May 30, 2014

Let’s bring the girls out, says Obasanjo

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Tears flow as panel visits Chibok school

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From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

MOTIONS ran high yesterday in Chibok, Borno State, where over 200 schoolgirls were abducted last month.

The girls’ parents, schoolmates and members of the Presidential Fact-Finding Committee betrayed emotions when they converged on the burnt school premises.

Many of the parents wept as they recalled the incident. The committee Chairman, Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Sabo, was reportedly moved to tears by their accounts.

A statement by the panel’s spokesman, Mr. Kingsley Osadolor, said Gen. Sabo assured the parents that the girls would return home safely.

According to the statement, the panel was received by Borno State Commissioner for Education Musa Kubo, Chairman of Chibok Local Government Bana Lawan, five District Heads of the Chibok communities, Chairman of the Parents-Teachers Association, the principal, and others, including wailing parents of the abducted girls.

The statement said: “Also present were some of the students who escaped from the insurgents.

“Members of the Committee visited the burnt-out structures of the Government Secondary School, where the girls were abducted. The receiving party conducted members of the committee round the grounds of the school.

“The Principal, Vice Principals, matrons •Civil society groups and Nollywood actors protesting the April 15 abduction of the Chibok girls on Democracy Day in Lagos…yesterday Continued on page 6

PHOTO: AFP

Jonathan offers amnesty to Boko Haram members

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WHERE ARE THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15?

President orders full-scale military operation

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday promised to deradicalise, rehabilitate and reintegrate into the society Boko Haram insurgents who renounce violence.

“My government while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration into the broader society”, he said in a Democracy Day broadcast.

Explaining that he is determined to

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

protect democracy, national unity and political stability by waging total war against terrorism, the President said: “I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorism on our soil. I have also authorised the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done.”

At a youth forum to mark Democracy Day in Abuja, which was attended

by the President and his wife, Dame Patience, Youth Development Minister Boni Haruna, who shed light on the broadcast, said the government has offered amnesty to Boko Haram members who drop their arms.

“A series of integration programmes have been lined up for members of the sect who surrender their arms and embrace peace. Let me use this opportunity on behalf of the Federal Government, to call on members of the Boko Haram sect to embrace the government’s gesture and key into the am-

nesty programme”, Haruna said.

The amnesty option indicates that the President has rejected the sect’s proposal to swap the over 200 abducted Chibok schoolgirls with its detained members.

With this development, the government, analysts said last night, may call in troops to rescue the girls from where they are being held.

Alternatively, the sect may decide to release the girls in exchange for amnesty.

Continued on page 6

•SOCIETY P15 •SPORTS P17 •POLITICS P23 •BRANDS P26 •AGRIC P38 •FOREIGN P62

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

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NEWS

The many rifts

•From left: UAC Foods Limited Snacks Senior Brand Manager, Sade Abiola; Brand Manager Moji Bakare; Brand Manager, Dairies and Beverages Damilola Folaju; Managing Director Dr Tawanda Mushuku; General Manager, Marketing Joan Ihekwaba; School Channel and Corporate Activation Manager Tosin Dada; Packaging Development Manager Bunmi Olugbile and Senior Brand Manager, Dairies and Beverages, Ethel Mba cutting cake with children at the 2014 UAC Foods Children's Day Funfair in Lagos

•Vitafoam Nigeria Plc chairman Dr Dele Makanjuola (left) presenting the Chairman's Merit Award in the NonManagement category to Mr Bankes Yusuf.

With them is Yusuf’s wife.

•Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) Managing Director Mr George Kayode Noah flanked by Mr and Mrs Tokunbo Odebunmi during the Lagos Man of the Year Award presentation

• From left: Samsung Electronics West Africa Managing Director Mr Brovo Kim; Samsung Electronics Brand Ambassador, Ms. Kate Henshaw; Head, Business Development, Information Technology and Mobile, Mr Olumide Ojo and Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Mr Emmanouil Revmatas, at Samsung Electronics' Galaxy 11 World Tour in Lagos.

When Boko Haram stormed the Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) in Chibok, Borno State, last April 15, there was nobody to stop the insurgents despite earlier an warning. The insurgents raided the school and abducted over 200 girls. The girls are still in captivity, 46 days after their abduction

•Some of the abducted girls in Boko Haram custody

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HEN local people warned that hundreds of militants were heading towards Chibok, Danuma Mphur hurried to summon help.

As chairman of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) at the Government Girls Secondary School , Mphur feared for the safety of children who were staying there to take exams. The 15 soldiers in Chibok were no match for the forces of Boko Haram, a militant group waging a war against the state. Reinforcements were needed, fast. Mphur says he called the police and the local government chairman.

In turn, the local government chairman also called the police and contacted the military commander in Chibok between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. on that evening, according to Kashim Shettima, the governor of Borno state, which includes Chibok.

“Can we go further than that?” said Shettima, suggesting there was little more local people could have done than ask for help.

Backup never arrived. The military said in a statement that it received no warning about the attack. It added that when reinforcements were sent, they were ambushed on the “120 km rugged and tortuous road” from Maiduguri, the state capital, and delayed. Chibok’s local government chairman could not be contacted for comment.

Either way, about four hours after Mphur rang for help, Boko Haram militants swept into Chibok and abducted 276 girls from the school.

While 57 escaped, according to the state government, most are still missing, and Boko Haram has threatened to sell them “in the market.”

Though the military said on Monday that it now knows where the girls are, it has ruled out using force to try to rescue them.

The mass kidnap on the night of April 14 sparked headlines worldwide – but it was far from the first misstep in war against Boko Haram.

Interviews with witnesses to the kidnapping, military and security officials, Western diplomats and counterterrorism experts, highlight a series of failings by politicians and the military in the struggle against the group, not just in the hours leading up to the raid on the school, but over few years.

Divisions, low morale and corruption within the military have allowed the militants to reign terror in some parts of the northeast. Since an initial uprising in 2009, Boko Haram’s campaign to create a breakaway Islamic state has accelerated. It has now killed more than 5,000 people, including an estimated 1,800 this year alone.

A bitter struggle between the federal government and at least two state governors in the northeast has made

it harder to coordinate a response to the group, say analysts and security sources.

In Chibok, where the charred remains of dormitory bunk beds sit amid the rubble of the school, Mphur believes the mass kidnapping could have been prevented. He told Reuters: “What happened ... could have been avoided if the government had taken the necessary steps.”

Frosty relations Boko Haram roughly translates as “Western education is forbidden,” and in 2012 the militant group announced it would specifically target schools.

Since then, Boko Haram militants have torched numerous schools and abducted or killed hundreds of children, according to a senior military source.

Three Western intelligence sources estimate Boko Haram was holding between 200 and 300 girls as slaves even before the raid on Chibok. Dozens have escaped - but security forces have failed to interview many survivors even though their information could help combat Boko Haram or assist in finding girls still held captive, kidnap victims and security sources said.

One escapee was a girl abducted by Boko Haram in a mountainous region near Cameroon last year. “No one ever came to ask me questions after I escaped. I could help them find others,” she told Reuters.

Political differences between regions and poor organisation of the security forces are two of the problems.

Borno has some of the lowest economic indicators in the country, and investors shun the state because of poor security. Despite such problems, the president has visited the state only once during his four years in power.

Jonathan and Shettima, have a frosty relationship. Shettima is a leading figure in the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) party and has been openly critical of Jonathan’s administration. According to sources close to the president, Shettima angered Jonathan in February by saying that Boko Haram was stronger and better equipped than the military.

Though government allocates around 1 trillion naira ($6.5 billion) to security every year, soldiers in the northeast are stretched, several secu-

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

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ts behind abducted Chibok girls’saga

•Rachel Daniel, 35, holds up a picture of her abducted daughter, Rose Daniel, 17, as her son Bukar, 7, sits beside her at her home in Maiduguri.

rity sources said.

Widespread corruption means a lack of investment in training and failure to maintain equipment. Money is often wasted. Nigeria bought Israeli surveillance drones in 2006 that might have been used to hunt for the girls, but poor maintenance has left them grounded, the aircrafts’ manufacturer said.

Boko Haram fighters, in contrast, are well-armed and determined. In dozens of attacks by militants in the past year, soldiers were swept aside by militants arriving in trucks, motorbikes and sometimes even stolen armoured vehicles, firing rocket-propelled grenades looted in raids on military facilities.

In pure numbers, Boko Haram is outmatched. It has an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 members, three security sources said, whereas task force in Borno state numbers around 12,000, including soldiers and police.

But soldiers told Reuters that morale is low. Their commanders pocket some of their salaries, they often don’t have enough to eat, and they live in fear of Boko Haram attacks, some said.

“They (Boko Haram) are better equipped,” one soldier told Reuters by telephone, adding that he couldn’t stand up to a Boko Haram attack at his security post. “I’m taking a knife to a gunfight,” he said.

School closure In December, Boko Haram mounted a large-scale assault on the Maiduguri air force base, putting two helicopters and three military aircraft out of action, the military said at the time. The remaining helicopter gunships were subsequently moved to Makurdi and Port Harcourt airports, at least three hours’ flight from Chibok, limiting the army’s ability to carry out surveillance and transport forces, two security sources said.

The military’s weakness was evident again in February when dozens of fighters loyal to Boko Haram descended on a remote military outpost in the Gwoza hills, about 100 km (60 miles) east of Chibok.

The fighters attacked using Hilux trucks mounted with machine guns over ground that offered little cover, a security source said. In a battle lasting hours, 50 insurgents and nine troops were killed, the source said.

Despite those losses, the militants succeeded in looting the base of its stockpile of 200 mortar bombs, 50 rocketpropelled grenades and hundreds of

“Government security people only came to ask us questions three days later, that is how much they care for us and our children,” Mphur said.

That may partly be because the federal government had another incident to handle, closer to home. A day before the Chibok attack, Boko Haram detonated a large bomb at a bus station on the outskirts of Abuja, the country’s capital. The blast killed 75 people.

“All-out war”

•Al-Mu’minaat Social Advocacy Project (SAP) Coordinator Mrs Sherifah Yusuf-Ajibade (fourth right); Al-Mu’minaat Lagos State Amirah Mrs Aisha Elias (middle); School proprietors Mrs Monsurah Yunus (second right) and Hajia Zaynab Ahmad-Taiwo (third left) and others protesting the abduction of Chibok Girls at Lagos Government House, Ikeja

rounds of ammunition.

Two weeks later, Boko Haram fighters attacked a college in Buni Yadi in Yobe state, which borders Borno. They killed 59 teenage boys, and two security sources said they also kidnapped 11 schoolgirls.

After that, the Borno state government closed all its schools. Simeon Nwakaudu, spokesman for the Federal Ministry of Education, which falls under Jonathan’s jurisdiction, told Reuters the ministry had sent a written warning to the state governor advising that exams be moved to a safer location.

Nwakaudu, who did not show Reuters a copy of the letter, said the Chibok attack “would have been averted” if Shettima had heeded the warning.

Shettima denies he ever received such a warning. Instead, he decided to reopen the school at Chibok to hold exams.

“We were completely at ease with the security situation in Chibok at the time we took that decision,” Shettima told Reuters. He said responsibility for security lay with the federal government, which controls security forces. “We have security forces in every local government across the

state. They could have advised us.”

At the same time the Education Ministry was without clear leadership. Jonathan had sacked education minister Ruqayyatu Rufai along with eight other ministers in a cabinet reshuffle in September last year, and has not filled the position since.

The Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, had other matters on his mind: He has spent the past six months unofficially campaigning to be governor of a southern state.

Jonathan is keen that one of his political allies wins the governorship against an incumbent who is one of the president’s rivals.

To the parents of kidnapped children, both the federal and local authorities failed to do enough in Chibok. Esther Kabu, whose daughter Dorcas is one of those still missing, said there was never any discussion of holding exams other than in Chibok.

“What annoys me most is that they did not consult us, the parents of the school, when they decided that the girls should come back to school for their exams,” she said. “I had this fear in me about her safety in the hostel.

They should have provided more security to the school.”

The attack On April 14, the Boko Haram fighters arrived in Chibok at 11:30 p.m., according to Mphur. Residents fled into the scrublands surrounding the town.

The gunmen, dressed in military uniforms and carrying AK47s and rocket-propelled grenades, made their way to the school about a mile outside the town, where they tricked the schoolgirls, saying they were soldiers protecting them from Boko Haram.

Lydia Powu, 16, recalled the moment she realised the men who coaxed her out of bed were not soldiers.

“They started burning the school, and surrounding us. They grabbed me and my sister and walked us out of the school to another village, where they loaded us into trucks.

“So I asked my elder sister, ‘What are we going to do now?’ We looked at each other and we knew. We jumped out of the truck. I hit my back as I fell but I forgot the pain and we ran and ran,” she narrated In the hours after the attack, no government or military officials arrived to carry out an investigation, residents of Chibok said.

The president took more than two weeks to speak publicly about the mass kidnapping. Only when international pressure mounted, driven by a social media campaign known as #BringBackOurGirls, did Jonathan finally accept intelligence and surveillance assistance from the United States, Britain, France and China.

His understanding of the situation has been shaky. As recently as April, he said Boko Haram’s threat was only “temporary.” At an international meeting to discuss the issue in Paris on May 18, he appeared to change tack, describing Boko Haram as an “integral part of the al Qaeda.” Security experts believe the sect remains a largely homegrown insurgency.

At the Paris meeting, West African countries promised to wage “all-out war” against Boko Haram, while foreign nations pledged technical expertise and training for a new regional African effort against the militants.

Some 80 U.S. troops have deployed to Chad to help in operations against Boko Haram.

But the military remains distrustful of Western involvement. And the education ministry, as one Western official who works with the Federal government put it, remains disengaged.

“The ministry should be mapping out a plan of how to avoid Chibok being repeated,” the source said. “But it is rudderless.”

In Chibok, the reasons for the abductions take second place to the loss.

At her parents’ house in the town, 13year-old Happy Yakub still hopes her sister, one of those abducted, may return.

“I will never go back to school until my sister comes back home,” said Yakub. “I miss her. She used to plait my hair and we played together.

Now there is nobody to play with.”

•Culled from Reuters

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

NEWS Govt spent $4.5b illegally on kerosene, says Makarfi

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HE Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) illegally spent about $4.5 billion on kerosene subsidy from the Federation Account without appropriation, Senator Ahmed Makarfi alleged yesterday.

Makarfi, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, said the ongoing forensic audit of the NNPC would likely indict some key officials.

Makarfi, whose committee probed the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Lamido Sanusi’s allegation on the $49.8billion ‘missing’ oil money, told reporters in Kaduna that the panel’s recommendations are subject to the forensic audit’s out-

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

come.

“The forensic audit may indict many individuals,” he said, adding: “We were asked to find out the whereabouts of some money. For $47 billion out of the $67 billion, there was no dispute at all right from the time we started our sitting that the money was in the Federation Account. Where there was dispute was between the figure of $10.8 billion and $20 billion.

“Even that dispute did not state that the money was really missing, but what has been done with that money. It was not stated at that time that the money was missing, but that it was not remit-

ted to the Federation Account. If it was not remitted to the Federation Account, it could be hanging in one account or the other.

“We took the larger figure of $20billion so that we could investigate what happened to that money. Out of that money, $5.5 billion was spent on petrol and what we needed to do was to find out if the money was appropriated. We checked the budget of the relevant ministries and discovered that the National Assembly appropriated the money.

“So, if the National Assembly appropriated money and it was expended, you cannot talk about money missing. Another $4.5 billion was expended on subsidy on kerosene. But unlike that of

Govt frees 54 MEND detainees

T •Makarfi

petrol, the money was not appropriated by the National Assembly, but there was evidence and certification that the money was spent.

“Again, there is a difference Continued on page 60

Tears flow as panel visits Chibok school Continued from page 1

of the hostels, as well as security guards and cooks were earlier debriefed by the committee in Maiduguri.

“The committee later held an interactive session with the Chibok communities on the school premises.

“At the meeting, Gen. Sabo, who spoke with misty eyes, said the Committee came, first, to sympathise with the parents and other community members over the havoc of the insurgents.

“He assured the people of President Goodluck

Jonathan’s concern about the fate of the abducted students, saying that the President was having sleepless nights”.

The statement said Sabo also urged the people to be calm and patient.

He informed them of the multifaceted approach to re-

solving the abduction saga.

Gen. Sabo was quoted as saying: “As we gather here today to see you wailing, by the grace of God, we will also gather here to dance and rejoice with you when the girls regain their freedom.”

Continued on page 60

HE Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) is supporting the swap of Chibok girls with imprisoned Boko Haram terrorists.

It also lauded the Federal Government for releasing 54 members of the militant group who have been in detention.

MEND, in an online statement by its Spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, declared that a forcible commando-type rescue of the over 200 girls abducted from the Government Girls Secondary School, Chi-

Port Harcourt

bok in Borno State on April 15, is impossible.

It said: “MEND supports a prisoner exchange initiative with Boko Haram, towards the release of the Chibok school girls, as the only viable safe option and the threshold towards maintaining contact, further ceasefire and eventual longterm peace and security in that region.

“From our experience, it is impossible for any forcible Continued on page 60

I’m ready to intervene to bring back the girls, says Obasanjo

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ORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday confirmed his intervention in the abduction of the Chibok school girls.

He however said he cannot wade in unless he gets the green light from President Goodluck Jonathan. He spoke in an interview aired last night on Channels television.

Kaduna-based human rights activist Shehu Sani during the week confirmed that he attended a meeting convened by the ex-President inAbeokuta.

Obasanjo told Channels he

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was “surprised at how certain meetings have turned out”.

“I cannot have a plan without the Presidency being involved”, he added, debunking claims that he was “going on a one man mission”.

He insisted that it would be “idiotic” for him to have done so.

He noted that he was beaten by Sani to letting the state and national authorities know the meeting had taken place and admitted that he owed the government an apology Continued on page 60

33 killed as soldiers repel Boko Haram attack in Borno

OLDIERS repelled a Boko Haram attack at Kawuri village, Konduga local government Area of Borno state.

They killed 31 insurgents. Two soldiers however died.

Kawuri is 40 kilometers from Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

The battle with the insurgents took place on Wednesday according to security sources, who said it had brought relief to the

•Jonathan (right), his wife Patience, Vice President Namadi Sambo (second left), PDP Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu(left) and behind them is House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha during ‘a Day With Young Leaders of Nigeria’ to mark the DemocPHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN racy Day in Abuja…yesterday.

From Bisi Olaniyi,

From Bodunrin Kayode, Maiduguri

people who have been under constant attack from the sect.

A security source, who also provided video of the clash said: “They did not know that we were told by some people that they saw them coming and we prepared for them. We killed 31 and some of them ran away with bullet wound.”

CORRECTION •In our yesterday’s publication on page A3, we erroneously referred to the Vice Chancellor of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology as a ‘Rector’.

•The caption of the picture on page 45 of this edition, ought to read "Boko Haram Christians arrested in Bauchi" instead of "The Osun suspects."

Jonathan okays full-scale military operation against Boko Haram Continued from page 1

In the broadcast, the President said the unity and stability of the country and the protection of lives and property were nonnegotiable.

He said the attacks by Boko Haram and other groups were threatening Nigeria’s unity and rubbing off the gains of democracy.

Jonathan said: “Despite the challenges we face, we must commend our security forces.

We must not forget their gallantry and successes in liberating nations and in peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra Leone, Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and many places in Africa and beyond. Our forces have paid the supreme price in several places at several times.

“Today, they face a different challenge, an unconventional war by terrorists. They are adjusting and are being equipped to tackle the new menace of terrorism. We must show confidence in their ability. I have no doubt that, with the support of Nigerians, our neighbours and the international community, we will reinforce our defence, free our girls and rid Nigeria of terrorists.

“It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the col-

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Fed Govt offers amnesty to insurgents

HE Federal Government yesterday offered amnesty to Boko Haram members, who lay down their arms.

Minister of Youth Development Boni Haruna said at a youth programme titled: “A day with young leaders of Nigeria”, to mark Democracy Day in Abuja that President Goodluck Jonathan has approved amnesty for the sect members who renounce violence. President Jonathan and his wife Patience attended the event.

He said: “A series of integration programmes have been lined up for the members of the sect who would surrender their arms and embrace peace. Let me use this opportunity on behalf of the Federal Government, to call on the members of the Boko Haram sect to embrace the government’s gesture and key into the amnesty programme.”

The late former President Umaru

lege girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians and I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home.

“I have assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away, it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal.

“It is a sad fact that as I address

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Yar’Adua, who Jonathan succeeded, granted amnesty to Niger Delta militants in exchange for dropping their arms.

On the youth restiveness in the Niger Delta, Haruna said the government introduced a development programme which gave the youths an opportunity to have a meaningful life.

According to him, over 30,000 youths have benefited from the amnesty programme which he recalled followed a bitter national security experience.

The beneficiaries of the amnesty have transformed from militants to wealth creators, employers and skilled citizens.

During an interactive session with the youths, President Jonathan said terrorism cannot succeed in any community without support from the local people.

you today, all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our country are threatened by the presence of international terrorism on our shores. Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge. A war has been unleashed on us.

Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the democracy and freedom we cherish and cele-

Calling on those respected by the insurgents to join hands with the government to encourage them to lay down their arms, the President said the military alone could not stop terrorism.

He said: “Terror succeeds with local support. It will be difficult for terror to thrive where people reject it. It is a major challenge to all of us.

“Military alone cannot stop terror or any radicalism. Terrorists have people they respect, they have community, traditional and opinion leaders they respect.

All of us can deradicalise them.”

“We will through persuasive activities encourage people to shun violence.”

To ensure that youths are reorientated and not misled, he said his government is working out modalities for reintroducing moral education in schools.

brate today.”

He said the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls brought the brutality of the terrorists, who want to instigate anarchy and balkanise Nigeria, to the world’s awareness.

“In recent years, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of several of our compatriots, many have been injured or maimed, whole villages and communities have been destroyed and the economy of

Continued on page 60

some of our states is in jeopardy.

“There can be no doubt that what we are witnessing in Nigeria today is a manifestation of the same warped and ferocious world view that brought down the Twin Towers in New York, killed innocent persons in Boston and led to the murder of defenceless people in the Southern Russian city of Volgograd. Terrorist activities have brought war and pains to Mali, Somalia,

Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. These agents of evil continue to brainwash and incite ignorant young men and women to attack the innocent. We cannot allow this to continue,” he said.

The President thanked his compatriots and the global community for their support in the fight against terrorism, saying: “I applaud the understanding that in a democracy, such as we are building, people can have differences while sharing worthy values and standing together in opposition to the scourge of terrorism. Nigeria is the only country we have and we must all work to preserve it for present and future generations.”

Urging the terrorists to lay down their arms, he said: “For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.

Continued on page 60

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

7

NEWS Musa: there’s nothing to celebrate

‘National Assembly is Nigeria’s stabilising force’

From Ahmed Rufa’I, Dutse

F

ORMER Kaduna State governor and National Chairman of People Redemption Party (PRP), Alhaji Balarabe Musa, has said there is no basis for the present administration to celebrate democracy in current situation of “nobody is safe”.

The former governor spoke yesterday in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, when he presented a paper, titled: Youth and Quest for National Unity in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Prospect.

It was at a symposium organised by the Jigawa State Government to celebrate yesterday’s Democracy Day. Musa said there was no reason to celebrate democracy when most of the principles and objectives of the system government were absent.

The former governor listed one of these as security, which he said is most important in the human life and existing country.

He expressed concerns over the failure of President Goodluck Jonathan to visit Chibok, Borno State, because of his safety.

Musa regretted that the nation’s security challenge had degenerated to the level that “nobody is safe” anymore, irrespective of their positions, including the President himself.

Musa said: “It can be testified that up to now, the President is yet to visit Chibok, where famale pupils were abducted by insurgents.

“Many people believe that it is because of non-assurance of his safety in the area.”

The former governor noted that the deteriorating security situation was unfortunate because Nigeria, the giant of Africa, was looking helpless to tackle its problems.

He opposed President Goodluck Jonathan for inviting western powers to rescue the abducted Chibok girls.

Amnesty Office disowns fresh verification From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

PRESIDENTIAL Amnesty Office disassociated itself yesterday from a reported fresh verification exercise for beneficiaries of its programme.

The exercise was said to have been conducted in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State, on May 26.

The verification was allegedly conducted for those who partook in the demobilisation at Obubra, Cross River State, but had not been deployed for either vocational training or formal education.

The organisers reportedly asked the beneficiaries to surrender the certificates they received at Obubra and their identity cards.

But the Amnesty Office, in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, disowned the exercise.

Alabrah explained that the “so-called verification exercise was conducted without the knowledge of the Amnesty Office and the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta/Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme”.

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

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From left: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Senator Adamu Mua’zu; Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji; Minister of Labour, Chief Chukwuemeka Nwogu and Vice-President Namadi Sambo, during 2014 Democracy Day in Abuja...yesterday PHOTO: NAN

Nigeria still Africa’s hope, says Mark

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ENATE President David Mark has said Nigeria remains the hope of Africa, despite the nation’s sundry challenges.

Mark spoke yesterday at a special church service at the St. Mulumba’s Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo, Abuja, during this year’s Democracy Day. A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, quoted the Senate President as saying Nigerians should not to despair over the challenges associated with democracy because it remained the best and acceptable form of government.

Mark noted that there was no alternative to democracy because of its participatory and representative arrangement.

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He said: “Nigeria is still the hope of Africa. We must not despair. We must remain resolute because there will be light at the end of the tunnel.”

The Senate President decried the the unabating security challenges in the country.

He urged Nigerians to cooperate with the government and security agencies to fight terrorism and insurgency.

Mark prayed for the quick, safe and unconditional release of the over 200 schoolgirls abducted from the Government Girls’ Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State.

He said: “This is most embarrassing. How can they justify the abduction of these innocent girls, whose only

offence is that they chose to be educated to better their lots and ultimately contribute to the economic and socio-political development of their fatherland?

“We pray that God touches the hearts of their abductors to free them, even as we do everything humanly possible to rescue our girls.

However, swapping them for criminals is not an option.”

Mark decried the incessant strikes, especially in the Education sector.

The Senate President noted that a situation where over 50 per cent of the academic session was spent on strike was unhealthy for national development.

He urged the Federal Government and the striking Polytechnics and Colleges of Education teachers to return

to the negotiating table in order to resolve the imbroglio that has kept students at home for almost one year.

Mark said the National Assembly would continue to stand by the people.

The Senate President added that law-making processes would always be guided by the wishes and aspirations of the citizenry.

“What makes for the welfare and security of our people will continue to be our watch words,” he said.

In his homily, the parish priest, Rev. Innocent Jooji, urged Nigerians to preach and work for justice and peaceful coexistence.

He noted that more than any other time, the nation now needs economic and political stability to thrive.

They all want the Appellate Court to set aside the trial court’s judgment.

President Jonathan and the AGF are of the view that since they had argued that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case, the proper order Justice Kolawole bought to make was to strike out the suit or dismiss it.

They averred that the trial court, having agreed with them that it lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case on the ground that it was related to labour dispute, equally lacked the power to exercise the jurisdiction it lacked, in transferring the case.

Sanusi, who raised about 20 grounds of appeal, argued that the court erred in declining ju-

risdiction and transferring his case to another court.

He restated his argument that his case was not a masterservant dispute, to qualify it as a labour-related conflict.

Sanusi, among others, faulted the reasoning of the trial judge and argued that instead of the decision of Justice Kolawole, he was not an employee of the Federal Government, and as such, his case could not be a labour-related dispute.

Also, the NIC has fixed today for hearing in the suit upon its transfer from the Federal High Court.

The court has issued hearing notices to the parties, who are expected to be in court today.

Jonathan, AGF, Sanusi fault verdict on suit

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan; the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, have faulted the May 20 judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The suspended CBN governor filed the suit against the Federal Government.

They have taken steps to have the judgment set aside by filing separate notices of appeal before the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

Sanusi, by the suit, challenged his suspension from office by the President and sought to restrain the AGF and the In-

S

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

spector-General of Police (IGP) from arresting and prosecuting him.

The trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, held that his court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the suit.

Relying on the provisions of Order 56 Rule 3 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2009 and Section 24(3) of the National Industrial Court (NIC) Act, 2006, the judge transfered the case to the NIC for determination.

The President, AGF and Sanusi are, by their separate notices of appeal, challenging Justice Kolawole’s decision to transfer the case to the NIC.

We’ve proved our enemies wrong, says Akume

ENATE Minority Leader George Akume has said Nigeria still remains united in the face of several challenges and against the predictions of its enemies.

In a statement yesterday on the nation’s Democracy Day, the distinguished senator expressed joy that Nigeria had triumphed over major incidents that caused the downfall of some other nations.

He decried the poverty and insecurity, among other challenges, facing the nation.

The statement reads: “It is a thing of immense joy to me as I believe it is to every other

•Senator greets Nigerians on Democracy Day

By Olamilekan Andu

peace-loving Nigerian as we mark yet another anniversary of our democratic experience.

I wish to felicitate with all Nigerians on this important occasion.

“This year’s commemoration to me is very unique. It is for no other reason than that against the predictions of many, we remain a nation still united more than ever against the very evils that orchestrated the death of many other nations.

“Furthermore, this commemoration avails us an op-

portunity to reflect deeply on the character of our dear nation and to take stock of how well the democracy we celebrate today has served us. It will be untrue to say that we all are having it good and easy in the face of the prevailing circumstances, such as the daunting security challenges, the deplorable state of infrastructures, the rising hunger, poverty and general discontent, unemployment and corruption, among other negative economic indices.

“However, as we have

shown, our unity is only getting strengthened by these many challenges and I am certain that if we can conquer these tempestuous times together, then there will be no nation greater than Nigeria.

“I, therefore, urge all of us to continue to hold the government accountable for its actions and inactions, remain resilient and steadfast in our quest for peace, tolerance, equity, justice and the change that is necessary to move this nation forward and ensure that it is an ideal and a safe place for all to dwell.”

ENATE Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN) has said the National Assembly, as an arm of government, has stabilised Nigerian democracy since 1999.

Ndoma-Egba addressed reporters yesterday in Abuja on the Democracy Day celebrations.

The senator noted that the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, had always gone beyond its constitutional responsibilities to intervene at critical times to stabilise the polity.

He said: “The National Assembly, the symbol of democracy, did not exist during the military interregnum.

And because of the several military interventions, the National Assembly was dissolved and we didn’t have the opportunity of consistent growth, like the other two arms of government - the Executive and the Judiciary.

“So, you must look at how we’ve fared against this background. For almost 30 years that we didn’t exist, we didn’t grow any capacity; we didn’t grow any facilities, because we didn’t exist. So, in the last 15 years, in fact, when democracy returned in 1999, we started from the scratch again, as it were, trying to build facilities, trying to build capacities.

“Now, stability has been the consistent feature of the National Assembly. That’s a major achievement that this Assembly has achieved. We are now growing capacity.”

Kudos, knocks for Nigeria’s Judiciary

K

UDOS and knocks have trailed the performance of the Judiciary as the nation marked yesterday 15 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.

Some prominent lawyers, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, hailed the Judiciary for playing a vital role in sustaining the nation’s democracy.

Others, however, said there was still a lot to be done to improve on its performance because of allegations of corruption and other corrupt practices by judicial officers.

Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) said some judges had delivered judgments that had deepened democracy and promoted good governance.

The lawyer noted that the Judiciary had performed better than other arms of government since Nigeria returned to democracy on May 29, 1999.

He said: “It has held its head high above murky waters, refusing to be cowed or vanquished by the two other more powerful sister arms of government - the Legislature and the Executive.

“It has continued to serve as the bulwark against tyranny of the vociferous minority and oppression by the all conquering majority.”

Ozekhome, who is a delegate at the ongoing Mr Bamidele Aturu, told NAN that the good work of some judges had been tainted by the level of corruption in the sector.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

8

NEWS CHIBOK GIRLS’ ABDUCTION Group condemns ‘Boko Haram attack’ in Osun

By Amidu Arije

A

An Islamic group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has condemned an attempt by some Christians of Baptist Church in Ikonifin, Osun State, to launch a “Boko Haram” attack on a church by its members.

The action, MURIC said, caused panic in the church as bangers were thrown at the worshippers.

Several people were injured in the melee.

The attackers, the group said, were masked so that they would not be recognised.

MURIC Director and Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the Lagos State University (LASU), Prof Ishaq Akintola, addressed reporters in Lagos on the incident.

The Islamic scholar noted that at a time Nigerians needed to relate and coexist peacefully, some bad heads among Christians were feigning a Boko Haram attack.

He said Muslim organisations and the Sultan of Sokoto, the President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, have condemned the activities of Boko Haram and dissociated Islam from the sect’s killings and destruction.

Prof Akintola said: “It is, however, sad to note that in spite of this all-round rejection of the renegade group by Muslims, a large section of the Christian community, some sections of the Nigerian security agencies and a section of the Nigerian press still treat mainstream Muslims in the country either as active members of Boko Haram, sympathisers of the group or their accomplices.

“A good example of these fantastic Christians is the Pastor of the Baptist Church, Ikonifin, Osun State, who attempted to launch a false Boko Haram (attack) in the state.

Edo youths pray for Chibok girls From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

I

NSTEAD of celebrating Democracy Day, Edo youths gathered yesterday at the popular Oba Ovonranmwen Roundabout in Benin, the state capital, to pray for the quick release of the over 200 abducted Chibok, Borno State, schoolgirls.

The youths, who were highly emotional in the prayers, urged the Boko Haram insurgents holding the innocent girls to remember God, and not man, and release their captives.

The prayers were organised by the Executive Director on Youths Affairs, Comrade Yakubu Emmanuel.

The organiser said the nation could not afford to celebrate 15 years of its uninterrupted democracy when the innocent girls, the future of Nigeria, were in the captivity of their abductors.

Emmanuel urged Nigerian leaders to see the abduction saga one of the problems confronting the nation.

He noted that other things might be inconsequential, if the nation cannot invest more of its resources on securing an assured future for its youths.

The youths urged the Federal Government to sincerely rescue the girls to end their trauma.

They said: “The Federal Government should show true love for the girls’ existence. The Nigeria child is the gift of God. And for the country to be meaningful, the child must be entitled to all that the country is gifted with.

APC condemns attack on #BringBackOurGirls protesters

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has “strongly” condemned the attack by “apparently-sponsored thugs” against the #BringBackOurGirls protesters in Abuja.

The party noted that the proponents of the globally acclaimed campaign for the safe rescue of the over 200 schoolgirls abducted over a month ago in Chibok, Borno State, have conducted themselves in a civil and peaceful manner.

It said the attack was, therefore, “deplorable and definitely orchestrated to shift the focus from #BringBackOurGirls to the spoiler #Release Our Girls.

In a statement yesterday in Lagos by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the attack on the protesters in Abuja confirmed its worst fears that the Federal Government was embarking on a campaign to shift the responsibility from the government to the abductors, in

•Party: Attack orchestrated

By Olamilekan Andu

line with President Goodluck Jonathan’s admonition to the protesters to direct their protests at the abductors rather than to his government.

APC wondered why the government would be pushing its responsibility to ensure the welfare and security of Nigerians to a band of terrorists.

“When we said this Federal Government has abdicated its responsibility to Nigerians, the government’s apologists twisted that statement of fact to mean that we were insulting the President. Well, what does one make of a government that has now rented a crowd of delinquents to attack the #BringBackOurGirls protesters and counter their message?

“Nigerians voted for Goodluck Jonathan as President, and not for the terrorist called Abubakar

Shekau. It is, therefore, right for them (Nigerians) to demand action to return the girls safely from their President, rather than from the anarchist, Shekau,” it said.

APC said the ‘#Release Our Girls Boko Haram’ hooligans, who invaded the Unity Fountain gathering of the #BringBackOurGirls protesters, came in Subsidy Reinvestment Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) buses.

The party stressed that the attackers were not restrained by the police, even when letters had been written to the security agency alerting it to such attack.

It noted that the incident showed that “they enjoy some protection from the authorities and are being sponsored to harass the decent and focused protesters who have helped call global attention to the plight of the innocent girls”.

APC said: “This obnoxious

campaign to shift the responsibility for the safety and security of the girls from the government to the terrorists started with the sponsored protests to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja and has continued with the depressing attacks on a women-led group by a band of paid ruffians.

“Worst still, a government, which so far has proven to be clueless and incompetent in ensuring the safe return of the girls, has now resorted to wasting tax payers’ money to rent a crowd of scallywags to assault innocent Nigerians, who are mostly women, and distort the image of the highly-responsible #BringBackOurGirls protesters.

“While every group, no matter its sponsors and objectives, is free to exercise the constitutionallyguaranteed right to freedom of assembly and association, no group has a right to attack the other for whatever reason.”

The party urged the government to focus its energy on how to bring back the girls safely, more than one-and-a-half months into their abduction.

It warned that Nigerians as well as the international community “will definitely frown at the government’s new and odious tactics to muddle the waters”.

It added: “President Jonathan must immediately and publicly condemn the sponsored attack on the peaceful protesters and order the police to provide round-the-clock security for them, failing which it will be safe to assume that the attackers have his blessings.”

APC hailed the #BringBackOurGirls protesters for their peaceful and civil conduct, even in the face of incredible provocation that they have had to endure.

The party urge them to continue their protests in that spirit.

Maku accuses APC of sponsoring #Bring Back Our Girls campaign From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

T

•The Amirah (women’s leader) of the Federation of Muslim Women Organisation in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Dr. Sariyu Ashiru (middle); FOMWAN’s Naibatul Amirah, Alhaja Rahmatallahi Olaniyan (second left); National Amirah of the Al-Muminat Organisation, Alhaja Nimota Abdul Qaudri (right) and Naibatual Amirah of Al-Muminat Organisation, Alhaja Sherifah Yusuf-Ajibade, during the groups’ prayers for the release of the abducted Chibok, Borno State, schoolgirls at the Lagos Central Mosque.

Borno to Mu’azu: you lied about girls’ abduction

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HE Secretary to the Borno State Government (SSG), Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, has said the National Chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, was insincere for telling Nigerians that the Minister of State for Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) had written to the governor to disallow the examinations being held in Chibok, but that the governor insisted.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Lagos, Jidda, who showed the purported letters from the minister and WAEC, urged the reporters to ask Mu’azu and his likes, to produce the letters they referred to, which asked the state government not to conduct examinations at Chibok.

The SSG showed the reporters a letter the state government wrote to the police, asking for daily security at the examination centres, including the school in Chibok.

This, the SSG said, followed a request by the WAEC. Jidda said: “He (Mu’azu) is a pathological

liar. I don’t know if any of you watched Channels Television today (Thursday). I took the letters there, and the panellists all read it.

There was no where any of the letters asked us not to conduct examinations in Chibok.

“In any case, the minister does not even have the locus standi to direct the governor on such matters. We provided logistics as requested by WAEC. We wrote the police too, to provide security on daily basis, as per the request from WAEC. “But let me reiterate here that at no time did we receive any letter either from the police, WAEC or even the minister, advising us not to hold the examinations in Chibok. At any rate, at the time of the examinations, Chibok was considered one of the safest locations in the state.

“In actual fact, the minister’s letter only asked that security be provided for WAEC officials in Federal Government colleges in Borno State. The letter did not request that security be provided for students, let alone Chibok students.

“So, I see Mu’azu’s claim as not only ri-

diculous but one that smacks of mischief. I have known him for a long time, but I did not know he could go to this length, all in the name of politics.

“But he should know that he should not be dabbling into executive matters. Maybe, we will ask our National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, to also reply him.”

On Mu’azu’s claim that Governor Kashim Shettima was not in the country at the time President Goodluck Jonathan was to visit Chibok, Jidda again said, it was not true.

He said: “I am in Lagos now for something else. But here I am talking to you. This was not what brought me; it just happened. So, that was what transpired when my governor went to London. He did not go just to grant interviews, he was in London for a different purpose.

“However, as soon as we got information that the President would be on his way to France, with a stopover in Chibok, my governor cut short his trip to return to Borno. And while we were waiting to receive the President, we got information that it had been called off.”

Nigerians in Diaspora pray for girls' safe return

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IGERIANS in the Diaspora have called for safe rescue of the over 200 schoolgirls abducted from the Government Girls' Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, by the Boko Haram sect.

The abduction of the girls over a month ago has attracted global interest and condemnation.

Nigerian professionals in the Diaspora, under the aegis of the Association of Nigerian-American Professionals in Nigeria (ANAPIN), described the girls' abduction as a slap on the face of human rights and an assault

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

on the girl-child's education.

At a solidarity media briefing yesterday in Abuja, the group's President Maxi Emmanuel Okoro said the global support for the girls' release would lead to a successful operation.

Okoro, who addressed reporters in company of Dr. (Mrs) Agodi Alagbe, Elizabeth NdubisiUkanda, Dr. John Osonwa and Elder George Bolatiwa, said: "We believe that the abduction of our girls from Chibok by Boko Haram

is a direct affront to fundamental human rights, gender equality, and girl-child education.

"For this reasons, ANAPIN feels compelled to lend its voice to condemning the great injustice and barbarism we are witnessing as a result of the abduction of innocent girls and wanton destruction of life and property by Boko Haram.

"This press conference is to say a resounding no to those who would violate the girl-child and denigrate our collective coexistence as a nation."

Contrary to the views in some

quarters about the alleged involvement of United States and some of its alleys in insurgency, Okoro said terrorism has become a global problem.

The spokesman said this had made it imperative for all the countries to unite in the fight against the global threat.

He said: "Boko Haram constitutes a threat to world peace and our collective efforts to attract foreign investments and development to Nigeria."

Okoro said the association supported the U.S role in the fight against terrorism.

HE Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of being the brain behind the #BringBackOurGirls protesters.

The mainly women’s group has been accusing the Federal Government of not doing enough to rescue the over 200 secondary schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State, over a month ago by the Boko Haram sect.

Maku made the accusation in Abuja when he addressed State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The minister said the protesters were shedding crocodile tears, adding that 90 per cent of them were members of the APC who were not genuinely moved by the circumstances surrounding the abduction of the girls.

On the security situation in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, Maku said that 90 per cent of the money the Federal Government was spending to contain insurgency in the country was in APC-controlled states.

He said: “The entire money we are spending is to maintain security in states controlled by that party. So, why do you come back and start playing politics? We are busy spending money to maintain security in those states. What have they done about it?

“Ninety per cent of all insurgency is in states controlled by that party; ninety per cent of those campaigning to bring back Chibok girls are members of that party.

“It’s because the media will look the other way. No, I think that honestly, if we want this country to grow, we must ask the relevant questions.

“The Chibok girls remain our number one priority. We will never sleep; we will not rest until God brings them out. We are the fire fighters; the Federal Government is a fire fighter.

“We did not create this insurgency or the structure that led to it. You know where they came from but you are now blaming the fire fighter for the fire.”

The minister said the FEC meeting was mainly devoted to reviewing the performance of the first implementation plan of the programmes for the realisation of Vision 20:2020.

He was optimistic that the vision would be realised.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

9

NEWS

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat, cutting his 57th birthday cake at the Government House in Osogbo...yesterday. With them are their children - Kabiru (right), Shakirat (fourth left), Quadir (fifth right) and Rauf (left). Olateju Ishola is second left; Jumoke Oladeji (third left); Bode Oladeji (second right) and others.

Ogun APC parallel exco: Osoba rejects harmonisation

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HERE appears to be no let up in the feud between former Ogun State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Chief Olusegun Osoba, and Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

Osoba vowed in the name of God that nothing could persuade him to reconcile with Amosun and his faction.

Addressing his supporters at a stakeholders meeting in his Ibara GRA home in Abeokuta, the state capital, Osoba said the crisis in the party had reached a critical stage where resolution is almost impossible.

•Says no meeting point with Amosun From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

The former governor said he aligned with his supporters, including Senators Gbenga Kaka (Ogun East), Akin Odunsi (Ogun West) and Gbenga Obadara (Ogun Central) as well as six members of the House of Representatives, in rejecting the harmonisation of party executives between his camp and that of Amosun.

He instructed his supporters to proceed with the compilation of a new members’ regis-

ter in the 236 wards.

Osoba said: “Your exco members met me and said you (members) have resolved not to work with anyone again; that you have resolved to go your own way.

Secondly, they said you have rejected harmonisation and do not want any sharing formula with them, be it 80:30 or 70:30, because you are the authentic and original APC members. Is that so?

“They said you are the ones who have the tellers; who obtained your tellers individ-

Nigeria won’t break up, says Akpabio

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KWA IBOM Governor Godswill Akpabio has said Nigeria will not break up, in spite of its challenges.

He spoke at Uyo Township Stadium during the Democracy Day celebration.

Akpabio said: “ I am aware that the saddening state of events have led to some people asking whether the fundamentals of our nationhood are strong enough to keep us together as one nation ‘bound in freedom, peace and unity’.

“I agree with such skeptics that this turn out of events may have put our democracy on trial, but I assure them that this trial would only take us, as a nation, and our democracy to the building point and not the breaking point.

“Let us note that the same fire that melts the butter hardens the egg. I have no doubt that this insurgency would harden our resolve to make something good out of our country and shame these mindless insurgents.

“We meet today at a critical time in our journey as a nation. The sounds of bombs, leaving in its wake mangled bodies, have become a frequent occurrence in some parts of our country. Over 200 innocent girls languish in cap-

tivity, their only crime being that they love education and wanted to become successful in life. But in spite of these horrors, I point you to the timeless advice in the good book that ‘weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning’.

“Let these words spur us to celebrate this important milestone of our democracy, knowing well that in the morning, it will be all right. Let us commend President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who, in spite of all the odds, has kept faith with his oath of office in his determined fight to make this country a safe place and a home for all Nigerians.

“We commend our security agents who are laying down their lives so that normalcy can return to our land and our citizens can live without fear. As we mark this important milestone in our democratic journey, I urge all of us to keep our President and our security agencies in our thoughts and our prayers.

“Seven years ago in this state, we commenced a refreshing experiment in visionary and transformational governance.

We sought to answer such fundamental questions as to whether God still rules the affairs of mankind and whether His will

can still serve as a compass in the journey of His people. Seven years after, these questions have been eloquently answered with the celebrated uncommon transformation of our dear state.

“But as we behold the spectacle of uncommon transformation, there is temptation to micro size it into the development of infrastructure. This would be an error, for uncommon transformation is a process, not an event. It is a process which began with the uncommon belief of an uncommon people with an uncommon destiny in uncommon dreams.

“You would remember that in 2007, when I ran for the office of governor in the midst of business and political Goliaths, I was armed with nothing but unshakable faith in God and lofty visions that we could connect the dreams of our forefathers with the promises of our posterity. I came with visions of a state where love would bind us together in a quilt of brotherhood. I came with visions of a Land of Promise, where every indigene shall be a partaker of that promise.

As that contentious exercise commenced, I cautioned our people that if we let God’s will be done, our state will never be the same again. I urged them

ually for the congresses; you are the ones who followed what the party guidelines say and so you do not want sharing formula. Is that so?

“I give you my words. I pledge in the name of God and Jesus Christ who I worship that we have gone beyond anybody begging us. If thousands come prostrating before me, what you members have decided is what I will adhere to.”

He picked holes in the Elders’ Committee set up by the party’s national leadership,

I have no doubt that this insurgency would harden our resolve to make something good out of our country and shame these mindless insurgents not to look at where we were, but at where we could be. I declared that our decisions were more important than our conditions.

“Today, I charge us to keep in mind that our decisions in the next one year as the election beckons are more important than everything else we have achieved together in the last seven years. Let us, therefore, not allow our numerous infrastructure to drown the philosophy behind the uncommon transformation. The infrastructure are the fruits of uncommon transformation, not the uncommon transformation itself. The infrastructure are like the buildings in the university. The buildings do not make the university, but are an intrinsic part of it.”

saying the matter had gone beyond the capacity of such committee to tackle.

Osoba said: “They are only looking for sentiments; they are looking for ways to eat you up. Let them go their way. They said they have set up elders’ committee; don’t mind them; I don’t know who is older than me politically among them.

“None of them is closer to Awolowo than I was. I wined and dined with him. I do not have confidence in those people up there again. They are interested in eating you up.

Don’t allow them to deceive you again. When they come,

they will not meet me.

“It is you the exco that they will meet and you will tell them what is on ground. It is not the issue of party. When did we form APC? It is not up to a year. You people are a vehicle. We have dropped the traitors.”

On Amosun’s claim that he had tried to please him (Osoba) to no avail, Osoba said his good name garnered over the years cannot be whittled down with cash.

He said: “How can anyone quantify the money I have spent during elections since 1988? Can money buy my good name?”

Ajimobi: no administration has built roads like ours

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has said none of his predecessors can match his administration in road construction.

He said his administration had built over 600 high quality roads across the 33 local government areas.

The governor disclosed this during a media chat marking his administration’s third anniversary.

He described his election as “a privilege to serve his people”, adding: “No government has constructed as many roads as this administration. We have data of previous administrations on road construction. Our projects are also of high quality.”

Ajimobi said no ongoing project would be abandoned, adding that about 85 per cent of them would be inaugurated before the year ends.

He said 70 per cent of the projects were being handled by local contractors, adding that this would empower residents and ensure quality.

Ajimobi said: “We are engaging local contractors for most of our roads. Almost 600 roads were awarded to local contractors. The few

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

ones we awarded to outsiders were to three foreigners and one to a Nigerian. Again, the workers they engage are from Oyo State. Some of the contracts we awarded to locals were even sold to others. In all, Oyo State indigenes got more than 70 per cent of the road contracts.”

The governor urged residents to use public facilities responsibly and support the government’s efforts to improve the quality of life.

•Ajimobi

THE NATION FRIDAY MAY 30, 2014

10

NEWS

Don’t vote for PDP, Fashola tells Lagosians •Governor opens 2.9km road

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has advised residents against voting for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)led Federal Government in 2015.

He said the party has not done anything tangible in the state.

Fashola spoke yesterday while handing over the 2.9 kilometre Yaya-Abatan Road to Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Chairman Toba Oke. It was part of activities commemorating Democracy Day. Fashola said the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration had fulfilled its promise to spread the dividends of democracy across the state, adding that same cannot be said of the PDP government at the federal level.

He said: “They said we work for people living in Ikoyi and Lekki alone. Even if we are working for the elite alone, both the rich and

O

poor are complaining and suffering under their government. They have not fixed the power problem.

They are not bothered about insecurity in the country.

They are just generating revenue for themselves.

“The media asked their leader about the state of the nation. He said everything was okay and that the country had a billionaire. He said people now own a lot of private jets. They do not remember Lagos residents. But they are coming back to seek your votes. Will you give him? Please, do not give them your votes.”

The governor said his administration celebrated last year’s Democracy Day by opening the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge, adding that the project has had great impact on residents.

He said: “It has reduced traffic congestion in Lekki and Victoria Island. In 2012, we inaugurated the Lagos

•Fashola inaugurating the road...yesterday. With him are (from left) Hamzat; Oke; a House of Assembly member, Mr. Dayo PHOTO:NAN Fafunmi; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Works Ganiyu Solomon.

Traffic Radio. It is the only type in the entire continent.

It was designed to help us plan our journey and give us information ahead of our journey. In 2011, we inaugurated about 25 bus franchise holders to ease transportation. Today, we are handing over Yaya Abatan Road in Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area and seven connecting inner-city roads.

“This project demonstrates

Nigeria’ll triumph, says Mimiko

NDO State Governor Olusegun Mimiko yesterday expressed hope about the future as Nigeria marked Democracy Day. In a statement, Mimiko said: “Nigeria, our country, will survive its present travails and triumph over its internal and external en-

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By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

emies.”

Mimiko said though the country appears to be tilting towards the precipice, it is at a turning point for good and its challenges would soon become history.

He said: “We are at the point where our greatest challenge is before us. The

moment we surmount it, the only way we will move as a country will be forward.”

Mimiko said Nigeria’s destiny as a strong, prosperous and united nation would be fulfilled as soon as insecurity is addressed.

He urged Nigerians to be sober and reflective “as we celebrate another Democracy Day.”

PDP advocates unity against insurgency

AGOS State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Chief Tunji Shelle has urged members to unite and support the government’s efforts to end insurgency.

Speaking yesterday in Lagos at a rally to mark Democracy Day, Shelle urged Nigerians to pray for the rescue of the abducted Chibok school girls.

He said: “Our children held in captivity are yet to come out. The president and the rest of the team are doing their best to rescue them.

We must pray for the success of the mission.

“Boko Haram is no longer a local matter; it has become a global issue. That is why America, France, Japan and other countries are interested in the fight and have pledged

By Musa Odoshimokhe

to assist us. What we should do at this point is to pray for the accomplishment of the mission.”

A PDP chieftain, Chief Owolabi Sallis, said the party is now united and working towards the 2015 polls. He said the defection of some members to other parties in the past undermined the PDP’s success in previous elections, adding: “The party is now one in Lagos State. With the party being one and democracy going on as expected, we will go places in next year’s election. There were people who left the PDP to help other parties but, today, that has been resolved. We no longer have division in the party.”

Aspirant empowers Ibadan residents

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N Information Communications and Technology (ICT) expert in the United Kingdom (U.K.), Mr. Deji Aboderin, donated yesterday empowerment materials to over 1,200 people in Ibadan South East Federal Constituency of Oyo State.

He said it was his way of celebrating Democracy Day with the people.

Beneficiaries included unemployed youths, artisans and the aged.

Aboderin is aspiring to contest the House of Representatives’ election in Ibadan South East on the platform of the Accord.

Items distributed include power generating sets, sewing machines, grinding machines, clippers, deep freez-

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

ers and cash.

Aboderin said the poverty level is rising daily because Nigeria is not practising democracy the way it should.

He said: “The people need to enjoy the dividends of democracy. Our government is selfish. The little I am doing today is to assist and empower the needy. Many people have learnt one vocational work or the other but have no money to buy equipment and start the work.

“If the government wants to achieve sustainable peace and security in the land, it needs to empower the people because an idle hand is the devil’s workshop.”

Aboderin said he joined Accord to “compliment the

work of Alhaji Rashidi Ladoja”, adding: “And also to empower and give my people the dividends of democracy if elected to represent my constituency in 2015.”

An Accord chieftain, Chief Solomon Ayansina, described Aboderin as “humble, generous and passionate about the people’s welfare.

Aboderin’s first cousin, Mr. Damola Aare, described him as “a kind-hearted man of vision, who cares for the people”.

Aare said: “He has plans to make his people better and wants to make a difference in his community. His poverty alleviation programme is helping people and he is doing it with a sincere heart.”

access to qualitative transport infrastructure. This is the value and meaning of democracy. This is what tax payers’ money has done in the state. We could have waited for the Federal Government to construct these roads for us, bur because we pay taxes, we have taken our destiny in our hands.”

Fashola urged residents to take possession of the road and avoid anything that will destroy it, adding: “I appeal to all of you not to drop waste inside the drains for your own protection. Please, do not dump

refuse in the drains. For those who do not have cars, a road does not serve car owners alone. It also serves pedestrians.

“It is the sidewalks that separate pedestrians and motorists. It is on the sidewalks that our children will walk to and from their schools. If you trade on the sidewalks, you will force your children to walk on the roads. If you force them on the streets, you endanger them and motorists.”

Commissioner for Works Obafemi Hamzat said the road was a testimony of

democratic dividends.

He said the road was strategic because it links the area to Iju-Ishaga, Ogba and other adjoining locations.

Hamzat said the project provided 987 direct jobs and many indirect ones.

He said: “These drains are covered and are supposed to move water, so you must not dump garbage there. If you do that, the water will not move and that will cause flooding and damage the road.”

The commissioner said over 209 road projects are ongoing across the state.

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THE NATION FRIDAY MAY 30, 2014

NEWS EKITI 2014

Fayemi pledges to clear N181m owed primary school pensioners

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T was a cheering news as Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi pledged on Wednesday to clear nine months pension totalling N181 million owed some retired primary school teachers between January and September 2002.

The nine months backlog of the pension, which originally covers 13 months, is to be cleared in four installments.

The Fayemi-led government had a few months ago effected payment of the first four months.

The governor, who gave this assurance during a meeting with pensioners in AdoEkiti, also disclosed that his

government this month earmarked N150 million to pay gratuity despite the recent shortfalls in the Federal allocations.

He stated that the burden of gratuity owed the retirees is not unrelated to the fact that all the workers employed during the creation of the old Ondo State in 1976 have retired in the last three years and this has increased the financial responsibility of government towards the retirees.

He said arrangement is ongoing to off-set the gratuity owed some people who retired in 2013.

On the arrears of the increase of six per cent and 15 per cent in pension as ap-

proved by the Salaries, Income and Wage Commission in 2010 and backdated to 2003 but implemented in Ekiti State in February this year, the governor said that government might grind to a halt if the arrears of 13 years is cleared at once.

He said his administration was considering financial debt buy-back in order to enable the retirees get their money in time.

While reiterating the commitment of his government to clearing all the gratuity-related debt owed by the state government, Fayemi said his administration owes the retirees a duty to repay the service rendered by the pensioners by

Ekiti to workers: disregard rumour from opposition From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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•Dr Fayemi

making life more enjoyable for them.

The governor donated a sum of N1 million to the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners for the upgrading of its secretariat to which he had during construction made a personal donation of N100,000 in 2011.

e-Eleven opposing Fayose for selfish reasons, says group

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HE Ekiti State Development Union (ESDU) has described a socio-political group in the state, e-Eleven as a group of selfish individuals, who are only interested in protecting their personal interests.

According to the group, “The e-Eleven’s opposition to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Mr. Ayodele Fayose was because of their desperation to continue with their management of the state-owned Fountain Hotel without paying the government.”

ESDU’s statement, which

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

was issued in Ado-Ekiti by its Chairman, Pastor Yemi Olayinka and Secretary, Mr. Foluso Oguntoyinbo, was in response to an earlier one by e-Eleven throwing its weight in support of candidate of All Progressives Congress, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

ESDU said: “Reasonable Ekiti indigenes don’t take eEleven serious because the group cannot point to anything that it contributed to the development of the state since inception.”

It urged Ekiti people to ig-

nore the e-Eleven and its “anti-Ekiti development” antics, adding: “In the last 12 years, these people in e-Eleven have done nothing for the people.

“They were the ones who waged war against Otunba Niyi Adebayo when he was governor, they waged war against Fayose when he refused to hand over the state treasury to them. And when Segun Oni was governor, the same elements in e-Eleven waged war against him, despite that they were instrumental to an agreement between Fayemi and Oni that whoever that emerged as gov-

ernor between the duo will be supported.

“Ekiti people must begin to ask these e-Eleven people what happened to the ‘Head or Tail’ agreement entered into between Oni and Fayemi.

“They should explain to Ekiti people why they have refused to pay one kobo to the coffers of Ekiti State since they took over the management of Fountain Hotel, Ado Ekiti.”

On whether or not Fayose will be Ekiti State governor again, the ESDU said it should be left for the masses to decide.

KITI State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation Mr. Tayo Ekundayo has urged people in the state to disregard the rumour making the rounds that Governor Kayode Fayemi would embark on massive retrenchment of workers if re-elected in the June 21 governorship poll.

The commissioner, who disclosed this in a statement made available to reporters in Ado-Ekiti, said the report was the handiwork of opposition politicians who he noted were becoming increasingly desperate following the recent open endorsement of Fayemi by teachers, members of staff of local governments and a cross-section of other workers’ groups.

Stressing that he would ordinarily not have dignified the “continuous propaganda often originating from the figment of the imaginations of mischievous and disgruntled politicians with any response,” Ekundayo emphasised that he has a responsibility to update people with “correct information that is free of error and in accordance with facts or the truth.”

He noted that the opposition was becoming increasingly distressed as their chances of fulfilling their ambition of winning the forthcoming poll and getting to the Oke Bareke Government House is fast turning to a mirage.

The commissioner assured that the Fayemi-led administration would remain focused and not distracted by the antics of the opposition in the task of giving priority attention to the welfare of workers and the people.

Ekundayo also denied that the appointments of the newly recruited teachers and civil servants would not be confirmed by the Fayemi administration upon its re-election in the June 21 polls as “arrant nonsense that contradicts logical reasoning and commonsense.”

His words: “Only an ignoramus or a twisted-minded scoundrel could concoct such an outlandish allegation when the newly employed workers would only be due for confirmation of appointment after two years in service.

“According to the state Public service rules, appointments of teachers in the state Public Service and civil servants are not confirmed until exactly two years after they are appointed.

Why then would anybody start talking about an exercise that is not due until 2016?

“If the present administration in the state can come up with a Social Security Scheme under which it pays monthly stipend to over 25,000 elderly citizens who are vulnerable, how then can such an administration with a track record of people-oriented programmes decide to throw a sizable part of its workforce into the labour market?

“All these side talks of the opposition are baseless and defy simple logic?”

MEND seeks unconditional release of detained fighters

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HE Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has called for the unconditional release of its remaining detained fighters, while lauding the Federal Government for setting free 54 others.

It noted that the other detainees were being held on trumped-up charges over alleged link to the militant group and the Okah brothers.

MEND also expressed support for the swap of Chibok girls for imprisoned Boko Haram terrorists.

The militant group, in an

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

online statement by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, also commended the Federal Government on the release of its former Commander, Tamunotonye Kuna, aka Commander Obese, and 53 fighters held at the Port Harcourt Prisons without trial since December 2010.

It noted that Kuna voluntarily submitted his weapons, gunboats and many other items to the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, after allegedly being deceived that he would be a

•Lauds Fed Govt for setting free 54 others beneficiary of the Federal Government’s 2009 amnesty offer to repentant militants and lucrative pipeline protection contracts.

The group said Kuna was subsequently arrested and the JTF lied to Nigerians that he was captured after an attack on his camp in Rivers State.

MEND said: “His (Kuna’s) prolonged incarceration was as a result of his refusal to become a false witness against Henry Okah, one of the MEND leaders, who is serving a jail term in a

South African prison, over the October 1, 2010 twin bombing at the Eagle Square in Abuja, during Nigeria’s 50th independence anniversary) and his brother, Charles Okah,” who is also serving term in Nigeria.

The militant group also stated that it was impossible for any forcible commando-type rescue of the over 200 girls abducted from the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State on April 15.

•From left: Eldest son of the late Madam Bolanle Olufunmilayo Odukoya and Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNILAG, Dr. Adelaja Odukoya, his wife, Nike, Managing Director, Megafoam, Mr. Olaitan Odukoya and his wife Kemi at the Service of Songs for late Madam Odukoya at the Bishop Adelakun Howells Memorial (BAMH) Anglican Church, PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE. Surulere, Lagos...yesterday.

It said: “MEND supports a prisoner exchange initiative with Boko Haram, towards the release of the Chibok school girls, as the only viable safe option and the threshold towards maintaining contact, further ceasefire and eventual longterm peace and security in that

region.

“From our experience, it is impossible for any forceful commando-type rescue in forests or creeks to be successful.”

MEND also told the Israelis encouraging the use of force to secure the release of the Chibok girls to understand that Sambisa forest is “a different kettle of fish” from Entebe International Airport.

Fashola inspects Ejigbo-Isheri, Oshun-Ijegun road, bridges

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AGOS State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and members of his executive council yesterday inspected the on-going work on the Ejigbo-Isheri Oshun-Ijegun road and bridges, affirming that progress is being made on the “complex construction work.”

The governor, who spoke with journalists after the inspection, said the road and bridges which connect Ejigbo and Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Authorities when completed, would significantly cut down journey time by a long stretch.

“We are in Ijegun and in Ijedodo and this is the service that we are providing by trying to link Ejigbo to the other parts of Alimosho, Pipeline, Aboru and all of those long winding journeys. This road would significantly reduce journey time by a really long stretch when it is finally finished and we are inching across, making progress,” he added.

The governor explained that

the last time he checked about the details on the road, it was really a bed of swamp, hence requiring piles that were driven as long as 34 metres deep with about 1,022 piles driven into the depths to ensure an enduring bridge.

Fashola described the construction process as a really complex engineering work that is spread over a road length of six kilometres and about 1.2kilometre of a network of bridges.

The governor then sought to know from critics if the IsheriOsun-Jakande Estate road located in the innermost parts of the state is also for the elites.

Fashola was accompanied on the inspection by members of the State Executive Council, including Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Economic Planning and Budget Mr. Ben Akabueze, Establishments, Training and Pensions Mrs. Florence Oguntuashe and Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Ganiyu Johnson among others.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

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BUSINESS EXTRA Economy still structurally defective, says LCCI

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• President Jonathan (right); Mr. Vaswani; and a director of the Satllion Group, Mr Harpreet Sing, presenting the Made-inNigeria Nissan during the interactive event with the youth at the International Conference Centre, Abuja as part of activities to mark Democracy Day.

Govt orders patronage of Made-in-Nigeria vehicles

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has orderd ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to start patronising Made-inNigeria vehicles.

He spoke at an event organised by the Stallion Group, the makers of Nissan vehicles in Nigeria, to showcase the first five “Made in Nigeria” Nissan vehicles to the government to mark their local production and to commemorate the restoration of democracy in the country.

Chairman, Stallion Group, Mr. Sunil Vaswani, presented three models of Nissan vehicles to President Jonathan. These models include the Nissan Patrol SUV, Nissan Almera (Sunny) Saloon car and the Nissan NP 300 pick-up.

The vehicles presented met

global standards of product and technology and were proudly produced at the Stallion Nissan Motors plant located at Badagry expressway, Lagos pursuant to the new Automotive Policy of the government.

The plant was established following the signing of the agreement between Nissan Motor Company, and West African conglomerate, the Stallion Group, in response to the announcement of the automotive policy by the Federal Government.

Speaking on the occasion, Head, Nissan sub-Saharan Africa region, Mike Whitfield said: “Africa is a strategic market for Nissan.

By acting quickly to begin production in Nigeria, we are securing for ourselves the first-mover advantage, demonstrating our brand

leadership and promise of innovation.”

Vaswani who led the Stallion-Nissan delegation to Abuja commended the Federal Government’s automotive policy, describing it as a historic step towards industrial and economic rejuvenation.

Vaswani thanked the president for the initiative that facilitated the production of Made-in-Nigeria Nissan vehicles.

He said: “We are grateful for implementing this initiative which is part of the Federal Government’s sevenpoint agenda to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and emancipate the dormant sectors of the economy “The evolution of automotive manufacturing sector in Nigeria would not only encourage more FDIs but

stimulate industrial clusters such as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that includes steel plants, glass manufacturers, after-market shops and transportation service providers leading to job creation and contributing significantly to the GDP. “The current population of Nigeria can convincingly support more than half a million vehicles annually, which is more than sufficient to sustain an emerging automotive industry.”

He reiterated the firm’s commitment to producing 45,000 vehicles annually in the country, adding that plans are underway to expand its investments further in stimulating the growth of a complete auto industry eco system, as envisaged by the new policy.

Senate yet to clear NNPC, says Saraki

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ORMER governor of Kwara State and a chief tain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bukola Saraki yesterday said the Senate has not cleared the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) of any unaccounted revenue fund.

He faulted reports claiming that the Senate Committee on Finance has cleared NNPC of any unaccounted fund.

In a statement via email, Saraki, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ecology and Environment , wrote: “Though I could not attend the last meeting of the committee, I have been very active in the investigation; nothing significant has changed to suggest clearing anybody.

“I can say on behalf of the Committee that these media reports bear no correlation to the content of the Senate Committee report and I would urge the public to disregard it in its entirety.

• Speaker likens insurgency to civil war From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

“The Committee is yet to receive the report on the forensic audit and independent analysis on the subject. This clearly indicates we have a lot of grounds to cover in order to determine the level of culpability or otherwise of the agency on the alleged non-committal, so to suggest any clearance for anybody at this stage is out of the question.

“I will further advise that the media should wait for the Senate to release the details of the committee report to the public before they jump into spurious conclusions.”

As Nigeria marks 15 years of uninterrupted democratic practice, Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Razak Atunwa has likened the current Boko Haram

attacks in the Northeast to civil war era.

He therefore called for collective efforts by all stakeholders, irrespective of ethno-religious and political affiliations at proffering an enduring solution to the terrorism in the country.

He explained that the hope of Nigerians could be renewed when those in government use their positions to improve on their wellbeing.

He urged politicians to put national interest above other considerations to make the country overcome her numerous challenges.

Atunwa in a statement by his Media Assistant Alhaji Abdulrahman Sanni, he attributed the nation’s predicament to protracted military rule and cautioned against acts capable of truncating the nation’s democratic practice.

He noted with displeasure

IGERIA’S economic growth trend, meas ured by the performance of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), has been generally positive over the last 15 years, averaging about six per cent, but the economy is still structurally defective, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has said.

In its assessment of the economy in 15 years of uninterrupted democracy, its President, Alhaji Remi Bello, said Nigeria has earned considerable goodwill as one of the few stable democracies in Africa, with the economy benefiting from the goodwill, as investors are better disposed towards a democratic environment. He said this, among other factors, made Nigeria a major investment destination on the continent.

“Our average six per cent GDP growth is good compared to growth conditions in most economies around the world,” the LCCI President said. He however, expressed worries that despite this, the structure of the nation’s economy is defective on account of its over dependence

By Chikodi Okereocha

on the oil and gas sector for revenue, which creates serious vulnerability risks. “The lack of political will to reform the oil and gas sector remains a major shortcoming of democratic governance over the past 15 years,” he said in a statement to mark Democracy Day. He however, noted that the transformation in the telecommunications sector is a notable success story in economic reform over the period. “We note the progress being made in the agricultural sector reform; but it is important to observe that the sector cannot be transformed in isolation of infrastructure development and industrialisation. The quality of the business environment continues to be a source of concern to investors, especially in the real sector. Weak infrastructures and institutions have adverse effects on efficiency, productivity and competiveness of enterprises in the economy. These conditions pose a major risk to inclusiveness and job creation.

How to grow economy, by NACCIMA chief

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IFE National VicePresident of Nigerian Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture [NACCIMA], Chief Dr. Adebowale Omotoso has said improvement in earnings and a broader capital base for enterprises remain indispensable to grow economy and create jobs.

Chief Omotoso who spoke in Oyo town, Oyo State yesterday at a business forum, stated that the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) through its operations provides avenues for governments and corporate entities to effect optimal financing and broaden their capital base.

Such sound financial services, according to him will serve as a hedge against the vagaries of business and economic cycles, which have in recent times shaken the basic fabric of our national socio-economic system.

“It is worth repeating that, Nigeria ’s vision of long term economic development

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

based on a virile real sector requires huge capital outlay for its realisation. It also calls for a reorientation of existing approach to projects financing. We must therefore look beyond the commercial banks and donor agencies to meet our financial needs especially for long-term purposes. Our financing option is in the NSE, which must be supported to successfully discharge its crucial role in financial services delivery.”

He said there is need to maintain policy consistency, accelerate the privatisation programme, and get the oil and gas companies and telecommunication companies to list on the NSE for broader and deeper stock market that approximates the economy.

He said these are important issues that impacts on the performance of the market, because government policies shape markets, thus requiring that government acts now on these issues.

Automotive policy: Group warns of massive job loss

T • Senator Saraki

that the nation is currently faced with voting apathy and called for transparency in the nation’s electoral process as well as accountability in governance.

The Speaker enjoined politicians to always display spirit of sportsmanship as the nation moves towards another round of general elections, pointing out that life and position are transient.

He warned against politicizing measures that would curb insurgence, stressing that all stakeholders must be united to salvage the nation from the verge of destruction.

HE Association of Trucks and Allied Mo tor Dealers of Nigeria (ATAMDN) has warned that no fewer than three million jobs will be lost if the Federal Government goes ahead with the implement of its new automotive industry policy come July 1.

The new policy requires importers of fairly used vehicles including trucks and allied vehicles to pay 35 per cent duty instead of five per cent and also pay another 35 per cent as levy effective July 1.

Other levies such as Value Added Tax (VAT) also have to be paid.

The group said this amounts to 700 per cent increment of duty compared to the five per cent they were paying.

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Lagos yesterday, its President General, Chief Philip

By Uyoatta Eshiet

Nworji said the association has nothing against the policy since the overall aim is to develop the country.

He however faulted some aspects of the policy and the haste to implement it without taking them as a critical stake holders into consideration.

ATAMDN said its planned implementation come July 1 is unacceptable to them. They advised government to shelve the plan and give it at least five years period to allow them and other stakeholders to key into the policy for the good of all.

The dealers said it became necessary to advise government to have a re-think as a lot of businesses have closed shops already resulting in job losses.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

15

PEOPLE THE NATION

A SIX -PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

The ancient Ake town in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, was a beehive when a businessman, Chief Owolabi Fadare was installed as the 14th Seriki of Egbaland by the Egba monarch, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo. Fadare’s wife, Chief Rianat Omowunmi, was conferred with the Seriki Gbegbaaje of Egbaland. The event took place at the Alake Palace, reports OLALEKAN AYENI.

•Oba Gbadebo flanked by Chief Fadare and wife, Omowunmi

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T was a gathering of traditional rulers, captains of industry and politicians.

Choice cars streamed into the palace of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo. Those who could not find space in the palace parked outside. The police and Ogun State Vigilante had a hectic time controlling human and vehicular traffic.

Traditional singers from Egbaland, entertained guests. They were sprayed crisp naira notes for their efforts.

It was all for Chief Owolabi Fadare, who was installed as the 14th Seriki of Egbaland

by Oba Gbadebo. His wife, Chief Rianat Omowunmi was conferred with the Seriki Gbegbaaje of Egbaland.

Chief Fadare succeeds the late SecretaryGeneral of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Dr Abdullateef Adegbite.

Banners of Chief Fadare and his wife were displayed around the venue.

Large screens were placed at stategic locations for those faraway to watch the proceedings.

There was a stage in the palace decorated in white and sky blue fabric. A red carpet stretched from one end of the stage to the other. A traditional calabash was in front of Oba Gbadebo’s seat.

Some guests sat under canopies on the

A call to service •Businessman becomes Seriki of Egbaland

ground floor. Chairs and tables decorated in gold coloured fabric were set in rows.

Oba Gbadebo amid the blowing of trumpets and gun shot was ushered into the arena, all the guests stood, hailing: “Kabiyesi ooo, k’ade pe l’ori, ki bata pe l’ese”.

Chief Fadare and his wife came in next, amid the beating of agba drums and singing in egba dialect. They were dressed in lace and a light brown and white Aso Oke. They headed straight to Oba Gbadebo and knelt before him for blessings.

He prayed that their tenure would usher in peace, harmony and progress in Egba and Ogun State in general.

The monarch advised them to join hands with other chiefs to make Egba a proud place to live in.

“Before Egba can make someone a chief, the person must possess good record in the state and in the country at large. That person must be respectful, diligent, transparent, hardworking and not a dubious fellow. I am

happy both of you possess good names in the society,” he said.

He presented the certificate of office and a sword to them.

The certificate, Oba Gbadebo said, shows that “you are truly honoured by the Egba Paramount Ruler and the sword is for you to use in your office”.

Chief Fadare and his wife danced to music supplied by the traditional singers, amid drumming by Agba drummers.

Chief Fadare thanked Oba Gbadebo, other monarchs, and guests for coming to share in their joy, saying: “Today is another day of joy in our life and would ever remain unforgettable in our memory.”

He pledged his commitment and more support to Abeokuta and Ogun State.

The new chiefs led guests to the dance floor as Juju Commander, Ebenezer Obey dished out some of his evergreen tunes. Guests had a lot to eat and drink.

The Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief Alaba

Lawson, described Chief Fadare and his wife as humble and respectful.

“I believe Egba would not regret making him one of the paramount chiefs of Egbaland,” she said.

She advised the couple to preach unity among the Egbas.

The Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, described Chief Fadare as worthy of the title.

He appealed to them to work harder to ensure that Egbaland records progress during their time.

In attendance were: Former Ogun State Deputy Governor Alhaja Salmat Badru; Agura of Gbagura Land, Oba Haleed Laloko; Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu; Olu of Owode-Egba Oba Kolawole Sowemimo; Olu of Itori, Oba Fatai Akorede Akamu; Alakija of Ikija Oba Samson Ayorinde; Ashoya of Isoya Ifeland, Oba Adebanjo Dinni; former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Alhaji Sharafadeen Ishola; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bashorun Oladipo Muyiwa; Ashipa of Owu Kingdom, Chief Akin Obimakinde; Otun Iyaloja of Egbaland Chief Kemi Oloyede; Akogun of Owu Kingdom Chief Ishola Akinsipo and Jagunna of Egbaland Chief Olayinka Kufile, among others.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

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SOCIETY Aderonke Adetokunbo, daughter of Prince Ayodeji Adejugbe and Adeleke Adegoriola, son of the late Hon Alex Adedipe were joined in holy matrimony at the All Souls’ Anglican Church, Lekki Peninsula, Lagos. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

Their day of joy F

OR the couple, the day will remain etched in their hearts.

Last Saturday, they were joined together at a ceremony witnessed by the high and mighty.

The wedding of Aderonke, daughter of Prince Ayodeji Adejugbe and Adegoriola, son of the late Hon Alex Adedipe, was breathtaking.

The All Souls Anglican Church in Lekki, Lagos was filled with exotic cars jostling for parking space.

As guests made their way into the church, beautiful and courteous ushers took them to their seats and gave them the programme.

The church choir spiced things up with songs.

The processional hymn: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty ushered in the bride, who was held by her father.

Rev. Victor Fasakin, who joined the couple, prayed for the union’s success.

The Vicar, Ven. Oludare Otoki, delivered the sermon which centred on God as the foundation of marriage.

He urged the couple to hold firm to God, because He is the only foundation upon which marriage is based.

He told the gathering that beauty or wealth should not be the yardstick for getting married, but the fear of God. “If your marriage is based on beauty and wealth, it will fail, but let God be the foundation of marriage. The first pillar of marriage is love and loyalty. Be loyal, show mutual respect, be faithful and don’t give room for doubt,” he said.

The cleric prayed God to make the marriage fruitful.

The hymn: Your marriage shall be a blessing was rendered while the dotted lines were signed by the couple.

During the thanksgiving, guests danced all the way to the altar to drop their offering.

The recessional hymn: Great is thy faithfulness was rendered as the couple took their exit. Outside the church, the couple was joined by others for pictures.

The bridal train moved to the Ark Event Centre in Lekki Phase 2 for the reception.

Ekiti State Deputy Governor Prof Modupe Adelabu led other guests to the reception.

There was not a dull moment at the reception as guests were welcomed into the hall with melodious songs by the Awesome Band.

The reception, chaired by the Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi, was anchored by 1stborn, a comedian. The opening prayer was said

by Mrs Funke Olubode. Fayemi left after taking pictures with the couple.

Former Ekiti State Governor Otunba Niyi Adebayo, who stood in for Fayemi urged the couple to heed to the Vicar’s admonitions.

“Take to heart what was preached in the church. The relationship that exists between you is love, make sure you maintain it,” he said.

The word LOVE was spelt as the couple cut the cake under the supervision of wife of Ekiti State governor Erelu Bisi Fayemi. The couple fed each other afterwards.

Prof Adelabu, the ‘special mother’ to the bride, described the day as her happiest.

“I feel good because the girl getting married today is like my last

•Dr Fayemi flanked by the couple, Aderonke and Adeleke

•Groom’s mother Mojisola Alex-Adedipe and Mr Adedipe

•From left: Erelu Fayemi; Otunba Laoye-Tomori and Prof Adelabu

daughter. She is a source of joy to the family; it is almost unbelievable that in her I found no fault. I am happy that before my eyes she is getting married to a wonderful person. My advice to them is to make God their foundation and make their home where He resides. If God resides in their home, their home will be a home indeed,” she said.

Mr Adekunle Adedipe, who stood in for the groom’s father, said: “I feel happy and on top of the world”.

Advising the groom he said: “Be a man, love your wife and cater for her.”

The groom, said: “I’m elated and very happy. I couldn’t have hoped for anything further in her.”

Aderonke said: “I really don’t know how to express my joy right now, but I can only say I’m excited.”

She described her husband as a gentle family man.

The guests took to the dance floor after the groom’s vote of thanks. They

•Arch Lanre Olayinka

were entertained by Awesome Band.

Other guests at the occasion included the Osun State Governor Deputy Governor Otunba Titi Laoye-Tomori; the Ewi of Ado

•Bride’s mother Omolara Fatima and Ayodeji Adejugbe

•Alhaji Adeleke (left) and Otunba Adebayo

•From left: Dr Dapo Fasawe; Mrs Dayo Aderugbo and Doyin Nwankwo PHOTOS: ADEJO DAVID

Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe; wife of Lagos State Governor Dame Abimbola Fashola; former Lagos State Deputy Governor Princes Adebisi Sarah Sosan and

former Osun State Governor, Alhaji Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke among others.

Continued on Page 49

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIAL

Season of anomie •That vandals challenge the police to gun duels, over petroleum pipelines, is bad for the integrity of the Nigerian state

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HEN felons challenge the police to a gun duel over a petroleum pipeline they are bent on breaking, what are they doing — staking their divine right to crime?

That is the worrisome question emanating from the reported police, suspected vandals gun face-off of August 24 through the night of August 25, in Arepo, an Ogun-Lagos border town and community in the Obafemi Owode Local Government of Ogun State.

According to news reports, the suspected vandals drove towards the oil pipelines in the community, sighted the police Task Force guarding the facility and opened fire. The police returned the fire, and an all-night long battle ensued, resulting in a huge fire from exploded pipelines. When the dust cleared, no less than three suspected vandals lay dead. But four policemen involved in the operations were also declared missing.

“While four of them have returned to base,” a newspaper reported, “four others are still missing. We have yet to ascertain their fates,” it quoted an unnamed security source.

What has the country turned into? The security arms of the state (which ought to boast supreme, if not monopoly of force) engaging rogue groups, and suffering higher casualties, even if yet no definitive account is available on the fate of the four missing police personnel?

Kashim Shettima, governor of Borno State, in the vortex of the Boko Haram murderous campaign, caused a stir when

he claimed Boko Haram insurgents boast superior arms than the security agencies.

President Goodluck Jonathan, in an emotive response, issued a veiled threat to withdraw the armed forces from the area; and see how the governor would fare. The governor also came under severe flak.

A few weeks later however, even the military high command has admitted what the army faces in the North East emergency areas are not the ragtag Boko Haram militia but a ferocious war by Al Qaeda, the global terrorist group — somewhat lending credence to the group’s sophisticated weaponry, which appears to easily compete, if not superior, to the Army’s arsenal.

The Arepo shootout is again a grim reminder that, North, Middle Belt or South, felons now openly dare the might of the Nigerian state. That is no good news, since the most basic function of the state is to secure life and property. That fundament of the state is being threatened. The authorities must rise to stop it forthwith. Failure to do so is creeping anarchy.

Of course, there is a lot to be decried in blind greed that makes felons take to heinous crime. There is much to be decried in mass poverty that leads to murderous desperation and anger. There is also much to be said for jolting the government to sit up to its responsibilities on the economic front: more jobs and ample opportunities; and ensuring a fair, equitable and equalopportunity society.

But what must not be tolerated is brazen crime and utter paralysis. What is even

worse is a systems collapse that appears to be creeping on the country. If the present anomie is not arrested and fast, it is only a matter of time before anarchy creeps in — with disastrous consequences.

That is why Nigerians must never surrender to the current situation but continue to ask questions of, and demand service from their governments at all level. But Nigerians too must play the civic citizens that avail the authorities with quality intelligence, to help the government face down and defeat these noxious forces.

In return, the government has no choice but to act its name: invest in the economic wellbeing of the greatest number and secure the environment for all. As things stand, it is a race against time, to fend off state failure.

‘The Arepo shootout is again a grim reminder that, North, Middle Belt or South, felons now openly dare the might of the Nigerian state. That is no good news, since the most basic function of the state is to secure life and property. That fundament of the state is being threatened’

Of Farzana and Meriam • The very humanity of these two women - a Pakistani and Sudanese – challenges the humanity of every man and woman today

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HEIR stories are stranger than fiction. Their narratives defy the essence of humanity in a 21st century world in their sheer barbarity and indignity to the human person. Here are short synopses: Coming out of Pakistan just last Tuesday, a father, two brothers and a former fiancé had led a mob to pounce on daughter, Farzana Iqbal. They had stoned her to death in broad daylight right on the premises of a Pakistani civil court.

Farzana’s killing is a punishment known as ‘honour’ killing for marrying a man she loved and chose and rejecting one chosen for her by her family.

Farzana, 25, had been engaged to marry her cousin but she settled for another man of her choice. Her family had registered a kidnapping case against her husband.

But on this fateful day, she was at the High Court in the eastern city of Lahore to defend her husband. As she waited the court to resume she was attacked by the mob of about a dozen men, led by her father,

‘We call on the UN, to rise against all such barbarity as consumed Farzan in broad daylight. We also call on the world community to ensure that Ms. Meriam is not killed on account of her religious belief’

who stoned her with bricks. Farzana suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead in the hospital.

All the suspects, according to police, escaped except her father who admitted killing his daughter saying that it was a matter of ‘honour’. It is believed that many Pakistani families think a woman marrying her own choice of man brings dishonour on the family. No fewer than 1000 women reportedly met this horrific fate in Pakistan every year in the hands of their close families in ‘honour’ killing according to rights groups.

Out of Sudan also last Tuesday, 27-yearold Meriam Yehya Ibrahim who is awaiting the death penalty for allegedly abandoning her religious faith, gave birth in jail near the capital, Khartoum. Meriam married a Christian man and was sentenced to hang for apostasy after refusing to renounce Christianity. Meriam was convicted of adultery on the grounds that her marriage to a Christian man from South Sudan was void under Sudan’s version of Islamic law which bars Muslim women from marrying non-Muslims.

Though these two cases are admittedly matters of tradition and faith which sometimes defy logic and common sense, these specific instances of Farzana and Meriam are clear examples of criminal human rights abuses. The stoning to death of Farzana by her family members apart from being a case of extra-judicial termination of life, is barbaric and a negation of the tenets of the UN’s universal declaration of human rights.

Article 16 specifically speaks to the families of Farzan concerning the prerogative of “men and women of full age without the limitations due to race, nationality or religion, to have the right to marry and found a family.” It states further, the inalienable right of intending spouses to enter into marriage only with their own free and full consent.

While Article 18 addresses Meriam and his family in stating that “everyone has a right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, which includes freedom to change religion or belief.”

Both Pakistan and Sudan are signatories to this UN charter on human rights and therefore owe a duty to the rest of the world and to humanity to uphold it.

The so-called ‘honour’ killing and other inhuman practices and tenets such as apostasy must neither be condoned nor have a place in any country’s statues. In fact, every state under the human system has an obligation to protect her citizenry against such indignities as meted to Farzan and Meriam, using the instrumentality of the rule of law.

We call on the UN, all other world bodies and the entire human community to rise against all such barbarity as consumed Farzan in broad daylight under the watch of the whole world last Tuesday. We also call on the world community to ensure that Ms. Meriam is not killed on account of her religious belief as her death will represent our collective death.

More than money binds the union • Attempts to price or cost Scottish secession are of little value

I

T remains the most striking insight into how Scotland’s voters might weigh the prospect of independence as they enter the polling booths this September. A survey released earlier this year found that 54 per cent thought they would be swayed not by politics or history, but by whether separation made them £500 better or worse off.

Whether this genuinely reflects the views of the electorate is of course unclear. But as Scotland prepares to decide on whether to leave the UK, the main political parties seem to have taken the survey’s findings at their word.

This week has seen the publication of rival economic assessments: one from Holyrood; the other from the UK Treasury. Both seek to express in blunt monetary terms the merits of their cause.

True, there is clear-eyed political calculation behind these documents. The polls have narrowed slightly in recent weeks, suggesting more voters have made up their minds. However, approximately 15 per cent of the Scottish electorate remain unsure which way to cast their ballot. Just how bullish voters feel about the economic consequences of a split could well influence their choice.

Nor can anyone accuse the unionist and pro-independence camps of being hazy about their promises.

The numbers are crisply clear. Alex Salmond, leader of the Scottish National party, claims that separation would benefit individuals by £1,000 a year. But Danny Alexander, a Treasury minister, says it would in fact cost Scots £1,400 annually.

The snag, however, is that these figures are rubbish.

Mr Salmond’s arithmetic is perhaps the more egregious. His £1,000 bonus derives from three tax-raising benefits he claims flow from the freedom to set policy independently: higher productivity, lower unemployment and a rising population.

To offer this as some sort of automatic payout is an insult to the intelligence of the land of Adam Smith and David Hume. While a conjunction of these factors may result in the outcome advertised, none necessarily follows from independence.

Mr Salmond has also to explain how it is possible to compute a “bonus” without having a clear grasp of the underlying earnings. Given the extent to which Scotland is integrated into the wider UK economy, its accounts remain a question of guesswork.

Where the Yes camp’s workings are clearer – on oil revenues and public debt – its forecasts look distinctly rose-tinted. Mr Salmond sees rising income from oil; in contrast to the reality of the 40 per cent production decline since 2010. On public debt, the SNP assumes that Scotland would pick up relatively little from Westminster – a position the Treasury would oppose.

To be fair, Mr Alexander’s report is almost as specious. The bulk of the “cost” to Scots the Treasury foresees comes from the fall in public spending it believes would occur because an independent Scotland would be unable to maintain expenditure at current levels. This looks superficially reasonable as per capita spending in Scotland is above the UK average. But without knowing what the full revenue and cost picture would be, it is impossible to be sure.

Confidence in the Treasury’s good faith is not helped by accusations from Patrick Dunleavy, a professor at the London School of Economics, that the UK government manipulated his estimates of the one-off institutional cost of independence by a factor of 10.

These sterile exchanges may fill column inches with accusation and counter accusation. But they must not decide the outcome.

More is at stake this September than hypothetical arguments about pounds, shillings and pence. In the heat of the battle, Britain’s politicians should not forget the deeper ties of history and shared political experience that link us.

– Financial Times

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

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina

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

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

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Cigarette taxes serve as an important source of revenue generation for governments all over the world. In jurisdictions where the revenue implications of cigarette taxes have been recognised, cigarettes rank among the most heavily taxed commodities. To appreciate the potential revenue implications of cigarette taxes, one may consider statistics put forward by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company to the effect that various tiers of government in the United States realised over $500billion in cigarette taxes since 1998. Indeed, the revenue generated from cigarette taxation may be employed towards more beneficial ends such as funding important developmental projects.

Considering the fact that the increasing incidence of tobacco-related illnesses have led to strains on health expenditure, cigarette taxes may also be used to adequately fund the resultant costs of health-care. In

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Why government should tax cigarettes jurisdictions where health-care is largely funded from public revenue, this is a very essential consideration.

Revenue generated from cigarette taxes may also be channelled towards programmes and measures aimed at tobacco control. For instance, a percentage of earnings derived from this tax may be used to fund medical research on the adverse effects that cigarettes have on smokers, or legislative advocacy programmes that promote laws that seek to regulate exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.

Cigarette taxes are perhaps a good

illustration of the concept of ‘sin taxes’. While not directly prohibiting the supply, demand, and consumption of cigarettes, government use ‘sin taxes’ to check the prevalence of certain behaviours, such as cigarette smoking or consumption of alcohol. The US President’s Cancer Panel’s 2007 Report, whilst recommending the increase of cigarette tax rates, acknowledged the effects of such taxes on three groups of persons – current smokers, former smokers, and potential smokers.

According to the Report, by affecting the pricing of such products,

cigarette taxes can lead current smokers to quit or reduce cigarette consumption, deter potential smokers, and prevent the relapse of former smokers.

Taxation is an important instrument for regulating and restricting social behaviour. By employing increased cigarette tax rates, the ultimate objective is to influence the demand for and consumption levels of such products. Trends in other jurisdictions establish that low-income earners constitute the bulk of consumers of tobacco-related products; and that raising the tax rates for such

On Fani-Kayode’s Give me Oduduwa or I die

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IR: Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence....Helen Keller.

Give Me Oduduwa or Let Me Die is not just a slogan. It signifies the dawn of a new era, a veritable rallying platform for emancipation of South-west. What Femi FaniKayode said is not a diatribe but absolute truth about the hellish reality of Nigeria.

To pretend that all is well is akin to a demented adult goat dinning and wining with pride of lions.

This platform has come to stay forever. It's our own subterfuge that will usher us to the proverbial promise land where the son and daughter of bricklayer, roadside mechanic, goat herder, plumber etc., can aspire to dream according to his or her capacity; where religion or social-economic status will not be a litmus test to gauge the capacity of any citizen; where the future of our daughters will not be subjected the whims and caprices of sexual predators.

Today, we are living witnesses to gradual poaching of innocent citizens without provocation with brazen persecution of some citizens as persona non grata because of their faith, ethnicity and political affiliations. Never in modern history of sub-Saharan Africa have we witnessed such brazen act of bestiality where innocent citizens are endangered species in their

own country; where some demented citizens have automatically acquired the medieval era franchise terrorist licence to deny innocent citizens the inalienable right to live in peace.

With terrorism becoming an instrument of political negotiation and manoeuvre, it is obvious that the grape has gone sour and our honeymoon is over. Perhaps, some may say this is a lofty dream without substance but I make bold to say that the journey of 1,000 kilometres must start from zero point.

There is no gain without pain because throughout human history, no struggle is ever successfully ex-

ecuted merely on rhetoric without blood and sweat.

If Fani-Kayode is wrong by coining that phrase, we the good people of South-west don't want to be right. Yes of course! The honey moon is over long time ago because Nigeria is splinter bomb, imploding bit by bit. It's a soulless entity because a section of this country deliberately wants it so and on this basis, some of us are making this solemn clarion call on our brethren that enough is enough, because it's practically impossible to co-exist with predatory religious bigots and terrorists.

The spate of bombing and terrorism going on in our country today is heart rending and traumatizing.

These acts of savagery are alien and strange to Yoruba culture and heritage. The aspiration for a secular New State of Oduduwa is not an engagement in flight of fancy or an exercise in futility as postulated by naysayers. But like every other noble endeavours, it must pass through the normal metamorphic process because it is a realistic and legitimate project. #GiveMeOduduwa-or-LetMeDie. • Akinola M.A. Verona-Italy

products has often led to a remarkable decline in the demand for them.

An increase in cigarette tax rates will invariably affect the pricing of cigarettes, which may in turn lead to a decline in the volume of demand for cigarettes. In this respect, tax rates play a particularly important role in influencing social behaviour among certain groups; for instance the incidence of cigarette-smoking among low-income earners who prove to be especially vulnerable to tobacco-related illnesses.

In the 1950s when vigorous scientific research began to expose the adverse health effects of smoking, various tiers of government in the United States responded by increasing cigarette excise taxes as a means to curb smoking. Nigeria will do well to emulate these measures.

Available data in other jurisdictions clearly portray the alarming menace and consequences of smoking by under-age persons. In the United States, for instance, statistics provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives show that 1.5 million packs of cigarettes are illegally purchased for minors, and that 3, 900 teenagers take to smoking each day.

While these disturbing statistics may not necessarily reflect the Nigerian situation, there are good grounds for arguing that cigarette taxes can be utilised to check the increase in the number of under-aged smokers in this country.

The World Tobacco Day 2014, with its theme of ‘Raising taxes’ is without doubt an appropriate avenue to begin to implement and impose stiffer taxes on tobacco companies in Nigeria.

• Onaolapo Olatoyosi M. National Coordinator, Coalition Against Tobacco (CAT), Lagos

Culture universities need to embrace

S

IR: Our university dons and managers didn't only make us pay fees for half-baked loaves of bread called degree certificates, we also got over-fermented with their outdated lectures, including their incessant strikes that could be likened to the additive called "Bromate".

If only our universities had provided a Campus Investment Company for us to test our entrepreneurial and employability skills, then we wouldn't be recording the catastrophic 80% of unemployed graduates presently in Nigeria. They practically closed their eyes to the numerous investment opportunities open within the university walls, and

put the blame on the government for their insensitivity and underfunding.

An average Nigerian public university has a population of over 15,000 (students and staff), yet we refuse to maximize the obvious enterprise opportunities which exists in the "Village", headed by the Village Chiefs aka vice chancellors.

I believe that if every university established a Campus Investment Company, the menace of halfbaked, naïve, unprepared graduates will be reduced to the barest minimum.

A company established from the scratch by students, to be managed by students and for the students would put all the theories they have

been taught to the test. In other words, bona fide students will have a stake in the day-to-day activities and eventual success of such an enterprise; who else can identify and meet the needs in a student environment, if not the students?

Have we ever wondered why Nigerian trained doctors are in high demand globally? The reason is not far-fetched. They are engaged in practical medical companies aka teaching hospitals during the course of their learning. There they work with patients first-hand.

This step should be replicated in all other fields of study. For example, why can't we have a well-structured auto-mechanic company within the university to allow Me-

chanical Engineering students fix vehicles of staff, fellow students and even the host community?

Imagine a Dangote, Wale Tinubu, or Ibukun Awosika, as university vice chancellor. You can predict the positive impact it will have. Another example will be the appointment of high ranking commercial bank CEO to head affairs at the CBN, despite several deputies that could assume the position within the ranks.

I believe the aforementioned will give rise to competitive graduates and knowledge-driven entrepreneurs that will drive the Nigerian business space and the society at large.

‘Bolaji Junaid, Lagos.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014 16

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COMMENTS

Citizens’ prayer (2) Email: tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk 08038551123, 08111845040

C

REATOR, we have come forth, when heaven lies at the tick of a bomb, when hell blazes in the spoken word. We come for hope and truth’s pure ray.

We come to wish our strife away.

Life is still not what we prayed for, under Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. It gets worse every hour.

The boy who had no shoes has grown to snatch our dog-eared shoes from our feet. That self-confessed son of a poor fisherman has come to snatch the few fingerlings we have in our nets; when we protest, he dishes us tadpoles to eat and claims it’s “fish.”The one who we hoped will accord us a breath of fresh air has emerged to blow as another clean breath of fresh stench.

Today, our grief is of fuel subsidy.

Ebele baba has removed that mythical subsidy we barely enjoyed. Fuel we used to buy at N65 now sells at N97, N141, N150, and N160 nationwide. As a result, the price of everything has gone through the roof.

A decent meal has become a luxury now: vegetables and tubers, palm oil and vegetable oil, kerosene and

gas, now sell at abominable prices.

But our almighty President, Minister of Finance, Ngozi OkonjoIweala, Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke incumbent governors and company would have us accept such heinous fate as the next best palliative to endemic poverty, unemployment, moribund refineries, electricity shortages, insecurity, administrative ineptitude and corruption among other monstrosities they impose on us.

Ebele baba has forgotten his roots.

He has declared war on us whose fates he swore to advance and protect. Like the proverbial alligator, he has chosen to wade deaf, against the storm and current of public opinion. Goaded by ballsy and mammoth Okonjo-Iweala, he decided to dole the most savage policies on to our battered souls. Prodded by his sleazy and disdainful cabinet, he has chosen to manifest as the corruption of every economic thought and the approximation of the shame that our ruling class has become.

‘Subject their lives and those of their loved ones to the elements of bad roads as they do to us. Blind their pilots’ to the safest course every time they flee our land for overseas medical checkup; make their planes plummet to crash on humid rocks and plunge in the sea, as our beloveds’ in the throes of birdstrike, and our dreams in the face of stillbirth’

D

EATH, where is thy sting? This is the way the Holy Bible appreciates the harsh but real nature of death.

Indeed, death is awesome and its finality is frightening. Perhaps this was why the legendary Williams Shakespeare, in one of his immortal works, ‘Julius Caesar’, harped on the harsh reality of death that “Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.

Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, it seems to me most strange that men should fear; seeing that death, a necessary end, will come when it will come”.

Really, death and dying are, of a fact, an inevitable part of human existence. It is too sure to disbelieve but too daunting to ordinarily wish for. A lot of people have described death in many ways, but is death really wicked? I think it is just performing a balancing function by ensuring that, rather than ageing, the world is refreshed daily. Some people know ahead of time when their death will occur, for instance through terminal illnesses diagnosed ahead of time, and can, therefore, set their affairs in order, make relationships right, and say goodbye to loved ones. However, not everyone has this chance, as many deaths occur suddenly, tragically and, most often painfully.

Death, which Shakespeare describes as a necessary end, finally caught up with Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola, former Governor of Lagos State, in the early hours of Monday, May 5, when Papa slept and refused to wake. His death has since been described as a great loss to Lagos State and indeed the country as a whole. It is, however, gladdening that Sir Otedola passed on at the ripe age of 88, having served God and humanity in various capacities and fields. A great entrepreneur and uncommon philanthropist, Sir Otedola touched and transformed many lives through his many business enterprises and philanthropic activities. A Knight of St. Sylvester, Papa Otedola was a very humane man and a symbol of decency in every sense of the word. He epitomised honesty, fairness and justice. He was a kind-hearted man that readily shared what he had with his people. There is a fable around town

‘A man of honour, Otedola tried as much as possible to follow the path of decency even in the face of the disgraceful line that his party, the defunct NRC, toed in the wake of the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential elections. He demonstrated his sympathy to aggrieved pro-democracy activists in subtle ways’

Recently, he invited professional predators from abroad to help crush their predatory variant, Boko Haram terrorist sect, which he and his cohorts in power foisted upon us at the home front. Hence as you read, the nucleus of evil has arrived in our land to dish out discordant tunes to our bigoted clans. Very soon, their drumbeats of war, hatred and dismemberment shall reverberate devastatingly across our battered land. And while we expect the worst like it happened in Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Egypt and Libya, Ebele baba and company are busy campaigning for second term.

To stem the tide of those of us who love to pick faults in the ruling class, he has made casualties of those whose strength we hoped would rid us of their gruesome breed. We miss Reuben Abati; the knight who pawned his armour to become Ebele baba’s court jester.

Thanks to him and a great many more amongst us, nobody respects the columnist these days; they think we are leprechauns fencing in knights’ armour.

Do not be deceived by the furor of our hastily conceived citizens’ protests, “Bringbackourgirls’ hashtags and strike actions, we shall tire of the novelty of revolutionary slogans and mass actions, very soon.

Our backs shall remain against the wall and when Ebele baba and company push harder, we shall simply crawl into it like we’ve always done.

Our revolutionaries, labour leaders and columnists of note shall quietly eat up their own words following crucial meetings with Ebele baba on the way forward. They shall come back to tell us to ditch the placards and save our chants till more auspicious hour. Whispers of currency shall smother our rant and the revolutionary cry. At the end, everything shall remain the same;

our fates shall bend and break according to the whims of the ruling class.

Thus we seek the comfort of your infinite mercies against the scourge of our merciless leaders. We pray that you repay our leaders back in their own kobo. Dear author and finisher of faith, please rewrite our pitiful fates as the Christians pray.

And even though “the pen has been lifted” as the Muslims say, please rework our fates as you do to your most favoured faithful.

But if our leaders are truly on the right path; if truly, they lead us honestly and with unpretentious fear of you in their hearts, treat them the way you would treat your most favoured among humankind. However, if they lead us with disdain and deceit in their hearts, treat them the way you treated Abu Ashram and the Abyssinians when they rose against Mecca.

Afflict their mansions to tear down the comfort they build to our discomfort. Upset their bellies and purge them of the provisions they gorge like gluttons although it’s meant for the collective good. As we spend our finest moments in darkness, make their access to light a luxury of the past; reorder their fates that they too may go to bed and rise in darkness.

Make their wives hiss and fret for want of fresh air. Make their children and grandchildren flail and choke in the grasp of unforgiving heatstroke. Bless them with noontime heat and bedtime heat even in the rains. And every time they seek from you the mercy they have refused to accord us, treat their prayers the way you would, the wantonness of the gluttonous and accursed. Make their prayer points and praise-worship trail off in confusion. Smite their patronizing prophets till they become not much

in sight.

They claim the N1.3 trillion they ‘saved’ by removing fuel subsidy shall be used to improve other sectors – like agriculture and health sectors; if they fail to live up to their words, make their kids expire to indecipherable sickness and malnutrition right before their eyes; like peasant kids dying in agrarian communities nationwide. Deny their trophy wives and newborns of oxygen and the best medical care overseas as they deny kids of poor folk breathing their last while their mothers are still pushing, in hospital labour rooms of death nationwide.

Bless their children with gifts of patricide and mindless violence as they enable our jobless youth for political gains, every day. Turn their swimming pools to raging deeps to drown their progeny and trophy wives, like the Oke Afa canal that claimed our poor, beloved folk fleeing from death, to their death; during the Ikeja bomb blast.

Subject their lives and those of their loved ones to the elements of bad roads as they do to us. Blind their pilots’ to the safest course every time they flee our land for overseas medical checkup; make their planes plummet to crash on humid rocks and plunge in the sea, as our beloveds’ in the throes of bird-strike, and our dreams in the face of stillbirth.

Let them not enjoy the fruits of their labour; make their Princeton and Harvard educated wards the causes of their everlasting sadness; make them the bad harvest of their inordinate lust for wealth, at our expense. Despite their wealth, afflict them with the poverty of good health, peace and contentment. And for every one of them seeking our downfall, we pray: “Faja'anlahum ka'asufyn mma" kulyn” Amen.

Adieu Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola

By Lateef Ibirogba that the only thing that Otedola would not give was what he did not have. He was that kind and considerate.

His foray into the murky waters of Nigerian politics climaxed with his election as the Governor of Lagos State in a nation-wide election held in 1991 under the platform of the defunct National Republican Convention, NRC. Sir Otedola was an unusual politician, who abhors violence in all its ramifications. His achievements while at the helm of affairs in the state remain indelible. Indeed, the Centre for Excellence that Lagos proudly proclaims today was his choice when he was invited among other governors to choose a sobriquet for Lagos. It is also on record that his administration, which only lasted for 23 months, facilitated the establishment of a campus of Yaba College of Technology in Epe, his hometown.

The legacy of Otedola in Lagos includes several peopleoriented programmes and projects. The housing and transportation sectors, in particular, experienced huge transformation during the few months of Otedola’s leadership of the state. Although some of the projects embarked upon by his administration were completed by succeeding administrations owing to the truncation of his tenure as a result of the botched transition programme in 1993, he could have gone far with them if he had more time. The jubilee housing scheme that was initiated by the Otedola administration gave birth to the popular Abraham Adesanya Estate in Ajah, Jubilee Estate, Ikorodu, Epe and the one located along the Lagos/ Ibadan expressway at the tip of the bridge now known as ‘Otedola Bridge’. So were the Jubilee rail programme and the Jubilee Bus scheme conceptualized to become a sort of panacea to the chaotic mass transit in the city of Lagos that time.

Otedola’s Jubilee mass transit scheme was hinged on alleviating the sufferings of the masses who daily struggle to chase the few available ‘Molue’ and other commercial buses.

Perhaps, because the defunct Lagos State Transport Corporation, LSTC, had proved to be unprofitable to government, Otedola chose to give the fleet of buses his administration procured for public transportation to private operators who were to manage them on behalf of the state. The aim was to achieve accountability, efficiency and probity. This, perhaps, laid the foundation for the Public -Private Participation model which subsequent administrations in the state opted for in most of their infrastructure renewal projects.

A man of honour, Otedola tried as much as possible to follow the path of decency even in the face of the disgraceful

line that his party, the defunct NRC, toed in the wake of the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential elections. He demonstrated his sympathy to aggrieved pro-democracy activists in subtle ways. For instance, he stood his ground to ensure the release of the late Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, human rights activist and social critic, when the latter was detained by the characteristically overzealous police during the public protest against the annulment of that (June 12, 1993) election. In the same vein, while some NRC governors gathered in Abuja to issue a communiqué condemning the nationwide protest that heralded the annulment, Otedola, who was not in Abuja for the meeting, issued his own communiqué which canvassed continuous dialogue between the Babangida military junta and the aggrieved pro-democracy activists and politicians in the interest of peace and progress in the country.

That is the make- up of this distinguished and illustrious son of Epe. He was never one to stand in support of falsehood. Throughout his career both in the public service and in the private sector, Sir Otedola was always on the side of justice, fair play and transparency. In a society where people do all sorts of things to acquire wealth and fame, Otedola opted to be different, choosing only to maintain a good name. As our nation grapples again with many crises, we could all draw vital lessons from the life and time of this patriot by daring to be different and endeavouring to stand by the side of truth and justice at all times.

Adieu, Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola. We love you, but God loves you more. Continue to rest at the bosom of your Lord till we meet to part no more!

Ibirogba is Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy

‘In a society where people do all sorts of things to acquire wealth and fame, Otedola opted to be different, choosing only to maintain a good name. As our nation grapples again with many crises, we could all draw vital lessons from the life and time of this patriot by daring to be different and endeavouring to stand by the side of truth and justice at all times’

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2013

22

COMMENTS “From the beginning men used God to justify the unjustifiable.”

-- Salman Rushdie, The Satanic Verses

T

HIS open memo is written to you because yours sincerely assumes that wherever your members might be, whether in the forest of Sambisa or your bunkers of destruction located across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, it will definitely be easier to gain your attention through this medium because one can reasonably presume that your sect actually has access to print and the electronics media. After all, your group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, has consistently been using the social media to convey his mostly satanic messages across to the Nigerian government and its traumatised people.

Nigerians are more exasperated and frustrated by your group’s sustained havocwrecking spree on public/religious institutions as well as your having sustained effective devilish killing plots against innocent citizens of this great country. This is sadly in the face of largely un-motivated and ill-equipped military. Having perfected these heinous conducts, especially in the face of avoidable inadequacy by the state, hardly would a day pass without a destructive bang of your sect rocking one or two corners of the northern parts of the beleaguered country.

This wanton act of disrespect for human lives by your sect has defied human reasoning and has even cast serious aspersion on the veracity of your members’ claim to be true adherents of the Islamic faith as championed by Prophet Mohammed (SAW). Personally, yours sincerely has always been

‘Let the group realise that its fight is not against President Jonathan who is well protected in his Aso Rock fortress, but against humanity because the entire world is now concerned and alerted to its inhuman representations as depicted by the senseless abductions of these girls and several others’

O

ONE of Africa’s greatest figures, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, coined the term ‘neo-colonialism’ to encompass the yoke of expectational burdens imposed on developing countries by elements from advanced countries or former colonialists. Neocolonialism is the idea that, even though the actual occupation and overt control of a country may have ended, some economic and political fingers of imperialism still seek to influence life in what is derogatively tagged the Third World. Elements of this continue to manifest in Nigeria’s engagement with the international community despite the lip service being paid the supremacy of the sovereign status of Africa’s largest economy and the biggest gathering of black people in the world.

It is, therefore, not surprising that while much of America and people in other parts of the world continue to stand in solidarity with Nigeria, especially in the battle against a devious sect of terrorists called Boko Haram, Senator John McCain, who contested the 2008 United States presidential election on the platform of the Republican Party, is on the opposite side. In an interview with the Daily Beast newspaper, McCain rightfully spoke of supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorists but he went overboard by advocating arbitrary raids on Boko Haram without regard for Nigeria’s territorial sovereignty. Truly, McCain inexplicably discountenanced our nation’s pains to reveal his utter contempt for Nigeria, America’s largest trading partner in Africa and Nigeria’s President whom he described as ‘‘some guy called Goodluck Jonathan’’.

Former United States Secretary of State, Mrs. Hillary Clinton is on the same page with McCain. Without doubt, the gaffes from McCain and Clinton do not represent the prevalent opinion in America about Nigeria and its anti-terrorism efforts. Nigeria has cause to really appreciate Americans’ solidarity and empathy with the abducted school girls and their families. President Barack

07011117777

Memo to Boko Haram

• Jonathan

• Abubakar Shekau

seriously ashamed of your evil acts and terribly embarrassed when people asked whether my Islamic religion condones the barbarity of your highly destructive and pretentiously Islamic sect.

This memo has become highly instructive because of the helpless state that your injurious acts have put my fellow country men and women. Apart from the routine killings and destructions by your sect’s members, the group, sadistically, moved a regrettable step backwards when it abducted in a day, over 250 school girls writing final examinations in Chibok, Borno State on April 14. This is otherwise a global record by any terrorist group like yours, which gave our government away as not in control of state security and even overall national affairs.

By this savage act on innocent girls among others, you have become unreasonably plucky and treacherous soldiers of the Islamic faith: Through your numerous abductions and other killings, your irreligious at-

tacks and disdainfully fearsome influence have stigmatised genuine adherents of Islam. The blood-thirsty illiterate recruits in your nest of killers called Boko Haram must have a rethink if truly they desire aljannah firdau.

Yours sincerely is pleading with your group to please release unharmed, the school Chibok girls. Ordinarily, my pleadings should have been directed at the federal government that constitutionally ought to ensure that the security and welfare of the people are primarily guaranteed. But the response of the presidency to demands of protesting mothers when they went to Aso-Rock was heart-shattering. It is inconceivable to note that the Jonathan presidency told the protesters to direct their protests and grievances to the direction of Boko Haram. This is embarrassing because the ruinous sect is not known to the nation’s grund norm.

Thence, what the presidency is saying or insinuating is that it has ceded its constitu-

America’s doomsday prediction

By Millicent Udegbunam Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, US Congressmen, celebrities and countless other American citizens have been actively supporting us by tweeting, making telephone calls, supporting the Bring Back Our Girls campaign. Conclusively, most Americans have demonstrated the oneness of true humanity in the face of unusual adversity.

But could anyone in America have given McCain’s statement any regard if it was the other way round, coming from a failed Nigerian presidential aspirant who seeks to deprecate the American people and their president? Back home in Nigeria, the past few years has witnessed heinous terrorism acts which some have described as a coded message being conveyed to President Jonathan – “Quit while you still have life”. Any leader who quits in the face of such unjustifiable blackmail risks being judged harshly by posterity.

Just few years ago, several doomsday predictions assert with pseudo-divine finality that Nigeria’s house will fall by 2015. Although Nigeria has passed through several unnerving turbulent times, including a civil war, it has remained a resilient nation, forging ahead in spite of many odds stirred mostly by mischievous political forces.

According to the Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of the World Bank’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, Michel Wormser, most investors in Africa now had enough sophistication to discern long-term opportunities despite a flurry of negative news, ranging from civil war in the world’s

newest nation, South Sudan, to bombs by suspected Islamist militants in Kenya and the abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls in Nigeria by Islamist group Boko Haram.

“There is more understanding of the riskiness and more ability from investors to distinguish between what is media hype and what is the reality on the ground, and the likeliness of their investment to yield what they expect,” he added while describing Nigeria and some other parts of Africa as “a land of great opportunities.”

Now, could it be the same Nigeria that McCain and Hillary had chosen to take to the cleaners as some jungle without any working system or any potential for the future? Clearly, that is far from the truth. Sure McCain and Hillary never ponder over these words despite the many years they have spent in the corridors of power. Why should they anyway? Is it not obvious that these folks are bent on working to an already predetermined answer?

Yet while anarchists at home and illwishers from abroad are doing their mischief, Nigeria quietly continues to move forward under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan. For instance, the nation successfully recorded some measure of positive advancement. It hosted the World Economic Forum Africa (WEFA) from May 7 – 9.

Some 1,100 people from 70 countries participated in making the most successful WEFA held in Africa. It brought in $68billion new investments along with multiplier economic effects for the continent.

No doubt the abduction of over 200 school girls in Chibok, Borno State has attracted the

tional role to the sect. Otherwise, why should it say what ordinarily should be a shame on its professed capacity to govern the country?

This government has broken the trust reposed in it by the Nigerian people when they voted for it in 2011. And its blame-game of putting liability at the door steps of Boko Haram is unacceptable. The blame-game of this government already connotes a lost game because blames create no change and true fighters/winners don't apportion blames. The Boko Haram should, however, not take the timidity of this government to mean that the group would continue to hold sway forever. This column is, once again, appealing to the group to sheath its bloody sword and quickly release the school girls whose parents are still under intense trauma as a consequence of the sudden disappearance of their affectionate wards.

The Boko Haram members definitely would have parents among their membership and it is useful to ask how any of them, despite their heartless onslaughts on the people, would feel if their kids, whether male or female, is abducted and with little hope of rescue by a dreaded group like theirs. If only they could shed off the toga of barbarity and wear the garb of humanity, they would waste no time in releasing those girls to government for onwards transmission to their parents.

Let the group realise that its fight is not against President Jonathan who is well protected in his Aso Rock fortress, but against humanity because the entire world is now concerned and alerted to its inhuman representations as depicted by the senseless abductions of these girls and several others.

Nothing lasts forever and the essence of doing anything good/pleasurable is to be imbued with the wisdom to know when to stop.

This is not to talk of the evil that the sect represents.

Yours sincerely is using this platform, once again, to tell Boko Haram that whoever might be its promoters before it went out of control; it is pertinent for the sect to know that it has exhausted its nuisance value. The moody state of the nation during the last Children’s Day and yesterday’s insipid Democracy Day celebrations were clear pointers to this fact.

So, dear dreaded Boko Haram, pity the girls and their parents in the name of the Almighty Allah - and release them hale and hearty! attention of the international community not just to governance but also to the extent to which these evil minds can go to destroy the bond that has existed among a divergent set of peace-loving Nigerians for years. However, this temporary lapse in the journey to nationhood should not distract from the fact that Nigeria is a country of inherent destiny.

Our character – who we are as a people – is being tested right now by the international world. How we go about resolving this knotty issue would be a defining moment in our history. It should be clear to all stakeholders in this Project Nigeria that this is the time to put aside dirty politics and show solidarity and compassion for our young girls, their families, their community and our country as a whole.

At least, for the sake of posterity, this is the time for every well-meaning Nigerian, including the perpetual critics, to rally behind President Jonathan in the fight against those with terrorist inclinations. It is a sacred duty for all of us, as true citizens of Nigeria, to make sure that the doomsday predictions never come to pass for our dear country.

• Udegbunam writes from Abuja

‘Clearly, that is far from the truth. Sure McCain and Hillary never ponder over these words despite the many years they have spent in the corridors of power. Why should they anyway? Is it not obvious that these folks are bent on working to an already predetermined answer?’

23

FRIDAY MAY 30, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

FIFTEEN YEARS OF CIVIL RULE As Nigeria celebrates 15 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, stakeholders are lamenting the gap between expectation and reality, reports Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN.

• Jonathan

O

N May 29, 1999, the expectation was high. But, 15 years after, the hopes appear to have been dashed.

Security of lives and property cannot be guaranteed. Job opportunities are elusive. The standard of living is low. Corruption has assumed an alarming proportion. Cravings for wealth among public officials appears to be the norm. Government has also failed to create a conducive environment for business and foreign investment.

It appears the government has been overwhelmed by the problems facing the country. Observers argue that the situation is even worse than it was before the advent of democracy.

On the economic front, the story is depressing. The World Bank has ranked Nigeria as the fifth poorest country in the world. About 75 per cent of the populace live on $1 per day. The irony of it is that Nigeria is the sixth largest producer of crude oil in the world. The oil wealth has translated into mass poverty.

It seems the country is broke. The states’ monthly allocations from the Federation Account have been dropping. There is panic over the state of the economy. Finance Minister Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has attributed the shortfall in the national revenue to the oil theft in the Niger Delta, which has led to a grossly diminished accrual to the national treasury.

A university lecturer, Dr Adetunji Ogunyemi, described the situation whereby oil thieves have held the nation to ransom as shameful. He said the government seemed to have given up and accepted that oil theft is a way of life. He noted that the activities of these criminals have forced some states to go borrowing before they could pay civil servants.

In his reckoning, an economist, Henry Boyo, said the economy was trapped in a paradox of deepening poverty, despite the increasing export revenue. He said: “It is inexplicable that Nigeria became listed among the poorest nations of the world. A careful analysis of the process of infusion of our export earnings into the economy will show that this anomaly was made inevitable by the Central Bank’s practice of capturing export dollar revenue and substituting naira at its unilaterally determined rate of exchange before the payment of con-

• House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal

• Minister of Defence Aliyu Gusau

Celebrating illusion of hope

the view that the Federal Government, which controls the Armed Forces, should guarantee an atmosphere of security, peace and tranquillity. He said a government that is popularly elected by the people, and still enjoys the currency of tenure, should handle security challenges because it is expected to have plan, vision and will power.

Edebiri said: “Instead, our President only talks and complains about terrorism without pro-active measures to contain the insurgence, robberies, kidnappings and other crimes.

Though the Federal Government has declared a state of emergence in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe and it has ordered a full scale military operation against the Boko Haram sect, the social critic raised some puzzles: Are we getting the desired results? Are the soldiers well equipped? Why has the Federal Government decided to seek the help of foreign countries to subdue the insurgents? “These questions must be addressed, in view of the army mutiny in Maiduguri recently and the protest staged by the wives of military personnel over the welfare of their husbands,” he added.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said over 50 per cent of Nigerian youths is jobless. The World Bank puts the figure at 56 per cent. Considering the country’s estimated population of about 160 million, the 80 million jobless Nigerians are endangered species. These are grim figures portend danger to economic growth and development. Experts have warned that 56 per cent unemployment rate is too high for comfort, alluding to the fact that the Arab Spring was triggered by a 25 per cent unemployment rate.

A lecturer in the Department of Economics, The Bell University, Ota, Ogun State, Oluwatosin Oyetayo, blamed the high rate of unemployment on government policies, infrastructural decay and the neglect of the manufacturing sector. She said that the economy is not viable, in terms of job creation. “Our production has reduced to almost zero level as a result of erratic power supply. The implication is job loss and Nigeria turning into a dumping ground of finished goods from foreign countries.

The economic implication is that we are unable to manage our balance of payment. The social implication is that our youths are engaged in criminal activities”, Oyetayo added.

• Vice President Namadi Sambo

solidated naira allocations to the three tiers of government.”

To Boyo, the monetary framework is faulty, and there is urgent need for its fundamental restructuring so that the economy can be rapidly transformed to induce vast expansion in industrial activity with single digit lending rates. If this is done, it will also increase employment opportunities and lower single digit of inflation and the exchange rate mechanism. He observed that the government’s efforts to achieve these parameters, reduce poverty, enhance the social welfare in the last 15 years have failed woefully.

Another economist, Dr Lanre Dada, said the lack of planning and respect for the budgetary process are apparent. He said successive governments are culpable. Dada said while the three regimes have applauded themselves for managing the economy very well, the economic indices tell a different story. He observed that Inflation has been skyrocketing, adding that the purchasing power has also fallen. He regretted that neither of these issues is being addressed by the government.

Dada said it was disheartening that billions of dollars could not be accounted for by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

“For a nation that relies on earnings from the oil export to have failed to account for this huge amount speaks volume about the level of mismanagement in the oil sector,” he added.

The economist frowned at the Federal Government’s indifference to the oil theft in the Niger Delta on daily basis, noting that the activities of the criminals are affecting the economy, because the nation’s earnings from oil have dropped drastically. “What the states and local governments get from the Federation Account on monthly

• Senate President David Mark

basis has dropped. They are short changed by the oil thieves,” he stressed.

Dada said the so-called rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) that the Federal government is celebrating is meaningless to the common man because it has not impacted positively on his standard of living. He asked: “If Nigerian economy is ranked the largest in Africa, what does this translate to for the economic indicators such as the industry? Will it result in the resuscitation of moribund industries? Will it result in the return of those who left the country because of harsh operating environment?” The economist warned that the emergence of Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa may not necessarily trigger financial inflows, unless there are good policies and prospects to woo foreign investors.

The fight against corruption by the government has not fared better. According to stakeholders, the anti-graft war is selective and is geared more towards dealing with perceived enemies of government. The high profile corruption cases include the Malabo oil deal, Halliburton contract scam, the fraud in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Communications Commission, particularly as it relates to an estimated N1 trillion debt owed the NITEL for telecom operators’ use of NITEL’s facilities at the inception of GSM, the fraudulent conversion of operators’ universal access license to a national carrier license.

To public affairs analyst, Mallam Aminu Abdullahi, the anti corruption war is not just dead; its remains have been interred. He said the President’s body language encourages and protects corruption. “Remember the case of Stella Oduah, former Minister of Aviation, and the use of over N250 million to buy two bullet-proof cars, which were not provided for in the budget.

Besides, the amount was in excess of

the market price. Despite the public outcry against her continued stay in office, it took President Jonathan several months to sack Oduah,” he said.

Abdullahi added: “Now, another minister has been alleged of misappropriation. Petroleum Resources Minister Mrs Deziani AlisonMadueke was alleged to have spent N10 billion on a private for her personal use. While the matter was still pending for investigation at the National Assembly, President Jonathan stoutly defended the minister by saying she is entitled to a private jet because of the nature of her work. The minister said she would appear before the House of Representatives Committee, if the President approves.

Upset by the President’s comment, Abdullahi said: “It appears our President doesn’t know that corruption is an impediment that stunts the growth of nations. No nation has ever developed or made any meaningful progress without tackling corruption head-long. I am not expecting any positive change or determined effort from Jonathan in the anti-graft war”.

Dada aligned himself with Abdullahi’s position. He said government has refused to arrest and punish corrupt officials, thereby promoting the lack of accountability in public life. Noting that transparency and accountability are fundamental to good governance, the economist urged the President to eradicate the rot in the oil and gas sector.

The 1999 Constitution states that the security and welfare of the people are the primary responsibility of government. It appears that government has failed in this respect. The security challenges are enormous. The Boko Haram insurgency, the armed robbery and kidnappings have overwhelmed the government.

A social critic, Charles Edebiri, is of

‘The fight against corruption by the government has not fared better. According to stakeholders, the anti-graft war is selective and is geared more towards dealing with perceived enemies of government’

THE NATION FRIDAY MAY 30, 2014

24

NEWS

•Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi (right) with Chief Tony Asije (second right) Aare Ayandotun Ayanlakin (left) and others during Chief Asije’s 80th birthday celebration in Lagos.

•Lagos Head of Service Mrs Josephine Williams speaking at the Ministerial Press briefing to mark the third year anniversary of second term of Governor Babatunde Fashola at the Bagauda Kaltho’s Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja. With her are Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mr Lekan Akodu (left) and Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Raji. PHOTO: MOSEHIN

MOSES

•L-R: Member of council, Nigeria Society for the Blind(NSB), Mr. Yinka Akande & wife Yinka; Managing Director, Bytol Travels and Tour, Mrs. Biyi Olugbodi and Group Managing Director Verdant Zeal Marketing Communication Limited, Mr. Tunji Olugbodi at the 2014 NSB annual “Mayball” event held at Shell Hall Muson Centre, Lagos.

PHOTO: ISAAC AYODELE

•L-R: Mr Seye Aboderin, Deji Aboderin and a chieftain of Accord Chief Solomon Ayansina in Oyo State, at the empowerment project for over 1,200 needy by Deji Aboderin at Ibadan, Oyo State.

•L-R: Group Marketing Manager, L’Oreal Central West Africa, Ogbemi Kesiena, Beautiful Beginnings Mum & I Pageant Princess, Precious Olatunde, Assistant Brand Manager, Dark and Lovely, Iretiogo Etsaghara and the General Manager Consumer Products Division, L’Oreal Central West Africa, Sekou Coulibaly, at the grand finale of Dark and Lovely Beautiful Beginnings Mum & I Beauty Pageant for School Children in Lagos.

•All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi (middle) and Chairman, Lagos Island Local Government Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni (right) during the presentation of foods items and cash to beneficiaries at the 10th edition of Social Security for the aged at the council secretariat.

PHOTOS: ADEJO DAVID

•Director, Lions International Mrs Adetope Tychus (right) displaying her plaque at the 23rd yearly anniversary of the Light Bearers, Wesley Cathedral, Lagos.

With them are his husband, former Chief Executive Officer, Conoil Nigeria Plc Mr Sina Tychus (left) and CEO, Unity Hospitals Group Ltd, Sir Charles Deinde Williams.

•From left: Ifo Local Government’s Secretary, Mrs Kikelomo Delano; Managing Director Skiddo Foods Limited, Mrs Julia Shinaba; Ota Unit Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr Sunday Omafu and FRSC Special Marshal’s Divisional Coordinator, Chief Samuel Ajayi, at the Children’s Day anniversary organised by the command in Ota.

•Dettol Brand Ambassador and Nollywood Actress, Mrs Patience Ozokwor (right) presenting gift to Mrs Bisi Adetola during a Market Activation and Trade reward, to mark the 50th Anniversary of Dettol in Nigerian Market, at Oke-Arin Market, Lagos.

•Students of Ifako Ijaiye Local Government protesting the abduction of Chibok School Girls, in Lagos.

ant wars ravaging parts of the globe.

rency, accountability and representative government.

rld’s conflict zones and fashion a blue print towards ending them

aceful co-existence between and within nations .

democracy as a culture, acceptable and workable for the majority

nturned in enacting enabling laws that require the comprehensive

ses, ethnic militias, boundary disputes, criminality and organized

hildren. Invariably, they have implications for the continuity and

nd peaceful co-existence through constructive engagements with

during civil strife.’”

cational programme.

Nigerian government to “endow a literary prize of international

medal and stool of royalty.

eople to start developing the interest if the President and the Prof

to reading very short things , they don’t have interest in reading

om Achebe’s home state, Anambra which has very vibrant young

erature.

ibutions of the African writer to the continent’s development. On e delegation said.

Chukwuemeka Ike.

Stop making Ikere-Ekiti dumping ground for dep govs, indigenes plead Candidates boycott INEC’s dialogue with women

Collapsed podium: Fayose to face panel in Abuja for shoddy preparations Fayose was alleged to have rejected a better but costlier podium provided by the party, but preferred to contract it out himself to a local artisan who did a shoddy job, leading to the collapse of the podium midway into the campaign, an event which was beamed live on the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) network.

Sources at the Presidency hinted that the President might have changed his mind in coming to Ekiti State to raise Fayose’s hands as the party’s candidate on May 22.

They told the President that if he had come to Ifaki and had been on that podium, he would have gone down just like others and that would have been bad publicity.

The President was also said to have been embarrassed by the plethora of criminal cases hanging on Fayose’s neck and was said to have been furious because he was not properly briefed before the candidate was recommended to him.

Fayose was also accused of alienating other PDP leaders in Ekiti State in crucial decisions concerning campaign, saying “he has refused to follow the time-table drawn for him by the election committee, failed to recognise the committee and has not funded it since it was inaugurated”.

“He does everything all alone. He was said to have diverted funds meant for the campaign to personal use like buying a house in a high brow area of Abuja.

“Rather than giving out campaign vests to PDP members and supporters, Fayose was selling them, an idea which is very strange to the leaders of the party and which has reportedly discouraged many PDP supporters.

“The lackadaisical attitude of Fayose to the campaign has led the party hierarchy to conclude that Fayose is not keen about winning the June 21 election but is only after making money for himself and dumping the PDP thereafter as he had always done”, the source said.

BUSINESS

25

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

‘IOCs’ divestment good for economy’

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

T

HE Petroleum Club, an organisation of multinational and indigenous players in the oil and gas industry, has described the oil assets divestment by the international oil companies (IOCs) as good for the local investors who acquired the oil fields.

The outgoing Chairman of club, Mr Uduimo Itsueli, spoke at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos.

He said: “Frankly speaking, we are the one gaining from this divestment. We should understand the fact that when one company is leaving and a Nigerian company is taking over, we are not losing anything. All these IOCs employed Nigerian engineers; our people know these oil fields.

“It is our people and not expatriates were the geologists.

It is Nigerians that drilled the fields. Nigerians know the field inside out, what we need is to find finance. So we are not losing but gaining.”

He said before the divestment, the contribution of indigenous production to the 2.5million barrels per day was just three per cent but with Seplat, Niger Delta Petroleum Company and the marginal fields’ operators, the contribution has increased to about nine per cent.

He said: “By the time we see another set of divestments in the next three to five years, the percentage of contribution from indigenous players will grow to 20 per cent.

The idea will be for indigenous companies to keep moving their production volume so that in the next 10 years, we see indigenous companies producing 40 per cent. This will create more jobs for our people.”

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$117.4/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,396.9/troy Sugar -$163/lb MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N11.4 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -8% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -1% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $45b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

At the moment, there is an average of about 18 hours per day of constant power supply to different parts of the country. This feat was brought about by the implementation of the integrated power sector reform programme anchored on the power roadmap.

- Minister of Information, Labaran Maku

Why bank fraud is rising, by CBN

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has given reasons why cases of bank fraud are on the rise. It said the vice is due to increased transactions via epayment.

Speaking at the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) in Lagos, the CBN Director, Banking and Payment System, Dipo Fatokun, said it is natural that as the activities in a sector increases, the risks associated with such sector also increases.

“And that is why you see that as we have higher volume of transactions via epayment, there will be higher fraud attempts. Definitely not all of them will be successful, but there will be higher at-

By Collins Nweze

tempts at e-payment fraud,” he said.

However, Fatokun urged banks to be proactive in tackling fraud.

“But one good thing about the industry is that you can always be proactive to think ahead in designing a product or service. You can think ahead and consider ways of ensuring that fraudsters do not succeed in this new product or service that you are deploying,” he said.

He said the CBN has mandated banks to destroy Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards trapped in the machine to reduce ATM-related fraud.

“It is a global practice for ATMs trapped in banks to be destroyed, but in various variants. We instituted the policy because we looked at the fact that cards can be trapped at ATMs for various reasons and may be tampered with at the time it is retrieved,” he said.

He said ATM cards can be trapped when the customer enters wrong Personal Identification Number (PIN) three times. It can also be due to the ATM itself, the nature of the programme running the ATM or the card one is holding; for instance, damaged card.

“We asked banks to perforate ATMs because when these cards are trapped, there

is a process of returning the card to the issuer bank, and this process goes through various hands, before it gets back to the owner of the cards.

“So, the possibility of compromise is there. Somebody can say, but they don’t know your PIN? But you know that customers do transactions called card-not-present transactions, in which case you only need information on the card, not the PIN. So, anybody who has the information on your card can successfully use the information on the card to do card-not-present-transactions,” he explained.

Fatokun said the CBN rolled out the regulation because when a card is trapped, the issue of compromise will not be

there.

“But going forward, we are working with the banks to ensure that when these cards are trapped, not because the customer did something wrongly, and a new card is to be issued to the customer, we are discussing with them on how this could be done so that the burden will not fall only on the card holder.

“We are also discussing with the banks to ensure that banks that are trapped can be communicated electronically between the acquirer on which the card was and the issuer of the card. So, that they do not need to physically return the cards for the banks to know that the card was trapped,” he said.

Nigeria’s cocoa output may fall

N

• From right: Head, Sub-Saharan Africa Treasury and Trade Solutions, Citibank, Peter Crawley; Europe, Head, Payments and Receivables, The Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Ms. Karin Flinspach; Head, Liquidity Management Services, Mr. Amit Agarwal and Head, Citibank Nigeria Limited, Treasury and Trade Solutions, Mr. Segun Adaramola, at the bank’s treasury and finance conference in Lagos.

C

Chevron eyes 3.1m boepd by 2017

HEVRON Corporation will grow its daily production to 3.1 million barrels of oil-equivalent per day by 2017, reflecting an increase of 20 per cent from that of last year.

The company is also focusing on building its crude oil and natural gas legacy assets, a plan that needs $39.8 billion of investment in the year.

Chevron Corporation’s Vice Chairman George Kirkland, made this known at its Annual Meeting of Stockholders in Midland, Texas, United States, where he provided an overview of the company’s 2013 operational and social performance and future growth.

He said the oil giant is on track to grow production to 3.1 million barrels of oilequivalent per day by 2017, up 20 per cent from 2013, with more growth expected through the end of the decade.

Kirkland said: “To reach this goal, the company has more than 70 projects, each with a Chevron share of more than $250 million, scheduled to

•Plans $39.8b investments

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

start-up by the end of this decade.

“In Australia, the Gorgon project continues to make steady progress toward first liquefied natural gas (LNG), and is 80 percent complete with start-up expected in mid2015. Wheatstone is now almost 35 percent complete and remains on schedule for a start-up in 2016 as well as Chevron’s profitable growth plans, which focus on building legacy assets associated with crude oil and natural gas.

“These plans include investing $39.8 billion in 2014, which represents a $2 billion reduction from 2013 spending.”

However, the company didn’t say how these plans and investments will affect its operations in Nigeria.

Chairman of the board/ Chief Executive Officer, Chevron Corporation, John Watson, said: “Chevron’s

2013 results demonstrate that we remain well positioned to grow profitably and continue to deliver superior stockholder value. We continue to advance key development projects, which underpin our planned growth strategy and capacity to deliver affordable energy to world markets, a cornerstone of economic prosperity.”

He stressed the company’s 2013 financial and operational performance, highlighting earnings of $21.4 billion and return on capital employed (ROCE) of 13.5 per cent. Last year, the company marked its 26th consecutive year of annual dividend payment increases, which included last year’s dividend increase of 11.1 per cent. Chevron announced another quarterly dividend increase of seven percent in April, this year.

Watson also said Chevron led its peer group in total stockholder return for the five-year period ending December 31,

last year.

Watson reiterated Chevron’s long-standing dedication to safe, reliable operations. Reinforcing the company’s commitment to process safety, he noted that Chevron’s goal remains zero incidents and ensuring that everyone goes home safely, every day. Watson also discussed the partnerships Chevron has formed to address health, education and economic development in the communities where the company operates. Over the past eight years, Chevron has made nearly $1.5 billion in social investments to local communities, he added.

Last year, Chevron maintained an industry leading earnings per barrel average, which was nearly five dollars per barrel higher than the company’s peer group over the past three years. It has had the highest ROCE in the upstream sector since 2011, with an industry leading 17.2 per cent in 2013.

IGERIA, the world’s fourth-largest cocoa grower,may produce less than originally expected this year as rainfall harms yields in the southeastern part of the country, the nation’s industry group said.

Production will increase by a “small” amount, and won’t match the 10 per cent gain forecast in January, Lagosbased Robo Adhuze, a spokesman for the Cocoa Association of Nigeria, has said.

Output was estimated at 250,000 metric tons last year, he said. Ivory Coast is the biggest grower, followed by Ghana and Indonesia, according to the London-based International Cocoa Organization.

The ICCO forecast a deficit of 115,000 tons in February.

Excessive rain is cutting crop prospects in Nigeria, Abang Neji, a farmer and association board member, said. He spoke in an interview with Bloomberg from Ondo.

“The rains are becoming heavier in southeast, with the risk of spreading blackpod,” Neji said, referring to a fungus which thrives in wet, humid conditions and rots cocoa pods. Output for the current crop is expected to be lower than initially forecast, he said.

Cocoa for July delivery rose as much as 0.5 percent to 1,922 pounds ($3,214) on NYSE Liffe in London, the highest since September 2011. It’s advanced 11 percent this year.

The government plans to begin distribution of fungicides next week to help farmers deal with the blackpod threat, Neji said. Nigeria’s recent measures of distributing fertilizers and early-maturing, high-yielding, disease-resistant beans led the country’s cocoa association earlier this year to expect a bigger crop In the southwest Ondo state, which accounts for as much as 40 percent of Nigeria’s cocoa, “there are stable rains and sunshine,” and farmers are expected to harvest more than last year, Adhuze said.

26

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS

BRANDS & MARKETING

e-mail: adedejiademigbuji@yahoo.com /mobile line: 08131075667

The stories of many brands were different last year. Some fared well; others did not. In the 2014 ranking of businesses, the Brandz 100 “Most Valuable Global Brand” noted the strengths and weaknesses of firms. Some that made the ranking last year fell by the way side; others made a come back. There were also new entrants.

MTN staged a return as the only African brand, reports ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI.

• Some of the top global brands.

Google beats Apple in global brand ranking F

OR top brand managers, the acid test is to remain on top of the competition.

This will enable them to sustain their market share and optimise value in a market where consumers are unpredictable.

In the 2014 ranking of businesses, the BrandZ 100 “Most Valuable Global Brand”, made available to The Nation by an agency, Millward Brown Nigeria, the combined brand value of top 100 brands went up by 12 per cent. Google overtook Apple to become the world’s most valuable global brand. It is worth $159 billion, representing an increase of 40 per cent year-on-year.

The report said some African brands fell from the ranking, with MTN remaining as the only brand from the continent. The ranking, which was commissioned by WPP, and conducted by Millward Brown Optimor, used the views of potential and current buyers of a brand, alongside financial data, to calculate brand value.

In the analysis, Apple slipped to number two on the back of a 20 per cent decline in brand value, to $148 billion. Despite remaining a top brand, there is a growing perception that Apple is no longer redefining technology for consumers because of lack of dramatic new product launches. Also, the world’s leading B2B (Business to Business) brand, IBM, held onto its No 3 position in last year’s ranking with a brand value of $108 billion.

The Managing Director of Millward Brown Optimor, Mr. Nick Cooper, said: “Google has been hugely innovative in the last one year with Google Glass, investments in artificial intelligence and a multitude of partnerships that saw its Android operating system becoming embedded in other goods, such as cars. All of this activity sends a very strong signal to consumers about what Google is about and it has coincided with a slowdown at Apple.”

The analysis showed that the combined value of the Top 100 brands has nearly dou-

• MTN is Africa’s best bled since the first ranking was produced in 2006. “The Top 100 today are worth $2.9 trillion, an increase of 49 per cent compared with the 2008 valuation, which marked the start of the banking and currency crisis,” the report said.

According to the report, successful brands have continued to retain their market share ahead of others because of the value of their share of life - they have become part of people’s daily life, than a mere tool for business and social interaction.

Those brands include Google which is the number one in the latest ranking, followed

by Facebook, Twitter, Tencent and LinkedIn. “They have become part of our lives, they offer new forms of communication that absorb people’s attention and imagination, while also helping them organise the rest of their lives at the same time. To gain more of our mind-space, brands, such as Tencent and Google are even crossing categories.

“This trend also pushed No 1 Apparel brand, Nike, a prime example of a brand

seeking to become a share of life brand which offers services such as Nike+ that extend well beyond its functional raison d’etre,” the report stated.

Many brands missed the ranking because of their craze for profit, others which main consideration was not profit made the top 100.

“Brands in business for reasons beyond the bottom line have a better chance of success in today’s world,” the report said. For example, Pampers, which promotes mother and baby health issues, is at No 39 and grew its value by 10 per cent to $22.6 billion.

MTN is another of such example. The telecoms operator has continued to find huge success on the back of its “everywhere you go” payoff line, making Africa proud, with a brand value of $10.2 billion.

In the apparel category, the top 10 brands grew in value by 29 per cent to nearly $100 billion this year, outpacing cars (up 17 per cent) and retail (up 16 per cent). With brands such as Uniqlo, Nike and Adidas, recording

‘This year’s index highlights the end of the recession, with a strong recovery in valuations and, for the first time, real growth across every category and the Top 100 as a whole. What’s remarkable is the way that strong brands have led the recovery’

double-digit increases in their valuation.

The technology brands continued to record impressive growth across the world, making headlines as the biggest riser. “Not only are the top four brands technology companies, but so too are many of this year’s biggest risers. This year’s fastest climber was leading Chinese internet brand Tencent, up 97 per cent to $54 billion at No 14 position, followed by Facebook which rose 68 per cent to $36 billion and is at No 21. New brands in the Top 100 include Twitter at No 71, with a brand value of $14 billion and LinkedIn at No 78, with $12 billion. Collectively, Technology companies make up 29 per cent of the value of the BrandZ Top 100 ranking.

The number of brands from fast growing economies slipped this year. China, with 11 brands, continues to have the largest representation; two Russian brands, Sberbank and MTS, remain in the ranking, and MTN is Africa’s representative for the third consecutive year. “As a result of emerging markets currency decline, MTN remains the only African representative in the Top 100”, says the Regional Managing Director, Millward Brown Africa & Middle East, Mr. Charles Foster, According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Store, WPP, Mr. David Roth, this year’s index highlights strong recovery of the brands after the 2008 recession; prompting a real growth across all categories. “This year’s index highlights the end of the recession, with a strong recovery in valuations and, for the first time, real growth across every category and the Top 100 as a whole. What’s remarkable is the way that strong brands have led the recovery. Seventy-one of the brands listed in our 2014 Top 100 were there in 2008. Despite the financial turmoil and the digital disruption that have decimated many businesses during the last few years, these brands have remained in the ranking, proving the durability of strong brands.”

27

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

Brandnews

Why Nigeria’s planned rebranding failed, by Ben Bruce

T

HREE major events - Civil War, Miss World Beauty Pageants crisis in 2001 and the Boko Haram insurgency - led to the failure of the Federal Government’s planned rebranding, the Chairman of Silverbird Group, Mr. Ben Bruce, has said.

He spoke at the second edition of Marketer’s Evening held by the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) in Lagos.

Speaking on theme, From local to global, building the Nigerian Brand, Bruce said the events had become bad public relations because of the inability of the government to effectively use the media to manage them.

He said over the years the country had made effort to become a global brand but it was affected by the inability of the government to use the media effectively to win some of the wars that are rattling its global brand valuation, hence making the three events turned out to be a bad publicity that undermines its crave for a global brand brand.

“What is happening in Nigeria on the Boko Haram and the negative publicity it generated for us has happened three times in Nigeria without appropriate way

Stories by Adedeji Ademigbuji

to manage the crisis through the media,” he said.

According to him, the events denied Nigeria the opportunity to market its potential to the world, he said.

He said while the Biafra warlord, the late Chief Odimegwu Ojukwu, used the media effectively as a propaganda tool and got the French Government backing, Nigeria could not.

“Nigerian won the war but Biafra won the battle using the media, the Radio Biafra,” he said.

Bruce also cited the Miss World Beauty Pageant in 2001, which was stopped by the government as another major event that affected the nation’s brand building.

He said the event, which the world could have reported to showcase the beauty of the nation and it’s potential as a brand, however, turned out to become a bad press for the nation following riots in some northern states over a story written by a national daily (not The Nation).

“My topic is promoting your brand across the globe. The whole world was in Nigeria and

all eyes were on Nigeria. Agbani won the Miss World in South Africa and we hosted the event in Nigeria, which we spent millions of dollars to host. A few days to the event, over 100 world media had gathered in Nigeria,” he said.

However, he said Nigeria’s missed the opportunity to promote its brand offering to the world when the Kano crisis, which was aggravated by two lines in a story published in ThisDay led to planned attack against the Miss World event.

Boko Haram, Bruce said, appeared to be the mother of all threats against the effort by government to build the Nigerian brand.

The President of ADVAN, Mr. Kola Oyeyemi, said the evening provided an opportunity for marketing directors to gather periodically to deliberate on issues and concepts that would move marketing industry forward.

He said the event also gives them opportunities to be abreast of events that are changing the marketing landscape, such as technology, change in consumer behaviour, among others.

Search for top 50 brands begins THE search for the top 50 brands in Nigeria has begun.

In this edition, brands will be rated based on their Corporate Social Responsibilities, customer services, visionary, innovation, market acceptability and loyality, contribution to national unity, growth and development as well as brand value, sustainability and healthiness.

The Project Coordinator of Top 50 Brands Nigeria, Mr. Taiwo Oluboyede, said this edition is a medium for recognition and classification of brand performance, rating and information.

Oluboyede said to get the top 50 brands, the team will create an independent information platform which will analyse and present in-

formation about major brands.

He also said the project also provides a platform for feedbacks whereby companies can engage their target markets and receive feedbacks which are very essential for brand growth and development.

“A number of factors are being considered in this edition, chief of which is the popularity and acceptability of a particular brand.

For an adequate representation of the people’s opinion on how popular a brand is, we developed a phone base survey in association with Vconnect Global Services Ltd, a leading ICT company in West Africa, with the largest search engine on businesses in Nigeria,” he said.

Firm launches Al Grain noodles A NEW brand, Al Grain Noodles, has been launched in Lagos. It is manufactured at the N7billion green field plant of Al Grain Foods Limited, Isolo, Lagos.

Founder, Centre for Values in Leadership, Prof Pat Utomi, led guests from banking, industry, government as well as Nollywood to the unveiling of the product at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Amuwo Odofin.

According to Mr Anthony Obidulu, Chairman of Al Grain Foods Limited, Al Grain is a brand produced to the highest hygienic standards using Global Best Manufacturing practice standards. Al Grain comes in two flavours of chicken and shrimp and beef.

Obidulu said: “Al Grain noodles offers rich and healthy nutrition with unique African flavour.”

Also, while endorsing the new brand, Utomi said he tasted the product before the presentation and confessed his love for its formulation and presentation.

Experts said with the launch, the noodles market is becoming fiercer. The industry, which was hitherto dominated by DUFIL noodles’ brand, Indomie, has continued to have its market share sliced by the entry of other brands.

The likes of Honeywell Noodles, MeeMee and Golden Pen are threatening Indomie Noodles.

Star shines at OAAN Awards

• From left: Chief Godwin Iyala of Cross River State Signage and Advertising Agency (CRISSAA); Mr. Hamisu Babaji, Bauchi State Signage and Advertising Management Authority (BASSAMA); Mr Olumide Sogunle; LASAA Deputy Managing Director; Mr. Adewale Olatunji of Kwara State Signage and Advertising Agency (KWASAA); Mrs Osato Uwaifo of Edo State Signage and Advertising Agency (EDOSAA); Noah; Mr. Akin Bandele of Ogun State Signage and Advertising Agency (OGSAA) and Mr. Yinka Adepoju of Oyo State Signage and Advertising Agency (OYSAA) at the event.

LASAA chief promises quality service

M

ANAGING Director of the Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA) Mr George Noah, has assured members of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) of quality services. This, he said, would ensure that stakeholders operate in a healthy environment in the state.

Speaking when OAAN executives hosted him at the association’s secretariat in Lagos, Noah said: “I want to assure you that any decision we take at LASAA, is in your best interest. We want to reduce the burden on practitioners. Our job is to create an enabling environment for any practitioners.’’

He said the formation of Outdoor Advertising Regulatory Association of Nigeria

(OARAN) is to solve the problem, adding that beyond rate reduction, there is the problem of mobile adverts across the states, which could be better resolved through the OARAN platform.

“We want you to see our collaboration with other states as being a good step for the outdoor advertising industry,” Noah said.

On the forthcoming conference slated to hold from June 25 – 27, Noah said: “It is in our best interest to host the conference regardless of whether you or LASAA organises it. What is important is for our industry to provide a platform to resolve the myriad of industry issues facing us through effective dialogue.”

He promised to look into the

discount to be offered OAAN members to attend the exhibition.

At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that a working committee be established between OAAN and LASAA foster harmonious relationship.

Earlier, OAAN President, Mr. Charles Chijide,praised the LASAA team for delivering on its mandate.

Chijide, however, decried some of the agency’s activities, saying: “My members are concerned that there is a plan by LASAA to increase rates. We also understand that the cost of attending the forthcoming exhibition is high for our members.”

He noted that OAAN members had also expressed fear that OARAN would do more harm than good.

STAR lager beer, produced by Nigerian Breweries (NB), won three awards at the just-concluded Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) Awards.

They are the Grand Poster, Best Creative, and Grand Prix awards.

At the Eighth OAAN Exhibition and Poster Awards at the Eko Hotel, Lagos, Star was awarded the Grand Poster Award for producing the best creative brands in the eight categories. They included dairy/food/beverages, non-alcoholic drinks, alcoholic drink and electrical/electronics.

Other categories were public service, telecoms/ICT, house-

hold and financial services.

President OAAN, Mr. Charles Chijide, said: “The award was initiated to reward excellence in outdoor creativity.”

According to him, it was the association’s way of appreciating the cerebral work that has gone into creating the messages through which advertisers connect with their various targets using OAAN platform.

The Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Walter Drenth, said since 2012, NB had been focusing on improving outdoor advertising creativity for all the brands.

Winners emerge in Oral-B contest WINNERS have emerged in the Project Smile contest by Oral-B. They are Tosin Adekoya, severe category; Tayo Adelekan, moderate category; and Jaiye Johnson, mild category.

The panel of judges were music celebrity, Dr. Sid, celebrity judge; a United Kingdom-based Periodontist, Dr. Bola Soyombo, a dental expert, Dr. Fola-Alade, and Dr. Osaze Ugbo, Senior Dentist, Smile360 Dental Specialists.

Besides, five nominees were also picked in order of scores.

Touched by the stories of the nominees, the judges expanded the scope of beneficiaries to five.

The nominees and their benefactors were Emem Prosper, sponsored by Dr. Bola Soyombo and Dr. Fola-Alade; Adetunji Adenike, by Dr. Sid; Christian Okafor, by Dr. Bola Soyombo, Okonkwo Steven, by Dr. Osaze Ugbo and Kehinde Martins, by Dr. Bola Soyombo.

Brand Communications Manager, Oral-B, Tomiwa Ajewole,

said the event was targeted at the theme of this year’s World Oral Health Day, Celebrating healthy smile.

“On March 20,” she said, “we marked the World Oral Health Day with the culmination of the ‘Oral-B Sharing Smiles’ activation campaign, a communitybased initiative designed to reach out to disadvantaged communities that cannot afford dental care products and consultation with dentists.

“We aimed to impact the lives of Nigerians who have been deprived of great smiles due to their dental flaws.”

The initiator of this year’s edition of Project Smile, Dr. Amy Traore-Shumbusho, said the edition recorded a high number of entries owing to the support from sponsors, adding that in addition to major funding from Oral-B, support also came from other firms such as Medplus, Beat 99.9 FM, Classic 97.3 FM, and Naija 102.7 FM.

FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

28

THE NATION

BUSINESS SHOPPING

E-mail: toniaitose@gmail.com

Sms : 07035302326 Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

Shopping mall space supply to more than double

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• From left: Christian Louboutin, John Obayuwana and Burak Celet at the summit

‘Why Nigerians shop abroad’

Many wealthy individuals prefer shopping abroad to patronising Nigerian malls. What is surprising to many is whether this trend results from better deals offered by such upscale malls in places such as the United Kingdom, Dubai and Paris or a manifestation of status symbol? TONIA ‘DIYAN writes.

U

NDOUBTEDLY, Nigerians, especially the wealthy ones, love shopping.

However, they love doing their shopping abroad.

Their penchance for shopping abroad does not indicate that the items they need are not available in local shops. It also does not indicate that the prices of the items they desire are extremely exorbitant.

Again, there is no indication that the products they need are of low quality. Perhaps, they prefer shopping abroad to prove their social standing or as status symbol.

This has been a source of worry to policy makers and economic planners who see such attitude as an act of sabotage to the growth and development of local industries that into the production of such goods that Nigerians go abroad to purchase.

Worried by this demeaning attitude, economic experts maintain that the country’s economy will remain under-developed if Nigerians continue to patronise foreign goods to the detriment of the locally manufactured ones.

One of the experts in the hospitality industry, John Obayuwana, insists that “the current consumption of luxury goods by Nigerians in shopping destinations such as Paris, Dubai, and UK shows the spending power of Nigerians in the luxury sector.”

Obayuwana, who is the founder and Managing Director of Polo Luxury Group, disclosed that wealthy Nigerians have a huge appetite for luxury goods from shops abroad.

He spoke at this year’s ‘Financial Times Business of Luxury Summit’ held at the St. Regis Hotel in Mexico City. He explained that the preference Nigerians exhibit when consuming luxury goods abroad is because “in Nigeria, customers are not just looking for logos; they are looking for quality and great service.”

Admitting that opportunities exist for international luxury brands in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, he said there are several challenges that have inhibited the luxury goods industry in Nigeria from expanding. He listed such challenges to include, but not limited to lack of power supply, high cost of operation, lack of human capital and lack of retail infrastructure.

A report by Reuters corroborated his views about Nigerians’ penchant for shopping abroad. The report rated Nigerians as the fourth biggest foreign spenders in UK, as they spend an average of £500 in each shop where they make purchases –four times the spending power of an average UK shopper.

Reuters also stated that the widespread cor-

ruption and debilitating infrastructure that plague Nigeria–including daily power blackouts that are smoothed over by millions of generators – push up the costs of running businesses here, making most people to dependent on informal market-style retail.

This is why holidaying or visiting relatives abroad is increasingly open to millions of middle-class Nigerians, with the number of visitors to the UK increasing by more than 50 per cent to 142,000 a year, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Obayuwana, however, stressed the importance of paying attention to the middle-class in order to ensure the sustainable development of the luxury goods industry in Nigeria. He said despite the dearth of infrastructure, Lagos alone could generate $2-3 billion in luxury sales.

As a result of the increasing tendency of Nigerians to shop abroad, a Nigerian woman, for instance, would stock up everything she needs for the next six months on her twice-yearly visits to Dubai or any other country. She would basically carry out food shopping in Nigeria.

One of such women who often does her shopping in Dubai is Ikeoluwa Adebayo, a Geologist with a Lagos-based firm. She believes that everything in Dubai is better both in terms of

price and originality compared to what is sold in Nigeria markets or shops. She said: “It’s not that you can’t get these things in Nigeria, but made in China goods have taken over and you can’t always vouch for their quality.”

However, for Adebayo and other Nigerians who may have been driven by the search for quality and competitive prices to shop abroad, ongoing effort by relevant authorities to ensure the application of international standards in the retail luxury industry in Nigeria is certainly a welcome development.

The ‘Financial Times Business of Luxury Summit’ is focused on the economies and the luxury industry of Turkey and Africa. The event attracted senior executives, industry leaders, brand experts, executives and decision makers in the luxury industry such as Designer and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of OBE, Stella McCartney; Founder of Christian Louboutin, Christian Louboutin; President of Carolina Herrera, Caroline Brown; CEO of Italia Independent, Lapo Elkann; and Executive Chairman of the Estée Lauder Companies.

Others were William Lauder; President of Bottega Veneta, Marco Bizzarri and Fashion Director and Chief Fashion Critic of the New York Times, Vanessa Friedman, including Burak Celet and William Hutchings.

UPPLY of retail space in shopping malls is expected to more than double in the year to 11.7 million square feet in the top seven cities of the country compared to last year, according to a report by property consultant Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL).

Last year, these seven cities - Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune - logged an estimated supply of around 5.2 million square feet, taking the total shopping mall stock to 76 million square feet (sq ft).

According to the report on ‘Retail Real Estate’, India’s total shopping mall stock is likely to reach 87.7 million sq ft by 2014, representing an addition of 11.7 million sq ft of new supply this year.

“In 2013, an estimated supply of around 5.2 million square feet was registered - a 22 per cent increase over last year’s supply of shopping mall space,” JLL India managing director (retail services) Pankaj Renjhen said.

“Chennai led with 1.95 million square feet of supply in 2013, followed by Mumbai and Pune. In 2014, Delhi-NCR is expected to hold the dominant position in terms of expected net addition of shopping malls.”

Among the seven cities, Delhi-NCR and Mumbai have been leading in terms having the highest concentration of shopping malls, accounting for 62 per cent of the total stock.

Mr Renjhen said the year would witness increased supply of mall space as most of the retail projects were launched in 2009-10 and it takes four to five years to complete them.

That apart, he said DLF’s large shopping mall of about two million sq ft in Noida would be operational next year.

Highlighting an emerging trend in retail real estate, he said the average size of malls is likely to increase in the coming years, as developers are focusing on project sizes that allow for a critical mass in terms of offering various formats and categories under one roof.

“In 2014, the average size of malls is estimated to be around 3,80,000 sq ft, which is expected to increase to 4,70,000 sq ft in 2015 and further increase to 6,60,000 sq ft in 2017,” he added.

Mr Renjhen also mentioned about an increasing trend among upcoming malls to adopt a structured approach in planning, execution and launch.

“The importance of formulating an optimal tenant mix to ensure the maximum utilisation of retail space is now recognised and accepted by almost all major mall developers,” he said.

JLL said retailers are showing the highest interest in upcoming retail projects that offer not only a good location, but have been optimised in terms of design and trade and tenant mix.

• From left: Demeji Oguniyi, Oladele Banji of Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Mall, Feyi Soyinka, Dapo Oluwasusi ,Debola Majekodunmi and Abiola Otukoya of Leisure Mall at the inauguration of the link bridge between both malls.

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHSOUTH STATES

FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

PAGE 29

View from Abroad

Kidnapping of Dutch nationals in the Niger Delta

I

• Mrs. Edith Okari

To hell and back

…Rivers perm sec's wife relives days in kidnappers' den

‘

We heard gun shots. And those inside shot another gun. They picked me up and dragged me to a vehicle outside. I was not blindfolded. They took one way going to Borokiri and they moved to the waterfront at Ndoki Waterfront. We passed through one Police check point. Nobody stopped us. I was scared now. They were with guns

‘

SEE STORY ON PAGE 34

N this piece, we are going to make references to Nnamdi Onyeuma’s article which was published on May 17, 2014 entitled “In the Niger Delta.” Our interest here is merely to appraise a few events in the past few years in the Niger Delta.

We will try to place them in some kind of perspective.

Here, we surely will not go into much detail of the various happenings taking place in that environmentally traumatised region.

It is interesting to note that because the oil and gas produced in this part of the world is distributed worldwide mostly because of their excellent quality, then it is not unlikely that some foreign readers of this piece may have recently taken a ride in a vehicle, operated a machine or something that used fuel from this delta region of Nigeria. So, it is a subject that actually connects many people around the globe. It is for this reason that it becomes important that all commentators should be careful not to deliberately misrepresent any person or issue as they relate to the region. A lot of people have perished; caught in the crossfire of the politics of the Niger Delta oil and gas.

The most notable of these deaths are those of Biafra in the 1960s where 3.1 million people died and the 1995 murder of Ogoni’s nine most important citizens by the Federal Government of Nigeria under Abacha. It is in reverence for these socalled sacrificial lambs that we must encourage every effort by groups or persons who are trying to build lasting peace, security and institutions that will help improve lives and human relationships in the Niger Delta. At the same time, we also frown at any attempt by anyone, either ignorantly or otherwise, that tends to distort issues and stories in the Niger Delta.

Niger Delta is important to the world community as we earlier pointed out but it is even more so to the Nigerian union because it provides more than 95 per cent of the country’s economic sustenance. So, any news coming out from the region therefore tends to elicit a wide interest.

•Continued on page 31

• YOU HAVE STORIES FOR US? PLEASE CONTACT US ON 07066954441 OR 08123521990

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

30

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

I

Echoes, sounds and glitz o

T was no doubt a glamourous event.

Nollywood stars, screen divas, celebrities and achievers in the entertainment industry, including media executives trooped out in their numbers to grace the annual occasion.

In fact, the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) which held in Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, was a crowd puller. Indeed, AMAA may have ended. Shortlisted entertainers for different categories of awards may have won and lost. Nollywood actress Clarion Chukwurah may have emerged the Actress of the Year.

South Africa’s Mothusi Magano may have emerged the Best Actor in a Leading Role. Nigeria’s Patience Ozokwo may have become the Best Actress in a Supporting Role and Lebohang Ntsane may have clinched his award as the Best Child Actor.

But the glitz, garish and grandeur of AMAA was not only about winning and losing of awards. It was also about the special tribute for the late Nollywood superstar and entertainment icon Mrs. Amaka Igwe who died after a protracted battle with a terminal ailment.

The founder of AMAA and woman of excellence, Ms. Peace Anyim-Osigwe rendered the emotional posthumous ode.

So, this year’s AMAA was about the tears that uncontrollably rushed down the succulent and robust cheeks of dignitaries who soberly reflected on the sombre tribute to Nwanyi

Kara aka (strong woman) and Oke Osisi (big tree), Igbo sobriquets selected by AnyimOsigwe to describe the late Igwe. In a tearful tone, Igwe was described as the most interesting creative genius.

Actors and actresses who gathered for the event had justifiable reasons to let out tears.

Nobody would have blamed them if they had saturated the congested hall with their tears.

Igwe played a role in Nollywood that crossed their paths and helped to nurture their acting businesses. Checkmate and Rattle Snake, among the list of works that originated from her creative brains, provided a platform to launch most of the celebrities into limelight.

This year’s AMAA was also about the fashion and fads that worked the red carpet. Celebrities made statements with their fashion choices. Some flowing gowns were like brooms. They swept the ground and floors. Or was it about the hairstyles? Some of them looked like peacocks.

In fact, 2014 AMAA appears to be the most policed in the history of the event. The venue was cordoned off. Barricades manned by stern-looking security operatives prevented vehicles from plying the roads that led to the cultural centre.

Apart from notable dignitaries who were permitted to drive their vehicles close to the event venue, others, including journalists, were asked to trek to the event centre after parking their vehicles some kilometres away.

Even persons who had nothing to do with the event bore the brunt of the watertight se-

•From left: Executive Secretary / CEO, National Institute for Cultural Orientation, Mr. Barclays Ayakoroma, Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), and the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lulu Louis Mguni during the 2014 edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) at the Dr. Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa Bayelsa State.

From Mike Odiegwu Yenagoa

curity. Many police patrol vans, the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) thronged the area.

They were all fearfully kitted and armed. Even trained police dogs were deployed in the area to sniff at guests who lined up with their tickets to attend the event.

Knowing that Nigeria is undergoing trying times and being aware of Boko Haram scare even in the state of President Goodluck Jonathan, it was obvious that the Commissioner of Police,

Mr. Hilary Opara, left nothing to chance. They ensured that no bomb exploded and that everybody was safe throughout the period of the ceremony.

Also, this year’s AMAA was about many well-dressed ladies who could not gain access to the event centre. They all came relying on promises that were not kept. Most ladies were promised tickets and other protective instruments by their boyfriends, but they came and waited agonizingly for a promise that never materialised.

A distraught lady who fumed out of frustration after waiting for hours outside the gate voiced her pains. The lady, who identified herself as

Senate Leader empowers constituents with N150m

Deborah said: “A man l met promised to let me in. He asked me to call him immediately l get to the gate. But l have been here for hours. I have been calling his line but it is switched off. This is embarrassing.”

But her pleas fell on deaf ears of the mean security operatives who insisted on sighting her tickets before letting her into the arena. The same fate befell others who were later driven out of the gate by security operatives.

So, they went without partaking in the thrills of AMAA. What about the hotels that were overbooked? The hotel business that boomed during the period could just be another side and economic benefits of this year’s AMAA.

•Clarion Chukwurah receiving her award

Guests and visitors came from different parts of the world to witness the occasion.

They hustled for hotels. So, managers of various hotels in the city of Yenagoa experienced a boom period and smiled to the banks later. Left to hotelliers, everyday should be AMAA. Or could it be the tourism potential of the event. Yenagoa became the cynosure of all eyes. It was an opportunity for the visitors to experience the hospitality of the Ijaw, especially their cuisines.

S

ENATE Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba has donated several items to people of the Central Senatorial District in Cross River State, which he represents, for their empowerment.

Items he gave out at an event at Government Secondary School Ikom Local Government Area included 50 brand new cars, garri grinding machines, corn mills, oil mills, sets of flat screen televisions, electricity generating sets and decoders for viewing centres, among others.

According to him, the items were procured at the cost of N150 million and was the fifth in series of empowerment programmes he has carried out this year among which are scholarships to students and grants to widows.

He said in the past week, 26 cars had been given out in addition to the 50 given at the event.

Also he said 121 constituents who trained at the Entrepreneurial Development Centre in Calabar were given N200, 000 to start up their businesses.

Complete band sets were given to 22 churches in the district.

Beneficiaries were drawn from the six local government areas that make up the senatorial district.

He urged those who have not yet benefited to be patient as they would get theirs in the near future.

Senate President David Mark, who also attended the event, praised the Senate Leader for the gesture, saying it would bring succour to the people.

He commended the cordial relationship between the governor, Liyel Imoke and Ndoma-Egba.

He said if the empowerment was to be sustained, it was necessary that the people support Ndoma-Egba for another term in office.

Mark said: “The governor spoke about sustainable empowerment. How would we have this? If Victor NdomaEgba goes back to the Senate, then there will be sustainable empowerment. If he doesn’t go back, you cannot sustain the empowerment. I hope this is clear to those who are here. Go out and spread that message.

“When you say the Senate is stable, there are two people who make it very stable. They are the Deputy President of the Senate

•Some of the items at the empowerment programme From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

and Leader of the Senate. So, you have produced a son who has made a mark in this country. He has helped to stabilise a very important institution of democracy in this country.”

Governor Liyel Imoke also praised the Senate Leader for the empowerment programme, even as he urged other lawmakers to emulate same.

His words: “Democracy is not about self but the people.

Those who represent us are expected by our people to truly empower them, to go out there and work for them and bring good things for them. We are here to witness the good things Ndoma-Egba has brought to his people in the central senatorial district.

“Today, we come to honour the Senate Leader as our own son who has done well and who deemed it necessary to come

to his people and say thank you. All our representatives must engage in empowerment. I am talking about sustainable empowerment. They must ensure that our people truly feel the impact of democracy.

“I want to thank our leader for purposeful leadership at the national level and here in the state. I want to thank our son for being part of that family that today makes Cross River State proud.”

Also speaking, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Adamu Muazu, who was represented by Dr Steve Oru, said if one does not empower people, hatred is built.

He urged other leaders to continue to empower their people.

Chairman of the PDP in the state, Mr John Okon, described the gesture as part of the dividends of democracy.

“The party would be strong if we continue to show these kind of gestures. We are very proud of Victor Ndoma-Egba,” he said

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

31

tz of AMAA

ceiving her award

This year’s AMAA was also about “Lady Esther”. It was the title of the award-winning dress designed in the United States of America by the Bayelsa State-born Patience Tolorwei. The dress was showcased to the Governor of the state, Mr. Seriake Dickson, who was represented by his Deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah (retd) hours before AMAA. “Lady Esther” won the justconcluded Earth Matters fashion competition show held in Washington DC and was flown to the Glory of All Land to demonstrate the exploits of the Ijaw people in the Diaspora.

After the exhibition which was witnessed by AMAA panel of jurists, including the President of the panel, Mr. Steve Ayoride, Lady Esther was flown back to the Smithsonian National Museum of African Arts, Washington DC to occupy her pride of place in the international museum.

Tolorwei was showered with encomiums by the Deputy Governor during a brief send forth ceremony.

Jonah hailed the designer of the dress which contains symbols, engravings and paintings that depict man’s unfriendliness against his environment.

In fact, ‘Lady Esther’ was all about the theme of the fashion show, “Earth Matters.” Jonah observed vividly that Tolorwei has made not only the state, but also the country proud, especially on issues concerning the environment, which he said, ‘means a lot to the world’.

He said: “The story is told by the dress; ‘Lady Esther’. The environment means a lot to the world now. Environmental degradation in Africa, particularly in the Niger Delta area arising from activities of crude oil exploration is quite clear and are documented in some areas.

“The lifestyle that she has told in this simple, but complicated dress, for those who had the privilege of growing up in the rural areas, the story is quite apt. Such people will

have a clear understanding of the inspiration behind the dress.”

Even the Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack was elated that Tolorwei was among the eight selected African designers. Having emerged winner of the fashion competition, she rejoiced that Lady Esther has earned the right to have a permanent home in the Smithsonian Museum of African Arts in Washington DC. Tolorwei also used the AMAA event to explain that she named the dress after her late mother, noting that she got her inspiration from her early life in the rural area of Bayelsa.

“The colours and characters of the dress depict the pollution and destruction of the environment occasioned by crude oil exploration, mining, blood diamonds in Liberia and other parts of Africa. These activities have adverse effects on the environment”, she said.

Furthermore, this year’s AMAA provided an opportunity for the state and other stakeholders to take stock and count their blessings for hosting the event for 10 years. It was, therefore, a period for speech-making.

Dickson, who spoke through Jonah, identified Nollywood as a veritable tool for human capacity development and a critical source of job creation in Nigeria.

The governor said his administration was committed to exporting the state’s cultural values through AMAA to international community. He said through the annual show budding indigeneous talents inherent in the youth are being harnessed.

He said: “This informs our attaching high premium to human capacity building and we see Nollywood as one of the platforms to achieve this.

“Government alone cannot provide jobs for our teeming unemployed youths. That is why it is imperative for us to continue to encourage Bayelsan youths who are talented in the area of arts and

aesthetics.

“By our calculation, we believe this can lead to wealth creation and ultimately make lives more meaningful to them.”

Dickson praised AMAA and said the state was proud to identify with the event and to have hosted it consecutively for 10 years. The governor insisted that the state has been reaping the benefits of the event.

Highlighting the benefits, he said: “In the first place, it brings together movie producers and other practitioners from across the globe to interface and share ideas, while celebrating excellence in film making.

“On the other hand, AMAA serves as a springboard and veritable channel to showcase our rich cultural heritage as well as the promotion of the tourism and investment opportunities in Bayelsa.”

Ayorinde highlighted the uniqueness of the years’ ceremony. He said about 500 films were submitted all over Africa. He said 150 of the films were of short films category.

He stressed that from the observations of the jury, short films had become a means for Africans to tell their own stories.

Ayorinde said two new awards, the Madiba Awards for best film on peace and Banda Award for women issues had been introduced in AMAA. Commenting on the quality of African films, Ayorinde said: “What we have observed over the time is that every year, there is another layer of creativity in African films.

“We now get films from French and Portuguese speaking parts of Africa and the quality is good. In Nigeria, the quality has improved and I am personally impressed.”

But another juror, Prof.

Hyginus Ekwuazi, urged the Bayelsa State Government to maximise the full benefits of AMAA. He appealed to the government to make a policy on how to maximise the benefits of the awards.

In her remarks, DirectorGeneral, Bayelsa State Tourism Development Agency, Mrs. Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown, said the state had developed quite a number of Bayelsa youths in film making.

She said it was one of the cardinal objectives of the government to develop the youth in the state, stressing that since the state started partnering with AMAA, the fortunes of youths had improved very significantly.

She said the symbiotic relationship between the state and the management of AMAA has helped to expand the frontiers of tourism and the hospitality sector of the state’s economy.

She commended AMAA for its consistency in charting a positive direction for the film industry in Africa.

So, this year’s AMAA was celebrated without the physical presence of Amaka Igwe, the entertainment icon. But her name reverberated. She will surely be missed by all as she continues to miss Bayelsa Stats, the Glory of All Land.

NIGER DELTA REPORT COVER

Kidnapping of Dutch nationals in the Niger Delta •Continued from page 29 This is why the news about the kidnapping of five Dutch nationals in the creeks of Niger Delta at the beginning of this month made huge headlines around the world. As usual, when such incidents happen, most people will hold their breath and hope for the best. For those who have been the direct victims, or their friends or relatives who have been so unfortunate to go through such harrowing experience, it is something no one will wish for even an enemy. Whichever way it ends, both the captives and their well-wishers go through periods of suspense and apprehension that leave them thoroughly traumatised. In this case, however, we are glad that it ended well because all the people taken captive have been released and they have re-united with their families now. The ordeal lasted for about a week and we are happy it is over. The people will need a period of healing and we hope that time will help them heal fast.

Now, it is important to contrast this incident in the Niger Delta with the horrifying and inexcusable Islamic terrorism taking place in the Northern part of Nigeria. The Boko Haram sect in the North is currently holding captive since the last one and half months, almost 300 young teenage school girls and has threatened to sell them into child sex slavery and there is no hope in sight that the girls will be released anytime soon. This is despite the presence of an international contingent rescue team with sophisticated equipment and personnel to help find and rescue the girls. Just a month before the abduction of the school girls, Boko Haram had gone into another school in the North and slaughtered scores of the kids there in the night. Inas- much as we condemn and demand that the senseless kidnapping of all shapes and for any reason in the entire Eastern region must stop forthwith but we must not be naïve by failing to note a very big difference between events in the North and those of the South or East. Without going into any details, yet we cannot help but ask the reader to take time and consider what informs this difference that is between the Southeast or SouthSouth and the Northern part of the Nigerian union. Several analysts have continued to emphasise that it is nothing more than the obvious differences in the culture or religion of the two regions. The North is Islamic while the Southsouth and Southeast are Christian and Animist. This is very important since it is responsible for this huge difference of life and death.

For many who followed events and activities in the Niger Delta, while the kidnapping ordeal of the five people lasted, the much they could do was to pray. The way the news of the kidnapping was received by some is that again, the fragile peace finally breaks. The patched up peace had been held together by the glue of credible interveners and go-between organisations like Hope for the Niger Delta (HND), the non-profit/non-governmental organisation being run by Sunny Ofehe. But, by the sheer twist of fate, Ofehe and his HND are the ones caught in the middle of the web of circumstance of this early May tragedy. So, for Sunny Ofehe, the kidnapping must have been like the breaking in one’s face in the twinkle of the eye everything that one ever dreamed and worked for.

Ofehe had spent the last decade or so working hard and dedicatedly for peace, development, the overall well-being and, above all, the security of the Niger Delta, his birth place. Ofehe and his HND have tried within this period to broker a triangular peace and understanding among the important Niger Delta stakeholders, i.e. the people of the oil communities in the Niger Delta, the government of Nigeria and the oil companies. Given the complexities of the politics of oil and big money, an unprejudiced analyst should be able to score the organisation high in what can be considered their modest achievements.

This is true when one juxtaposes the activities and accomplishments of HND and those of others working within the same

area. It is not difficult to see that Ofehe’s HND remains one of the most trustworthy key NGO players in the Niger Delta today. It is also not hard to note that the group has achieved this through hard work and strategic planning. It is through transparency and sincerity of the group that they succeeded in winning and sustaining the confidence of the major stakeholders in the Niger Delta. For those who are familiar with the kind of work being done by HND and others, it will be easy to agree that it is a field that is full of so many variables and even uncertainties. A player in this field can always hope for the best but practical experience will always make them to prepare for anything, even for the worst.

While at the same time those of us who are genuinely hopeful that the security situation in the Niger Delta will eventually improve to the extent that anyone with genuine business or humanitarian intentions can travel freely without fear of molestation, let alone being kidnapped, we recognise that this will remain only a mere wishful thinking if people and organisations like Ofehe and his Hope for the Niger Delta should become scared away by the activities of some unscrupulous elements. All stakeholders there must see to it that the noble and good work of building bridges of peace and reconciliation in the Niger Delta does not stop. The kinds of bridges that the NGOs in the category of HND are building in this traumatised region are such that should not be played politics with.

The monumental environmental issue of Nigeria’s Niger Delta has since attained a very staggering proportion. Nigeria’s Niger Delta is not the only place on earth where oil and gas are extracted but the disastrous devastation of the environmental situation there cannot be compared with another place anywhere else. The scandalous degradation of the ecosystem of the Niger Delta has inspired many environmental and humanitarian activists ever since. The most celebrated among such people is Ken Saro Wiwa, one of the Ogoni Nine as noted above.

It is for the sake of finding means to alleviate the pain and suffering of the people who live and endure the worst kind of deprivation in this region that we are urging that somehow, we must end politics; we must end partisanship when discussing and commenting on the events of the Niger Delta. The destructions taking place today in the Niger Delta must stop because it is not just the lives of those alive today that are being affected; those of the yet unborn generations are also being destroyed.

Of all the NGOs operating in the various countries of the world today, none can be said to be more reputable than the ones mentioned by Nnamdi in his article. Transparency International, Oxfam and others are world-renowned for their strict adherence to stipulated standards in international humanitarian business and in their dealing and association with countries and organisations.

It is therefore interesting to acknowledge the fact that if these organisations are the major donors to Sunny Ofehe’s Hope for the Niger Delta, then they must have found the organisation and its accounting system to be trustworthy enough since these organisations do not put their money just anywhere.

As we conclude, we will borrow Nnamdi’s phrase. It is no secret that the Federal Government of Nigeria and the oil companies are not doing as much as they should right now in the Niger Delta. That the people will depend mostly on the conscientious work of NGOs like HND to keep reminding these powers of their negligent responsibility, cannot be over-emphasised. So, it is hoped that if these charitable and humanitarian organisations are encouraged, they may, perhaps eventually be able to rest the ghost of crime against humanity that has always been committed against the people of this oil-bearing region. The ghost of Biafra and the Ogoni Nine may finally be pacified once the commentators can stop joining politics with and trivialising the lives and destiny of the people of the Niger Delta.

•Culled from Sri Lankan The Guardian

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

NIGER DELTA REPORT INTERVIEW

Chevron’s N50m projects excite communities, govt in Delta I

T was harvest of projects across Delta State last week as Chevron Nigeria Limited, operators of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, inaugurated developmental projects worth over N50 million in Edjeba and Ubeji communities in Warri South West and Osubi in Okpe local government areas of the state.

The projects included a solarpowered borehole at Edjeba Primary School; two 500KVA electricity transformers at Osubi Community and a block of six classrooms for Egharegbemi Primary School Ubeji.

Chevron also partnered with some of its employees to donate books and electronic teaching aids including laptops, projectors and electricity generating sets to five schools in Delta State. The benefiting schools are Ogbe Secondary School, Ekpan Secondary School, Alegbo Secondary School, Ugborikoko Secondary School and Ugbmro Secondary School all in Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking at one of the project sites, the Secretary to the State Government, Comrade Ovouzorie Macaulay, praised the NNPC/ Chevron Joint Venture for the commitment to partnering with the government to provide infrastructure and facilities for socio-economic development of communities.

Macaulay, who was represented

by Mr Vincent Omorie (Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Affairs), noted that the gesture by the JV partners supports the state government’s agenda of infrastructure and human capital development.

The SSG revealed that the provision of potable water for the

From Shola O’Neil, Port Harcourt

school children was aimed at sustaining the healthy living of the “leaders of tomorrow,” adding that the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan administration had done a lot to improve infrastructure and facilities in its schools.

Also at the events at Ubeji and Ogbe Secondary School, the Delta State Commissioner for Education (Primary and Basic) Prof. Patrick Muobuoghare, thanked the JV partners for partnering with the state government for educational development.

He called on other well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies to emulate the gesture of Chevron and its employees and contribute to development of educational infrastructure and human capital in the state.

Muoboghare, who was represented by the Chief Inspectors of Basic and Secondary Education in Warri South and Uvwie Local Government Areas, Dr. Michael Emeshili and Mr. Solomon Onojaiyefe respectively, noted that Chevron has been in the forefront in supporting government’s programmes in the education sector and has initiated several activities to help contribute to educational development in Delta State.

He urged members of the community and the schools’ management to put the facilities provided for them to good use, protect them and to ensure that they are maintained for the betterment of the school children and the communities as a whole.

The General Manager, Policy Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), Mr. Deji Haastrup, who was

R

•Transformer donated to Osubi Community by Chevron

• A Government Representative receiving items donated by Chevron to schools

‘

The gesture by the JV partners supports the state government’s agenda of infrastructure and human capital development. The SSG revealed that the provision of potable water for the school children was aimed at sustaining the healthy living of the “leaders of tomorrow

represented by Mr. Trust Inimgba, PGPA Superintendent in Chevron’s Warri, noted that the company was

committed to enhancing partnership with relevant stakeholders to achieve the goal of

‘

•Guests in front of the new classroom block

sustainable development of communities around its areas of operations in the Niger Delta.

He noted that the company also believes that education is the key to national and societal

development, stressing that it was that belief that informed CNL’s commitment to educational

development as one of the thematic areas in its social performance programmes.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

constructed by the NDDC seems to have been abandoned.

Some elders told Niger Delta Report that the primary school in the community has only two teachers because others refused to stay owing to lack of infrastructure and amenities.

The Odionwele (traditional head) of Afokpoma Quarters in Imiokhono, Pa Sadiku Ogienagbon, said water and quality healthcare delivery services, are among the challenges facing the community.

He said water did not flow from a project executed by the state government in 2012.

His words: “Coming to Jagbe is a big problem because there is no access road.

We are appealing to the state government to come to our aid for us to be able to access our villages. Water is a major problem; the government had a borehole sunk over one year ago but it is not functioning.

Dr Sandy Onor is the Director-General of the JedyAgba Support Movement, a group campaigning for Mr Godwin Jedy-Agba for governor of Cross River State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He spoke with reporters in Calabar. NICHOLAS KALU was there.

T

Jagbe...Edo community in dire need of development

ESIDENTS of Jagbe, a sleepy community in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, are in a dilemma with the coming of another rainy season.

They need the rains for their crops but the rains will also hinder their movement.

Jagbe can be accessed through Ewu, Agbede and Ibore but the roads are not motorable, especially during the rains.

The most common means of transportation is the motorcycle because of the rough and hilly terrains. Due to lack of access road, the predominantly Muslim Community cannot take its farm produce to the Benin-Abuja highway since there is no market in the community.

The newly installed solarpowered street lights by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Imiokhono Village is, perhaps, the only facility that reminds the people of to a government’s presence.

A road leading to the community from Agbede being

‘We’ll resist turning Cross River to a police state’

• Pa Ogienagbon

• Jagbe youths working on one of the roads to make movement easy

“I am appealing to Governor Oshiomhole to make it possible for the borehole to start functioning again. We all want development. We don’t have a market, a better school. No teacher wants to come here because of the road.

The teachers do not want to come.”

Another elder, Shaibu Usman said: “The clinic we have here does not have drugs most times. Our women always return home without drugs. They always told us that drugs are not available.

We have two teachers at the primary school at Jagbe. We have to employ teachers our-

selves. At the secondary school, there are no teachers.

NDDC constructed only two kilometres of the road and left.

We have not seen them since.”

A native, Mohammed Suleiman, said they had tried through self-efforts to develop the community.

“All the water board have

• The borehole constructed in 2012 from which water has stopped flowing from

collapsed. We have been deceived by politicians. Our road is not passable, especially during the rainy season. We have been talking to them but there has been no response. It is only those with jeeps and heavy duty cars that can access this community,” he said.

A retired journalist, Alhaji Abdul Adams, said: “We have been paying teachers to teach our children. We are suffering, especially in terms of access road. We saw solar-powered street light recently but we do not know those responsible for it.”

For another native of the

area, Mustapha Usman, “there is no way you enter this community without wasting a lot of time. From here to Ewu, Agbede and Ogbalo-Ibore, all the roads are blocked. Schools are here but the teachers are not here. They do not want to stay. The school is almost empty. We have many food

but we cannot take them to the market.

The money our women will bring home is very small because so many agents are on the way.”

• Usman

HE state chairman of the PDP has said the person you are rooting for, Godwin Jedy-Agba, is not a member of the party. What are your comments on this?

Recently, a lot of comments have been made by our state chairman.

Comments we believe are not expected to flow from such an exalted party officer and from a respected party like the PDP. The first issue we would like to react to is that of intimidation and threat issued by the state chairman, which we think is completely out of order. Democracy allows for freedom to associate, freedom to pursue your democratic ideals and goals within legitimate means. In fact, the political party is supposed to encourage that pursuit. We will like to say quickly that •Onor we will not be intimidated by such threats.

If anything, such threats would stoke us even further in the pursuit of equity, peace, justice and genuine democracy in our state.

Two, we are friends of Godwin JedyAgba. We believe that he is the right man for now for the governorship of Cross River State. He is a man of proven integrity and probity and with requisite exposure and contacts and connections. He is a man with the experience that would take Cross River to another level and he is a proper Cross Riverian in all ramifications. We are not campaigning. There is nothing to show that we are doing anything out of order. The electoral act is clear as to the fact that when they are talking about the prohibition of campaigns for now, they mean public campaigns undertaken by political parties.

Section 101 sub-section (1) is very clear about that. I am sure you have been to other states and seen that people are out. People are conversing and talking to people about their aspirations. Ours cannot be different.

These must never be a police state. We will resist turning Cross River to a police state. We don’t want anybody to take the peace in Cross River State for granted. We enjoy our peace but nobody, especially those in positions of power and authority, should create a situation of chaos, where none exists in our state.

Goddy is a member of this party and that is the truth. We also heard that Goddy is a civil servant and so what?

When has becoming a civil servant become a bad thing? There are so many people who are functioning today who were retired civil servants.

Chukwuemeka Ezeife was a retired Permanent Secretary, the present governor of Niger State was a retired civil servant. In fact, our own PDP chairman, John Okon, was clerk of the State House of Assembly. So, I wonder why that should be an issue. And if anybody should even speak on it at all for whatever reason, it should not be our state chairman. All Nigerians have a right to congregate and associate and affiliate. Goddy cannot be an exception.

The law provides for freedom of association for civil servants and all.

But we also know the leadership of any party at every level is there to give directives on issues of the party.

Don’t you think by still congregating in groups like this, these people will accuse you of flouting the orders of a legally constituted leadership?

Not at all. If we flout directives that are legal, then we have a problem. If they are punitive and illegal, in fact to conform to them would be illegal. So that is the point we are making.

From the way things are going, if it happens the aspirant you are supporting is stopped from participating in the electoral process in the PDP, what would be your next line of action?

We are veterans in this business and we should see clearly where they are going.

Their determination is to exclude us from the party. But there are internal processes for reconciling that.

You may desire to do a thing and that desire may generate opposites for you. They desire that we would be excluded from the party, but if they love this party, that is a dangerous path to take and we think we have all the processes in this party from here to the national to ensure that what they think would not come to pass. We would be here in this party and contest primaries with them in this party and would, by the grace of God, defeat them in this party.

How do you react to allegations in some quarters that this association has actually appropriated him from the party establishment in the state?

I wish I had the capacity to appropriate the man. Let me make the point clear. Nobody has the capacity to appropriate Goddy Agba. He is too large to be appropriated. That is why we are offering him to Cross Riverians. Actually at this point in time, the development of the state needs a man like that.

With his head clearly above water, with intellectually clarity, social content and experience, adept at administration, technically superb, that is the kind of man we need. So, all these attempts to confuse the vision would not work. Our Cross Riverians are determined to ensure that this happens. These guys are just trying to appropriate their destinies to themselves and trying to play God. That is the truth.

Let me add that we are not planning any violent take over as some people are imagining. In other words, Goddy does not have any agenda than the development of Cross River State. He has not isolated anybody in his plans if he mounts the saddle as governor. He rather believes that all must come together to fashion a common strategy for the advancement of Cross River State.

People say he has not contributed to the party. So what has he contributed really to the growth of the party since he has been a member for a long time?

I am tempted to ask you what the contributions of some of these people who are talking is. A lot of these people who are grandstanding have always been beneficiaries of the PDP and have contributed nothing to the party. Having said that let me assure you that Goddy has been contributed a lot to this party and even the leadership is aware. Not just to this party but to this government.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

34

NIGER DELTA REPORT INTERVIEW

River’s perm sec's wife relives Days in On April 25, the wife of a Permanent Secretary in Rivers State who is also a business woman in Port Harcourt was abducted by armed men from her shop in the city. She recounted her ordeal and events leading to her rescue to CLARICE AZUATALAM.

U

NWANTED visitors he does not have that kind

I was attending to some customers; two people came to hire my cooling van and to buy some drinks. I was negotiating with them when two young men came into the restaurant and asked us to lie down on the floor. We were wondering what was happening. We heard gunshots. And those inside released another gun shot. They picked me up and dragged me to a vehicle outside. I was not blindfolded.

They took one way going to Borokiri. They moved to the Ndoki Waterfront. We passed through one police check- point but Nobody stopped us. I was scared as they have guns.

There was already a waiting flying boat there and they put me into the flying boat and zoomed off. I do not know where they took me to because it was in the night. But I knew they missed their way along the line because they were saying to themselves: “This is not the place. This is not the place!”

Finally, before we got to the place they took me to, it was about two hours plus.

When we got finally there, I discovered it was a bush.

Mangrove, then into a bush.

From the mangrove, we entered into a bush. So, that was where I stayed with the three people who abducted me from the restaurant. I stayed with them for one week.

During this period, there was rain, sun, there was no shelter, no house. It was just plain mangrove. We got there on Friday night, Saturday passed, Sunday passed and then Monday. I was eager and I said they should allow me speak to my husband. They gave me an opportunity to do that on Monday evening.

They asked for millions of Naira and my husband said

of money. They said then I would remain there. I was there that Monday, Tuesday; they did not even give me the opportunity to even talk to anybody till Friday.

They were bringing food, asking me to eat but you know when you are in a place like that, there was no appetite because I was not happy. They were not hostile. They bought me rubber slippers, toothpaste and tooth brush. They would threaten me along the line that if they didn’t bring the money, “we will kill you; we will hang you.” They would do all manner of things.

Security operatives to the rescue But miraculously, on Friday, I was just there praying within me. I didn’t know what happened. On Thursday, they heard footsteps in the bush; they held me and said to me, ‘Madam!

Madam!’ They took me deeper into the forest. They were trying to escape with me; maybe they thought that there were people coming to rescue me that Thursday. But nobody came.

They had two guns; they would leave one with those securing me and the other two would go for a kind of operation with the other gun. I noticed that they were running from the Waterfront. I was scared and wondering what was happening. They now beckoned on their colleagues too, and it was like they told them, “go away, go away security agents are coming.”

I was asking them what was happening. I was even calling on them, because at a point, I became close to them. So, I knew their names. What is happening, what is happening? They said to me “Madam!

Madam! Madam!” They

ran.

This time, they refused to take me along. But the previous day, when they heard gunshot, I don’t know if the security men did reconnaissance. They held me in their hands and were taking me further inside the bush. But that Friday, I don’t know if they really saw the people.

So, they ran away without even asking me to follow them.

I was scaredbeing inside the bush all alone. I was asking, why are you people running, why are you people running? They ran inside the bush. I think they are familiar with the area.

Then I saw some security people and they came and said, ‘Madam, let’s go’.

Initially, I was scared too because staying there for one week, everybody you see would be a suspect to you. They said, ‘madam, don’t be scared, we are security people.’ That’s how they brought me home that Friday, May 2, 2014.

N100 million ransom They (kidnappers) asked for N100 million as ransom.

When my husband said that he is a civil servant, he does not have that kind of money; they switched off the phone and never called him again. I was crying, pleading with them that my husband is seriously a civil servant, he does not have that kind of money. Even if he is to go and take loan, who will give him loan without a collateral? So, he does not have that kind of money.

The following day, without talking to my husband, they told me that my husband could bring N70 million. They brought it down to N50 million, they brought it down to N30 million before I was rescued. No ransom was paid.

At some point, they

•Mrs. Okari

would be friendly because they knew that the place we were was mosquito-ridden, cold and all that. If they saw me feeling bad, they would come and say, ‘Madam eat o!, eat, you need to eat for you to be alive. If you call your husband, speak to him, tell him that you are suffering, let him release the money so that you will go.

At other times, they would be hostile, they will just be cocking the gun, threatening. Sometimes, they are humans too They would say ah! Madam, you are catching cold. They would make fire for me and all that. I will not say they were totally hostile I won’t also say hundred percent they were friendly. They

were just in-between. Sometimes they would feel sorry for me, sometimes, when they remember what they were there for, they would be hostile.

On the terrain I am from the riverside. I am from Ogu, Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area. I am not familiar with that

Akwa Ibom Attorney-General joins race to succeed Akpabio

T

HE Attorney-General of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Ekpeyong has declared his intention to succeed Governor Godswill Akpabio in 2015.

His declaration came against the background of intense campaign by the Oron people to produce the governor in 2015 and heightened speculations that Ekpeyong, was the chosen candidate of incumbent governor.

Ntekim said: “With the massive infrastructural interventions of the last few years bearing desired fruits in the crescendo to which Akwa Ibom State has been justifiably raised, both friends and foes are watching to see whether, as a people, we have the resolve to continue to faithfuly completion the uncommon transformation agenda or would be tired by political inexpediency and naivety. Make no mistake; the progress so far made is as significant as the task ahead is onerous.”

He expressed confidence in his ability to achieve the goal of successful continuity in an atmosphere of shared sacrifice and

efforts, adding, “I trust in our capacity to rise to the occasion.

Over the past several months, I have been encouraged to give unremitting thought to seeking the mandate to be the governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2015. This has now graduated to a commanding course of action that I am to sedulously pursue.

Therefore, in the days, weeks and months ahead, I look forward to consulting with the leadership of my party, the Peoples Democratic Party and the good people of Akwa Ibom State at different forums to discuss, with unmitigated determination and steadfastness, my thoughts and plans for Akwa Ibom State, if it pleases God, to whom power belongs, to favour me with its grant.”

Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom Progressive Front (ABPF) has commended Ntekim’s decision to vie for the governorship election of the state in 2015 and canvassed support for his candidacy.

The group, which membership cuts across the three senato-

rial districts in the state, described Ntekim as the most suitable candidate to continue with the uncommon transformation agenda of Governor Godswill Akpabio.

Speaking to newsmen in Uyo, the state capital, the leader of the group, Mr. Okon Asuquo disclosed that after serious consideration, Ntekim has finally agreed to join the governorship race on account of public pressure on him to run.

Asuquo said Ntekim’s decision to join the governorship race was also informed by the outcome of several consultations with stakeholders across the state and beyond.

On Ntekim’s suitability for governor, Asuquo said: “He has been a two-time Attorney-General in a single administration, the only former PDP state chairman who voluntarily resigned from office, former state chairman of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), former state Treasurer of Social DFemocratic Party (SDP), former Bank Director and NBA Chairman, among others.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

35

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

in kidnappers’ den

‘

At some point, they would be friendly because they knew that the place we were was mosquitoridden, cold and all that. If they saw me feeling bad, they would come and say, ‘Madam eat o!, eat, you need to eat for you to be alive. If you call your husband, speak to him, tell him that you are suffering, let him release the money so that you will go

area (they took me to). But what I knew is that they took me from Ndoki Waterfront and it was in the night.

So, I won’t be able to know because that is not my area.

Though I am from the riverside area, when I go to my area, I go by car. When we were coming back, it was by another route I could not identify.

On her abductors From what I saw, I will not say that they are completely educated people because I did not hear them speak good English. They spoke their native language, which is Ijaw. But when they talked to me, they will use the usual broken English. I didn’t see them as people who are educated. If they are educated, maybe they were just hiding it from me. Initially, when we got there, they told me it’s business; they are doing this for money.

The rescue was not something I expected ordinarily.

‘

I thought that because of the ransom they demanded, I thought they would wait until the ransom was paid.

So, I just saw the handiwork of Rivers State government in it and God too.

As I was telling my husband when I came back, this is something you don’t even wish your worst enemy. For me to have spent just one week there, I knew what I went through. Then compare it to people (Chibok girls) who are there for one month, I wonder what they will be going through. So, it is not an experience one will begin to describe. It was very terrible; it was a very terrible experience.

Act of God I have given testimony the Sunday after I came back. I came back on a Friday and the following Sunday I went to church and I testified to the glory of God. Even if I say it was the state security that came to rescue me, if not God in heaven, they

would not have been able to rescue me considering where I was taken to. What if as they were running and one of them says, since we have not gotten anything, let us shoot her. I would have gone. So, the handiwork of God was even more than what the state did.

During the period, members of my church, the Redeemed Christian Church of God were praying for me.

All the Pastors in the church, the zonal and regional Pastors were all involved. They grouped themselves into three prayer groups and they were coming to my house to pray morning, afternoon and evening.

What kept me going I was in a strange place, where I was not supposed to be in the first place. I was thinking of my children, my husband; what they were going through? At a point, I wanted to talk to my husband, they said I could not talk to my husband; that he was not feeling fine. I was not sick there and somebody was telling me that my husband was not feeling fine. You know that kind of thing. I just wanted them to allow me to speak to my husband, let me just hear his voice. They didn’t even allow me. So, there were lots of thoughts here and there.

I have an aged mother, I have my younger ones, I have people around me, people I am catering for, many things. My children are under-aged. So, at every point in time, I went through a lot of thoughts. In the midst of all these, I would cry profusely. Nobody to say sorry. When I was tired of crying, I would clean my tears. When I remembered them again, I would start crying.

Advice to citizens and her abductors Everybody has to be very careful. That is the only thing because if there are security agents and they are working the way they ought to work, may be most of these things would not have taken place.

So, everybody has to be very careful. Know when to go out and when to come back and avoid night movements.

I will advise them (kidnappers) to stop all these things.

If not, one day surely nemesis will catch up with them. They should look for something meaningful to do with their lives. They cannot continue this trade till the end of their lives. Maybe their thinking is that there is no job, that is why they indulged in this kind of vice. They should look for something to do as a means of livelihood; maybe business. If they succeed this time, they may not succeed at other times. So, I definitely know that someday, the law will catch up with them.

‘North’s position on resource control’ Mr. Tony Ile was the Chairman of the Bayelsa State chapter of Save Nigeria Group (SNG) that fought against the last administration of Mr. Timipre Sylva. He now serves in the administration of Governor Seriake Dickson as a Senior Special Assistant on Civil Society. He speaks to MIKE ODIEGWU on his boss’ attitude to money and other issues.

H

OW would you rate the National Conference?

We have to first and foremost give thanks to Mr. President for initiating such idea. We believe that Nigeria, as a whole is faulty when it comes to even the constitution. Many people have said it is not the people’s constitution. We also believe that if it were the people’s constitution, many issues would have been settled. We can see the skewed inequitable structural organogram of this country; where you have 36 states and the federal capital residing in the north; you also have about 774 local government areas with 419 local governments belonging to the north and 355 local governments in the south. We have a National Assembly that is dominated by a particular region. So, whatever bill that comes will be at the mercy of those areas.

We need balance equation. We, also talk about resource control. The region that is producing the oil has been short-changed for quite sometime and it also need a fair share of its revenue. Let us also look at the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) that has been consistently ignored for a long time. This is one of the bills that will definitely reach out to these communities that are producing the oil because they have been degraded by the activities of these oil companies. So, this conference should ensure that all regions go at a stable pace for peace to reign. I believe that at the end of the conference, Nigerians will smile and the President will be praised for this concept.

How would you describe the stance of the North against resource control?

It is very ridiculous and unacceptable. It is like they have a mindset to distort what is due to some regions. They are calling for a conflict, which is not the best for this country. Our northern brothers should know that oil is in the south for now but tomorrow they may also have oil. So, whatever that is due for the South should be given to the South.

You were in the trenches before the advent of the current administration. You criticised the former administration and now you are a member of the current restoration government. Are things better?

It has been wonderful. His Excellence Governor Seriake Dickson can be described as a wizard when it comes to development.

Within this short period, we have seen tremendous and unbelievable development.

Prior to this period, a lot of people felt that the terrain was difficult. But this man has come to change all those perceptions. Today, we can see the first flyover, bridges that are being built within a period of three to four months. We have seen many road projects.

Most of the roads are dual carriage ways.

We believe that before the end of his first tenure, Bayelsa will really be turned to the Dubai of Africa which the governor has been talking about. We owe him support. The natives and and non-natives should rally round him because, before now, Bayelsa was not like this.

How have the governor’s policies been tailored to empower the youth?

There are programmes that His Excellency has mapped out for the youth. The Governor is a product of the youth. He has been a mem-

ber of the IYC which is a large organisation of Izon youths when it comes to the agitation of the rights of the Ijaw people. He is in touch with the youth. He understands the problems of the youth of Bayelsa State and generally Nigerian youth problems. And since he also understands that unemployment has been the cause of many of these restiveness, he has also set up a Centre for Youth Development which is headed by Boyloaf. That centre is being saddled with the responsibility of training the youth. In the aspect of security, you witnessed when the ex-cultists renounced their cultism to identify with the governor’s empowerment programme.

This has made the state to be peaceful.

No wonder, the state has been described as the most peaceful state in the country. Prior to ths period, it was not like that. It was as a result of programmes that have been put in place to ensure that youths are carried along.

Also recently, the Bayelsa State volunteer issue came up. It absorbed over 1, 000 youths for security services and other issues. This is just the beginning. The number will keep on increasing. But you know that the government cannot employ all the youth and that is why the governor is creating government conducive to investors to come in.

Your governor has been described as a stingy man. What is your take?

I don’t subscribe to that opinion. He is simply prudent and resilient. That is why many projects are being undertaken. A stingy person is someone who doesn’t want to spend money at all. But if you go round the state, you will see aesthetic buildings springing up. For instance, go to the newly completed Traditional Rulers’ Council Complex.

Such beautiful places were before built by individuals. People stole money from the government to build such houses. But today, a governor is building such aesthetic buildings for the state. He needs commendations. There are many other projects going on in different parts of the state. So, such person cannot be described as a stingy person. He is just being prudent because he believes that you have to save for the rainy day. You can also see the dwindling revenue that is coming in from the Federation Account. If he hadn’t been prudent, it would have affected the state to the extent that we wouldn’t have been able to pay salaries. But for the fact that he has been prudent, he has been consistently paying salaries. There are some states that are not able to pay salary of workers. Without his prudence, we wouldn’t have achieved the flyover and other projects such as the Ogobiri Bridge, the road leading to Ayama and going to Oporoma. Recently, the Deputy Governor drove down to Nembe which is first in history in this part of the region.

To build such infrastructure in a state that is 96 per cent water is not easy. It requires huge amount of money. We were all there when the governor presented a cheque of N2 billion to the company that is handling the Nembe Road. It is not easy. We had an administration that was here for five years but could not do a road to even his community. But this is somebody that just came on board because he has passion for the state.

He is Hungry for development and he doesn’t want to believe that we have a terrain that cannot be developed.

So, he has broken the jinx and we have to commend him for that.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

36

NIGER DELTA REPORT COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

I

T was the second day you arrived in Calabar, the Cross River State capital with a reputation for having zero tolerance for indiscriminate dumping of refuse. You remembered Lagos, your base, that microscopy of Nigeria and the indiscriminate way residents litter everywhere.

The night you arrived you had gone with your host and some colleagues to see ‘Devil in the detail’, in which a wife made it clear to her husband that she was entitled to his fidelity just like he was to hers. It was at the Marina Resort, a beautiful resort with a cinema and other entertainment centres. The resort, you were told, is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative.

Your last two visits were short and not much time to see and feel Calabar.

On the second day, you were taken to see what you have chosen to see as the future of Calabar. It is called Summit Hills. On the Hills, you saw a Golf Course and Golf Clubhouse under construction; you saw an international convention centre with an adjoining Four Points by Sheraton Hotel also under construction, both with huge capacity to host the world; you also saw the site of a monorail to link Summit Hills with Tinapa, that entertainment, shopping and leisure centre. The rail will bring Tinapa closer to Calabar metropolis, you were told.

February 2015 is the opening date for the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC) sandwiched within a Free Trade Zone.

Governor Liyel Imoke’s dream is for the CICC to turn Calabar to “West Africa’s business and event destination of choice”.

The Hills also boasts of the Calabar Specialist Hospital, a collaboration with foreign partners meant to encourage medical tourism on completion. There are also layouts with infrastructures already in place for people to build homes.

Done with the Hills, you and others were taken to the new Margaret Ekpo Airport Bye Pass, a sizeable portion of which sits on a swamp. The road has increased land value to millions from the initial thousands. It has also reduced time to the Margaret Ekpo International Airport considerably.

On the third day, you joined others on a trip to Ikom, a three-hour drive from Calabar.

There were to be stops here and there. The long stretch leading to Odukpani junction was taken over by heavy duty vehicles for reasons no one could explain. Many of them facing one-way. Around the junction leading to Tinapa, your convoy almost got stuck but snaked its way out after losing precious time.

It reminded you of Apapa-Oshodi Epressway.

After crawling out of the gridlock, driving was smooth. At a point, you passed a massive palm plantation cultivated by Wilmer International, a global brand in oil palm

OLUKOREDE YISHAU

ABOVE WHISPERS

•A weekly intervention on Southsouth people

olukoredeyishau@gmail.com

Criss-crossing Cross River ‘ from Exactly a year

•Imoke

plantation based in Malaysia, which over three decades ago got its first palm oil seedlings from Calabar. The farm located in Akamkpa is so big a colleague exclaimed: “You could get lost here.”

You and other members of the team had a stop at the oil palm farm and were briefed by an official of Wilmer who confessed that

‘

‘

Governor Liyel Imoke

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the oil palm seeds were imported from Indonesia but that they originally were taken from Calabar several decades ago. He added that they had been improved upon. The farm also has a refinery for the oil palm and an oil palm mill. Residential quaters are also

LAST WORD

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Democracy is not about self but the people. Those who represent us are expected by our people to truly empower them, to go out there and work for them and bring good things to them... All our representatives must engage in empowerment. I am talking about sustainable empowerment.

They must ensure that our people truly feel the impact of democracy.

now, Imoke will be out of the Government House leaving behind a legacy of projects that will define Cross River’s tomorrow. All hands must be on the deck to ensure the plans are not derailed because opportunities lost, most times, are never regained

springing up.

You were told the land was only leased to Wilmer for 25 years and renewable after. All things being equal. You later had a stopover at the Cross River State College of Education, which had literally gone into extinction before Imoke. Many a new structure has found space courtesy of the governor.

The journey to Ikom began once again.

After over one hour of driving and sleeping and gisting, you and others stopped again at the Songhai Integrated Farm located in Itigidi, Imoke’s village. You were told an hotel would be built to complete the farm and create room for recreation. It reminded you of the Songhai Farm in Port Novo owned and run by a Nigerian, where people visit as a resort. This is what Cross River also has in sight.

The next stop was a brand new vocational and technical education centre. You were told the construction work was started some eight months ago and several buildings were already standing and looking radiant. It is called Institute of Technology and Management (ITM), Ugep in Yarkur, the hometown of the late Okoi Arikpo, a First Republic Minister.

The Rural Development Agency, a government agency, the team learnt, had done not less than 500km of road. In all, the agency, said an official, has done 36 roads in the rural areas. Two roads each in the 18 local government areas in the state, an official said.

One of these roads done with counterpart funding with the African Development Bank has opened a community where the people used to go through hell before getting to their homes where they were greeted with ‘sorry’ for making it safely.

The Rural Access Mobility (RAM) has also done some rural roads.

Eventually, you were in Ikom, where you saw the Water Treatment Plant and the Specialist Hospital. The hospital is still under construction. The water comes from the Cross River. Before the plant, people were drinking from unsafe sources. You later saw the Ikom Stadium, which is nearing completion.

The last day of the tour began in Ogoja, where the team passed the night after the Ikom rounds. You saw the Bebi Airstrip and other projects of the Imoke administration in the Ogoja division. And thus ended a memorable trip to this state which borders Cameroun on many a front.

And now the final take: exactly a year from now, Imoke will be out of the Government House leaving behind a legacy of projects that will define Cross River’s tomorrow. All hands must be on deck to ensure the plans are not derailed because opportunities lost, most times, are never regained.

•Last Word is Niger Delta Report’s verdict on Southsouth affairs

Subsidising luxury in Akwa Ibom A

KWA Ibom State Governor Obong Godswill Akpabio is a populist. The architect of Uncommon Transformation craves attention and gets it. One of such populist decisions he once took but which backfired concerns Arik Air’s flight operations to the airport in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. The state was subsiding this luxury, which, in its opinion, would aid the growth in the area but disagreements over accounts’ reconciliation has put that asunder.

A government source was quoted by an online report as saying: “Arik Air was collecting money for empty seats each time it came in or left Ibom International Airport.

“The ticket subsidy ran into hundreds of thousands of Naira on a daily basis with so many people feeding fat on it.

“At a point, Arik still insisted on collecting money from the government, even when its seats were fully booked and paid for by travelers but the government would not succumb to the blackmail.”

However, there is another luxury being subsidised by the state government which has not yet gone awry. This particular one concerns movie watching at a cinema in the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre in the state capital. Highly rated films, such as ‘Devil in the detail’ and ‘Finding Love’, are being viewed for just N250. In Lagos, these films are shown for N2, 000 or N1,

500 depending on the area and in Calabar, each of them goes for no less than N1,000. Give or take, Akwa Ibom is subsidising with about N750, 000, using Calabar as standard.

Akpabio officially inaugurated the centre yesterday. The Cineplex is the cinema aspect of the Ibom Tropicana with six cinema halls. It also boasts six 250-seater cinemas within the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre. Other distinctive features of the Ibom Tropicana project include 15-storey five star Hotel with 250 bedrooms, International Standard Theme Park with Water Falls, 10,000-seater Dome/ Conference Centre, complementary services Monorail / Mini Disney and Shopping Mall.

Initially, N100 was charged at the cinema. After stabilising the centre and ensuring enough traffic flow of people, the rate was increased to N250 while the state government is still stabilising the amount.

During one of his visits to the centre, Akpabio explained that the state government is subsidising the centre to encourage the low income earners enjoy one of the best facilities of the state government.

Akpabio admitted that the economy of the state has not developed to the extent where the low income earners would be spending N1,500 in watching a movie.

Corroborating the governor’s stance, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Emmanuel

Enoidem, who conducted reporters round the 4,000-square-metre shopping mall, said the twofloor shopping mall is divided into 65 different specialised shops and attached to the long completed Cineplex, managed by Silverbird Group.

According to Enoidem, the shopping mall is iconic in style and endowed with world-class aesthetic features.

His words: “The mall and a Cineplex, which will contain several types of retail shops, eateries, coffee shops, five cinemas, as well as atriums, will include a kindergarten facility to assist parents in their daily activities, as well as staff working in the mall and others. The retail facilities will be selected to reduce competition.

“It is expected to attract world-class retailers such as Marks and Spencer, Maey’s and additional home appliances supermarkets, an office depot store, office and residential furniture show rooms.”

The commissioner, who explained that the project is to be completed in phases, also used the occasion to announce the state government’s preparedness to inaugurate another unique feature of the entertainment centre –a 250-rooms 5-Star hotel on September 23, 2014.

Good project, no doubt. But, people should pay if they want to watch movies. Luxury should not be subsidised.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

37

SHOPPING

Jumia celebrates best month of performance • Opens staff training school

J

UMIA Nigeria has celebrated her highest sales since inception. This, according to the company, was the result of unrelenting hard work and dedication from the team.

To compensate members of the team for their efforts, there was an award ceremony to recognise, motivate and empower team members. To continue the celebration of the team’s achievement, a team bonding event was also held to further enhance a team spirit within the Jumia sales force.

Head of Sales Force, Jumia Nigeria Hajar Ohusin, said: “With the continuous efforts of each sales force members, the team is getting stronger and stronger especially now that we are reaching into more cities and even smaller towns across the country.

“Jumia Nigeria invests quality time and intensive training in each employee and as a result, members of staff are highly motivated and driven. There are also other empowerment initiatives such as coaching and mentoring programmes, resulting in great output.”

Jumia plans to expand and recruit more people to join the team outside Lagos and Abuja. There is a constant growth within the Jumia sales force. One of the aims of this is to empower and motivate young people, instill entrepreneurial skills in them for better national economic growth.

A

•Co-CEO Jumia,Nigeria Jeremy Doutte (middle) with graduating Jumians after a course at Jumia Academy.

Stories by Tonia ‘Diyan

Also, Jumia, an employer of over 1,000 staff, has introduced a new programme to empower staff.The company, which was launched in 2012 with only five staff, has since expanded with over 1000 staff across the country. The staff level cuts across various departments, with an average age of 27. The company has been adjudged as one of the most exciting workplaces to be in Nigeria, having grown a culture of employing some of the most talented and skilled minds in the industry.

Job creation has been one of Nigeria’s biggest problems and Jumia seeks to help with employing and empowering members of staffs with tools and processes

that will prepare them for a greater future. The company’s training school seeks to train employees to be future entrepreneurs with start-up ideas to grow the Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (SMEs) industry and technology industry in Nigeria. This was why as part of its commitment to empower Nigerians Jumia launched it’s Jumia Academy.

Co-Chief Executive Officer Jumia Nigeria, Nicolas Martin, said: “Jumia Nigeria will continue to grow with the help of the best talents in Nigeria, employing the largest workforce in the online retail industry, which is growing by the day with the aim of grooming employees to be the next generation of CEOs with intensive training at the Jumia Academy.

The Academy, has over 100 ‘Jumians’

trained for various skills and areas of work.

Head of the Academy, Sarah Carzim, spoke about the Academy. ”From the onset our mission was to find ways to help staff grow within the company. After months of hard work, Feedback and research in-house, we were able to find a way to empower staff through the ‘Jumia Academy’. It is not very often you find this in a new company but the aim is to pave the way for Jumians and also potential Jumians to be the best they can be,” she said.

The institution is said to be continuous for every Jumian including new members of staff, giving them the opportunity to reach the top level and become managers in the near future within or outside Jumia.

Boulos Foods to launch fruit drinks June 19

MAJOR player in the market, Group Boulos, through its subsidiary, Boulos Foods and Beverages, is storming the market with its blend of fruit drinks to ease the tension for consumers who not only love drinks in Ikeja, Lagos on June 19.

Boulos Foods and Beverages’s flagship brand is Mamia Tomato Paste, a double concentrated tomato paste, made from the best quality tomatoes using advanced processing technology. It was introduced into the market in November, last year.

Mamia comes in a unique ‘easy to open

and use package’ that is different from what is obtainable in the market.

The unique brands namely, Frootzy (Fruit Juice) and Frootz (Fruit Nectar) are targeted at different age groups in the society.

Frootzy is targeted at school age children and teens, while Frootz, which is basically nectar, is targeted at grownups.

Due to the need to enhance the health of consumers by providing high quality, healthy and refreshing fruit nectars and juices, Frootz and Frootzy are introduced into the market to meet the wide yearning

of the consumers.

The products come in quality packages that leave no room for leakages as experienced generally in packaged drinks, with better taste. Most of the fruit drinks in the market are five per cent or less concentrates, but this is 10 per cent concentrates, which literally mean it contains less water.

Frootzy, which is for kids is packaged in a 200ml pouch, with a piercing straw concealed in the package to avoid possible contact with foreign bodies, while the nectar, Frootz is available in 250ml flexi

pouch with unique cap/cover.

“To extend the reach of the people by providing socially responsible and healthy consumable products is part of our company’s corporate philosophy. To this end, the company plans to roll out wide range of innovative and refreshing consumer goods into the Nigeria market before the end of the year. While different variants of the fruit drinks will also be introduced into the market at a pocket friendly price, they will be positioned to ensure availability and accessibility for everyone,” an official of the company said.

‘Dugbe Market is rave of the moment’2

L

OCATED inside Ibadan Central District in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital is Dugbe Market. It has over the years, emerged the nerve centre of Ibadan’s transport and trading network, attracting traders from far and near. The market, which began operation, first at Ekotedo, stocks consumables and household items.

When The Nation Shopping visited the market at the weekend, a regular visitor to the market, Mr. Benjamin Ilemobayo, bought a 4.5-inch bed. He said he was confident buying from Dugbe Market.

Mrs. Idowu Ojo, one of the traders, said • Pupils at the event.

Konga celebrates 10,000 kids, opens special store

N

IGERIA’s online marketplace, Konga.com, in collaboration with Triple X Entertainment and other firms hosted over 10, 000 kids at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos on Children’s Day. The event, which came after Konga launched its special Children’s Day store, saw special prizes awarded to exceptional children that participated in the organised Spelling Bee. Parents who wanted to surprise their children with amazing but budget items such as books, stationery, clothes, shoes and educational toys enjoyed special discounts on the Konga Children’s Day store.

Head of Marketing of Konga.com,

Gabriel Gab-Umoden, said: “May 27 is a day dedicated to celebrating children all around the world, and in our own little way, we worked with our partners to celebrate over 10,000 children in Lagos. We have also created an avenue for parents to surprise their children with special gift ideas and discounted offers in our children’s store.”

He added: “Adults are also not left out of the celebration, with a special page created on our websites for them to enjoy discounts this end of the month.”

It was not the first time Konga.com celebrated children. Last year, the online firm and some companies celebrated 5,000 children at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos with gifts, games and other interesting things that put smiles on the faces of children.

•Dugbe market

By Oluwakemisola Iroju

despite the siting of shopping malls close to the market, she still records huge sales.

“People still patronise me knowing that as far as Ibadan is concerned, Dugbe market is the most important,” she said.

However, Joy Okafor, who sells children wears, said she hasn’t been making much sales since the entry of Shoprite and Mr Price, as customers now see things differently. “People believe items sold inside those shops are better than what they use to buy from me,” she said.

38

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS

AGRICBUSINESS

e-mail: agrobusiness@thenationonlineng.net

The cost of industrial agriculture and junk food has become high necessitating a global search for sustainable alternatives to achieving food security. Experts see agro-ecological approach, which provides socio-economic and environmental benefits that can be scaled up to empower smallholder farming communities, as a viable option to achieving food security. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

How to achieve alternative food security

R

ISING food prices and increasing climate instability have sparked political changes around the world and put agriculture on international spotlight. What kind of agriculture is best suited to respond to those challenges has also become a global subject of discussion.

Much of the policy debate on food security, climate change and agriculture assumes that industrial agriculture and related bio-technology are the only options for feeding a growing global population.

Agribusiness and agrochemical companies have created and supported this image through aggressive advertising, lobbying and support for research institutions.

Experts see the agro-ecological farming systems as one solution.

Agro-ecological farming is defined as the application of ecological concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable agro ecosystems.

It starts from the interplay between the natural environment and agriculture, building on local priorities and knowledge about site-specific conditions.

Riding on this momentum, global farmers’ movements are promoting agro ecology to advance food sovereignty, which establishes each nation’s right to democratically determine its own path to ensure stable food supplies for its people under conditions that “feed the world while cooling the planet”.

Experts are also of the opinion that agro- ecological agricultural production will lower the use of imported inputs as well as production costs.

A food expert, Prof Tola Atinmo, said climate change and industrial agriculture require urgent attention, and investment in a model of agriculture that is truly sustainable.

According to him, farming has to be practised in a way that it contribute to people’s well-being by providing them with sufficient food and other goods and services in ways that are economically efficient, profitable, socially responsible, culturally acceptable and environmentally sound.

He said the use of pesticides as practised in the developing world, poses significant risks to human health and to biodiversity, which is an important source of food and livelihoods for many of the poorest people.

Further loss of genetic diversity in plant crops and animal breeds, he noted, is dangerous, because it makes food supply more vulnerable to outbreaks of pests and diseases and to loss of capacity to adapt to changing climatic conditions.

For many small-scale farmers, the purchase of manufactured fertilisers and pesticides is constrained by the high costs of these relative to output prices, or simply by their unavailability. Also, the farmers who buy pesticides would still be at risk because the information on how to use them properly is simply not available.

As an approach, he said agro-ecology aims to make agriculture economically, ecologically, and socially more sustainable.

This, however, requires finding biological ways to reduce the need for pesticides. At the end, it produces positive impacts in terms of human

health, reduced emissions, and greater protection of bio-diversity.

With agro-ecological practices that diversify agricultural systems, invasive species will spread at slower rates, establish less effectively and have more limited effects on yield and quality.

System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is an example of agro-ecology in action.

It is an agro-ecological approach that originally focused on better husbandry of hand-planted rice crops and has since been adapted for other staples. Key components of SRI include starting with fewer, younger, widely spaced seedlings, grown in mostly aerobic soils instead of constantly flooded fields. The SRI, which is also called the System of Crop Intensification (SCI) has had great success among small farmers in many countries around the world.

SRI allows farmers to increase their rice production through a shift in the management of plant, water, soil and nutrients toward a more favorable environment for the growth of rice plants. Farmers utilising SRI techniques over the past ten years have experienced an increase in rice yields from 30 to 150 per cent, depending on the farmers’ levels of SRI implementation and productivity, and on natural conditions for rice farming.

They are also are able to reduce the amount of seeds they use by 50 to 70 per cent, and can lessen or end their dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

The Director, Research Operations Department, National Cereals Research Institute(NCRI), Badeggi, Niger State, Dr Myimaorga Emmanuel Abo, said the use of SCI has shown very positive results in some part of the North as the use of alternative management practices for a number of other crops.

For this reason, the principles that make up a SCI are now spreading through the country for a range of crops. With wider spaces between rows and plants, SCI is becoming the ‘normal way of growing more staples in the North.

If he has its way, the yield of different varieties of rice grown using this technique will increase more in the next two years or so in many areas of the country.

Right now, the SRI method is being used by only a handful of farmers. But these few farmers are amazed by the results they are getting.

NCRI’s work is unique in the region as it focuses on empowering people within the communities.

The institute has developed a participatory extension mechanism through local community based organisations, where people actively participate in agricultural development. Prior to SRI, the mainstream approach to rice intensification focused on the promotion and proper

•Dryfield rice farming

•National Project Coordinator WAAPP, Prof Damin Chikwendu

•Atinmo

•Abo

use of fertiliser, safe use of pesticides or the use of pesticides as a last resort, the use of improved seeds, and the promotion of integrated pest management (IPM).

The approach convinced farmers and other stakeholders that rice productivity could be increased quickly, reliably and profitably using these techniques. High external input with corresponding high outputs were widely accepted as the mainstream strategy for rice intensification.

The introduction of SRI gives small-scale farmers an alternative solution to the high cost of external input under the earlier approach.

According to him, SRI allows farmers to increase their rice productivity at a lower external input cost, and to maintain ownership of local seeds, even as the system enhances soil fertility.

Abo said SRI is beneficial to farmers with small landholdings who practice rain-fed agriculture. It promotes the use of local seeds and the management of available water resources more efficiently and productively. As farmers gradually increase seed selection from their own familiar and valued seeds, they can achieve higher yields, thus strengthening their ownership of such seeds.

Last year, the World Bank Senior Operations Specialist and Task Team Leader of the project, Dr. Lucas Akapa, said at the opening ceremony of the Eighth World Bank Project Implemen-

tation Mission to Kano State said the project in Kano has promoted Draught Tolerant Maize (DTM) in the traditionally non-maize growing areas using and adoption of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) among rice farmers resulting to average yield increase from 2.7 metric tonnes to 3.6 metric tonnes per hectare.

Trials with the SRI were undertaken at the SabonGari station of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria as far as 2006-07, while farmer training and trials were done in Ondo State about the same period.

In 2010, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) Green Sahel-RDI began promoting SRI in Jigawa State after sending participants to an SRI event sponsored the USAID-funded IICEM/E-ATPExpanded Agribusiness Trade Promotion project in Mali in 2010.

In July 2011, Green Sahel Agricultural and Rural Development Institute (GSARDI) conducted a training programme on SRI and organic methods with support from E-ATP project in Jigawa State. According to a 2012 USAID PowerPoint, farmers trained by the E-ATP SRI events in Nigeria have gotten yields up to 10 tons/ha. Subsequent trials are ongoing.

This year, SRI Initiative assisted by the West Africa Agriculture Productivity Programme (WAAPP), was launched in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State,

aimed at increasing farmers’rice yields in Nigeria.

The initiative is to make agriculture more productive and sustainable and to promote innovations in technologies, institutions, processes, organisations and markets.

WAAPP is a World Bank-assisted programme under the auspices of the member countries of the Economic Communities of West African States (ECOWAS). The objective of the project is to improve agricultural productivity in the ECOWAS countries.

The recommended SRI practices include: raised unflooded seedbeds; selecting only good seeds for sowing in the nursery and use of strong seedlings from the nursery for transplanting; using younger seedlings (preferably 8–15 days for the shortterm variety, and 8–20 days for medium- or long-term variety) transplanted immediately after uprooting; fewer seedlings and preferably just one seedling per hill; shallow and careful transplanting; wider spacing between plants, preferably transplanting in a square pattern to expose plants more to the sun and air and to facilitate weeding; keeping minimum water levels in the field when transplanting and during the vegetative stage of rice growth; early and frequent weeding (to aerate the soil as well as to remove weeds); and application of compost, as much as possible. Some of the above-mentioned practices go against generally-accepted practices. For example, rice farmers are used to transplanting older seedlings (more than one month old), many seedlings per clump (more than five), placing the roots in very deeply when transplanting, and waiting for the field to be flooded with water before transplanting.

‘For many small-scale farmers, the purchase of manufactured fertilisers and pesticides is constrained by the high costs of these relative to output prices, or simply by their unavailability. Also, the farmers who buy pesticides would still be at risk because the information on how to use them properly is simply not available’

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

39

AGRICBUSINESS

‘Accurate weather predictions boom to private firms’ D EMAND for accurate weather predictions by farmers could enable private forecasting firms to enter the industry, the President, Lagos State Apex Fadama Community Association, Alhaji Mufutau Abiodun Oyelekan, has said.

According to him, there is increased demand for agro-meteorological information and services from the farmers.

This, he noted, imposes the need to reduce the role of agrometeorological stations, which should not only be “centres for collecting data and information”, but also something like a local referral and consultation centre.

He said an improved weather service would result into increases in food and income.

Such service, he added, would help farmers not only in increasing their production but also reducing their losses due to changing weather patterns and other problems.

Despite advances made in weather forecasting, he maintained that the real value is in

F

Stories by Daniel Essiet

terms of offering the right advice at right time to the farmers, noting that this is lacking.

Oyelekan said farmers need agro-meteorological services to meet essential needs in agro-meteorological information in both operational and climatological, adding that the economy is open to new and promising technologies and techniques that acommodate microclimate relationships and crop development models.

At the moment, he noted, agro meteorological services are not rich enough to attract the attention of farmers, adding that the sector needs more accurate agrometeorological information, to think and take decisions.

Experts said the data provided by the national weather service is more generic, and that this has reduced the dependency on the government weather service provider.

According to him, there was a need to create an alternative, al-

•Farmers listening to reports from their radio.

though one cannot rule out the forecasts by the National Meteorological Service.

He said the companies will provide weather services for corporate, industrial, media and consumer markets, including key

Investors’ interest in sugar will revitalise sector, says researcher

OREIGN investors’ interest in establishing sugar plantations in the country will create jobs, the Director, Sugar Research Institute, Ilorin, Prof Gbadebo Olaoye, has said.

He said sugar plantations and an ethanol processing plants will grow the economy.

He said the sector would witness growth in the next few years with projects planned for various parts of the country.

Experts said the industry is growing following the decision of four key players to pump $2.570 billion into the industry.This development follows on sharp increases in demand to two million metric tonnes (MT) as at last year, from 1.5 million MT the previous year, according to the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC).

Dangote Sugar is coming up with $2 billion investments in six states through its recently acquired Savannah Sugar Plc in Numan, Adamawa State, North-

east. Its target is 1.5 million MT and expansion from 6,500 hectares (ha) to 21,000 ha to produce 100,000 tonnes of sugar yearly by 2018.

HoneyGold Group is to invest $300million on two sites in Adamawa State, with the target of 200,000 tonnes of sugar yearly, while Crystal Sugar Mills is investing $30 million to expand its operations to 60,000 tonnes per year from its acquired 1,500 TCD sugar plant at Hadejia, Jigawa State. ‘’Confluence Sugar Company is investing $240 million in Kogi State to produce 200,000 tonnes sugar per year on about 37,000 ha of land at Ibaji,” LatifBusari, executive secretary, NSDC, said in Abuja.

Similarly, the NSDC said total national sugar demand rose to two million MT by the end of last year, from 1.5 million tonnes in 2012; while refining capacity utilisation rose to 75 per cent, from 60 per cent in the same period.

Raw sugar imports dropped to

800,000 MT from 1.4 million MT. Also, Dangote Group of Companies said it has concluded plans to create 160,000 jobs through agriculture.

Technical Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, Joseph Makoju, made this known when he led a delegation of the company to brief Governor Idris Wada on plans to establish a sugar factory in Kogi State.

He said Kogi is one of the seven states, where the company hopes to establish sugar factories. He added that construction on the proposed company would take off by November.

He said the company’s investment in agriculture is aimed at creating jobs and wealth as well as assist in implementing the Transformation Agenda of the federal and state governments.

Responding, Governor Wada assured the Dangote Group of support, adding that land has been acquired for the project.

Transformation Agenda’ll boost agric

T

HE Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) will create opportunities for home grown food manufacturing, the Deputy Director, Department of General Administration, Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Dr Ademola Adeyemo, has said.

According to him, the sector has a competitive labour cost base to supply to food manufacturing so long as it is done in areas where the advantages can be enjoyed.

He said thriving crops, fruits and vegetables sector is an enabling food processing to spend money on the much-needed capital infrastructure, which is expected to lead to high demand for food processing products.

He said the sector will meet major equipment requirements by having a proven, capable and reliable manufacturing capacity at its disposal.

Agribusiness, he said, is a high-tech commercial sector, which includes the production, processing, distribution and marketing of agricultural products and the manufacture of farm machinery, equipment and supplies.

In the next few years, he said, the sector would see growth in corporate agriculture and larger operations requiring skilled employees, including farm managers, agronomists and veterinarians and managers in human resources, finance and communications.

He said there is a booming

sectors, such as transport, marine and energy.

According to him, such companies will be permitted to sell data to insurance firms and those in the private sector.

To succeed, he said, such

firms would establish highest density of private weather stations, consisting of proprietary weather stations across the country and opening up opportunities for developing high resolution forecasting technologies.

Expert pushes for kenaf production

T

HE National President, Kenaf Development Association of Nigeria, Mr Kunle Amosun, has said the production of the plant could create jobs and boost the economy.

Kenaf is a warm-season yearly fibre crop related to cotton, okra, and hibiscus and an annual, woody-type plant of the Malvaceae family with the botanical name Hibiscus cannabinus.

It is the second most important natural fibre next to cotton and has been used for a long time as cordage and ropes, among others.

Amosun said in Ibadan that jute bags and paper could be produced from kenaf, adding that it would help in solving two major socio-economic problems in the country.

“If we can produce kenaf powder to mop oil spills in the Niger Delta, we would save foreign exchange and minimise restiveness in that region.

“If we produce cow meal from Kenaf in commercial quantities, we would

stabilise the nomadic Fulani, and also save the huge amount spent on nomadic education,’’ he said.

Amosun said the association had made efforts at promoting the use of the plant without achieving much due to its limitations.

“We found out that there is the need for a national policy on kenaf that will lead to the creation of a National Kenaf Board, to promote the production, processing and marketing of the plant in Nigeria.

“There is the need for strong collaboration among the Ministries of Agriculture and rural Development and Science and Technology, Kenaf Development Association and private entrepreneurs.

“We also need to learn from the experience of a country like the U.S., where the most is being made out of Kenaf,‘’ he said.

He urged Nigerians to consider the product and invest in it for the good of the economy.

18,540 tonnes of fertiliser for farmers

T

HE All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Gombe State chapter, is set to distribute 18,540 tonnes of fertiliser to farmers.

Speaking in Gombe, its Secretary, Alhaji Gambo Sarkin-Noma, said the product, which would be given as loan, would be interest-free.

He said the association was awaiting the state government’s nod before it commenced the distribution.

Sarkin-Noma said the fertiliser would be distributed to only bonafide farmers in the 114 wards of the 11 local government areas of the state.

He said the initiative was a collaboration between the state government and JAIZ Bank, aimed at improving both farming and the economy of the state.

He said the association set up

committees in each of the local governments to ensure success during the exercise as well as recover the loans.

Sarkin-Noma said while large-scale farmers would receive 1000 bags, medium scale farmers would get 500 bags and about 15 bags for small-scale farmers.

He said the commodity would be sold to farmers at a subsidised rate of N3,000 instead of N6,000, the price in the market.

He said the government would ensure that farmers received the commodity before the launch for the planting season.

He praised the government for the initiative, adding that this would improve this year’s farming and ensure food security in the country.

Kwara distributes maize seeds

K •Adeyemo

demand from export markets and a growing interest in food provenance and safety.

WARA Government has offered 14.2 metric tonnes of improved maize seeds to farmers for planting this cropping season.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the improved maize varieties, provided in partnership with West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme, would be planted on 710 hectares of land across the state.

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said the state is targeting 300 tonnes of the maize varieties at the end of the season.

Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources Mr Kayode Towoju, the governor said 450 farmers were selected from the 16 local councils of the state to benefit from the programme.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

40

BUSINESS XTRA

Stop the ‘cement war’, now!

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HESE are difficult times. For Nigeria, Nigerians and the leaders, it is not just bleak as far as human eyes can see, it does not just rain; it pours tears and sweats, drenches blood and despair. Nigeria at war: over prosperity of poverty and faith and denial of faith in man and God in the march of history. The state of emergency is not a North or pan-Nigerian, West Africa or indeed African affair. No! It has become global. And if you were President Goodluck Jonathan, how would you feel being drawn to an uncalled for war on the side? Outrage, I guess!

Business and economics like the politics that drives them is winner-take-all by and large.

President Jonathan did not make the rule; nor did President Barak Obama. It was there before they came to power and will continue after they leave office – unless the players and nations decide to design and follow new and nobler principles.

Operators in the cement industry have formed two camps and raised armies fighting each other, not to a stand-still but possible annihilation if need be for the winner to take over the market. Of course, business is war by another name. Perhaps, one gladiator took a nap. Too bad because business people more than the rest of society know that there is no resting on the oars; that godfathers do not sleep but ever on the prowl and feels no pity if he finds you dosing or snoring!

The on-going cement war is in the nature of most wars a matter of survival. Yet, it is possible for protagonists and antagonists here to survive and continue reaping mutual uncommon profits. But what is behind it, why are otherwise respectful players shooting from the hips?

Two advertorials and a features article in The Leadership of Wednesday, May 21, 2014 capture the heart of the conflict. One group claims that cement is cement and the other says; No, cement has standards. The feature article figures that standards are not all there are to building collapse. Fair and true, but essentially the matter of standards cannot be shifted or down-played.

As a matter of fact, were standards the standard, the cement war would not arise. It is just that the business community and their state protectors do not reckon with the wellbeing of Nigerians who rarely take our fate in our hands. And since citizens hardly bother helping selves, an oppressor sometimes does it when he sees an advantage. Believe me we should then be cheering if things were not so bad!

A cardinal principle of modern business is information. A manufacturer should know the dangers his products may expose consumers to and warn in clear language against inadvertent use and misuse. It is not enough that a product passes all prescribed tests. No. It must carry necessary warnings without which an ignorant user risks suffering injuries. But in that case liability would fall on the producer.

In the 1980s in the United States, tobacco industry entered into a deal to compensate smokers who suffered all manner of ailments because cigarette makers failed to give adequate health warnings. Hence emerged “The Surgeon General Warns that smoking is dangerous to health” and which became branded on every cigarette pack. Cigarette makers paid billions of dollars and many folded as a result.

Coca-Cola has been fighting a major battle over whether the drink has an addictive element that induces consumers to the perpetual use.

Just last week, Credit Suisse agreed to pay $2.5 billion fine to the US for helping American businesses cheat US tax authorities. It was borne out of failure to give detailed information or full disclosure where and when necessary. And this is what the so-called new standard on cement is about: that cement has grades and different grades have different uses that builders and buyers have a right, indeed, a duty to be so informed.

It is sad that rather than call a spade a spade, a global company like the Lafarge Group is trying to be smart by half. Ashaka Cement Plc standing in for Lafarge states: Our numerous consumers are further assured that we will continue producing products that meet the highest standards of quality in line with national and international standards, using the best practices and ensuring the safety of end-users. We therefore urge all our consumers and various stakeholders not to be deceived by the unsubstantiated marketing claims deigned to de-market our products and gain unethical competitiveness and monopolistic advantage.

Standards are not private as such. They are

By Femi Ogunsaki

universal: national and global. Of course, individuals may set personal standards but they can only apply at that level. The international community under the International Standards Organisation (ISO) has established three, nay four cement grades: 32.5, 42.5, 52.5 and 62.5. Each grade is of the highest quality by itself. But this is not to say that 32.5 grade should serve the duty reserved for 42.5 cement grade. Standards mark the strength. The 32.5 cement grade cannot do what the 42.5 does nor the 42.5 be used where the 52.5 grade is required.

Yes, cement is cement but there are grades and different grades have different uses. This is not a Nigerian thing but the global standard. Lafarge knows it but dupes Nigerian consumers to buy its dummy and would want to continue with this trade deceit if it could have its way.

What SON has done is demand compliance with global best practice without imposing fines for past failures. Given the reaction of Lafarge, Nigerians who have suffered injuries must start taking actions to get some remedy on account of not being informed as of their right. Yes, the buyer as well the user has the right to be told the facts and possible dangers.

The Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu said the agency’s survey showed that over 90 per cent of professional builders did not know about cement grades; that over 90 per cent of cement dealers did not know that cement has grades and lifespan; that over 90 per cent of construction and buildings were done by artisans who did not know about cement grades and where different grades should be used and where they should not. And this massive ignorance is what Lafarge wants to perpetuate and reap from.

In the drug industry, a manufacturer who fails to give full information faces penalty in the event the product causes mishap on the user. It is not a Nigerian rule. It is the standard practice. Lafarge should not lay claim to best practice or allege unethical market behavior of competitors. If anything, the company has in a most blatant fashion shown impunity by daring to wish to take steps to perpetuate the old order: not marking the grades of its products and pretend that cement is cement and grades do not exist or matter. This position is unprofessional, unethical and a blatant abuse of its corporate responsibility. The callousness is the fact that the 32.5 and the 42.5 grades sell at about the same price to make even the cautious buyer/user not to bother.

The cement war by Lafarge and co is immoral, outrageous and smacks of impunity.

SON must set out immediately to ensure compliance and levy heavy penalty on violators. What does a manufacturer lose by letting the public know what its product does and the limitations and contradictions?

SON has made that point that the producers can upgrade the 32.5 production line to 42.5 at little costs but those who think only of huge profits at minimal investments and health of the users consider only their profit outlay that must not in any way be shifted.

Specifically, SON sets the 32.5 grade to plastering, the 42.5 is general purpose while the 52.5 is for heavy duty constructions such as reinforcement and piling works. Many nations including the US, China and most of the EU have phased out the 32.5 cement grade.

Nigeria bleeds profusely today because impunity was allowed to hold sway for a long time before it was told in clear terms that it is unacceptable in civilised societies and the state would not tolerate it.

Now, some manufacturers want the impunity they have traded and profited in to persist and dare the government to do its worst.

Refusing to give clear information on your products is corporate rascality. To refuse information is Boko Haram tendency or what is the difference between information, education and book?

Lafarge said it has not been informed of the SON position. So, why is it fighting?

Trades and Investment Minister should pass the order and see to it that the cement war stops now.

Mr. President and the nation have serious issues and should not be distracted by a proxy war.

• Ogunsaki wrote from Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Mozambique’s new terminal ready

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ORK to build a new fertiliser terminal at the port of Beira, in Mozambique’s Sofala province, with capacity to process 8,000 tons of fertiliser daily, is due to begin soon, a director of Cornelder de Moçambique said.

The Director of Marketing and Sales of the Port of Beira, Félix Machado, told Mozambican daily newspaper Notícias that the building project had been awarded and that the start of work had been delayed due to ground studies underway following

sea water flooding.

With an estimated cost of US$35 million, the new terminal will respond to increasing fertiliser traffic at the port, which currently only has a warehouse with capacity to store 2,000 tons of goods.

In 1998, the port of Beira handled up to 50,000 tons of goods per year but handles 600,000 tons. It is estimated that the African region that the port serves – Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Democratic Republic of Congo – may require capacity of between 1.2 million and 1.5 million tons per year.

Machado also said the port of Beira had handled 80 per cent of Malawi’s tobacco exports in the last five years and that previously the port of Durban had handled 80 per cent of Malawi’s tobacco and Beira just 20 per cent.

Cornelder de Moçambique is a partnership between state company Portos e Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique and Cornelder Holdings, based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, which has operated the container and general cargo at the port of Beira since October 1998.

EMP, MFEP to launch e-bill payment

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MERGING Markets Payments (EMP) and Madfoo3atCom for Electronic Payments (MFEP) recently won a tender to build, operate and administrate the Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment System for Jordan, under the auspices of the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ).

The service is being launched under the name of eFawateerCom, and allows people in Jordan to receive and pay bills electronically from their computers, ATMs, kiosks and Point of Sale terminals.

Following a successful pilot phase that involved three

banks and three billers (two mobile operators and the Customs Department), eFawateerCom was officially launched on May 1.

Executive Manager of the Payment Systems and Domestic Banking Operations Department at the CBJ, Maha Bahou, was the first to use the service.

She stated “The collaboration between EMP and MFEP is very significant as they bring a worldclass electronic bill presentment and payment system which has been integrated with EMP’s extensive payments network in Jordan to create a seamless

experience for our citizens.”

The system was conceived by the CBJ as one of the initiatives being undertaken in the interest of promoting a more efficient economy. eFawateerCom will reduce the need to send paper statements and invoices, and will encourage electronic payment of bills.

Most large Jordanian billers are expected to join eFawateerCom over the next year or so, including the electricity and water utilities. The Jordanian Government will utilise the platform to manage government payments, such as licences, customs duties and taxes.

• President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Remi Bello, welcoming High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria and Ghana, and Ambassador to Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon and Benin, Lt. Gen. Muhammad Ashraf Saleem (rtd) when the latter paid a courtesy call to the Chamber.

Krugman warns ECB against JapanOBEL Prize-winning like deflation convince oneself there is no economist Paul problem, Krugman said,

N

Krugman has challenged the European Central Bank (ECB) to stop the euro zone slipping into Japan-style deflation, saying it risked sitting still while the economy became “persistently depressed”.

Speaking at the ECB’s inaugural Forum on Central

P

Banking, Krugman suggested the euro zone could sleep walk into Japanstyle deflation – a challenge to which ECB President Mario Draghi will have an opportunity to respond to at the conference in Portugal later on Tuesday.

It would be easy to

adding: “There is not that explosive downward dynamics in the euro area, or in the United States.

“But then there has never been explosive downward dynamics in Japan either, and yet we do think that Japan has had a persistent deflation problem.”

Firms to boost luxury business

OLO Luxury Group and Cartier Africa are partnering to boost products provided by Cartier and to bring its luxury know-how and expertise to Polo.

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Polo Luxury Group, Mr John Obayuwana, said his company is proud to be associated with the global luxury brand and considers it a privilege to be Cartier partner in Nigeria.

Speaking during the visit by the Chief Executive Officer of Cartier Africa, Mr

By Oluwakemi Dauda

Alessandro Patti, to his office, Obayuwana said Cartier is reputed to be one of the world’s respected Maisons in the luxury goods industry.

“Cartier, as a jeweller based in Paris, has always led the way in creativity, innovation, beauty and style. This is what Cartier represents to the world and in the world.

The presence of Mr. Patti further cements our relationship with Cartier and in turn, boosts the Nigerian luxury market,” Obayuwana said.

Patti said Africa is an

emerging continent with Nigeria being the fastest and growing economy for luxury business.

“As the first luxury brand in watch and jewellery, we are here to see how we can implement a long term sustainable growth of our investments with Polo, the pioneers in luxury business in Nigeria,” he said.

At the event were the Area Manager, Cartier Africa and Middle East, Mr. PierreEmmanuel Placette and Executive Director, Polo Luxury Group, Jennifer Obayuwana.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30 2014

COMMENTARY

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REAMBLE It was an all stars affair last Sunday at Abuja National Mosque where an intimidating group of Muslim Scholars and clerics, Muslim traditional rulers, governors and ministers, Muslim leaders and elite as well as Muslim Professionals and students from all parts of the country clustered like a galaxy in the milky way. The motive was to offer an appealing congregational prayer to the Almighty Allah for peace and security in Nigeria. The prayer was organised by Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of the Council’s President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa‘ad Abubakar who initiated the idea. It was moderated by the Secretary-General of Council, Professor Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede and led by the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, Ustaz Musa Muhammad. The Vice-President, Muhammad Namadi Sambo, was in attendance along with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, governors, ministers, legislators and government officials. And yours sincerely was there as a participant.

Prior to last Sunday’s prayer, the Sultan, in his capacity as the President-General of the NSCIA, had requested all Mosques in Nigeria to recite Al-Qunut, Ayatul Qursiyy and Suratul Quraysh several times on a daily basis not just for peace to reign but also for the perpetrators of the so-called Boko Haram atrocities and their godfathers to be exposed and apprehended. Besides, the Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) had also organised a similar prayer penultimate Sunday at the same venue invoking the mercy of Allah to descend on Nigeria and wipe out all forces of evil. Thus, last Sunday’s outing was to reinforce the prayer believed to have been continually but generally offered across the country in torrents by the Muslim faithful.

Conundrum

In what looks like a conundrum, insecurity in Nigeria has become like mysterious sphinx in Greek mythology as contained in Sophocles’ epi-tragic drama entitled Oedipus Rex. The setting of the drama was in a city called Thebes where all living things were subjected to a devilish siege of the sphinx. What the Thebesians of that time did to overcome their un-foretold tribulation should be a case study for Nigerians of today.

There is something strange about human secrecy which makes people feel that they can be invisible while hiding behind one finger to perpetrate evil. It seems that the story of human secrecy is about back entrances and side doors as it is about evil elevators and clandestine ways of getting to the ‘top’ while avoiding being caught in the act. But in the end, the dangling noose of suicide anxiously awaits any evil perpetrator who wears the mask of secrecy. The hypothetical name of that noose is NEMESIS. Perhaps nothing typifies social conundrum in Nigeria like today’s evil perpetrations by series of groups commonly known as Boko Haram. The conundrum is such that the evil phenomenon called Boko Haram can no longer be specifically identified with any particular group as it has become a mysterious cloak under which all evil elements in the country now masquerade.

Osun’s Boko Haram coinage

For instance, how does one classify a case in Osun State two weeks ago in which some Church members of a remote town (Ikonifin) under Olaoluwa Local Government (near Iwo) of the state were arrested and now under investigation for attempting to create a scaring scene by giving the impression that Boko Haram had arrived in Osun State.

Although the principal perpetrators of that act were claiming to be acting a drama, the real motive, as usual, was to smear Islam as a religion and subject the Muslims in the State of Osun to blackmail, ridicule and intimidation just to enable those perpetrators to ‘win new souls’ and thereby gain more tithes in a seeming dangerous religious trade.

About five perpetrators of that evil act are now in police custody at the Special Investigation Department (SID), Osogbo, where they are being ‘investigated’ so to

FEMI ABBAS ON femabbas756@gmail.com 08115708536

The Boko Haram conundrum

•The Osun suspects

say. The case was about to be swept under the carpet through the usual religious power play before the Osun State Muslim Community stepped in with a petition alerting the authorities of the danger inherent in the backlash of treating the case with ‘glove kit’. Nigerians are waiting for the outcome of that investigation. And unlike in past, it will be followed to a conclusive end.

The case of alleged Boko Haram coinage in Osun State cannot be strange to anybody who has been following the trend of satanic religious propaganda in Nigeria recently with the obvious conspiracy of the press. It will be recalled that sometime in February 2012, eight able-bodied men were arrested in Bauchi for similar evil act when they were trying to bomb a Church in the name of Boko Haram.

Witnesses said the men, (all Christians) who lived around the area, came with sophisticated weapons and explosive devices with which they tried to set them off in the COCIN Church but were overpowered by local people and handed them over to soldiers, who took the suspects to Bauchi for further investigations.

The report of the investigations is yet to be released two and a half years after.

The suspects, who were said to be members of the church located at Unguwar Rimi along Bauchi-Jos road. They had been seriously beaten by a mob before some policemen from the Toro Divisional Police Office came to their rescue by transferring them to the state police command in Bauchi where they were detained for investigation. The outcome of that investigation is yet to be made public.

The Lagos State angle

Meanwhile, another pastor in Lagos called Pastor Jehovah Sharp-Sharp has alerted the public that Boko Haram had already arrived in Lagos State. He said the group was rehearsing its terror act in a particular Mosque which he was not ready to for disclose now. He added that the some top government officials were behind the group but he was not ready to name them as he had passed the information to the security personnel. It is quite interesting that a Church pastor could discover what the security men could not discover. The outcome of this is also being awaited. And just a couple of days ago, breaking news revealed that somebody was arrested in Jos while trying to plant a bomb. The security agents said they were not ready to disclose the identity of the person yet. We are waiting to know his identity.

The arrested suspected bombers above in Bauchi in 2012 are: (1) Lamba Goma,

(2) Filibus Danasa, (3) Joshua Ali, (4)Danjuma Sabo, (5) Joseph Audu, (6) Simon Gabriel, (7) Bulus Haruna, (8) Yohanna Ishaya and Daniel Ayuba (who was the immediate past secretary of a political party at Tilden Fulani Ward, Toro LGA, Bauchi State).

Shortly before the Bauchi incident, a COCIN church in Jos was rocked by an explosion which claimed 3 lives (including that of the bomber) and injured 38 others on a Sunday morning. Jos has since been embroiled in seeming attritional ethnoreligious clashes that haveclaimed hundreds of lives.

On Friday, January 13, 2012, ThisDay newspaper ( page 6) reported a story it culled from the BBC in which a Britainbased arms dealer, Gary Hyde was being prosecuted in a London court for unlawfully arranging the shipment of about 80000 guns and 32 million rounds of ammunition in 2007 from China to Nigeria.

The question which was neither asked nor answered in that case was about the recipients of such a huge cache. If the recipients were the Boko Haram members why was the supply by a Christian? If the consignment was meant for non-Boko Haram members what was the motive?

On March 28, 2012, Daily Trust reported a case of two Nigerians (Sunday Eze from Anambra State and Samuel Taiwo from Ogun State) who were arrested in Ghana for trying to smuggle large ammunition into Nigeria. From their names and their States of origin, it was obvious that the two men were Southerners and non-Muslims. One may then ask if they were running errands for Boko Haram or just trading with the latter. And if they were on their own in business it then becomes necessary to ask: for which terror group were they trying to import the cache or were they preparing for a premeditated civil war. On Tuesday, April 10, 2012 a 38-yearold man named Monday Dayou was arrested while planting a timed bomb at Makera weekly market in Riyom Local Government of Plateau State. His intention was to commit mass murder believing that such act would only be blamed on Boko Haram. If Monday Dayou had succeeded in his devilish mission, someone would have posted Boko Haram’s admission of that crime on the internet and that would have provided an opportunity for ‘a reprisal’.

On February 20, 2012, Daily Sun newspaper (page 12) reported the arrest of five armed men led by one Evangelist Wale Adelu of an old generation Church in Akure. The men were said to have been holding meetings in the Parish of the Evangelist to perfect their plans.

Although the Police said they were armed robbers, but the question is if such

men had offer to commit terrorism for money wouldn’t they do it?

Also, on March 10, 2012, Saturday Sun (page 10) reported an illegal importation from South Africa of a consignment of arms and ammunition intercepted by the Nigerian Customs Servicemen at the Murtala Muhammad Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. The consignments, according to reports, were meant for a company named Miero Marble Granite in Kaduna State which was represented by Mr. Michael Awara Ernest who was present to collect the explosives at the cargo terminal of the airport. The Customs Area Comptroller at that time, Mr. Charles Eporwei Edike in his comment while parading the suspect said: “If these items were released to him they could have been used to cause mayhem. We are going to hand him and the items to the Police for further investigations. Till today, the outcome of those investigations remains a matter of silence.

On February 22, 2012, The Leadership newspaper (page 10) reported that the Police Public Relations Officer, Alaribe Ejike said four persons (all men) were arrested while trying to detonate explosives at the St. Theresa Catholic Parish in Makurdi, Benue State and added that “the arrested men were Christians and not Boko Haram members as speculated by members. It remains one thing and as soon as we find it out we shall inform you accordingly.

More than 30 months after, that information is yet to be released.

It will be recalled that Rev. Father Mathew Hassan Kukah, the Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese had mentioned in January 2012, the case of Christians disguising as Muslims to burn Churches in some parts of the North (see The Guardian of January 17, 2012, page 45). Also, Prof. Jean Herskovits of the State University of New York who has been writing on Nigerian politics since 1970 earlier sounded a similar note of caution in the New York Times.

This was reported in The Nation of January6, 2012, page 43.

The Muslim Ummah of the Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN) alluded to most of these facts in its Press press Advertisement published in The Nation of March 6, 2012 where it alerted the nation of a clandestine ground plan by some non-Muslims in Nigeria to cause religious war by all means in the name of Boko Haram. MUSWEN in that advert entitled ‘FACTS ARE SACRED’ called on the Federal Government to pay serious attention to the issue of insecurity in the country without any bias.

JNI versus CAN

Earlier on February 17, 2012, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) which is the Muslim umbrella body in the North issued a communiqué following a three-day retreat on peace and security in Nigeria held in Kaduna. The communique was published on Page 59 of The Nation.

In the communiqué, the JNI charged the security agencies in the country to investigate an act on allegations that some Christians were disguising as Muslims to burn down Churches in the northern parts of the country.

But in a sharp reaction the northern chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) accused JNI not only of standing the truth on its head but also of fanning the ember of discoed in the northern region.

Denying the involvement of any Christian in terrorism in the name of Boko Haram CAN concluded that “if the Sultan of Sokoto, through the JNI is accusing Christians of terrorism and Pastor Oritsejafor, through CAN, is condemning attacks on Churches, who is heating the polity?”

Warning

Now with the above loaded undeniable facts and figures above who can actually be called Boko Haram with definite identity in Nigeria? We do not want the spread of Boko Haram terrorist activities in Southern Nigeria. Those who are clandestinely weaving its web should watch their steps very well. From all indications, it seems that Boko Haram is a religious business in Nigeria in which some religious merchants are thriving. Such merchants should however know that If any fire of terrorism is ignited in the Southern part of the country its inventors will not be able to escape its furnace. The value of peace is never realised until there is a war. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

NEWS

‘Days of peace ‘ll come again’ Text of President Goodluck Jonathan’s Democracy Day speech in Abuja yesterday

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ELLOW Nigerians, I greet and felicitate with you all, today, as we mark 15 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in our beloved country.

Our dear nation, Nigeria, has certainly come a long way and made notable progress since our first Democracy Day on May 29, 1999 when the military finally relinquished power and handed over to a democratically-elected government, marking the true beginning of a “government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

Although I have ordered a lowkey commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day in deference to the current mood of the nation, there can be no doubt that the past 15 years, the longest period of sustained democratic governance in our country, have been a blessing to us, as a people.

As we commemorate 15 years of our Fourth Republic today, therefore, I believe that it is fitting that we pay tribute once again to all those who played a part in restoring our nation to the true path of democratic governance, built on the foundations of rule of law and freedom of expression.

As a result of our collective efforts since 1999, democratic governance is now entrenched in our nation and institutions. I wholeheartedly believe that our people are the better for it. The scope of fundamental rights and liberties enjoyed by our people over the past 15 years has been expanded beyond measure.

On my watch, we have witnessed high national economic growth rates, steady improvements and expansion of national infrastructure, including airports and roads, the restoration of rail transportation, the efficient implementation of a roadmap for improved power supply, a revolutionary approach to agricultural production as well as advances in education, sports, youth development, healthcare delivery, housing, water supply and other social services.

In the oil and gas sector, our promotion of a sustainable local content policy continues to guarantee equity and better opportunities for Nigerian

entrepreneurs and skilled personnel.

Significant increase in mobile telephone and national broadband penetration, making Information and Communications Technology (ICT) one of the fastest growing sectors of the Nigerian economy.

We have also developed strong financial markets and regulatory institutions. Our banks now have regional and global footprints.

Nigeria has also gained recognition as the largest economy in Africa, the most preferred investment destination in the continent and in terms of returns on investment, the fourth in the world. We are pleased that the world has noticed, as global leaders converged on Abuja early this month for the World Economic Forum in Africa.

The event not only witnessed a record attendance, it brought the prospect of an additional flow of investment into the Nigerian economy estimated at over 68 billion dollars over the next few years.

In foreign relations, our country has equally done well within this period, by establishing and strengthening strong partnerships with all ECOWAS countries and the rest of the world. This has helped to deepen Nigeria’s leadership role in multilateral institutions, including the United Nations.

Furthermore, under this administration, we have made consistent progress in improving the standard of elections in our country to ensure that they are ever more credible and truly representative of the people’s free choice.

The National Conference we initiated to deliberate and make recommendations on the best ways of resolving our current political and socio-economic challenges is ongoing. It is our expectation that its outcomes will help to further consolidate the gains we have made from democracy in the past 15 years, and place our dear nation even more firmly on the path to greatness.

Dear Compatriots, it is a sad fact that as I address you today, all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our country are threatened by the presence of inter-

national terrorism on our shores.

Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge. A war has been unleashed on us. Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the democracy and freedom we cherish and celebrate today.

The despicable abduction of schoolgirls from Chibok in Borno State has brought to the awareness of the entire world, the heartless brutality of these terrorists who want to instigate a descent into anarchy and balkanise our nation.

In recent years, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of several of our compatriots, many have been injured or maimed, whole villages and communities have been destroyed and the economy of some of our states is in jeopardy.

There can be no doubt that what we are witnessing in Nigeria today is a manifestation of the same warped and ferocious world view that brought down the Twin Towers in New York, killed innocent persons in Boston and led to the murder of defenceless people in the Southern Russian city of Volgograd.

Terrorist activities have brought war and pains to Mali, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

These agents of evil continue to brainwash and incite ignorant young men and women to attack the innocent.

We cannot allow this to continue.

I welcome the statements of solidarity from patriotic citizens and the global community in support of our efforts to stamp out terrorism. I applaud the understanding that in a democracy, such as we are building, people can have differences while sharing worthy values and standing together in opposition to the scourge of terrorism.

Nigeria is the only country we have and we must all work to preserve it for present and future generations.

Despite the challenges we face, we must commend our security forces.

We must not forget their gallantry

and successes in liberating nations and in peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra Leone, Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and many places in Africa and beyond. Our forces have paid the supreme price in several places at several times.

Today, they face a different challenge, an unconventional war by terrorists. They are adjusting and are being equipped to tackle the new menace of terrorism.

We must show confidence in their ability. I have no doubt that, with the support of Nigerians, our neighbours and the international community, we will reinforce our defence, free our girls and rid Nigeria of terrorists.

It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians and I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home.

I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism. The unity and stability of our country, and the protection of lives and property are non-negotiable.

I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil. I have also authorised the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done.

I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again and that these thugs will be driven away – it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal.

For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.

My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure

•Dr Jonathan

their de-radicalisation, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society.

Dear Compatriots, we must remain united to win the war against terrorism. Christians, Muslims, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers, lawyers, clergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections of the country must work together with our security agencies and armed forces to overcome the terrorists who now threaten all that we hold dear.

The war against terror may be difficult, but the days of peace will come again.

Terror is evil; nowhere in history has evil endured forever.

The menace of Boko Haram will surely come to an end. I believe that because of your prayers, your courage, hardwork, faith and sacrifice, we will ultimately prevail over the terrorists and all other evil forces.

We are a strong, resilient and courageous people. We will continue to partner with the civilised world, to confront international terrorism and every other challenge that comes our way with patriotic zeal and determination.

Fellow Nigerians, yes, we have challenges but we will surely overcome. Nigeria is our country. Nigeria is blessed. We will all collectively protect, defend and develop this country for ourselves, and our children.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you and God bless Nigeria.

Maku announces vacancy for position of President APC Interim National Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed responds to Information Minister Labaran Maku’s statement on government’s spending on security in some APC states and allegation that the party members are sponsoring the #Bringbackourgirls protests

•Maku

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HE most astounding information from the most credible source, the Honourable Minister of Information Labaran Maku himself regarding government and governance in Nigeria has finally emerged.

Rising from a meeting of the highest organ of the Executive arm of the Federal Government, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the Minister for Information confirmed what has been said in different ways. He confirmed that the ship of the Nigerian state continues to tether on auto-pilot without a captain in charge. He admitted that President Goodluck Jonathan is the President/Leader/CEO of PDP, and not of Nigeria.

Or else, how else can one explain the Honourable Minister’s outburst (purportedly on behalf of FEC), that the FGN was spending

significantly on security in “three APC controlled states of Adamawa ,Borno and Yobe”?

The rest of the world, and Nigerians perhaps erroneously believed these were states of Nigeria, including officially recognised international borders between Nigeria and other countries. Now, we know that to the President, as announced by his Minister of Information, they are APC states, not federating units of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Obviously governance is according to the PDP constitution, not the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Nigerian Constitution does not recognise or demarcate, or discriminate between states on account of ethnicity, or political leaning, especially when it concerns the very important issue of security. However, the PDP’s constitution probably recognises only states where PDP governors preside over and President Jonathan is governing according to that constitution.

As innocuous and ill-conceived this statement on behalf of FEC by Labaran Maku is, it is the most tragic, telling and fearful statement that has, or can be attributed to any central government in any democracy. All over the world, there are conflicts between separatists and central governments, and it is not

uncommon to see neighbouring countries annexing portions of another country, but never has the world experienced a central government excising its own states especially on grounds of security or on grounds of political leaning.

Imagine a U.S President like Obama complaining about national spending on security in New York to protect the homeland after 911 under a Republican mayor, RudGuliani? Or the year after year spending on border patrol and homeland protection to secure the U.S. border from drugs, guns and violent crimes in Texas or Arizona, lifelong and unwavering red (Republican) states? Nothing will be more impeachable!

But that is not all, the Federal Executive Council, going by Maki’s statement actually see Nigerians only as PDP supporters or APC supporters. They don’t even see us as Nigerians, a nation, or a people!

This again is inconsistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic that identifies all citizens as Nigerians, and the rest of the world recognises us as such.Or how else can one explain Maku’s unguarded outburst that “majority of protesters accusing the government of not doing enough on security were APC members”? Again, we are talking about the security of the

homeland, and a terrorism scourge that has killed, or has in captivity Nigerians from the east, the west, the south and the north, Christians and Muslims. A scourge that has decimated lives on campuses, and killed youth corpers who came from every party of Nigeria. Isn’t it the duty of government to protect citizens, immigrants, and visitors? How come that’s this government sees Nigetians only as either PDP supporters, or APC supporters.

Maku is credited as saying “Look at the entire money we are spending is to maintain security in states controlled by the APC .

So why do you come back and start playing politics?” The question is, who is playing politics, Government or a political party? And who should play politics, government or a political party? How can the Federal Government discriminate on how much it is spending to secure the nation based on location, political control and perception of political preference of citizens of Nigeria? Doesn’t the constitution make it a condition precedent that a Presidential candidate must score at least one quarter of all votes cast in at least two thirds of the states of the Federation in addition securing the majority of

all votes cast before he or she can be declared the winner? Isn’t that to ensure that any elected President, is indeed President of the whole country, and not of not a region, or political party? Doesn’t that mean that some citizens of Adamawa , Borno and Yobe states would have voted for President Goodluck Jonathan? Wasn’t the governor of Adamawa state elected on the platform of the PDP.? Don’t we have Federal and serving state and federal legislators from these states elected on the platform of the PDP? Did the governors upon winning elections in those states discriminate between LGAs that were PDP or their respective parties? Upon election, isn’t the President supposed to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?Isn’t the FEC supposed to be the Federal Executive Council for the whole of Nigeria?

Maku said: “Ninety per cent of those campaigning to bring back Chibok girls are also members of that same party (APC).” What a tragic and insensitive statement from an Honourable Minister of the Federal Republic about children, some of whom are minors with neither political leaning.

•Continued on page 58

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

49

SOCIETY Rev. Olalekan Adeleke of The Shepherds Flock International Church in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital, has marked his 50th birthday. The event was held at Moremi Alatede Kitchen Restaurant and Bar in Ikeja, Lagos.

OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

T

HE Moremi Alatede Kitchen Restaurant and Bar in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital, was filled with business associates, friends, family and church members of Rev. Olalekan Adeleke of The Shepherds Flock International Church last Sunday.

They came to celebrate with him on his 50th birthday. Rev Adeleke is also the Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Multibrand Solution Ltd. It was a gathering of the old and the young. Many came from church and were in traditional attires. Few wore English dresses.

Chairs were arranged round tables with fruits on them. A banner with the celebrator’s big picture and a “Happy 50th birthday” inscription written on it was by the door.

Guests were served continental and local dishes and non-alcoholic wine.

When the birthday ‘boy’ came into the bar, he was all smiles in sky blue Buba and Sokoto with gold cap. His wife, Love, who wore the same attire, ushered him in. He went round to greet the guests.

The party started after his entry.

The opening prayer was said by Rev Albert Atunnise while Olubukola Durojaiye led the praise and worship session. It was followed by the rendition of the hymn, “Great is thy faithfulness”.

•Rev. Atunnise and his wife, Funke

Celebrating 50 in style •Group Capt Ibitokun and his wife, Abosede

•Mrs Helen Ishiekwene (left) and Mrs Sade Odusoga •Rev. Adeleke assisted by his wife, Love, to cut the cake

The event continued with testimonies about the celebrator.

Group Captain Tunji Ibitokun, described the celebrator as a resource person. “He is good, loving, nice, caring and wonderful,” he said.

Rev Atunnise described the celebrator as a mentor, a faithful Christian and a good friend.

The celebrator’s sister, Mrs Folashade Odusoga, described him as a role model and a man of his words who taught his siblings faith-

fulness, sincerity and integrity.

“He is always there to stand by you and he is someone you can trust and depend on. He is caring and a brother indeed. I call him daddy because that is what he is to me. I thank God for his life,” Mrs Odusoga said.

One of his workers, Michael Asekhame, said: “I have learnt a lot from him. He is a good boss.”

Mrs Adeleke wished her husband many more fruitful years, adding: “He is caring, supportive and never

tired of praying and I thank God for his life and that of the ministry.”

The celebrator said God has been gracious to him, adding: “I feel very happy whenever I have the opportunity to worship God because I enjoy the presence of God.” After the testimonials, the birthday cake was cut. It had chocolate and skyblue colours with a figure 50 shape.

The celebrator, his wife and children took photographs. Guests moved to the serving point to rel-

PHOTOS: ADEJO DAVID

ish the cuisine.

After eating, they settled down for the sermon, which was delivered by Rev Teny Akinyemi.

The cleric said celebrating 50 is worthwhile because life expectancy in Nigeria is below that. He said the celebrator is living a life of focus, fulfillment and purpose.

After the sermon, Mrs Adeleke gave the vote of thanks and the closing hymn: “Our God our help in ages past” followed.

Mrs Christiana Olusola Agbedejobi, a former Director at the Lagos State Ministry of Education, has celebrated her 60th birthday/retirement from service. The event took place at the Oke-Afa Junior College at Jakande Estate in Ejigbo, a Lagos suburb. DURO BABAYEMI reports.

60 hearty cheers to a ‘wonderful mother’

S

HE beamed with smiles through out. It was a day of fulfillment for her. Her family, friends and colleagues from where she worked were there to share in her joy. She moved from seat to seat, thanking guests for coming.

Decked in green Aso-Oke, the celebrator, Mrs Christiana Agbedejobi and her husband, Paul, looked elegant in their well-sewn traditional attire.

It was her 60th birthday.

Mrs Agbedejobi, a former Director at the Lagos State Ministry of Education and Principal, Oke Afa Junior College in Isolo, also retired after a meritorious 30-years service.

She was an examiner with the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

Many guests wore uniformed pink Aso-Oke with orange head gear; others were in blue Ankara with yellow head gear.

The party was held under a big canopy at the Oke-Afa Junior College.

The celebration kicked off with prayer led by Pastor Isaac Salako.

Archdeacon Segun Onafeso delivered the sermon, saying the gift of

life is worth celebrating.

He urged the celebrator not to relent in assisting those coming behind her.

After the sermon, the school choir led guests in a praise session, which was followed by cultural performances by some students.

After the cutting of the cake, guests joined the celebrator and her family in taking photographs.

The celebrator’s husband thanked God for helping him make the right choice, saying: “She is the wife of my dream and I have also found a friend and confidant in her,” he said.

The Vice-Principal (Academics), Oke Afa Junior College, Mrs Abimbola Owolabi, said the celebrator was a good administrator who prepared her subordinates for success.

“Her administrative capabilities allowed her to delegate duties in all fairness and without prejudice,” she said.

Her counterpart in administration, Mrs Theressa Akintola, described Mrs Agbedejobi as an exemplary administrator.

“She is a mother par excellence and a nation builder. You have retired, but you are not tired, the sky

•Mrs Osifeso

•The celebrator, Mrs Agbedejobi assisted by her husband, Mr Paul to cut the cake

Onafeso

is your limit,” she said.

The celebrator’s son, Kayode, who gave the vote of thanks, described his mother as one in a million.

Chief Michael Adegoke; Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary District VI, Mrs Iyabo Osifeso; Ajifolokun Adegbola Suyi, among others.

“We are very proud of her; she is caring. She is a teacher to the core, a composer and a poet,” he said.

Dignitaries at the event included:

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

SOCIETY The Marriage Registry at Ikoyi, Lagos, was filled when Aramide Olasope tied the nuptial knot with Prince Ademola Akinloye, reports AMIDU ARIJE.

Union of love birds

T

HEIR relationship started 12 years ago at the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) tutorial in Ile Ife, Osun State.

When they were joined at the Marriage Registry in Ikoyi, Lagos, Aramide Olasope and Prince Ademola Akinloye were happy that what began as mere friendship has blossomed into life-time companionship.

The groom arrived in a black Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), looking regal in his black suit; Aramide was elegant in her blue gown.

After guests took their seats, the registrar called for the signing of the marriage register and oath of marriage form.

It took the couple a few minutes to sign the dotted lines. It was witnessed by their parents.

After the ceremony, the couple, their family members and guests posed outside the registry for photographs. The bridal train moved to the nearby Golden Gate Restaurant for the reception.

Dr Segun Omisore anchored the reception. All stood as the couple entered the hall, with the bride’s maids.

The reception began with prayers.

It was chaired by Mr Emmanuel Fajorin, who urged the couple to put their trust in God always.

“Make God your partner because with Him, all things are possible.

There will be no distraction whatsoever with God,” he said.

He advised the couple to resolve their differences amicably without interference from any quarter.

“Your parents have given you the independence to go and have your own family, I am sure there won’t be any interference from them. So, always resolve your differences amicably,” he said.

He supervised the cutting of the cake.

The Oniru of Iruland, Oba Idowu Oniru, and the Ojomu of Ajiranland, Oba Tijani Adetunji Akinloye, blessed the couple, urging them to live a God-fearing life.

The groom, an Animal Nutrition

•From left: Bride’s mother, Mrs Kikelola Olasope; Oba Akinloye; the couple, Aramide and Prince Ademola and Oba Oniru

•Dr Olasope and his wife, Dale

graduate of the University of Wageningen in Holland, said it was his happiest day. He described his wife as calm and good natured.

“She is a calm and loving woman.

•Hon Jide Akinloye and his wife, Bukola

Her calmness attracted me. We met in 2002 at Ile Ife during a pre-university programme,” he said.

Aramide, a graduate of Medicine from Obafemi Awolowo Univer-

sity, said, she felt fulfilled.

“I married my friend of many years. He is very reserved, caring and has the fear of God,” she said.

Dr Abiodun Olasope who repre-

PHOTOS: ADEJO DAVID

sented the bride’s father enjoined the couple to continue on the foundation of love and never allow a third party in their affairs.

An Islamic group, the Halqat-ul-ulum Islamiyyah in Mushin, the popular Lagos Suburb has honoured some members of its community. The event was held at the Mushin Sports Centre Hall, Mushin, Lagos.

AMIDU ARIJE reports.

T

HE Mushin Sports Centre Hall was beautifully decorated. Guests were received by gaily dressed women, who appeared in customised dresses with hijab covering their heads.

It was a two-in-one programme, an award ceremony and Maolud Nabiyy celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.

The ceremony, organised by an Islamic organisation, Halqat-ul-ulum Islamiyyah, was anchored by Hussein AbdulKareem.

Touched by the contributions of some people in helping Mushin, where it is based, grow, the association showed its appreciation by rewarding them.

After the introduction of guests, Hon Fatai Oyatayo, in his welcome address, urged them to remain steadfast on the path of God. Speaking on the topic, Moral decadence, the guest lecturer, Alhaji Monsuru Adeleye, said lack of parental care is the cause of societal decadence.

Alhaji Adeleye said immorality was a signal that the society and religions have failed to give the right education to children.

“The father should provide shelter and food for the family; educate the child in Islamic way and give special attention to the training of

Reward for service

•From left: Mr Oyeshina; Alhaja Owoblow; Prince Afariogun ; Imam Salisu and Alhaji Adebayo-Abidogun PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

the female child,” he said.

He said the consequence of not givng children proper education could be

seen in societal disorderliness.

After his speech, the profiles of the awardees were read by Mr

Shamsudeen Oyeshina. The awardees are Alhaji Sulaiman Oyekola and Prince Abiola Edward

Afariogun.

They were presented with the awards by Imam Ololade Salisu, the Chief Imam of Papa Ajao Mosque in Mushin, the popular Lagos suburb. He was assisted by the President of the Halqat-ul-ulum Islamiyyah Alhaji Maruf AdebayoAbidogun.

Prince Afariogun said the award was an opportunity for him to do more.

“It came as a surprise to me because I am a Christian, but I am a Nigerian who loves both religions.

I thank God I see the organisation as a good one and decided to work with it,” he said.

Alhaji Abidogun said the essence of the occasion was to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad and give award to community leaders who have contributed immensely to the development of the community.

“This is the first time we are giving awards to community leaders, and it is going to be an annual affair to motivate others to contribute to their community,” he said.

He said the choice of a Christian is to show the world that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance.

Students of the Halqat-ul-ulum Islamiyyah entertained guests.

Guests were treated to choice foods and drinks.

51

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

SOCIETY COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS Summary

W

OW! We have really come a long way and it’s been an interesting journey. For the past few weeks, we have been exploring the different types of brief remarks. At first, it didn’t seem like there was much to the topic and then it started to unfold. Today, we shall summarize the entire series so as to refresh our memories and to provide a background for those who missed a few of the topics.

•From left: Wife of the honoree Mrs Louisa Oghiadomhe; Chief Oghiadomhe; Dr Itsueli and Mr Onolememen

Honour for the ‘homeboy’ The people of Fugar, the administrative headquarters of Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State have held a reception for Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, former Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan. The reception took place in Fugar, writes IBRAHIM ADAM

I

T was a day of honour for the ‘homeboy.’ The people of Fugar, the administrative headquarters of Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State came out in large number to celebrate one of their own.

Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, the former Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan, was feted by his kinsmen in Fugar in what they described as for his “meritorious” service to the nation.

It was a joyful moment in the town as people turned out their best for the ceremony.

Oghiadomhe was in all white sokoto, buba and agbada with a black cap and a pair of eye glasses.

He acknowledged cheers as he was ushered into the venue.

There was good music.

There were also mouth watering cuisine and choice drinks.

The President of Fugar Progressive Union, Mr Peter

Imhoagene, in his welcome address, described Oghiadomhe as a man who rendered selfless service to his people.

Imhoagene said the community has appointed Oghiadomhe as the Chairman of the Board of Trustess, Fugar Progressive Union, making him the final authority on issues of development in the community.

In his goodwill message, President Jonathan said government appreciated the role played by Oghiadomhe in the formulation of government policies especially the “Transformation Agenda.”

Represented by the Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolememen, President Jonathan said: “The Federal Executive Council and the Federal Government of Nigeria fully appreciate the services rendered by Chief Oghiadomhe to the nation. We

•Captain Wada (right) greeting Senator Obanikoro

only hope that he would make available his services to his community, the state and the nation when called upon to do so.”

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole described Oghiadomhe as a worthy son of Edo State who went to Abuja “saw and conquered”, adding that his services to the state as the Deputy Governor propelled him to the position of Chief of Staff to the President.

He said the lessons to be learnt from the rousing reception for Chief Oghiadomhe, “is that we will be obliged to come home one day after our services abroad.”

His Kogi State counterpart, Captain Wada Idris, described Chief Oghiadomhe as a true

Nigerian, adding that his doors were always open in the Presidency to all governors irrespective of their parties.

“He coordinated the affairs of the Presidency in such a way that he did not discriminate visiting governors whether you are from the PDP or other parties,” he said.

Oghiadomhe thanked the President for giving him the opportunity to serve the nation.

He thanked the Fugar people for honouring him and pledged to continue to serve them diligently.

Among those in attendance were Minister of State for Defence Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Edo State PDP Chairman Chief Dan Orbih and Dr Imo Itsueli of Dubri Oil Company.

AWARD

•From left: Curator/Head of Station, National Gallery of Arts, Lagos, Mrs Ekene Okoronma; the overall prize winner in Mathematics, Miss Finutan Ade-Onanuga; Editor, Online and Special Publications of The Nation Mr Lekan Otufodunrin and Managing Director, Bytol Travel and Tours Ltd, Mrs Biyi Tunji-Olugbodi, at the presentation of prizes to winners in the 2014 Vivian Fowler's Arts, Mathematics and Science competition for primary schools, in Lagos.

AMODU LANRE OLAOLU

(Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com.

What is a brief remark?

07034737394 The name of this type of @lanreamodu speech is derived from its expected duration. It is expected to be brief because it is usually featured in events that don’t require too much talking.

Examples of such events are dinners, luncheons, award ceremonies, birthday parties, wedding receptions, etc. A brief remark can be simply defined as a speech that ‘gives appreciation.’ We examined several types of brief remarks and we shall briefly summarize them below: • Tribute Speech: Tribute, in this context, can simply be defined as something given, done or said to express esteem for someone or something. ‘Someone’ in this definition refers to anyone who is distinguished and worthy of recognition while ‘something’ refers to anything outstanding such as laudable ideas, events, architectural pieces, awesome natural elements and any other thing considered to be positively unusual. Tribute speeches are narrative in nature, emotional and inspirational.

• Award Presentation: Award is an object that is given to a person or a group of people in recognition of excellence in a certain field or for a special achievement. Among the most common forms of awards are trophies, titles, certificates, commemorative plaques, medals and badges. Therefore, an award presentation speech is made when honouring people with awards. This is, of course, different from an award acceptance speech, which we will summarize next. In this case, the speech is made by a representative of the organization or group presenting the award.

• Acceptance Speech: This can simply be defined as the response given by a recipient of an award in appreciation of the recognition. From what has been said so far, I’m sure you remember that acceptance speeches should be very brief.

There are two very important factors that may affect the length of your speech: whether it is a single recipient award or a multiple recipient award.

• Toasts: Michael and Suzanne Osborn describe a toast as a miniature speech that is “offered as a tribute to people and what they have done, as a blessing for their future, or simply as lighthearted enjoyment of the present moment.” From this definition, you will notice that toasts are not limited to wedding ceremonies. They can also be given to celebrate someone’s promotion, examination success or general outstanding achievements. Toasts can also be given to celebrate general events as New Year Day, Independence Day etc.

• Speech of Introduction: You give this kind of speech mostly to introduce a feature speaker to an audience. Considering that it is referred to as a speech, it is something you should really prepare for. A speech of introduction is very important because it sets the pace for the presentation of the guest speaker. The listeners must accept a speaker before they are willing to listen to him/her. The person introducing the speaker must be able to generate enough expectation for the speaker to build on. It all has to do with the psychology of the audience.

• After-Dinner Speech: Dinners are organized for several reasons, e.g. to launch a product, to meet with the stakeholders of an organization, to declare the contestants or honour the winner of game shows or competitions and to honour distinguish personalities, to mention a few. For whatever reason the dinner is organized, there must be an after-dinner speech to complete the event. After-dinner speech also falls under one of the categories we have previously explored- entertaining speech. It is entertaining in nature because it is usually light-hearted, notwithstanding the event being formal or informal. Considering that a dinner is supposed to be an event in which all guests are comfortable and at ease, an after-dinner speech should not be too serious minded.

• Master of Ceremonies’ speech: As the MC, all eyes are on you for at least 50% of the time, spread throughout the entire programme. You don’t only concentrate on your speech; you also concentrate on every other item on the programme. If the MC fails, the entire event fails. So, to be a successful MC, you must learn to be able to keep your eyes on several things at the same time. One of the uniqueness of the MC is the ability to give short speeches in-between activities on the programme. If, for instance, there are five items on the programme of an event, the MC will appear before the guests at least six times. The MC must also learn to manage guests whether they are critical, indifferent, courteous or cordial.

There you have the summary of all the topics we considered under brief remarks. Next week, by the grace of God, we shall move on to an entirely new topic, watch out for it.

Dr. Amodu teaches at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ogun State.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

SOCIETY

‘He is godly’ Son of the Bishop of Ekiti Diocese of the Anglican Communion Rt. Revd. Christopher Temitayo Omotunde, Christopher, got married to his lovebird, Opeyemi Oluwole, last Saturday at the All Souls Church in Bodija Ibadan, Oyo State. TAYO JOHNSON reports.

•From left: Bride’s parents, Mr Oluwole and wife, Funmi; the couple, Christopher and Opeyemi; groom’s parents Rev Omotunde and wife, Bisi

I

T was fun when Christopher and Opeyemi went to the altar to say ‘yes, I do’.

Family members, friends and well wishers gathered for the celebration of love.

The groom, Chirstopher, wore a sharp black suit with a white shirt; his bride was in a flowing cream gown with a pair of white flat shoes.

The groom who arrived in the church at 9:45am, waited patiently before the bride walked into the church around 10:02am, hand-inhand with her father, Mr Nathaniel Oluwole.

The groom’s father, Rt. Revd.

Christopher Temitayo Omotunde, the Bishop of Ekiti Diocese of the Anglican Communion, was clad in a Bishop’s robe. Mr Oluwole was in cream agbada and wine cap to match.

The couple’s mothers wore the same cream native attire with a wine head gear and ipele to match.

The event began with a processional hymn Praise my Soul the king of Heaven; the service was supervised

by Lord Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, Most Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa; the sermon was delivered by Rev Titus Olayinka.

Rev Olayinka admonished the couple to uphold the marriage vow.

“You are coming from different background but by the virtue of your marriage, you have become one. You should be open emotionally, psychologically, spiritually and financially. You should not hide anything from one another,” Olayinka charged The cleric urged the wife to be respectful, submissive, and to the husband, he said: “Love your wife as Christ loved the church” He urged them to train their children in the way of the lord, praying that God would grant them wisdom, knowledge and understanding to build their home.

Shortly after the sermon, the couple exchanged rings after which they were presented as husband and wife.

The marriage certificate was later signed in the presence of selected family members and friends before it was presented to the couple by Most Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa.

Thanksgiving followed and the service ended with a withdrawal hymn Father I place into your hands.

After a session of group photographs in front of the church, the reception followed immediately at the Chapel of Resurrection Hall, University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

The couple’s parents were called to the podium as the ceremony began and their entrance into the hall was welcomed with a standing ovation by guests.

•Oba Adeyemi (left) and Oba Ajibade

•Mr Kayode Fasanmi

•Prof Adelabu (right) and Olori Bose Adejugbe

•Mr Oladipo Omotunde

•From right: Olubunmi Omotunde; John Omotunde and his wife, Lilian

The reception was chaired by the former Deputy Provost of Adeyemi College of Education, Dr Gboyega Ajayi.

Ajayi urged the couple to take good care of their children and love each other, stressing that marriage comes with its challenges. He prayed to God to guide them through.

“Christopher, your wife is a banker, so I expect you to be patient, understanding and supportive” Ajayi said.

The groom’s father, Bishop Omotunde enjoined the couple to be prayerful and God-fearing.

“Both of them have been giving me joy with good testimony following them. Opeyemi is a wonderful woman, she is more than my daughter because of the way she has been relating with our family,” he said.

Bishop Omotunde urged them to follow God’s laid down principles for marriage, as it is the only way to a successful marriage.

The bride’s mother, Mrs Funmi Oluwole said:” I am happy for them because they are children of God,

•Dr Gboyega Ajayi

•Mr Bode Akinyemi and wife

•Chief Abiodun Akin-Fasae and Olori Ajibade

•Mrs Florence Omotunde (left) and Mrs Bosede Morakinyo PHOTOS: FEMI ILESANMI

they met in the Lord and will live their live with his words.”

She described his son-in-law as a child of God, humble, and well brought up in the way of God. The groom described his wife as the best partner God can ever give to a man, beautiful, pleasant and God fearing.

“Her good heart and behaviour

got me attracted. She is caring and loving” Christopher said Opeyemi said:” I feel very happy because this is the day the Lord has made and I am getting married to my better half. He loves me and I love him so dearly too” She described the groom as’ godly, loving caring, hardworking and a man of God.

Among dignitaries in attendance were: Ekiti State Deputy Governor Prof Modupe Adelabu; Elekole of Ikole Ekiti, Oba Fasika Ajibade; Alara of Aramoko Ekiti, Oba Adegoke Adeyemi; Oniyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ajakaye; wife of Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Olori Bose Adejugbe, among others.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

53

MONEYLINK

Skye Bank unveils product to enhance e-payment

AfDB’s $280m trade cash for Afreximbank

T

HE Board of Directors of African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $280 million trade finance package for African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank).

According to a statement on the lender’s website, the facility consists a $30 million equity investment, a $150million line of credit and a $100 million unfunded Risk Participation Agreement (RPA) respectively.

It said the composite facility of capital, liquidity and guarantees will help to expand Afreximbank’s risk bearing capacity and provide medium-term funds for financing various trade transactions and projects across the continent.

AfDB said the facility will enable Afreximbank increase its visibility as a credible bank for trade transactions originated by African issuing banks. The additional equity investment also demonstrates AfDB’s

S

KYE Bank Plc has unveiled innovative technology to provide secured and more convenient direct banking solution to its customers in line with the cash-less policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Known as SkyePLus, it was unveiled on the sideline of the lender’s Annul General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos.

Speaking on the occasion, its Chairman, Mr. Olatunde Ayeni, said the bank has remained leaders in the area of deploying the right technology to engender seamless and flexible banking transactions for its customers across the country.

He said: “We deploy technology as best as we can as available, because we believe that banking today and tomorrow will continue to be dependent on technology. It is our belief that we need to deploy technology to be able to grow our economy as part of member of information and communication technology-driven global economy.

He said the bank has been consistent in its vision to deploy the new platforms for engendering much more convenience in the banking activities for its customers. Ayeni said the process leading to the launch of SkeyPlus has been on for the past 18 months. “We will continue to make our customers enjoy the best and innovative technology means and applications that make them enjoy banking services in a more convenient and efficient way,” he said.

Its Chief Executive Officer designate, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo, said the deployment of the new plat-

Stories by Collins Nweze

continued strong support for Afreximbank as a key player in Africa’s trade finance market.

This project, it said, is well aligned with its core operational priorities of regional integration and private sector development.

“It will boost intra-Africa trade and promote regional integration, and contribute to the reduction of the trade finance gap in Africa.

Given Afreximbank’s commitment to helping African economies diversify their exports, strengthen trade value chains and promote value-adding commodity exports, this facility will contribute to macroeconomic resilience in at least 30 countries. It will provide financing to more than 100 financial institutions and corporates and support at least $2.2 million of trade in Africa over a four-year period, thereby helping to deepen the fi-

•AfDB president, Donald Kiaberuka

nancial sector and promote private sector development,” it said.

AfDB’s position in the project stems from its ‘AAA’ rating which would enable Afreximbank enhance its trade finance confirmation capabilities. Also important is AfDB’s ability to avail mediumterm liquidity support to Afreximbank to provide appropriate trade finance to local banks and corporates in Africa; and its demonstrable appetite for the continent’s risk.

FirstBank SMEConnect seminar series holds in Aba

T

HE FirstBank SMEConnect Open Seminar which kicked off in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has also been held in Aba, the Abia State capital.

The seminar series, which is a one-day workshop with a theme ‘We can help with that,’ is designed to provide practical help on relevant challenges faced by SMEs in different regions of the country.

The workshop, which was in five sessions, dealt with issues such as book keeping/risk management; monitoring the supply chain/ management; exceeding

customer’s expectations; opportunity recognition/business plan writing; and marketing your products/services effectively with a special focus on online trade and pricing.

The Managing Partner, Highnet Resources Limited and the seminar facilitator, Ms. Vivian Ani, said “with the aid of practical’s, case studies and real-life illustrations, the SMEConnect Open Seminar would help entrepreneurs raise business structures, identify the attributes of a successful business, learn the highlights of business procedures and objectives of a business

practice that will help them survive in the Nigerian economy”.

Also speaking at the seminar, Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications FirstBank, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney, said that “the FirstBank SMEConnect Open Seminar is one of the many ways FirstBank is growing the SME sector in Nigeria as we believe it plays a critical role as the engine of growth in the economy. With these workshops, we believe that the participants will take the various learning from here and apply the knowledge and skills to enable them grow their businesses to the next levels”.

By Lucas Ajanaku

forms was informed by the need to ensure flexibility and more convenient banking solutions for the bank’s customers using the shor message service (SMS) platform, Internet and mobile applications.

Listing the features and services of SkyePlus, Oguntayo said, “The new banking platform allows customers to check their balance and manage their account; set up standing order instructions and Direct Debits; transfer money, pay bills o people instantly; request for a new checkbook, Automated Teller machine card or bank draft; stop lost or stolen cheque and hotlist debit cards; as well as switching on text alerts to keep track of their accounts on the move.

“He further explained that in terms of security, the bank has deployed top security measured called ‘SkyeSecure’ to enhance the security of the platform. He said: “We are fully aware of the fears which most banking customers have today, especially with the growing rate of cyber crimes and all forms of online frauds. This is why we have partnered with a global security firm to deploy SkyeSecure on our banking platform.

“Oguntayo also maintained that, as a way of conforming to the international standard stipulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria, Skye Bank has started the process of compliance with the PCIDSS.”We’re PCIDSS-compliant and I can tell you that we are at the appropriate stage where we should be now and we are working with the CBN and our consultants on this and very son, we are concluding this,” he added.

DATA BANK Tenor

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year

35m 35m

11.039 12.23

19-05-2014 18-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 400m 400m 400m 400m 400m 400m

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33

Price Loss 2754.67

Amount Sold ($) 399.9m 399.9m 399.9m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.75 155.8 155.7

Date 2-5-14 2-3-14 1-29-14

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency OBB Rate

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day

Amount 30m 46.7m

Rate % 10.96 9.62

Date 28-04-2012 “

C/PRICE 4.18 0.83 21.40 1.75 1.02 3.20 0.85 2.90 3.35 65.00 9.80

Current Before

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

(S/N)

GAINERS AS AT 28-5-14

SYMBOL O/PRICE FCMB 3.97 NEM 0.79 ASHAKACEM 20.40 LEARNAFRCA 1.67 NEIMETH 0.98 CUSTODYINS 3.08 AIICO 0.82 FIDSON 2.80 AFRIPRUD 3.24 UACN 63.00 DANGSUGAR 9.50

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change

Year Start Offer

CHANGE 0.21 0.83 1.00 0.08 0.04 0.12 0.03 0.10 0.11 2.00 0.30

DISCOUNT WINDOWx Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00%

LOSERS AS AT 28-5-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

TRANSEXPR RTBRISCOE CONTINSURE PRESTIGE VITAFOAM AIRSERVICE ABCTRANS AGLEVENT INTBREW WAPIC

2.31 1.09 1.09 0.55 4.12 2.05 0.83 1.38 26.00 0.79

C/PRICE 2.20 1.04 1.04 0.53 4.01 2.00 0.81 1.35 25.61 0.78

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917

6-2-14

28-10-11

% Change

CAP Index

N13.07tr 40,766.16

N6.617tr 20,903.16

-1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGET FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FIDELITY NIGFUND INTERCONTINENTAL INTEGRITY FUND KAKAWA GUARANTEED INCOME FUND

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96%

Offer Price Bid Price 155.90 156.93 9.17 9.08 1.06 1.05 1.17 1.17 0.72 0.71 1.39 1.33 1,646.05 1,634.24 1,646.05 1,643.24 1,081.88 1,081.39 116.74 115.95 1,087.30 1,087.00 1.67 1.62 1.05 1.03

LEGACY FUND NIGERIA INTER DEBIT FUND PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND STANBIC IBTC ETHICAL FUND • • • •

CHANGE -0.11 -0.05 -0.05 -0.02 -0.11 -0.05 -0.02 -0.03 -0.39 -0.01

NSE

UBA BALANCED FUND UBA BOND FUND UBA EQUITY FUND UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

Movement

143.11

142.62

0.78 1,944.64 12.72 1.07

0.76 1,936.31 12.40 1.05

1.2655 1.3132 0.9270 1.1597

1.2543 1.3132 0.9098 1.1597

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000

8.5000

Movement

54

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 28-05-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 28-05-14

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

55

EQUITIES

‘Govt needs to tie waivers, licences, special privileges to public quotation’ T HE Federal Government needs to pay more attention to the capital market and use its fiscal and monetary policies to accelerate and deepen the growth of the capital market as part of deliberate efforts to strengthen the nation’s economic development.

Chairman, NASD Plc, Mr. Tola Mobolurin, who delivered the 10th PEARL Awards for Capital Market Development in Lagos, said government has a major role to play in the development of the Nigerian capital market and the integration of the entire financial system. He spoke on the theme: Actualising Nigerian Capital Market Quest for Leadership in Africa: Issues, Challenges and Options.

According to him, government should tie the grant of policy instruments such as waivers, licences and special privileges; including pioneer status, to the beneficiaries being quoted companies or companies with prospective quotation in order to create a win-win situation that will ensure Nigeria’s resources are used to develop the capital market, which will in turn bolster national economic development.

He noted that the Nigerian stock market does not reflect the size of the economy with the major sectors of the economy not represented in the stock market.

“The representation in the stock market of the oil industry, agriculture because of its subsistence nature, telecommunications and wholesale and retail trade account-

•Mobolurin calls for presidential panel of financial markets Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

ing for over 72 per cent of the economy in 2012 is either totally absent or spotty at best,” Mobolurin said.

He said that in achieving Nigeria’s quest to be the leading capital market in Africa, there are things that government and its appointed managers of the economy must do to complement efforts of the capital market regulators and operators.

“The quest for leadership is not what can be achieved by the industry without active commitment of the government. What is however expected of government does not go beyond the ambit of good governance and sound economic management to which every government should ordinarily be committed. If government does what it is expected to do normally, the market hopefully in addressing the weaknesses addressed earlier will push the market to the desired end.

The only demand on government is to pay a little more attention to the elements that could accelerate the growth of the capital market because the rapid economic growth is also hinged on such efforts,”

Mobolurin said.

According to him, the oil and gas industry is largely an industry operated by foreign investors who are not listed in the Nigerian market and the government while listing of even 15 per cent out of government’s average of 55 per cent participation in the industry will be a significant boost to the market.

Mobolurin noted that government’s divestment programmes have also not faithfully or scrupulously looked to the market for exit pointing out that even though government’s privatization programme had a clearly enunciated policy to ensure broad ownership of companies being divested of government’s ownership, the enforcement has been patchy.

“Indeed many of the enterprises for which some years of deferment of their IPOs were granted had never come to the market. Neither has government made granting of its special privileges it grants businesses subject to such companies being broadly owned. I would like to argue that government henceforth should only give duty waiver, if at all, and pioneer status tax holiday only to companies that are pub-

lic companies and are broadly owned or are owned by private equity firms that are committed to exiting through the market,” Mobolurin said.

He recalled that the original Pioneer Status Act required that all companies applying for pioneer status must be public companies and this was the situation until one of the military regimes removed the clause, which underscored the non-transparency in government affairs that was fostered under such governments.

“The same argument that informed the then requirement for the granting of pioneer status is valid today. Indeed, in 1960 the stock market was so small that it was unrealistic to enforce any provision of broad ownership by Nigerians. Today, we have a stock market and an OTC for those do not seek listing on the stock exchange. Therefore, there are now mechanisms to ensure liquidity for all classes of securities in transparent and regulated trading platforms. This argument can be extended to all significant licensed activities, like telecommunications, oil and gas and power. Why should some other economies derive all the benefits of the purchasing power of Nigerian consumers?

Imagine our market carrying the capitalization of MTN, Airtel, Etisala and Globacom!” Mobolurin noted.

According to him, while companies must not be forced to seek listing, those companies seeking privilege of being granted a licence of concession or special privileges that an ordinary company is not entitled to must make it possible for the ordinary Nigerian to participate in the business with them.

He added that government should also promote public companies because public quotation engenders transparency and good corporate governance as the public scrutiny of accounts ensures that the public can assess the accounting and tax practices of companies.

Mobolurin said there is a need for a complete review of the financial markets architecture to make them into a diversified but integrated system for national economic development.

He called for the constitution of a presidential panel, which mandate would be to review the financial system and offer the pathway to a diversified but integrated and balanced financial market that can accelerate economic development in Nigeria.

He noted that all institutions in the market, including the regulators, must scrupulously work within the ambit of the law and resist the temptation to usurp powers they do not have simply because they have power leverage over other institutions adding that institutions of the market must forge close relationships to advance the progress of the market with mutual respect for themselves.

IOSCO consults on investor education, financial literacy

T

NSE targets emerging market status

T

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is implementing key measures that will enlarge the footprint of the Nigerian stock market in Africa and bring the market to emerging market status.

Executive director, business development, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Haruna Jalo-Waziri, said the Exchange aims at consolidating the progress made in recent years through a new phase of development that targets African and the global markets.

According to him, while the NSE’s focus from 2011 to 2013 has been on revamping corporate governance, improving human capacity, cleansing and restructuring the market, improving technology, product development, and advocacy for changes to policy, the Exchange will as from this year shift gears to drive innovations centred on increasing global visibility for the Nigerian capital market.

“We intend to develop a larger

footprint on the African continent and ultimately, targeting emerging market status. That is why we are very much in support of the West African Capital Market Integration (WACMI) efforts and similar programmes. This will open opportunities for you, the Nigerian investors, to extend your reach,” Jalo-Waziri said.

He noted that while Nigerian capital market shows signs of improved investor’s confidence, stakeholders must continue to work to scale up the market performance.

He pointed out that the improved regulatory environment and performance of quoted companies from 2012 till date, has positively impacted on stock market prices and overall market indices adding that all vital performance metrics in the Nigerian capital market have bounced back from the critical low to which they backslid in 2008 and have generally

remained upbeat.

He said improved local investors’ participation in the market underlined the gain of recent reforms noting that local Investors participation in the market so far this year outweighs foreign participation as against the situation between 2009 and the first half of 2012 when local investors eschewed the market on account of losses they sustained in the aftermath of the near meltdown of 2008.

“It is also no longer news that we have adopted a zero-tolerance stance on dealing member firms and listed companies’ violations.

We have proposed several rules to codify the accepted mode of engagement in our market,” Haruna Jalo-Waziri said.

He said the NSE has also started building out a robust financial literacy programme aimed at enhancing investors’ understanding of the basics of investing around portfolio construction, asset allocation

and risk diversification.

According to him, the investors’ education programmes have primarily been focused on particular segments of the investing community to discuss the finer details of investing and to shed more light on the capital market eco system.

“On the Technology front, we rolled out X-Gen, which is our new generation Trading Platform that supports our effort to drive our market to a higher level. X-Gen opens an unprecedented level of innovative trading capabilities for the Nigerian capital market, providing direct market access for both the buy and sell sides, and mobile access through smartphones to the retail investors. Therein lies an opportunity for engagement with the 120million mobile phone owners across the country. The new trading platform has also improved the overall quality of market experience for all stakeholders,” Haruna Jalo-Waziri said.

HE International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) is developing a strategic framework for investor education and financial literacy, which describes IOSCO’s role in promoting investor education and financial literacy and its strategic approach to both.

IOSCO yesterday published a consultation report on the strategic framework, seeking inputs from all stakeholders. IOSCO is the leading international policy forum for securities regulators and is recognized as the global standard setter for securities regulation. The organization’s membership regulates more than 95 per cent of the world’s securities markets in more than 115 jurisdictions IOSCO stated that it has long recognised investor education as a key strategy for enhancing investor protection, promoting investor confidence and fostering investor engagement in financial planning and decision-making.

“Investor education is complementary to the traditional tools of regulation, supervision and enforcement, and is included in IOSCO´s Principles for securities regulation.

The organization believes the need for investor education and financial literacy has never been greater than today,” IOSCO stated.

According to the global body of securities regulators, as the financial marketplace continues to evolve and innovate, investment products are becoming increasingly complex and financial services increasingly diverse.

It noted that greater understanding of key financial concepts is required on the part of retail investors to understand and evaluate the choices available to them and to avoid financial fraud adding that strengthening investor education and financial literacy programmes also is essential at a time when responsibility for saving and investing for retirement is shifting from the employer to the individual in many jurisdictions.

56

THE NATION FRIDAY MAY 30, 2014

NEWS

Five arrested for murder From James Azania, Lokoja

FIVE people, including a traditional ruler, have been arrested for the murder of a former Executive Director of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Isa Edime.

Edime was killed on Tuesday in Ojikpada Egume, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Governor Idris Wada vowed that the perpetrators will be arrested.

A police source said: “He (the traditional ruler) has been arrested.”

Commissioner of Police Sa’idu Madawaki declined to confirm the arrests, saying investigation is still ongoing.

His words: “We have not finished our investigation. If we finish our investigation I will call you.”

K

Herdsmen kill two policemen, three others in Taraba F ULANI herdsmen have killed five persons, including two policemen, in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The marauders also injured dozens, torched over 100 homes and displaced thousands of residents, particularly Tiv farmers.

Police spokesman Joseph Kwaji told The Nation that the two policemen were killed on Wednesday at Kwana Daban, Mayo-Kan village in a gun battle with the herdsmen.

He said: “Some Fulani arsonists had invaded Kwana Daban village, shooting and burning houses.

“A motorist alerted our police patrol team, which rushed to the scene to stop the hoodlums.

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

“On getting there, the Fulani opened fire and killed two of our men and carted away their rifles.

“The body of an unidentified person –a civilian- was found at the scene.”

Kwaji said the arsonists were armed with sophisticated weapons and were over 100.

An eyewitness, Edward Tule, said two other people were killed yesterday at Nahuta, close to Mai-Haula, in Bali Local Government Area. Among the deceased was a pastor.

Tule said the herdsmen mounted two road-blocks at

Nahuta, where they stopped vehicles to search for their victims.

Another eyewitness, Peter Anande, said: “They were looking for Tiv people to kill.

I came face to face with death but was lucky to escape.

“I boarded a commercial vehicle and was heading to Jalingo. On getting to Nahuta, we saw a road block manned by Fulani herdsmen, who stopped many vehicles.

“I knew they were hunting for Tiv people to kill. So the passengers advised the driver to turn back.

“As we started heading back, just a few metres away, another group of Fulani militants came out to block us.

“We did another U-turn and were heading back to where we came from. Suddenly, a police van drove pass us and we followed it.

“When we got to the same spot, the attackers had run into the bush. They had killed two people and assaulted some passengers.

Over 100,000 Tiv residents have been displaced in Bali, Gassol, Wukari, Ibi, Donga and Takum local government areas.

The traditional ruler of the Tiv in Bali, David Gbaa, said he has lost over 35 subjects, including a member of his traditional council, Peter Unongu.

Gbaa added that another six persons, including children, have died of hunger and illness in an Internally Displaced Persons camp.

We’ve provided 10,200 jobs, says Ahmed

WARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed yesterday said his administration has provided jobs for 10,200 youths.

He promised to employ no less than 3,000 more before December.

The governor spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, at the launch of 5,200 jobs under the administration’s Quickwin Empowerment and Employment Scheme.

Ahmed urged the private sector to take a cue in creat-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

ing employment for youths.

His words: “Government alone cannot provide all the needed jobs. Indeed, the private sector has the largest capacity to ameliorate youth unemployment.

“Today, we formally employ the single largest number of youths; I can state that we have significantly fulfilled our pledge in this regard.

“With the flag-off of Quickwin and the engage-

ment of 5,200 youths, this administration has employed 10,200 youths since inception and will engage an additional 3,000 by December.

“Yet many more youths remain cut off from jobs not because they are unwilling or incapable but because the opportunities are limited.

“Therefore, as our democracy enters its 15th year, as we silence the drums of celebration in tune with the national mood, this intervention is perhaps the best way to commemorate our return

to representative governance.

“Indeed, the challenges that confront us today may tempt us to become pessimistic.

“But let me make it very clear: We have covered considerable ground and given hope for a better tomorrow.

“Apart from our youth empowerment schemes, we have boosted entrepreneurship with the provision of N640million in revolving credit to 41, 000 SMEs and structured skill acquisition centres for the benefit of our youths.

“In the health sector, we have enhanced access to quality health care with an expanded Community Health Insurance Scheme, the supply of drugs and equipment to hospitals and the remodeling and expansion of Ilorin, Offa, Share, Kaiama and OmuAran Hospitals.

"Today, with the launching of QuickWin, my assurance becomes even stronger that entrepreneurship and vocational skill acquisition remain the most viable pathways for sustainable empowerment."

I’m still in APC, says Audu From James Azania, Lokoja

F

ORMER Kogi State Governor Abubakar Audu has debunked the rumour that he has dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The former governor said political idlers made the claim because he stood with Governor Idris Wada during the groundbreaking of the Kogi Unity House in Abuja.

Abubakar said he was not in the cast of bread and butter politicians who move from one party to the other.

His words: “I have been friends with the governor for 40 years now and I will not shy away from associating with him in the interest of Kogi people.

“When a party wins in an election, it is necessary for all to join hands and move the state forward.”

When asked about the implication of hobnobbing with the governor, he called for discernment, saying: “I am one politician who is not into “party prostitution”.

“Governor Wada came to visit me and nobody said he dumped PDP and I wonder where all these came from.

I remain in APC and nothing can change that.

“In America, when people win elections, all others join hands to move the country forward. There is nothing like dumping my party. I remain in APC.”

57

THE NATION FRIDAY MAY 30, 2014

NEWS

Akpabio signs pension bill into law

A

KWA Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio has signed into law the Amended Pension Bill for former governors and former deputy governors as well as their spouses. Its implementation begins on June 1.

Akpabio, who signed the bill in the Governor’s Office, said: “The essence of the law is to streamline and avoid excesses of finances and to be prudent in the management of our resources.

“The Constitution has empowered us to make the laws. So, we have today made the pension law for ex- governors and ex-deputy governors. This law was made in 2000. It was amended in 2006 and is now amended again in 2014.

“The essence of this amendment was for certain categories, because workers su c h a s c o o k s , d r i ver s , among others, were employed by the ex-governors

•APC: it’s fraudulent From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

and ex- deputy governors with a non-financial benchmark.

“All workers of the exgovernors should not earn more than N5million annually and all staff of the exdeputy governors should not earn more than N2 million annually.

“No ex-governor can spend more than N100 million in a year for medical expenses and no ex-deputy governor can spend more than N50 million for medical expenses, because such extra money would not be spent by the state government, because we are making sure that we cover all the loopholes of financial wastages.

“Widows of ex- governors would receive a minimum of N1 million monthly for medical expenses

and N500,000 medical expenses for the widows of ex- deputy governors.”

Akpabio hinted that the law also covers those who also served in the old Cross River State, stating that the law is to bring sanity into the state’s spending, which he said had been misinterpreted by the public.

He thanked the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Sam Ikon and members for the mature manner they handled the amended bill.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the bill as criminal and fraudulent.

Speaking at a briefing in Uyo, the state capital, yesterday, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Samuel Udobong, said the bill was not in the interest of low income earners.

Udobong said the speed with which the bill became

Gaidam to residents: support troops, pray From Yusuf Alli, Abuja and Duku Joel, Damaturu

•Gaidam

Y

OBE State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has urged the people to continue to support security operatives to succeed in the fight against insurgency.

He urged Muslims and Christians to pray for divine deliverance from the challenges facing the nation.

In his Democracy Day message by the Special Adviser on Media, Abdullahi Bego, the governor said the nation’s challenges would soon be over.

The statement reads: “As the nation marks another milestone in its journey in democracy, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam joins millions of Nigerians to acknowledge the progress and challenges that the country has

S

Seven die in road accident

EVEN persons were confirmed dead yesterday in an accident at Ewu slope on the BeninOkene Road.

Ewu slope is notorious for fatal accidents. Fifteen persons were killed in an accident at the spot, few weeks ago.

Yesterday’s accident involved a 15-passenger Toyota Hiace bus belonging to the Edo City Transport

G

seen so far and to pray for a much better Nigeria going forward.

“The governor has noted that this year’s Democracy Day has come at a time of great concern among many Nigerians about the state of the nation and, in particular, about the state of public safety and security.

“We urge the people not to waver in their support for our security agents. With prayers, support and communal vigilance, the prevailing security challenges will be met and addressed.

"In Yobe State, as in many states in the Northeast and around the country, countless people have fallen victim to the senseless and unspeakable violence perpetrated by criminals and insurgents.

“Some of our law enforcement officials working hard to ensure the maintenance of peace and security were

killed in an encounter with Boko Haram insurgents in Buni-Yadi Town of Gujba Local Government Area.

“Governor Gaidam expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families of these patriots who were killed in the service of their fatherland. At this time of great loss, His Excellency’s thoughts and those of his government are with the grieving families.”

He asked the people to continue to pray for divine deliverance from the myriad of problems facing the nation.

“The governor assured the people that despite the security challenges, his administration will remain focused on its goal of improving their living standards by building on the modest progress that has been made so far in healthcare delivery, education, housing, roads construction, agriculture and youth and women empowerment, amongst others.”

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Service (ECTS) and a truck.

Eyewitnesses said 14 persons were killed in the accident, but the State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lucas Ikpi, said seven persons were killed and others injured.

Ikpi attributed the accident to brake failure.

Eyewitnesses said the truck smashed the bus against another truck.

The victims’ bodies were deposited at the morgue of the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH).

The injured were taken to the same hospital.

Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society in Edo Central Mike Odiahi advised motorists against careless overtaking at the Ewu slope.

Ex-Delta HOS kidnapped

UNMEN have kidnapped the member representing the Southsouth in the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Sylvanus Mordi.

The kidnappers have contacted the family, demanding N10 million for his release.

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

Mordi, a former Delta State Head of Service (HOS), during the first tenure of former Governor James Ibori, was kidnapped on Tuesday at Igbanke in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State

on his way to Abuja.

Police spokesman Charles Muka said the kidnap spot was in Edo State, which is close to Agbor in Delta State.

He said the command was working with its Edo State counterpart to facilitate Mordi’s release.

law had confirmed the speculations that lawmakers were “influenced” by Akpabio.

His words: “It reveals and confirms the gap between the government and the people.

“Citizens are wallowing in hunger and deprivation, seeking simple bailouts of food, shelter, clothing and jobs.

“The government engages in scheming to steal the commonwealth, become richer and widen the gap that exists between the rich and the poor.

“This is dangerous and we strongly condemn it.

Therefore, we call on Akwa Ibomites to continue to rise against this law and insist that it is reversed.

“The government is yet to pay primary school teachers and other retirees their gratuities.

“What is due to those folks is just pittance compared to the monthly income of the governor and the government.

“The House has not addressed the needs of these citizens who have given 35 years of their lives to the service of the state.

“It gives credence to our long held position that this government is naïve and insensitive. “ It knows no shame and cares very little about what people think or feel about it.”

NDDC to repair Calabar-Itu road

C

HAIRMAN of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Bassey Ewa Henshaw, has promised to repair the Calabar-Itu federal highway.

Ewa said yesterday that he would make sure the fund for the rehabilitation is provided for in the budget.

The road, the only one that connects the state to other Southsouth and

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

Southeast states, has been in a state of disrepair for a long time.

Ewa said the road would be rehabilitated from Calabar through Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State to Aba in Abia State.

He said they were working with the governor and federal agencies on the project.

‘Reinstate 926 teachers’

T

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

HE Edo State House of Assembly has ordered the government to reinstate the 926 teachers, whose names were deleted from the payroll last December.

This is contained in a resolution passed by the lawmakers after considering the report of the Committee on Education in a petition sent by the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).

The lawmakers mandated authorities of the Ovia North East Local Government to “as a matter of urgency pay the November and December last year outstanding salaries of the 356 teachers, who were alleged to be ghost staff but were later cleared and posted out of the council”.

They said the teachers had worked in the local government for the period before their salaries were seized.

The Committee Chairman, Foly Ogedengbe, said cases of falsification of ages, primary six leaving certificate cut across all the ministries, the Assembly, civil service commission, judiciary service commission and other department and agencies.

He said retrenching the teachers would have multiplying negative effects.

The lawmakers said the sacked 926 teachers be paid the outstanding five months of 10.5 per cent teachers special allowance, which has been paid to their secondary school counterparts.

THE NATION FRIDAY MAY 30, 2014

58

NEWS Maku announces vacancy for position of President

L

OGISTICS and technical problems have marred voters’ registration in Enugu State.

Although there were impressive turnouts at the registration centres visited, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) complained of the shortage of the Direct Data Capturing Machines (DDC).

Besides, most of the machines in most centres were faulty. It was either that the thumbprint scanner was unable to capture the thumbs or the main machine broke down.

The situation led to complaints by politicians, who accused the INEC of shoddy preparations.

A councillor from the Enugu North Local Government, Catherine Ayogu, told reporters at the Ward 2 Okpara Square that one machine was brought to the centre where over close to 5,000 people were expected to register.

She said she went to the council headquarters to get an additional machine. As at 11.15am yesterday, only 21 persons had registered, as the machines were slow in picking data.

The councillor said she was impressed by the turnout of people, adding: “The problem is lack of manpower. I have to go to the local government

Logistics, technical problems mar registration in Enugu •Registration going on at Obinagu Uwani, Akpugo...yesterday From Chris Oji, Enugu

headquarters to ask for machines. We need up to six machines here if everybody is to be registered. But they only added one.”

She said the people were eager to register, “as you can see from the crowd awaiting their turn.”

At Akpugo Ward 1 Commu-

nity Secondary School, Obinagu Uwani, the exercise went on smoothly, but faulty machines slowed down the process.

The supervisor at the centre, Mrs. Ifenna Onoh, said the turnout was impressive. She said she hoped many people would register before the end of the exercise.

Although there were three

DDC machines at the centre, Mrs. Onoh complained of hiccups.

The situation was the same in Enugu North. Machine errors and technical hitches marred the exercise across the six local governments in the senatorial district.

The state chairman of the People’s Democratic Party

I’m still in APC, says Okorocha

I

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has said he is still a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Apparently refuting a rumour making the rounds that he would soon defect to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Okorocha said he remained a staunch member of the APC. The governor, who spoke at the Imo International Conference Centre, Owerri during the State of Imo Address to mark his third anniversary, prayed for justice, peace and internal democracy to reign in the APC. “I remain a strong member of the APC. I pray for justice, peace and internal democracy to reign in the APC,” he said.

Okorocha stressed the need for the Igbo to be remembered politically and assured them that APC would provide them a platform to become the president or vice president next year.

He said it was regrettable that the nation was not working. “I hope we will move forward in future.”

The governor said breaking of due process, fighting of corruption and plugging of

Vehicle owners get ultimatum

Governor hails Orji for reinstating Imo workers

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From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

IMO State Governor Rochas Okorocha lauded yesterday his Abia State counterpart, Governor Theodore Orji, for reinstating 2,700 of the 4,000 Imo indigenes disengaged from the Abia State civil service two years ago.

Okorocha in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, hailed Orji for responding to the advice of Nigerians, especially Ndigbo, over the controversial sacking of non-indigenes, with the majority of them from the Southeast.

He noted that those who spoke against the Abia governor action did not do so out of hatred, but out of fear that such initiative could give others a wrong impression about the unity of Ndigbo.

The statement reads: “It is a good thing that Governor Theodore Orji has realised the implications of his action, both in the short and long run and has acted in the spirit of unity and brotherhood by reinstating the sacked workers.

“The comments of Governor Rochas Okorocha then were never meant to disparage the Abia Governor, because the two, under normal circumstances, should be working closely, not minding their political leanings, as Imo and Abia are sister states.

“It is also important to appeal to the Abia governor to complete the good work he has begun by reinstating the remaining workers. He has acted well by reinstating 2,700 of the 4,000 civil servants, but his action will be speaking louder to the glory of God if he reinstates the remaining ones. By so doing, he will be seen as a considerate governor, who listens to advice.” loopholes had helped him to achieve a lot, adding that his dream was to make history so that the coming generations would remember him.

Okorocha, who took the

opportunity to enumerate the federal allocation distribution, said Imo, from June 2011 to April 2014 received N168,495.3 billion.

He said despite receiving

(PDP), Chief Vita Abba, said: “What happened in our zone (Nsukka) was very frustrating. The machines were not functioning. In the few places where they functioned, the INEC officials were incapable of operating them. However, I hail them for their readiness to respond to distress calls.”

•Okorocha

the least allocation in the Southeast, his administration had completed more projects in the last three years than others.

The governor thanked the lawmakers for their support, especially for approving a four-year budget plan.

Okorocha, who acknowledged political leaders in the state, such as Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chief Ifeanyichukwu Araraume, Sir Ikedi Ohakim, Chief Arthur Nzeribe, Chief Udenwa and others, described them as his brothers.

Imo House of Assembly Speaker Benjamin Uwajumogu expressed the willingness of the Assembly to partner the government in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

HE Commissioner of Police, Nigerian Airport Authority and Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command have warned owners of accidents/abandoned vehicles parked at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Airport Police Command Headquarters, Beesam Ikeja, Ijora, Badiya Division, Bode Thomas Division to remove them within 21 days or lose them to the public through auction sale.

The vehicles are: Toyota Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) RAV 4 BF621FKJ, Toyota Corolla car unregistered, Peugeot 406 car unregistered, Laond Ahima CL628ABJ, Nissan Sunny car XV 165ABJ, Mazda 323 car ML 3496ABJ, Honda Odyssey Bus ML 09ABC, Rover HK 925 ABJ, Nissan Sunny unregistered, Optenu BL 90KWL, Honda Prelude unregistered, Honda Civic unregistered, Toyota Carina II unregistered, Honda car unregistered, Toyota Hilux unregistered, Toyota Hilux unregistered, Peugeot J5 Bus XA706MKR, Toyota Camry car AX 53 YAB, Peugeot 406 FQ 858 ABJ, Honda Civic BL 622 APP, Opel Car CM 830 RBC, Toyota Bus AJ 171 FKJ, Toyota Corolla AM 407 KJA, Volkswagen Bus XE 319 EPE, Mazda car EF 971 FST, Zahav pick-up EM 439 LSR and Peugeot 505 LA 85 KH.

‘I’ve forgiven those who sent me to prison’ Oyo PDP chair berates faction

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MO Deputy Governor Eze Madumere said yesterday that he no longer harboured ill feelings towards those who masterminded his incarceration, over trumped up charges during the 2011 general elections.

Madumere, who briefed select reporters as part of activities to mark the Democracy Day, said his position during the 2011 governorship election, over which he was framed up, had been justified by the success recorded by the Rescue Mission Agenda of the Rochas Okorocha administration.

The deputy governor was remanded for allegedly mas-

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

terminding the booing of former President Olusegun Obasanjo by Imo youths during a rally organised by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2011.

Madumere described his incarceration as God’s divine plan to save his life.

He alleged that he was one of Okorocha’s supporters pencilled down for elimination by the PDP government.

Said he: “I’ve forgiven those who had a hand in my incarceration, because I’ve realised that it was God’s plan to keep me alive. It was His way of saving me from those

who wanted to eliminate me.

I was one of those pencilled down for elimination. But for my imprisonment, I would have been gunned down during the 2011 elections. I’ve forgiven those who conspired against me.

“Today after three years of Okorocha’s administration, I am proud to say that my sufferings were not in vain because my principal has delivered more than his campaign promises. I can also say without doubt that his record has surpassed that of the late Sam Mbakwe. In fact, it is a mockery of the PDP 12 years administration.”

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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HE Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Alhaji Yinka Taiwo, has warned those parading themselves as ‘Yemetu’ faction to stay clear of the party.

He said he is the recognised chairman.

Taiwo spoke yesterday at the party office on Queen Elizabeth Road, Mokola, Ibadan when addressing supporters during the formal declaration of Dr. Azeez Popoola Adeduntan as a governorship aspirant.

He alleged that he heard from a source that the faction is having a secret relationship with the Accord Party.

The PDP chairman, who thanked the aspirant for choosing the party to realise his ambition, acknowledged the support the state chapter enjoyed from members.

He said: “In the last few months, activities at the party secretariat have confirmed that we are the authentic PDP in Oyo State.”

Adeduntan boasted to win the forthcoming general elections.

Continued from page 46 The campaign to rescue the abducted girls has now been clearly polarized and politicised by the Federal Government. So sad, so unfortunate, so callous, so mean, so irresponsible, so brazen, so not parental and so not governmental.

Foreign nationals who are not members of either PDP or APC are spending their time and resources campaigning for the rescue of these girls. In the U.S., Republicans, Democrats, in the UK., Liberal, Democrats, Conservatives and Labour, all are united in campaigning for the resuce of our daughters. In Nigeria, both the Christian and Islamic clergy, children, mothers, fathers, by whatever hue, are praying and campaigning and praying for the same purpose. Then, in its very typical incompetence and cluelessness , the Federal Government now drops a bomb by characterising the campaign in political terms!

So finally, truly and sadly, Nigerians now know that the PDP has a President, but no one occupies the position of the Office of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Now, we know that the PDP Constitution is superior to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, at least in the estimation of the Federal Executive Council.

We need a President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. A President for our nation, a President who sees Nigerian citizens, not as PDP or APC supporters, a President who sees children as Nigerians and Nigeria’s future, not PDP, or APC, children, a President who is Nigerian, not against Nigeria, a President who comes from somewhere, but is for Nigeria, not for a locality or a party. The vacancy exists, the head hunt has started, we the Nigerian people are the employers, we are the interviewers, and the appointment is ours to make. Our vote, our power, our voice is how we can do this. We will and we must.

A government that characterises itself as a fire-fighter in matters of security is a failed government.

Failure to defeat a failed government will only lead us to a failed state. Maku says: “We are the firefighters, the Federal Government a fire fighter”. Fire-fighters are on standby until there is a fire. We don’t need a government on standby. We don’t need a government in idle mode. We need a government that prevents fires. The best run societies earn their record of efficiency by showing how many years they operated without a fire. Not how many fires they have put out.

A self-labelled fire-fighter should be put in his place—a watch tower on standby for if a fire arises.

Nigeria needs a government that prevents, not fights fires. This PDP government is a failed government.

The fire of corruption is engulfing the nation, insurgency is blazing hotter, terrorist flags are being hoisted on Nigerian soil, terrorists are mocking our security by repeat attacks in similar areas. They are attacking the symbols of our security—police stations and military barracks. The fire is raging. Where is the self-styled fire-fighter?

Two officers in police net for ‘robbery’ From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

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WO policemen, Corporal Felix and Goodluck, serving in the Rivers State Command and three civilians have been arrested by the police in Aba, Abia State for alleged armed robbery and diversion of goods.

A source said the policemen and two others reportedly at large, in conjunction with three civilians at gunpoint dispossessed a truck driver and his conductor of their belongings, including mobile phones and diverted the vehicle loaded with frozen fish to an unnamed location in Imo State.

The three civilians are Prince Dibia, Imhoitsike Okhai and Chukwunyeke Ngozidominion.

Police spokesman Geoffrey Ogbonna, however, said he was not aware of the incident.

59

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

CITYBEATS

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Father kills son ‘for stealing his N1,000’

HE police in Lagos have declared a manhunt for a man who allegedly killed his son for stealing N1,000 from the money he planned to use for buying some household items.

The incident, it was learnt, occurred on Monday at their 6, Olarewaju Street, Oregun, Ikeja,

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CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

By Jude Isiguzo

Lagos home.

Sources said when the suspect asked for the money late on the fateful day, his son, Bright, initially denied knowledge, but later confessed on further probe.

In anger, the suspect made to

teach the deceased some lesson. In the process, he hit the boy on the head with an iron belt and he went into coma. He was rushed to a private hospital where he was later confirmed dead.

Police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), confirmed the

Ladoja loses son in auto crash

FORMER Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rasheed Ladoja yesterday lost one of his sons in an auto accident on Eko Bridge.

The deceased, identified as Adebola Ladoja, was driving a Golf Saloon car marked AKD 107 CJ. He was said to be on his way to Lagos Island when a truck, marked JJJ 59 XA, driven by a man, Justice Osaghai, rammed into his car.

An eyewitness said that the driver of the truck, who was allegedly on top speed, lost control of his vehicle, rammed into the median of the bridge, before it eventually hit the deceased’s car.

It was gathered that rather than putting up efforts to rescue the victims, those who arrived the scene formed a ring round the accident spot, while others concentrated their efforts on arresting the fleeing truck’s driver.

The witness also said that but for the timely arrival of police-

‘It took several hours before those who came to rescue the victim could break into his vehicle. He was trapped behind the wheel with blood gushing out of his head ...’

By Jude Isiguzo

men and officials of the Lagos State Transport Management Agency (LASTMA) to the scene, the driver of the truck would have bolted away, leaving the deceased in his vehicle.

“It took several hours before those who came to rescue the victim could break into his vehicle. He was trapped behind the wheel with blood gushing

out of his head as a result of the impact of the front screen.

“Again, it was the timely arrival of policemen and officials of LASMA officials that saved the driver as the crowd at the scene almost lynched him when they saw the damage done to the car,” the witness alleged.

Police Spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), who confirmed the incident, said it occurred at about 3.30pm yesterday.

Braide said: “On Eko Bridge, a Daf truck with registration number. JJJ 59 XA, driven by one Justice Oseghai, ran into a Volkswagen Golf car marked AKD 107 CJ, driven by Adebola Ladoja, son of the former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rasheed Ladoja.

“The victim died on the spot.

His corpse has been moved to the Lagos Island General Hospital’s mortuary for autopsy, while the truck’s driver has been arrested.”

incident, saying: “On May 26, about 1.45 am, one Bright whose surname is unknown of 6, Olarewaju Street, Oregun, Ikeja, was allegedly beaten with iron belt which hit his head by his father for stealing N1,000.

“The victim was rushed to Divine Private Hospital on Lawal Street,

Oregun, where he was confirmed dead. The corpse has been deposited at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja mortuary for autopsy. The case is now being investigated at State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba.”

Gunmen kill businessman

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BUSINESSMAN, Chief Bright Igwegbu, was yesterday killed by unknown gunmen in the Mile 2 area in Lagos.

Police sources said some arrests have already been made, adding that it was too early to give details of the incident as investigations were on-going.

The Nation also gathered from police sources that the mission of his killers has not been ascertained as investigations have been left open, adding that they were working on finding out if his killers were armed robbers or assassins.

The late Igwegbu, popularly known as Aku or Bruzel, who hailed from Imo State, was reportedly driving in his grey-coloured ML 450 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), when his assailants emerged from nowhere and shot him in the neck and head.

It was learnt that Igwegbu, a graduate of Economics from the Ogun State University, whose family is based in Huston Texas, was billed to visit his family next week.

Before the tragic incident, Igwegbu, on two occasions, had close shave with death. The first in-

By Jude Isiguzo

cident, according to family sources, occurred six weeks ago, after some gunmen suspected to be robbers attempted to attack him. But he reportedly managed to escape.

The second incident reportedly occurred three weeks ago after he was involved in a fatal motor accident.

Family sources said: “Three weeks ago, he went to a pharmacy in FESTAC Town to get some drugs and he was inside his car when another car hit his vehicle. He escaped death narrowly.”

Back in Huston Taxas, news of the tragic incident was reportedly broken to his family by some close friends.

At the deceased’s 1st Avenue, ‘V’ Close, FESTAC home, some sympathisers were discussing his death.

The late Igwegbu was described as a willing benefactor. His house was under lock yesterday.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braid, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP) could not be reached for comments.

Fire averted on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

•Wife of the chairman of Ikoyi Obalende Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mrs Adedoyin Adeniji, leading primary school pupils of the council area in a solidarity rally for the abducted Chibok girls ... on Tuesday

Lagos, SURE-P officials in bloody clash

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FFICIALS of the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit and the ‘faceless’ Sure-P Federal Task Force clashed yesterday in the former toll gate area of Lagos.

The clash led to traffic gridlock on the Lagos end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as people ran for their lives.

Trouble started when the SureP task force allegedly attempted to stop officers of the Lagos State task force, who arrested a Space bus on a BRT lane in Ketu for contravening traffic.

The Sure-P officials allegedly beat up some members of the state task force, precipitating a clash between both outfits.

Bottles, sticks and stones were freely used.

The federal task force officials allegedly injured the state task force officers during the encounter.

Following a call to the task force office, a reinforcement of a rme d p o l i c e m en a r m ed i n

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

several vehicles stormed the Federal Taskforce office with two Black Maria trucks.

Chairman of the Lagos Task Force, Bayo Sulaiman, said the rampaging federal officers were dispersed with tear gas, while over 200 of them were arrested and taken to the state secretariat in Black Maria trucks.

Sulaiman said: “They beat up our men and held them hostage.

If we allow this to go unchecked, it will be worse next time.”

The arrested federal officials were taken to the Lagos State Police Command for interrogation.

One of them collapsed on queue and was rushed to the hospital. But the federal officials claimed that they were wrongly arrested.

One of their leaders, Aminu Kazeem, said he was inside the premises when the policemen stormed there and arrested him and his colleagues.

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Be more patriotic, MurrayBruce urges Nigerians

HE Chairman of Silverbird Group, Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce, has urged Nigerians to be more patriotic in their utterances, saying this will help in positioning the country in good light among the comity of nations. He stated this while delivering a lecture titled, “Local to Global: Building of Nigeria Brand” at the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) Marketing Night held in Lagos.

On the occasion, Bruce said it had become more apparent for Nigerians to begin to change the old order of dwelling more about negative stories particularly in the midst of the insecurity confronting us.

According to him, every Nigerian must strive to ensure that the perception, which Western nations have concerning us as a country, is erased. Speaking further, the former governorship aspirant attributed the negative press being enjoyed by Nigeria as fallout of the inability of government at all levels to manage information as well as government under-estimation of the power the

By Adekunle Yusuf

media wields. He said: “Each time we run into a crisis, it takes a long time before government responds to it. That to me, is not the best way to go. When there is a problem, it is expected that government provides a swift response. You need to issue a statement once you are familiar with the issues.”

We must begin to appreciate the power of the media. Lack of information is admission of guilt.

When something happens, we must work to protect the Nigeria brand.

The world is changing and we cannot afford to be left behind. We cannot continue in that old way.”

Citing the Miss World Experience as his personal encounter on the damaging effect of negative press, Ben said government should endeavor to rise to the occasion whenever the need arises, saying this will go a long way in building a good image and confidence among the populace.

THE timely intervention of the Fire Marshals of British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) has saved what could have been a major fire disaster at the Ibadan end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Francisco Toso, Area Operations Director, BATN, said: "There was a major fire incident along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, in front of our factory at about 7.30 pm on Sunday when a fully loaded petrol tanker suddenly had its body disengaged.

“Immediately after coming to a halt, the fuel being conveyed by the truck started gushing out, leading to high spillage on the road - then a fire outbreak. At the end of the inferno, three cars and a commercial bus were burnt along with the fuel tanker.

No life was lost in the fire, but a victim with some degree of burns was rescued and taken to the hospital for further treatment."

The marshals were able to deploy the company's fire engines to totally move the burning vehicles before arrival of the state fire service men.

"Our Emergency Team (Security and Fire Marshals) also assisted in rescuing some of the victims before Safety Corps members and officials of the state fire brigade arrived the scene, while the medical personnel (of BATN) also assisted in conveying injured persons to the hospital with the company's ambulance," Toso said.

60

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

NEWS

•Rivers state Governor Chibuike Amaechi addressing participants at the second International Conference on Democracy and Good Governance at the new Dr. Obi Wali Convention Centre in Port Harcourt

I’m ready to intervene to bring back the girls, says Obasanjo Continued from page 6

“I have to involve the President and he also tells me this is what we are doing or this is what we are pursuing either in addition or along with what we are doing or not,” he said.

On the allegation that the abduction of the girls was orchestrated to bring down the President Goodluck Jonathan’s government Obasanjo said: “If the Presidency is obsessed with one thing and one thing only and any other thing of concern to Nigeria is secondary, then the Presidency will take that position” which he said “will be unfortunate”.

Obasanjo said “Boko Haram (sect) has been in existence for years…they didn’t disturb my government because when I was in government I did not disturb their Sharia.” He declared: “Sharia is part of our constitution.”

Speaking on the statement

by Chief of Defence Staff Air Marshal Alex Bardeh that where the abducted girls are being kept had been found, Obasanjo urged the military not to engage in public relations stunts with the issue.

He said:”This is not an issue that you will play Public Relations propaganda with.

It is a serious issue that is like a spear in the heart of the parents and whatever statement we make and action we take, if it will not really deal with the issue in a way that will bring those girls out safe and secure and make their families happy and will also give every Nigerian a sense of security, then such statements should not be made.”.

He added that the American forces have the means to confirm or debunk the statement made by the CDS but remarked, “I will be pleasantly surprised if those girls are returned intact.”

Govt frees 54 MEND detainees Continued from page 6

commando-type rescue in forests or creeks to be successful.

“The Israelis encouraging such a move should understand that Sambisa Forest is a different kettle of fish from Entebbe International Airport.”

While also commending the Federal Government on the release of its former Commander, Tamunotonye Kuna, aka Commander Obese, and 53 fighters, the militant group stated that the agitators were held at the Port Harcourt Prisons without trial, since December 2010.

It noted that Kuna voluntarily submitted his weapons, gunboats and many other items to the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, after being deceived that he would be a beneficiary of the Federal Government’s 2009 amnesty

offer to repentant militants and lucrative pipeline protection contracts, but was subsequently arrested, while the JTF lied to Nigerians that he was captured after an attack on his camp in Rivers State.

MEND said: “His (Kuna’s) prolonged incarceration was as a result of his refusal to become a false witness against Henry Okah (one of the MEND leaders, who is serving a jail term in a South African prison, over the October 1, 2010 twin bombing at the Eagle Square in Abuja, during Nigeria’s 50th independence anniversary) in South Africa and his brother, Charles Okah, in Nigeria.

The militant group also urged the Federal Government to consider the further unconditional release of other MEND detainees, held on trumped-up charges, with alleged link to the group, such as the Okah brothers.

Tears flow as panel visits Chibok Continued from page 6

Lawan praised the committee for visiting and bringing messages of succour and hope to members of the communities.

He berated those who had claimed that the mass abduction was a political scam.

“The greatest fact your committee can find are the biological parents of some of the students who were abducted,” he said.

Kubo expressed happiness over the committee’s visit.

“He urged members of the

Fact-finding Committee to convey to President Jonathan the people’s hope and belief that the girls would be found and reunited with their families.

Others who spoke at the meeting included Rev. Enoch Mark whose two daughters are among the abducted girls.

“The Rev. Mark frowned at what he called the politicisation of the abduction issue, pointing out that the matter was also not religious, because the families affected were adherents of the country’s major faiths.

Jonathan okays full-scale military operation against Boko Haram Continued from page 6

“My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their de-radicalisation, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society.

“We must remain united to win the war against terrorism.

Christians, Moslems, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers, lawyers, clergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections of the country must work together with our security agencies and armed forces to overcome the terrorists who now threaten all that we hold dear.

“The war against terror may be difficult, but the days of peace will come again. Terror is evil; nowhere in history has evil endured forever. The menace of Boko Haram will surely come to an end. I believe that because of your prayers, your courage, hardwork, faith and sacrifice, we will ultimately prevail over the terrorists and all other evil forces.”

On the gains of democracy, he said: “As we mark 15 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, our dear nation has certainly come a long way and made notable progress since our

first Democracy Day on May 29, 1999 when the military finally relinquished power and handed over to a democratically-elected government, marking the true beginning of a government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

The President said he ordered a low-key celebration because of the prevailing insecurity. He said: “There can be no doubt that the past 15 years, the longest period of sustained democratic governance in our country, have been a blessing to us, as a people.

“As we commemorate 15 years of our Fourth Republic today therefore, I believe that it is fitting that we pay tribute once again to all those who played a part in restoring our nation to the true path of democratic governance, built on the foundations of rule of law and freedom of expression.”

“As a result of our collective efforts since 1999, democratic governance is now entrenched in our nation and institutions. I wholeheartedly believe that our people are the better for it. The scope of fundamental rights and liberties enjoyed by our people over the past 15 years has been expanded beyond measure.”

He listed national economic growth rates, steady improvements and expansion of national infrastructure including air-

ports and roads, the restoration of rail transportation, efficient implementation of a roadmap for improved power supply, a revolutionary approach to agricultural production, and advances in education, sports, youth development, healthcare delivery, housing, water supply and other social services as some of his administration’s achievement.

“In the oil and gas sector, our promotion of a sustainable local content policy, continues to guarantee equity and better opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs and skilled personnel,” he added.

Jonathan noted that significant increases in mobile telephone and national broadband penetration have made Information and Communications Technology (ICT) one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy.

Nigeria, he said, has also developed strong financial markets and regulatory institutions, explaining that its banks now have regional and global footprints.

He said: “Nigeria has also gained recognition as the largest economy in Africa, the most preferred investment destination on the continent and in terms of returns on investment, the fourth in the world. We are pleased that the world has noticed, as global leaders converged on Abuja early this month for the World Eco-

nomic Forum in Africa.

“The event not only witnessed a record attendance, it brought the prospect of an additional flow of investment into the Nigerian economy estimated at over $68 billion over the next few years.”

According to him, Nigeria has done well in foreign relations within the period by establishing and strengthening strong partnerships with all Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries and the rest of the world.

This, he said, has helped to deepen Nigeria’s role in multilateral institutions including the United Nations.

On elections, he said: “Furthermore, under this administration, we have made consistent progress in improving the standard of elections in our country to ensure that they are ever more credible and truly representative of the people’s free choice.

“The National Conference we initiated to deliberate and make recommendations on the best ways of resolving our current political and socio-economic challenges is ongoing. It is our expectation that its outcomes will help to further consolidate the gains we have made from democracy in the past 15 years, and place our dear nation even more firmly on the path to greatness.”

government is to encourage selfemployment, he said.

On the youths request for a youthful person to be Minister of Youth Development, the President replied: “The best person to take care of a child may not necessarily be a child.”

According to him, the younger generation needs to tap from the experiences of older ones.

Jonathan harped on the need for parties to give women more opportunities in elective positions.

President Jonathan also said $40m venture capital funds had been set aside to help local entrepreneurs access funds to develop their businesses in the coun-

try.

He said part of the fund amounting to $25 million is currently domiciled with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development while another $15million is with the Ministry of Communication Technology for the promotion of ICT related businesses.

He said: “So, we are creating platforms for young people to access grants more than just loans” There were motivational talks at the occasion by the youngest African billionaire and Chief Executive Officer, Mara Foundation, Mr. Ashish Takker, and the Co-Founder of Jumia Nigera,

Tunde Kehinde.

There was also a presentation of a book on the third anniversary of the President’s transformation agenda, a video documentary of the third anniversary of the transformation agenda and the launching of Youth Entrepreneurial Mentorship and Empowerment Scheme.

Others in attendance were Vice President Namadi Sambo and Chief Justice of Nigeria Maryam Mukhtar, former Head of Interim National Government Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Vice President Alex Ekwueme and former Chief of General Staff Gen. Oladipo Diya.

determine how much of that money belongs to the Federation Account”.

Makarfi said what the government should have done after the money was spent was to send a supplementary budget to the National Assembly for approval, stressing that this was not done.

Makarfi, who was Kaduna State Governor from 1999 to 2007, said even though former President Umaru Yar’Adua outlawed kerosene subsidy, his administration did not take any step to implement the directive. The fact that money was spent on subsidy without appropriation does not mean that the money is missing, he said.

Makarfi said his committee did not indict Minister of Petroleum Resources Dezeani Allison Madueke because it did not find anywhere that she approved for any expenses to be made.

He said: “When you talk of indicting, if you are to indict at this point, it is institutions you can indict. It is when the forensic audit comes out that you can indict individuals. That is why some of the recommendations say subject to the forensic audit and we said that the National Assembly should take further legislative action upon the receipt of the forensic audit if we find any reason to do so.

“We have not foreclosed any-

thing in our report. We made conditional recommendation and we are waiting for that forensic audit from the external forensic auditors. That is where personal indictment can come.

For one reason or the other, some people believe the Minister and some other people should be indicted.

“But from what we have seen, we have not seen anywhere the minister made any approval. So, if you don’t see any particular thing she approved, how do you come to indict her? But the forensic audit also covers payment on subsidy and in that case, the people that could be indicted are many. “

Fed Govt offers amnesty to insurgents

Continued from page 6

Youths, he said, were already leading because they decide who rules at all levels of government through their large population, which he said is about 60 per cent of the total electorate in any election.

Stressing that his administration would continue to encourage youngsters, he said they were no longer leaders of tomorrow but leaders of today.

The President added that his government was working hard to redistribute wealth in the country, which he said had not been even.

One of the emphasis of the

Govt spent $4.5b illegally on kerosene, says Makarfi Continued from page 6

between missing money and money spent without appropriation. You know what it was used for, but the fact is, was it authorised by law? It was not authorised constitutionally because all money to be spent are supposed to be appropriated by the National Assembly. That takes care of $10 billion out of the $20 billion.

“One part of the money was budgeted for and spent, while another part was not budgeted for, but spent. We also discovered that about $8 billion does not entirely belong to the Federation Account. Our job was to

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

62

FOREIGN NEWS Malaysia missing MH370 plane: ‘Ping area’ ruled out

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HE area where acoustic signals thought linked to the missing Malaysian plane were detected can now be ruled out as the final resting place of flight MH370, Australian officials say.

The Bluefin-21 submersible robot had finished its search of the area and found nothing, they said.

Efforts would now focus on reviewing search data, surveying the sea floor and bringing in specialist equipment.

Flight MH370 went missing on 8 March as it flew from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

Using satellite data, officials have concluded that the airliner, which had 239 people on board, ended its journey in the Indian Ocean, north-west of the Australian city of Perth.

No trace of the plane has been found and there is no explanation for its disappearance.

Four pings that officials believed could be from the missing plane’s “black box” flight recorders were heard by search teams using a towed pinger locator device. These pings were used to define the area for the sea-floor search, conducted by the Bluefin-21. It had scoured over 850 sq km of the ocean floor, JACC said.

“Yesterday afternoon, Bluefin-21 completed its last mission searching the remaining areas in the vicinity of the acoustic signals detected in early April by the towed pinger locator,” a statement from the Joint Agency Co-ordination Centre (JACC) said.

P

Ukraine: Rebels shot down army helicopter

RO-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine have shot down a military helicopter near Sloviansk, killing 14 people, the country’s outgoing president says.

Olexander Turchynov said the rebels used a Russian-made antiaircraft system, and a senior general was among the dead.

The town of Sloviansk has seen fierce fighting between separatists and government forces in recent weeks.

President-elect Petro Porosh-

enko has vowed to tackle “bandits” in the east.

The helicopter was hit during heavy fighting between Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, reportedly after it had dropped off troops at a military base.

President Turchynov said the 14 dead included Gen Serhiy Kulchytskiy, head of combat and special training for Ukraine’s National Guard.

It is one of the worst losses of life for government forces in the conflict so far. Last week at least

14 soldiers died in a rebel attack on an army checkpoint near Donetsk, some 130km (80 miles) from Sloviansk.

Earlier this month the separatists shot down two army helicopters, also near Sloviansk, killing a pilot and another serviceman.

The conflict has intensified in recent days. The rebels say they lost up to 100 fighters when they tried to seize Donetsk airport on Monday.

Alexander Borodai, the sepa-

•President Turchynov

ratist leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, said 33 Russian nationals had been among those killed in the airport clashes.

U.S. approves Venezuela sanctions bill

T

HE US House of Representatives has approved a bill to introduce sanctions against Venezuelan officials involved in human rights abuses.

The legislation calls for a travel ban on some members of the Venezuelan government and for their assets in US banks to be frozen. The US Foreign Relations Committee advanced a similar bill last week. At least 42 people have been killed since protests against President Nicolas Maduro began in February.

The victims are from both sides of the political divide in the South American nation.

“The United States Congress must stand ready to act on the cause of freedom and democracy around the globe,” Republican Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen said during the debate in the House.

The White House opposes sanctions against Mr Maduro’s government. It says such measures could undermine efforts to find a political solution to the crisis.

North Korea agrees to investigate Japanese kidnappings

N

ORTH Korea said it would investigate what happened to Japanese citizens it kidnapped decades ago.

Japan has agreed to ease some sanctions against North Korea once the probe had been reopened and will consider providing humanitarian aid depending on how the investigation progresses, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said separately.

“Our job will not end until every parent can embrace their children with their own arms,” Abe told reporters. “This is a first step toward an overall resolution.”

North Korea promised in 2008 to re-open the probe – but it never followed through. It also reneged on promises made in multilateral talks aimed at ending its nuclear weapons program and declared the negotiations over.

The agreement on the ab-

ductees probe comes at a time of regional concerns that Pyongyang may be preparing for a fourth nuclear test in contravention of U.N. sanctions.

Asked whether Japan’s actions meant Tokyo was out of step with Washington and Seoul, Suga told a news conference: “It’s impossible. This agreement covers sanctions that Japan imposed on its own. It is not related to U.N. sanctions.”

Suga added that Japan would keep pressing for a “comprehensive resolution” to the issues of the abductees and the threats from North Korea’s nuclear and missile development programs before it would normalize ties.

Japanese and North Korean officials met in Stockholm this week to discuss the abductees dispute as well as North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, but officials had previously said only that the two sides agreed only to keep talking.

Putin to seal new post-Soviet economic union

R

USSIAN President Vladimir Putin yesterday arrived in the Kazakh capital where he was set to sign a deal with his Kazakh and Belarussian counterparts creating a new economic union championed by Moscow.

Putin, Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev were due to sign the document in Astana following talks on Thursday.

The Eurasian Economic Union, which is to come into force on January 2015, is designed to strengthen ties between the ex-Soviet countries which have already joined forces in a customs union created in 2010.

“The three states agree to guarantee free circulation of goods, services, capital and the work force, to agree on policy in key areas of the economy: energy, industry, agriculture and transport,” the Kremlin said in a statement.

“This completes the formation of the largest shared market on the CIS area (170 million people), which will be a new powerful centre of economic development,” the Kremlin said, referring to the Commonwealth of Independent States made up of ex-Soviet countries.

The alliance would follow a much looser Eurasian Customs Union that Russia formed with the two ex-Soviet nations in an effort to build up a free trade rival to the 28-nation EU bloc.

The economic union project is hugely symbolic for Putin, who in 2005 called the breakup of the Soviet Union “the biggest geopolitical disaster” of the 20th century.

•Ukrainian soldiers on guard after pro-Russian seperatist shot down a military helicopter during heavy fighting in Sloviansk...yesterday.

PHOTO: REUTERS

P

Pakistan PM Sharif orders action on stoning

AKISTANI Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has described the stoning to death of a woman by her family in front of a Lahore court as “totally unacceptable”.

Farzana Parveen, who was three months pregnant, was pelted with bricks and bludgeoned by relatives furious because she married against their wishes.

Her husband told the BBC that police simply stood by during the attack.

This incident has prompted particular outrage as it took place in daylight while police and members of the public reportedly stood by and did nothing to save her.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has ordered the chief minister of Punjab province to take “immediate action” and submit a report by Thursday evening.

“They watched Farzana being killed and did nothing,” her husband, Muhammad Iqbal, told the BBC. Mr Iqbal described the police as “shameful” and “inhuman” for their failure to stop the attack.

Police questioned witnesses as Ms Parveen’s bloodied body

lay on the pavement “We were shouting for help, but nobody listened. One of my relatives took off his clothes to capture police attention but they didn’t intervene,” he added.

Another witness told Reuters news agency that police ignored the attack.

“Policemen were standing outside the High Court, but no policeman came forward. In spite of the noise, no policeman took the trouble of coming forward to save her,” the witness, who was not named, said.

However, Lahore police chief Shafique Ahmad questioned Mr Iqbal’s credibility, and told the BBC that police did not stand by while the attack occurred.

Police were a distance away, and were told by a member of the public that a scuffle was taking place outside the court, Mr Ahmad said.

By the time police arrived, Ms Parveen had been killed after being hit on the head with a brick, he added.

Arranged marriages are the norm in Pakistan, and to marry against the wishes of the family is unthinkable in many

Egypt polls: Sisi secures landslide win

F

ORMER military chief Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has won an overwhelming victory in Egypt’s presidential election, according to provisional results.

He gained more than 93% of the vote with ballots from most polling stations counted, state media say.

Turnout is expected to be about 46% - far lower than Mr Sisi was hoping for as an endorsement. Islamist and some secular groups boycotted the vote.

Mr Sisi deposed President Mohammed Morsi last July after mass protests.

He has overseen a bloody crackdown on Mr Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood movement in which more than 1,400 people have been killed and 16,000 detained.

The Brotherhood said it would boycott the vote, as did many liberal and secular activist groups.

The Islamist movement rejected the vote yestersday with Tariq al-Zumar, a senior member of the Brotherhood, calling the process a “theatrical play which did not convince anybody”.

Hamdeen Sabahi, the only other candidate in the election, said his team had recorded “violations” in the voting process.

deeply conservative communities.

Ms Parveen’s father later surrendered to police but other relatives who took part in the attack are still free.

“We arrested a few of them and others are currently being investigated,” local police chief Mujahid Hussain said.

Ms Parveen came from a small town outside the city of Lahore. According to reports, her family were furious because she decided to marry Mr Iqbal instead of a man they had chosen.

Her relatives then filed a case for abduction against Mr Iqbal at the High Court.

The newlyweds were only at the Lahore court to contest this case. Ms Parveen had already testified to police that she had married of her own free will.

Mr Iqbal told the BBC that when the couple arrived at the court on Tuesday to contest the case, his wife’s relatives were waiting and tried to take her away. As she struggled to free herself they dragged her to the floor, pelted her with bricks and then smashed her head.

She died on the pavement.

UN human rights chief Navi Pillay said she was “deeply shocked” and urged Pakistan’s government to take action.

Ukraine: Kremlin adviser blasts U.S.

A

N outspoken Kremlin adviser accused the United States yesterday of trying to stoke a military conflict between Russia and European nations over Ukraine for its own economic gain.

Sergei Glazyev, an economic adviser to President Vladimir Putin with responsibility for ties with Ukraine, said the United States’ economy and global standing had benefited in the past from wars in Europe.

“Now they (the United States) are unfurling a war in Ukraine, after organising a coup and putting their own people in charge, to use Ukraine as a detonator against Russia and Europe,” Glazyev told reporters in the Kazakh capital, Astana.

“There is growing chaos in Ukraine, and the chaos is increasingly acquiring the traits of a global catastrophe,” he said before Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan signed a treaty creating a new trading bloc.

Glazyev did not provide any evidence to support his comments but said unidentified foreign mercenaries had been seen arriving in Ukraine to fight pro-Russian armed rebels

in the east.

His comments were characteristically confrontational for an adviser who has regularly staked out more radical positions than the Russian government or the Kremlin, which at times has distanced itself from his remarks.

The United States has denied instigating events which forced the removal of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich, described by Moscow as a coup d’etat, and says it wants a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Washington has denied reports about U.S. mercenaries operating in Ukraine and says there is evidence of Russian support for the rebels there.

Pro-Russian separatists shot down a Ukrainian army helicopter on Thursday, killing 14 soldiers including a general, as government forces pressed ahead with an offensive to crush the rebellion.

Glazyev said the situation in Ukraine was already a “de facto war”.

“Any war in Europe results in great gains for America, in the strengthening of its geopolitical influence, and they are sticking to their tradition,” he said.

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63

TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

W

E are still in denial. When we don’t bury our ostrich heads in the sand, pretending that nothing is amiss, we play the blame game. I use the first person plural here because although, it is the Jonathan administration that is neck-deep in this shamelessness, we are all implicated.

This is our government. This is the president that we voted into office. This is the president that we invested our hope in and lavished our goodwill upon. His challenges, whether selfimposed or other-generated, is our challenge.

At any rate, we are the victims.

The reason the blame game has been particularly sad and unproductive is that it is unclear why it has to be the recourse for anyone. Why indulge in the ineffective practice of blaming when you can roll up your sleeves and find solution? President Jonathan played down the idea of negotiation because he didn’t see any successful outcome from negotiating with faceless characters. Boko Haram is a mirage, we were counseled. If you can’t identify them, how can you negotiate with them? That was before we knew that in fact there had been some attempt to negotiate years ago by the former President Obasanjo. That had to be called off because President Jonathan did not accept the conditions. Then recently, in the matter of the Chibok girls, we now know that a negotiated settlement was in process when President Jonathan again called it off.

Now it stands to reason that if you find it repulsive to negotiate with terrorists, then the option of using what only a government can muster is the next and only available option.

Government has an absolute monopoly of the use of coercion. If negotiation is out, it is reasonable, indeed imperative to demand that force be applied. If we cannot identify who they are, we cannot feign ignorance about their operational targets. We know where they have hit over and over. We have declared a state of emergency over the entire North-East so that JTF may have a free rein. What has been the outcome?

It turned out that Governor Shettima was right. We can’t match the terrorists in the quality and quantity of the arsenal at their dis-

C

OMEDY of no errors: If he wasn’t a governor, he would probably have made good, and in a grand way too, as a stand-up comedian. His gait, his body language, his raucous visage, especially when prodded with a microphone, would set you reeling with laughter even before he has opened his mouth. I speak of Governor Godswill Akpabio, the ebullient helmsman running the affairs of Akwa Ibom State in the last seven years. But the matter at hand here today is not funny in the manner of joyous, throaty peals of laughter. It is about something absurd, something that would come off grim and unpalatable to any right thinking man.

Let me state upfront that though Akpabio is regarded in Nigeria as among the few up and doing governors today, I admit upfront that I have never been impressed by what I know and see concerning his achievements in office.

But many are quick to testify that he is not only the best thing that happened to Akwa Ibom since its creation, but that he is the best among his peers today. It is actually as a result of this ‘popularity’ of his that one has restrained from commenting on his stewardship a number of times when occasion demanded for it, lest one be accused of being unduly sour. Akpabio’s much touted achievements must, however, be matched against the revenue available to him in order to arrive at a valid conclusion. The state is allocated an average of N15 billion monthly, add the local government funds which is controlled by the state and internally generated revenues and that would be a huge pile. It is also one of the most highly leveraged states in terms of debt totaling about N150 billion. This nature of revenue would be enough to run even a country well. This is why I have always remained skeptical about Governor Akpabio’s much vaunted achievement but a thorough review of his term, temperament and politics will follow in the course of the year.

The billionaire retiree: However, a bill just passed into law by the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly which grants a disproportionate and

VOL.9 NO.2862

‘Subject their lives and those of their loved ones to the elements of bad roads as they do to us. Blind their pilots’ to the safest course every time they flee our land for overseas medical checkup...’ O L A TUNJI OLOLADE AT

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

Denial and the blame game

•Dr. Jonathan

posal. And if as the government insists, that is not the case, then the alternative explanation for why we are helpless victims is that we do not have an armed force with the motivation and determination to effectively engage the terrorists in battle. There have been citizen reports of the army fleeing into hiding at the approach of the terrorists. Sadly, we have been in denial in respect of each of these possibilities. It is sad because if we don’t have a handle on the correct diagnosis of our ailment as a nation, we are doomed.

Our national pastime, which the president has effectively symbolised in this crisis, is the blame game. Thus, President Jonathan complained recently that the goal of the insurgency is to bring down his government. By inference,

terrorists are nothing to worry about if we can get at their sponsors. Therefore the focus has to be on those who are behind the obnoxious goal. This of course leads to the all-important question: Who is behind the insurgency? Are they politicians? Or is it the opposition? Is it the Cleric or Labour? Is it ASUU or students?

How about market women? Or is it all of the above? But if this is how our mind has been working, can we possibly deal with or even start to seriously deal with the insurgency without an answer to the all-important question?

It is important to note that the Boko Haram insurgency predated the Jonathan presidency.

Therefore its original motivation could not have been to bring down the government of Jonathan. Furthermore, we should recall that when it first appeared, Boko Haram was treated as a criminal and misguided gang for which police action was appropriate. Indeed, its leader was killed in police custody. No one suspected or looked for political sponsors until Jonathan assumed presidency when it suddenly dawned on us that Boko Haram was an evil ploy of the North to get back by force what it lost through the ballot box. It didn’t matter that emirs were targeted. It didn’t matter that northern politicians have been victims.

Inadvertently we gave terrorists the time they needed to master their plan. We lost precious time.

Now, we have had three and a half years to answer the all-important question of who are behind the insurgency. Do we have an answer?

Of course not; because there can be no answer

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

STEVE OSUJI

EXPRESSO

steve.osuji@yahoo.com

Akpabio’s theatre of the absurd outlandish pensions package to former elected governors and their deputies has presented an opportunity for one to take a quick glance at Akpabio’s time in office. A major highlight of the law is the proposal of a N100 million annual medical bill payout to former governors and N30 million for the deputies. Other provisions include a new official car and utility vehicle once every four years; the provision of a personal aide and adequate security for his person during his lifetime; the provision of funds to employ a cook, chauffeurs and security guards for the governor at a sum not exceeding N5 million or an equivalent of $50,000 per month.

Other provisions of the law include a befitting house, not below a five-bedroom maisonette in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja or in Akwa Ibom State, for the governor; a furniture allowance of 300 per cent of annual basic salary once in every four years; a yearly maintenance and fuelling of vehicle allowance of 300 per cent of annual basic salary and severance gratuity of 300 per cent of annual basic salary. These are not all; there would be yearly utility allowance of 100 per cent of annual basic salary; entertainment allowance which is also 100 per cent of annual basic salary; the state shall bear full cost of burial for the beneficiary and pay a condolence allowance of a sum equivalent to the annual basic salary of the

incumbent to his next of kin. There are other sundry benefits but this will suffice to prove that an ex-governor of this state will simply retire into a billionaire status and opulence.

‘The Graft Law’: Let us note that Akwa Ibom is not the first place in the land where this sort of absurdity has been enacted. Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State had earlier pushed a similar grotesque joke through his state’s parliament; same former Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State when he left office in 2011. This megalomaniac sense of benefit and entitlement has no basis in performance or achievement in office. In other words, when just any man who goes by the title ‘governor’ was done looting and wrecking his state, he is rewarded with a billion naira benefits to boot? This law and any other like it anywhere in the country is best described as ‘the graft law’.

It is a greedy person’s proposition, sanctioned by the greedy and for the greedy. In a country still ravaged by extreme poverty (that some of these fellows cannot totally absolve themselves from), why would a few rich and affluent continue to wantonly arrogate more of state’s resources to themselves. Minimum wage remains meagre and unsustainable and pensions are hardly paid when due yet a former governor (who must have helped himself well enough to last him many lifetimes

to a wrong-headed question. Imagine if the United States engaged in the politicisation of terrorist threat post-9/11. Bin Laden would still be hiding in Pakistan and uploading YouTube videos. President Obama didn’t blame political opponents. He pursued and funded Intelligence until Bin Laden is history.

A criminal terrorist has thumped our national nose for more than four years and we are blaming others and passing the buck.

A more shameless reaction occurred recently. In response to the outpouring of emotion on the part of traumatised citizens protesting to their President to “Bring Back Our Girls”, a delegation of the President’s aides met the protesters and suggested to them to take their protest to Boko Haram and its leaders. Consider an analogy. An ancient town under the authority of a king is under attack by invaders. The town dwellers cry to the king in protest. Does the king tell them to take their case to the invaders? Certainly not! In addition to what else he might plan to do in consultation with his chiefs and priests, he reassures his subjects and mobilises them to defend their town. But this is the era of party politics where every move is perceived in partisan terms.

The outcome of the presidential response to the protesters is the inauguration of a rival group, the “Grand Coalition Against Terrorism”, with a message to Boko Haram: “Release Our Girls Now.” After all what is the meaning of the message to the President and his government to “Bring Back Our Girls” as if he has the capacity to do so? Why not send your message to the terrorists who are holding the girls to release them? But the terrorists are in the bush, aren’t they? So why are the members of the “Grand Coalition Against Terrorism” protesting in Abuja and not on their way to Sambisa forest to deliver their placards to Shekau?

What ought to be a common approach to our security challenge has been shamelessly politicised, no thanks to a presidency that perceives politics in everything. God save us from ourselves!

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

anyway) still appropriates a huge chunk of the state’s treasury for himself for life. Suppose he were fifty and lives another fifty years?

There cannot be any justification to this beyond licentious greed and abuse of power.

No House of Assembly worth its name should pass a law such as this but it was passed all the same - post haste. It is a mischievous piece of legislation that must also be revoked post haste in the near future so that commonsense may prevail. We fear that viruses like this spread faster and one hopes that many other states do not catch it. It is obscene indeed.

Ndigbo and Boko Haram There is no doubt that Ndigbo are enjoying the highest number of casualties in this Boko Haram madness. It may not be entirely true to say they are particularly being targeted all the time but by virtue of their ubiquity across the country and their mercantile nature, you are liable to find more of them in any large centre of commerce. When, therefore, such places are bombed, Ndigbo suffer high collateral damage. That may be understandable but what beggars explanation is always the rush to tip all bodies into mass graves without giving people the opportunity to identify their dead.

It happened in the Kano motor park blast and recently in Jos. Attempts by Igbo groups to identify and retrieve their members’ bodies were rebuffed. All the bodies were hurriedly interred in a mass grave. As if to cover some evidence. This is not acceptable and it is, indeed, doubly traumatic. It is unconscionable to discard identifiable corpses in a mass grave. Family members of terror victims must be given the leeway to retrieve bodies for proper burial. Once again, we call on governments across the Southeast to set up committees to track and support terror victims.

Ndigbo are bearing the brunt of this madness.

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