The Nation May 21, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

News Jonathan delaying Salami’s recall, says Coalition P54 Sports Chelsea’s win will live with me forever, says Mikel P24 Business Why ministries, agencies can’t access budget cash P6 www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

VOL. 7, NO. 2132 MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

Panel drops 27 SAN applicants

N150.00

CHAMPIONS •CHAMPIONS GUE FEVER: LEAGUE LEA British Prime Minister David Cameron (with raised hands), U.S. President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso, French President Francois Hollande (sitting right) and others watching the penalties shootout during the final between Chelsea and Bayern Munich in the Laurel Cabin conference room, during the G8 Summit at Camp David, Maryland...at the weekend

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

T

HE Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee has dropped 27 of about 80 applicants for Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

The committee is to embark on a two-week inspection of 53 chambers of the lawyers shortlisted for the award this year.

The 15-man panel met last Wednesday and Thursday to screen applications.

Although about 53 have been short-listed, it is not clear how many will eventually get the prestigious title.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The panel met and succeeded in setting criteria for the inspection of the chambers of 53 applicants already short-listed.

“In the next two weeks, the inspection of the chambers of these candidates will be completed. This is a major condition for the conferment of SAN rank on any legal practitioner.

“After this inspection, the list of successful Continued on page 2

Report: Senators, Reps to explain N24.8b expenses 62 Senators to account for N4.8b 313 Reps to retire N20b

L

AWMAKERS are to explain how N24.8bn government funds they collected were spent, the Auditor-General of the Federation has said.

To make clarifications are 313 House of Representatives members who collected from the consolidated

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

Revenue Funds N19.9bn in unretired personal advances.

Sixty-two senators are yet to retire N4.8bn personal advances.

The latest edition of the annual report of the Auditor

General of the Federation on the accounts of the federation of Nigeria for the year ended 31st December, 2009 (which is the latest edition) said the anomaly was discovered during the examination of the accounts and other records maintained at the National Assembly.

The report states: “The audit of personal advance ledgers in the National Assembly for the period of JanuaryDecember 2009 showed unretired personal advances to the tune of N19, 957,083,404.63 standing against 313 Honourable Members of National Assem-

bly, contrary to the provision of financial regulations.”

On the Senate, it states: “During the audit of personal advances records maintained at the National Assembly, Abuja, it was observed that un-retired personal advances to the tune of N4, 899,976426.75 were standing

against 62 Senators, contrary to the provision of financial regulations which stipulates that an advance should be retired promptly on conclusion of the purpose for which the advance was granted.”

Continued on page 6

North seeks three more geopolitical zones

T

HE North is demanding three more geopolitical zones - if zoning will be in the latest amendment to the 1999 Constitution.

Also, some members of the National Assembly are pushing for new states from old provinces.

Some of the provinces are: Zaria , Kabba, Oyo, Ijebu, Bida, Old Annang, Warri, Kontagora, Muri and Ogoja.

But the Federal Government has ruled out voting by Nigerians in the Diaspora in the 2015 polls, it was learnt yesterday.

According to sources, Senators from

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

the North have been meeting to push for more geopolitical zones and states in the region.

Top on their agenda is the need to create more geopolitical zones from the North, having uncovered plans by some political forces in the South to put zoning in the 1999 Constitution.

The North comprises three geopolitical zones and 19 states. There are 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Continued on page 6

•From left: Chairman, UBA Plc, Chief Israel Ogbue; Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Phillips Oduoza; and Acting Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, during the bank’s 50th Annual General Meeting in Lagos...at the weekend

FED GOVT PROJECTS: SIGNED, SEALED, UNDELIVERED PGS 2-4 & 61 •

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

2

NEWS STATE OF FEDERAL PROJECTS

Fed Govt projects: Signed, The Federal Executive Council (FEC), Wednesdays, approves contracts for projects. Between 2010 and 2011, it approved about 100 contracts for projects that are meant to develop the country. But many of these projects are either abandoned or may not be completed on schedule. Assistant Editor (Investigations) JOKE KUJENYA reports.

E

VERY Wednesday, President Goodluck Jonathan or his deputy, Namadi Sambo, presides over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. The meeting, which is attended by members of the cabinet, deliberates on issues, among them contracts to be awarded. At the end of the meeting, Information Minister Labaran Maku, atimes assisted by another colleague, briefs the media and reels out decisions taken at the meeting.

Between 2010 and now, the FEC has awarded several of these projects. But investigations by The Nation have revealed that soon after these projects are approved and awarded to contractors, not all the assigned contracts eventually get executed.

In 2010, the Federal Government approved about 95 contracts. Each of the contracts, according to the information retrieved from the www.procurementmonitor.org, has a time frame for execution. Besides, huge sums of money were also allotted for the individual contracts as indicated in the information slips.

A major contract awarded by the Federal Government is the Phase 1 Bwari-Kau Road on the outskirts of the FCT. The FEC approved N3, 886,099,514.93 in 2010, but the road is still in its sorry state. A source said: “Are you saying this is part of the road to be worked on? Well, I doubt because this road has been like this for God knows how long.”

The contract for the road was approved on December 15, 2010 and it is due for completion this December. The source asked: “Well, as you see this road, yes, this is Phase 1, Bwari-Kau road, do you think work can be finished on this road in another 24 months?”

Notable among the projects approved and awarded last year were three Solid Waste Transfer Stations at Mpape, Apo and Kubwa in the FCT. The projects awarded at the FEC meeting of January 26 to Messrs Goodness International Resources Limited for N2, 957, 572, 096.35 have not taken off.

At the Mpape Station, no worker was seen on sight when The Nation visited. The entire landscape was like a ghost town. The Resource Recovery and Bailing Facility, which was said to have been developed and executed through the Federal Ministry of Environment by the Ecological Funds Office, is almost overtaken by weeds. The gate, which leads to Resource Recovery, is covered by weeds.

The portion, with the inscription, AEPM Solid Waste Division, is marked ‘X’ to be demolished. Then, another inscription, which reads “DC Stop Work: 22-8-11 due to no permission on Development Control”, was also written on the

wall.

The same fate has befallen the Durumi Solid Waste Station. In Durumu Communities 1, 2 and 3, there was no location for the project.

Residents said they have never heard of such a project.

Hamis said: “Well, we have challenges of space in these areas. I must confess. But all that will soon be worked out. For instance, in Apo, the site that we are supposed to do this was housed by a company. And for the past two years, we have been trying to have them move out of the site, but they have refused.

“Recently, we received approval to forcefully eject them from the location. As for Durumi, our challenges are nearly the same. But surely, we shall soon overcome all that and the projects, like I told you, which are not really massive, will be a thing you will come back to personally sight.”

One of the contracts approved by the Federal Government on September 22, 2010 was the supply of 60, 000 units of 240 litres Plastic British Waste Bins to Messrs.

Pentagon Group of Companies. The conract sum was N927,600,000. The bins were meant for the streets of Abuja. But about two years after, the bins are nowhere to be found.

The Head of Department, Solid Waste Management, Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Mr. Ahmed Rufai Hamis, told The Nation that the contract was stopped when it emerged that the contractor could not execute it.

He said: “It is true the Federal Government approved such a contract, but at the end of the day, there was nothing done to it. No British bins were imported and not a dime was released for it. And this was because when we paid the company a visit, we were not impressed with what we discovered and that was the end of the deal.

“So, most bins sighted on Abuja roads are the beautiful locally made ones provided by individual residents for the homes and the larger environment.”

On April 4, last year, FEC awarded a contract for the provision of engineering infrastructure to Maitama Extension District, Abuja, to Messrs Magrovetech (Nig) Ltd for N23, 650 billion. The due date for completion is May 2014.

For now, only clearing of the site has begun. An official, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “Timelines are only given as guides; they could be earlier or longer. Go all over the world, no contract can be constrained to a particular calendar time. Even Julius Berger can never complete a project such as the two we’re looking at in 36 months.

“Contrary to the general impression you journalists have,

•Uncompleted National Library Complex: Behind schedule

•Work yet to begin on the Phase 1 with 24 months completion duration

We ’re ensuring due Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mr. Emeka Eze, an engineer, in this interview with JOKE KUJENYA, provides insights into the operations of his agency in relation to government contracts, processes and performance, among others.

AN you tell us the procedure being adopted by the BPP in cross-checking the viability of contracts?

Before you can put us to task on such, it is vital for you to know what our responsibilities are. Basically, for the BPP as a regulatory body, our job is to set the rules and guidelines that inform the procedures that a ministry must adopt before making its selection.

Now, the questions you asked bothered on having a feasibility study before a project is admitted into the budget. And this, as you would expect, is outside the jurisdiction of the bureau in deciding which projects are absorbed into the budget or not. A lot of factors come into that. But right now, I am aware that the economic management team is trying to develop a template to include some socio-economic studies that would be complied with before a project can be assimilated into the national budget. But suffice to say that as you know, we are operating in a politically diverse environment with all kinds of interests. And that is what governance is all about in trying to harmonise all interests into a national concern. So, we don’t have control over projects admitted into budgets. But it is the collective responsibility of the executive arm

C

of government as a whole and that of the National Assembly with the power to appropriate funds for the projects.

We found projects that are not performing and outrightly abandoned. In the light of the BPP setting the ground rules, are there ways sanctions are meted out to non-performing contractors over any breach?

Naturally, sanctions are spelt out as a consequence of any contract breach. And they are being enforced when necessary. Once the BPP has certified that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) awards a contract, the relationship between the contractor and the agency is guided by the contract that they have signed.

Remember we are also operating in a legal-conscious environment. And each contract has provisions for default in relation to performance.

And so, the rule is, if you perform, you will get paid. And if you don’t perform, you don’t get paid. We are not in a military era where you will just go and meet somebody and lock up for having not performed.

How does the BPP moderate, if a contractor goes to sleep?

I can tell you that is no longer possible. At present, each advance payment is now guided by what we call the Advance Payment Guarantee (APG). It is an unconditional bank

guarantee without tenure until full guarantee is recovered by the bank.

Recently, there was some approval in the Ministry of Transport. They made advance payment. And later, they realised that there were issues and they were able to recover the money. All they need to do is just to get to the bank and throw back the advance payment and thereby recover their money.

Don’t you think that this could be responsible for the nonperformance of some of the Federal Government’s contracts because a contractor might hold on to such as excuse for their laxity?

No, it cannot be. Because part of the requirement of the Procurement Act is that whoever is vying for a Federal Government contract must be financially capable. But one thing we have discovered about Nigerians is that they want good things, but when you put the conditions that would make them to perform, they start lamenting that you want to give jobs to only foreign companies because they have money. And we don’t have to do things based on sentiments. So, it is either you have it or not. Every contractor that wants government jobs must have the financial capability because you need to have money to have the equipment with which you will execute government jobs that you

you need to understand that getting a Federal Government Contract is not a ‘Father ‘Christmas’ approach.

“We go through a lot of rigours.

And yes, it is regrettable that after securing government contracts, some contractors could go to sleep or play off due to the fact that there is no stern monitoring process, but that is not for us at this engineering firm. Remember, the contractor could also run out of money and

work would stop before the government would then have to approve more money either in the national or statutory budgets etc. So, it is lot more than you can imagine.”

Another contract, not likely to be concluded as at when due, is the National Library and Cultural Centre. The government, on March 17, 2010, approved the augmentation of the contract for the construction of the National Library

Headquarters Building Complex in Abuja to Messrs. Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) Limited at N17,005 billion. The amount was reviewed from the initial sum of N8, 415 billion. The project due for completion in 21 months. It has been over 24 months since the variation was done.

Workers at the sight referred the reporter to the Ministry of Education, where The Nation was told to write

e Phase 1 on duration

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21 2012

3

NEWS STATE OF FEDERAL PROJECTS

sealed, but undelivered

of the Bwari-Kau Road awarded December 20102,

•Work yet to begin at the site of the Solid Waste Transfer Station in Kubwa-Mpape, Abuja expected to be completed by December

process is being followed, says BPP

competed for. Also, it is not enough for a contractor to have the money.

So, we insist that with the money, you must also have people with the technical know-how to execute the job. Another aspect is that if a

contractor lacks the discipline, in which case he gets the job and with advance pay released, he then goes off to mis-spend same; we will stop their pay without further delay.

How do you think that probity can

be ascertained in the event that many of the Federal Government projects’ sites have vague and unclear locations?

Project locations are listed if you go to our offices. However, we must begin to acknowledge the progress we are making in these times. Prior to now, there were no kinds of information you now get from the government and especially on the websites like ours. So, if for instance we have gone this far, what we should all be expecting is that we take it to the next level. So, what you need to do next is to go to the respective ministries who are the implementing agencies of specific projects to know where exactly the projects are located. And I don’t think that within the Freedom of Information Bill (FoI) era, I believe that the executive secretaries in charge of projects within each ministries would gladly oblige you the information needed.

Now, how does the BPP help the government in wading off either political or personal pressures in getting these contracts?

Being under constant pressures is part of the challenges of holding a public office. People just assume that you have no restrictions. But if you, as a regulator, realise that you cannot, and indeed, don’t have to please everybody but to do what is expected of you in a very right way for the good of all the populace, you would do what is right without giving room for sentiments.

We are ensuring that due process is followed in the execution of projects.

officially to request for information.

At the site of the design and construction of the Nigeria Cultural Centre and Millennium Tower Projects being handled by Messrs.

Salini (Nigeria) Limited, building engineers asked the reporter to get information from the FCT ministry.

The project awarded for N18.998billion has no specified time for its completion.

The Nation found out in Port

Harcourt that the Land Reclamation/ Shoreline Protection at Amadi-Ama in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State, awarded by the FEC on December 15, 2010, seems non-existent.

The Nation’s reporter moved round Amadi-Ama community in a taxi owned by an indigene of the area, without any trace of the project.

On the FEC’s contract for consultancy services and work on

the establishment of the Centre for Skills Development and Training, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with PTDF as Implementing Agency, the site could also not be located.

Officials of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing/Urban Development at the Federal Secretariat, Port Harcourt could not locate the site of the project.

Government officials contacted on the location of the centre could

• Eze

Are there specific ways that the BPP has curbed some of what might be considered irregularities?

In every reform, we have the winners and the losers. The losers are often the smaller but very powerful group whose major interest is to continually take a bite of the cake.

And when you tell them ‘sorry, this must stop, you have to follow due process’; they fight you that you are challenging their authority and all that. But our working strength is hinged on the act that the law is fully operational. We set up the procurement standard in the system.

A lot of right people are not able to get jobs they are qualified for.

With all you have said, how are contracts still being politically influenced?

Not anymore. At the moment, any one bidding for contracts must be conversant with the Procurement Act to be able to know who will get what.

All we need to do is to have confidence in our own system believing that things are changing.

Under the new dispensation, for you to work with government, you must have demonstrated that you are a social corporate person, be one that is paying fully your taxes, upright, you don’t forge documents, remit the VTAs you have been paying over the years, with all other evidence, you must have been able to show with evidence the records of all you have been able to do. So, under the new regime, influence peddling is removed. What is important is that you are showing evidence of having been in the required business by what you have done in the recent past.

not provide information on the exact location.

In Ondo State, the Skills Acquisition Centre project kicked off around April 2009. The project was designed to train youths in the Niger Delta, particularly the ex-militants in vocational skills. During the inauguration of the project, the incumbent Minister of Niger Delta Affairs was the Minister of State in the ministry.

•Ozombachi PHOTOS: JOKE KUJENYA

Sources said at the initial stage, the centre was designed to be sited in Igbekebo, but it was finally sited in Agadagba Obon in the Ese-Odo local government council.

The project being handled by Lufem Construction Company has been slowed down because of what a source termed “lack of funds”.

For the past one year, the more than N6 billion project has been slow.

An official, who begged for anonymity, said: “Until the project, which occupies about 20 hectares of land, reaches a satisfactory level, more funds will not be released.”

The contractor, Femi Adekanmbi, declined comments on the project, saying only the Federal Government could speak on it.

The lawmaker representing EseOdo State Constituency in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Akpoebi Lubi, decried the attitude of the Ministry of Niger Delta towards completing the project.

Lube said no convincing reason had been given for the slow pace of the project, whose completion date has since lapsed.

He said: “But as at now, work is only about 35 per cent completion and that is why we’re really worried about the success of this laudable project, which has raised the hope of the youths of this area.”

There is also the proposed conversion of Gelegele jetty into a sea port.

Gelegele, a sleepy community, is Edo State’s link with the outside world through the sea. It was through Gelegele the Benins first had contacts with European explorers and it was the major route of the British expedition. It has oil wells.

Several promises made by elected officers to pursue the upgrading of Gelegele jetty to a seaport are yet to materialise. In fact, until recently, the road to Gelegele was not motorable.

In May last year, it was all joy for Isaac Osahon, an engineer who had just just won the election to represent Ovia Federal Consituency when the news broke that contract for Gelegele seaport has been awarded.

However, one year after, work is yet to begin on the Gelegele seaport.

Only a big sign board at the entrance of the community directs a first time visitor to a new proposed satellite Gelegele town and the seaport.

Continued on page 4

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

4

NEWS STATE OF FEDERAL PROJECTS

Fed Govt projects: Signed, sealed, undelivered

Continued from page 3

The traditional ruler of the Otuagbagi community, Bayelsa State, Chief Irigha Iworiso, said the shoreline protection project approved by the Federal Government has not started. He said in March, a consultant to the project invited stakeholders to Yenagoa for a workshop where video clips on the model of the proposed project were shown.

Iworiso said: “They showed us what they want to do here.

Everything including survey, soil test have been concluded, I don’t know what is delaying it and I don’t even know any of the contractors to handle the project. Erosion has continued to eat deep into the community; we are helpless.”

The chairman of the Community Development Council (CDC), Comrade Wisdom Piani Otolo, said after the seminar in Yenegoa, nothing has happened.

Otolo said: “We thought that after the workshop, work on the project would commence. To our surprise, up till now we don’t know what is delaying it.”

As for the Emakalakala/Akipelai road also approved by FEC, skeletal work has begun. The road has been graded.

The Administrative Manager of the company handling the project, Mallam Mustapha Aminu, said work would accelerate once enough sand has been dredged.

The two contracts were awarded on May 18, last year. The shoreline protection project, which has a completion deadline of 72 weeks, has practically not started. The road project, which has kicked off, has a completion deadline of 16 months.

The Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Emeka Eze, however, defended the state of the projects. He said there are only uncompleted but no abandoned projects.

But, Chairman , House of Representatives Committee on FCT, Emmanuel Jime said: “Much still needs to be done principally in the aspect of inadequacy of funding of the projects. You may have started projects that really on the long run, may be meaningful in terms of how they impact on the lives of the people, but to the extent that these are bugged down by finances, which you are not able to access some of the times. It then becomes impossible for contractors to perform as they are expected to.”

His Works counterpart, Ogbuefi Ozombachi, said: “We have discovered that some of the problems being encountered by some of the contractors could be as a result of funding-gap or inadequate provision of funds, lack of capacity on the part of the contractor, so these are culmination of the factors that could militate against early completion of works during the estimated periods given to them. I also believe that this factors are applicable in other sectors. One of the things we also do at the sites of other projects such as power, health among others.

None of these committees limit themselves to presentations by the contractors.”

But it is not all federal projects that are in sorry states; some projects are either completed or bound to meet deadline. The remodeling of airports such as the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Murtala Muhammed International Airport seem to be going on well.

However, to bring more sanity to projects’ monitoring and management, the National Assembly is on the verge of giving

teeth to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) so that it can hold contractors accountable for money collected. It has unveiled plans to amend the Public Procurement Act. The Federal Government also last week dropped a hint that it was planning to criminalise abandonement of projects.

How far these steps can go to rid the country of abandoned and uncompleted projects remain to be seen.

• Dr. Jonathan

• FCT Minister Bala Mohammed

-Additional reports by Isaac Ombe, Yenegoa, Damisi Ojo, Akure, Friday Otabor, Benin and Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

Niger Delta Affairs Minister Godsday Orubebe

CONTRACTS AWARDED ON MARCH 17, 2010 S/N ITEM/SERVICE

NAME OF COMPANY

IMPLEMENTING AGENCY

COST

DURATION

1

Approved the Augmentation of Contract No. 5820 for the Dualization of Onitsha – Owerri Road Section II: Km 47 + 000– Km 82+ 300 in Anambra and Imo States

Messrs. Julius Berger (Nigeria) Plc.

Federal Ministry of Works

Revised Contract Sum From N19,417,010,359.90 To N20,640,336,657.62

09/2010

2

Approved the Augmentation of Contract N0. 5859 for the Dualization of SangoOtta-Winners Chapel (km 0+000-km 10 + 500) Road in Ogun State

Messrs. Borini Prono & Coy(Nigeria) Limited

Federal Ministry of Works

Revised Contract Sum From N1,099,294,035.84 To N1,786,552,318.75

12 Months

3

Approved the Additional Works and the revision of the contract sum on the Damaturu 1x150MVA 330/132/33KV Substation and 1x330KV Line Bay extension at Gombe

Messrs.

Parsian/Cartlark

Federal Ministry of Power

Revised Contract Sum From US$ 10,652,413.15 plus N406,797,439.00 To US$ 12,950,751.50 plus N482,513,539.00

7 Months

Messrs. Charnel Engineering Company Ltd.

Federal Ministry of Power

Revised Contract Sum From US$ 5,078,183.00 plus N425,529,783 To US$ 7,449,747.54 plus N538,876,783.00

12/ 2010

4 Approved the Additional Works and Revised Contract Sum on the Maiduguri 1x150MVA Sub-Station

5

Approved the Award of Contract for Additional Services to the National Management Consultant (NMC) on QuickWins 2009 Projects for the Management of WareHouses in the Six Geo-Political Zones of the Country

Messrs. Etat (Nigeria) Consulting Limited

Presidency(MDGs)

N204,309,000.00

06/10

6

Approved the Contract for the Purchase of 120 Housing Units for the Senior Staff of the Nigeria Customs Service

Messrs. Cambial Limited

Nigeria Customs Service agency fees and 5% the CISS

N4.8billion (inclusive of 5% legal fees, 5% VAT to be funded from

7

Approved the Augmentation of the Contract for the Construction of the National Library Headquarters Building Complex, Abuja

Messrs. Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) Limited

Federal Ministry of Education

Revised Contract Sum From N8,415,253,319.82 To N17,005,479,584.82

21 Months

CONTRACTS FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF SKILL ACQUISITION CENTRES IN THE NIGER DELTA 9(a)

S/n State 1 Abia

9(b) 2

Akwa Ibom

9(c) 3

Bayelsa

9(d) 4

Cross River

9(e) 5

Delta

9(f) 6

Edo

9(g) 7

Imo

9(h) 8

Ondo

9(i) 9

Rivers

Lot Lot 1– Building Construction Lot 2 – Civil External Works Lot 3 – Services Works Lot 1 Building Construction Lot 2 – Civil External Works Lot 3 – Services Works Lot 1 Building Construction Lot 2 – Civil External Works Lot 3 – Services Works Lot 1 Building Construction Lot 2 – Civil External Works Lot 3 – Services Works Lot 1 Building Construction Lot 2 – Civil External Works Lot 3 – Services Works Lot 1 Building Construction Lot 2 – Civil External Works

Contractor Messrs Hinterland developers (Nig.) Ltd. Messrs Apogee Engr. Limited Messrs Omenario Resources Ltd. Messrs Stegis International Messrs Enorasol Int. Ltd. Messrs Y.S. Associates Ltd. Messrs Ogbosite International Limited Messrs Salem Cat Limited Messrs El-Hanan Ventures Limited Messrs Globe Trust (Nig) Ltd. Messrs Naanma Associates Ltd. Messrs Anchor Nuel Resources Ltd. Messrs Le’Clarence Nig. Limited Messrs Pijolo Ventures Limited Messrs Tier-One (Nig.) Ltd. Messrs Chemtronics (Nig.) Ltd Messrs Jogan Ltd.

Contract Sum N) 2,093,430,756.50

Completion Period 12 Months

649,794,515.00 398,840,725.00 2,552,732,125.69 412,653,937.50 340,429,325.25 2,018,079,284.00 374,818,480.58 368,139,421.65 1,636,802,844.25 678,834,265.38 627,230,277.40 2,011,667,974.40 346,458,501.40 464,646,050.00 1,799,914,251.88 628,549,937.50

10 Months 12 Months 12 Months 10 Months 12 Months 12 Months 10 Months 12 Months 12 Months 10 Months 12 Months 12 Months 10 Months 12Months 12 Months 10 Months

Lot Lot Lot Lot

3 – Services Works 1 Building Construction 2 – Civil External Works 3 – Services Works

Messrs Lonben International Ltd. Messrs Thick Engineering Limited Messrs Zion and Zenith Const. Ltd. Messrs Topaz Flaire (Nig.) Ltd.

Lot Lot Lot Lot Lot Lot

1 Building Construction 2 – Civil External Works 3 – Services Works 1 Building Construction 2 – Civil External Works 3 – Services Works

Messrs Messrs Messrs Messrs Messrs Messrs

344,415,601.89 2,377,034,009.40 907,343,129.82 119,651,745.00 2,890,053,577.79 365,941,785.55 355,953,425.53 1,475,501,112.05 810,595,806.82 271,323,688.73

12 12 10 12 12 10 12 12 10 12

TOTAL

Lufem Engr. Services Limited Adex Engr. Services Ltd. Lionhead Investment Ltd. The Forest (Nig.) Ltd. Hammer and Gravel Ltd. Chris Joe (Nig.) Ltd.

27,320,636,555.96

Months Months Months Months Months Months Months Months Months Months

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

5

NEWS

Coalition moves to end breast cancer in 2020 Though there is no up-to-date statistics on breast cancer in Nigeria, the burden is believed to be high. The Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), in partnership with the U.S.-based National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC), hopes to end the burden in eight years, writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU

A

S President of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has campaigned against breast cancer. Now, she is taking the campaign to another level: end breast cancer in 2020.

She knows it is a daunting task given the enormity of the burden in the country. BRECAN is working with the U.S.-based National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to achieve this aim.

The coalition, from May 5 to 8, held sessions in Texas, Florida and Wisconsin.

NBCC President, Fran Visco, urged mobilisation of more people to join the campaign. She said: “We are powerful, individually not so much, but collectively we are.”

More than 600 advocates mostly from the U.S. and some other countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and Venezuela attended the sessions. Advocates, who were unable to attend the summit , followed the event through Facebook and twitter. Many posted their own accomplishments and photos in support of ‘Breast Cancer Deadline 2020’.

The advocates held meetings

•Mrs. Anyanwu-Akeredolu (third left), Dr. Akeredolu and other BRECAN advocates at the NBCC meeting in U.S.

with members of Congress on May 8 on Capitol Hill. Advocates asked members of Congress to support the ‘Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act,’ which “defines an important role the federal government must play to end breast cancer by 2020.

Through past lobbying efforts, NBCC has raised $2.8 billion for research and access to care for cancer patients.

A BRECAN advocate, Dr. Teniola Akeredolu, said: “A goal was set to develop the polio vaccine, 7 years later it was available, a goal was set

Senate to probe ‘variation of N10b PTDF headquarters’ T

HE drama between the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Muttaqua Rabe Darma and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc over an alleged variation in a N10.38billion contract for the fund’s headquarters buildings in Abuja almost boiled over at the weekend.

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc insisted that there was a variation in the contract sum, but the PTDF boss claimed that it was not a variation.

The N10billion contract was awarded in November 2009.

The drama began when the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream) visited the agency on an oversight function.

Darma told the committee that contracts awarded by the agency are done in such a way that contractors do not have room to ask

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

for variations.

But a representative of the German construction firm, Martin Vom Lom, told the committee that the contract sum was varied to take care of an unforeseen contingency.

Von Lom, while responding to a question by Chairman of the Committee, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, noted that the variation was to enable the company relocate a major sewage pipe that runs through the plot which was not taken into account at the time of bidding for the contract.

He did not specify the additional amount that resulted from the

variation.

Darma promptly interjected, insisting that it was not a variation at such.

He tried unsuccessfully to convince the lawmakers, who tactically refused to pay attention but rather called on the site managers to take them on an inspection of the building, which was said to be 84 per cent complete.

Paulker told reporters that the committee would investigate the alleged variation to determine whether the additional fund was taken from the contingency fund included in the contract sum.

He said: “The PTDF headquarters’ building is integrated into the 2011 budget, which they have just

Senate discharges arrest order on IGI boss, others

Sambo seeks help on collapsed buildings From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

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HE Senate has discharged the warrant it issued last week for the arrest of the Managing Director and other management staff of the Industrial and General Insurance Plc (IGI).

The discharge order issued on Friday was signed by Chairman, Joint Senate Committee on Establishment, Public Service, States and Local Government Administration, Senator Aloysius Etok.

Etok explained that the warrant of arrest was vacated following the discovery that there was no formal invitation to IGI to appear before the Senate Joint Committee probing pension funds administration in the country.

The committee chairman had ordered the arrest of top management staff of IGI for purportedly failing to appear before the committee on Tuesday May 15, 2012.

“With the discovery that there was no formal invitation to IGI officials to appear before the committee, the arrest warrant earlier issued by the committee has been cancelled and withdrawn,” Etok said.

The discharge order further stated that in view of “the execution of the warrant issued against him in pursuant of section 89(d), an order of discharge is hereby issued”.

“Mr Rotimi Fashola, the Acting Managing Director of IGI should report to the committee on invitation forthwith,” the discharge order said.

The committee invited the IGI boss and other management staff to appear before it on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 for an “interactive session” on pension matters.

Briefing reporters yesterday in Abuja on the development, an IGI shareholder and prominent Ijaw leader, Chief Anabs Sara Igbe said the allegations are baseless and that the company has not been invited by the Senate committee to explain before ordering arrest.

Igbe accused the Senate Committee led by Etuk of not following due process adding that: “the Senate President should please educate his members in the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service to realize that they were elected by Nigerians to make good laws and also carry out their oversight functions within the laws of the land and not to see themselves as lords that are above the laws.”

submitted to us.

“It is a N10billion contract. We are not against variation but we based the question on what the PTDF Executive Secretary did mention to us earlier that their contracts are always all embracing. So, it doesn’t give the contractors that flexibility of asking for variation over time.

“By the time we look through the budget, we will know if it is a genuine variation.

“Julius Berger was saying there was a sewage pipe passing through it and in order to divert it there must be variation but for them to disagree there must be a synergy.

“They must agree before us if it is coming from the contingency fund that was provided in the contract but if it is outright variation we will know.”

•Sambo

W

ORRIED by the spate of incessant building collapse in the country, Vice-President Namadi Sambo has urged professional bodies to curb the problem.

Sambo spoke at conference on building collapse organised by Nigerian Building and road Research Institute (NBRRI) in Abuja.

The vice-president, who was represented by the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ama Pepple, said: “Considering the intellect, concentration and profes-

sionalism that architects, engineers, planners, surveyors, put in designs; it is baffling that instead of complaining about over designs, the country is witnessing collapses.

Consequently, this conference should proffer and articulate solutions to this emerging problem. The government wishes to be advised precisely on the steps it should pursue to curb not only building collapses, but other problems of the construction industry. Is it only planning problem or poor supervision or materials or craftsmen/artisans, lack of laboratories, etc?”

Director-General of the NBRRI, Danladi Matawal, said poor applications and use of inferior materials, especially concrete, were the major factors responsible for the collapse of buildings in Nigeria.

He said: “The primary long-term measure that must be instituted to check-mate building collapse and, indeed, correct other construction misdemeanours are in the area of training and continuous professional development. NBRRI is working towards the establishment of an academy to train people and provide skilled labour for the construction sector.”

to send a man to the moon, 8 years and 2months later it was accomplished. Our deadline to end breast cancer is January 2020.”

Akeredolu-Anyanwu said after the coalition’s meeting in U.S., she is set to lead the moves in Nigeria to fight breast cancer and end it by 2020.

Chime knows fate today From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

JUSTICE Adamu Bello of the Federal High Court, Abuja, will today decide if Enugu Governor Sullivan Chime was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2011 elections.

A PDP governorship aspirant, Chief Alexander Obiechina, is asking the court to nullify the nomination of Chime.

In the suit filed by his counsel, Oba Maduabuchi, the plaintiff is pleading with the court to declare that the primaries held on January 12, which produced Chime, did not comply with the Section 85 (1) of the Electoral Act 2011.

The section states:“A registered political party shall give the Commission at least 21 days notice of any convention, congress, conference or meeting concerned for the purpose of electing members of its executive committee, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any of the elective offices under this Act.” Adopting his address at the weekend, Chime’s counsel, Mrs. A. J Offiah said the action is speculative and academic.

He said the plaintiff lacked the locus-standi.

Offiah added that the written address of the plaintiff against the preliminary objection of the governor is incompetent.

Clark, Zwingina, others condole with Bafyau’s family From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

IJAW leader Chief Edwin Clark, at the weekend, led other chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the family of the late Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president, Pascal Bafyau.

The octogenarian said Bafyau was a hero, who believed and fought for Nigeria’s unity.

On the entourage were former Education Minister, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, former Science and Technology minister, Mrs. Grace Ekphiwre, Hon. Cairo Ojuigbo, Senator Jonathan Zwingina, Dotun Sowemimo, Senator Ewa Henshaw and Richard Lamai, among others.

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

NEWS Panel drops 27 SAN applicants Continued from page 1

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (middle), inaugurating some drugs bought by the Local Government councils in the state. With him are Senator Sola Adeyeye (Osun Central) (left); Chairman, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kolapo Alimi (right) and others in Osogbo, the state capital...at the weekend

Report: Senators, Reps to explain N24.8b expenses Continued from page 1

The report goes on: “The Clerk of the National Assembly has been requested to intensify efforts towards compliance with extant regulations or recover the outstanding advances from the affected Hon. Members and furnish me with relevant particulars for audit verification.”

The audit also indicted the management of the National Assembly on certain counts.

“A total of 156 payment vouchers for amounts totaling N127, 549,686.37 paid under the recurrent expenditure and entered into the cash book between January-December, 2009 were not produced for examination.

“Similarly, 20 payment vouchers for amounts totaling N125, 549,681.27, which was disbursed under the capital expenditure between May and December, 2009 were still outstanding.

“The payment vouchers should be produced for examination, otherwise the disbursement of N127, 549,686.37 and N125, 549,681.27 cannot be accepted as proper and legitimate charges against public funds.

“During a recent audit verification of store items supplied to the House of Representatives stores, certain discrepancies were observed between the ledger balances and the physical balances of some items.

“A total of 904 store items valued at N27, 055,472.00 were not seen. This discrepancy between physical and ledger balances should be reconciled. Otherwise, the sum of N27.055.472.00 should be recovered from the store officers and details of recovery furnished to my office for audit verification.

“The issues raised have been communicated to the Clerk of the National Assembly and his reaction is still being awaited,” the AuditorGeneral said.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Mr. Adeola Solomon Olamilekan, said no one is above the law.

He added that any member of

the National Assembly found to have illegally spent funds or did not follow extant rules will have to face the penalty.

His words: “This committee is the first committee on Public Accounts that has brought the Management of the National Assembly before it to answer questions on the audit queries by the AuditorGeneral. They have come before the committee twice and where we were not satisfied with their explanations, we have asked for more documents.

“The same thing goes for the members of the Parliament; everyone must abide by financial regulations. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.”

Why ministries, departments can’t access budget 2012 fund

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HY federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are having difficulty accessing their budgetary allocation has been uncovered.

Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office sources said the implementation of the Single Treasury Account by the Federal Government is responsible.

They denied allegations that the budgetary allocations have not been released to the MDAs. According to the sources, with the introduction of the Single Treasury Account, all budgetary allocations to MDAs now reside in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and not in the commercial bank accounts of the MDAs. As a result of this, for any MDA to access its budgetary

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

allocation for the year, it must raise an electronic mandate as against the old practice of manual mandate to the CBN authorising the apex bank to pay for services, contracts and even over-heads for staff salaries.

But because some of the MDAs are having problems with internet connectivity, they have been unable to raise the electronic mandates required of them to access their funds from the CBN. The Single Treasury Account when fully operational, will enable the coordinating minister for the economy and minister of finance to monitor the accounts of every MDA at the touch of a button online/ real-time, without having to call the directors of finance

and accounts of any MDA to know how they are spending their budgetary allocations or the state of their accounts.

Last week, Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, announced that the Federal Government was in the process of introducing the “Single Treasury Account to sweep excess bank charges into one account.”

Okonjo-Iweala was reacting to pleas from lawmakers that banks were “stealing” government blind with excessive bank charges.

The lawmakers told the minister that “banks were deliberately stealing government money”, saying recently, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) recovered about N25 billion from its bankers as excess charges levied on is accounts.

•Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala

They also told Mrs OkonjoIweala that N250 million was recovered from banks by the police as excess charges on its accounts. To this end, the lawmakers advised the Federal Government to engage the services of consultants to recover excess charges from banks.

The need to recover these excess charges, they argued, will boost government’s revenue profile and help stem leakages from government coffers.

candidates will be published for interview by the committee. It is after the interview that the final list will emerge.

“It is the prerogative of the committee to determine the number of those to be conferred with the SAN rank. All the 53 may qualify but the panel may limit the available slots to 15 or 20.”

The list of those whose chambers will be inspected is being kept under wraps.

Section 5 of the Legal Practitioners Act (Chapter 207) spells out conditions for the conferment of SAN on any lawyer.

It reads in part: “Subject to subsection (2) of this section, the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee established under subsection (3) of this section may by instrument confer on a legal practitioner the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

“A person shall not be conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria unless he has been qualified to practise as a legal practitioner in Nigeria for not less than ten years and has achieved distinction in the legal profession in such manner as the committee may from time to time determine.

“There shall be a committee to be called the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee which shall consist of the following— (a) the Chief Justice who shall be chairman; (b) the Attorney-General of the Federation; (c) one Justice of the Supreme Court; (d) the President of the Court of Appeal; (e) five of the Chief Judges of the States; (f) the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court; and (g) five legal practitioners who are Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

“The members of the committee under paragraphs (c), (e), and (g) of subsection (3) of this section shall be appointed by the Chief Justice in consultation with the Attorney-General of the Federation.

“Members of the committee under paragraphs (c), (e) and (g) of subsection (3) of this section shall hold office for two years after which they shall be eligible for reappointment for one further term of two years only.

“The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee may act, notwithstanding any vacancy in its membership.

“The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee may,

•Chief Justice of Nigeria Dahiru Musdapher

with the approval of the National Council of Ministers, make rules as to the privileges to be accorded to Senior Advocates of Nigeria, as to the functions of a legal practitioner, which are not to be performed by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as to the mode of appearance before courts by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and generally, but without prejudice to the foregoing, for ensuring the dignity of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

“Until the first rules made in pursuance of subsection (7) of this section come into force, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria shall not be entitled to engage in practice as a member of the legal profession otherwise than as a barrister, but nothing in this subsection shall be construed as precluding a Senior Advocate of Nigeria from entering into, or continuing in partnership with a legal practitioner who is not a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

“Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act but subject as provided in section 8 (5) and the First Schedule hereto, all courts of law in Nigeria before which legal practitioners are entitled to appear shall accord to every law officer specified in this section, the following rights and privileges, that is to say(a) the exclusive right to sit in the inner bar or, where no facilities exist for an inner bar, on the front row of seats available for legal practitioners; and (b) the right to mention any motion in which he is appearing or any other cause or matter which is on the list for mention and not otherwise listed for hearing out of its turn on the cause list.

“The law officers to whom this section applies are the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Attorney-General of any State in the Federation and the Solicitor-General of the Federation.

“The rights and privileges conferred on the law officers by subsection (1) of this section shall also be accorded to any member of the Body of Benchers.”

Constitution amendment: North seeks three more geopolitical zones Continued from page 1

The three zones are Northcentral, Northwest and Northeast.

The North is suspicious that some influential Southern politicians are lobbying for the inclusion of the zoning formula in the constitution as part of a game plan for the 2015 polls.

The North’s counter-plot is the planned demand for three more geopolitical zones.

A highly-placed source from the North, who is also in

the Constitution Review Committee, said: “We have gone far in the proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution.

“One burning issue which the Northern Senators have been meeting on, is the zoning formula, which some forces are seeking to be included in the Constitution.

“The Northern Senators have resolved to push for the review of the present six-zonal structure, if zoning will be a clause in the Constitution.

“The North wants three

more additional zones to bring its share of the structure to six. So, altogether, we will have nine geopolitical zones after the amendment, with six in the North and three in the South.

“That is the only condition that will make the North to accept the inclusion of zoning formula in the Constitution.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “The North is bigger than other parts of the country in size or landmass and population. If power has to rotate among geopo-

litical zones, we believe the North will be cheated.

“Also, do not forget that the present six zones were created by the military to satisfy their whims and caprices and please a segment of the military establishment.”

Besides zoning, some members of the National Assembly are lobbying for the elevation of some old provinces to states.

Another member of the Constitution Review Committee in one of the chambers said: “We are looking at giv-

ing priority to all former provinces that have not been made states. We think these old provinces have long been cheated in the scheme of things.

“We are talking of justice and how to bring government closer to the masses. Creation of new states will accelerate development.”

As at press time, it was gathered that the Federal Government may have foreclosed voting in 2015 by Nigerians in the Diaspora.

A senior government offi-

cial said: “The priority of the government now is how to put reliable and fraud-proof electoral process in place.

With what we have now, we cannot add the burden of conducting elections in many countries where Nigerians are living.

“If we get our electoral process right and Nigerians have absolute confidence in the system, we can work towards it in 2019. I know that Egyptians in the Diaspora have the opportunity of voting, we will also get there soon.”

ADVERT HOTLINES: 01-280668, 08070591302, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

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NEWS

ND graduate commits suicide in Osun From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

27-YEAR-OLD National Diploma (ND) graduate of the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Muili Kazeem Awolumate, has allegedly committed suicide.

Muili, who hailed from Olurombi compound, Ifon, in Orolu Local Government Area of Osun State, reportedly hanged himself with his belt in a bush near his home.

A family source said Muili, the second child of his family, might have been frustrated by his unemployment after graduating two years ago.

The deceased was said to have gone to his father for a financial assistance but could not get any before he died.

The Head of Disaster Management of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Osun State, Mr. Olaniyi Babalola, said investigation has begun on the matter.

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Aregbesola to inaugurate projects for ‘old boys’ today

•Aregbesola

O

OSUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola will today inaugurate learning tools by donors at St. Charles’ Grammar School, Osogbo, the state capital.

The projects were mostly carried out by the donors and initiated by members of the school’s Old Boys’ Association (OBA), also called Charleans.

A statement by the General

Secretary of the association, Mr. Lanre Bakare, said its members would use the occasion to know the governor’s plan for education.

It reads: “The Central Executive Council of our OBA is pleased to inform that on May 21, Governor Aregbesola will visit the school to inaugurate projects from donors.

“The OBA President, Charlean Tayo Orekoya, will engage the governor on his Education Reform Policy, visà-vis the impending mergers of schools in Osogbo and its environs.”

Aregbesola is also expected to inaugurate the MTN chairs and desks as well as the Charlean Wole Baker chairs and desks. He will tour the school.

Ogun suspends mining

F

OLLOWING the level of environmental degradation caused by mining in Ogun State, the government has directed that all mining activities in the state should be stopped immediately to give room for proper verification of mining licences.

A statement by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industries, Otunba Bimbola Ashiru, urged operators of mining sites throughout the state to forward relevant documents to the ministry.

He said: “The alarming rate at which illegal miners have continuously operated without adequate licences and consideration for the environment remains a threat that must be curtailed to ensure proper preservation of the environment.”

The commissioner advised those concerned to comply with the directive, adding that mining activities, such as quarrying, dredging, surface mining of laterite and other mineral resources have been suspended until after the documents of miners are verified by the ministry.

Why we demolished billboards, by Oyo

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HE Oyo State Government has said it began the demolition of billboards in Ibadan, the state capital, to clean up the filthy signage environment and to increase what it called the hemorrhaging Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, the government said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, whose lone billboard was affected in this exercise, has accused the security agencies, named Operation Burst, of illegal demolition of its property.

According to the government, the Abiola Ajimobi administration inaugurated the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAAA) after it was passed into law by the House of Assembly in January. It appointed as its DirectorGeneral Mr. Yinka Adepoju, an executive of the Advertisement Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).

The government said it discovered that the planlessness of signage in the state, which it inherited from the previous government, was not only one of the issues responsible for the filth in the state.

It added that because signages were unorganised as an avenue for ample IGR, the fund that was supposed to enter the government’s coffers was eluding the government.

The statement noted that immediately the agency took off, the government explained publicly its intention, which was communicated to stakeholders.

According to government, OYSAA held meetings with signage stakeholders and announced in the media its plan to demolish badly maintained billboards which littered the state.

•From left: Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Adebiyi Fatai Mabaraje (left); Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Mr Lateef Raji; the member representing Eti-Osa Constituency II in the House of Assembly, Gbolahan Olusegun Yishau; and the Director, Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mrs Ronke Osho, at the Ministry of Science and Technology’s 2012 ministerial media briefing of the second term’s first year of the Babatunde Fashola PHOTO:OMOSEHIN MOSES administration at the Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

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God’ll intervene in choice of ACN candidate in Ondo, says Agunloye

FORMER Minister of Power and a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State, Dr. Olu Agunloye, at the weekend sought divine intervention in the choice of the party’s candidate for October 20 election.

Agunloye, who expressed optimism that ACN would be victorious, noted that though he has worked and prayed to get the ticket, he has left his fate to God. He said: “I have lobbied those I should lobby. I have even lobbied God through prayers. I have prayed enough that I think I have become a pastor. I have worked hard that I think I deserve the ticket.

But who becomes the party’s candidate will be determined

by God. He is the one who crowns the king.”

The former minister spoke at his campaign headquarters in Akure when he hosted members of the Lagos State chapter of the Omoluabi Platform.

He noted that there was no reason for the number of aspirants in the party to arouse fear.

In Agunloye’s view, the emergence of the party’s candidate would not have any negative effect since all the contestants have agreed to support whoever gets the ticket.

The former minister attributed the resurgence of ACN in Ondo State to the efforts of

Lawyer warns politicians against violence

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HEAD of the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State, an Akure lawyer, Mr. Morakinyo Ogele, at the weekend warned desperate politicians not to turn the state into a war zone.

He threatened to mobilise youths, students, market women and civil servants to demonstrate peacefully against violence in the state.

Ogele addressed reporters in Akure, the state capital, on an alleged threats to the lives of some correspondents of major newspapers, particularly that of National Life, Mr. Adewinle Adegoke.

Others on the alleged hit list, according to Ogele, are those of The Nation, Daily Independent, Daily Trust. The journalists have reportedly been receiving threatening phone calls and seeing strange faces around their homes.

The lawyer quoted a source as alleging that a meeting was held on Thursday by some media aides of Governor Olusegun Mimiko at the Government House where the plan to unleash terror on reporters was made.

The National Life correspondent has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) on the alleged threat to his life.

Ogele alleged that few months back, the state government created a gully on the road leading to the only private station in the state, Adaba FM, through one of its construction From Damisi Ojo, Akure

his group and the realisation that the ruling Labour Party (LP) is not a “reliable ally” of ACN. He said: “Labour Party used to be another name for ACN in Ondo State. Until 2009,

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

firms.

He said: “Of recent, they (government officials) have been threatening the life of an Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) aspirant governorship aspirant, Dr. Segun Abraham, which warrants the aspirant to send a strong petition to the IGP. “Also, the state government has tagged some journalists unfriendly and the correspondents are now living in fear. We don’t want what is happening in Edo State to occur here in Ondo State.

“Politicians should come out and canvass peacefully their programmes to the masses. It is now left to the people to decide if they should be voted for or not. If journalists or newspapers wrote a report that is not favourable about your government or personality, you have the legal right to challenge the writer or denounce the report, rather than witch-hunt them.

“I think the present state government has failed to deny all the negative reports about how the state is being run. That means the reporters are factual intheir reporting.

“I am sending a note of warning to politicians to keep their activities within the Constitution.

We are going to resist any move of any politician to turn Ondo State into a Pakistan or an Afghanistan.”

Ogele urged security agents to protect the journalists, adding that politicians would not be allowed to return the state to the 1983 political era.

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu spent more money on LP than Action Congress. It was last year that it became clear that the LP was not ACN. “ACN was not on ground when I joined on January 11, 2011. A lot of people joined us later and we did what we

could to make the party what it is today.”

The Lagos State Coordinator of the Omoluabi Platform, Chief Dele Oduwale, said his group supported Agunloye because of its belief that the former minister could take the state to the promised land.

Agency raises alarm over oil theft

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HE Executive Secretary of Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Mrs Zainab Ahmed, yesterday said oil theft, proliferation of illegal refineries, pipe line vandalisation and environmental pollution in the Niger Delta are threatening the nation’s economy.

She called for urgent collaboration among oil companies, communities, governments at all levels and security agencies to curb the theft of crude oil through bunkering in Niger Delta creeks.

Mrs Ahmed spoke at Bonny Oil Terminal, Rivers State, when she led a team of NEITI

From John Ofikhenua

management on a facility tour of Shell Oil exploration activities in the region.

A statement by the organization said the NEITI chief and the management officials were conducted round the creeks.

The statement said: “The NEITI Executive Secretary noted that the disclosure by Shell Producing Development Company, which manages Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal, that the nation’s economy lost a whopping $4.3million (about N650million) to oil thieves in the last two years at an average rate of $2.3million

(about N345 million) annually, clearly underlines the fact that the problems have assumed the status of a national emergency and should be treated as such.”

She described the level of environmental pollution in the region as an epidemic that requires coordinated efforts of the companies, government and the communities to urgently address.

The Executive Secretary toured to the companies in the extractive sector to participate fully in the ongoing NEITI Industry Audits designed to improve efficiency, openness and good governance of the sector, and re-

building of citizens’ trust.

The Shell General Manager (East and Western Operations), Vince Holtam, hailed NEITI for visiting the Eastern operations, especially the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal.

He noted that the visit would have exposed NEITI to the challenges facing the oil and gas companies operating in the Niger Delta.

The Shell regional chief identified pipe line vandalisation, environmental pollution, illegal refineries, and crude oil theft as some of the major sources of loss of revenue to both the government and the compa-

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

8

CITYBEATS Alleged murder: Court remands four

By Precious Welundu

FOUR employees of Living Spring Orphanage have been remanded at the Ikoyi prison for allegedly causing the death of an 18-month old baby.

Nnenna Ugochukwu,22, Jessica Ekim, 46, Comfort Henshaw, 39 and Ahmed Akanji, 32 are standing trial on a two-count charge of murder of one Victoria Obierika.

It was alleged that the accused on February 26, at about 11:30am, neglected Obierika in a car with the windows locked.

“The death of Obierika, which happened at plot 22, Yusuf Abiodun Way, Victoria Island, Lagos was caused by the negligence of the employees of the orphanage.

“Obierika got suffocated in the car, which resulted to her death,” Ishiaku said.

He told an Ebute-Meta Magistrate’s Court that the offence contravened Sections 221 and 231 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

Magistrate Joy Ugbomoiko adjourned the case to June 26 pending the advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Woman withdraws case of attempted murder

08033054340, 08034699757 E-mail:- ynotcitybeats@gmail.com

Threat messages to doctors a criminal offence, says Lagos govt

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AGOS State government has warned all those sending threat messages to new doctors in its employment to desist from it, as such act is criminal.

Commissioner for information and Strategy, Lateef Ibitogba, in a statement said: “We would like to bring to the attention of the public the fact that in the past few days, threatening text messages of dubious authorship have been received by several doctors who are working in various government hospitals, including both old ddoctors who have stayed on their jobs and newly employed ones who have been deployed to join them in providing medical services to the people of Lagos.

“These messages alleged that a ‘disciplinary committee’ would be set up by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), along with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), to ‘try’ these doctors for various offences, including ‘unprofessional conduct’,” he explained.

Ibirogba noted that while it is not the intention of government to join issues with anyone in what is obviously a campaign of intimidation and disinformation, government is

obliged to make the some clarifications, for the sake of decency and for the information of the public.

He said: “The Nigerian Medical Association is a voluntary association of doctors, primarily eligible for membership because of their professional qualification. All the members are equal and no person or group within the association has the authority to impose their views over any other member, or ‘punish’ them for holding such views or acting on them. The notion is preposterous.

We wish to assure doctors, both the new and the old, who are carrying out their duties in our hospitals that their personal security is guaranteed by government, and that nobody can take any scurrilous action against them. Anybody who experiences any incident of threatening language or behaviours from anyone may call or text message to any of the following numbers: 08052345000, 08035797692, 08036248687, 08029997474, 08080334348, 08022236530".

Meanwhile, the state government at the weekend urged the NMA to stop spreading falsehood, noting that

By Miriam Ndikanwu

•Fashola

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AGOS State governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has approved funds for the construction of roads and electrification projects for Ode-Omi, a riverine community in the state which shares boundary with Ogun State.

The 300 year-old community is to benefit from a road connecting it from Igbogun in Lekki to Ode-

Omi in addition to two mini bridges as well as three electricity substations to be powered with a 300 KVA transformers each.

The substations are to be installed in Igbogun, Mafogunde and Owode.

Commissioner for Rural Development, Cornelius Ojelabi, said the governor has also approved three solar powered water projects and two solar powered communal toilets for the community.

Ojelabi explained that the intervention was a gesture by the state government to the border community, which falls within Lekki Local Council Development Area.

The Commissioner however,

Lagos seeks proactive measure in policing

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HE Lagos State government has said that the Police should embrace proactive measures and strategies if they must conquer the current threat to national security.

The state, according to him, has identified lack of public trust, inadequate training and lack of communication equipment as some of the challenges that urgently need to be addressed.

Besides, inadquate and functional patrol vehicles, insufficient personnel, poor remuneration and welfare packages are daunting problems facing the Nigeria police.

Governor Babatunde Fashola said this during a day public hearing on the reform of the Police held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja last weekend.

the sacking of doctors who irresponsibly abandoned patients in the hospitals, had nothing to do with a ploy to “decimate” the medical profession.

In a release by the Head of Service, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, the state government explained that no responsible administration would continue to watch her citizens die in the hospitals after the doctors had abandoned them for an illegal strike.

Ogunlewe said while the doctors had the right to declare an industrial dispute through a strike, they also had a duty to serve statutorily stipulated notice on government in order that adequate preparations could be made to take care of emergency situations and properly monitor patients on admission.

“The decision of the doctors under the Medical Guild to abandon the hospitals without the notice stipulated by law caught government by surprise and led to many deaths. No responsible government will tolerate that,” Ogunlewe said.

The head of service added that the sacking of the doctors had to do with the need to protect the public service and ensure that illegalities did not become the order of the day.

Reacting to the allegation that the

•Ogunlewe

governor walked out of a meeting meant to find solution to the problem of the sacked doctors, Prince Ogunlewe noted that the governor was with them at the meeting for over two hours at the expense of other scheduled state assignments.

According to him, the governor had to go late to another function in Lagos involving the governor of Edo State and kept a delegation from the Federal Government, which had earlier inspected the on-going clearance of the Apapa Ports areas waiting.

Prince Ogunlewe explained that the real grouse of the doctors was the refusal of the governor to overrule their employers, the Health Services Commission. “If we are talking about the need to build and respect institutions, then it’s wrong to expect the governor to just over rule an institution like that,” Ogunlewe said.

Riverine community to benefit from electrification, road projects

By Precious Welundu

THE Police have arraigned Jamiu Are, 43, before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court for assaulting Selimot Badaru.

It was alleged that the accused on May 14, stabbed the complainant with broken bottle on her left arm and gave her fist blows all over her body, thereby causing her bodily harm and pains.

Are, who is standing trial on a two-count charge of assaults, pleaded not guilty to the offence, which contravenes Sections 171 and 170 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos, 2011.

The case, however, took another dimension when the complainant told the court that she has declared her intention to withdraw the case.

"I came with my passport and other documents for withdrawal because I do not want him to go to jail," she said.

By Jude Isiguzo

By Jude Isiguzo

Fashola, who was represented by Mr Babatunde Panos, also challenged government to tackle the root causes of insecurity in the country. These according to him are poverty, unemployment and unstable electricity by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria.

The event was organised by the civil society groups in collaboration with the Network For Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN) and the CLEEN Foundation.

Speakers at the event agreed on the overhaul of the police to position officers and men of the force to be better equipped in the face of growing security challenges in the country.

Mr Fola Arthur Worrey, the Chief Executive of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund(LSSTF) stated that the

human and management aspects of policing must be addressed in order to reform the police to tackle growing insurgents in the country .

Arthur-Worrey also called for proper funding for the police while agitating for state police, since the Federal government according to him, has failed in its exclusive role mandated by the law to fund the police.

On his part, Peter Okereke of the Save Visions Africa, called for the sack all police officers in the country on the grounds of corruption.

Okereke said: “What are we reforming or restructuring, when there is massive corruption in the force?

Where do we start from? We should copy the Indian example where the entire police force was sacked and new breed of officers were recruited and given a code of conduct to abide

dismissed insinuations of a conflict with the Ogun State government over Ode-Omi community, saying that the state government has the map of the region.

He cleared the air on the uncertainly on the community, noting that the National Boundary Commission (NBC), has been duly informed for the issue to be put to rest.

“We are not claiming the totality of Ode -Omi, it is a border of Ogun and Lagos, the portion that falls within Lagos is where we are contesting. Governor said he is not ready to take one foot outside or lose a foot within that community.

We are following the map to guide us, ascertain and put paid to the agitation of the Ogun State government. we have gone to the NBC and

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ZUMBA Mbadiwe Road on Victoria Island will be closed to traffic from Tuesday, May 29 due to reconstruction.

This was contained in a statement by the Assistant Director, State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Biola Fagunwa, at the weekend.

The statement said that construction works will cover the road from Bonny Camp to Falomo Bridge. It will however, commence initially, from Apese Street junction to Ojora Street on the incoming lane from the Bonny Camp end.

Fagunwa clarified that traffic from Falomo towards Bonny camp will not be affected till the other portion is completed. He then urged road users to utilize Kofo Abayomi Street as a bypass during this period.

The Assistant Director assured

LAGOS EMERGENCY LINES STATE AGENCIES 1. Fire and Safety Services Control Room Phone Nos: 01-7944929; 080-33235892; 4. KAI Brigade Phone Nos: 080-33235890; 080-23321770; 080-56374036.

080-23036632; 0805-5284914 Head office Phone Nos: 3. LASTMA Emergency Numbers: 2. Federal Road Safety Corps 01-4703325; 01-7743026 080-75005411; 080-60152462 (FRSC) 5.

Rapid Response Squad (RRS) 080-23111742; 080-29728371 Lagos Zonal Command Phone Phone Nos: 070-55350249; 080-23909364; 080-77551000 No:080-33706639; 01-7742771 070-35068242 01-7904983 Sector Commander Phone No: 080-79279349; 080-63299264 080-34346168; 01-2881304

070-55462708; 080-65154338 767 or email: rapidresponsesquad@yahoo.com •

6. Health Services – LASAMBUS Ambulance Services Phone Nos: 01-4979844; 01-4979866; 01-4979899; 01-4979888; 01-2637853-4; 080-33057916; 080-33051918-9; 080-29000003-5.

soon we would get the verdict. We are setting up projects only along our boundary line,” Ojelabi explained.

Speaking on electrification projects embarked upon by the ministry in the last one year, Ojelabi said the state government has installed 83 transformers in rural communities, out of which 60 have been connected to the national grid.

“It’s not our responsibility to procure transformers, but the Governor is doing so out of the love for the people. Seventy per cent of the transformers we installed have been connected and I believe the Federal Government should be interested in what we are doing because it would boost their revenue generation,” he noted.

Residents advised on traffic diversion

By Miriam Ndikanwu

that given the disruption to traffic flow, men of the State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) would be deployed to manage the flow of traffic and assist motorists.

"The Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure regrets any inconveniences associated with the traffic congestion. It wishes to assure Lagosians that the construction is not only to ensure ease of movement, but to also complement the development on the axis, especially, around the Law School."

Utuama condoles with UNILAG DELTA State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), has commiserated with the University of Lagos Community and the Sofoluwe family over the death of Prof. Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe who passed away on May 12. The late Sofoluwe was the Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos.

Utuama, who was a professor of Law at the university before his election as deputy governor in 2007, described in a statement Sofoluwe’s death as a monumental and irreparable loss.

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EMPOWERMENT

Hole-in-heart boy needs help

Igbo leaders urge unity at Ojukwu centre launch

Ajimobi provides tools for women

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Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

Ibadan council rebuilds schools

P •Abiola HE Osun State jobs scheme has given more than work to youths. It has also offered them a sense of self-worth and dignity. Rather than laze around or engage in vice, they are helping to rebuild the state and are earning some cash in the process.

They are happy rehabilitaing roads, cleaning up the environment and controlling traffic. Also, the state is tackling the shortfall in teaching staff with products of the scheme. Are there are lots of other job categories.

No fewer than 20,000 youths were absorbed in the scheme within the first 100 days in office of the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

The first anniversary of the scheme, celebrated in style, attracted many dignitaries even from outside the state, including governors and the Federal Government.

Governor Aregbesola said the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) has reduced the crime rate in the state even though the opposition claims the youths are merely engaged in menial jobs. Aregbesola advised the Federal Government to start by engaging at least 10,000 youths per state and see whether there would still be Boko Haram or not.

The scheme has been warmly received from within and outside.

For instance, the Oyo State government on December 1, 2011 at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan, the state capital, launched its Youth Empowerment Scheme of Oyo (YESO) where about 20,000 youth were recruited.

The Osun State Youth Employment model has also attracted the Federal Government and 15 other states of the federation who have sent representatives to the state to understudy the scheme. Representatives of 15 states and that of the Federal Government, led by World Bank officials, have visited the state to understudy the workings of the State’s youth employment model. Among representatives of the Federal Government were officials of the National Directorate of Employment, (NDE); National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), Ministry of Youths Development and others.

One of the teams that inspected the

UBLIC primary schools in Akinyele Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State, are wearing a new look as the council has started constructing a block of three classrooms in each of the 12 wards.

Flagging off the project at the HLA Primary School, Ojoo where he laid the foundation of a block of three classrooms, the Chairman, Transition Committee of the local government, Mr Mukaila

From Bisi Oladele and Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Abiola described it as part of the plans of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Oyo State to change the face of primary education in the state.

The project, which he said, will gulp about N100m, is aimed at stimulating learning among the pupils.

In an interview with reporters

after laying the foundation, Abiola explained that the use of stone rather than the traditional cement blocks is to ensure durability of the structures.

He added that the stone bricks will also help in the possible converting of the structures to storey-buildings in the future to overcome space constraints.

The council boss also assured the residents that none of the projects would be abandoned,

stressing that the present administration in the state “doesn’t believe in empty noise or deceiving the electorate.”

He said the council would not have embarked on the project if funds were not available.

The chairman added that the projects would be completed within three months, adding that the buildings and class•Continued on Page 49

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•Cadets of the O-YES Sheriff Corps marching during the first year anniversary of the scheme at the National Youth Service Corps, Orientation Camp, Ede, Osun State

Osun consolidates on jobs scheme Fed Govt, 15 states understudy programme OYES to fight hunger, poverty Development and Task Leader on From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

OYES Volunteers on Wednesday at St. Charles Grammar School, Osogbo, led by a World Bank Consultant on Social Protection, Dr. Sulaiman Yussuf, also had as members Assistant Director, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Abuja Mr. Imosan E.; Youths and Sports Desk Officer, NAPEP, Enekwechi Theresa, Coordinator, Youth Em-

powerment Scheme, Kogi State, Alhaji Abubakar Omale; Assistant Director, NDE, Abuja, Alhaji Ismail Yar’Adua and others. Director General of the Bureau of Social Services, Barrister Olufemi Ifaturoti, who led the World Bank team on inspection at Oriade Local Government Area, said the high social impact of the scheme had made it a compelling model for Nigeria to adopt so solve youths unemployment.

Also, the World Bank on Human

Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO), after assessing OYES in the state during their visit, spoke glowingly of the scheme.

OYES, an initiative that has reduced the rising trend of unemployment leading to social vices among the youths by engaging volunteers in community service was recommended by World Bank as a youth employment model that should be emulated by other states of the country to make unemployed youths useful.

World Bank also described the Osun Youth Employment Scheme as a dependable model for employment generation. The Bank noted that the Osun State government has achieved a milestone in the area of engaging youths into community development and that the World Bank is looking into areas to help the government expand the scope of OYES. The state Commissioner for Finance and Budgetary Planning, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro said Aregbesola also wants to use the scheme to rebrand the state. The governor wants to bring back the consciousness that as children of •Continued on Page 49

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Oyo lifts women

Commission decries deforestation MEMBER of Cross River Forestry Commission,Mr Augustine Ogogo has decried the increasing rate of deforestation in the state.

Ogogo, the member in-charge of Forest Regeneration at the commission, expressed the view in Akamkpa after inspecting facilities at Regeneration Centre.

He said increasing deforestation would threaten the position of Cross River as one of the 25 global biodiversity hotspots .

“The forest has since depleted to the point that some areas have been completely deforested,’’ he said.

He said that at a deforestation rate of 3.5 per cent, the state would lose some of its forest areas if not checked.

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•Governor Imokee

Council seeks support of firms

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HE Chairman, Eti-Osa Local Government, Hon. Olanrewaju Elegushi has urged corporate organisations to discharge their responsibilities in their places of operation in order to enhance community development.

Speaking to Newsextra, he noted that most companies have not been forthcoming in this regard because they felt that they were already doing one thing or the other for the state.

He explained that this should not exclude them from assisting their immediate communities where their businesses are sited.

“The corporate organisations in our local government are not doing well with us. We have told them we at the councils serve their interests through the provision of habitable environment.”

Elegushi remarked that it made no sense if t h e s e organisations have their structures located in s u c h communities and feel unconcerned about the progress of the place they are located.

“They have their •Elegushi

Lagos

By Musa Odoshimokhe

buildings and operations going on in our council and the major way we can assist in the protection of their interests is to beef up the security by providing vehicles to the police for use in patrol.

He stated that these organisations have not been attending security meetings which the council have called from time to time; rather, they would simply ask a gateman who barely understands the pros and cons of security matters to attend such meetings.

“I sometimes had to take the security meetings to the palace of our Oba, at least if they failed to oblige the council, they would have no choice concerning the traditional ruler who is the custodian of the land.”

On the development of the council, he stated that his administration has taken it to a viable position that the staff can now proudly associate with it. “When we came real infrastructures were lacking. The staffers were not always coming to work because there were no office furniture and other infrastructure on ground like buildings.”

“I want to say we just put up this building before now, the environment was not friendly, people don’t like coming to the office. We had to sit down to ponder over the matter to proffer solution to the problems confronting the council which we have been addressing.”

Local govt rewards excellence

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HE Chairman of Mushin Local Government Area in Lagos State Hon Babatunde Olatunde Adepitan has given a cash reward of one hindered thousand naira (N100,000) to the winner of Spelling Bee Competition in 2011, Mr Emeka Anyanwu of Baniwa Primary School in 2011.

Anyanwu came first in Lagos at the primary school category of Spelling Bee Competition. Adepitan charged his parents to re-invest the money in the education of the young boy.

•Hon. Adepitan presenting the money

Ogogo, who is also in-charge of Agro-forestry and Timber, expressed regrets that very little work had been done in the area of regeneration over 30 years ago, while deforestation had been on the increase.

He said the state raised over one million seedlings last year for its regeneration programme, adding that the state targeted N5 million seedlings every year to enable the state to regenerate lost forest.

“Every year we raised seedlings for regeneration of forest, our target is N5 million seedlings yearly,’’ he said.

Ogogo said that the commission planted over 250,000 seedlings between 2010 and 2011 to address deforestation.

He said that the commission had keyed into the state policy of protecting state-owned forest and community forest to protect the fragile ecosystem in the area.

Ogogo said the state had a policy to conserve forests for the payment of ecosystem services.

He said that the commission had established links with relevant national and international regulatory policy makers and funding bodies for the benefit of bio-diversity conservation and sustainability.

Similarly market men and women were given over three thousand pouches, This is to assist the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in ensuring that the Naira note is kept clean always.

He charged the market men and women to arrange their money neatly in the pouches and zip the pouches to prevent their money from being stole

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•From left: Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Laditi Ladapo; Oyo State Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, Guest Lecturer, Dr Christopher Kolade at a public service lecture delivered by Dr Kolade in Ibadan,Oyo State

ALGON chair to youths: shun violence

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HE Transition Committee Chairman of Irepo Local Government, Oyo State, Hon Yekeen Agboola, has advised youths in the council to shun thuggery and hooliganism.

•From left: Chief S. Soladoye; Chief Oladapo Bailey, Kingsley Obuvie; President Association of Registered Insurance Agents of Nigeria, Mr Ola Gam-Ikom, Mr S.O. Lawal; representing Mr David Sobanjo GMD, Allco; during the 3rd National Award Ceremony of the Association of Registered Insurance Agents of Nigeria in Lagos.

Firm denies allegations

Lagos

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OUDO Nigeria Limited has denied that it abandoned the Adada Dam project in Nsukka, Enugu State.

Reacting to some allegations, the resident engineer in charge of the project Engr.

Nnanna Enwere said that: “It is a grotesque abuse of our constitutional and natural right in fair hearing and the civic need for meticulous precaution before going public in a sensitive issue such as this for these leaders to demonise us without having a conversation with us or the Ministry to verify the correct state of affairs of the project.”

Speaking further, he said: “Roudo, as a development acceleration agent has been selfless, patriotic, dependable and responsible in ensuring that the project take off so that the people of Nsukka and the surrounding communities can reap the benefits of the project in fulfillment of their dream so long deferred:.

According to him, after the flag-off of the project, the company deployed high caliber equipment to the site. The community representatives threatened the company with court action and asked it to stop work until there is a numeration of their cash crops and other economic and cultural items for adequate compensation by the government.

He wondered why these leaders did not prevail on their people to allow the company to continue work.

Engr. Nnanna further stated that “there was no final engineering and technical drawing for the project when we got to site.

We had to undertake that and it took several months for an acceptable drawing to be procured and certified by the Ministry and the Consultants”.

On the allegation that the company

IFE of Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, has distributed empowerment materials to 198 women across the state as part of efforts to develop the women economically and make them self-reliant.

The items distributed at the Adamasingba, Ibadan, venue of the programme, included deep freezers, generating sets and cash.

Mrs. Ajimobi, while speaking at the occasion, described women as agents of change, urging them not to make themselves redundant but to always strive to make positive impact not only in their respective families, but also in the society at large.

She said that the empowerment of women had become necessary in order to enable them to contribute their own quota to the development of the state.

Mrs. Ajimobi praised the government through the state Ministry of Women Affairs, Community Development, Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation for striving to empower women and take them above poverty level.

collected mobilisation fees, the project manager said that the Ministry is aware that the company has not accessed the mobilisation fees remitted to the bank and has used its resources as a socially responsible corporate entity with unquestionable delivery capacity to undertake all the preliminary works on the project so far.

He appealed to Senator Ayogu Eze whose name he said was mischievously used in the alleged press statement to deploy his contacts and verify the true state of affairs from the Ministry of Water Resources so that he can advise his people properly. According to him, physical work would commence soon as the compensation discussion is nearing completion.

Cleric advises mothers

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EV. Olusola Idowu, the Pastor of Foursquare Gospel Church, Abuja, has advised mothers in the country to be good examples to their children. Idowu gave the advice on Sunday in Abuja during the Mothers’ day celebration with the theme: “Mother, a shining light.’’

“Mothers as light of the world should give their children direction prayerfully and not confuse them, but they should be available to deliver good and godly dreams.

“Women should be examples in language, dressing and moral conduct,’’ she said.

Idowu said that mothers should cooperate with their spouse in bringing up children who would in return give back to the society positively.

In her address of welcome, the president of Foursquare Women International, Wuse branch, Mrs Justina Usoro, said that mothers should take care of their families in spite of all odds.

“There are mothers in the Bible that cannot be forgotten due to the role they played in the lives of their children.

Oyo Agboola, who is also the chairman of Association of Local Government Chairmen (ALGON) , Oyo State, gave the charge during a local football match between Kunle Babes of Kisi and Atiba Babes of Tede in a football competition tagged “YK Action Cup 2012”.

Reacting to the encomiums showered on him, the local government chief reiterated his administration’s commitment to promotion of sports among youths as a way of complementing the efforts of the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

Agboola while encouraging the youths in Oke-Ogun to develop their God- given talent in football, also stressed the need for them to strive hard in their academic pursuits to attain greatness in life.

He said his administration was ready to cater for the needs of youths in all areas.

Speaking at the occasion, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Oyo State, Hon Dapo Lam-Adesina praised Popoola for organising the competition and charged other political office holders to do same by according priority to the needs of the youths.

The tension-soaked competition attracted people from all walks of life. In the football encounter, Kunle Babes defeated Atiba Babes, by three unreplied goals.

The competition drew people from Atiba Local Government, Irepo Local Government, Saki East Local Government, Saki West Local Government, Orelope Local Government and Olorunsogo Local Government.

Briefly

Meeting NIGERIA’S president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan will declare open the annual Power generation and steel production exhibition and conference scheduled to hold from 22 o24 May The conference which is organised by West Africa Exhibitions and Conferences is geared towards creating an appropriate platform for all power and steel industry players across the globe to the heart of Africa. It will hold at the International Conference Centre, Abuja According to Mr. William Dexter, Project Consultant and Dr. Kune Igoni, the Director of Events of West Africa Exhibitions the forum will also create the enabling environment needed by senior government personnel, industry decision makers and other key sector players to discuss and synergize on opportunities in the Power and Steel sectors. He disclosed that with the wide event endorsements coming from major International industry players, the Nigerian and South African governments key personnel, including the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, the Electric Power Foundation, Nigeria Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, the Department of Energy, South Africa and Danieli Steel, Italy is an indication that the trade show will

T was all jubilation last week when the Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area presented certificates to over 120 trainees in skill acquisition, the exercise which lasted for a week afforded the participants the opportunity to learn soap making decoration, bead making, painting (Emulsion, Textile and Gloss).

“We have come to realise that the rate of unemployment in the country is on the increase by the day and the need to proffer immediate

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In her remarks, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Atinuke Osukoya, decried the high rate of poverty among women in the state, stressing the need to urgently provide succor to them through empowerment programmes.

The commissioner commended the state governor, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi for creating an enabling environment for women to make positive impact in the development of the state as part of his administration’s transformation agenda.

Two of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ayinla Temilade and Mrs. Oluwabunmi Olalere, who could not hide their feelings, expressed appreciation to the state government for counting them worthy for the empowerment.

The gesture, they said, was a further confirmation of the love that the ACN-led administration had for the less privileged members of the society.

Chairman empowers constituents and lasting solution should be the concern of the government of the day, this is what make my administration deemed it fit to come up with this poverty alleviation programme” he said.

The council chief informed the community that the programme to would be a contin one promising that. “Before the expiration of my term, we would have trained over 5,000 people in our local

• Hon Olowonisaye presenting keys of a motorcycle to one of the beneficiaries.

MEMBER of the House of Representatives representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Abiodun Awoleye, has reiterated his commitment to support more youths most especially in the area of education, sports, talents discovery and vocational training in his constituency.

The lawmaker stated this in Ibadan the Oyo State capital after a football match final tagged: Hon Abiodun Awoleye Free Age Football Competition (HAAFAFC) held on the football pitch of the Polytechnic Ibandan.

He said: “the aim of the soccer competition is to improve and develop sports particularly in the area of football at the grassroots with the aim of discovering young talents that will do the nation proud in the future; this I can say is a form of youth development and empowerment.

“Youths are very important in the development of a nation because they are the future of the country, so government needs to encourage them and let them have the sense of belonging”.

The lawmaker while congratulating those who participated in the competition, reiterated his commitment to support more students, youths and other people in education, sports, empowerment and vocational trainings.

Hon Awoleye said such activities would not stop them from their studies and other things they intend to do in life but open up opportunities for them to be more industrious in their life.

He promised more developmental

Oyo

government, as you know an idle hand is the devil’s workshop, we would do everything within our power to engage our people” he promised.

Basanya used the occasion to assure residents of his commitment to grassroots development saying: “It may interest you to know that today’s occasion encompasses many activities this presentation of certificates to trainees on skill acquisition, distribution of poverty alleviation equipment/ materials for the empowerment of youths, women, widows and the aged.”

The chairman, who was represented by his deputy, thanked the community for their support.He noted that his administration has attended to pressing needs in the council. “What we are doing today is part of fulfillment of our campaign promises, we shall continue to do whatever we can for the uplifting of the standard and quality of living of our people.”

He presented 15 motorcycles, one grinding machine each to the five wards that make up the local government and also made cash donations to 25 widows and the aged. “We are aware of the rigours involved in taking care of the aged and to shoulder part of the burdens of widows, my administration resolved to give some reasonable amount of money to 50 of them recognised by the council.

Replying on behalf of the community, the council Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Pastor Aye Ayetoba appreciated the effort of the chairman and his team and urged the beneficiaries to make best use of the opportunity.

“He who gives us fish feed us for a day but who trains us how to catch fish feed us for life” the chairman had taught us how to catch fish,it is now left for us to make best use of this opportunity.”

Lawmaker to support youths projects for the people and promised not to relent in his effort to empower his people. He also promised to continue with the competition to encourage youths in the state.

He, therefore, encouraged the youth to do

By Jeremiah Oke

what they know they can do best for the interest of the community and the country at large.

•Winner of the competition receiving the trophy

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EDITORIAL/OPINION EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

COMMENT

A worthy G-8 proposal aims to lift millions out of poverty

Don’t try it •If it is true that government intends to raise fuel prices again, it had better forget it

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IGERIANS have been told to be ready to resist the Federal Government’s plan to further raise fuel prices, in spite of the foggy circumstances surrounding the subsidy regime.

The Nigeria L:abour Congress (NLC) which raised the alarm also alleged that the government plans to polarise the congress in order to make it impossible for workers to speak with one voice when the government eventually takes the decision.

The congress has alleged that the government is funding some groups to lead the campaign on the so-called ‘complete deregulation’ of the petroleum sector, among other sinister schemes.

The initial reaction is that of disbelief because no one expects the government to contemplate any further hike in fuel price at this point in time, especially given the country’s experience in January over

‘What we expect from the government is not irrational slamming of price increases on the people in the name of deregulation but a holistic approach in tackling the challenges in the petroleum sector. The truth is that even if government succeeds in muzzling labour, it is not likely to succeed in imposing another round of arbitrary fuel price increase on Nigerians’

the issue. However, Nigeria is fast becoming a place where all things, including the most absurd, are possible.

It is even worse under the present government that appears completely clueless on ways to tackle the country’s multifarious problems.

Therefore, even if Labour is raising an alarm in its own enlightened self-interest, it is important to give it at least tactical backing as a way of reminding the government that the country has come a long way with regard to fuel subsidy and deregulation. Therefore, another round of arbitrary fuel price increases will be rejected because there is no justifiable reason for it.

Many Nigerians said this much even before the January protests. Indeed, the general impression was that if we were subsidising anything in the sector, it was the corruption and inefficiency there. To even think that the subsidy rose astronomically in 2011, an election year, further fuelled speculation that a lot of the subsidy must have gone into financing the campaign of some prominent figures.

If anything, the House of Representatives ad hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Probe that investigated the subsidy claims has proved that there is a disconnect between the quantity of fuel that was consumed in the country and the amount of subsidy paid to the fuel importers in the years under consideration. The committee has therefore recommended that the importers involved in the alleged swindle should refund about N2billion to the Federal Government, being money allegedly overpaid to them.

But it does not appear that the government is interested in the report. It is just carrying on in its business as usual fashion. It is not its fault though; it is just that

Nigeria must be a different country where such mind-boggling corruption would not attract instant outrage.

But the government should not overstretch its luck. The fact is that an average Nigerian now knows better what the situation is concerning fuel subsidy.

Moreover, the government has set up some task forces to address the fundamental challenges in the petroleum sector, like the Idika Kalu-led task force to revive the refineries; the Nuhu Ribaduled Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force , among others. It appears the committees were set up immediately after the January protests to give Nigerians the impression that government was desirous of restoring sanity to the petroleum sector. How far have these committees gone with their assignments? Nigerians deserve to know.

What we expect from the government is not irrational slamming of price increases on the people in the name of deregulation but a holistic approach in tackling the challenges in the petroleum sector. The truth is that even if government succeeds in muzzling labour, it is not likely to succeed in imposing another round of arbitrary fuel price increase on Nigerians. As a matter of fact, Nigerians should be asking for a return to the N65 per litre of fuel in view of the House of Representatives committee’s findings. If the government is afraid that oil earnings would not be able to sustain the budget, it should look for money elsewhere.

However, if the NLC wants to be in the vanguard of this struggle, it must be ready to redeem its image that was tarnished by its mishandling of the January protest.

Hammered!

?????

•Finally, NCC fines GSM firms N1.7bn over poor quality of service

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UST when Nigerians least expected, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) wielded the regulatory axe on the four leading network operators in the country. It slammed them with fines totalling N1.7 billion ($7.3 million).

For failing to improve their quality of service on dropped calls and bad line quality in the months of March and April, it asked Etisalat and MTN to pay N360 million ($2.25 million) each in fines; for Airtel and Globacom, they are to pay N270 million ($1.68 million) and N180 million ($1.125 million), respectively.

It also served notice that the fines are expected to be paid without fail latest May 21 (today) – at the risk of cumulative penalty of N2.5 million daily.

For subscribers long used to the dalliance between the regulator and the operators, the rather heavy hand must have come as a big surprise. The NCC has since explained that the action was sequel to its warning last October to the operators to improve on their quality of service. It also gave hint that the penalties “signal a new regime of quality of service management in the Nigerian telecommunications industry”.

The operators have spoken - jointly.

Notably, they did not disagree that telecommunications services have gone from bad to worse. Indeed, they actually offered their apologies to the subscribers for the poor quality of services. The only extra was their restatement of the usual dysfunctions in the operating environment to explain – if not to rationalise – the declining quality in services. They cited the same old headaches of power infrastructure, the inclement policy en-

vironment –particularly the thorny issue of multiple taxation, criminal sabotage and of course the issue of security of network infrastructure.

Agreed, the challenges enumerated by them are formidable. No doubt, they explain the prohibitive cost of doing business, the obverse side of which is relatively high tariff on services borne by the consumers. They also manifest in the daily frustrations experienced by businesses in the hands of different agencies of government claiming oversight on different aspects of the same business.

When these are added to the cost incurred in replacing vital infrastructure routinely stolen by hoodlums, the picture of a most inhospitable environment comes complete.

The point however is that these problems are nothing new. They have always been an essential part of the cost profile of Nigerian businesses - not just the telecommunications business. And we daresay that this composite cost is what is routinely reflected in relatively steep tariffs and the bumper revenues made by telecommunications companies from their Nigerian operations.

It is of course disingenuous to play up the challenges while conveniently keeping mute on the fact that the telecommunications companies – without exception – have been posting impressive profits even when service standards have been plummeting. How does one explain the denial of the subscriber, value for the money at a time operators are raking in huge profits? This is what makes the alibis by the operators hard to accept.

The fact of the matter is that compa-

nies are not only expected to anticipate issues arising from their environment of operations but to develop forward-looking strategies to ameliorate them. The degradation in telecommunications quality being experienced didn’t chance upon the companies overnight. They are by-products of unbridled network expansion over the years, accentuated by the failure by service providers to match network capacity with demand.

Of course, we agree with those who maintain that sanctions cannot be a substitute to fruitful partnership between the regulator and the operators to address the problems of the industry holistically. But then, the moral of the sanction should not be lost: the cost of taking remedial actions too late can be quite steep.

‘For subscribers long used to the dalliance between the regulator and the operators, the rather heavy hand must have come as a big surprise. The NCC has since explained that the action was sequel to its warning last October to the operators to improve on their quality of service.

It also gave hint that the penalties “signal a new regime of quality of service management in the Nigerian telecommunications industry’

O

VER THE PAST decade, the world has made great strides in helping people lift themselves out of extreme poverty.

But more than half of sub-Saharan Africa’s 740 million people still subsist on less than $1.25 a day. More than one-fourth suffer from chronic hunger. By 2050, the region’s total population will double. Without increased agricultural productivity, the region’s poverty and malnutrition will not only persist but worsen.

On Friday, in advance of the 2012 Group of Eight summit of industrialized nations at Camp David, President Obama is to announce a joint effort to lift 50 million people in the region out of extreme poverty within 10 years. The innovative strategy behind the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition is to foster political reform as a means of encouraging increased private investment in agriculture. The investment is not targeted at large-scale corporate production but aims to enable smaller-scale farmers to increase output, primarily for their own consumption but also for sale.

According to Rajiv Shah, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), political barriers have doomed past agricultural development strategies in sub-Saharan Africa, the only region in the world to see no substantial agricultural growth in the past 40 years. Excessive government involvement and corruption have dissuaded investors and discouraged local farmers. Government restrictions on seed variety have inhibited local entrepreneurship and lowered sales. A lack of collateral registries has prevented farmers from obtaining loans or insurance.

The new effort is designed to lift those barriers to investment. “African governments are cutting red tape and making pro-market reforms,” Dr. Shah said. The affiliated African countries, a group that now includes Ethiopia, Tanzania and Ghana but is expected to expand to a majority of the region’s 47 nations, have each committed to 10 to 12 specific political reforms. For example, Tanzania has undertaken an effort to do away with its export ban on agricultural production. Ethiopia has agreed to launch a land-titling process, enabling microfinance by promoting land ownership.

In turn, more than 40 companies have committed to doubling their investment in agricultural development in Africa, with financial contributions of $3.5 billion. For example, Vodafone, the British telecommunications company, will provide technology to allow small-scale farmers to check market conditions and negotiate prices. Tanzania-based Tanseed International will offer farmers greater seed variety and aid them in harvesting more efficiently.

If the initiative meets its target, it will ameliorate hunger in 13 percent of the destitute population of sub-Saharan Africa. It is just one step, and it doesn’t lessen the need for development aid. But lifting barriers to farm productivity could end up helping many more than 50 million. It is a vital goal, and this initiative offers a novel and sensible approach.

• Washington Post

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

20

9EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR, since 2009, the Boko Haram sect has proven to

be a very sophisticated and politically astute organisation. It has caused mayhem amongst the Christians and Muslims especially in the northern part of the country in response to government’s abdication of its constitutional duties of providing basic amenities to its citizenry, mandate stealing and imposition of leaders on the people through Kangaroo election by the ruling party.

The members have constituted themselves into a veritable harbingers of terror, unleashing pains on the poor masses and destroy ying religious places and security institutions. Any time there was killing of innocent Nigerians by the Boko Haram sect, the government is quick to issue a press release that they are on top of the situation.

The freedom of citizens enshrined in our constitution has been severely circumscribed by the activity of the Boko Haram and the trigger-happy security agents who direct their ill-will on defenceless citizens.

The question now is – should the government negotiate with the terrorists? I say YES. Some may think that negotiating with the terrorists will encourage further bad behavior because it means giving in to pressure. The government can get around this by involving relatively low level or non-govern-

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To negotiate or not with Boko Haram? mental personnel in the initial talks. The dilemma of government could actually be eliminated if there was a policy of negotiating with anyone. With such a policy, no one could attain special status just because negotiations were opened. What is more, refusal to negotiate indicates rejection of the other side, and rejection creates serious physical and psychological ob-

stacles to problem solving, because it prevents communication from taking place, and it guarantees defensiveness and resistance to change.

The government simply needs to make it clear that a decision to negotiate does not mean acceptance of the other side’s behavior. We can in fact love our enemies and hate what they do,

but to prove it, the government needs to act in loving ways by accepting their humanity enough to negotiate for mutual gains. Each side needs get no more than what they are entitled. Government needs not accept their values or their conduct. What it should accept is the humanity underneath as deserving of due process with

As Lagos PDP finally goes under IR: For 12 years now, Lagos PDP has been insisting that it will capture Lagos State for keeps and in the past 12 years Lagos PDP has always kissed the dust with the wild dream of forming a government in Lagos. We have lived with this empty and primitive hallucination believing that seriousminded men and women will take over the leadership of the party and bring some sanity to the crisis-ridden, empty vessel.

Over the years, we have waited to see whether decent men and women will stand up to redeem the battered image of a totally

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shameless party but all to no avail. We wanted this because needed and indeed desired a virile opposition to keep us on our toes.

Few days ago, Lagos PDP met in Lagos to do an assessment on the state of the party in Lagos State and to look back to take notice of where the rains started beating them. It was the usual PDP meeting; full of vain grandstanding, full of lurid boasts and impotent dreams. At the end of the meeting, members rose to beat their chests that they have mapped out strategic plans on how to capture Lagos in 2015.

It was reported on the front page of one Nigeria’s newspapers.

And if you go further on their strategies, it is about distributing monies to lure and cajole some ethnic groups in Lagos to get on their side. The entire gamut was shorn of a careful analysis of the woes which the PDP has levied on the country in the past 13 years. It was devoid of a sober appreciation of why the states under its control are wrecked caricatures of performance while the Lagos it wishes to capture has come to signpost the hope for delivery in the arid democratic space Nigerians have been sad-

Buhari deserves praise, not condemnation IR: The perspicacious statement credited to Gen. Muhammed Buhari (rtd.) warning the ruling party (PDP) against a less-than-transparent election in Nigeria come 2015 need not warrant the spate of vitriolic attacks and criticisms on him. This is in spite of his being the leader of one of the main opposition parties under the present political dispensation.

If the long overdue warning of the CPC presidential candidate in the April 2011 poll who even-

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the realization that it could be at least partially wrong in it’s perceptions and conclusions (because of stereotyping, attribution bias, projection, misinformation, inadequate data, etc.).

Government should consider all others as equals, that is “equally human, equally caught up in the situation, equally entitled to have rights, and equally entitled to have any interests and views taken into account”. Instead of fierce confrontation using the Joint Task Force to clamp down the Boko Haram which has resulted in the destruction of lives and property, government should resort to sincere negotiation with the sect to end the insecurity in the country.

• Onogwu Isah Muhammed Lokoja.

tually came second in the presidential race is being viewed and painted as an oddity, what of the persistent, devastating, frustrating and nauseating statements by bigwigs in the PDP that Nigerians should brace up for lording of governance over them by the PDP for the next 100 years?

Only in our country can such a statement be made, without condemnation and resistance, at a time when election rigging, cultism and pervasive corruption are evils which the country is still

battling with. Governments change in developed countries such as the U.S., Britain, France, Germany, Canada, just to mention a few, for good and improved governance but it is rather unfortunate that it is only in Africa, aptly still being referred to as the dark continent, that winners are being declared in elections that are yet to take be conducted in the next 100 years.

Since the language understood

in politics in developing and underdeveloped countries of the world is rigging and not performance and good governance, Buhari’s warning statement will continue to enjoy applause rather than condemnation and be seen as the much needed fillip to transparent election in our country, Africa and in developing nations of the world as a whole.

• Odunayo Joseph Iju, Lagos State

dled with in the past 13 years.

As at the time Lagos PDP was busy celebrating mediocrity and political irresponsibility, world leaders were busy praising Lagos leaders for systematically driving Nigeria, which the PDP has been running under for 13 years now, into the world stage to join the comity of serious minded economies. As at the time Lagos PDP was chasing shadows, picking the crumbs from the masters table in Abuja, capacity driven stars, and bean counters have continued to praise ACN Leaders in Lagos for committed and focused leadership in moving Lagos from a state of decadence to a state worthy of emulation.

When a state, out of 36 States in Nigeria contributes 25% of the nation’s GDP and 40% to non oil GDP, even the worst brains know its contribution to the overall development of the country cannot be ignored. No wonder Lagos is now the destination of other 35 governors to copy templates and benchmarks. PDP owes a debt of gratitude to Lagos for moving Nigeria forward despite the monumental failures the country has witnessed in their 13 years of rudderless leadership.

• Joe Igbokwe Lagos

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THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IGERIA’S political history is replete with memorable events and milestones, many of which are being consigned to obscurity as a result of our scant regard for scholarly endeavors and other issues that stimulate the intellect. It must be emphasized that since no country survives without history, we must return to teaching the subject in our schools.

In 1944, a group of students at the King’s College, Lagos organized anti- establishment demonstrations at a time such activities were prohibited. Leading members of Hexagon, the body that mobilized fellow students for action included the late Prince Adedapo Aderemi, the late Justice Adenekan Ademola and the late Victor Ologundudu amongst others.

Young Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu was one of the ‘storm troopers’ that enforced the action. A government enquiry was set up with the students defended by E. James Alexander Taylor, eminent lawyer and master of courtroom theatrics, popularly called the ‘cock of the bar’. The incident resulted in the conscription of Adedapo Aderemi into the army to fight in World War II as punishment.

In the run up to the 1959 general elections, the Action Group and its leaders had become legendary institutions. During electioneering, the revolutionary campaign style of the party dazzled supporters and opponents alive as the sophistication that was brought to bear on the road shows could compare with the best in the more advanced democracies of the world. An event in Ile-Ife turned out to be as intriguing as it was audacious. Two friends, Prince Adedapo Aderemi, the Ooni’s heir, Oxford trained lawyer and Chief R.A FaniKayode, Q.C, Cambridge trained lawyer, both of whom had worked tirelessly for the growth of the Action Group aspired to represent Ife in the Federal House. The Prince lost in the party process as it was easy for his opponent to incite members against the domination of the political space by father and son. The Ooni responded to this development by sponsoring Michael Omisade, a young lawyer and a greenhorn as an independent candidate.

Fearing a possible demystification of the revered Oba as a result of the perceived invincibility of the party particularly in Ile-Ife, the leadership tried unsuccessfully to appease an incensed Kabiyesi who was determined to get his pound of flesh. At the end of the keenly contested election, Michael Adedapo Omisade defeated R.A Fani-kayode leading to the latter’s estrangement from the Action Group. Omisade subsequently became one of the most loyal chieftains of the party.

In the years preceding independence, Oba Adesoji Aderemi had been a delegate to all the constitutional conferences held to determine Nigeria’s destiny. In 1952, he was appointed into Nigeria’s first cabinet that included Sir James Robertson as the Governor-General, Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa,

‘Earlier, the meddlesome Federal Government, obsessed with destroying Awo and ‘capturing’ the West, in alliance with Akintola, contrived to launch a political offensive, the consequences of which still haunt the polity’

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MAJOR highpoint of the second South-south Economic Summit in Asaba, Delta State was the open confrontation between the Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka and the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Godswill Akpabio. Soyinka was at his vintage self when he held the over 6000 summiteers spellbound with his lecture titled ‘Mission – The Future’. It was a compelling narrative of the Nigerian story, a blunt disquisition to the failure of leadership in Nigeria. In his 18-page treatise, Soyinka left no one in doubt that he is an angry man; not the type of anger borne out of hunger but a variant of anger spawn by a systemic and progressive erosion of the nation’s future by a consortium of non-performing and often thieving governors and leaders. He raised a plethora of questions on why integrity is fading away from the political space and much more from those who rule the roost.

The playwright commended the South-south governors for the summit which according to him is a way-station to true federalism. Left to him, such aggregation of people to talk about themselves, their political economy and their future should sediment to the states. He wished all states of the federation should from time to time convoke their respective summits. As the playwright spoke, much with candour and charisma, he betrayed his anger. He was angry at the history of misgovernance and maladministration that has formed the sticky narrative of the Nigerian state. He lampooned public officials who use the occasion of their offices to steal from the public till.

Applause collided with laudatory acclamations as he raced through his speech which was infused with metaphors, anecdotes and downright acerbic jibes at the leadership. He lashed out at the assembly of governors whose collective proclivity to fiscal profligacy has brought impoverishment to the citizenry. Soyinka spoke of a former governor who after stealing the future of the youths of his state got a dubious permanent injunction restraining any authority from arresting, investigating and prosecuting him. He also reminded the governors that it took the judiciary in a foreign land, our colonial overlords, to convict one of their own after a judge in Nigeria had earlier quashed all 170 charges leveled against the rogue governor. The brutal frankness of the Laureate drew a resonating applause from the crowd. It was obvious he was angry at leadership both at the federal and state levels.

After his delivery, governors of the South-south states took turns to respond to Soyinka’s stinging dissertation. But it was Akpabio that won the hearts of the crowd. The Akwa

An encounter with history

By Adegboyega Aderemi Muhammadu Ribadu, Festus Okotie-Eboh, S.L Akintola and Bode Thomas amongst others. However, in 1953, when Chief Anthony Enahoro’s motion for independence in 1956, was frustrated by the conservative dominated House, he led his compatriots from the West to resign their appointments in protest.

Meanwhile between 1952 and 1959, the regional government in Ibadan, led by the legendary Chief Obafemi Awolowo had transformed the West into a modern society placing one phenomenal building block upon another; a situation which engendered a great sense of pride in the average Yoruba man who saw himself as a trail blazer in all areas of human endeavour.

The decision of Chief Awolowo to contest for the Federal House of Representatives in 1959, turned out to be the beginning of the end of a great era. His disagreement with his successor and deputy leader of the party over fundamental party matters led to a schism that dealt a fatal blow to the party. In the ensuing intra party struggle for supremacy, 66 members of the Western House of Assembly, representing the majority, petitioned the governor, Sir Aderemi to invoke the relevant provision of the constitution to replace the premier. Alhaji Dauda Adegbenro was promptly appointed by the governor while Chief Akintola went to court and at the same time consummated his romance with the predatory NPC led Federal Government. The legal battle that ensued, Adegbenro v Akintola was one of the most important cases in constitutional jurisprudence. It terminated at the Privy Council, then the highest court in the land, where the earlier judgment in Akintola’s favour by the Federal Supreme Court was reversed.

Earlier, the meddlesome Federal Government, obsessed with destroying Awo and ‘capturing’ the West, in alliance with Akintola, contrived to launch a political offensive, the consequences of which still haunt the polity. Insisting that the matter could only be resolved on the floor of the House, the Federal Government lured the Action Group into what was clearly a trap. On May, 25, 1962, on the floor of the House, Honorable Oke from Ogbomoso constituency started the infamous fracas at the House of Assembly. Waiting with a sledge hammer to respond to the simulated crisis, on May 29, 1962, just four days after an incident that was hardly noticed outside the Assembly complex, a state of emergency was declared in the West. The newly appointed administrator, Dr Adekoyejo Majekodunmi promptly signed the detention orders of all the players in a farcical attempt to create an impression of fairness.

However, on the eve of the declaration, in the dead of the night, Prince Adedapo Aderemi received a phone call from Sir Adetokunbo Ademola alerting him of the impending

move. In what can be described as one of the most dramatic moments of the saga, the distraught prince drove to the Governor’s Lodge, woke the governor and the movement back to Ile – Ife was executed with military precision. On the morning of the declaration the invading ‘forces’ of the new order complete with T.V cameras were shocked to meet an already vacated Government House.

The events that followed unfolded at dizzying speed. The persecution of Chief Awolowo commenced with ruthless efficiency. A commission of enquiry was set up primarily to nail him and his associates. This was quickly followed by the trumped up treasonable felony trial for which he was convicted and sentenced to prison on September 11, 1963.

While in detention at Olokemeji, Chief Akintola formed the United Peoples Party (UPP) and entered into an alliance with the Fani-kayode led NCNC in the West. On January 1, 1963, Akintola returned as Premier with Fani-kayode as Deputy Premier; a position not known to the constitution.

The new coalition later became the New Nigeria Democratic Party (NNDP) which subsequently merged with the ruling NPC to form the Nigerian National Alliance (NNA). What remained of a badly decimated Action Group also formed an alliance with the Michael Okpara led NCNC to birth the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA).

The 1964 federal election which prompted these strategic alliances was boycotted by UPGA as the prevailing atmosphere did not provide a level playing field. In the Western regional election of 1965, the government controlled Electoral Commission released results that robbed UPGA of victory. The people would have no more and the West went up in flames. A vehement resistance to this robbery was unleashed.

One of the heroes of the resistance was the mystery gun man who sneaked into the NBC building, held up the news crew at gun point, replaced the premier’s recorded address to the region with his own battle cry, and then simply disappeared into the night. In a celebrated trial, Wole Soyinka, accused of being the gun man, was acquitted and discharged by the then Hon Justice Kayode Eso in a landmark judgment.

Volumes of literature have since been written about the extra-ordinary exploits of the man also famously called Kongi; a great citizen of the world.

As the resistance spread across the Western region, the despised NNDP government unable to suppress the people’s fury attempted to force Oba Aderemi into giving his support hoping that might count in their favour. At a meeting in the Oba’s Ibadan residence in December of 1965, an ultimatum was issued to the Ooni who in turn asked to be given sufficient time for wide consultations, promising to take a decision by the end of January of the following year. On January 15, 1966, the military seized power and the turbulent politics of first republic came to an abrupt end.

It is worth adding in closing that the unrestrained propensity for evil by the opposition in the West only betrays a bankruptcy of ideas. It does nothing to strengthen the democratic process which can be enhanced by civilized political engagements. The path they are treading looks too familiar as their desperation and brigandage are pushing us to the brink once again. It is important they learn a thing or two from history as a word should be enough for the wise.

• Prince Aderemi, grandson of the late Oba Adesoji Aderemi, writes from Osogbo, State of Osun.

Soyinka, Akpabio and development crux

By Ken Ugbechie Ibom governor told Soyinka he shared the same anger, the same umbrage at the failure of leadership. Akpabio drew much applause from the crowd when he took them through the development strides of his government in Akwa Ibom, a development streak that runs from education, infrastructure, human capacity building, small scale enterprises, healthcare delivery to transport and agriculture. He told Soyinka that most of the questions he raised in his lecture had been answered in Akwa Ibom State.

“Prof, I’m as angry as you are. I approached governance in my state with anger. I was angry because we are not supposed to be where we are. My anger has driven me to give development to my people. Prof, you are talking like this because you have not been to Akwa Ibom… come to Akwa Ibom and you will see real development. It starts from the airport as you land to the remotest village”, Akpabio said to the admiration of the summiteers. It was an open invitation which the Nobel laureate and playwright accepted openly.

Akpabio’s words cut through the audience. There was spontaneous laudation, a deafening applause that coursed through the ambience. Akpabio, who himself did not mask his anger at the failure of leadership, said he arrived at Akwa Ibom Government House with a genuine sense of rage. His anger was borne by the fact that Akwa Ibom has come to represent underdevelopment, illiteracy and a breeding ground for the underclass and the very poor. As he spoke, more applause heralded his next sentence. Even the Laureate could not but admire the audacity and self-confidence of Akpabio.

But was Akpabio merely grandstanding? Those who knew the state before his ascension to power and now would quickly tell you the governor was simply stating the obvious. The man often described as the best performing governor in the country and by far the most decorated has given real essence to leadership in his state.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said “our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be”.

This is what Akpabio has done to the psyche of his people:

inspire them to attain heights they wish to attain. If leadership is about influence, not authority, then Akpabio has acquitted himself. He has influenced the people’s collective attitude to development, education and work ethic. He has inspired public confidence in public institutions including public schools and healthcare centres. He has demonstrated like Steve Jobs that what distinguishes a leader from a follower is innovation and ability to see the end before others.

The tragedy of the Nigeria leadership matrix is that we have always had leaders – presidents, governors, lawmakers etc – who were shooed into positions of authority by default or courtesy of some inexplicable societal contraptions. They rode to office unprepared, without vision, without any plan. At the end, they leave the stage worse than they met it. As for Akpabio, it is obvious he came prepared with a clear development roadmap. He came with vengeful anger; to revenge against underdevelopment and those things that have manacled his state to the backwaters. The result of that anger is the uncommon transformation he has wrought in his state. Akpabio deserves all the bragging rights and it is little wonder he stole the show at the summit…even to the admiration of a fastidious Wole Soyinka.

• Ugbechie is a publisher based in Lagos.

‘The tragedy of the Nigeria leadership matrix is that we have always had leaders – presidents, governors, lawmakers etc – who were shooed into positions of authority by default or courtesy of some inexplicable societal contraptions. They rode to office unprepared, without vision, without any plan’

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

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T is increasingly becoming fashionable for the various geo-political zones in the country to organize one form of prodevelopment summit or the other. Whether it goes by the tag economic or legislative summit, the thematic focus of all is on how best to harness the economies of the respective states to fast-track economic development.

Early this year, the South-West zone held what it termed a three day legislative summit in Ibadan the Oyo state capital. That was followed just last month by the South-South which held an economic summit in Asaba, the Delta state capital.

Nothing has yet come from the South-East in this regard. If and when they come up with their own variant, that would have completed the cycle of zonal summits for the southern part of the country.

Not unexpectedly also, the Arewa Transformation and empowerment Initiative also came up with the Northern Impact Summit which shares similar objectives. Even before this, northern governors had severally brainstormed on strategies to move the zone forward. The outcome of one of such summits was the identification of the nexus between poverty and insecurity in the north.

They had then contended that the ravaging poverty in the north was largely on account of inequities in the revenue sharing formula which in their mind favored the oil producing states. For them, the solution to the squalid living conditions in the north and the debilitating security challenges therein lies in equitable sharing of the oil revenue.

Central to all these regional summits, is the recognition that it is increasingly becoming difficult for any meaningful development to take place in this country under the current federal structure. In other words, there is the incipient undertone that our federal order is too unwieldy and too omnibus to undertake policies that can accelerate even development in all parts of the country. This conclusion goes without saying. It is the propelling logic for the allure of regional development paradigms. The argument therefore is that it will serve the economy of this country better if the disparate zones are allowed to develop along their own preferred options.

This reasoning is further given fillip by the conduct of some of the zones which appears not in tandem with the currents that propel and reinforce modern development paradigms. In this regard, one has in mind the current security challenges in the northern

Emeka OMEIHE 08121971199 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Zonal economic summits parts of the country that have decimated many and rendered very risky the continued habitation of people from other zones in that part of the country. Not unexpectedly, feelings are now high that the north does not seem to be on the same page with the rest of the country in terms of the dispositions that quicken the pace of national development. The wanton destructions by the Boko Haram religious sect which is averse to western education and western development models seem to have reinforced this feeling. Even at that, the sect’s avowal to impose Islamic laws in the country is further viewed as evidence of the increasing dissonance between the north and the south on how best to pursue the challenges of aligning our economies to time tested development models.

Feelings are high that the way things stand it may be fruitless to nurse the ambition that the various regions can go it at the same time.

Thus the various zonal summits which in the main are geared to how best to synergize the economies of the various zones for accelerated development. The thinking here is that if we cannot develop holistically, we can better approximate that through selective development of the parts. In this reductionism, there is the reasoning that once we are able to develop parts of the country, it will become easier to develop the whole of the country using the experiences from this disjointed approach. Conversely, it could also imply that those who do not want to move along the road of modernity can as well be left behind instead of constituting a cog in the wheel of development.

That seems to be the lure of the zonal summits. But as persuasive as this is, there are

M

ORE than ten years ago, the Federal Government, gave the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, a mandate to fix social amenities including good road network in that long-neglected region of Nigeria.

And in obvious response to this mandate, the NDDC came up with a master plan for a coastal road beginning from Calabar, running through Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Ondo and terminating in Lagos.

The idea at that time was greeted with tumultuous welcome by the Niger Delta people and other Nigerians, who could gaze far into years ahead to appreciate the socio-economic importance of the road. While some described it as a permanent reward for the Niger Delta and its people, others adjudged the road as a singular tool that would usher a new round of economic and commercial prosperity for the region, which had borne the burden of sustaining the Nigeria entity for more than 50 years.

And yet others see the road as one permanent solution to the worrisome issue of youth restiveness and militancy arising from mass unemployment. These considerations and more, which were all positive signposts for the region and the country, dictated the euphoria that greeted the idea of the road.

However, after completing the design, along with extensive preliminary geological works, the NDDC suddenly went mute about the project.

The cessation of action on this project has generated serious worries not only among people of the region but the generality of Nigerians, who, with the power of foresight, could would see what the country stands to benefit from the spine road. It is the people’s patriotic anxiety to see action on the road that has made the noticeable silence of the Niger Delta governors, about the road in their recently concluded

‘The construction of this coastal road will benefit the region in the area of security, employment for restive youths, access to social amenities, tourism, opening up the entire Niger Delta for easy accessibility by other parts of the country, easy evacuation of goods, revival of agriculture in the Niger Delta and access to unutilized waterways. The list is endless!’

fears that such an approach may ultimately lead to the disintegration of the country. The south-west tried to allay that fear in the communiqué at the end of their legislative summit. They had stated clearly that the intention was not to break up the country but to unbundle the creative energies of the distinct regions for accelerated development.

They wanted this through the practice of true federalism.

But one man that is very skeptic about the heuristic value of selective development models is Andrew Owoye Azazi, the National Security Adviser (NSA) He had argued at the Northern Impact Summit that lopsided economic development of any nation has never worked anywhere and is capable of leading to the collapse of that nation. In a paper titled “Northern Nigeria: The Prosperity Agenda and National Security” Azazi contended that Nigeria as a nation cannot afford to leave any of its states or region behind in the march towards a long overdue achievement of prosperity stressing that comprehensive regional economic transformation has and will remain at the forefront of the nation’s policies.

The intervention of the NSA is indeed very revealing as it casts serious doubts on the capacity of the various zonal summits to advance the overall goal of balanced national development. He has said without equivocation that leaving sections of the country behind in our quest for accelerated development would catalyze the collapse of the nation. That to me is a vote of no confidence in the various regional summits that are geared to align the economies of the zones for their rapid economic transformation. What this

implies is that we have to indefinitely wait for other zones until they are ready even when they increasingly show sufficient aversion to modern development imperatives. In effect Azazi is saying that we must hold others down till all segments are prepared to tag along. When that will be is a matter of conjecture. This does not appear to make much sense. Azazi is saying that we must as a matter of compelling necessity tag behind until we are able to reign in Boko Haram to accept that western education is the way forward.

He seems to be saying that until its sponsors are made to accept that all modern inventions are products of western education; until they are made to see the futility in pursuing the imposition of sharia law, this country should continue to stagnate. Nobody will be convinced by that patronizing logic.

We have no problem with the nation carrying all segments along in the task of national transformation. We have no problem with an integrated approach to national development. But people are increasingly getting impatient with what appears as contrived efforts to drag the nation down through some extremist religious ideology. They are getting tired that we cannot transform our bounteous endowments for the good of the populace. If the regional approach holds the ace to this continuous slide so be it.

Maybe that is the clear signal these sections require to sit up. At any rate, it will be counterproductive not to allow true federalism that will unleash the creative energies of the zones to flourish.

‘Not unexpectedly, feelings are now high that the north does not seem to be on the same page with the rest of the country in terms of the dispositions that quicken the pace of national development. The wanton destructions by the Boko Haram religious sect which is averse to western education and western development models seem to have reinforced this feeling’

The lingering coastal road

By Bode Olabisi South-south economic summit, even more worrisome.

An economic summit revolves around showcasing what business opportunities are available to would-be investors in a particular area, and what such geographical area stands to benefit from offering its opportunities to the outside investors. But did the conveners of its second South-south economic summit spare a thought about what opportunities abound with the successful completion of the East-West coastal road? Just take a look. The construction of this coastal road will benefit the region in the area of security, employment for restive youths, access to social amenities, tourism, opening up the entire Niger Delta for easy accessibility by other parts of the country, easy evacuation of goods, revival of agriculture in the Niger Delta and access to unutilized waterways. The list is endless! It would be expected, that this should form an integral part of any economic summit that is keen on value addition to the Niger Delta region.

One is tempted to ask again if the South-south governors are still thinking about the East-West Coastal Road. If they do, how much are they individually and collectively interfacing with the NDDC, to ensure the project sees the light of the day, at least, for the sake of the survival of the region in a possible post-oil era? And the same message goes to President Goodluck Jonathan!

Before the discovery of crude oil at Oloibiri, Balyelsa State in 1956, the Niger Delta had been contributing handsomely to the National Gross Domestic Product through its agricultural and other mineral endowments. In its uniquely complex forest and aquatic ecosystem held 60-80% of Nigeria’s animal and plant species.

The Delta which is noted as one of the richest wetlands in the world had timber, bamboo, sand, salt fossil fuels, clay among others, which served as the economic mainstay of the area before oil was discovered. Oil came with all the wealth and concomitant socio- political challenges. Sadly the impact of the oil wealth has largely eluded the area, while the accompanying challenges have however become endemic in the region.

For more than 50 years now, the region has been with oil, seeing the high and the low of what oil can do for the region.

There is hardly anything left to be seen now. Is it not wise therefore, to begin to search for how the region can be economically stable after the wells go dry in the near future?

The greatest fear that I have and I suppose many Nigerians,

is what happens to the region if the oil ceases to flow by the time we exhaust the estimated 22 billion barrels reserve in 30 years as speculated? What becomes of the Niger Delta if the East-West coastal, road is not in place at the time?

Without looking too far, what comes closest to an option and solution for the region is the East-West road because of the numerous advantages to the region and the nation.

The first major benefit of the 704-kilometre road is that, it would open up the entire Niger Delta to the rest of the country and travel time from Calabar to Lagos would be reduced to barely four hours.

Opening up the region would command instant inflow of investments from home and abroad, which will generate employment for the army of unemployed youths.

Tourism will be one of the greatest beneficiaries as fivestar hotels would spring up along the road. In addition, new road networks from each state of the Niger Delta, would spring up to link up with it. All these will ease accessibility of hitherto isolated schools, hospitals, markets etc.

Being a coastal road, it will facilitate access to previously unused waterways and natural beaches for beach viewing.

The all- round benefits of this project are too well known.

And there is no reason the governors and other influential people from that region should not interface with the NDDC and even the presidency, to ensure that the project is executed and right on time too. That is the only vehicle that can ensure socio- economic stability for the region when the oil is no more. And the whole country will be better for it.

• Olabisi wrote in from Port Harcourt, River State.

‘Tourism will be one of the greatest beneficiaries as five-star hotels would spring up along the road.

In addition, new road networks from each state of the Niger Delta, would spring up to link up with it. All these will ease accessibility of hitherto isolated schools, hospitals, markets etc’

BUSINESS

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

ISSUES

Subsidy row in FAAC A CRISIS of confidence is brewing between the states and Federal Government over the manner the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meetings are held and allegations that some people may be cooking the FAAC books.

- Page 26

N2.5t insurance target feasible INSURERS’ N2.5 trillion projected gross industry premium by the end of 2015 is still on, the Commissioner for Insurance, Fola Daniel, has said.

- Mrs Omobola Johnson, Minister of Communication Technology

THE CEO

‘Shell learnt a big lesson in Ogoni’

Will the freeing of Apapa road ease port operation?

- P. 27 News Briefing

25 The goal of the National ICT policy is to provide a framework for streamlining the ICT sector and enhancing its ability to help address some socioeconomic and development challenges.

P. 32

Customer complaints: Banks refund D N4.3b in two years EPOSIT money banks have in the last two years refunded a total of N4.3 billion to customers over breaches of agreements.

The figure covers 3,306 petitions lodged at Consumer and Financial Protection Division of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from March 2010 to March 31, this year, The Nation gathered.

The CBN Director, Banking Supervision, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins, said 55 complaints were received in the first quarter of this year.

She said the apex bank is reviewing the framework on consumer protection to ensure that complaints are addressed.

By Collins Nweze

She said such complaints arose mainly from poor customer service, high bank tariffs, frauds and forgeries as well as bank distress.

She disclosed that where any of the cases was proved, the affected bank was asked to make amends. The measures are aimed at encouraging good banking habits and promoting efficiency in the delivery of financial services as well as boosting public confidence in the system, she said.

“On March 1, 2010 the CBN

created a division in Financial Policy and Regulation Department known as Consumer and Financial Protection Division with the following mandate to educate consumers and defend their interests, detect money laundering and combat financial terrorism, enhance awareness. From March 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011, the division has received a total of 3,306 petitions from banks customers. As at same date, the banks had refunded N4.30 billion,” the CBN official said.

It said efforts have been made by the regulatory authorities to ensure that bank customers enjoy not only quality services but also protection from excessive charges and loss of cash.

To achieve this objective, the apex bank has also established a Help Desk at its headquarters where the consumer complaints on any services are directed.

The regulator advised banks, discount houses and other financial institutions to continue to expand their existing Automated Teller

Lagos makes N11b from land charges

- Page 39

Labour launches buses today

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst. Editor

THE Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) will today roll out its fleet of 150 buses under its mass transit business scheme.

The scheme, which is to be operated as TUC Transport and Investment, would be inaugurated by Vice President Namadi Sambo.

P

- Page 40 DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -10.5% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $35.8b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 242.1 $ 156 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 238 RIYAL 40.472

Machine (ATM) help desks to handle customer complaints. Also, there is provision for authorised dealers to refer issues on Trade and Foreign Exchange Policy to the Director, Trade & Exchange Department of the CBN. It said a good understanding of a bank’s customer expectation entails knowing who the customers are. This is important to enable the banks to devise strategies for preventing and controlling complaints against their services.

The CBN said dissatisfaction of banks’ customers could lead to loss of confidence in not only the affected banks but the system.

•Enterprise Bank Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ahmed Kuru, and Proprietress/Chief Executive Officer, Bereton Academy Nigeria, Mrs. Josephine Diete-Spiff, at the Customer Forum of the bank, at Novotel Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Money laundering: NAICOM plans new technology platform for insurers T

HE National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) will soon introduce an Information Technology (IT) platform to manage insurers’compliance with the money laundering Act, The Nation has learnt.

Investigation revealed that because of the failure of most insurance firms to instal robust information technology platforms to harmonise their operations and ensure seamless reporting of transactions, the commission has resolved to issue industry guidelines that would make operators develop their technology platforms.

The insurance regulator, last year, secured a $1.5 million World Bank support to boost its e-regulation platform.

By Chuks Udo Okonta

The project was informed by the need to align with international best practices, adding that the initiative would ensure the migration from manual supervision to IT-driven supervision.

Deputy Commissioner, Finance and Administration, NAICOM, George Onekhena, said the commission was working on a modular system that would ensure that the operations of operators are managed.

He said: “We are building a modular approach and the different components. So far, we are done with our system.

If you want to build a system

for the industry, you must have your system, and we are making substantial progress.

“Very soon, we are going to come up with industry guidelines on Information Technology which is going to define the kind of information technology infrastructure that is required by companies in the industry.

Once that is done, we would start building on it. It is a major project that involves a lot of things and if one is not careful one will run into problems.”

Head, Compliance Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Giwa Sechap, had accused insurers of having poor reporting system, adding that

insurers are a weak link in the financial services sector.

He noted that insurers have poor customers’ identification system and their reports are incomplete.

The ‘Project e-regulation’ when operational, would allow seamless inter-connectivity between the Commission and the Insurance sector, thereby ensuring “real-timedirect data capture” and timely solvency monitoring.

The industry’s proposed electronic insurance certificate has also been hindered because of poor submission of data to the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA).

The initiative was billed to start in March, but could not because many companies were unable to submit their customers’ data.

ERMANENT Secretary, Lands Bureau,Mr Hakeem MuriOkunola, has announced a revenue of over N11 billion for the year.

He said the revenue performance, however, represents a shortfall compared to last years.

He said the Bureau is not deterred by the drop in revenue but is geared to improve its revenue performance through some new land scheme and other revenueenhancing programmes that will come on stream.

He said the state government has embarked on property valuation and revaluation to boost revenue collection, which will facilitate population and housing census, planning of urban and rural settlements, transportation system, flood and erosion control, mineral development including bitumen and petroleum.

Commending the state Land Registry, he said it ranks as not only the most developed in the country but also in West Africa.

He warned land speculators and those who encroach on government’s property and indirectly prevent allottees of government land from taking physical possession of their plots of land to desist from doing so. He said: “The state government wishes to state unequivocally that all illegal structures and shanties constructed on state lands by individuals, companies or institutions without valid titles and approved development permits will be demolished by the appropriate government agencies in line with applicable statutory provisions.”

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

26

BUSINESS NEWS Flight Schedule

Nigeria, Malaysia partner on investment exchange

MONDAY - FRIDAY LAGOS – ABUJA Departure Arrival 1. Aero 06.50 08.10 2. Associated 07.00 09.30 3. Air Nigeria 07.00 08.20 4. IRS 07.00 08.20 5. Dana 07.02 08.22 6. Arik 07.15 08.15 7. Chanchangi 07.15 8. Air Nigeria 08.15 09.35 9. Dana 08.10 09.20 10. Aero 08.45 10.05 11. Arik 09.15 10.15 12. Chanchangi 10.00 11.00 13. IRS 11.15 12.35 14. Dana 12.06 12.26 15. Aero 12.20 13.30 16. Air Nigeria 13.25 14.45 17. Chanchangi 13.30 14.30 18. Arik 13.45 14.45 19. IRS 14.00 15.20 20. Aero 14.10 15.30 21. Air Nigeria 14.50 16.10 22. Dana 15.30 16.50 23. Chanchangi 15.30 16.30 24. Arik 15.50 16.50 25. Aero 16.00 17.20 26. IRS 16.30 17.50 27. Arik 16.50 17.50 28. Dana 17.10 18.30 29. Chanchangi 17.30 18.30 30. Air Nigeria 17.35 18.55 31. Air Nigeria (T/TH) 18.30 19.50 32. Arik 18.45 19.45 33. Aero 19.20 20.40 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

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

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1.

2.

3.

4.

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

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40 08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20 12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT (CIVIL) 1. Aero 07.15 08.35 2. Arik 07.15 08.35 3. Arik 09.00 10.20 4. Dana 09.27 10.40 5. Aero 10.50 12.30 6. Arik 11.40 13.00 7. Air Nigeria 12.00 13.10 8. IRS 13.30 15.00 9. Arik 14.00 15.20 10. Dana 15.03 16.20 11. Air Nigeria 16.00 17.10 12. Arik 16.10 17.30 13. Aero 16.15 17.30 14. Arik 17.10 18.30 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

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2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

09.1 12.50 12.55 15.55

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4.

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LAGOS – KANO Air Nigeria 07.10 IRS 08.00 Dana 08.10 Arik 12.20 IRS 14.00 IRS 18.15

08.50 09.45 09.40 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

LAGOS – UYO 10.35

11.35

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik 1. Dana

LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 1. IRS 11.15 13.15 2. Arik 15.50 18.00 LAGOS – ILORIN

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

By Ambrose Nnaji

T

•From left: Executive Director, Public Sector, Keystone Bank, Mr Shehu Abubakar; Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed and Managing Director, Keystone Bank, Mr Oti Ikomi, during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Ilorin.

States kick over exclusion of subsidy figure in FAAC

A

CRISIS of confidence is brew ing between the states and the Federal Government over the way the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meetings are held and allegations that some people may be cooking the FAAC books.

The Nation learnt that last Friday’s FAAC meeting was explosive following the non-inclusion of subsidy deductions from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in the minutes of the meeting.

According to the source, who asked not to be named, the states’commissioners of finance were angry that the subsidy deduction was not included as was the normal practice.

The suspicion of the commissioners was aroused when they learnt that the scheduled technical session that was to hold on Thursday with the states’Accountants-General did not.

The source disclosed that the subsidy figure that was eventually pre-

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor Abuja)

sented to the meeting was done after protests from the finance commissioners.

The commissioners are suspicious that the Friday FAAC meetings recently introduced was a ploy by the Federal Government to muscle the states and prevent them from asking questions because “by the time the meeting effectively takes off, it would be time for jumat prayers and members will no longer be able to ask questions.”

At last Friday’s meeting, it was alleged that the subsidy deductions were smuggled in about 11 am, a development the commissioners frowned at. However, the commissioners were said to have reluctantly collected the April allocation, but with a stern warning to the FAAC secretariat that henceforth, technical sessions between Accountants-Gen-

eral of the states and the federation must hold and that the final executive meeting should not hold on Fridays again.

On Thursday when the technical session was supposed to take place, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Lawan Ngama, had explained that the January subsidy crisis had led to the disruption of oil production, which in turn affected the time and date FAAC meetings are to hold. Initially, FAAC meetings were scheduled to hold on Tuesdays and Wednesday around the 13th and 14th of every month, but after the January unrest, the subsequent FAAC meetings were shifted to 17th, 18th or 19th of the months.

Also on Friday, when the chairman of the states’commissioners of finance, Eze Echesi, was asked if the states were happy with the FAAC directive to open the SURE-P account, he described the directive as “merely a request made on a friendly basis.”

New guidelines on KYC coming

T

HE much-awaited segragated Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines proposed to enhance customers due diligence practice in banks, would come on stream before the end of second quarter of the year, The Nation has learnt.

They are expected to address the operations of three sets of accounts in banks to protect the data of customers.

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) spokesman, Mr Ugochukwu Okoroafor, said the guidelines are being fine-tuned by the management of the apex bank and that they would be ready soon.

He said: “The tiered guidelines on Customers Due Diligence would be out in the next few weeks. The guidelines is almost through, it is being finetuned. The approval, and subsequent release of the guidelines is being

By Akinola Ajibade

awaited.”

He refused to go into details. He said: “When somebody is planning to open an account, he follows a particular process. But now, the process would be modified.From the word tiered, it means customers are segregated based on the type of accounts they are operating. That shows that there is level one, two and three customers that the guidelines would take care of.

“For instance, the guidelines that would be useful for customers operating savings account, would be different from those that are operating current account. The guidelines would be lesser for savings account than corporate account because the former does not require third-part transactions.”

He said the applications of the guidelines would be rigorous for some

account holders, while it would not for others.

According to him, the rigorous applications of the guidelines would depend on the risk management level of a bank. Industry sources said the guideline was borne out of the needs to block loopholes inherent in the development and maintenance of depositors’ account. They said the new guidelines would be more-purposive, flexible and rigourous, in view of the problems in the industry.

CBN, had two years ago, introduced a KYC framework that allowed customers to change the old data for new ones and further forestall problems in the industry. Later, it issued a deadline for banks to conclude activities on the issue. The aftermath of the exercise, was inability of some banks to properly document the identities of their customers.

3,000 empty containers litter Lagos ports

N

o fewer than 3,000 empty containers litter some of the terminals at Tin Can Island port and Apapa, an investigation

by The Nation have revealed.

Many of the shipping firms and the terminal operators, it was gathered, keep the containers to extort importers, clearing agents and truck drivers.

Some importers, clearing agents and truck drivers, who spoke with The Nation last week, said some terminal operators at Tin Can are frus-

By Oluwakemi Dauda

trating their business because of their policy not to accept empty containers from the truck drivers.

This, the port users alleged, contribute to the gridlock on ApapaOshodi Expressway.

When The Nation visited the port last Thursday, many of the terminals at Tin Can, for example, were stacked with empty containers. But the situation was not the same at the APM Terminal in Apapa. The terminal officers were busy loading its empty containers to their

return to country of origin.

A senior Customs officer, who craved anonymity, said some of the empty containers, have been at the port for over four months.

Also, a truck driver, Mr Felix Adebowale, who spoke for his colleagues, recounted their experiences in the hands of some terminals’ officials.

He alleged that before they were allowed to return empty containers , they pay between N5,000 and N10,000 at Tin Can gate.

RADE between Nigeria and Ma laysia has received a boost as the two countries plan to embark on investment exchange scheduled to take off in August in Malaysia.

The exchange, which would be yearly, would embrace the various sectors of the economy including oil/ gas, power generation, manufacturing, construction infrastructure, agriculture, maritime, education, tourism and hospitality.

The project is expected to create a partnership between Nigerian investors and stheir Malaysian counparts.

Founder/President, Nigeria-Malaysia Business Council, Larry SegunLean, said in Lagos that Malaysia would provide opportunities for Nigerian investors.

He explained that the exchange would woo investors from Malaysia,who would organise another forum for other business interests scheduled to take place in Nigeria in November.

He said about 20 investors have, so far, been slated for the first trip and that they would merge with financiers and business partners in Malaysia.

He said there are financial institutions in Malaysia that are ready to fund projects only if they are viable could promote and generate employment.

“We will merge them with their needs with their investors in Malaysia and then the financial institutions too are going to be involved because they are going to provide the requisite funding when the project has been identified and that project is ready for execution,” he explained.

He added that the financial institutions from both countries would participate in the business investment exchange Meanwhile, the travel company has been directed to organise the travel for the interested parties while the council secretariat, the president said, would take the function of facilitating all they needed to do including the inspection of the profile of the companies to ascertain whether they are serious business people or not.

‘Farmers among lowest-paid‘

By Daniel Essiet

F

ARMERS are among the lowest-paid. Their income falls below the national minimum wage, investigation has shown.

At a particular farm in Ikorodu, Lagos, The Nation found that the workers get less than N18,000 monthly. A farm owner said they are finding it difficult to pay the minimum wage because they earn less from sales.

Reacting to the situation, a former Executive Director, Agricultural Rural and Managing Training Institute (ARMTI), Julius Oneitan, said the net take-home income of farmers is not comparable with that of the least paid civil servant. He said farmers have been struggling under lower farm prices with many being forced out of the industry.

He said the disparities in farm and non-farm incomes have occurred mainly because agric products have been underpriced for decades. He said farm workers are entitled to good pay. Underpayment, long working hours, poor living conditions, he noted, are some of the challenges farmers endure, in addition poor working condition, he stated.

He lamented that the firms buying from farmers are not paying them well, adding that the industry needs to create opportunities for producers and workers who have been disadvantaged or marginalised by the system. He said the industry needs to ensure that farmers receive more pay.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

27

ISSUES

•The new Oshodi-Apapa Expressway after the government clamped down on the trailer drivers. Inset: the gridlock before the exercise.

PHOTOS: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA

Will the freeing of Apapa road ease port operation?

• Story on page 14

The removal of fuel tankers and other impediments from the Oshodi-Apapa road has made it free.

Motorists now drive in and out of Apapa with ease. But port users are not up beat about it all because they don’t know for how long the “tanker drivers will be kept at bay.” OLUWAKEMI DAUDA reports • Continued on page 28

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

28

ISSUES

•Finance Minister Okonjo-Iweala

Dr

Ngozi

•Gov Fashola

•MD NPA, Omar Suleiman

ANLCA President, Olayiwola Shittu

Will the freeing of Apapa road ease port operation?

• Continued from page 27

T

HOSE who have experienced the traffic snarl on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway and the inherent dangers will appreciate why the Lagos State government removed trucks and other impediment from the road. The removal of the trailers has brought relief to commuters and paved the way for a new era of engagement for port users. The initiative is seen as a solution to the perennial traffic logjam hindering cargo clearance at the ports.

Good road network Most stakeholders who spoke with The Nation praised the Federal and the Lagos State governments for taking the initiative. They, however, noted that it is not right for the port to have only road network. The road, they said, should be expanded to meet the needs of the port. They said operations in Apapa would increase on the road. President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Alhaji Olayiwola Shittu, said more than three decades ago, the government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari proposed a ring road that would evacuate goods from Apapa ports through the Badagry Expressway and up north.

He said the Shagari administration was strengthening the rails too, including a new line from the Calabar port through Gombe to Maiduguri. Shittu regretted that the good projects died with that government since the subsequent administrations did not care about addressing the issues.

He advised President Goodluck Jonathan to revisit the programes to make the ports attractive for business by making cargo clearance easy to enhance revenue generation.

Lagos seaports as disincentive Many importers at Seme border said they dread the roads leading to the Lagos seaports, which led to their diversion of cargoes to neighbouring countries.

Their fears stem from what they described as the "deadly road" which they must use in moving their cargoes. The movement of cargoes takes time because of the gridlock created by the indiscriminate parking of trailers on the road.

Managing Director, Able Investment, Felix Godwin, complained about the time spent in moving cargoes.

He said the Customs, under the existing 100 per cent cargo inspection, must examine all cargoes. Besides, the importers must also be given a clean bill by other agencies. And then there is the traffic snarl that can take six to seven hours on a journey that should not have taken more than 30 minutes.

All these, importers said, impede trade facilitation and delay cargo clearance, thereby, breeding congestion, corruption and cargo

diversion to ports of neighbouring countries.

100% examination by Customs Despite the reduction in the number of government agencies as the ports, importers still experience delays. These delays are brought about by the 100 per cent cargo examination policy: time spent by other agencies to conduct their own examinations.

Importers are also complaining about men of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), who allegedly stay on the roads to examine goods that have been cleared by their colleagues at the ports.

All these are done in the name of national security and revenue generation.

Importers believe that the multiple checking of cargoes also contribute to the gridlock, since it is done along the expressway. These checks also result in capital flight, port congestion, loss of revenue, corruption, insecurity and cargo diversion, among others.

The importers said the collaborative efforts between the Federal and Lagos State government to sanitise the Oshodi-Apapa Express road must be praised as it would go a long way in making the port more userfriendly.

Port congestion and gridlock The ports suffered serious crises in the past, because of congestion. There is fear that if the measure taken by the Federal and Lagos State governments is not sustained, there may be another setback in cargo clearance as witnessed during the cement armada in the 70s.

Everything, stakeholders agreed, must be done to tackle the heavy traffic on the Apapa port roads. They warned that the country would keep losing billions of naira everyday as goods are diverted to neighbouring ports. Besides, they said, demurrage will keep piling for containers awaiting clearance, as well as for empty ones on their return journey to the ports.

Because of the gridlock, freight forwarders said they are not getting jobs as the expected number of containers and other goods are not being cleared because of the delay in the movement of cargoes.

NPA 's position The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is worried over the man-hour lost to the

heavy traffic and 100 per cent cargo examination and re-examination by security agents. Its Managing Director, Omar Suleiman, bemoaned the attitude of trailer drivers on the road, promising that the authority will lead the campaign against their menace.

Suleiman said he was displeased with the man-hour lost on the Oshodi-Apapa road assuring that something will be done about it.

The NPA boss suggested that all port users and operators should create a way for easy movement of cargoes in and out of the ports. He noted that shipping plays a vital role in world trade, adding that it is the backbone of the world economy.

Suleiman said: “Without ships the world will not be as prosperous as it is today and many countries will not be able to participate in world trade.''

Fixing the rails More importantly, Suleiman underlined the necessity for a rail line for the Lagos ports, arguing that smaller port complexes elsewhere are adequately served by rail.

The NPA, he said, has spent billions of Naira to fix the rails at the Apapa port so that when the national line is ready, it would be easy to link up to it and ease cargo movement.

Investigation by The Nation revealed that lasting solution to the chaos must consider the volume of traffic to the ports.

For instance, it was learnt almost everything used in the country is imported and more than 80 per cent of the goods come in through Apapa ports.

Thus, while the Federal and the Lagos State governments are spending billions of Naira on the roads, they must also collaborate to fix the rails and make cargo clearance easy from the ports.

The abandonment of the rails, a member of the House of Representatives from Oshodi Constituency One, Lagos State, Mr Maroof Akinderu-Fatai, said is at the centre of the chaos on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway. He said resort to rail transportation is a solution to the crisis. Tankers lifting petroleum products in the area, he said, have taken over the role of the rails.

Akinderu-Fatai sees the tankers as a disruptive alternative to the rails.

The Federal Government, he said, has

Thus, while the Federal and the Lagos State governments are spending billions of Naira on the roads, they must also collaborate to fix the rails and make cargo clearance easy from the ports

to revive the rails. He said the project, is so essential that it should be one of the key items in President Goodluck Jonathan's transformation agenda.

Poor government decisions The challenge of clearing goods early from the ports stems from poor government decisions. If domestic refineries work, fewer tankers would be crowding the Apapa Oshodi-Expressway to lift petroleum products. If the rails were operating, there will be less pressure on the road.

Government policy Tanker drivers told The Nation that they are not the problem of the port. They bllamed it on what they called inconsistent government policies.

Many of them held terminal operators responsible for the gridlock at Apapa.

The problem, the drivers said, degenerated to this level because government has failed to appoint regulators after concessioning the ports.

Speaking with The Nation under the aegis of Joint Council of Seaport Truckers, which comprises five unions - Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, Association of Maritime Truck Owners, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (Haulage section), Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (truck drivers unit), and the Truck Terminal Users Association of Nigeria, the Secretary of JCOST, Mr Ikeji Godwin, said the association is not against the decision to restore sanity to the Oshodi-Apapa expressway but the interest of port users and truck drivers should be considered when formulating government policies.

Holding bays Investigation revealed that the failure of some of the terminals to provide holding bays where empty containers could be offloaded for trucks is responsible for drivers queuing endlessly on the road.

But this, according to the concession agreement, is the responsibility of the shipping companies.

NPA is also insisting that the shipping companies must provide holding bays in order to fast track cargo clearance and reduce the gridlock along the expressway.

Sustaining the collaboration Operators and mostly residents of Apapa said they would be happy if the collaboration between the Federal and Lagos State governments making Apapa road free is sustained without any political consideration.

They said there are people waiting to take advantage of any disagreement between the two tiers of government and undo the good things being done now.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

29

PERSONAL FINANCE Investor’s Worth

Investors’ investor

C

ONOIL Plc’s shares are spread in the hands of some 200,000 shareholders. With an average yearly growth of about 42 per cent in cash dividends in the past two years, Conoil has paid N13 billion to shareholders over the past 10 years.

As the profitability and returns of the company improve year-on-year, Conoil’s shareholders’ base has also been growing simultaneously as investors seeking for secured and appreciable returns turn to the oil major.

As such, Conoil appears to be the safe haven for retail, small and medium investorspeople who put their savings and future living standard in futuristic earnings of stocks.

About 186,000 shareholders hold between one and 5000 shares of Conoil, indicating the immense popularity of the stock with retail investors.

Conoil’s attractiveness is rooted in its performance record since privatisation 12 years ago. With average annual cash dividend payout of N1.3 billion, the oil major has consistently weathered the tough operating environment. It has also maintained a progressive shareholders friendly dividend policy.

As earnings per share increased from N2.62 in 2008 to N3.33 and N4.02 in 2009 and 2010 respectively, Conoil had increased cash dividend per share correspondingly from N1 in 2009 to N1.50 and N2 in 2009 and 2010 respectively.

Besides, average payout rate also stood at about 44.4 per cent in the past three years with the company progressively increasing the proportion of profit after tax distributed to shareholders from 38.2 per cent in 2008 to 45.05 per cent in 2009 and 49.8 per cent in 2010. Compared with a payout of 20 kobo in 2000, current dividend payments have boosted the nest eggs of the shareholders.

Driving this performance is Dr. Mike Adenuga (Jr), the man whose Conpetro Limited, owns the majority equity stake in Conoil Plc. Undoubtedly one of Nigeria’s shrewdest investors, Adenuga has shown rare commitment to the continuous growth of the common till, opting to drink from the same cup with ordinary shareholders.

He envisioned Conoil as ‘honey-pot’ of shareholders

and a customer’s delight and has since spared no efforts to ensure the company lives up to its vision.

Although Adenuga’s Conpetro, as the majority core investor, provides strategic direction, management and technical expertise to Conoil, it neither charges nor receives any technical agreement fees or royalties as common with several other companies.

Adenuga himself as chairman of Conoil does not receive emoluments, even though he is statutorily entitled to such compensation.

He drives the company continuously to achieve greater profitability and ensure greater returns for himself and other shareholders.

That’s the uniqueness that sets Conoil apart from other privatised oil-marketing companies and most other companies on the stock market.

The long-term commitment to sustainable growth underpins the massive investments in capacity and resources year-on-year, to ensure Conoil continuously delivers returns irrespective of the operating challenges.

Already, there is credible estimate that Conoil would deliver the best performance in the petroleum-marketing subgroup for the 2011 business year.

Conoil ended the year with profit before tax of some N4 billion and turnover of N161 billion as the oil major harnessed expansion in its business portfolios and consolida-

‘But it’s not the vastness of his richness that stands him out, Adenuga’s uniqueness lies in the thematic mindset of his investment and business philosophy-creating and building longterm commonwealth for the benefit of all, especially small and medium non-controlling investors that trust their shareholdings for their future’

T

•Adenuga

tion of its market share. These indicated 57 per cent, 37 per cent and 43 per cent in turnover, profit before tax and profit after tax respectively.

Conoil’s 2011 performance thus significantly set new growth levels in sales and profitability. With profit after tax of N4 billion, earnings per share would be N5.76 as against N4.02 in 2010, which may see distribution of some N1.7 billion to shareholders.

Adenuga’s Conpetro, based on its equity holding, will receive more than N1 billion in cash dividends. That’s the continuous cash flow that tickles the bulls in him.

A businessman extraordinaire, Adenuga’s Midas touch can also be seen in several other companies.

Adenuga’s Globacom Mobile Limited, popularly known as Glo, remains a Nigerian and African pride, ranking within the biggest and best telecommunications networks globally.

He is also known to have significant interests in offshore oil production, airline, banking and trade. Although the valuations of these private companies are not publicly available, they-together with the publicly available valuation of Conoil- put Adenuga on the Forbes’ list of Africa’s richest men.

But it’s not the vastness of his richness that stands him out, Adenuga’s uniqueness lies in the thematic mindset of his investment and business philosophy-creating and building long-term commonwealth for the benefit of all, especially small and medium non-controlling investors that trust their shareholdings for their future.

That’s what has made him investors’ investor- a man whose doggedness and uncompromising standards grow the portfolios of hundreds of thousands of other investors.

Ask a Broker

What are intangible assets?

I

NTANGIBLE assets are simply assets without physical or tangible character or value to hold on to.

Nonetheless, intangible assets form part of the balance sheet of a company because of the general assumptions that they hold inherent values even where such values cannot be seen like other assets such as buildings, machinery etc.

These intangible assets include goodwill, trademarks, secret production processes and formulas, patents,

copyrights, franchises and brand value.

Intangible assets can generally be classified into: assets with determinate life and those with indeterminate life.

Some intangible assets such as patents, copyrights and franchises have determined lifespan subject to the law while others such as goodwill have indeterminate life.

Practical examples of intangible assets include the goodwill that accrued to Access Bank from the acqui-

Understanding securities lending

sition of Intercontinental Bank or goodwill that accrued from Kraft Food’s acquisition of Cadbury.

The recognition and treatment of intangible assets depend on the applicable laws and rules in a particular jurisdiction.

These may also differ from industry to industry. Suffice to note that the issue of intangible assets is a delicate issue that is susceptible to underestimation and overestimation, in whichever case it becomes injurious to investors’ returns.

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is currently harmonizing its rules and regulations on securities lending with the approved rules and regulations by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) preparatory to the take off of the practice in the Nigerian market. Securities lending will undoubtedly have profound impact, positive or negative, on the structures and future of the Nigerian stock market.

Given the recent experience of the Nigerian market with margin loans, it is imperative for investors, stockbrokers and other stakeholders to understand the imports of securities lending. The margin loan crisis was fueled largely by lack of adequate understanding of the meaning, rules, practices and consequences of margin loans by several capital market operators, including stockbrokers who should have served as advisors to investors.

This previous failure underscores the need to re-emphasise the general nature, rules and practices guiding securities lending.

Security lending or stock lending simply refers to the lending of securities by a holder of the securities to another market participant for a specified period, usually a short period of time. The lender receives collaterals equivalent to the securities being transferred in form of shares, letter of credit, bond, cash or other acceptable financial instruments. Besides, the borrower pays the lender a fee each month for the loan and is contractually obliged to return the securities on demand within the standard market settlement period. When securities are lent, the legal title of the securities passes from the lender to the borrower and the lender will only regain the title when the securities are returned from loan. As such, the lender will lose the voting right associated with the securities during the period of lending. However, the lender in spite of the transfer of the legal claim to ownership still retains the benefit of any corporate actions or dividends payments associated with the securities on loan. Besides, the lender has the right to recall securities on loan at any time, unless otherwise agreed with the borrower. Although securities lending globally follows general rules, the evolution of the securities lending market has seen development of varied contracts with special peculiarities agreed between the lender and borrower. The underlining point is that each securities lending contract, once approved and signed by the parties, is an enforceable legal contract based on the terms and specifications contained therein, rather than the general industry framework.

Securities lending started in the United Kingdom in the 60’s and thereafter spread to other global financial markets including the United States, Germany and Japan. Initially a back-office broker-to-broker deal, securities lending has developed over the years into a whole 24-hour global industry on its own with industry size estimated at more than $5 billion. The initial driver for securities lending business was to cover settlement failure which arose from short selling.

Securities lending is legal and

By Taofik Salako

well regulated in most of the world’s major securities markets. Although the global operating rules are similar, most markets have specific rules and regulations guiding security lending and borrowing. The International Securities Lending Association (ISLA), the international trade organisation for the securities lending industry, has more than 90 members from some 20 countries comprising insurance companies, pension funds, asset managers, banks and securities dealers representing more than 4,000 clients.

Based in London, ISLA provides global best practices and shadow regulations in addition to jurisdictional regulations by national authorities.

The process of securities lending is undertaken by securities lender, popularly called Seclender, as either agent or principal. As agent, the lender lends securities on behalf of the beneficial owner and takes no position on its books. Conversely, a Sec lender which is undertaking the transaction as a principal reflects such positions in its books. Securities lending and borrowing agreements are generally covered by two legal contracts, reflecting the position of the lender as either agent or principal. The Master Securities Lending Agreement (MSLA), which is the sine qua non under the rule of the NSE, is a global standardised industry agreement that sets out the relationship and responsibilities of the lender and the borrower. As a generally acceptable legal framework, the MSLA is recognized as a prototype agreement in any market.

The second contract, the Securities Lending Authorisation Agreement (SLAA), is required when a lender is acting as agent only and it outlines the relationship between the owner of the securities and the agent lender, and the responsibilities of the agent. The authorisation agreement also usually covers the types of collateral and cash collateral investment policies are acceptable to the owner. Usually, securities lending is conducted through intermediaries which serve as links between lenders and borrowers. While institutions may choose to sidestep intermediaries, several institutions prefer the use of intermediaries for efficient administration and better credit risks management. Under the guidelines of the NSE, approved intermediary must be a Market Maker or Custodian duly registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Under the guidelines of the NSE, the legal agreement must include the capacities of the parties-principal or agent, confirmation that an agent has appropriate prior authority from the beneficial owners or a partly suitably authorized by the beneficial owners, absolute transfer of the title to securities and collateral, daily marking to market of transactions, acceptable forms of collateral and margin percentages, arrangements for the delivery of collateral and for the maintenance

of margin whenever the mark to market reveals a material change in value, provisions clarifying the rights of the parties of the parties regarding substitution of collateral, the treatment of dividend payments and other rights in respect of securities and collateral including, arrangements for dealing with corporate actions, procedures for calling stock and arrangement if called stock cannot be delivered, clear specification of the events of default and the consequential rights and obligations of the counterparties, full set-off of claims between the counter parties in the event of default and the governing law and jurisdiction for the agreement.

In a vibrant and well-structured market, securities lending contributes to the efficiency of the market through increased liquidity provided by short selling. Also, securities lending can result in lower cost of investment as sec lenders can use the fees earned from loaning out securities to defray the costs of institutional investors.

However, there are several inherent risks in securities lending. These include the potential for counterparty to default on its obligations, market fluctuation that may lead to inadequate collateral, reliability of collateral, adverse effect of other laws such as taxes and residual market risk that could be created by a combination of many external variables including price volatility, market liquidity and exchange rate fluctuations among others.

There are also concerns that securities lending could be counterproductive and undermine the integrity and efficiency of the market’s price discovery system. Institutional investors could make it easier for short sellers to bet against the securities owned by their clients and thus exert downward pressures on their prices and contribute to the severity of market declines as well as return on investment. Lenders could also manipulate the market to technically warehouse voting rights of shareholders to allow some vested interests to take strategic corporate decisions.

Besides, there is always the lurking danger that the borrowers may not be able to meet margin calls on their collateral or return borrowed securities upon request. Even where borrower’s collateral is seized, this may at times yield less than the value of the securities lent out, especially when collateral of lesser quality has been accepted and market conditions make it difficult to sell at good prices.

With the recent experience of the Nigerian market with margin loans and global financial crisis, there is need careful scrutiny of this initiative to determine its workability, timeliness and availability of appropriate legal, operational and institutional requirements. For one; institutional capabilities of the key drivers such as mutual funds, custodians, insurance companies and pension funds, appear doubtful and at best, rudimentary.

‘Given the recent experience of the Nigerian market with margin loans, it is imperative for investors, stockbrokers and other stakeholders to understand the imports of securities lending’

Feedback/Comments: Email: taofad2000@yahoo.co.uk; SMS only: 080-2833-0861

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

30

MONEY LINK

Forex: CBN reviews rules on foreign loans, interest payment

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reviewed guidelines on foreign loans repayment at the foreign exchange market.

In a circular addressed to all authorized dealers and signed by CBN Director, Trade and Exchange Unit, Musa Batari said repayment of principal loans and interest payment on loans contracted for the purpose of raw materials, plant and machinery can be funded from the Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS).

However, foreign loan that is not for purposes stated above, funds for its repayment and interest payment shall be sourced from the interbank market.

The circular tagged: Foreign Loan Repayment from the Nigeria Foreign Exchange Market said that the new policy takes effect from May 18, 2012.

Batari said ancillary changes arising from contracting foreign loans shall be paid with interbank funds adding that in all cases, the authorized dealer would ensure that the transactions are supported with relevant documentation before effecting remittance.

“For foreign loan that is not for pur-

Stories by Collins Nweze

poses stated above, funds for its repayment and interest payment shall be sourced from the interbank market. Ancillary changes arising from contracting foreign loans shall be paid with interbank funds. In all cases, the authorised dealer shall ensure that the transactions are supported with CCI and other relevant documentation before effecting remittance. The authorised dealers are advised to ensure compliance, failing, which appropriate sanctions shall apply.

Meanwhile, the CBN has directed banks and other financial institutions to instruct their external auditors to forward two copies of their audit report to it not later than three months after the end of the banks’ financial year.

In addition, reports on fraud and forgeries committed during the accounting year under review should accompany the audit report even as each bank is expected to continue to communicate the appointment, reappointment, termination and resignation of the bank’s external auditors

to the CBN, stating the reasons for such action.

“Where a bank fails to comply with this requirement, the CBN reserves the right to withhold the approval of such action and apply appropriate sanctions. In recognition of the complementary role of external auditors, banks are required to ensure that their external auditors are in attendance at the presentation of bank examination reports by the supervisory authority to their Board of Directors,” he said.

External auditors are expected to devote a portion of their audit report to the review of the bank’s implementation of prior year’s audit recommendations. Also, the tenure of the external auditors in a given bank shall continue to be for a maximum period of 10 years after which the audit firm would not be reappointed in the bank until after a period of another 10 years.

“Banks with subsidiaries offering banking services shall continue to report on the operations of such companies along with their monthly returns to the CBN. Banks shall submit consolidated financial statements of the

group in line with the consolidated supervision requirement,” it said.

The CBN said it would continue to closely monitor the operations of banks through risk based and consolidated supervision to ensure the adoption of international best practice, compliance with prudential and disclosure requirements and abidance with relevant laws and regulations. It said it would continue to consult and dialogue with relevant stakeholders in the industry to foster industrial harmony and promotion of a sound financial system.

FirstBank, Ria partner on money transfer services

F

IRSTBANK of Nigeria has partnered Ria International Money Transfer Services (Ria) to assist Nigerians in the Diaspora to conveniently and reliably transfer money.

FirstBank, through its network of over 600 branches will act as receiver agent to Ria, a subsidiary of Euronet Worldwide, Inc., and the third largest global remittance company. Ria is widely acclaimed for its strength in terms having a network of 150,000 send agents and over 156 company-owned outlets located in over 120 countries spread across North America, the Carribean, Europe and Asia.

According to Folake Ani-Mumuney, Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, the partnership, in addition to the bank’s Moneygram and Western Union platforms, is another innovative offering from FirstBank that gives Nigerians in the Diaspora 24/7 access to convenient, secure, and reliable international money transfer services.

She said besides receiving cash dol-

Ex-CIBN chief criticises plan to amend CBN Act HE Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has called for an independent Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The former CIBN President Joseph Laoye Jaiyeola advised during his sent off at the weekend that the House of Representatives working on amending the CBN Act should separate the individual from the office he is holding.

He said that it took bankers huge efforts to secure the independence of the CBN, adding that plans to

T

amend the CBN Act should be resisted.

He called for a new era in the banking sector that is not only strong in terms of capital base and balance sheet but largely enjoys public confidence. He also said that deploying more capital to the banking sector without proper adherence to prudential guidelines cannot create the desired stability in the sector.

He said there is need to guide against possible reoccurrence of the banking crisis, by building a sustain-

able banking sector, focused on delivering value to the economy. He said the challenges of rebuilding trust in the banking sector are becoming more pronounced than ever.

However, pioneer CIBN President O.G. Otitoju said the CBN should not meddle in politics. He said the apex bank has no business with politics, but should only advise government on issues of economic importance.

He said there is need to continually adhere to the international best practices in banking at all times.

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 150m 150m 138m 138m

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 18-5-12 SYMBOL

LIVESTOCK RTBRISCOE ETERNAOIL TRANSCORP UNITYBNK GOLDINSURE CUSTODYINS STERLNBANK UACN MAYBAKER

O/PRICE

1.05 1.30 3.10 0.70 0.52 0.53 1.70 1.24 34.98 1.40

C/PRICE

1.10 1.36 3.24 0.73 0.54 0.55 1.76 1.28 36.00 1.44

113m

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

O/PRICE 3.42 15.79 7.29 11.00 2.25 4.30 4.75 6.20 0.89 1.12

C/PRICE 3.25 15.01 6.93 10.46 2.14 4.09 4.52 5.90 0.85 1.07

CHANGE 0.17 0.78 0.36 0.54 0.11 0.21 0.23 0.30 0.04 0.05

29-2-12 27-2-12

113m

155.7

22-2-12

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Dec ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 12.6%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Date

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 18-5-12

SYMBOL PORTPAINT PRESCO DANGFLOUR ASHAKACEM HONYFLOUR UBN FCMB NAHCO FIDSON AGLEVENT

Exchange Rate (N) 155.8 155.8

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

CHANGE

0.05 0.06 0.14 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.06 0.04 1.02 0.04

113m

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES OBB Rate Call Rate

lar/naira over the counter, Ria customers have the option of having their remittances credited directly into their accounts with the bank, providing flexibility and support for the cashless society initiative of the CBN. “FirstBank’s existing and prospective customers all over the world now have another platform for remitting money to their loved ones with the peace of mind, expertise, and convenience that FirstBank offers. Ria is a top brand in money transfer business, and we are delighted at having another opportunity to serve the Diaspora market with seamless money transfer services,” she said.

The bank recently launched FirstDiaspora, a suite of products specially designed to cater to various finance related needs and projects of Nigerians in the Diaspora. The products under the FirstDiaspora bouquet enable diaspora customers maintain operative accounts, finance investments in real estate in Nigeria, transact domestic and international funds transfers, and grow their net worth in Nigeria.

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

•CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 123.90 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 105.44 THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.75 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.08 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.89 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,710.94 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 9.42 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 7,883.04 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 123.77 104.82 0.72 1.08 0.88 1,703.76 8.96 1.33 1.80 7,672.11 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous 04 July, 2011

Current 07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

31

MONEY MARKET REPORT FGN domestic debt by holder, Dec 2011 (% share)

•Sources: Debt Management Office (DMO), FBN Capital Research

Bonds, Treasury Bills’ yields increase IELDS on bonds and treasury bills are on the increase after the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced a rise in inflation rate from 12.1 per cent to 12.9 per cent last Tuesday.

Prior to the release of inflation data, a fiveyear bond was yielding 15.05 per cent, but has gone up to 15.36 per cent.

The Debt Management Office (DMO) auctioned N35 billion worth of five-year bonds maturing in 2017 at a yield of 15.24 per cent, compared with 15.1 per cent at its last auction lst month.

“The market and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are both anticipating a peak in inflation of around 14.5 per cent by the third quarter. This mitigates the possibility of an unexpected hike in policy rates or a significant sell-off in bonds,” Samir Gadio, an emerging market strategist at Standard Bank, said.

The increase in yields prompted investors to hold positions ahead of this week’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting where the CBN is expected to keep interest rates on hold at 12 per cent, despite the inflationary hike. “Bond and treasury bill yields have adjusted upwards, rising between 20 and 100 basis points, dealers said, after April inflation climbed to 12.9 per cent, year-on-year, from 12.1 per cent in March,” one analyst said.

Successive hikes in interest rates by the CBN had spurred a sustained rally in bonds, but current inflation data reversed some of those gains.

Y

Interbank rates The interbank lending rates rose last week to an average of 14.66 per cent, from 14.16 per cent the previous week, as cash outflows to bonds and dollar purchases further drained liquidity in the market. Traders said the market opened with a cash balance of about N32 billion on Friday, compared with the N87 billion balance penultimate Friday. “The market is short. That was the reason rates went up slightly higher this week but the inflow of about N71 billion on Friday in cash call to joint venture oil producing partners helped calm the market a little,” one dealer said.

The secured Open Buy Back (OBB) was unchanged at 14 per cent, 200 basis points above the CBN’s 12 per cent benchmark rate, and four percentage points above the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate.

But overnight placement and call-money traded at 15 per cent each, compared with 14.25 per cent each last week.

“We see rates initially trending downward early in the week because of the anticipated flow of about N200 billion in matured treasury bills and bonds, but it could be back up with selling of treasury bills at the primary auction and open market operations later in the week,” another dealer said.

Naira

The naira fell to its lowest level in two months against the dollar on the interbank market on Wednesday, on strong dollar demand from investors repatriating their dividends abroad. The currency closed at N158.90 to the dollar on the interbank market, the

By Collins Nweze

lowest since the middle of February, compared with the N158.03 it closed at on Tuesday.

The naira had traded around the N157.10 to N157.90 to the dollar band for the better part of the last two months on the impact of dollar sales by oil companies and offshore investors who are investing in Nigeria’s shortdated debt notes.

“We see the naira depreciating further in the coming days unless the Central Bank intervenes to calm the market,” another dealer said.

On Monday, the naira weakened against the dollar on the interbank market, as strong dollar demand for the local currency from fuel importers held down the local unit. It closed at the interbank market at N157.95 to the dollar, weaker than the N157.75 it closed penultimate Friday.

Reserves The foreign reserves rose to their highest in 21months to $37.02 billion by May 14, from $36.66 billion at the end of last month, the latest figures from the CBN showed last week. The reserve stood at $33.94 billion a year ago and was lastly, at the current level in August 2010.

The CBN attributed the improvement in the inflow of foreign exchange to the high crude oil prices in the international markets and the improvement in the policy environment. That attracted capital flows which influenced the rise in the reserves.

Analysts urged the CBN to build up adequate external reserves to satisfy the genuine needs for foreign exchange, as such is consistent with the increase in the growth in economic activity. It will equally assist in conserving resources and withstanding external shocks.

Audit Committees The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) last week called for a review of the quota system in the appointment of Audit Committees that will give shareholders of quoted companies 80 per cent vote in appointment of committees.

Speaking at the inaugural national conference on audit quality assurance organised by the Institute of Audit Committee in Lagos, ICAN President, Francis Ojaide said the efficiency of Audit Committees in companies has been compromised based on skewed processes followed in their appointments. He said the composition is skewed in favour of management, thereby reducing the indepen-

dence of the body and compromising their quality of work.

“Audit Committees should be expanded with stakeholders having more representation. The power of the board to appoint 50 per cent of the membership of the committee should be circumscribed. The board should appoint only 20 per cent, while shareholders appoint 80 per cent, inclusive of the chairman,” he said.

NUBAN The Nation reported that banks will from June 1, refuse all cheques that do not comply with the 10-digit Nigeria Uniform Bank Account Number (NUBAN) policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). It was learnt that from that date, only cheques with 10-digit NUBAN number will be allowed through Automated Clearing System (ACS). Bank customers have been advised to order replacements of their cheque books, where applicable before the deadline elapses.

The CBN has also said it will sanction banks that are yet to comply with the NUBANK policy. The apex bank said in a circular addressed to banks, and signed by its Director, Banking and Payment System, T.O. Fatokun, that banks must comply with the NUBAN directive by May 31, adding that erring banks would be sanctioned.

Banking consolidation A new round of banking consolidation is anticipated in the banking sector in the next two years, Ms. Yvonne Ike, Chief Executive Officer, West Africa, Renaissance Capital has said.

Speaking at the Third Annual Pan-Africa Investor Conference in Lagos, she said the CBN has nurtured the banking sector to a sustainable growth and it is expected that banks’ balance sheets will get bigger. She said there are many opportunities in the banking sector which investors are closely watching.

She said the CBN has done a great job to clean up the financial sector and to really prepare it for growth, which is creating room for more consolidation. “We anticipate banks having to be bigger and better to cope with the growth potentials and opportunities that present themselves. We see the banking sector consolidating over the next 24 months.

We think it is healthy for it to happen and the biggest driver of this is growth,” she said.

Microfinance banks The CBN said it is planning the establishment of a Microfinance Development Fund (MDF) to to deepen the financial market.

The Nation learnt that the MDF would be set

‘The increase in yields prompted investors to hold positions ahead of this week’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting where the CBN is expected to keep interest rates on hold at 12 per cent, despite an uptick in inflation’

up as a vehicle to fund Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), including the provision of refinancing guarantee and wholesale facilities and liquidity support to microfinance banks and microfinance institutions (MFBs/ MFIs). This is targeted at enhancing lending activities to Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs).

Sovereign Wealth Fund The Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, said the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) lacks the necessary constitutional backing, making it difficult for governors to key into it. He explained that until the controversial issues surrounding the fund are addressed, it would continually be seen as a high risk issue for investors.

Speaking at the Renaissance Capital’s third annual Pan-Africa Investor Conference in Lagos, Fashola said governors’ opposition to the SWF is borne out of distrust for the Federal Government’s ability to judiciously manage the funds and use it for the purpose it was meant for.

“These really are the issues. It is not that the governors are up in arms against the idea of savings. But we are asking what the rules of engagement are and do those rules of engagement work within the rules that bind all of us,” he said.

Bank to bank report Shareholders of Fidelity Bank Plc approved the N4.05 billion total dividend payout which translated to 14 kobo per share for the financial year ended December 31, 2011.

The shareholders, who were at the bank’s 24th Annual General Meeting in Lagos, also commended the management for the performance in the year under review.

Ecobank Nigeria launched Ecobank OMNI, an integrated electronic banking platform designed to provide cash management solutions for corporate customers. The product was designed in direct response to the newly introduced Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Cash-less policy.

Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Jubril Aku, said the product offers a an online cash solution, to enhance productivity, manage cash flow and maintain efficient management of a company’s working capital cycle.

Skye Bank Group recorded a total gross earnings of N27.8 billion during the first quarter ended March 31, 2012. The performance shows an increase of 12.6 per cent over the N24.7 billion grossed during the corresponding period in 2011.

Similarly, the group’s total assets during the review period grew moderately to N996.7 billion from N939 recorded in 2011.

The deposit portfolio rose from N651.3 at the end of the first quarter in March last year to N725 billion at the end of March, this year.

FirstBank has introduced e-payment products to enable it to meet the needs of its customers. The First Pay, a web-based payment platform, is designed to allow its clients give instructions from their offices anytime. Since the First Pay service is available over the web, payments and authorisations could be be done despite its location.

32

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

THE CEO Ogoni in Rivers State was a base of Shell Petroleum Development Company(SPDC) until the 1994-95 crisis in which scores died. Shell left following that incident. But it learnt some lesson, says Mr Eddie Wikina, the Managing Director, Treasure Energy Resources Limited, an oil and gas services company owned

by Rivers State government, in this interview with AMBROSE NNAJI.

S

OME indigenous players have praised the Nigerian Content Act, how would you assess the law and how has it impacted on your company’s operations?

I was one of those who led the oil industry group during the initial stage when the Nigerian Content Bill was being discussed. We are very happy that the law has been passed and you can see that it is from the law that most indigenous companies have made some progress. So, it is a great thing that we should appreciate the stride taken by the Federal Government. To enact the law was one of the best things to have happened under the present administration. We are hoping that the law would enable us to get access to oil fields because one part of the law states that in every bidding round, indigenous companies should first be given consideration. But we are saying they should go beyond that and give consideration to all oil producing states and not just indigenous companies but to oil producing states because we feel the greatest impact when it comes to oil and gas incidents.

Treasure Energy Resources Limited is an oil and gas service company owned by the Rivers State government. Which companies do you offer your services?

Treasure Energy Resources Limited was set up as a vehicle to participate in the oil and gas business for the benefit of the people of Rivers State. Its primary aim is to focus on the upstream. The aim of the company is to get really involved in the oil and gas business. Up till this time, the states have not really been involved. They have been sitting at the background while the international oil companies come to our place to reap the benefits of oil and gas and they don’t even involve our own people that much. The profits don’t even come to our people directly. I think it is a good vision for the government to say it’s time for us to get involved. In those days when the big companies were working in the country, the Federal Government didn’t know what was going on. They set up the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for us to get

• Wikina

‘Shell learnt a big lesson in Ogoni’ involved. I think it is also a very good thing for the states that produce oil to wake up and get involved so that we can also get some benefits. Being an oil and gas operator, which we want to be, we don’t offer services. People shall be offering us services by the time we get an oil block. At present, we don’t have any oil assets. That is what my efforts have been so far to try to secure oil assets and oil blocks (marginal field) for the government.

So, you have plans to go into exploration and production of hydrocarbon?

Yes, that’s our main calling. We are hoping that in the next oil bid round, we would be successful. Once we get that, we would go

into upstream of oil and gas production using 100 per cent local resources. Our vision is to do everything using local people as much as possible that are Nigerian content.

Before this time people said we did not have experts in the Niger Delta. But if you notice what happened recently, most of the oil companies like Shell, Total and Agip have released and made available some very experienced people, retired them and they are all available. They are waiting to be involved so we are getting ready to use them.

We would work with those people, they are experts in the industry, experts in the Niger Delta and they are very much available to be used to do the work.

The Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) is still with the National Assembly; do you feel this has impacted negatively on the oil and gas industry?

Yes, this has impacted negatively considering what has happened so far. It has forestalled all investments by foreign investors.

If the right laws are put in place that would give them the comfort, they would bring their money into the country. If the right policies are in place that would enable them feel comfortable in terms of security and otherwise, you will see they will throw money into oil and gas. For the past three • Continued on page 33

33

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

THE CEO

‘Shell learnt a big lesson in Ogoni’ •Continued from page 32

years no major oil company has invested in the country. That’s not very good for us. They have only managed to keep what they have on going but they have really not made any major new investments. So, what we need is for that bill to be passed quickly, to give them the comfort that will enable them invest in Nigeria and feel secured.

Do you see the bill being passed into law very soon?

I see the determination of the government and the Ministry of Petroleum having appointed somebody that people has a lot of respect for to lead the technical committee on the passage of the bill. The media director is somebody that we have a lot of regard and respect for in the industry. I think he is a driver and if politics does not come to interfere they would get the bill to a point where we can say yes it is going to be done. I will say the committee is very experienced. I have been privileged to see the committee in action and I recognise some members of the committee. I think they are people who know what they are doing. Like I said if politics does not come into it they will do a good job.

Don’t you think there has been unnecessary delay by the ministerial committee on the bill?

These things are not that simple. I think if they were given a month or so they didn’t understand the implication, the complexities of work at hand. I will say that six months would have been fair. You want to do a thorough job; you don’t want any group to rush over such a vital issue that would transform the industry. So, they should be given enough time to do a thorough job. They need support from the presidency, take politics out of it completely and allow technicians, technocrats and engineers, people who would be able to do the job and accept the results of what they present. And we should plead with the National Assembly, the Senate and the House of Representatives that they should not interfere with whatever comes out from the committee because these people they have appointed are people that have the experience they should accept whatever they present and stop wasting time on the bill.

The amnesty programme of the Federal Government is acknowledged to have helped in improving operations in the industry. What is your take on this?

I think it is one of the pluses the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. That’s one of the biggest achievements of the administration. Without it by today, the Niger Delta would have still been boiling. But he had that vision to address the amnesty programme totally. It is working, it has brought peace to the Niger Delta, the region contributes a lot to the economy of the country. But I still have the view that it is not sustainable because you cannot be paying young boys to sit at home doing nothing. We must go beyond the initial settlement and go into a different dimension or shift where these boys are really trained and not just trained but trained and given jobs. So, we should focus on job creation to absorb these boys.

Oil companies have cried out over oil theft and sabotage of their facilities. What is the way out?

It’s quite unfortunate that people who do this don’t understand the consequences of what they do. No matter what the situation is, no matter the anger they feel, the fact is that the result is not good for the country.

When you go to these places and see the level of devastation, the pollution that comes out from every incident, it is incredible but you cannot out of anger destroy your own environment. We should protect our own environment. Having said that I think the government should try to find a way to keep these boys busy and we must focus on job creation. The problem is that these boys are idle, they don’t have jobs. This is the main problem. There is also a feeling that they have to get their own quota from the resources and if they don’t get it from somewhere they resort to criminal ways of getting it. So, we have to address the issue of unemployment among the youths seriously.

The government should find a way of creating jobs. We need to go back to the drawing boards and look for how to create industries

in these states. So, let us focus on job creation. The government needs to change its focus on real job creation whether in oil/ gas, agriculture or other sectors of the economy. A lot of them feel they have been cheated that they don’t get their quota of the national cake. So, when they do this, they feel justified, they think they have got their own quota and that’s their own way of going about it.

Do you think the IOCs are doing enough in terms of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in their host communities?

Yes and no. You could say they are because they are paying taxes and royalties. But when you work in a place and see that something is not going right you should be responsible to find a way to correct what you see that is not right. So, they need to carry out CSR if for nothing else to buy peace because failure of that has always been what caused problems between them and their communities. They should work with the communities as partners in business; they should listen to them on their concerns, they should have empathy, they should feel sorry for the trauma the people are undergoing as a result of the devastation being done in the region. Why should they be enjoying all the necessities of life, good drinking water, regular supply of electricity, good roads and adequate medical care, pleasure rides and yet the people from whom they take these resources live in mosquito ridden environment, poor health facilities, thatched houses, infested water and polluted environment they should do something to make sure that there is parity in what they are enjoying as much as possible with their communities. I know it is the government that is supposed to do that but where the government fails they should show some sympathy.

When are you going to start operation?

We are yet to start operation. We don’t have any oil asset yet but we are hoping that in the next marginal field to be shared, the government should give consideration to the state government owned companies. If they don’t do that they would have failed because it may likely cause problems. The message has to be sent clearly to the Department of Petroleum Resources. They have to consider the oil states of the Niger Delta if they want to go through another sharing of marginal fields because they have already collected too much and we have been abandoned all along.

How many oil blocks do you hope to start with?

We have written for four blocks and if the government gives us all, we won’t say no.

There are a lot of oil fields that Shell, Total and Agip have decided that they cannot operate because the locality is insecure and we have told them that if they cannot feel secure in those oil fields they give them to us.

We are the natives, we are the people who live in the place, we don’t feel any sense of insecurity, we will train our own people, the people that live on the land and they would operate the fields then the Federal Government will also benefit because immediately we start producing the government will increase their production quota which is very good for the country. The more you produce for the 13 per cent derivatives the more money that will come to the state.

So, it is very good for the Federal Government to tell the oil companies that are not producing from some oil fields to let those fields be given to people who are ready to produce them. It is a waste of resources. It is adding no value if they remain shut in and

• Wikina

we don’t want that to happen. We want to create jobs, the employees will operate them.

Each oil field can create over 200 jobs. Why are we keeping them locked in if we can use them to add value to the people and the state?

Shell has not been operating in Ogoniland for over 19 years; do you foresee the people and Shell making peace in future?

I think peace has come back in a subtle way between Shell and Ogoni people because Shell has been going to Ogoni to do some work, especially when there is incidence of pipelines that have been vandalised. They have been going to Ogoni to do some work in that regard. But that Shell will come back to Ogoni, I don’t think that may happen because Shell has handed the Ogoni fields to the NNPC. It is in the hands of the NNPC to operate. So, it is between the Federal Government and NNPC to decide what to do with the fields. Shell said they have left the place and they have left. It is unfortunate.

There is mostly distrust. I think the company started without understanding how to deal with the people. But they have learnt a lot. Today the company is doing things differently. If it was today what has happened may not have happened. In those days all the company was saying was that they were paying their taxes, they were paying their royalties we don’t need to do this, we don’t need to do that. But it was a wrong way of doing business. But things have changed.

Today, the company goes out to meet the communities to work together. A lot of things happened which led to destruction and death. It is not something we want to happen again in any area. There is a lot of environmental degradation and devastation.

There is still pollution in Ogoni area that needs to be cleaned up and the people are still suffering because of what happened.

What’s your stand on this?

The government needs to be sincerely open about Ogoni. My view is that everything now rests with the government. When Shell says they have left, the state government was not in control because oil is a Fed-

‘In those days all the company was saying was that they were paying their taxes, they were paying their royalties we don’t need to do this, we don’t need to do that. But it was a wrong way of doing business. But things have changed. Today, the company goes out to meet the communities to work together’

eral Government affair. So, the Federal Government needs to come out openly and sincerely in all honesty and engage the people in dialogue. What do you people want, how can we address the situation, how can we clean up the environment, we have seen reports about the terrible devastation and pollution, how can we work together and clean the place so that all of us can come back to where we were when there was peace everywhere. And until the Federal Government takes that step nobody can do it. The only people suffering are the Ogoni people because nothing is happening in the area at the moment.

Some of the oil companies that were licensed are yet to start operations. What do you think is the cause of the delay?

About 24 oil companies were given marginal oil fields and only about five or so are producing after almost 10 years, yet the success rate is very bad. They withdrew their licences because of their failure to produce but then they went to NNPC and the minister graciously granted all of them extension for another four years. So, all of them now have four years within which they must convert their fields to producing assets otherwise they will lose the licences forever. I think the main problem they had was finance. They couldn’t raise money.

The banks were not ready to give them money.

When they tried to go overseas to look for money Nigeria was so unstable politically, security was not there, they were not ready to put their money into Nigeria. That was the main challenge they faced. But I think for the past two to three years, we have seen that the banks have woken up and they are now funding oil and gas directly.

Where do you think the country’s oil sector will be in the next five years and what is your advice for Nigerians who want to come into the sector?

I see a lot of opportunities but we need the PIB to be passed into law. We need that law.

The Nigerian Content Law has been passed. It is a very good development but it is not being applied fully. We are yet to feel the full impact of the Nigerian content law. It has been doing very well but there are still quite a lot of opportunities that Nigerians should tap into. So, it is in the right direction, but we need to do more, the government has to push more. Expatriates will not stop coming to Nigeria to look for oil because Nigeria is a very good place to work. We have to be prepared. We have to do more training and the government needs to give more incentives to local companies that want to get involved. They need to make it easy for them to get loan that is one of the biggest challenges they face. They cannot get money easily and the cost of money is too high for them. So, when they compare with the global services providers they are at a disadvantage. So, the government needs to look into this area to encourage them.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

34

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 18-5-12

S

Shareholders back UBA’s consolidation plan

HAREHOLDERS of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc have expressed confidence in the ability of the board and management of the bank to unlock and grow stable values for shareholders as the bank consolidates its operations across Africa.

Shareholders who spoke at the annual general meeting of the bank at the weekend in Lagos spoke generally in favour of the growth agenda presented by the bank at the meeting noting that ongoing restructuring should lead to better value creation for equity holders.

President, Association for the Advancement of the Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), Dr. Faruk Umar, said the growing profitability of the bank’s operations in other African countries was indicative of the potential impact that earlier investments across Africa would have on future returns.

He urged the bank to continue to explore all options to sustain its expansion pointing out that mergers and acquisitions could give further boost to the bank’s leadership position.

In his remarks, national coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Sir. Sunny Nwosu, said shareholders were confident the bank would deliver better results to shareholders in the years ahead.

He advised the bank to explore the possibility of raising additional funds from the capital market in the nearest future to support its expansion.

Addressing the shareholders on the consolidation plan of the bank, group managing director, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, said ongoing initiatives would propel the bank to industry leadership position.

According to him, UBA would continue to drive its business focus on wholesale, commercial, and retail mar-

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

ket segments and vigorously pursue business opportunities in key sectors expected to drive growth in the African economies where it operates.

He outlined that the bank would in the current business year leverage on its retail spread and expansive network to mobilize low cost deposits; pursue growth in its global trade and remittances business through its unique remittance platforms; create high quality loans by targeting sectors and customers who drive growth in Nigeria as well as optimise the bank’s e-banking capabilities.

“Overall we are determined to enhance shareholders value by unlocking existing potentials in the bank and leverage on our huge resource base and vantage positioning in Africa” Oduoza said.

In his address, chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Chief Israel Ogbue updated the shareholders on the steps being taken by the bank to fully comply with the new banking regime as directed by the apex bank.

He explained that in the amended and revised structure, UBA will now operate a monoline entity structure which will result in the divestment of the bank from all its non banking subsidiaries; UBA Trustees Limited, UBA Stockbrokers Limited, UBA Nominees Limited, UBA Asset Management Limited, UBA Insurance Brokers Limited and UBA metropolitan Life Insurance.

According to him, under the revised compliance plan, these entities will be consolidated under UBA Capital Plc and will be spun off to all shareholders of the bank while the spin-off of African Prudential Registrars Plc and Afriland Properties Plc to the shareholders of UBA Plc would remain as approved by the shareholders at the Court-

Ordered Meeting held in December 29, 2011.

The new arrangement is pursuant to the revised directive from the CBN dated December 30, 2011, which introduced new amendments for banks converting into financial services holding company. Specifically, the guideline stated amongst others that all commercial banking activities whether off-shore or on-shore must come under the commercial banking subsidiary.

“The implication of this condition for UBA is that the establishment of UBA Africa Holdings; the holding company for our African subsidiary banks outside of UBA Plc; the parent bank, as outlined in the scheme of arrangements will no longer be allowed,” Ogbue said.

Consequently UBA Plc will become the parent bank holding company of all its commercial banking activities in Nigeria , Africa and the rest of the world and will also be the parent company for UBA Pension Custodian Limited and UBA FX Mart Limited.

Ogbue said the bank has commenced the legal and regulatory process towards completing the restructuring exercise based on the amended plan and will finalize this process within the current financial year.

Meanwhile, UBA, Guaranty Trust Bank and First Bank of Nigeria were the major volume drivers at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) last week. Trading in the shares of the three banks accounted for 458.197 million shares, representing 56 per cent, 60.77 per cent and 33.76 per cent of the turnover recorded by the sector, subsector and total equities turnover for the week respectively.

Total turnover stood at 1.848 billion shares worth N13.863 billion in 20,435 deals with the banking subsector accounting for 1.026 billion shares worth N8.814 billion in 10,910 deals.

The All Share Index (ASI) dropped by 1.07 per cent to 22,381.11 points while market capitalization depreciated by N77 billion to N7.137 trillion.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 18-5-12

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

35

EQUITIES WATCH

Email: taofad2000@yahoo.co.uk

First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Plc is making a strong comeback. With a first quarter performance that reinforced the bank's assurance on stable growth, FBN's share price is responding to the improved fundamentals. But will this momentum take FBN to its earlier position as highest-priced banking stock?

Is First Bank regaining the lead?

F

IRST BANK of Nigeria (FBN) Plc opens today with a year-to-date capital gain of 18.1 per cent, more than twice the average return at the Nigerian stock market. The benchmark return at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) opens today at 7.82 per cent, underlining the minimum return level for an average investor. From a low of N8.57 per share, FBN's market consideration has recovered to N10.51 per share.

Most analysts see the bank rising beyond its current high of N12.30, citing upwardly fundamentals of the bank.

Emerging operating report of First Bank showed that the bank started this year on a good sprint. First quarter result for the period ended March 31, 2012 indicated that gross earnings rose by 42 per cent to N92.286 billion from N64.767 billion in the corresponding period of 2011. The bank further grew its loans and advances by 12 per cent to N1.894 trillion from N1.686 trillion, while deposits and net asset value inched up by two per cent to N363.638 billion from N356.536 billion.

The first quarter performance reinforced the steady outlook indicated by the profit and loss accounts and balance sheet positions in 2011. First Bank recorded 92.9 per cent growth in profit before tax and exceptional item to N65.6 billion and 48.2 per cent rise in profit after tax to N50.1 billion during the year ended December 31, 2011.

The bank had in 2010 recorded profit after tax of N33.8 billion.

The 2011 outing further showed a strong improvement in cost to income ratio to 56.8 per cent while earning per share (EPS) rose to N1.40 as against 95 Kobo in 2010.

The bank achieved this feat in a year riddled with new industry challenges and harsh operating environment to be ranked as one of the top five financial institutions in the country. The bank's 2011 outing also showed a 27.6 per cent growth in gross earnings to N296.3 billion as against N232.1 billion recorded in 2010. The bank also secured a 45.6 per cent growth in operating income to N259.2 billion contrary to N178.1 billion the previous year. Total deposit growth of 34.3 per cent to N1.9 trillion and was driven by low cost current and savings accounts, leading to a further reduction in total funding costs to 1.7 per cent from 3.1 per cent in the previous year.

The bank also proposed dividend of 80 kobo per share. The bank's share of loss and provisions for losses grew from N25.247 billion in 2010 to N46.321billion in 2011, and it provided loans advances from N1.127 billion to N1.235 billion.

Analysts said the bank has kept a stable outlook in net earnings, rising from N4.77 billion in 2002 to N17.38 billion in 2006 and then to N41.066 billion in 2007 among others. Analysts posited that the bank's expansion in both interest and non interest income, deliberate shift towards higher yielding assets, steady contribution from non-interest income, improved efficiency, customer service and delivery as well as innovative products and solutions to clients and strong leadership have combined to bring the bank to its new position as a leader in the Nigerian financial landscape.

The 2011 performance indicated that the bank was not far from other top performers like Guaranty Trust Bank which posted a profit after tax of N52.654 billion, leading the list of the five best performing banks in the last financial year.

Zenith Bank Plc trailed First Bank with N44.189 billion, followed by Access Bank Plc, which netted N13.660 billion.

Bullish outlook Analysts predicted that based on the bank's 2012 first quarter result where net profit rose by 101 per cent to N24.524 billion from N12.167 billion, the bank would likely surpass its 2012 projections. This may push its net profit by over 100 per cent to above N100 billion in 2012. With expected growth in net earnings, most analysts were optimistic that the bank would further increase dividend payouts. A look at its dividend history show that the bank

in the last ten years, has paid out a total of N11.82 kobo to its shareholders and distributed cumulative bonus of eight shares for every 41 held since 2002. The biggest dividend bonus was in 2005 when the board approved one bonus share for every one held.

In 2009, it gave a bonus of two for every 14 shares held by an investor. However, in 2002, 2004 and 2008, shareholders received a bonus of one for four stocks held respectively.

This was complemented with a bonus of one for eight in 2003 and one for six in 2007.

Key initiatives Chief Executive Officer, First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Plc, Mr Bisi Onasanya said the bank's transformation agenda and drive to continually leveraging on its strong information technology platforms and viable epayment tools have enabled it to exceed shareholders and stakeholders expectations.

"Our results are reflective of the benefits being reaped from the implementation of our transformation agenda which has improved customer focus, acquisition, satisfaction, business generation and enhanced the sustainability of our earnings base. This has brought about considerable improvements in our interest and non-interest earnings generation capabilities, margin expansion, operational efficiency as well as reduced funding costs," Onasanya said.

Going forward, the bank is expected to drive further improvements in its business by improved customer service, continued low cost liability generation, enhanced asset pricing mechanism, more efficient treasury management and improved non-interest income generation.

"We also remain focused on further improvements in our efficiency levels, driving further cost containment policies through our business and consolidating on the success we

‘Going forward, the bank is expected to drive further improvements in its business by improved customer service, continued low cost liability generation, enhanced asset pricing mechanism, more efficient treasury management and improved non-interest income generation’

•MD, First Bank, Bisi Onasanya

recorded over the past year. We will grow our risk assets cautiously with a view to optimising our asset mix, and at the same time, focus on reducing the cost of risk from current levels," Onasanya said.

He said the bank remained focused on enhancing shareholder returns by continuing to drive efficiencies and synergies in its current operations, leveraging opportunities across the group as well as assessing new avenues of growth. It has enhanced non-interest revenue generation by offering innovative products to customers as well as improving service quality and delivery.

Besides, the bank's United Kingdom business has continued to deepen existing relationships in the structured and commodity trade finance businesses, mortgage business, as well as leveraging business referrals from its representative offices in Johannesburg, Beijing and Abu Dhabi. Given its decision to adopt the holding company structure, in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directive, the bank's management has commenced the process of divesting from noncore banking businesses.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

36

DUE DILIGENCE

U

ACN Property Development Company (UPDC) Plc witnessed substantial growth in sales last year but huge increase in costs counterbalanced the positive top-line performance, leading to decline in profitability.

Audited report and accounts of UPDC for the year ended December 31, 2011 showed that turnover grew by 31 per cent, but net profit dropped by 12 per cent. Besides, the balance sheet position of the real estate company weakened with higher financial leverage, lower underlying profitability, declining efficiency and lower liquidity.

However, the company increased cash dividends by 18 per cent and still retained a relatively sizeable coverage.

•MD, UPDC, Mr Hakeem Ogunniran

Financing structure UPDC's total assets dropped marginally from N69.72 billion in 2010 to N65.37 billion. Fixed assets had slipped from N16.85 billion to N16.52 billion while current assets dropped from N29.58 billion to N22.77 billion.

However, total liabilities also declined by 12 per cent to N35.2 billion in 2011 as against N39.8 billion recorded in 2010. Current liabilities and long-term liabilities had dropped by 2.3 per cent and 19 per cent to N16.92 billion and N18.26 billion in 2011 compared with N17.32 billion and N22.51 billion recorded respectively in 2010. Group paid up capital remained unchanged at N688 million but total equity funds inched up from N29.89 billion to N30.19 billion. The financing structure showed higher gearing ratio with a debt-to-equity ratio of 19 per cent in 2011 as against 11.9 per cent in 2010.

2007

2008

2009

2010

UPDC: Walking a tight rope

By Taofik Salako

come doubled to N280 billion compared with N139 billion. FiUPDC showed a mixed performnance expenses also declined by ance with significant increase in 22 per cent from N1.25 billion to sales and notable decline in N972 million. These boosted profit. Underlying performance profit before tax by 7.1 per cent ratios generally showed a negafrom N2.54 billion in 2010 to tive outlook. Gross profit margin N2.72 billion in 2011. However, dropped from 61 per cent in 2010 a 175 per cent increase in taxes to 47 per cent in 2011. Pre-tax from N260.7 million to N719.4 profit margin also declined to 25 million depressed the actual net per cent as against 31 per cent in earnings. previous year, indicating six perBasic net earnings per share centage points decline in average Efficiency thus dropped from N1.69 in 2010 profit per unit of sale. This was to N1.48 in 2011. The company The company obviously wit- underlined by 13 per cent decline meanwhile increased cash divinessed significant reduction in its in actual profit after tax from dend payout by 18.2 per cent. A average productivity and cost ef- N2.32 billion in 2010 to N2.03 biltotal of N894 million was distribficiency. With total cost of busi- lion in 2011. uted to shareholders for the 2011 ness- excluding financing Group turnover had grown by business year as against N756 charges, at 66.3 per cent in 2011 31 per cent from N8.2 billion in million paid for the previous as against 55.4 per cent in 2010, 2010 to N10.76 billion in 2011. year. These implied dividend per decline in efficiency laid the foun- Cost of sales however jumped by share of 65 kobo and 55 kobo for dation for erosion of profit mar- 79 per cent to N5.7 billion com2011 and 2010. Dividend cover gins. It could however not be de- pared with N3.17 billion. This alhowever reduced from 3.07 times termined the actual per head fac- most stagnated gross profit marin 2010 to 2.28 times in 2011. Net tor in the overall cost efficiency gin at N5.08 in 2011 in contrast asset per share was almost unstructure. with N5.03 billion in 2010. Operchanged at N21.96 compared with ating expenses increased from N21.74 in preceding year. Return Profitability N1.38 billion to N1.45 billion. on equity dropped from 7.8 per cent The profit and loss accounts of Meanwhile, non-core business into 6.7 per cent.

However, return Fiscal Year Ended December 31 2011 2010 on total assets improved from 3.6 Nmillion 12 months % change 12 months per cent to 4.2 per Profit and Loss Statement cent.

Main Business Segment Total turnover Cost of sales Gross profit Operating expenses Interest and other incomes Finance expenses Pre-tax profit(loss) Post-tax profit (loss) Basic earnings per share(kobo) Gross dividend (Nm) Cash dividend per share (kobo) Net Assets per share (kobo) Balance Sheet Assets: Fixed assets Total long term assets Trade debtors Current assets Total assets Liabilities: Trade creditors Bank loans Current liabilities Long-term liabilities Total liabilities Equity Funds Share capital Total Equity Funds

2011

10,755 10,755 5,679 5,075 1,450 280 972 2,719 2,031 148 894 65 2,196

31.3 31.3 79.4 0.9 5.4 101.4 -22.4 7.1 -12.6 -12.4 18.2 18.2 1.0

8,194 8,194 3,165 5,029 1,376 139 1,253 2,539 2,323 169 756 55 2,174

16,521 42,599 5,103 22,771 65,370

-2.0 6.1 16.9 -23.0 -6.2

16,853 40,134 4,367 29,582 69,716

5,713 5,725 16,920 18,255 35,175

-42.8 60.4 -2.3 -18.9 -11.7

9,990 3,570 17,315 22,512 39,827

688 30,194

0.0 1.0

688 29,890

Liquidity The liquidity position of the real estate company weakened during the period, though it remained sufficiently adequate. Current ratio, which broadly indicates ability of the company to meet emerging financing needs, stood at 1.35 times in 2011 compared with 1.71 times in 2010. The proportion of working capital to total sales dropped from 150 per cent in 2010 to 54.4 per cent in 2011. Debtors/creditors ratio stood at 89 per cent in 2011 as against 44 per cent in 2010.

Governance and structures UPDC, the only quoted real estate development company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), is owned largely by a leading conglomerate - UAC of Nigeria (UACN) Plc. UPDC was carved out of UACN, which still holds 46 per cent equity stake. First Trustees Nigeria holds the single largest stake of 12 per cent. Other corporate bodies hold some 18 per cent while individuals and trustees hold the balance of 24 per cent.

UPDC Group includes the parent company and UPDC Hotels Limited, the owner of Golden Tulip

Fiscal Year Ended December 31

Festac Hotel, Lagos. The board and management of the company remained stable. Mr Larry Ettah, the group managing director of UACN, chairs the board of UPDC while Mr Hakeem Ogunniran leads the executive management team as managing director.

UPDC broadly complied with the code of corporate governance and best practices.

Analyst's opinion The overall outlook for UPDC is that of cautious optimism. With liquidity squeeze and increasing costs, the performance of the UPDC was constrained by the difficult operating environment. Inflationary threats, instability in foreign exchange market, rising level of insecurity and sundry concerns about fiscal and monetary policies exacerbated the inclement operating environment, which has been battling with acute infrastructural challenges.

Besides, UPDC has been struggling with high financial leverage and costs of operation, which made the company susceptible to shocks from the operating environment.

Future performance depends on a mixed bag of opportunities and veiled threats. While Nigeria's huge housing deficit of between 16 and 17 million units, growing population and evolving middle class offer exciting business prospects for real estate companies, the absence of a liquid mortgage system and declining disposable income constitute threats to the real estate sector.

But there is still reasonable basis to assume a stable outlook for UPDC, with more tendencies toward improvement than reversal, especially as it new projects gather momentum.

2011 %

2010 %

Financing structure Equity funds/Total assets Long-term liabilities/Total assets Current liabilities/Total assets Debt/Equity ratio

46.2 53.8 25.9 19.0

42.9 57.1 24.8 11.9

Profitability Gross profit margin Pre-tax profit margin Return on total assets Return on equity Dividend cover (times)

47.2 25.3 4.2 6.7 2.28

61.4 31.0 3.6 7.8 3.07

Efficiency Pre-tax profit per employee (Nm) Staff cost per employee (Nm) Cost of sales, operating exp/Turnover

NA NA 66.3

NA NA 55.4

Liquidity Current ratio Working capital/Turnover Debtors/Creditors

1.35 54.4 89.3

1.71 149.7 43.7

JOBS THE NATION

Pl

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

37

• Bio-Scientists at work

Laboratory scientists play a vital role in the health sector. They carry out tests which help doctors in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. They are more or less the healthcare detectives whose findings are crucial in the management of patients. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

Lab scientists: Playing the detective in health matters E

VER wonder what happens to the blood drawn from you in the hospital? Where does it go and who deals with it? How does the doctor analyse the lab result of the blood sample? Medical laboratory scientists (MLS) provide answers to these questions almost daily.

Laboratory science is a growing and exciting aspect in health care delivery.

But many don’t know the vital role of

the laboratory scientist in the healthcare chain. Laboratory scientists are detectives of sorts, uncovering and providing information from tests that assist doctors in their diagnosis and treatment of patients.

A Fellow, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Enyinna Barnabas, said laboratory scientists are responsible for providing accurate, reliable laboratory tests for monitoring health, diagnosing and treating diseases. According to him, they are the health care detectives who perform, develop, evaluate and ensure accurate and valid laboratory information.

Lab scientists also direct and supervise medical laboratory resources and assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Since patients don’t want to gamble with their lives, Barnabas said they prefer first to see a medical laboratory scientist to run tests on them to facilitate an effective treatment by the doctor.

Barnabas, Chief Executive Officer, Qualimax Diagnostic Laboratory, Lagos, said the practice of modern medicine would be incomplete without lab tests.

He said more than 70 per cent of doctors’ decisions are based on laboratory findings.

Sometimes, a doctor might see symptoms of typhoid. Notwithstanding, he would ask that a test be done to ascertain the nature of the ailment. Essentially, he said medical laboratory professionals are the behind-thescene backbone of medicine.

A lab scientist’s job includes drawing blood samples from patients, testing the samples and relaying the results to doctors.

The lab scientist doesn’t diagnose, but the

work he does helps in providing doctors information used in diagnosing whatever is ailing the patients.

The Lagos State Chairman, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Olawale Oladubu, said lab scientists provide the test-results essential for use by clinical medical staff in the detection, monitoring or prevention of diseases. The MLS, he said, performs analytical tests of body fluids, cells and other substances. Body fluids include blood, urine, serum/plasma and other various body fluids. These tests, he said, help the doctor in his diagnosis.

He said the MLS is responsible for confirming the accuracy of test results and reporting laboratory findings to pathologists and other doctors. Pathologists, he explained, are doctors who examine tissues and are responsible for the accuracy of lab tests. They interpret the • Continued on page 38

38

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

JOBS

Playing the detective in health matters • Continued from page 37

results of these examinations which are important for the patient’s treatment.

It takes five years to train as a medical laboratory scientist in the university. In the first and second years, a firm foundation is laid for the fundamental knowledge the subject. The student is exposed to the different areas of specialisation in the third and fourth year. During the fifth year, students will pick their area of specialisation from the available disciplines.

According to Oladubu, for the internship, which is part of the course content students go to laboratories accredited by the government. Several universities offer the medical laboratory technology/clinical laboratory science degrees.

Today’s medical laboratory practice depends on digital technology. Oladubu said new technologies are helping MLS do their job more quickly and at a cheaper rate. As the need for scientists continues to rise, employers are becoming more flexible in staffing arrangements. The shift mentality is said to be giving way as laboratories find that flexible scheduling makes a laboratory become more efficient.

A practitioner, Abasi Eno Archibong, said medical laboratory science is a blend of science, medicine, and technology of reasoning and technical skills. According to her,the field is challenging, interesting, constantly changing, and encourages life-long learning.

Archibong, who claims she longer cries at the sight of blood, said a medical laboratory scientist is expected to be proficient in four areas – hematology, chemistry, microbiology and blood bank.

Medical laboratory scientists, she noted, are trained as generalists, meaning they are competent to work in all sections, and then can choose to specialise later in their career.

She said she chose to be a medical technologist because she is interested in the science of the human body. She performs a full range of laboratory tests – from simple premarital blood tests, to more complex tests to uncover diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes,

• Barnabas

and cancer.

Critical to high-quality health care, she noted, is the assurance that individuals performing laboratory tests are able to carry out their responsibilities in a profi-

• Archibong

cient manner.

Though they spend less time with patients than doctors and nurses, Archibong said lab scientists are just as dedicated to patients’ health.

‘A medical laboratory scientist is expected to be proficient in four areas – hematology, chemistry, microbiology and blood bank.

Medical laboratory science is a blend of science, medicine, and technology of reasoning and technical skills. The field is challenging, interesting, constantly changing, and encourages life-long learning’

As vital members of the health care team, she said, they play a critical role in collecting the information needed to give the best care to patients. Her satisfaction is in knowing that she is helping others and saving lives. She is happy that people trust MLS as professionals and that they are involved in the prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of patients. One of the disadvantages of the job is that lab scientists work behind the scene where they may not get recognition.

CAREER MANAGEMENT

Fishing out your dream job: Techniques and strategies (V)

L

IKE it was discussed last week, recruiters are individuals and organisation who basically seek to seek and select potential employees or prescreen potential candidates on behalf of others. Recruiters indeed have their own uses, especially for executive and senior positions. Be as it may, they have very limited use, especially for graduates and entry-point positions. Unfortunately, too many job seekers put too much hope and emphasis on this strategy. For what it is worth, we will complete deliberations on this item.

Recruiters work worldwide If you are from a particular state, and w-ant to remain in that state, don’t make the mistake of only sending your resume to recruiters in your state. Often the recruiters in your stare are working on positions in other states, and recruiters in other states are working on positions in your state. This is usually the case. Regardless of your geographic preference, you should still send your resume to many recruiters who specialise in your particular field. If you really only want to remain in your area, you can specify that preference in your cover letter. Do keep in mind, however, that by stating your geographic preference, you may he eliminating yourself from the running for a dream job somewhere else.

You may avail yourself of popular Nigerian recruitment agencies at w.w.w.jobsearchhow.com/resources.

The Internet search Whether you need help deciding on a career direction, want to show your resume to as many biting managers as possible, or want to search the job market, the information su-

By Olu Oyeniran

perhighway can be the fast lane to a rewarding career. To take advantage of the Internet, however, you must know what to look for, where to look for it, and how to evaluate what you find. The following threestep process will help you use the Internet to your advantage.

First, what do you want?

With more than 11,000 job-related websites already on the Internet, you could spend months just trying to find the few that would benefit you. To avoid wasting your time, you need a goal. Ask yourself, what do I really want from an on-line employment site?” To help you answer that question, consider the following: There are four basic types of sites: Job banks, which allow you to search through a database of advertised positions. Start here if you already know what type of job you want. Look for sites that offer lots of listings in your field. Check on how often they update the site.

Daily updates would be best so you wont waste time considering jobs that have already been filled.

Resume databases, where you can post your resume and hope that an employer sees it. Although this is a less aggressive approach, it’s a good choice if you want to have a lot of employers look at your qualifications.

Pick a site that brags about how many desirable employers use their database.

Career information services, which offer various forms of job search advice. They usually have a wealth of information about how to improve your chances of getting an interview and then how to prepare for it in addition; they often have good information about various career fields and occupational trends. There are a lot of would-be

experts out there, so be sure the site you use is operated by a reputable organisation that has counselors with a solid record of success in the career search business.

Career Centers, which offer a combination of two or three of the above. These one-stop shopping centers make the most efficient use of your time, but because they try to please everyone, they may not have exactly what you are looking for. A more specialised site may offer better support in your career field.

Once you have determined what it is you want, write a short list of the assistance you need. For example, if you are looking for an accounting job, describe as specifically as possible your ideal position. List your desired title, preferred salary range, geographic location, and company size. List what you value and be precise about what you warn web sites to provide.

Second, seek help from experts Your second step is to identify which websites offer what you want. Screening through the thousands of hits you are likely to get when you use a search engine is a huge task, but you can speed your research by seeking assistance from sources that have already had some experience.

If you have a chosen career field, consult the relevant professional societies and industry associations.

Most of these organisations now operate websites, and many offer members’ access to job banks, resume databases, and links to employment sites that specialize in their field. The site may also offer links to firms that frequently recruit among association members.

You might also consider referring to a service that evaluates and

describes employment websites.

One such resource is The Riley Guide ( ), developed by Margaret Dikel, an internet job search and recruiting consultant. Another is Catapult (www.jobweb.org/catapult/catapult.htm) provided by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Other organisations evaluate websites and publish their findings in written form.

You can find them at most bookstores and some libraries.

It is easy to get confused as you review the many sites available, so stay focused on what you want and limit your top prospects to no more than five to seven sites. Once you have done that, you’re ready for step three.

Third, check the sites out Visit each of your preferred websites. Look at the home page and compare its content to your needs. For example, does the site offer access to jobs in your field and in the cities you prefer? Is its job search assistance detailed enough to help you? The closer the fit between what you want and what is offered, the more helpful the site will be to you.

Finally, consider what it will cost to use the site. Most sites don’t charge job hunters, but there are a few that do. Learn the cost before you give them that credit card number and be sure the cost is worth the service. Other sites will ask you to fill out an online registration form, which may involve providing all sorts of personal data about yourself. Be sure you know how they will use this data and look for some guarantee of confidentiality connected with the disclosure. If you would rather not share personal data, move on to another site.

The Internet is a dynamic environment with employment sites coming and going everyday. The website you use should offer a wide

variety of information to assist you in your job search. By following the above three-steps, your search should go a lot more quickly with better results.

Filing system A simple filing system should be developed in order to stay organised. At the very least, have a three-ring binder to hold descriptions of jobs applied for. Attach a copy of your cover letter to each job description, along with the email that the material was sent in response to. Make notes in this file on any phone conversations made relative to the job opening. If you are using more than one resume version, make sure to note which resume was sent.

If you find yourself applying for a number of positions, it is a good idea to create an index at the front of the binder so it is easy to find your notes when a phone call comes in from a recruiter, or the actual company that is hiring.

Include in your filing system a separate area to record all information relative to your “on-line” job search campaign. Be sure to include the following: • Name of job site and the date you established an account at that job site, if registration is a requirement.

• Your account name and pass code information.

• Include any job site services that you sign up for at each site.

• Record any e-mail correspondence you receive or send related to a job board.

Olu Oyeniran is the Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Associates.

Website: www.jobsearchhow.com E-mail: oluoyeniran@yahoo.com Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

39

INSURANCE

‘N2.5tr insurance target feasible’ I

NSURERS’ N2.5 trillion projected gross industry premium by the end of 2015 is still on, the Commissioner for Insurance, Fola Daniel, has said.

He told The Nation that the industry is making progress in its quest to reach the target.

He said the figures for the three successive years have revealed a sustained growth in the gross premium income, adding that in 2009, the industry’s premium income rose to N190.31billion from N155.81 billion in 2008; and N201.28 billion in 2010.

He said: “This increase has been more pronounced with respect to Life Insurance Business, which has a percentage growth rate of 25.23 per cent for 2009 and 41.83 per cent for 2010. The result can be explained on the basis of increasing compliance with Compulsory Group Life Insurance as required by the Pension Reform Act 2004.

“It is hoped that the impact of other Non-Life Compulsory insurances on the sector’s premium position will become more appar-

Stories by Chuks Udo Okonta

ent from the industry’s 2011 report. In terms of average growth rate, the industry has recorded 36.0 per cent for 2007-2009, up from 11.67 per cent for 2004-2006. Although complete figures for 2011 are not yet available, there are strong indications from what is available that the industry will record significant increase.”

He said the industry has the capacity to achieve its N1trillion target this year, adding that the operators were under-trading their capital. He said five years after recapitalisation, the industry should be talking of premium above N1 trillion.

Daniel said if the industry deploys N500billion to N600billion to do business, it would generate enough revenue surpassing its projection, stating that the sector has the wherewithal to generate income over N1trillion.

He said the figures for last year are still been collated and would

be disclosed soon.

“I do believe that by the time we get most of the accounts, we would be able to say this is where we are exactly. Insurers have the capacity to generate more than the N1 trillion premium it has set. We can make N2 trillion,’’ he said.

He noted the commission is optimistic that if the selected products begin to sell, and people appreciate them, there will be a great transformation in the industry.

He said: “About 15 products were made compulsory, directly or indirectly in the country, but out of these, five were picked. These five products resulted in what we called

Market Development and Restructuring Initiative (MDRI).

“We are of the view that the moment these five products begin to sell and people really begin to appreciate them, there will be a great transformation. And based on that, the N1.01 trillion projection for 2012 would be attained.

“Seriously, if you look at the potential, we have the capacity to generate over N1trillion. How do we come about that. Let’s look at motor insurance alone, we have at least three million motor vehicles on Nigerian roads. And if each of these vehicles takes a minimum insurance cover of N5, 000, multiply

this figure by three million; that is a lot of money.

We have more than four million buildings; if at least 20 per cent of them are insured, then we can draw premium far in excess of our projection.”

Daniel called on insurers to be proactive and embrace the MDRI programme, adding that NAICOM will only open up opportunities for them and would not sell insurance.

He urged shareholders to challenge their companies’ management to improve their performance by leveraging on the opportunities created by the government and the commission.

Demand to determine success of terrorism cover

T

HE demand for terrorism cover by the public would help in the growth of the subsector, the President Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Dr Wole Adetimehin, has said.

He told The Nation that members of the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), African Insurers Organisation (AIO) and CIIN were working to evolve products to mitigate terrorism. He, however, said the success of the policy would be determined by the demand for the products.

“Terrorism is one area of study.

It is not just enough for us to say because of our recent experience, let the terrorism product be out tomorrow.We have been to other markets where they have these products. We have been to Asian, South African markets where these products exist. I can tell you that underwriters under the umbrella of the NIA, AIO and their subbodies are working on the product,” he said, adding that the research department of CIIN is working on the policy too.

“Indeed, it is a big challenge.

The focus has been on the Federal Government, but in fashioning out terrorism risks, we must look for potential buyers. It is not just enough to develop a product that will not be embraced and where one would not be able to gather sufficient premium from which the extra-ordinary large claims can be paid.”

Managing Director, FirstBank Life Assurance Limited,Val Ojumah, said some life insurers are reviewing their policies to make room for accommodation of terrorism risks, adding that the menace has thrown up challenges for operators and the government.

“Most life policies do not exclude terrorism previously, but they exclude war and war-like situations.

Now, we insurers, are reconsidering terrorism to seek the possibility of covering it. General insurance market is a special market that offers special cover only. Now, most life insurers are reviewing their cover because of the dimension terrorism has taken. Terrorism cover may not be generally available now, but a lot of people are considering how to cover it with reinsurance,” he stated.

President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mrs Laide Osijo, said brokers are partnering with foreign

underwriters to find a way of providing cover for the menace, adding that local underwriters are turning away from the risk because of its hazard.

She said: “Terrorism is alien in Nigeria. It is something we are not used to, but it is underwritten abroad. Some brokers are working on policies to enable us to place the risk abroad with underwriters who cover terrorism risks.The risk is very hazardous, if some underwriters are willing to offer the cover. We will partner with them, but most brokers are really engaging discussion on it and if there is any insured who wants to take it, the brokers are prepared to provide the necessary cover. ‘’Most brokers have arranged with partners abroad, but for we to provide this cover with our partners, the right of attestation must be obtained from NAICOM.’’ Managing Director Delight Insurance Brokers Limited Mr Tai Adediji, said although many of his colleagues believe that terrorism should be underwritten, the capacity of underwriters is inadequate for it.

He urged operators to partner on terrorism, stressing that insurers as risks managers must be proactive in the handling of risks.

“It is true that where you have this kind of challenge, where no body can predict where it takes place, the government plays a major role to boost security. Therefore, insurers still have a lot to do as risks managers,’’ he added.

• From left: General Manager, Commercial, Leadway Assurance, Kunle Oyegunle; Director-General, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) Mr Adegboyega Adepegba and Managing Director Niger Insurance Plc Mr Justus Uranta at the insurance fitness programme in Lagos.

PenCom seeks power to tackle challenges

T

HE National Pension Commission (PenCom) needs the support of the National Assembly to mitigate the challenges being experienced in the implementation of its reforms, its Director-General Muhammad Ahmad has said.

In a statement, he said the execution of the Compulsory Pension Scheme (CPS) over the past seven years has not been without its challenges, particularly with the Federal Government retirees.

He identified some of these to include inadequate funding of retirement benefits of Federal Government employees, low level of

monthly pension for employees, pension fund assets investment outlets, remittance of pension contributions, policy reversals on pension reform and more.

He said Section 29 of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2004 provides that an amount equivalent to five per cent of the Federal Government’s wage bill be paid into the Retirement Benefits Bond Redemption Fund (RBBRF) account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to pay the accrued pension rights of retirees, who had worked for the Federal Government before June, 2004.

He noted that in practice, however, the fund had not been suffi-

Sovereign Trust supports agric research

S

OVEREIGN Trust Insurance (STI) Plc said it extended its assistance to leading agricultural research institutes such as the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to boost its reforestation project.

In a statement the Principal Consultant for the Project, Deni Brown, said: “The reforestation project sets out to restore the secondary rainforest and to plant on approximately 300 hectares of degraded land using indigenous trees”.

According to her, the tropical rainforests support the greatest diversity of living organisms on earth and rainforest deforestation has a devastating impact on both flora and fauna. She noted that as far back as 1995, Nigeria had lost over 56 per cent of its rainforests and de-

forestation continues at a rate of 3.5 per cent per year.

She said only 9.6 million hectares remain unaffected by deforestation, which invariably is less than 10 per cent of the total land area in Nigeria, adding that going by this figure, Nigeria has the highest deforestation rate on the planet and this is considered highly dangerous by experts.

Hence, the need for a proactive measure as expounded in the reforestation project.

The Head of Corporate Communications and Brand Management of Sovereign Trust Insurance, Segun Bankole, said community development and enhancement is one of the platforms on which the organisation’s corporate service responsibility is hinged.

He said the deforestation rate is alarming and if positive measures are not urgently put in place, the country might be worse off for it.

According to him, the company understands the need to have a safe and habitable environment, which informed management’s decision to support the project.

He enumerated the Federal Government’s efforts at revamping the agric sector and that everyone should be part of the laudable project, which is why Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc has taken upon this initiative to support this cause as put in place by IITA. He further stressed that supporting this initiative would ensure a safe community and also secure the existence and survival of future generations.

cient to accommodate the pension liabilities of the Federal G overnment because of the additional claims arising from early exit occasioned by voluntary and mandatory retirements or deaths, adding that, even the payment of the statutory five per cent had not been regular from the government.

He said: “Based on the retirement benefits paid to retirees of Federal Government under the CPS to date, there had been some retirees whose monthly pensions are low compared with their terminal salaries.

The reasons for these include increases in salaries the introduction of consolidated salaries.

This made monthly pensions low when compared to the defunct scheme, particularly those who retired immediately after the salary increase.

He said: “The bulk of the retirement benefits of those who may be retiring in the first 10 years of the scheme would obviously comprise the accrued pension rights calculated based on the salary levels as at 2004, which are very low when compared with salaries. Such category of retirees would not have enough time to accumulate pension contributions under the CPS. “It has been observed that some categories of public servants, such as permanent secretaries, professors and top military officers, who hitherto enjoyed 100 per cent of their final pay as pension for life based on administrative fiat, are no longer entitled to same under the CPS.”

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LABOUR ‘Expedite action on Presidential Committee Report’

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• Sambo bus

Sambo to inaugurate TUC’s N2.3b mass transit buses today T HE Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) will today roll out its fleet of 150 buses under its mass transit business scheme.

The scheme, which is to be operated as TUC Transport and Investment, would be inaugurated

by Vice President Namadi Sambo, today. He would be accompanied

by Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola.

President-General of the TUC, Comrade Peter Esele, said the buses were imported from Yutong Bus Company, China with the N2.3 billion loan facilitated by the Federal Government.

The loan, channelled through the Urban Development Bank, is payable in five years at five per cent interest rate.

Esele said it will be managed under

Stories by Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

Private Public Partnership (PPP) arrangement, with Altec as project manager, while the buses will be operated by Eko Mega City and Country Wide Logistics (CWL). Lagbus is expected to be the regulator of the fare.

He said 100 buses will ply interstate routes, while 50 would be for intra city.

Esele assured that the buses will be well managed based on the agreement signed by the stakeholders – Urban Development Bank, TUC, the operators and the project manager. He said the buses were purchased with a loan guaranteed by the Federal Government and collaterised by its

five per cent ownership in Trustfund Pensions.

He said the buses were delivered in January, adding that the TUC would pay back the loan within the agreed stipulated time of five years.

Esele said no serious trade union can survive without finance. He said TUC members must feel its presence through worthwhile investments.

Explaining the difference between the operators and the project manager, he said: “The operators have route licence but TUC does not. TUC has buses, operators don’t have. The operators commitment is the route licence, while TUC’s commitment are the buses.”

Esele said the proceeds from the

• Esele

venture would be going into an account that cannot be touched by individuals without a meeting of all the stakeholders. “The agreement has tied everyone’s hand,” he said On durability of the buses, he said TUC has a robust agreement with the Chinese manufacturers of the buses with regards to maintenance.

NUJ confab: Journalists to elect officers this week

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OURNALISTS will converge in Abuja this week to elect new leaders to run the affairs of the union for the next three years.

The journalists, under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), will arrive the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday, hold the formal opening and business session on Friday while the election will be conducted on Saturday.

In the race for the NUJ presidency is the incumbent, Malam Garba Mohammed of Triumph Newspaper, Mrs Funke Fadugba, Raypower and former Chairman of the Edo Council, Mike Aladenika of African Independent Television (AIT).

Those contesting for Deputy President are Alhaji Waheed Odusile, Managing Editor of The Nation and the incumbent deputy, Mr Rotimi Obamuwagun.

The last few weeks witnessed intense campaigns with zones adopting their choice of candidates.

About 33 states endorsed the candidature of Garba for continuation

as president, praising him for his leadership qualities. Twenty eight states adopted Odusile while two states said they were yet to take a decision.

Some states in the Southwest also supported the candidature of Fadugba and Obamuwagun.

Lagos State journalists at their recent monthly congress in Lagos endorsed the candidature of Odusile for the post of Deputy National President of the union, even as they overwhelmingly voted in favour of ‘Garba for President’, and Adolphus Okonkwo for Financial Secretary.

During his campaign, Odusile told journalists how he has served the union from the chapel level to the national level, being part of the Concord chapel that produced the condition of service for journalists that was later adopted by state councils. And organising the first ever NUJ journalists awards for excellence among others, on behalf of the national body of the union.

The congressional decision, which was taken via voting saw those in sup-

port of the motion to back the trio polling 68 votes as against 15 votes from those that opposed the motion moved

by Alhaji Usman Tongo of FRCN chapel and seconded by Laja Thomas of Vanguard chapel.

The chairman of the state NUJ, Comrade Deji Elumoye had earlier informed the congress of the outcome of some meetings held by stakeholders and decision-making organs of the union.

He recalled how the State Working Committee, the State Executive Council and the Council’s Leaders of Thought had agreed that Odusile be adopted alongside Garba for the presidency.

But despite Elumoye’s effort at getting the elders’ decision across to the Congress, a few members still called for voting. This led to the democratisation of the process by Elumoye.

He said: “As democrats, we will divide the house, not because we don’t believe in our leaders, but because we need to prove to all and sundry that majority of Lagos journalists are

in support of Garba and Odusile for the presidency.”

The show of hands clearly vindicated Elumoye as shown in the result of the poll.

In their acceptance speeches, Garba and Odusile thanked all journalists in Lagos for their support and promised not to disappoint them.

According to Odusile: “A good leader must be one of the people and also part of the people.

“I’ve built my career from being a reporter and I rose through the ranks to become a Managing Editor today. I am still part of you. At the union level, I started as Chapel Secretary of the Concord Newspaper. I’ve being a state officer and a National ex-officio, I did not depart from you. I’ve been one of you, I’ve been a part of you and I still remain with you.”

“Together, we shall take our union to the next level. I will never disappoint or fail you. Please trust me with your votes,” Odusile said.

Integrity Group mourns Bafyau

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HE Integrity Group of Industrial Unions, the third labour centre, has described the death of former NLC President, Comrade Paschal Bafyau as a big blow to Labour.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Comrade Peters Adeyemi, the Group expressed shock and sadness over “the sudden passage of one of the most dedicated and accomplished leaders of the labour movement in Nigeria” Bafyau, the body said, deployed his leadership skills to lay a solid foundation for the NLC at a period of authoritarian military regime that was determined to tame the activism of Congress and its allies.

It said under his leadership, NLC

led its allies in the student union movement, civil society organisations and the Nigerian masses to challenge the military governments over several unpopular policies that culminated in the struggle for the actualisation of the annulled June 12 election of 1993. It is the activism of this period that led to the proscription of the NLC, along with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and Non-Academic Staff Union Universities (NASU) in 1994 by General Sani Abacha.

The statement reads further: “As one of the two representatives of Labour in the Political Bureau in 1986, Comrade Bafyau must be credited with being a very effective representative, as a number of the progressive

ideals of the Labour movement found its way into the final report of the political bureau. “ This included recommendations for special provision for Labour, women and other disadvantaged groups in the political process. This is in addition to the landmark recommendation of the preference of a socialist mode of organisation of society which the military regime regrettably rejected.

“Politically, he believed in the political empowerment of the working class, hence his activities in the Political Bureau and the formation of the Labour Party in 1989, a direct result of his efforts that culminated in the unification of the two major ideological divides in

the labour movement earlier in 1988.

As president of NLC, Comrade Bafyau sought to build a strong economic foundation for an activist Labour centre. He not only built the imposing Labour House in Abuja, which serves as the headquarters of the NLC and Trust Fund Pensions PLC, he got 10 per cent of the Urban Development Bank of Nigeria (UDBN), now The Infrastructural Bank, for the Congress. He similarly established the Labour Transport Service and the defunct Labour Mortgage Bank, as well as the construction of staff quarters in Gwagwalada, Abuja, in his quest to make labour a formidable institution in the country.”

HE National Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has urged the Federal Government to expedite action on the implementation of the Presidential Committee Report on Harmonious Work Relationship among Health Workers.

The unions made the call at a meeting held towards suspending their one-week strike last week.

Mr Felix Faniran, the Acting National Chairman of JOHESU, announced the suspension of the strike in Ibadan, venue of the meeting.

Faniran said though government has met only six out of the ten demands, the decision to suspend the strike was borne out of consideration for the ordinary Nigerians who are not supposed to suffer because of government’s inactions.

JOHESU, which comprises various professional unions in the health sector, had on May 7 embarked on the nationwide strike in federal health institutions.

Faniran said the strike embarked upon was as a result of the refusal of government to meet all its 10point demand.

He, however, said six out of the demands had been exhaustively discussed with the Ministry of Labour and Productivity and Ministry of Health while they were resolved in favour of the union.

Faniran said the remaining four were non-skipping of CONHESS 10, National Health Bill, consultancy status and payment of specialist allowance as well as negotiation of call duty and other professional allowances.

ASUU, COEASU praise Jonathan for assenting bill on retirement

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HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and Colleges of Education Academic

Staff Union (COEASU) have praised President Goodluck Jonathan for assenting to the bill on retirement age for the academia.

National President of ASUU, Prof.

Ukachukwu Awuzie, gave the commendation in an interview with The Nation.

He said the quick assent to the amendment Act by the President indicated that he was concerned about the issue. President Jonathan last Monday signed the Bill for an Act to further amend the retirement age of university lecturers.

The law increased the compulsory retirement age in the professorial cadre and non-academic staff in Nigerian universities to 70 and 65 years respectively.

The President also assented to the Bill for an Act entitled, “Retirement Age of Staff of Polytechnics and Colleges of Education,” which harmonises the compulsory retirement age of staff of Polytechnics and Colleges of Education to 65 years.

Awuzie expressed appreciation to the President for expeditiously signing the amendment provision act 2012.

“And not only just signing the bill, Mr President has given approval for us to establish the needs assessment committee that had gone all round the universities to establish the real situation of our universities in terms of facilities, level of decay.

These are things that we have to praise the president for.”

National President of COEASU, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, said the union was happy with Jonathan for signing the retirement age for staff of polytechnics and colleges of education, adding that the implementation should be backdated, since the agreement was signed in 2009.

OTHER SPORT...OTHER SPORT...OTHER SPORT...OTHER SPORT...

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MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Military responsible for dysfunctional federalism, says Adeyemi From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

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HE Senate Committee Chairman on Federal Character Smart Adeyemi at the weekend blamed the imperfections in the country’s federalism on the military.

Adeyemi, representing Kogi West senatorial district, made the sweeping remark at the weekend in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government area of Kwara state at this year’s celebration of ‘Omu-Aran Day.’ According to him, the military created states by fiat without taking into account the peoples’ norms and values, thus creating avoidable problems among the people hitherto culturally and linguistically homogenous.

He said: “I still find it difficult when I look at the similarities between me and an Igbominaman. Why am I in Kogi state? Igbominaman is in Kwara and ask myself what makes the difference from the Igbominaman. When I was in the North as a boy, whenever I heard people speaking Igbomina, I would think they were speaking Okun. That is how close we are.

“Very soon, we are going to start the process of constitution amendment.

The issue of state creation will come, the issue of local government creation will come and I am a member of the Standing Committee for Amendment of the Constitution. Very soon, the people will determine where they want to be. You will determine the state you want to be and what you want.

“The military created states by fiat. In a federalism, states are not supposed to be equal. In a federal system of government, when you create a state, it must be based on the norms, values, linguistic, culture and beliefs of the people for them to work together. You don’t force people to be together in a federal system of government. Those are the issues I want you to meditate upon. When the time comes for the amendment of the constitution, come forward and make a request and state where you want to be.

“Democracy is said to be the best form of government, but democracy can only be the best form of government when we have people who are duly elected by their people. People who have the interest of their people at heart. That is when democracy can make sense.

“Democracy may not be the best form of government when you have bad representation. So, as we move towards 2015, bear it in mind that you have a responsibility to elect those who represent you at different levels and defend your interests at all levels. Men of God must educate our people.”

In a remark, the Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed commended the spirit of communal and self-help of the Omu-Aran people, saying his administration will continue to provide key infrastructure to stimulate economic activities and enhance our people’s welfare.

He said: “It is becoming clear that government alone cannot meet all the people’s needs. I therefore call for greater participation in the development of our state not only through positive engagement with government, but also through communal and self-help efforts. Doing this will not only accelerate the development of communities across the state, but also give the people a greater sense of ownership and participation in the growth of our state.”

Ekiti deputy governor urges grassroots politics

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KITI State Deputy Governor Mrs. Funmi Olayinka has advised poli ticians to strengthen ties with their constituencies, as they hold power in trust for them.

Speaking in Ado Ekiti while inaugurating the secretariat of the Ado Local Government Area chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mrs. Olayinka identified the rural dwellers as the priority of the Dr. Kayode Fayemi-led administration.

The deputy governor said the government has demonstrated its determination to transform the state with the provision of amenities. She appealed to residents not to do anything capable of threatening the peace of the state.

She restated the administration’s commitment to the provision of the promises it made during the electioneering campaign.

Responding, the leader of the party in the local government area, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, assured the government of the loyalty of the people.

He said the elders’ forum of the party, under the leadership of Chief Samuel Oyewo, is united to propagate the ideals of the ACN.

Ugo Emezue is the Chief Press Secretary to the Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji. He spoke on the efforts being made by the government to transform the state, in this interview with UGOCHUKWU EKE in Umuahia.

‘Orji is transforming Abia’ W

HAT effort has been made to provide amenities and security in the state?

Governor Theodore Orji has been trying to transform the state since he assumed office. As you all know, his first term was spent at various courts trying to validate his mandate and address other external forces. However, in his second term, he has embarked on many projects in the last 10 months. The state government has tackled insecurity amongst others. If you will recall, there was a time no one could sleep with his two eyes closed. I am sure it was a period we will not want to remember when we are assessing the history of the state.

I want to use this medium to thank President Goodluck Jonathan for coming to the aid of the state governor to battle the ugly trend. We have been sustaining the security measures put in place by the Federal Government because when you build a house or buy a car and refuse to maintain it, it will go bad. This is why the governor is doing everything possible to sustain the efforts by supporting the security agencies in the state. This he is doing through the provision of patrol vehicles with communication gadgets and other logistics to help them perform effectively.

But opposition has said government had not done anything…

Sometimes, there are comments people make and you are constrained to respond. When you say the governor has done well but there is room for improvement, people will know that you are criticising constructively. If you do not see any good aspect of him, then it will show that you are not objective in your criticism. Aba is known as the commercial centre for the people of both the Southsouth and Southeast which the governor is trying to turn into a mega-city. Aba was in decay and it was like it defied the solution from previous administrations.

I want to say that governor Orji took the bull by the horn by putting things right in the commercial city.

I want to use this medium to commend the eminent paramount ruler Eze Isaac Ikonne, the Enyi I of Aba who has lauded the governor for his

• Orji

good works despite being at logger head with the state helmsman. The traditional ruler recently said that he had gone round the project sites in Aba and other parts of the state, despite the fact that he is not in good terms with the governor; he commended the governor’s efforts in uplifting the status of Aba. He called on the people to support him. If such a personality could commend the the governor, which means he has given him a pass mark. We don’t even expect the oppositions to condemn the actions of the governor; rather they are expected to point out areas they think he needs to adjust for the free flow and reaping of the fruits of democracy.

So, I want to tell you that Aba is at the process of re-branding to save it from the terrible conditions. So far, 38 roads have been constructed in Aba alone and four housing estates are being developed in the city.

Other projects are equally going on in the commercial city. You could also recall that recently, we commissioned some projects like the UkwuMango Road, the Old Express/ Samek Road and the Dan-Fodio Road which have been tarred.Also the first phase of Aba-Owerri Road is com-

pleted; the pedestrian bridge at the Abia State Polytechnic has ended the death of students and the residents.

The Osisioma Motor Park has been tarred and will soon be inaugurated; we are building a modern theatre hall for the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), drainages in the commercial city including construction of drainages to take care of flooding in Aba. In addition to that, the state government has spent well over N5 billion on Aba to complete on-going projects in order to make the mega city dream a reality. All these projects are in phases and the governor wish to make impact in all the departments before the end of his tenure. Aba is not the only city in the state but it is being given attention because of its importance as the commercial centre of the region.

What is government position on workers welfare?

The governor has done well in the area of remuneration of the workers. It is still one of the states that pay N20,100 which is even more than the normal minimum wage. He has been paying it in the past three months. So, how will somebody now say that he has not been doing great in the welfare of the workers?

And when we talk about the issue of youth empowerment, the governor had empowered 4,500 youths and they are well remunerated. Governor Orji also uses his son, Mr. Chinedu Orji as the driving force for the youth empowerment programmes in the state. He had to go out and mobilise the youths to ensure that youths are engaged.

Government will clock one year in office soon, what should the people expect?

They should expect completion of on-going projects and other developmental activities to boost the growth of the state. The governor has promised to build more health centres and have them equipped, as well as get the other sectors working. So, I will urge them to be patience with the government and trust the governor. He will deliver on his promises, because he knows that government is about service to the people.

Southeast, Southsouth APGA back Umeh, Shinkafi From Chris Oji, Enugu

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EMBERS of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the Southeast and Southsouth have passed a vote of confidence on the Chief Victor Umeh /Alhaji Sani Shinkafi-led national leadership of the party. Umeh and Shinkafi are APGA’s chairman and secretary respectively.

Rising from the meeting of party executive members from the two geozones in Enugu, at the weekend, the party faithful said “a well-tailored deliberation on the issues surrounding our great party within the last four weeks,” was held.

The meeting was convened by the party’s deputy national chairman, South, Chief Chris Uche.

In the communiqué read by the National Vice Chairman, Southsouth, Jolly B. Ngbor, they commended the Anambra state executive committee for its timely intervention by expelling dissidents in the state chapter of the party.

The communique reads: “It is undemocratic, whatsoever, for a party man to desecrate the personality and revered office of the national chairman.”

The party also hailed the leadership styles of Governors Rochas Okorocha of Imo and Peter Obi of Anambra, escpecially in the area of infrastructural revolution in their states and urged them to do more “so that their political evolution in APGA will spread positively to other states of the federation.”

They warned and admonished “all those political, detractors, enemies of progress and fifth columnists hanging within the party to desist from such acts of dissidence or face the wrath of the party.”

• Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole addressing a rally at Jattu, in Etsako West Local Government Area as part of his ongoing electioneering campiagn at the weekend.

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Osun consolidates on jobs scheme •Continued from Page 13 Oduduwa, the Yoruba are not just ordinary people in terms of economic achievements and in terms of what they can do on their own as a people.

The commissioner said: “I think it is wrong that the people have not felt the impact of the governor. We are the first government to employ 20,000 youths under OYES. Let me say for the record that other states have been copying this scheme (OYES) and the Federal Government is willing to take the same step of our governor on the Youths Empowerment Scheme. That programme itself has direct impact on the economy of the state because these people called OYES earn salaries. We may call it relief allowances and if you remember what late Chief Awolowo said that these are children of the state, who must be fed by the state. These people now have money. Some of them have come to tell me that they can now raise capital on their own to do small business ventures in addition to their obligations to the state through OYES.” No wonder, Aregbesola, in his speech during the first anniversary of the scheme said any forward looking government anywhere in the world would invest in the youths for a better society. He maintained that youths are the essential agents for nation building. According to the governor, “Investment in the youth is one of the primary duties of any forward-looking government.

Youths represent the reality of today and the promise of tomorrow; they are the great agents of change; the essential blocks for nation building.

No amount or efforts should be spared therefore to give them focus and purpose in life. This essential responsibility has been neglected for too long. Hence, OYES is the response of our administration to the insensitivity of the immediate past government in the state which viewed our youth as nothing more than political thugs and tools for self-aggrandizement.”

Aregbesola stressed that the philosophy underlying the OYES scheme goes beyond a mere social security service, thus, it is a strategy designed

to give hope to the youths; to keep them at work and out of mischief, noting, that, by this, they have hope of a better future rather than the hopelessness of unemployment.

The governor noted that OYES is part of the fulfillment of his Six-Point Integral Action Plan which, among others, promises to banish poverty, hunger and unemployment.

He said that “apart from its positive social effect, the economic basis of the scheme is no less salutary. For instance, the monthly allowance of N10,000 for the 20,000 volunteers translates to N200 million. In consonance with our backward integration economic policy, this money is meant to sink back into the economy of the state. And for a small and developing state like ours, this amount could mean a lot in terms of setting off related economic activities. Consider for instance the economic spinoffs to local designers and tailors who were engaged to sew the uniforms for the 20,000 volunteers, not to mention the other kits and equipment which were sourced locally. To us, this is a sensible and beneficial way of spending our meagre common wealth. It is an investment in a better future for the State of Osun. It is a cardinal principle of our administration to make productive use of the resources of the state.”

The governor said that the scheme is a stop-gap measure and not meant to be full employment, but designed to meet specific needs of the large army of unemployed youths. Neither is it a social benefit, which is unproductive. Thus, the desire of government through the scheme, to help youths put their talents to work in

•OYES personnel demonstrating aid administation in emergency jobs of more permanent nature.

He said that the state government has absorbed about 5,000 of the volunteers into the state’s teaching service to fill the shortfall in the state’s teaching staff, adding that, some are also participating in the OYESTECH scheme where youths are being trained on how to repair mobile

great Nigerians toiled in foreign lands doing the so-called menial jobs to pay their ways through school and to greatness. While we are given them purpose and setting them on the path to greater future, they would rather see our youths divert their energies into vices and anti-social activities.”

Amosun inaugurates electricity project

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GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun brought relief to the people of Ipokia Local Government Area of the state when he inaugurated a when he commissioned a multimillion naira electrification project in the area.

Amosun commended the Chair-

man, Transition Committee of Ipoka Local Government, Chief Samiu Alani Adeyemi for embarking on the project, and promised that the people of the area will feel more impact of his administration.

Adeyemi, who was appointed into office last year, had embarked on the project to combat the prob-

Hole-inheart boy needs help

lem of power supply confronting the entire local government, which came as a result of the congestion in the source of power supply to the area in Sango area of the state.

He subsequently re-routed power supply to the Local Government area via Idologun/Ifonyintedo and replaced broken poles, insulators and wooden cross arms on the old (existing) line.

Traditional rulers and residents of the council area, who were obviously excited about the project, trooped out in large numbers during the commissioning and expressed appreciation to the chair-

man of the council and his team for embarking on people-oriented projects that have made life meaningful to them.

An hotelier in the council area, Otunba Wale Erinle, commended the chairman, who he said has boosted the economic activities in Ipokia Area with the project.

“There was no light in Ipokia Local Government area throughout last year because there are too many load in the Sango power station, which also supplies Agbara and Sango Industrial Estates. We thank the chair•Continued on Page 50

Ibadan council rebuilds schools

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12-YEAR-OLD boy, Kehinde Adebisi needs N2m to correct a hole in his heart, his father Khalifat Adebisi has said.

The money is needed for surgery in India, said Khalifat, an Islamic cleric.

Kehinde is diagnosed with a congenital heart disease, according to a medical report from Department of Paediatrics and Child health, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) signed by Dr. B.A. Animasahun, a consultant paediatrician paediatric cardiologist.

The report reads: [Kehinde] “is a 12 year old known patient of the Paediatric Cardiology Unit of LASUTH, Ikeja. He is being managed as a case of Congenital Heart Disease (Tetralogy of Fallot). He requires surgical intervention.”

The boy is a Junior Secondary school 1 pupil of Anglican College, Offa, Kwara State. His 48-year-old father made the appeal in Lagos, urging public-spirited individuals and corporate organisations to come to his aid because he cannot raise N2m on his own.

Khalifat said his son did not show any sign of heart defect in the early stage of life until recently and was first taken to Ladoke Akintola Uni-

phones and electronic gadget.

Aregbesola said, “even though we recognise the genuine need to do more, we remain undaunted by the belly-aching scoffers and sour grapes that see nothing good in the scheme.

They have condemned it as offering mere ‘menial jobs’ to the volunteers.

Yet they ignore the fact that many

•Continued from Page 13

rooms would be tastefully furnished and made the envy of everybody.

Abiola urged the residents of the council not to allow the projects lie fallow when completed by ensuring that their children enroll in the schools, he recalled that the results being posted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) showing that the best results were made by products of public

•Kehinde with his dad

By Paul Oluwakoya

versity Teaching Hospital in Osogbo, Osun State. But because of the strike at the time, he had to be taken to a private hospital where

he underwent Echo Cardio Graphic (ECG) test to confirm the defect.

The cleric would be pleased to have donors send their donations to Oceanic Bank account number: 0680001032190; he could also be contacted on 08058840102

schools in the state had confirmed that “our public schools still have what it takes to deliver”.

He commended the state governor, Abiola Ajimobi for his throughness in administering the state, the result of which he said has started manifesting to the admiration of “even the arch enemies of the government”. He stressed that with the way things are going, it won’t be long before the state regains its pace-setting status in every sector of human endeavour.

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Igbo leaders urge unity at Ojukwu Centre launch

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HE foundation stone of a befitting centre has been laid in Owerri, the Imo State capital, for the late Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

The centre which will house a library and conference room, is being bankrolled by the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and its leader , Chief Ralph Uwazurike.

Ojukwu’s widow, Bianca, laid the foundation block, but it was an occasion to call for unity in the region.

The Ojukwu Memorial Library and Conference Centre, according to Uwazurike, will be the pride and

The Ojukwu Memorial Centre will be protected and revered by Ndigbo because of its significance to the Igbo history and struggle and the role it will play in sustaining the ideals, principles, gains and lessons of Ojukwu’s life and eventual death

From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha

identity of Ndigbo. It will house the memoirs of Ojukwu and other great Igbo leaders and Igbo genealogy, aimed at bringing Ndigbo under one canopy to form a common front against the intimidation and marginalisation of the zone, which were the ills Ojukwu fought against.

The centre sits on an expansive 10 plots of land at the highbrow area of the Imo state capital and will also serve as a meeting point where important deliberations about the destiny and fortunes of Ndigbo will be discussed as obtained in other parts of the country.

Uwazurike said: “It is a taboo or abomination for Ndigbo to gather and hold their meetings in a hotel or rented apartments and that is why I am building this edifice so that it will serve as both a tourism centre and venue for all important and exclusive Igbo assembly and a symbol of Igbo unity which our late leader embodied”.

“The edifice will contain halls, recreation centres, conference centres and other tourism and monumental centres altogether and its concept is for Ojukwu’s remembrance, Uwazurike further disclosed He said there will annual “Ojukwu lecture series, symposiums, workshops, meetings and colloquiums, important Igbo meetings, conferences and congresses, which will be held in Owerri, instead of going oversees or holding them in hotels”.

Ojukwu’s widow, Bianca said the centre will not only keep the

•Bianca lays the foundation stone, accompanied by Uwazurike (left) and Ikedife memories of Ojukwu alive but will also ensure that his ideals and agenda for Ndigbo are not left to die.

She said the centre will help revive the dying Igbo culture and norms which she said was threatened by mistrust and disunity among Ndigbo, adding that when the Igbos are united they stand a better chance of taking their position as an indispensable part of Ni-

Amosun inaugurates electricity project man and his team for their good work and we hope they would continue this way so that the people of the area can continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he said.

According to him, Chief Adeyemi abandoned other luxuries and paraphernalia of office like official car and expensive accommodation to serve the people, adding that the electricity project is first of its kind in the

council area. He disclosed that the chairman is now being rated as the best in Nigeria at the moment.

Some of the achievements of Chief Adeyemi since he got to office last year, according to him are provision of 300 KVA transformer Lower Tension at Bode Ase, Oseunolu area, Atta-koko, Agosasa, sinking of boreholes at Agosasa and Oniro and other areas, evacuation of blocked drainage at Ipokia, clearing of drainage at Idiroko and complete

Also speaking, frontline politician and publisher of the Champion Newspapers, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, charged prominent Igbo sons to support and embrace the project as their own, stating that the burden is huge and should not be left for the initiator alone.

He said that the unity that had eluded Ndigbo was responsible for the backwardness the zone have experienced in the recent past, while calling for compensation for the families of Biafran soldiers who lost their lives.

“Those of us who saw and fought during the civil war can tell you what happened, we lost our finest young graduates from University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and I want all the names of those who lost their people to be compiled so that we will take it to federal government for compensation”.

Former President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Dozie Ikedife, who witnessed the ceremony, the need for Igbo unity cannot be over emphasized, stressing that no sacrifice will be too much to achieve that.

Ikedife described the project as a right step towards achieving Igbo unity, which he said will launch the Igbo agenda into another phase.

Those of us who saw and fought during the civil war can tell you what happened, we lost our finest young graduates from University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and I want all the names of those who lost their people to be compiled so that we will take it to federal government for compensation

•Gov. Amosun (right) inaugurating the project. With him is Adeyemi

•Continued from Page 49

geria.

“Why we are undermined today is because we have failed to be united,” she said. “If we take advantage of the initiatives of the new Igbo leadership, which I encourage us to embrace, Ndigbo will soon reclaim their pride of place in Nigeria and in the world”.

The Eze Nri and the custodian of Igbo culture and tradition, Eze Obidiegwu Onyesoh, expressed optimism that the Ojukwu Library and Memorial Centre will foster unity among Ndigbo, stating that it will be a place where the upcoming generation will learn about the ways of life of Ndigbo and know their identity and background.

The monarch noted that politicians in Igboland were not able to make remarkable progress in the agitation for Igbo presidency because of disunity, which often make them stand in each other’s way. He urged Igbo leaders and MASSOB members to mobilise Ndigbo for 2015 general elections.

Ezeonwuka said: “the Ojukwu Memorial Centre will be protected and revered by Ndigbo because of its significance to the Igbo history and struggle and the role it will play in sustaining the ideals, principles, gains and lessons of Ojukwu’s life and eventual death”.

overhauling of local government pail loader.

Others include purchase of official cars for the council, overhauling of local government CAT Grader 120G, free eye treatment and glasses programme (Jigi Amosun), servicing of local government bulldozer, construction of classrooms for schools, provision of markets and several others, which has increased the rating of the council as a fast developing one.

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This is a home grown idea by the Lagos State Government.

This was our idea as a home grown solution to a global problem. It is not a day celebrated across the world, but only in Lagos State and it thus shows our commitment to ensure a brighter and rewarding future for today

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N words and in action, the pupils delivered their message: if you want to save the environment, recycle waste.

When five pupils from Corona Schools, Victoria Island, Lagos stepped on the stage, no one paid much attention to what they had to offer. Perhaps the audience though it was going to be a recitation of a poem to promote the advocacy for climate change at the fourth anniversary of the Climate Change Club for Schools in Lagos.

But they left a mark and got the audience dancing to their ‘rap attack’ with a strong message on the need for all to get involved in the advocacy to save the environment through recycling of waste. Even the little girl in their team was not left out in the performance as she took her own turn to spread the advocacy through their music.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello and his counterpart in Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye could not help dancing and applauding the pupils who took the campaign one step further.

Their exploits not only earned them applause from the crowd, but a rare opportunity as Governor Fashola instantly approved the request by the Commissioner for Environment to have the song performed by the pupils produced as a theme song for the advocacy and distributed in CDs across the state.

About 100 girls from Queens College, Lagos as well as a drama team from Oshodi High School also thrilled the crowd with calisthenics and a short playlet as their own contribution to the advocacy.

But thousands of students from various schools across the state at the Police College, Ikeja, venue for the event, further proved the seriousness of the state government to effectively spread the message on climate change.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola in his remarks was full of praise for the students for their passion to lead the advocacy on sustaining the environment by imbibing the culture of reducing, reus-

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HE chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos, Hon. Israel Adekunle has expressed delight at the cordial relationship between his administration and the traditional institution in the council.

He said, for instance, that traditional rulers in the local government have helped to extend the reach of the council’s programmes.

•The pupils display at the event

Climate change: Pupils advocate recycling of waste

By Miriam Ndikanwu

ing and recycling of waste to combat the emission of Green House Gases.

He emphasised the need for the students to take the advocacy of recycling waste products to their homes and communities which he said will go a long way to achieve its desired results.

“The sustainability will reach its crescendo when one of you become commissioner for the Environment, Permanent Secretary and Special Adviser in my lifetime and see you pursue this same initiative with a passion”.

Governor Fashola noted that population growth, loss of land and re-

duction in water supply was fast becoming a trend, adding that only those prepared for the future will survive.

He said residents must be ready to change their behavioural activities and be prepared to deal with the problems of climate change.

He said the Climate Change Club was a home grown initiative by the state government which it has pursued vigorously since 2008.

Fashola said, “This is a home grown idea by the Lagos State Government. This was our idea as a home grown solution to a global problem.

It is not a day celebrated across the world, but only in Lagos State and it thus shows our commitment to ensure a brighter and rewarding future for today”.

Bello said children remain critical to the climate change crusade as they are among the most vulnerable members of the society to the effects of climate change such as diseases, famine and several other environmental disasters.

“I therefore, enjoin you to continue to spread the word amongst your peers-in school and at home, to your parents and to all you come in con-

•Orelope-Adefulire tact with, young and old. Do not be afraid to point out to others, the challenges we face as regards Climate Change”.

Council chief hails monarchs at coronation Hon. Adekunle was speaking at the coronation and presentation of staff of office to the Oba of Shasha Kingdom, HRM Oba Babatunde Akani Ogunrobi Akinlowo, which took place at Abati Primary School, Akowonjo, Shasha, Lagos.

The state governor Babatunde Fashola was represented at the event by his Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ademorin Kuye. The Elegbeda of Egbeda, Oba Samson Alade Balogun, was also there, as were sev-

•From left: Chairman, Alimosho Local Government Area, Hon. Adekunle, the newly crowned Oba, HRM Akinlowo and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Kuye

eral traditional chiefs and other celebrities.

The council chair captured the joy of the moment, even as he looked forward to improved governance at the council as another royal partner joins the leadership.

Adekunle said the coronation opens a new chapter in the rich history of the council and Shasha kingdom.

“Words alone cannot express how delighted and inspired that my humble self and members of my cabinet are because we know that the demanding job of governance is indirectly going to be a lot more convenient and the dividends of democracy more accessible to the good people of our local government area with the emergence of more obas in our locality,” he said.

“History can testify that the third tier government of Alimosho has a cordial, smooth and unparalleled relationship with our revered traditional rulers which in the long run have always eased the art of governance.”

The council chief urged residents of Shasha to support the new king in order to sustain the prevailing peace and pace of development in the area.

“Please, cooperate and extend a hand of fellowship to the newly crowned Oba as this is the only way progress and development can be achieved,” he said.

Adekunle continued: “Shasha from time immemorial has been noted for peaceful co-existence amongst all and sundry irrespective of religious background, political affiliation, race, sex and age bracket...I want to specially appeal to all our Baales in Oguntade, Bameke, Santos, Orinsunbare, Ajako and all others across the length and breadth of the local government to embrace this new paradigm so that all of us as stakeholders can contribute our unquantifiable quota to the development and progress of our dear local government.”

Adekunle also urged residents of the council to be security conscious, considering the terrorist challenges the country is facing.

His words: “It is our collective responsibility to be more conscious than ever to keep our environment safe. Call any of the toll-free emergency lines in case of any suspicious movement of people and goods in our locality.”

The council chairman praised the Fashola administration especially its infrastructural projects in Alimosho.

“Currently, massive construction work is going on at Baruwa, Ipaja, Ayobo road and several other places in Alimosho Federal constituency.

Adekunle prayed God to give the Ariwajoye of Shasha “the wisdom, patience and spiritual knowledge to rule as you ascend the throne of your forefathers.”

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NEWS Institute celebrates World Culture Day today As the international community marks the 2012 World Day for Cultural Diversity today, the Southwest zone of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has urged stakeholders to appreciate the value of peace as an important tool for development.

In a statement by the Zonal Head Ohi Ojo, the institute noted that the World Day for Cultural Diversity for dialogue and development should be seen as a chance for people to celebrate cultural diversity and harmony. “On this day, celebrations are held to create greater awareness of cultural values and the need to preserve them,” the statement said.

It said such values are honesty, tolerance, hard work, respect for elders and constituted authorities, among the people, especially in the Siouthwest.

The institute noted that the values must be embraced and encouraged by the people of Ondo State as they prepare for the governorship election on October 20.

The statement added: “The citizens should appreciate that the essence of governance is development. Therefore, in achieving this, there should be room for tolerance of political differences without recourse to violence.

“NICO, therefore, urges all stakeholders to embrace peace

‘Jonathan should be saved from Boko Haram humiliation’ •President: el-Rufai decries Fed Govt’s inability to fight insecurity pray for me FORMER Minister of the Federal Capital Territory

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HE Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, Revd Nicholas Okoh, at the weekend said President Goodluck Jonathan needs the the church’s prayers to avoid his humiliation by the Boko Haram sect.

Okoh said: “Can Mr. President, like Martin Luther, on hearing depressing and gloomy reports, summon the faithful around him and say: ‘Come, let us sing (or read) the 46th psalm?’ and thus challenge God, the Mighty One, in battle to arise and let his enemies scatter?”

The cleric was reading the presidential address (Bishop’s Charge) at the second session of the eighth Synod at the St. James’ Church, Asokoro, Abuja.

Its theme was: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. It was taken from Psalm 46:1.

Okoh urged Nigerians to intensify prayers, at private and corporate levels, for the country.

He said: “Nothing is too much to give in the service of our fatherland. We must resist the devil; we must persevere and travail in prayers. The scripture assures us that the fervent prayers of the righteous have great effects. We must aim at leaving behind a better country for our children.

“Is Boko Haram operating

by God’s allowance as an in-

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From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

(FCT), Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, has decried Federal Government’s lack of political will to tackle security challenges confronting the nation.

The former minister said if the political leadership fails to address fundamental security matters, their cumulative effects would have dire consequences on Nigeria’s future.

Speaking at the weekend as the guest speaker at the annual public lecture of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Muslims Graudates’ Association, entitled: The Challenge of Internal Security and Implications For National Development, in Ile-Ife, Osun State, El-Rufai said no region is immune to insecurity.

The former minister in the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, noted that bad governance is the major cause of insecurity across the land.

He noted that the loss of hope among the people has pushed many into criminality.

The former minister identified injustice as the cause of the insecurity in the country.

El-Rufai said there is too much injustice in the land, adding that it is imperative for the Federal Government to curb insecurity, reduce corruption and stop the bombings and militancy as well as other criminal activities to encourage the flow of investments.

According to him, rather than tackle the problems properly, the Jonathan administration has continued to falter.

He said: “Last year, N2 billion per day was spent on security and this year, it has increased to N3.1 billion. Yet, there is no solution. Many people have been killed and many others displaced while the Federal Government resorts to military solution. To have social and economic justice, there must be sound intelligence gathering by the security agencies and From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

strument to discipline the church? No. The church must, therefore, arise and pray for our government and save President Jonathan from humiliation and disgrace in the hands of the wicked. It is time to pull down the wall of Jericho. Paul and Silas prayed and sang; the Lord responded and

set them free from the bondage of prison. We need our freedom, we need our liberty. We must engage in spiritual warfare to pursue and overtake the Amalekites who loot, burn and destroy our land and have held the country hostage under their evil powers.

“The Islamic sect, Boko Haram, has reduced the North

community engagement.

“Unfortunately, the trust between the government and the people is lost. In the Obasanjo administration, it was a watchword that nobody in government should tell lies because once you were caught, there would be no trust again. But Jonathan’s government does not have this standard.

“The youths are bitter. From the Southwest, there are area boys; militancy in the South-South and kidnapping in the South-East and the North with bombings, claimed by the Boko Haram. It is evident that the government has failed on security.

At the roots of thisese are social and economic injustices.

“It is sad today that through the social media, the youths only analyse and see issues through ethnic and religious lines, unlike in our own time. We see things through class structure.

It is very clear now than before that the political class has disengaged from the expectations of the people.

“Security is the foundation upon which a society is based.

Without security nothing positive is possible. No practice of religion, no good family life and other good things will be allowed to flourish because we will all be in a state of war. It is sad that no budget is made for railway and no reasonable budget for power, which can help the economy to grow very fast. It is the defence that took the chunk; yet, there’s no solution to security challenges. Infrastructure, which can aid the flow of investments, is in decay.

“Youth unemployment is alarming. In Yobe State, one of the strongholds of Boko Haram, unemployment is more than 60 per cent. Agriculture and mining have great prospects for large employment. Yet, nothing is happening in the sectors.

Tourism, which has more than an annual N80 billion, is greatly being affected by the terrorist activities of Boko Haram and militants.”

Eastern axis to a shadow of its old self, just as kidnapping has done to the Southeast and South-South. Nigeria will not fall, despite the menace of Boko Haram, kidnappers and armed robbers. The enemy is unrelenting; more and more innocent people are being gunned down. Bomb manufacturing factories are being discov-

ered…

“The Boko Haram group is implacably sworn to destroy Nigeria, unless their interest, the interest of their sponsors, prevails. Spiritual life is gradually becoming dreary, with endless security checks and occasional panic and stampede.

This is Nigeria’s time of trouble.”

Coalition accuses Jonathan of delaying Salami’s reinstatement •Calls for quick approval •‘Recall Appeal Court President now •Salami

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COALITION of Human Rights, Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations called the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), has condemned the attitude of President Goodluck Jonathan towards reinstating President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Ayo Salami.

The group said Jonathan has been dragging his feet towards implementing recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) on Salami’s reinstatement.

Salami, in 2011 had alledged that the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Katsina Alu attempted to influence his decision during an election petition from governorship election in Sokoto State.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Abuja, the Chairman of TMG, Mr. Mashood Erubami said Jonathan was quick in August, 2011 to have suspended the PCA following recommendation of the NJC. Erubami said: “The NJC recommended that Salami should be reinstated. President Jonathan, who acted on the suspension of Salami with alarming speed is now dragging his feet on implementation of the recommendation to reinstate him.”

Describing the process as a systematic erosion of judicial

From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja and Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

independence, Erubami called on President Jonathan to honour the new decision of the NJC. “TMG call on President Jonathan to honour the reinstatement advice from the NJC with the same speed it took him to align with the recommendation to suspend.

“President Jonathan swiftly suspended Salami in less than 48 hours after the NJC decision was made. At that time Justice Salami was presiding over the election petition filed by General Muhammodu Buhari against Jonathan.

“Jonathan brought an application in that case to strike out the petition on the ground that it was filed on Sunday,” he added.

Speaking on the different probe reports such as the N1.7 trillion fuel subsidy probe, Tony Elumelu power probe, Security and Pension Commissions probe among others, Erubami noted that the various probe reports have yielded no sanction from the Federal Government (FG).

He said government should be committed to protecting the lives and properties of its citizens amidst spate of insecurity in the country.

However, the TMG recommended an urgent implementation of the Uwais Panel Report on the electoral reform.

The group among others advised the government to respect rule of law and the National Assembly (NASS).

A group, the Afonja Descendants Union (ADU), has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that the reinstatement of Justice Issa Ayo Salami as Appeal Court President is devoid of partisanship.

In a statement in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, by its president, Alhaji Abdulkarim Olola-Kasum, the union noted that Dr Jonathan “is, as it were, placed on the top of a hill and the whole world watches his endeavour”.

The statement reads: “The post of President of Appeal Court is national and the National Judicial Council (NJC) is a constitutional body representing the overall interest of the federation.

“At long last, the NJC has proved its mettle as the bastion of justice, human rights and democracy by ordering the reinstatement of Justice Salami, who was suspended months ago by President Jonathan on the advice of the same body that found him innocent of the accusations against him.

“While congratulating members of the NJC for a job well done, and also jubilating with Justice Salami for his vindication, I want to counsel the President to exercise statesmanship of the highest order befitting the status of Nigeria in treating the reinstatement.”

•Minister of Education Prof Ruqqayatu Ahmed Rufa i’ (left) presenting a letter of condolence to Funmilayo, widow of the late Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Adetokunbo Sofoluwe when the Federal Ministry of Education delegation visited her and the university at PHOTO: ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA the weekend. Story on page 62

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‘PHCN’s new tariff insensitive, unacceptable to Nigerians’ HE Chairman of the

Rivers State chapter of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Mr. Chika Onuegbu, has said the new tariff the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) plans to charge consumers as from June 1 is the height of insensitivity to the plight of the masses.

He said it is unacceptable to Nigerians.

The union leader noted that the tariff increment is coming as most Nigerians cannot enjoy good meals, coupled with the increase in fuel price.

Onuegbu addressed reporters

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

at the weekend in Port Harcourt, the state capital, after the union’s awards night.

The union leader said on May 29, Nigerians will celebrate 13 years of uninterrupted democratic rule while the nation’s leaders lack major attributes of democrats.

He said: “The current increase in the tariff of PHCN is very unfair to Nigerians. In the tariff, there is a fixed element, whether you use power or you do not use power; you get that element.

“Those are some of the things we are surprised about the increase in the tariff. The element of the charge cannot be justified.

“I know that we have civil rule, but to say we have democracy, I am not aware. If you say democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people, I am sure we are far away from it. But I know that we have civil rule.”

Onuegbu said TUC honoured its past leaders in the state to show gratitude to them and encourage those in the saddle presently to work hard to merit similar honours from their successors.

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I’ve lost my mother and mentor, says Fayemi •Attah Mills, Oshiomhole, others at thanksgiving service KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday described his late mother, Madam Dorcas Fayemi, whose body was interred on Friday, as his mentor.

He said she taught him lessons about life, character, hard work, perseverance, community service, social and parental values, among others.

Fayemi spoke at St. Martin’s Catholic Church, IsanEkiti, during the thanksgiving service marking the end of his mother’s funeral.

The governor said the values that kept him going during the struggle to reclaim his mandate were learnt from his mother.

He said: “Her determination often surprised me be-

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Ogun assures workers of better welfare THE Ogun State Government has reassured judiciary workers of improved welfare.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwemimo Ogunde (SAN) stated this at the Governor’s Office Press Center, Abeokuta, while speaking with reporters on activities marking the first anniversary of the Governor Ibikunle Amosun administration.

Ogunde said the government has renovated the ministry’s library and stocked it with law books and journals.

He said the government is working towards completing the abandoned headquarters of the judiciary at Oke Mosan.

The commissioner said the government will continue to improve the welfare packages of judiciary workers.

He said in the last one year, the ministry generated over N38 million revenue from oath fees and 10 per cent commission on the administration of the estates of deceased persons.

•The Fayemis (from left): Kayode; Bisi; Segun; his wife, Modupe and the governor’s sisters, Mrs. Boluwade Ayodele; Chief Monisola Oloro; and Mrs. Funmilayo Imoru...yesterday.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

cause I had mistakenly thought age would have softened her. She never advised me to let go. She told me the journey would be tough and rough, but there would be light at the end of the tunnel. She urged me to be bold, courageous and not betray Ekiti people.”

Fayemi said his late mother experienced several betrayals and endured indignities in the course of his political career.

Recalling the role his mother played when he assumed office, Fayemi said

Ekiti State Deputy Governor Funmi Olayinka; her husband, Mr. Lanre Olayinka; Ogun State Deputy Governor Segun Adesegun; Benue State Governor’s wife Mrs. Yemisi Suswam; former Governor of the Old Western Region Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd); his son and former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; and former Ekiti State Military Administrator Navy Captain Atanda Yussuf (rtd.)

Others are Senator Ayo Arise; activist lawyer Mr. Femi Falana; Mr. Solomon Asemota (SAN); Ekiti State

Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr. Nosa Ojo; former Deputy Inspector-General of Police John Amodu (rtd.); Edo State Commissioner of Police Olayinka Balogun; former Kwara State Chief Judge, Justice Badeyan (rtd.); Vice Chancellor of the Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Prof. Tolu Odugbemi; Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Patrick Aina; Prof. Jide Osuntokun; Mr Femi Osunro; former Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mrs. Ifueko Omogui-Okauru; and her

husband, Dr. Okauru.

No fewer than 150 traditional rulers from Ekiti, Ondo and Osun states graced the occasion.

They include the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe; the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida; and the Onisan of Isan-Ekiti, Oba Sunday Ajiboye.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of a prototype of a proposed Old People’s Home in memory of the late Madam Fayemi by the state’s Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON).

Oyo ACN slams PDP over attack on Alaafin

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Oyo State at the weekend condemned the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) attack on the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III. In a recent statement, the monarch advised President Goodluck Jonathan on the need for the PDP to be careful regarding its plan to take over the Southwest in 2015.

But the PDP in the zone accused the Alaafin of being used by the opposition.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dauda Kolawole, ACN said: “The wisdom of elders dictates that when they see things going wrong, they should, without being sentimental, call those perceived to be fanning the embers of discord to order. This is exactly

Monarch urges human capital development

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HE Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, at the weekend urged political office holders to invest in manpower development.

This, he said, would tackle poverty and unemployment.

Oba Adeyemi said the insecurity and poverty will become history, if politicians empower their constituents.

The monarch spoke in Oyo town at the end of a youth empowerment programme organised by the Senator representing Oyo Central District, Mr. Ayoade Adeseun, in collaboration with an empowerment group, the Self Detecting Creativity Group.

Over 100 people from Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East and Oyo West local government areas participated in the two-month empower-

what the royal father has done.

“Everybody knows how the PDP has been beating the

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

ment training.

Urging public office holders to emulate Adeseun, Oba Adeyemi said: “When you teach people how to fish, you take them out of the poverty circle, and that is what Adeseun has done.

“This gesture will make people to be self-reliant and facilitate a social change, as an empowered person will not depend on peanuts from the privileged few or engage in crime. An idle hand is the devil’s workshop. We hope others across the country will emulate the senator’s gesture.”

Participants were trained in computer engineering, handset repair and catering.

They were also taught how to make tye and dye, soap, beads etc.

war drum over its desperation to take over the Southwest in 2015. But, if the party had performed well during

its eight-year reign in the zone, it would not have been rejected at the poll by the people.

“The fact that the people voted en masse for ACN in the 2011 general elections shows that they are tired of being deceived by a group of politicians, whose only plan is to steal public funds and draw the region backwards.

“Instead of PDP to be grateful to the Alaafin for his words of wisdom, the party attacked the revered monarch. We are happy that the royal father took them down the memory lane, as our today is the manifestation of yesterday. Today’s events, either coordinated or otherwise, will determine our tomorrow.

“We advise the PDP to face the reality of its rejection by the Southwest. Our people will never allow themselves to be deceived again.”

Amosun marks first anniversary

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GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and top officials of his administration will today begin Townhall meetings with opinion leaders in the three senatorial districts and the inauguration of projects across the state.

These are part of activities marking the first anniversary of his administration.

Amosun will also lay the

Osun police gets spokesman DEPUTY Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mrs. Folashade Doro, is the new Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Police Command in Osun State.

She took over from Mr. Oluwagbemileke Taiwo, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

Mrs. Doro, a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), was born in August, 1967.

She joined the Police as a Cadet Inspector 15 years ago and has worked in various divisions, including the Force Headquaters.

politicians besieged her home in search of various favours and she guided him on how to deal with them.

He said she was later relocated to the Government House to prevent further disturbance.

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole prayed that the late Madam Fayemi’s wisdom will continue to guide her son in managing the state’s affairs.

Ghanaian President John Attah Mills was represented by his Minister of Local Government, Mr. Elvis Afriyie Anigra.

Also at the service were

•Amosun

foundationof model secondary schools in the three senatorial districts.

The Townhall meetings will begin in Ogun West at the Empire Hall, Ilaro. Before the meeting, the governor will inaugurate the Oju-Ore/ Ilogbo Road in Ota. Ogun Central Townhall meeting will hold on Tuesday at the Abeokuta Sports Club Complex, Oke Ilewo, inaugurate the Industrial Park

access road in Onijanganjangan and the Arinlese-Saje Road in Abeokuta.

On Wednesday, the Townhall meeting in Ogun East will hold at the Itoro Hall, Ijebu Ode. The governor will inaugurate the flood and erosion control project at Molipa.

On Thursday, there will be an interactive session between youths and commis-

Ondo LP, PDP members join ACN

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EMBERS of the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ifedore and Ilaje local government area of Ondo State at the weekend defected to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

At Ifedore Local Government, the defectors joined the ACN during the party’s central senatorial meeting

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

in Ipogun.

The defectors include Kehinde Ademola, Samuel Adejo, Muyiwa Kayode, Ayo Saratu, Bode Sule, Fatai Ajayi, Lot Adefila and Adeowo Olowokere, among others.

They were received by Mr. Bayo Falase and Alhaji Amoda Ajagbemokeferi.

Their spokesman, Samuel Adejo, said they joined the ACN to support the governorship aspiration of the former Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa.

Adejo said Akinterinwa has enough experience to manage the state’s affairs and urged the ACN to give its ticket to a popular candidate.

He said the people were

disappointed with the administration of Governor Olusegun Mimiko and would work for the ACN’s success.

Falase assured the new members of a fair playing ground.

In Igbokoda, Ilaje council, the defectors were received by Otunba Sam Erejuwa and Mr. Tony Ajimuda at a rally.

sioners at the State Television (OGTV) Hall.

The public presentation of 500 electricity transformers purchased by the government is slated for Friday.

Also on Friday, a Jumat service will hold at the Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta, and a drama will be staged inside the Oba’s Complex, Oke Mosan, in the evening.

On Sunday, a church service will hold at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Abeokuta. This will be followed by the Children’s Day celebration at the MKO Abiola Stadium.

On Monday, May 28, Amosun will host members of the National Assembly from Ogun State and inaugurate the 2.4km Ibara-SokoriTotoro six-lane Road.

On Tuesday, the governor will speak on his administration’s achievements at the June 12 Cultural Centre. It will be followed by a dinner.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

59

NEWS NDE trains 2,000 in Delta From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

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HE National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has trained 2,000 youths in Delta State.

Its Co-ordinator, Patrick Isedu, who spoke in Asaba, said its School-on-Wheel Programme trained beneficiaries in hairdressing, automobile engineering, electrical installation and fashion designing among others.

His words: “The beauty of the programme is that NDE moves fully-equipped vans to meet the people at their locations.

“NDE has trained 2,200 youths since the inception of the programme in the state.

“The programme would help in preventing rural-urban drift.’’

Cleric praises Uduaghan

Akwa Ibom council boss attacked

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HE Chairman of Mbo Local Government Transition Committee in Akwa Ibom State, Okpo Ekere, has been attacked by some suspected hoodlums.

It was gathered that there has been a war of supremacy between two communities in the local government, Ebughu and Efiat.

Efiat allegedly attacked its Ebughu neighbour and a youth was killed in the process.

Irked by the development, Ebughu youths reportedly attacked Efiat.

Ekere, who is from Udesi, had gone to the area on a peaceful mission, but was reportedly waylaid by some irate youths.

The youths were said to have shot him in the stomach.

The source said: “They hacked his head with a machete after shooting him.

Man beats girlfriend to death From Bisi olaniyi, Port Harcourt

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man, Obinna Eze, allegedly beat his girlfriend, Idara, to death yesterday at his home in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Though details of what led to the tragedy were not available, eyewitnesses said the lovers had a disagreement on Saturday.

The police were informed of the death by anonymous persons. Eze has been arrested and detained at BorokiriPolice Station.

Commissioner of Police Mohammed Indabawa said the victim’s body has been deposited at the morgue of the Braithwaite Memorial Hospital in Port Harcourt.

He expressed displeasure that the murder occurred few weeks after a similar incident at Elechi Beach, Mile One, Diobu, Port Harcourt, where a man killed his girlfriend and buried her in a shallow grave in his one room apartment.

•One killed From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

“I think they wanted him dead because his orderly pleaded with them, telling them that he was the chair-

man and had come in peace, but they refused.”

It was gathered that the council chairman was rushed to a traditional healer at Edikor community, where

several bullets were removed from his body before he was taken to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, (UUTH).

The government has condemned the attack, describing it as callous, irresponsible, dastardly and despicable.

Deputy Governor Nsima Ekere said this shortly after he visited Ekere at UUTH. Ekere ordered the dissolution of the youth executive at the centre of the crisis.

He ordered the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Ita Umo-Udo, to implement the dissolution.

The deputy governor also directed the Commissioner for Police, Umar Gwadabe, to find the culprits.

He admonished youths to desist from taking laws in their hands, no matter the provocation, assuring that the government was willing to address their grievances.

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HE Anglican Bishop of Asaba, Rev Justus Mogekwu, has described Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan as an exceptional politician.

Delivering his sermon at the third session of the diocese’s 12th Synod in Asaba yesterday,Mogekwu said: “There is something out of the ordinary which is easily observable about the governor.

“This is the second and last lap of his tenure. Yet he seems to be more dedicated and committed to fulfilling his electoral promises than when he first started.

“This is the quality of a man who knows that he has God to give account of his stewardship to.”

The cleric counselled Uduaghan to “leave his footprints that cannot be erased from the sands of history.”

Group appeals to Dickson

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From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

MINISTER of Petroleum Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke at the weekend inaugurated an oil vessel in Warri, Delta State.

The barge, christened Akpevweoghene Offshore Pipelaying/Derrick Barge, is owned by an indigenous oil servicing company, FENOG Nigeria Limited.

The barge, 387’X100’X25", will accommodate 300 crew members.

The minister said the Federal Government would continue to support indigenous oil companies in line with its the local content policy.

Mrs. Alison-Madueke said the policy would entrench indigenous operators in the nation’s oil industry.

She praised FENOG’s management for its steadfastness and commitment to the growth of the local content policy.

FENOG’s Executive Director Matthew Tonlagha said: “The barge can lay pipe offshore from 2” to 60" pipe offshore from the depth of 200 to 300 feet above and it can also lift heavy duty equipment of about 1,000 tons.”

Six kidnap suspects held From Osagie Otabor, Benin

•Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime thanking Senator Ayogu Eze and Ambassador to Switzerland Mrs. Fidelia Njeze at an outing service in honour of his late mother, Mrs. Ekpeluchi Chime, at the St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral Catholic Church, Udi.......yesterday

By Emmanuel Oladesu

GROUP, the National Advocacy for Peace and Justice, has urged Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson to reverse the revocation of a contract awarded to Mureno Construction Company Limited.

Last week, Commissioner for Information Markson Fefegha announced the revocation of the N42billion Membe-Brass Road project, citing “incompetence and lack of technical capacity”.

In a statement by its President, Olishe Patrick, the group said: “The Mureno we know in Lagos is a competent construction firm reputed for delivery of high standard projects.”

According to the group, the company has demonstrated “high professionalism and parades the best hands in today’s construction industry.

“It is puzzling that such a company could be described as incompetent and lacks technical capacity to to deliver good job.

“This company that is doing well in a state like Lagos will help the state in terms of infrastructure development.

“It would be in the interest of our democracy if Mureno could be given back its job.”

Oil vessel inaugurated

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Anyim urges media to rise up to national challenge

HE Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, has asked the media to rise to the challenges facing the country.

He said the press has contributed a lot to nation building.

Anyim spoke at the launch of a magazine, “Metropole” in Abuja , published by a member of ThisDay Editorial Board, Waziri Adio.

He said: “Let me take advantage of this ceremony to thank the press for its invaluable contributions to the development of the country.

“The Nigerian press has been in the vanguard of nation building at every stage of its development.

“It midwived our independence and fought for our democracy and its sustenance. I wonder what Nigeria would have been without the press.

“But the work of the press is not done yet. The Nigerian press must stoutly rise to the challenges we are facing.”

The SGF, however, asked the press to redefine the agelong definition of news on the basis of the people and the society.

“The world is changing, there are new discoveries and

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

technology. These call for new methods in whatever we are doing. This should be extended to journalism.

“I want to join the call for more ways on how journalism can help to find solutions to the problems facing the nation.”

The Speaker of the House of Representatives,Aminu Tambuwal, who was represented by his Deputy, Emeka Ihedioha, said it is good hat the press has refused to be intimidated.

He said: “I am especially buoyed that just weeks after terrorists inexplicably bombed ThisDay, this magazine is being launched.

“This is a demonstration of our resilience to resist any attempt by criminals to determine how we live. Waziri Adio and other journalists are saying today that we cannot be intimidated.”

The Speaker urged journalists to uphold the ethics of the profession and engage in good reporting.

The Minister of the Federal

Capital Territory, Bala Mohammed, assured the people and investors that the government will protect them. s Present at the ceremony were ex-Senate President Adolphus Wabara, ex-Minister of Police Affairs Adamu Maina Waziri, ex-FCT Minister Aliyu Modibbo, Minister of Information Labaran Maku and Chairman of Etisalat Hakeem Belo-Osagie.

Others were Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity Reuben Abati, expresidential spokesman and Chairman of ThisDay Editorial Board Olusegun Adeniyi; Editor of ThisDay Simon Kolawole; traditional rulers and others.

‘Oshiomhole deserves second term’

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ONARCHS in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State have said Governor Adams Oshiomhole deserves a second term in office.

The traditional rulers, in a statement presented by the Enogie of Ogbeson, Aduwa Ojiegbaen, at a meeting with the governor said the people could see the over 300 projects going on in the state.

“We have not seen this kind of development before. Your report card is an open book and we score your administration very high. You have done well and you deserve a second term.

“Your score card is good. You have 99.99 percent chance to serve another term because God is happy with you, the Oba of Benin is happy with you, the Enigies are happy and the people are happy.

“The governor has done so well and he deserve to be promoted. The Enigies have promoted him for fixing our schools, our roads with drainages, street lights and even the air we breathe at Isonoro, which was a refuse dumping ground.”

Oshiomhole said he is humbled by the assessment of his stewardship, adding, “we still have far more to be done. The task is to build on the progress we have started.”

SIX persons who allegedly abducted a 50-year-woman in Benin City have been arrested by the Edo State Police Command.

Gabriel Nosakhare, Omoreghain Okoedin, Julius Arangbonfor, David Osana, Fred Okor and Tony Enoma were said to have abducted their victim on Upper Mission Road.

They took her to a forest at Errua where she was kept for two nights.

Police said the kidnappers demanded N10million but the victim’s husband could only offer N1.5million but the kidnappers insisted on N5million.

Commissioner of Police Olayinka Balogun said police moved in after receiving a tipoff and rescued the victim unhurt.

Two of the suspects were arrested in the forest, which led to the arrest of other members of the gang.

Items recovered included one cut-to-size barrel, 13 live cartridges, two loaves of bread and two phones.

Edo urged to partner NNPC From Osagie Otabor, Benin

The Edo State Government has been urged to partner with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in the realisation of its potentials in oil and gas resources.

The government was also urged to utilise its position to establish petrochemical plants and allied industries.

This was contained in a communiqué at the end of a two-day summit organised by the House of Assembly Committee on oil and gas.

Chairman of the Committee Friday Ogierhiakhi said the summit was to find ways to utilise natural gas as a source of energy in the state.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

60

NEWS Benue Assembly set to screen Suswam’s nominees From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

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S the Benue State House of Assembly is set to begin the screening of Governor Gabriel Suswam’s nominees for appointment as chairmen and members of the local government caretaker committees, indication has emerged that some of them may not scale the screening based on the local law 2012 as amended.

This is coming against the backdrop of the battle by the nominees from the Benue Northeast Senatorial Zone to clinch the chairmanship of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria(ALGON).

Governor Suswam dissolved local government caretaker committees recently and forwarded a list of new nominees to the House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

But the lawmakers kicked against some of the nominees whom they said fell short of what the local government law 2012 as amended required of them, which prescribed a six- month tenure for local government caretaker chairmen and members.

The Nation investigation reveled that the lawmakers unanimously kicked against re-nomination of chairmen who have served more than six months as prescribed the local government law.

The lawmakers argued that the governor dropped David Sevav (Ukum), Augustine Avaan (K,Ala),Terlumun Akputu (Kwande), Andrew Ayande (Gwer West) and Sarwuan Tarnongo (Konshisha) because they served more the six months in office as caretaker chairmen.

Fulani herdsmen kill 7 in Benue

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EVEN persons have been reported killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Onmbasha, Gwer West Local Government Area in Benue State.

The suspected Fulani herdsmen also torched 46 houses, destroying property worth millions of naira.

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

Conducting reporters round the area, the Ter Nagi(traditional ruler), Chief Daniel Abontse, said the attackers entered Gwer West Local Government through Doma Local Gov-

ernment in Nassarawa State.

“They stormed villages in Gwer West Local Government at about 6pm and operated till dawn, shooting and killing people, including women and children,” said Chief Abontse.

The Divisional Police Officer in Gwer West Local

Government Sunday Obanje confirmed the incident. He said the situation has been brought under control.

The local government has been under incessant attacks

by Fulani herdsmen since the beginning of this year.

They have killed more than 50 people.

Makurdi in darkness as windstorm destroys 30 poles

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HIRTY electricity poles were destroyed by windstorm in Makurdi on Friday night.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Power Holden Company of Nigeria (PHCN) poles were destroyed by the windstorm that was preceded by rain, which only lasted 30 minutes.

Some of the worst hit areas were Gboko Road, Wurukum Roundabout, Ahmadu Bello

Way in old GRA, North Bank and Highlevel areas.

NAN reports that wooden and concrete poles were damaged by the rainstorm, while some of the cars parked under trees were damaged as the trees fell on them.

However, no roof was destroyed by the rainstorm.

Some PHCN officials in Makurdi, who preferred anonymity, said over 30 poles were damaged by the wind.

ABU VC urges profs to mentor lecturers

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HE Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Kaduna Vice Chancellor Professor Abdullahi Mustapha has urged professors to mentor younger academics with a view to promoting sound academic culture and leadership.

He spoke after the 312th meeting of the university senate which approved the promotion of 25 senior lecturers to readers and 17 associate professors to professors.

Prof. Mustapha enjoined them to regard their promotion as the reward of their years of hard work and commitment to their teaching and research work.

He urged them to use their wealth of experience and vast knowledge to promote peace and harmony among the various constituents of the university.

Those promoted professors included: Prof. Barth Izuchukwu Onyeanusi (Veterinary Anatomy), Prof. Azubuike Chidowe Odunze (Soil Science), Prof. Christogonus K. Daudu (National Agricultural Extension Research and Liaison Services), Prof.

Ekundayo Garba (Surgery), Prof. Bala Yauri Muhammad (Pharmaceutical Sciences).

Nigerians urged to be cautious in foreign transactions

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IGERIANS have been urged to enquire about the individuals and companies they intend to transact business with in overseas, to avoid being duped.

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Fagbadex Global Services Ltd, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria’s partner to GlobalCIS Credit Information Services, Mr. Friday Agbabule, gave the advice in Lagos at the weekend.

He said: “We go extra mile

in looking at the history of enquiries of the companies our clients wish to transact business with. Our company will also go into details of verifying if the subject company is a manufacturer “Fagbadex Global Services Ltd has been given the franchise as the only business information and credit reporting company authorised to carry out any credit report on behalf of the world accredited credit company, the GlobalCIS Credit Information Services, Australia.”

How Nigeria can attain Vision 2020 goal, by CMD boss

By Tonia ‘Diyan

C

APACITY building and personnel competence must be addressed at individual and institutional levels if Nigeria is to attain its goal of becoming one of the major world economies by 2020, the Director General of the Centre for Management Development (CMD), Dr. Kabir Kabo Usman, has said.

He spoke at a workshop titled: ‘Training on trial’, held at the CMD, Lagos. It was organised by the Total Business Consulting Limited and the CMD. Dr. Kabir said: “Training as a capacity building and change initiative has either been relegated to the background by organisations or is not having impact on the employees’ performance and productivity.”

•From left: Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Othman, receiving a gift from the wife of Bauchi State Deputy Governor Hajiya Zainab Sagir, Bauchi State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Talatu Barwa, and Chairperson, House Committee on Women Affairs and Child Development, Hon. Rifkatu Danna, at the closing ceremony of skill acquisition training for women in Bauchi at Dass Local Government Area...at the weekend.

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Suicide bombing fallout: Suntai arrests motorcyclists in Jalingo

ARABA State Governor Danbaba Suntai has arrested some motorcyclists in Jalingo, the state capital.

Police spokesman IbiangMbasike made this known at the weekend.

The governor was also said to have ordered the arrest of commercial motorcyclists and private owners of motorcycles in Jalingo.

A source in the Government House said the governor took the action because he believed commercial motorcyclists known in local parlance as achaba (okada riders) were responsible for the insecurity in

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From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

the state.

The development followed the two bomb blasts that occurred in the state capital recently.

The first explosion occurred on April 30 when a suicide bomber rode on a motorcycle and forced his way into the convoy of the Commissioner of Police Mamman Sule. No fewer than 11 persons were killed in the early morning suicide bombing, which appeared to be targeted at the

newly redeployed police chief. Twenty people were seriously injured, including Police Corporal Usman Suleiman who was the outrider in the commissioner’s convoy.

Another bomb blast occurred on May 11. Although, there were no casualties, the panic it created paralysed the social life of the once peaceful city.

In the second bomb blast, two suspected bombers reportedly drove on a motorcycle, passed a police van before dropping an explosive,

which was carefully packaged in what looked like a fertiliser bag. It was gathered that the timing was miscalculated. So, the bomb exploded a few seconds after the police van had passed the scene of the detonation.

Thus, the police, acting on the prompting of the governor, have arrested many motorcyclists, and have vowed to arrest any motorcyclist found on the road in Jalingo.

“We have arrested quite a reasonable number of motorcyclists. We can’t say exactly how many motorcyclists have been arrested,” the police spokesman Mbasike told The Nation.

Niger impeachment saga: Moves to allegedly HE impeachment remove new speaker uncovered saga that led to the

sacking of the former Speaker Mohammed Gamunu and three other principal officers of the Niger State House of Assembly last Tuesday is yet to be over as there are alleged moves by the executive arm to get the new Speaker Isah Kawu out of office.

At the weekend, rumours were rife that the state government was allegedly offering over N200 million to induce lawmakers to begin the termination process of the less than one week old leadership of Kawu, but this was denied by the Commissioner for Information, Malam Danladi Abdulhamid.

The allegation is coming in the wake of a legal suit filed by the impeached Speaker and other sacked principal officers of the House challenging the le-

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

gality of their removal from office by 20 of the 27 members of the Assembly.

It was learnt that the emergence of Kawu as the new Speaker did not go down well with the executive arm. The new Speaker is adjudged to be highly principled, uncompromising and an independentminded lawmaker who cannot be easily influenced or controlled by the executive arm of government.

A source close to the lawmakers told our correspondent that the fund for the project was facilitated and released by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

It was also alleged that the legal action instituted by the former Speaker and his principal officers was induced and bankrolled by

the executive arm of government.

Confirming the development, the Minority Leader, Mohammed Nasirudeen Umar, representing Kontagora 1 Constituency, said the executive seemed bent on destabilising the legislative arm by inducing members with financial gratification.

Condemning the meddlesomeness of the executive, Umar alleged that eight members had collected their share of the booty.

“We have uncovered plans by the executive to destabilise the House.

They are not comfortable with the new leadership of the house and have set aside N10million for each of the 20 members that signed the impeachment notice of former Speaker and others to begin the

removal of the new leadership of the House. The sad thing, however, is that we learnt that eight of our colleagues have collected the ‘Greek gift’, but the move is bound to fail,” the Minority Leader alleged.

Refuting the bribe allegation, the Commissioner for Information in a telephone chat said the state government was committed to providing basic amenities for the people and was not interested in doling out money to lawmakers.

“The former and new Speakers are members of our party. So why the noise? One thing sure is that Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu is ready to work with anybody that occupies the office of the Speaker of the House of Assembly,” Abdulhammid said.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

61

NEWS FOREIGN ‘Western rail line to be ready before end of year’ Lockerbie bomber dead

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HE Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, Sahabi Ya’u said yesterday that the Western Rail Line would be fully operational before the end of the year.

The rail line is expected to connect Lagos, Ibadan, Jebba and Kaduna to Kano, while the Eastern Rail Line will link Port Harcourt and Makurdi to Maiduguri.

Ya’u told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the Western Rail Line, which is 90 per cent completed, would have started functioning long time ago “if not

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for the Akere Bridge that collapsed’’.

“I assure Nigerians that the line would be in use before the end of this year; it’s just remaining some little finishing touches.’’

He said the committee would, in the next few days, embark on an oversight visit to the Eastern Rail Line project where “work is going on at a slow pace’’.

“In the next one or two weeks, we will be out on oversight duty and we will make sure that every kobo that is put into the railway project is spent wisely.’’

The lawmaker said rehabilitation had also started on some narrow gauge lines inherited from the colonial masters.

He said there was also budgetary provision for standard gauge rail lines from Lagos to Ibadan, and from Itakpe to Ajaokuta.

Ya’u said that there was provision in the 2012 budget for the completion of the Itakpe-Ajaokuta standard gauge line, which is meant to transport steel products to the ports.

He said the projects and the Abuja-Idu-Kaduna standard

gauge line were expected to be completed before the end of this year, adding that the standard gauge lines were being constructed in phases because of the amount of money involved.

“We want to start the standard gauge in segmentation; it is being segmented instead of being awarded in whole because it is a very huge amount of money, which the country cannot afford at once.

“In the next few years, we will be having standard gauge rail lines running from Lagos to Kano and from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.’’

UNILAG loses another lecturer

HE academic community at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos, was at the weekend thrown into another round of mourning.

A teacher at the Creative Arts Department, Mr. E.A. Bassey died on Saturday.

His demise came even as

By Adegunle Olugbamila

students and lecturers were still mourning the death of their Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adetokunbo Sofoluwe.

Bassey repotedly died shortly after the UEFA Champions League final between Chelsea and Bayern

Munich.

The cause of his death has not is unknown.

But an official of the varsity’s information unit, Wale Olasunnmade, confirmed the incident, even as he declined to comment.

“We are aware of the de-

velopment. But the university is not releasing any information on it. Any interested reporter can come to do a follow up from students and colleagues in his department. The deceased family lives in the university’s staff quarters,” he said last night.

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BDELBASET alMegrahi, the only person convicted over the 1988 Lockerbie bombing above Scotland which killed 270 people, has died at his home in Libya.

Megrahi, 60, was convicted by a special court in the Netherlands in 2001.

He was freed from Scottish jail in 2009 on compassionate grounds because of cancer, stirring controversy when he outlived doctors’ expectations.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron said it was a day to remember the 270 victims of “an appalling terrorist act”.

Cameron, who is in Chicago for a Nato summit, said Megrahi should never have been freed, Reuters news agency reports.

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond also said Megrahi’s death was an occasion to remember the victims of Lockerbie.

He said Lockerbie was still a live investigation and that Scottish prosecutors had never believed Megrahi was the only person responsible.

Megrahi’s release sparked the fury of many of the relatives of the victims of the Lockerbie disaster.

The US - whose citizens accounted for 189 of the dead also criticised the move.

But others believed he was not guilty of the bombing.

Dr Jim Swire, whose daughter Flora died at Lockerbie, called Megrahi’s death a “very sad event”.

“Right up to the end he was determined, for his family’s sake... [that] the verdict against him should be overturned,” said Dr Swire, who is a member of the Justice for Megrahi group.

His brother Abdulhakim said on Sunday that Megrahi’s health had deteriorated quickly and he died at home in Tripoli.

STATE OF FEDERAL PROJECTS

A tale of abandoned projects Past governments in Nigeria were never in want of ideas, but many of the projects initiated remain either uncompleted or outrightly abandoned several years later, writes LEKE SLAUDEEN

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AST governments in Nigeria have routinely shunned projects and policies initiated by their predecessors, preferring to start new ones from the scratch, even if their own initiatives hardly differed in structure, substance and character from those of the governments that preceded them.

According to official reports, over 11,800 projects have been abandoned or are uncompleted. Already N2.7 trillion has been spent and about N7.8 trillion will be needed to finance abandoned projects. Out of 5,100 contracts awarded by the Niger Delta Development Corporation (NNDC), only 1,550 were completed while 2982 were abandoned. The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has

spent over N300 billion on Turn Around Maintenance for the four refineries.

The unsavoury situation was confirmed by the Finance Minister Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala who said on-going projects and those regarded as abandoned had reached 20,000 with no visible means of completing them within a short time frame.

“We have close to about 20,000 abandoned projects across the country waiting to be tackled and yet people are still seeking for contracts to be awarded,” the minister said.

A multi-billion naira dam initiated by the Murtala/ Obasanjo military regime located in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State has been abandoned. The Ikere

Gorge Dam project, which was almost 85 per cent completed was designed to generate 3,750mw of electricity, supply water to Oke-Ogun communities and parts of Lagos and irrigation of 12,000 hectares of land. According to the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority bulletin as of December 31, 1997, civil works on the dam were 99.5% completed while construction works on mechanical and electrical components stood at 90% stage of completion. The 690 million cubic metre dam has begun to show ample evidence of tear and wear due to neglect by successive administrations.

The $8.3 billion LagosKano standard gauge railway project whose contract was awarded at the twilight of the

Obasanjo regime is at a standstill. The project was suspended in 2008 by late President Umaru Yar’Adua following the recommendation of a ministerial panel. In its report, the panel alleged that the contract sum was inflated, that the foreign contractor was not duly registered and that no provision was made for it in the budget. The contactor China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation claimed to have spent $250 million on feasibility studies and preliminary work.

The new line stretching over 11,000 kilometres will have a speed limit pegged at 150km per hour and it would take less than four hours to travel from Lagos to Kano by rail. Other details of the project include the construction of 39

stations and two workshops, which would be run through an independent power supply system. The Chinese also offered a five year maintenance period. A source at the Ministry of Transport said government was already discussing with the Chinese government for a loan facility as a condition of bringing back CCECC for the project.

Projects worth N20 billion have been abandoned at the Petroleum Training Institute, Warri, Delta State. The projects, which include two students’ hostels, administrative/office blocks, call duty quarters, a printing press, water works, generators and staff club were part of the comprehensive measures being taken by the Federal Government to upgrade PTI, a middle- lev-

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el manpower training centre for the oil and gas industry to international standard. The projects had been on-going since 2007.

Mambila Hydro Power Project is still a paper work despite huge amount spent on it by the Federal Government.

In 1982, government awarded a contract of $200 million to a foreign company called Diyan Consultant to conduct a feasibility study on Mambila Plateau for power generation. The consultant in its report stated that 3,900mw could be generated from the plateau. Nothing was done on the report until 2007 when the Obasanjo regime awarded another N300 million contract to a German company to review the Diyan report. A Chinese company was awarded geo-technics contract at a cost of $200 million. Government has spent so much on feasibility without lifting a shovel of sand.

Badagry-Sokoto Highway was one of the road projects that the Murtala/Obasanjo military administration embarked upon before it left office in 1979. It was abandoned by the Shagari regime. Work on the first 80 kilometres of the road awarded to an indigenous company had been abandoned since 1981 while efforts to restart it in 1988 also failed. The road was conceived as an alternative route to decongest the Lagos/ Ibadan Expressway.

The N2.2 billion contract for the rehabilitation of the Niger Bridge awarded by the Obasanjo regime has been abandoned. The bridge was constructed in 1965. It is the only link between the South eastern states and the rest of the country.

The much taunted Onitsha sea port, which is nestled beside the eastern end of the Niger Bridge, is a desolate waste. Transport Minister Senator Idris Umar promised that the project would be commissioned last October. The visible objects at the site are the two cranes abandoned by the contractors.

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

62

NEWS Nigeria can’t generate electricity from nuclear energy, says Senate •Varsity workers oppose review of electricity tariff

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HE Senate has said it is impossible for for the country to generate electricity from nuclear energy without appropriate funding.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream), Senator Emmanuel Paulker, spoke in Abuja during an oversight visit of the committee to the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA).

The lawmaker said the N10million given to the agency monthly for its activities does not show that the country is serious about generating electricity from nuclear energy.

The Federal Government has been considering the option of generating electricity from nuclear energy to boost the nation’s dwindling electricity generation.

Paulker decried inadequate manpower for the agency, saying NNRA does not have enough personnel to monitor oil companies and other agencies that use radioactive materials in Nigeria.

He said: “One is not in doubt that this agency is made up of intellectuals, the best of brains of this country. We are very much aware of the constraints you have financially.

We don’t know what you have done in the past to better this position because we cannot sit down in the Senate and insert figures into your budget.

“You listed a lot of functions which you are to carry out and these are very critical, especially those that affect the lives of those of us that are seated here and ordinary Nigerians… We are also bordered that the Southsouth and the Southeast seem to be more vulnerable to nuclear radiation. The answer is very clear because of the operation of oil industries in these ar-

From Sanni Onogu and John Ofikhenua, Abuja

eas.

“This is an agency that is under-funded. You cannot put N10million per month to go ahead with generating electricity from nuclear energy”.

TheNational Executive Council (NEC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) at the weekend kicked against the proposed increase in electricity tariff when power supply is still very low.

In a communiqué it issued in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the end of its quarterly NEC meeting, SSANU decried the spate of insecurity in the land, especially the Boko Haram insurgence.

The union urged the Federal Government to engage the sect’s leaders, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and North’s royal fathers to resolve the killing of innocent Nigerians.

SSANU’s National President, Comrade Samson C. Ugwoke and its National Public Relations Officer, Comrade, NAD Aboribo, signed the communiqué.

The communiqué reads: “NEC also calls on the Federal Government to do all that is necessary, including constructive engagement of the Boko Haram leaders, the Arewa Consultative Forum and the royal fathers of the North, with a view to finding a lasting solution to the unwarranted carnage being visited on innocent Nigerians on daily basis.”

SSANU condemned the killing of Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, the Principal Private Secretary of Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomole.

It urged governments at all levels to stop paying lip service to the security of lives and properties.

Doctors designate 80 clinics to treat patients TRIKING Lagos doc-

S

tors said yesterday that they have designated 80 private clinics and hospitals to treat patients free of charge while the strike lasts.

The Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN) announced this at the weekend during the celebration of the World Doctors’ Day in Lagos.

Those to enjoy the offer are those with the general hospital registration card, the doctors said.

Chairman of AGPMPN,

By Risqot Ramon

Dr Olayinka Oladosu, said the facilities are available in all parts of Lagos to provide succour for patients during the strike. He added that all local governments/ zones will have facilities to cater for the masses.

He said the action was a way of reducing the sufferings being experienced by the people following the disruption in the health delivery to the people.

•Petroleum Minister Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke flanked by President/CEO of NESTOLL Group, Dr. Ernest Azudialu (left) Director, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr. Augustine Olorunsola at an award dinner by the Howard University in honour of Mrs. Alison-Madueke, an alumni when the university marked its 100 years anniversary in Washington DC.

•Deputy Corps Marshal (Policy), Mr. Ayo Omidiji (left); Special Assistant to Corps Marshal, Janet Omidiji; Deputy Corps Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem and Deputy Corps Marshal (Training), Eloka Anyaoku, during the monthly jogging...at the weekend.

Reps criticise OAUTH CMD over ‘illegal’ N230.9m lodgments

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HE Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives has faulted the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Prof. Olusanya Adejuyigbe, for allegedly keeping the institution’s N230.99million as fixed deposits in some commercial banks.

T

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

Members of the committee spoke at the weekend during an interactive session with the hospital’s management on the queries raised against it by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.

The lawmakers directed the CMD to furnish the committee, in the next one week,

with the names of the banks where the money was lodged, the statements of the bank accounts and the interest they have yielded. According to the committee, the action of the CMD contravenes the provision of circulars which authorised ministries/extra-ministerial departments, agencies, parastatals and governmentowned corporations to in-

vest their idle funds in 91 days primary market Nigeria Treasury Bills.

The committee frowned at the CMD’s lodging of the funds in commercial banks, saying it was in flagrant disregard of government directives.

The lawmakers questioned the managerial competence of the CMD as head of the Hospital.

North’s governors to privatise New Nigerian

HE North’s governors are set to privatise the New Nigerian newspapers and settle workers’ outstanding salaries and allowances.

They said only a sound editorial content and innova-

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

tion by the company would ensure its sustainability.

Sokoto State Governor and Chairman of the Revitalisation Committee set up by the governors , Aliyu Magatakar-

da Wammako, broke the news at the weekend when he addressed the newspaper’s workers who have been on strike over unpaid salaries in the past three months.

Wammako also said his colleagues have promised not

to interfere in the editorial content of the paper, adding that in modern day journalism, the editorial content of any newspaper is determined by the public interest.

Minister leads condolence visit to UNILAG

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DUCATION Minister Prof Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i at the weekend led a delegation of her ministry’s officials on a condolence visit to the family of the late Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe.

Sofoluwe died at 62 on May 12.

In the minister’s delegation were directors, principals and permanent secretaries.

They arrived at the UNILAG Senate Building before noon and were received by the ProChancellor, Deacon Gamaliel

By Adegunle Olugbamila

Onosode; the Registrar Oluwarotimi Shodimu; and the two Deputy ViceChancellors, Professors, Jide Alo (Academics ) and Rahman Adisa Bello (Management Services), now the Acting Vice-Chancellor.

The delegation was hosted at the Senate Chamber. In the team were: Dr. Jamila Suara, Director, Tertiary Education; her deputy, Dr Fayemi Yinusa; Dr. Kudirat Ladipo, Rector Yaba College of Technology; Prof Dibu Ojerinde, the Registrar, Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB); Prof Isaac Adewole, Vice-

•Says Sofoluwe’s death shocking Chancellor, University of Ibadan (UI); Dr Uba Okonkwo, Deputy ViceChancellor (Academic), National Open University of Nigeria(NOUN); Otunba Dele Olapeju, Principal, Kings’ College, Lagos; and Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, ViceChancellor, University of Ilorin(UNILORIN), among others.

Prof Rufa’i said she received the news of Sofoluwe’s death when she was on a special assignment in China.

She commiserated with the university community and the Sofoluwe’s family.

Recalling her last encounter with the late vicechancellor as a guest to UNILAG during its convocation in February, the minister said: “I never knew that two months after we would again come here mourning.”

Reading a condolence letter from her ministry entitled: An open sense of loss, Prof Rufa’i described the late Sofoluwe as a “distinguished scholar, an asset in computer sciences, and a part of the engine driving the transformation agenda of the current President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.”

She attributed the good rela-

tionship extended to the late varsity adiministrator from the teaching and non teaching staff to the late Sofoluwe’s leadership acumen. She said the late vice-chancellor was a hardworking.

Speaking in an emotionladen voice, Onosode, who thanked the delegation, described Sofoluwe as a cerebral leader and a good team player who usually put aside his personal view to embrace the views of all. He said: “I still ask myself Tokunbo, who permitted you to leave? I’ve always looked forward to him (Sofoluwe) bidding me farewell when I eventually passed on, but this is not to be.” Onosode said

the late Sofoluwe’s unceremonial death has left a gulf in UNILAG, adding that the professor of Computer Studies passed on at a time he still had so much plans for the university.

His words: “This is a challenging moment for us all because Prof Sofoluwe, full of spirit and strength, still introduced plans the university intended to roll out for its 50th anniversary last week.

“Unfortunately, he will not be part of the anniversary. Aside the blow his death caused us, it has also given us the strength to continue from where he stopped. I assure you on behalf of the university management that we shall keep his legacies alive.”

THE NATION MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012

63

SPORT EXTRA Athletics begins at Ibile Games

Oduamadi's goal helps T Torino grab promotion T

ORINO have secured promotion to Serie A after beating Modena 2-0 on yesterday afternoon to secure a top-two finish.

Goals from Nnamdi Oduamadi and Giuseppe De Feudis were

enough for the Granata to bag the full three points.

Torino currently sit top of the Serie B table with 82 points from 41 games; holding a five-point lead over second placed Hellas Verona and Pescara, who have

one game in hand as they lie third.

Head coach Giampiero Ventura's men have recorded 24 victories, 10 draws, and seven losses so far this league campaign.

The seven-times Italian champions last featured in Serie A in the 2008-09 campaign, when they finished 18th in the table and dropped to the second tier.

After revamping our World Player of the Week feature.

2012 Olympics’ Torch arrives in UK

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HE British High Commission in conjunction

with the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) jointly celebrated the arrival of the 2012 Olympic Torch into the host City, London, England on Friday at the Velodrome of Abuja National Stadium, package A. The Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi was in attendance while the NOC president Engr. Sani Ndanusa, chairman Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Adamu Gumba and Hon. Godfrey Gaiya, chairman House of Representatives Committee on Sports were all in attendance while Great Britain, host of the 2012 Olympics, was represented by the Deputy British High Commissioner, Giles Lever.

NOC boss, Ndanusa told

•As London expects fantastic organisation From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja

The NationSport at the ceremony that “Nigeria’s mission to London 2012 Olympics is to be in the gold medal zone, in the final medals table. The areas that we expect gold medals are the combat and individual sports like taekwondo, canoeing. The canoeing guy is doing wonderfully well and he has toured Nottingham and will go to Primo for his training exercise. We have given him adequate backing to succeed in the London Olympics.

“We also expect big things to come from the weightlifting most especially in the female category. Generally we are not leaving anybody out; we are giving all athletes good opportunity to perform very well in the Olympics Games in London. I want to assure you this

time around that as few as we are, the few are going to compete not to participate Insa Allah (by God’s grace), Ndanusa assured.

In same vein, the Deputy British High Commissioner in Abuja, Giles Lever also explained the mission, target and expectations of the host nation on the global sports fiesta in relationship with Nigeria as a country.

“We think it’s going to be a fantastic Olympics. We want it to be an Olympics which shows the best side of Great Britain in sports, culture science and technology, innovations, in the way we welcome people from different countries in cultures all over the world in celebration of sports.

“Here in Nigeria, the British High Commission try to sup-

port peace, tolerance and understanding to arrange the projects to support youths from different communities and emphasise (the need) to come together to debate in sports, learning and many projects like that in the Northern part of Nigeria.

ESLIM Balogun Stadium will be on fire today as athletics event begins at the ongoing Lagos State Sports Festival tagged Ibile Games with Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) still topping the medals table.

With all the individual events like scrabble, chess, taekwondo, judo, kung-fu, weightlifting, wrestling, darts, cycling, shooting and gymnastics taking centre stage from today, all eyes will be on the athletics event, which holds at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Being the final week of the Championship, Yaba LCDA continued its dominance on the medals’ table with the council amassing 31 gold, 19 silver and 21 bronze medals.

From nowhere, Bariga LCDA shot to the second place on the medals table with 28 gold, 26 silver and 22 bronze medals while Lagos Island Local Council is third with 22gold, 17silver and

•Yaba still on top 20bronze medals.

Defending champion, Ibeju Lekki Local Council is fifth behind Surulere with 9gold, 11silver and 19bronze medals while fourth placed Surulere garnered 12gold, foursilver and 10bronze medals.

Other teams on the top level are Somolu, Ifako Ijaiye, Ifelodun LCDA and OshodiIsolo.

Also at the weekend in the school table tennis event, Ransome Kuti Memorial Senior Secondary School claimed gold in the boys’ team event, while Baptist Secondary School won the girls’ event.

In the boys’ singles event, Qudus Surmer of Baptist Secondary School defeated Qazeem Quadri of Arch Deacon Adelaja Secondary School to win gold, while Modinat Yusuf of Army Senior Secondary School beat her compatriot Olamide Odusanmi to win the gold medal.

GTB HERITAGE CUP FINAL

Anwar Ul-Islam emerges champion

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HE Golden stars of Anwar Ul- Islam College Agege have emerged the winner of the maiden edition of the Guaranty Trust Bank Heritage Cup season 1.

The Golden stars narrowly defeated the strong warriors of King’s College by 1 -0, to lift the trophy with a cash reward of N750, 000 for the first position.

King’s college were more defensive conscious in their approach losing to the Golden

•Defeat King’s College 1-0

By Paul Oluwakoya stars courtesy of a Kareem Lasisi’s header that produced the only goal of the game two minutes to the end.

The Island boys, however, received cash reward of N400, 000 for their efforts.

Earlier, St’ Gregorys College defeated Ansar Ud-Deen college 3-1 to place third in the Heritage Cup games and went

home with the sum of N200,000.

According to Segun Agbaje, Managing Director GTB: “The Heritage Cup remains the same as the principal Cup – to identify football talents from the schools in Nigerian Colleges whilst creating a platform for participating schools to compete in a peaceful atmosphere, learn the principle of ‘fair play’ and eschew violence in Football.”

www.thenationonlineng.net

MONDAY, MAY 21 , 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

TOMORROW IN THE NATION

‘‘Jonathan is no worse incompetent than the undistinguished band he succeeds. But by his scandalous judgments, he is set to tower above all of them in crass dishonour. The ongoing Salami affair is prime example’.’

VOL 7 NO 2,132

OLAKUNLE ABIMBOLA

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

F

OR about a month, the politics of Edo State has come to define the fury and barbarity of our body politic. Violence rises to cult status and a governor’s life almost melts down in an inferno of partisan rage. But the opposition says it is an accident. Within 24 hours and in a double shower of providential grace, his Commissioner for Information is not at home when gun-wielding brigands scale his fence and unleash panic.

Those who doubt their story of politically inspired violence, including in the media, wait to be silenced by the fatality of the comrade’s comrade in his house about a week after the commissioner’s embrace with good fortune.

Last week, I was at the Sheraton Hotel when The Champion serenaded him as their Man of the Year, and it was an opportunity for him to tell his story. Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole is a sprightly, fleet-footed small man with big eyes and he amasses energy in his blue-worker khaki. His speech blended a sense of humour with the defiance of a man in the trenches. Humour fizzled out early from his brow.

After receiving the award, he waded into his narrative as governor and spoke blisteringly about a certain godfather who took him to his Abuja house and wanted him to expunge from the budget all the things for which he has elicited praises from high and low: infrastructure development, education, environment, financial engineering. He said he was not going to back down, and spoke in one breath against those who went after his life and his associates and, in another breath, to President Goodluck Jonathan. He said it was obvious the PDP machine was set to rig the governorship election in July, but he was going to mobilise his people for a free and credible poll.

He was proud of what he has done for his people. I was thrilled by his aplomb as he sat beside Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), his chief host and a governor of example, who said he had visited Benin and reeled out street after street in Benin City, showcasing how Oshiomhole has transformed the city.

Looking at the two governors, I saw how good can flow out of the pervasive rot in the country. I also felt a sense of revulsion about the brigands who would not let the nation advance out of our rut. My mind went to the sort of society the PDP wheel horses want for Edo and how, in our politics, a decadent cabal turns the people’s mandate upside and impose the devilry of their will.

As Oshiomhole received his award, two narratives developed. One, the INEC was under attack for trying to tinker with the voters’ register, which the electoral body denied.

The second was the blast from the tongue of Muhammadu Buhari at President Jonathan over the 2015 presidential election. It was clear from both narratives that the nation was already in the political doghouse. So, it is time that those who abhor order should learn that Nigeria is nobody’s fiefdom.

If the PDP has no answer to Oshiomhole as is the case today, they should bow to the peo-

RIPPLES WE’VE NO PLANS TO RIG EDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION-PDP

You won’t RIG? Please KEEP TO YOUR WORDS

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchsam@yahoo.com 08054501081(sms only) •Winner, Informed Commentary 2009& 2010 (D.A.M.E)

Tribal politics

•Oshiomhole ple’s mandate. It is time to tell President Jonathan that he should allow the Edo people pick their governor.

Edo State is not Bayelsa. He should not touch the state of red dust and doughty people the wrong way. It seems to me that resistance will be difficult to handle if the polls are rigged.

Elections are for the people and not for political never-do-wells. In Bayelsa, we now have a governor by “military coup,” where law and order fell to the brutish will of one man and his minions. We don’t want that in Edo State.

That is as much the message that I am feeling from the people in the state. This was the message that Buhari made last week about the dog and the baboon, and the possibility of bloodshed. We abhor bloodshed, and we need

our politics to rise to the taste of conscience and good breeding. Anyone sworn in from a rigged election is the first harbinger of violence. If the consequence is violence, then who started it? No violence is justified, but violence does not live in a vacuum. As Kennedy said, those who make peaceful change impossible make violent one inevitable.

The 2011 election went to Goodluck Jonathan in an exaggerated mandate, and his publicists called it pan-Nigerian. If it was a pan-Nigerian mandate, then all of Nigeria should be happy with him. We know that was not the case from the outset and that is why we have the surge of post-election violence in the North. Instead of building bridges, he retreated to his tribal shell.

Even if he were performing and changing the indices of welfare and lifestyle, we could have pointed to a redeeming light. He has none of that. But he is talking of 2015 through his party men. He is silent on his ambition but would not stop his associates. One of such associates is the governor by impunity, Seriake Dickson, who defended his oga when Buhari rammed home the truth that Jonathan plots to rig his way back to office.

Jonathan knows he may not have much in terms of a resume to brandish for 2015. That is why Buhari has warned against any plot to dislodge the people’s will. What Jonathan and his PDP kingpins are doing reminds me of a novel I read many years ago, Lord of the Flies. It is a story of British boys under 14 years of age marooned in a deserted island in the Pacific Ocean. They lose their innocence early and abandon the rules they set for themselves. One of the boys, known as Jack, proclaims, “I want to be chief… who will join my tribe.”

Another boy, Piggy, who likes law and order, is mauled to death. Jack and his tribe over-

HARDBALL

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VERY time he speaks, President Goodluck Jonathan gives us a special and valuable insight into both his mind and his thoughts about the nation he presides over.

Last Friday during the funeral mass held in honour of Mrs Theresa Chime, mother of Governor Sullivan Chime, the president once again spoke uncensored and unvarnished with the boyish simplicity that has become his trademark. He was not responding to reporters’ question, and so he could not be said to have been manipulated through what lawyers describe as leading questions. Nor was he pressured. Indeed, if anything, he showed his idiosyncratic fecundity with spontaneous statements when he told the church congregation that many things occurred to him just as the minister of God was delivering his sermon, thoughts he was to later share publicly to his hurt and our humiliation.

“When the priest was speaking,” said the president wistfully, “I started asking myself what must have gone wrong from 1914 when the northern and southern parts of Nigeria were amalgamated.” If you wonder why we elected a president who has not quite shown excitement about knowing the history of the country he rules or what the problems are and the solutions, then at least be contented with the cherished insight he gave in the course of his address to the church. “When you look at colonial period,” he begins gravely, “and then you look at the period

Jonathan blames the past since independence, which is about 50 years ago, and you look at the time I was sworn in as president, it is just about two years. I am not the problem with Nigeria. I have just stayed two years and the problems have been there before me. So something must have gone wrong…” As president, rather than immersing himself in rhetoric, he should let us know what went wrong? We would have given an eye to hear what he had to say. Instead he buffeted us with his usual homilies about the sacred duties of citizens.

All the president’s fine and honest talk was, however, preceded by his distress that he was being “lambasted” by critics when all he promised us was that he would lead a transformation of the country. Could anyone transform what he does not really and comprehensively understand? The president gives the impression that when his critics lunge at him, they enjoy it. His opponents should not politicise development, he warns, obviously suggesting that these criticisms undermine developmental and perhaps transformative agenda?

This column is unapologetically one of the president’s relentless critics. Hardball has a reason for being so. Take the president’s refer-

take the island in an ambience of animalism and savagery. The author, William Golding, won the Nobel Prize for this novel that has come to be an allegory of man turning from innocent into a beast.

Not many who voted for Jonathan thought he could turn into a president who took bread from the people’s mouth by way of fuel subsidy removal; shun free and fair elections as in the way he rigged himself to power, even if he won as well as the Bayelsa example; neglect the rule of law as his dallying mischief in signing off on Justice Ayo Salami’s reinstatement in to the Court of Appeal. This is a man who has turned from an innocent in the people’s eyes – not my eyes, for I knew him well as testified to in this column – into a slithering snake. He bites and dodges and bites again.

He has deified the concept of tribal politics. Here tribe, as in the Lord of The Flies, typifies group. President Jonathan has turned presidential power to sooth all kinds of groups, like his ethnic Ijaw, his narrow group of fuddy-duddy advisers, as Oshiomhole refered to his political cronies who would not leave Aso Rock or Abuja even if they loaf about daily, as well as his party, the PDP, which is the elaborate tent of the tribes. They are the bands of power, with hooves and horns as Salman Rushdie describes them in his Satanic Verses.

That is the sort of politics of tribe they want for Edo against the people’s will.

Ibadan and Drogba’s triumph

I

N Saturday’s UEFA final, as I saw Didier Drogba beat Bayern twice, I thought of the power of talent and its vindication.

Bayern unleashed impotent violence after violence on the Blues. Drogba scored when Bayern thought they had finished the tale.

In the penalty shootout, Bayern fluffed another chance only for Drogba to take the clutch kick. This reminds me of the fortunes of Ibadan from its early years when refugees flocked there and then the good people organised a sort of republic and then a certain man with rimmed glasses called Awo was installed there. Awo, who died 25 years ago, transformed the place principally with a vision as clear as his glasses, into a model for the country. A few good men, like Bola Ige, came there. Since we have had poor and iffy men until today with Governor Abiola Ajimobi, the first to unfurl a visionary budget in over a decade. Like Drogba, Ibadan with Ajimobi is back in its stride.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above ence to amalgamation for instance; could he not have shared his thoughts with us on what he thought of it, whether it was a mistake, or whether we should accept it as a given and work from that basis. From his speech it seems clear he thought we had not made a success of self-government. Why didn’t we, and what could we have done to generate the remedies he tangentially referred to in his speech?

The president absolves himself of blame because, according to him, he has spent only two years in office. This is truly a stunning revelation and a naïve appreciation of the workings of government. If we could do without a problem solving government, why should we elect him to take care of the mess his predecessors had made of the country?

But does he not add to the mess by being even less tidy in handling official matters and problems left by his predecessors? It is incredible that the president cannot understand that his insensitive approach to fuel subsidy, his duplicitous handling of the Justice Ayo Salami case, and his anti-democratic credentials, among other things, compound the country’s problems, and have brought governance and the government to its lowest point since independence, and probably since the famous amalgamation he talked about.

If Nigeria’s problems did not start with him, does Jonathan not have a sense of history to make the problem end with him – oh, well, not in the apocalyptic sense, of course?

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025,Oshodi, Lagos.

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