Sergeant at Arm. He directed Kagara and Agaie to return the maces within 24 hours.

But Majin Gana, representing Lavun, said the maces should be returned within six hours.

Another lawmaker, Abubakar Mohammed Dada,

representing Bosso, said whoever was having the maces should return them or prepare to face the wrath of the law.

Speaker Isah Kawu directed Kagara and Agaie to ensure that the two maces were returned to the Assembly.

The House of Assembly warned that it was illegal for anybody to keep public instruments in his home.

Efforts to speak with the former Speaker were unsuccessful.

His mobile phones were unreachable last night when our reporter called it.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

59

FOREIGN NEWS

40 Nigerians for Mandela Washington Fellowship

A

S part of United States’ effort to raise good leaders in Africa, 40 Nigerian youth have been penciled to participate in this year’s Mandela Washington Fellowship.

The beneficiaries were selected amongst seven thousand Nigerian Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) applicants to spend six weeks in various American universities in order to develop good leadership skills that will better their communities.

Recognising the beneficiaries yesterday, the

By Precious Igbonwelundu

U.S.Ambassador to Nigera, James Entwistle commended them for their selfless services to their communities.

Entwistle who spoke in Abuja, was transmitted live to participants in Lagos through video conferencing.

He said YALI is a flagship programme of Obama, as well as a key component of his commitment to invest in the future of Africa.

“You all should be proud of your accomplishment.

Your selection says a lot about who you are as young leaders and the level of impact you are having on your communities as entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and public servants.

“You will have the opportunity to meet hundreds of bright and inspiring minds, just like yourselves, from other parts of Africa.

Take advantage of the opportunity to learn, to share, and to expand your network,” he said.

YALI was introduced in 2014 by Obama in recognition of the critical and in-

creasing role young Africans play in strengthening democratic institutions, spurring economic growth, and enhancing peace and security in Africa.

In her remark, U.S. Consulate Public Affair, Ms. Dehab Ghebreab said 44 Nigerians participated in last year’s Fellowship, adding that the Consulate recently attended a reunion of 150 Fellows from the ECOWAS region held in Ghana.

She noted that there were a lot of young people looking for opportunities to develop their skills and poten-

tials, promising the new intakes that the programme will change their lives for good.

“This is an opportunity that will propell the participants and their lives won’t be the sane again. They will appreciate what the world has to offer, appreciate the US and appreciate their country even more,” she said.

To some of the participants, they see their selection for their programme as a call to do more in their communities.

An artist, Olakunle Ade-

wale, who said he uses his skills to empower persons with disability as health therapy, said he anticipates broader knowledge.

30 - year-old Adekunbi Adeoye said she believed she was shortlisted as a result of her efforts towards giving secondary school children platforms for internship.

She said she hopes to bridge the gap between the gown and the town, by ensuring that from secondary level, students get practical experiences of the things they learn in later life.

•Front Row: Public Affairs Officer, United States Consulate General, Lagos, Dehab Ghebreab, (right); Public Diplomacy Officer, Rhonda Watson, (left); with Mandela Washington Fellows selected from the 17 states in the Consular District of Southern Nigeria, during a Pre-Departure Orientation program in Lagos..Yesterday . Photo: U.S. Lagos Consulate.

Abbott rejects amnesties for Australian ex-militants

P

RIME Minister Tony Abbott has said he will not show mercy to Australians who join militant groups abroad but then regret it and try to go home.

He was responding to reports that three Australians with Islamist groups in Syria were in talks about coming home.

The lawyer for one man said his client was disillusioned with jihad and could help dissuade others from joining up.

But Mr Abbott warned anyone hoping to return that “you will be arrested, you will be prosecuted and jailed”.

It is illegal for Australian citizens to support armed groups overseas, but the government estimates around 90 Australians are fighting with militant groups in the Middle East.

“A crime is a crime is a crime,” Mr Abbott told reporters on Tuesday.

“If you go abroad to

break Australian law, if you go abroad to kill innocent people in the name of misguided fundamental extremism, if you go abroad to be an Islamist killer, well, we are hardly going to welcome you back into this country.”

The men seeking to return are reported to have been working with the al-Nusra Front in Syria Australia media report that the three men seeking to go home had joined the Islamic State group which

holds large areas of Iraq and Syria.

Fairfax Media reports that negotiations with at least two of the men began several months ago. But there are concerns for the safety of foreign affairs officials who would facilitate any return.

Lawyer Rob Stary, a lawyer for one of the men, said his client worked as a medic in areas of Syria controlled by both the Islamist Group al-Nusra and the Free Syrian Army.

Prince Charles meets Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams

P

RINCE Charles has met Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams at the start of his four-day visit to Ire-

land.

Mr Adams was among a number of politicians to greet the prince at a reception at National University of Ireland Galway.

It was the first meeting in the Republic of Ireland between Sinn Féin’s leadership and a Royal Family member.

Mr Adams and his colleague Martin McGuinness also had a private meeting with Prince Charles.

That meeting took place after the handshake and was in a private room.

It lasted between 15 and 20 minutes.

Afterwards, Mr Adams said: “We •Prince Charles and Adams Sinn Fein president did discuss the need for the entire procPHOTO: ITV ess to move forward, particularly in in a warm embrace...yesterday

F

regard to those who have suffered, those who have been bereaved.

He said the meeting “was a big thing for him to do and a big thing for us to do.

“We have a cause to represent and a future to carve out and that’s what it’s all about.”

The Royal couple watch Irish dancers after arriving at the university However, not everyone welcomed the meeting and the prince’s visit.

As Mr Adams was meeting Prince Charles, one of his party’s MP’s, Paul Maskey, was attending a protest over Army shootings in the Ballymurphy area of west Belfast in the early 1970s.

“Sinn Féin have long supported the Ballymurphy families and will continue to do so,” Mr Maskey said.

Thai ex-PM Yingluck Shinawatra’s trial begins

ORMER Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has pleaded not guilty in a brief hearing at the start of her trial on charges of negligence.

She faces up to 10 years

in prison if found guilty of dereliction of duty over her role in a controversial rice subsidy scheme.

She told crowds outside the court in Bangkok she would prove her innocence.

Ms Yingluck was forced

to step down last year shortly before a military coup.

She maintains that the charges she faces are intended to keep her out of politics. The next hearing in the trial has been scheduled for 21 July.

Meanwhile her brother,

Thaksin Shinawatra - himself ousted as prime minister by a previous coup in 2006 - has made a rare public appearance in Seoul, South Korea, saying he believed “democracy will prevail” in Thailand.

A

Myanmar’s Rohingya ‘boat people’ stranded at sea

HUMANITARIAN disaster looms as thousands of migrants remain stranded at sea, while authorities in Southeast Asian nations refuse to take them in.

The scale of the crisis is still unknown. No organisation, from the UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to Rohingya rights groups, knows how many boats there are. The number of migrants stranded

aboard these ships, however, is estimated to be in the thousands.

Despite a plea from U.N. Secretary General Ban Kimoon, urging Southeast Asian leaders to uphold “international law” and “the obligation of rescue at sea,” Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia are refusing to accept the “boat people” — men, women and children who remain on ships, with rapidly dwindling provisions.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

NEWS OML 42: NPDC’s stand on Neconde’s operatorship ‘selfish’ Continued from page 4

casion has Neconde made defamatory statements about NPDC in the media or anywhere else and is in no way in breach of any applicable rules.

“Records clearly show that the ceding of the management of OML 42 to Neconde Energy had nothing to do with the firm’s stake in the oil block.

The transfer of management of OML 42 to Neconde was evidently about leveraging a national asset and obtaining optimal value, for which Neconde clearly showed proof of capacity to deliver.

“Despite the transfer of operatorship of OML 42 to Neconde, NPDC and Neconde still exist as partners at the level of ownership rights on OML 42, the Federal Government having ceded management to Neconde. Accordingly, Neconde will not be drawn into a disagreement with its partners on the pages of newspapers.”

Neconde noted that it will continue to avail itself of the dispute resolution mechanism available under the joint venture platform to address all concerns relating to the transfer of the management of OML 42 to Neconde, “as we are resolutely committed to fulfilling the government’s mandate of

raising the production ceiling of OML 42.”

“Neconde will continue to work in conjunction with our partners in the NPDC, who clearly require our professional expertise in this regard and have been working assiduously on the transfer of the management of OML 42 to it.”

Neconde restated its commitment to the Federal Government’s policy on local content in the oil and gas industry to optimise value and make the industry work for the good of all, “and not for a few vested interests, either in government or in the private sector”.

The top management of NNPC and officials of the inhouse labour unions of NPDC - Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), - are meeting to resolve the issue.

Records clearly show that the ceding of the management of OML 42 to Neconde Energy had nothing to do with the firm’s stake in the oil block.

•Institute of Chartered Accontants of Nigeria (ICAN) National President Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu and dignitaries at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt during the public presentation of ICAN's centre of excellence ... yesterday

Akande: APC won’t zone Senate President, Speaker Continued from page 4

count of old age, adding that he would prefer to be a member of Buhari’s private kitchen cabinet, which will play advisory roles.

Akande reflected on the 16 years of PDP’s rule, saying that out-going President Goodluck Jonathan is the worst President in the history of Nigeria. He said Nigerians will not miss him because he is not leaving behind worthy legacies.

He maintained that the battle for the Senate President will not tear the APC apart, assuring that the party will resolve the in-house contest without creating any animosity that can be exploited by the PDP. However, he maintained that the party will not adopt zoning of offices.

Akande stressed: “Zoning is very strange to my party.

There is no zoning in our constitution and we don’t want to copy the PDP in anything we are doing. We want to be very weary and careful about things. We have the best of brains and culture among our leadership. And we want to give Nigeria the best. Because of that, we don’t want it to become part of our culture at the beginning.

“It is true that, sometimes, after the elections, the national chairman wanted to

toy with the idea of zoning and unanimously, we said no. We don’t want to zone.

We are taking over from a delinquent administration and one of the most prodigal institutions of that administration is the National Assembly. I used the word prodigal because, according to the governor of the Central Bank, the recurrent expenditure of the National Assembly was N10 billion at the beginning.

But, it rose to about N150 billion and the clamour in the country is that their personal income is prohibitive and in secrecy. So, all these created, may be, the scramble for the leadership of the National Assembly.

“We don’t want our party to be involved in the prodigal nature of the National Assembly. To prune it down, we need to do a lot of compromising and sacrificing and we need to select among the leaders of the party who are members of the Senate that will be able to control the culture of the National Assembly according to the policies of our party. So, because of that, we want to be cautious about zoning. We unanimously agreed that we didn’t want to zone.”

The former governor added: “We want the leaders to use their experience to

manage those who are aspiring to occupy those positions; six for the party in power-Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Senate Majority Leader, Deputy Senate Majority Leader, Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip; and four for the opposition-Senate Minority Leader, Deputy Minority Leader, Minority Whip and Deputy Minority Whip. These are the principal officers of the Senate. We don’t want those who will trade off the principal offices to the opposition. The principal officers could be sold out unwittingly to the opposition. So, we want to be very careful and we want to manage those who are interested.

So, we don’t talk about zoning in our party. It was raised, but people rejected it.”

Akande said that zoning could throw up certain challenges if adopted, explaining that there may not be a common ground on its elements.

He said the likelihood exists that while some members of the party may push for zoning based on ethnicity, others may opt for zoning based on religion.

Stressing that both options may be counterproductive, he added: “Everybody is free to fight for the position. I

want the best man to occupy the position. The trouble we have is that some people are asking for zoning and we are asking questions? Is it zoning according to nationalities? If yes, within the Northcentral alone, there are many nationalities. Not one, not two, two three, not four. Is it zoning according to religion? So, we want to be very careful. We don’t introduce into our system what has not been there before.

“During the period of Shagari, Ekweme was the Vice President. He is a Christian. Ume-Ezeoke was the Speaker of the House of Representatives. He was a Christian. They are both from the Southeast. Vice President Sambo is from the Northwest. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, is from the Northwest. So, it can happen.

“We don’t want to say choose on the basis of being Christian, Muslim, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa. Otherwise, we won’t be able to get the best in terms of appointment. That is why we have not sat to zone it to anywhere. We are trying to manage those who are vying for it so that the best man will get there. Compromises would have to be made and sacrifices would be welcome.”

More funds for banks as CBN harmonises CRR at 31% Continued from page 4

Bank of Nigeria (CBN) voted to increase the CRR on private sector deposits by 300 basis points to 15 per cent from 12 per cent in March 2014 and since then the CRR has been tinkered with several times, first with the private sector deposit and later that of the public sector.

The Committee, Emefiele said, “decided by a unanimous vote to retain the current tight stance of monetary policy. One member voted to increase CRR on private sector deposits from 20 to 25 per cent and retain CRR on public sector deposits at 75 per cent while another member voted to retain the CRR on private sector deposits at 20 per cent and increase CRR on public sector deposits from 75 to 100

per cent. Nine members, voted to harmonise the public and private sector CRR at 31 per cent.”

Two members the CBN chief said, voted to remunerate a portion of the CRR. All members voted to retain all other decisions taken at the last meeting of the MPC while improving the implementation of the CRR regime.

Consequently, the MPC voted to: •retain the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 13 per cent with a corridor of +/200 basis points around the midpoint; •retain the Liquidity Ratio at 30 per cent; and •harmonise the CRR on public and private sector deposits at 31.0 per cent.

Members of Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) also

“expressed concern about the weakening economic momentum but recognised the relative similarity in the condition to the evolving economic environment in virtually all oil exporting economies, suggesting the need for acceleration of various ongoing initiatives to diversify the economic base of the country.”

With the successful completion of the 2015 general elections and the progress recorded so far in the fight against insurgency, the Committee was optimistic that the slow pace of economic momentum would reverse in the near term.

Commenting on the activities of the foreign exchange market so far, the CBN governor noted that the stability and modest appreciation in

the two segments of the market were largely due to the closure of the rDAS market and the modified twoway quote trading at the inter-bank segments of the market. “Gross official reserves rose from US$29.34 billion at end-March 2015 to US$30.05 billion on May 15, 2015.”

The Committee stressed the need for proactive measures to protect the reserve buffer to safeguard the value of the domestic currency and engender overall stability of the banking system.

It was, however, noted that monetary policy is gradually approaching the limits of tightening and would, therefore, require complementary fiscal and structural policies.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.10 NO.3220

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘Are the causes of this Fulani Herdsmen-Farmers War just difficulties over ‘grazing rights’ or ‘watering holes’ or deep ‘ethnic agendas’ like seizing farmlands and produce without due process or payment for village and farm produce consumed by herdsmen, their families and cattle?’

TONY MARINHO

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

I

T is election season in Turkey; in about eighteen days or so the Turks will go to the polls to elect a new prime minister – or retain the old one, Ahmet Davutoglu - for the next four years. They will also vote on an amendment to the country’s constitution which will transform it from a parliamentary democracy into a powerful presidential system. However, this transformation requires approval by 2/3 rd of the country’s 550-member legislature, i.e. 367 members, to pass without a referendum or 330 with.

Leading the battle by the ruling party to retain power and change the constitution is Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the country’s ceremonial but powerful president and leader of the party, the so-called “mildly Islamist” Justice and Development Party (AKP). Erdogan has been in power since 2002 when AKP first came to power on a wave of popular disaffection with militant secularism championed by the military which had dominated the country’s politics since it first changed in 1924 from a Sultanate into a Republic under the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Erdogan has been campaigning for his AKP to win 400 of the legislative seats and, thus, to become its most powerful elected president in recent times.

The election in that country should interest Nigerians for a number of reasons. First, along with Iran, Turkey has, by some estimates, about the same Muslim population as Nigeria – around 75 million. The ratios of this number for the three countries differ – about 50% for Nigeria, 99.7 for Iran and 98.6 for Turkey – but the numbers are big making the three almost jointly sixth in the Muslim world, after Indonesia (about 205 million and a ratio of 88.1%), Pakistan (178.1m: 96.4%), India (177.29m:14.6%) Bangladesh (148.61m:90.4%) and Egypt (80.02m:94.7%).

Second, as a country that straddles Eastern Europe and western Asia in space, it is of strategic importance to the world both geographically and religious wise.

Third, for at least the last decade after AKP came to power in Turkey, the country has provided one more proof that Islam and democracy are not necessarily incompatible as some Westerners and secularists and even some radical Islamists would have the world believe. Under AKP the country has transformed into a thriving plural democracy and prospered economically into one of the most advanced in the world.

Last but by no means least of all, since at least 1998 Turkey has established its presence in Nigeria as one of the biggest outside forces for development in our education and health sectors. Today its 16 non-denominational Nigeria-Turkish international primary and secondary schools spread across Nigeria in Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos, Kano, Ogun and Yobe states – and with plans for more are among the very best in the country. So also are its Nile University, which is part of a global network of 26 universities in America, Europe, Asia and Turkey, and its state of

RIPPLES WEALTHY CLERICS SHOULD PAY TAX, – says Cleric

Yes, because they operate PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANIES!

People and Politics By

MOHAMMED H ARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

Nigeria and Turkey’s forthcoming elections

•Erdogan the art Nizamiye Hospital, both based in Abuja.

The inspiration behind these institutions is the Gulen Movement, after its founder, Fethullah Gulen, the world renowned 74year old Turkish Islamic scholar, author and poet, who has lived in self-exile in Philadelphia, America, for decades to escape persecution from the secular civilian and military regimes that had dominated Turkish politics and society up until 2002.

The Gulen Movement, which has since renamed itself the Hismet Movement, after its founder’s pronouncement that it was rather presumptuous to have had it named after himself, has meant different things to different people. It sees itself as a social and spiritual movement which completely eschews politics but which lays emphasis on religious dialogue and even more so on education, inspired, it says, by Prophet Muhammad’s (Peace be upon him) saying that “The ink of a scholar is more sacred than the blood of a martyr” and the fact that the Arabic word “ilm” (education) is, according to experts, the second most used word in the Holy Qur’an, after Allah.

Others see the movement differently.

Even though it has no formal leadership or sheikhs or structure and even though it has no ceremonies or procedures for initiation into its membership, many, including militant secularists in Turkey, see its members as closet radical Islamists who secretly want to establish an Islamic State of Turkey.

On the other hand, radical Islamists accuse it of being too open to Western ideas and creeds. It therefore, in their eyes, poses a grave danger to the Islamic renaissance in Turkey which has since trumped Ataturk’s century of secularism.

Whatever the movement is, its alliance with AKP in 2002 in their opposition to military dominance of the country’s politics and society was universally acknowledged as probably the single greatest factor in AKP’s triumph.

Sadly, that alliance has gone sour, at least

RE: THE EIGHTH SENATE ROLLERCOASTER Sir, Your write up on above subject matter in The Nation (May 13) makes an interesting reading to the extent of your emphasising merit in filling elective offices. You said and I quote ‘Nigerians voted APC for change and not to carry on with the discredited ways of the PDP. This party introduced and popularised zoning in Nigeria’s politics’. I beg to disagree.

Shehu Shagari’s NPN made use of zoning. Hence, we had Shagari as president from the North, Chief Alex Ekwueme from the East as VP, Chief Akinloye from the West as NPN party chairman, Senator Joseph Wayas as senate president from the minority tribes of South =east, Dr Olusola Saraki from northern minority tribes as senate leader.

What PDP did in respect of zoning is in line with Section 14(3) of the amended 1999 Constitution, which emphasises federal character in all appointments whether elective or otherwise. Without zoning, the North with its “numerical” strength will dominate the headship of our bi-cameral legislature to the disadvantage of the south. In Nigeria where the fear of ethnic, religious and political domination of one group over the other is very ripe, merit alone cannot be a factor in filling elective positions.

In one breath you said outsiders should not meddle into the internal affairs of the legislature but in another breath you recommended Senator George Akume for the president seat. Reason? You want a united North as your write up shows.

Nigerians should adhere strictly to the provisions of our 1999 Constitution.

Chief Anthony Akpomiemie tonydaji@gmail.com •For comments, send SMS to 08059100107

HARDBALL

V

IRILITY is the mark of ultimate manhood and a man who proves to be manly into his old age must be saluted especially for his good fortunes. Hardball can confirm that virility - not merely the ability to procreate and by no means discounting it - but the sheer aura of masculine wellbeing and strength, is the essence of the male gender.

It is man at the apogee of his physical strength and charm; at the height of his fame and authority be-straddling and towering over his environment like a colossus. Some call it the Alpha male – men who drive the world around them, sometimes for good and sometimes for ill. Men bursting with a flush of testosterone; men like dynamite.

Hardball, having encountered Obj during his time in Aso Rock can attest to his sweltering virility and sod-busting manliness. After all, he is a root-chewing farmer besides being a soldier. On one occasion after an interview session that lasted into midnight, yours truly was worn and sleepy but Obj, the doughty rustic, slung a towel around his neck and headed for the squash court.

Of course, concupiscence is the corollary of manliness and there is a rich repertoire somewhere but Hardball would leave mundane

since 2013, so sour that today Erdogan sees the Hismet Movement, whose members believe he has reneged on his commitment to consolidating plural democracy and transparency in Turkey and has, instead, become too self-serving, as the single biggest obstacle to his dream of becoming an imperial president.

Such is the bitterness with which he views the movement that he now calls its members terrorists and has embarked on a campaign of seeking the shutting down of their institutions wherever they exist, by labelling them as fronts for terrorism. The most recent was his call last week on the authorities on the neighbouring Muslim Albania during a visit there last week to close down the movement’s schools in the country, a call that was promptly rebuffed. Before then his country’s diplomats in our neighbouring Benin Republic had tried the same gambit with predictably the same result.

Hismet Movement is not the only one at the receiving end of Erdogan’s anger against any opposition to his dream. The media and opposition parties in the country also are.

Yet, he and his party remain favourites to win the forthcoming election by a wide margin, if not by the margin he desires to turn his country into an imperial presidency under his leadership.

In the likely event that he does win, the Nigerian authorities should expect his diplomats to come calling sooner or later with pleas to shut down the Turkish-Nigerian institutions in our country because, of course, they are “fronts” for terrorism.

Good thing is, Nigerians and their leaders are simply too smart to fall for such a harebrained gambit.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Obj.: Who will rescue us from this ‘strongman’? matters to the tabloids. Baba is a statesman of no mean virility even as a septuagenarian. But surely, every good thing has its offside, including a man’s glorious powers. Indeed, what is power and strength without the requisite control and circumspection?

This, essentially, has been the trouble with Obj, the chink in his armour so to speak. After his second coming as Nigeria’s president (1999 to 2007), an era which he fluffed and debased by the very virtue of his crude masculine gruff, he has continued to reckon himself as the “father of modern Nigeria” and the foremost African statesman of the day. There is also a hint of a messianic fervor in his carriage.

He would openly ride roughshod over luckless sitting president, Goodluck Jonathan, a neophyte he brazenly foisted on the country at the height of his megalomania. He tore his party’s membership card before a watching world to spite the man in the saddle and openly worked towards the electoral downfall of his

party. Obj would have crushed this manner of ‘insurrection’ against his power and authority; he hated opposing ideas.

A strongman not happy to be outside the ring, he recently handed to the president-elect, what he terms strategies for solving the nation’s problems. Obj’s unsolicited pieces of gem are minted from a think-tank he set up four months ago to set agenda for the incoming president. Wow, how perspicacious!

The president-elect, General Mohammadu Buhari of course received the ‘great’ document with thanks. But Hardball can affirm that Obj would never have exhibited such grace. But more remarkably, Obj was not only stumped by these problems in his eight years, he was impregnably obdurate. And who would dare to empanel a body to advise an Obj presidency?

He would be sure to shred your exertions right before you and in public glare and mock you to scorn.

Who will rescue us from this ‘strongman’?

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